With the outbreak of COVID-19, every fashion industry professional is searching for ways to circumvent income and continue to carry out regular business while remaining safely socially distant. As the current retail slogan says ‘ Stay smart, six feet apart.
Over the last few years, event curators have been slowly integrating virtual reality to their productions and seems now the retailers and brands are starting to take a note of the trend by leaning on variations of augmented reality more than ever. The demand from governments such as Panama and San Francisco are on the forefront of implementing such technologies which is in turn allowing their businesses to increase financially.
It's allowing the fashion industry to continue to strive. Dolce and Gabbana, one of the most notable luxury Italian brands, is also considering the switch as they too know it will be necessary in order for their shopping experiences and growth margins both current and future.
I recently had a virtual chat with CEO and founder of Youcan Antonio Trincao about how global fashion leader Dolce and Gabbana developed a new retail shopping experience and why Panama believes that consumers will shop differently from here on into the future.
Mar 20, 2020
FIT's Eleanor Lambert Exhibition Is A Fitting Tribute To A Fashion Legend
Eleanor Lambert was instrumental in making American fashion the successful and admired industry it is today. Known as the original fashion publicist, Lambert's creativity and marketing savvy was responsible for everything from keeping the industry alive during World War II to staging a fashion show at Versailles in 1973 featuring both French and American designers - where the Americans outshined the French. The Museum at FIT's exhibition, Eleanor Lambert: Empress of Seventh Avenue is a comprehensive retrospective of Lambert's life and contributions to the industry.
Lambert's brainchild, the International Best Dressed List, saved the struggling American fashion industry during World War II. The various fashion unions came to Lambert for help because people had stopped buying clothes out of fear of a faltering economy, and scarcity of materials.
"I started the International Best Dressed List as a publicity stunt in 1940, when the fashion world was in wartime chaos, and people had to think about clothes without buying more," wrote Lambert in the foreword to Ultimate Style: The Best of the Best Dressed List, published by Assouline in 2004.
Lambert's brainchild, the International Best Dressed List, saved the struggling American fashion industry during World War II. The various fashion unions came to Lambert for help because people had stopped buying clothes out of fear of a faltering economy, and scarcity of materials.
"I started the International Best Dressed List as a publicity stunt in 1940, when the fashion world was in wartime chaos, and people had to think about clothes without buying more," wrote Lambert in the foreword to Ultimate Style: The Best of the Best Dressed List, published by Assouline in 2004.
Bridesmaid Dresses
Dec 29, 2019
Global Fashion Collective Shines At Paris Fashion Week
International fashion producer, Global Fashion Collective, presented three runway shows at Paris Fashion Week, for the first time last month. The grand Palais de la Decouverte near the Champs-Élysées provided a stunning setting to showcase nine international brands including Kirsten Ley (Canada), Annika Klaas and Madeleine Mesam (Germany) Ozlana (Australia), Faun Studio (Canada), Pariha (India), EmulEos (USA), Erxi x MrHuaMrsHua (China), Sarah Kosinski (France), Devotion Designs (Canada).
A bold collection of designs from Canadian haute couture designer Kirsten Ley provided a dramatic opening to the runway shows in Paris. A recent move to Paris by this innovative designer appears to have inspired her creative processes further, with an exciting new range of highly structured pieces in a striking palette of blues and yellows.
Each of Kirsten Ley's hand-sewn, sculptural garments take hours to create and is a unique work of art. Silk, chiffon and leather garments combine soft, flowing fabrics and designs with strong lines and tailoring.
It was good to see German knitwear designer Annika Klaas back on the Global Fashion Collective runway, this time in Paris. After taking the top prize at the European Fashion Award (FASH) in 2018 and showing at Tokyo and Vancouver fashion weeks in 2019, the young designer also created a prototype of sneakers during a residency with Adidas. She's also been busy creating a strong Spring/Summer 2020 on-demand knitwear collection, included more of the knitted sneakers she made with Adidas.
As with Annika Klass's previous designs, this new collection was produced using a production process on Stoll ADF, German-made, computer-based knitting machines. Using these machines allows on demand production with orders produced the same day (the most complicated piece takes around three hours to knit) ensuring no overproduction and very little waste. And this year the designer has teamed up with artist Madeleine Mesam who creates beautiful prints for Annika's designs for their joint collection “An Archive of the Sunflower.”
Prolific Chinese designer and artist Niu Niu Chou of MrHuaMrsHua showed his versatility and creativity with a completely different collection than the showcase we'd seen in New York a few weeks earlier. This unisex brand highlights China's diverse cultural heritage and ethnic origins. The designer uses a combination of techniques including digital printing, embroidery and other traditional Chinese crafts, to showcase the beauty of the East, with a nod to Western pop art. His Paris collection of formal wear included elaborate tiered dresses with puffed sleeves in crepe, lace and beading.
A bold collection of designs from Canadian haute couture designer Kirsten Ley provided a dramatic opening to the runway shows in Paris. A recent move to Paris by this innovative designer appears to have inspired her creative processes further, with an exciting new range of highly structured pieces in a striking palette of blues and yellows.
Each of Kirsten Ley's hand-sewn, sculptural garments take hours to create and is a unique work of art. Silk, chiffon and leather garments combine soft, flowing fabrics and designs with strong lines and tailoring.
It was good to see German knitwear designer Annika Klaas back on the Global Fashion Collective runway, this time in Paris. After taking the top prize at the European Fashion Award (FASH) in 2018 and showing at Tokyo and Vancouver fashion weeks in 2019, the young designer also created a prototype of sneakers during a residency with Adidas. She's also been busy creating a strong Spring/Summer 2020 on-demand knitwear collection, included more of the knitted sneakers she made with Adidas.
As with Annika Klass's previous designs, this new collection was produced using a production process on Stoll ADF, German-made, computer-based knitting machines. Using these machines allows on demand production with orders produced the same day (the most complicated piece takes around three hours to knit) ensuring no overproduction and very little waste. And this year the designer has teamed up with artist Madeleine Mesam who creates beautiful prints for Annika's designs for their joint collection “An Archive of the Sunflower.”
Prolific Chinese designer and artist Niu Niu Chou of MrHuaMrsHua showed his versatility and creativity with a completely different collection than the showcase we'd seen in New York a few weeks earlier. This unisex brand highlights China's diverse cultural heritage and ethnic origins. The designer uses a combination of techniques including digital printing, embroidery and other traditional Chinese crafts, to showcase the beauty of the East, with a nod to Western pop art. His Paris collection of formal wear included elaborate tiered dresses with puffed sleeves in crepe, lace and beading.
Nov 24, 2019
How Slow Fashion Is Fast-Tracking Sustainability
Today's consumers, especially us millennials, are increasingly concerned and influenced by companies' records and initiatives around sustainability. Whether it is because they follow #sinnfluencers on social media or because of the growing understanding that climate change is a real threat to human in the near future, this has manifested itself in the fashion industry with a new trend towards 'slow fashion'.
Now more than ever, consumers are curious about where their clothes were made and under what conditions. The slow fashion movement promises to be the opposite of the fast fashion trend (inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends) by delivering sustainably procured and produced clothing to mindful consumers. Instead of never-ending sale offerings due to rapidly changing trends, slow fashion items are designed to be sustainable, functional, durable and stylish.
A sustainable fashion product is made in an environmental and social friendly manner along the supply chain. From the initial design of sustainable products using ethically sourced raw material, production through sustainable manufacturing processes, and delivered through green distribution, and retailing channels.
First, as already explained in another blog of mine “Sustainable Design: The Key To Unlocking A Sustainable Future", design determines the ecological footprint of the whole product lifecycle. Fashion designers can therefore help to significantly reduce the environmental impact of products by making sure that they change the way they design their clothes, by taking into account the environmental impact early in the product design.
Eco-material production is the fundamental part in a sustainable fashion supply chain. Cotton, as a renewable resource, is the main material for apparel production. However, chemicals and pesticides are largely used in the traditional ways to grow cotton. Sustainable fashion products are often made by organic fabrics, which are produced using less water and harmful chemicals. Organic cotton therefore is grown without using pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which could reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Flower Girl Dresses
Apparel manufacturing often takes place in countries with low labor costs. However, in those countries, the awareness of environment and human rights are often less developed. Therefore, it is important to promote the importance of fair working conditions and environmental performance, especially when working with various suppliers all around the world.
Producing carbon emission is inevitable in distribution. However, by designing a more efficient transportation system, the amount of carbon emission in distribution can be minimized. For example, to engage with sustainable product design which can make container shipping less harmful to the environment.
Some retail brands have already launched clothing collection initiatives to promote sustainable concept in ethical consumers in retailing. Consumers can return old apparel products and in return, they can get a coupon for their next purchase. All collected used apparel and textiles are then optimally recycled according to their condition. Moreover, within an up-cycling process, some textiles and fabrics are reprocessed and used to create commercial products for example.
According to a Greenpeace survey conducted in 2015, every fifth garment is never worn. This makes a total of one billion unworn garments – if you include rarely worn items, you even get a total of two billion "wardrobe corpses". Many people then sort out clothes again within a year – after all they have to keep up with the trend, don't they?!
In my opinion, this is mostly the result of fast fashion. If more clothing businesses follow the idea of slow fashion, and more people start reflecting their buying habits, we can make a big step toward a world run better.
Download the IDC report “Leveraging Your Intelligent Digital Supply Chain" to find out how an end-to-end digital supply chain – from design and planning to manufacturing, logistics, and operations – helps businesses to increase sustainability.
Oct 26, 2019
Fashion And Compassion
I met with Sandeep Dalal at The Spur to talk about his new business venture called Choltry, a company helping women of all income levels to uplevel their wardrobe. Sandeep is creating a compassionate lane in the $117B fashion sector.
If you're a woman looking to dress to impress at work without spending beyond your means, Sandeep has you covered. His platform, Choltry is an online retail service that rents premium office wear at $9.95 per week, including free shipping and dry cleaning. (Yes, you read that correctly!) For less than $10 a week women now have the opportunity to revamp their professional wardrobe in a way that's sustainable and fashionable.
Sandeep grew up in New Delhi where he received his MBA and began working in IT. He then moved to Seattle where his idea for Choltry was sparked after watching his wife organize her closet where he observed many designer dresses and finding out that she purchased them early in her career as an intern when she was receiving a paycheck that did not support her wardrobe needs. Sandeep got to work solving the problem of how to provide great clothes for professional women who have a limited budget and often, little time for shopping.
Choltry which means a place to rest is empowering women to look and feel their best without having to leave the comfort of their own home. Offering over 25 styles, the site eases the stress of the working woman at a price point that would cost less than the weekly dry cleaning bill.
So how on earth is Sandeep able to offer premium and such well-made dresses at such a low price? At Compassionate Leaders Circle, Sandeep is what we would call a "launcher," meaning that his purpose and vision is launching or growing an enterprise. Building the right partnerships has been crucial to his success and the "secret sauce" for how he keeps his shockingly low price point. "It all comes down to team".
Aug 5, 2019
Here Are The Most Affordable Cities To Get Married And Buy A Home In The Same Year
From the day many couples say “yes” to the moment they say “I do,” the clock is ticking on paying for a wedding and buying their first home. In the past year alone, the average cost of a wedding, including an engagement ring, ceremony, reception and honeymoon was $38,700, according to WeddingWire, an online marketplace for the wedding industry. Add to that the financial pressure to save enough money for an affordable home.
A new study by Chase Home Lending on the attitudes and preferences that Millennials have toward the home-buying journey found the top three motivators to buy a home were the desire to own their own space, lifestyle changes such as marriage or having a child, and investments or wealth building.
Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh are the most affordable metros where couples can throw a wedding and also cover a down payment on their first home, according to a new report from Redfin, a technology-powered real estate brokerage. The research includes the full ranking of the most affordable cities to have both a wedding and purchase a home, leading up to the most expensive cities.
In all three of the metro areas mentioned above, the average combined cost of a wedding and a down payment is less than $65,000, compared with the national average of more than $109,000.
A new study by Chase Home Lending on the attitudes and preferences that Millennials have toward the home-buying journey found the top three motivators to buy a home were the desire to own their own space, lifestyle changes such as marriage or having a child, and investments or wealth building.
Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh are the most affordable metros where couples can throw a wedding and also cover a down payment on their first home, according to a new report from Redfin, a technology-powered real estate brokerage. The research includes the full ranking of the most affordable cities to have both a wedding and purchase a home, leading up to the most expensive cities.
In all three of the metro areas mentioned above, the average combined cost of a wedding and a down payment is less than $65,000, compared with the national average of more than $109,000.
Jun 26, 2019
Justice Department Investigates Chicken Industry For Price Collusion
Topline: The Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into the largest chicken processors for colluding to keep prices artificially high, a charge that has for years followed the industry but has never resulted in criminal charges before.
In a filing last week, the DOJ said it needed to halt the exchange of evidence leading up to a civil trial in Illinois because the agency doesn't want it interfering with its own grand jury investigation. The court filing was first reported by the Food Environment Reporting Network.
Perdue Farms, Tyson Foods, Pilgrim's Pride, Sanderson Farms, Peco Foods, Wayne Farms, Koch Foods, Mountaire Farms and House of Raeford Farms are the poultry producers being sued in that separate civil suit. But based on the filing alone, it is unclear which companies are being investigated.
Over the last three years, the industry has weathered several civil lawsuits from restaurants, food distributors, grocery stores and retailers that purchase chicken.
BJ's Wholesale Club, fast food chain Checkers, Kraft Heinz, Nestle, Sysco, Publix, Kroger and Walmart are among the parties that claim in civil suits that chicken companies coordinate with each other to limit production in order to increase prices.
May 30, 2019
This Chic Hilltop Hotel Is Positano's Best-Kept Secret
One look at the creamy pastel houses and stone passageways clasping the jade-green coastline, and you understand why this once-sleepy fisherman's town is known worldwide as the "jewel of the Amalfi Coast." But being known far and wide as the region's showpiece doesn't come without its drawbacks: The crowds can be overwhelming (and it's about to get even busier now that United Airlines will be flying nonstop from Newark to Naples starting May 22). But this isn't to say that Positano should be skipped; instead, it just means you should choose your lodging wisely. In Positano, you don't need a hotel, you need a retreat.
Literally high above the madness of the pedestrian-clogged streets and over-puffed hotels that have morphed into tourists traps, you'll find an intimate, bijou escape with the most extraordinary views: Hotel Villa Franca. The moment you enter into Hotel Villa Franca's calm, white embrace, a sense of mystical peacefulness floods over you like a cool wave wrapping sunbaked rocks. The tranquil arty vibe of this former private residence comes care of owners and third-generation hoteliers Rosa Taddeo and Massimo Napoli, who are responsible for dressing the family-owned boutique dwelling with international and local modern art pieces. Each of the suites are dedicated to one of their favorite contemporary artists, and everything from the snappy bespoke linens to the fashionable gold cutlery has been hand-selected by the talented duo.
Hotel Villa Franca's ultra-swanky restaurant, Li Galli is quite frankly the very best fine dining experience to be had on the Amalfi Coast at the moment. Hurry and go now before Michelin catches on and reservations become impossible—there are only about 20 covers after all. The size is deliberate: the attention to detail and personalization is staggering at Li Galli and at Hotel Villa Franca as a whole. From the fresh focaccia bread served with a tasting cart of olive oils sourced from all over Italy to the kind of intricate desserts you remember long after they've been devoured, every dish is considered.
Presentation is only second to taste. Executive Chef Savio Perna collaborates with multi-starred chef Nino Di Costanzo, and both are masters of creativity. You may find yourself actually applauding dishes like the chocolate eggplant, a modern twist on a regional classic, and the risotto with lemony langoustines and tarallo breadcrumbs is the kind of dish worth traveling for (seriously). Also, the restaurant's views—over the private Li Galli islands, which resemble a woman laying on her side—are nothing short of memorizing.
But Hotel Villa Franca has these kinds of views in droves. Head up to the sleek rooftop pool deck, and the uninterrupted 360-degree panoramas of Positano make you feel like you're in the clouds. There's also an al fresco rooftop restaurant, Li Galli Grill, for casual bites and a Krug champagne bar. Downstairs, there's a well-stocked wine cellar where you can enjoy hosted wine tastings, and there's the Gallis Bar for signature cocktails.
Literally high above the madness of the pedestrian-clogged streets and over-puffed hotels that have morphed into tourists traps, you'll find an intimate, bijou escape with the most extraordinary views: Hotel Villa Franca. The moment you enter into Hotel Villa Franca's calm, white embrace, a sense of mystical peacefulness floods over you like a cool wave wrapping sunbaked rocks. The tranquil arty vibe of this former private residence comes care of owners and third-generation hoteliers Rosa Taddeo and Massimo Napoli, who are responsible for dressing the family-owned boutique dwelling with international and local modern art pieces. Each of the suites are dedicated to one of their favorite contemporary artists, and everything from the snappy bespoke linens to the fashionable gold cutlery has been hand-selected by the talented duo.
Hotel Villa Franca's ultra-swanky restaurant, Li Galli is quite frankly the very best fine dining experience to be had on the Amalfi Coast at the moment. Hurry and go now before Michelin catches on and reservations become impossible—there are only about 20 covers after all. The size is deliberate: the attention to detail and personalization is staggering at Li Galli and at Hotel Villa Franca as a whole. From the fresh focaccia bread served with a tasting cart of olive oils sourced from all over Italy to the kind of intricate desserts you remember long after they've been devoured, every dish is considered.
Presentation is only second to taste. Executive Chef Savio Perna collaborates with multi-starred chef Nino Di Costanzo, and both are masters of creativity. You may find yourself actually applauding dishes like the chocolate eggplant, a modern twist on a regional classic, and the risotto with lemony langoustines and tarallo breadcrumbs is the kind of dish worth traveling for (seriously). Also, the restaurant's views—over the private Li Galli islands, which resemble a woman laying on her side—are nothing short of memorizing.
But Hotel Villa Franca has these kinds of views in droves. Head up to the sleek rooftop pool deck, and the uninterrupted 360-degree panoramas of Positano make you feel like you're in the clouds. There's also an al fresco rooftop restaurant, Li Galli Grill, for casual bites and a Krug champagne bar. Downstairs, there's a well-stocked wine cellar where you can enjoy hosted wine tastings, and there's the Gallis Bar for signature cocktails.
Apr 27, 2019
The Dubrovnik Guidelines for Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries
On 12 April 2019, the 8th Summit of China and Central and Eastern European Countries (hereinafter referred to as "CEECs") was held in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic of the Republic of Croatia, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania Edi Rama, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Zvizdic, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia Juri Ratas, Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis, Prime Minister of Montenegro Dusko Markovic, Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia Zoran Zaev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of Romania Viorica Dancila, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ana Brnabic, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Marjan Sarec and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics attended the Summit. They expressed appreciation and gratitude to Croatia for the efforts it had made as the host country to ensure the success of the Summit. Austria, Belarus, the European Union, Greece, Switzerland and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development were present as observers.
The Participants reviewed the results of the cooperation between China and CEECs (hereinafter referred to also as "16+1 Cooperation") and hold that the Sofia Guidelines for Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries are being implemented in an effective manner. 16+1 Cooperation has proven to be a pragmatic and useful platform for promoting cooperation between China and CEECs.
The Participants hold that 16+1 Cooperation is an embodiment of the 17 countries jointly supporting the development of a sustainable and open world economy, and a rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. The Participants reaffirm their commitment to uphold the UN Charter and international law, the three pillars of the UN and transparency, inclusiveness, fairness, justice and pragmatism. The Participants express their commitment to fight corruption and bribery in all their forms. The Participants are determined to promote economic globalization, help realize the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, and encourage full implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The Participants will provide a fair and just environment and a level playing field for foreign companies doing business in their own countries by upholding the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and fair competition.
Feb 21, 2019
How The World's Billionaires Got So Rich
There are many possible ways to become one of the world’s richest people. Some billionaires built arcade machines, made wedding dresses, sold soy sauce or invented hot new apps, then saw their fortunes multiply. Others grew tech firms to sky-high valuations and got ultra-wealthy along the way. While there are many roads to riches, there are a few paths where ten-digit fortunes are more likely to be made.
Fashion and retail was the industry with the second most billionaires, accounting for 235, or 11% of the worldwide total. Six of the top 20 billionaires on our list were part of that category, thanks to their respective ownerships of fashion retailer Zara, cosmetics brand L’Oreal, luxury group LVMH and Walmart, the world’s biggest company, as measured by revenue. The industry has minted plenty of other name-brand billionaires including Sara Blakely, the shapewear guru behind Spanx; Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank; and Home Depot cofounders Bernard Marcus, Arthur Blank and Kenneth Langone.
Even as e-commerce giant Amazon takes a bite out of retail sales, there are plenty of entrepreneurs still making money in the sector, including 19 newcomers. Among the new faces are Sheela Gautam, who sells mattresses in India; Helga Kellerhals, who owns electronics retailers in Germany and Lawrence Rossy, who runs the largest dollar store chain in Canada, Dollarama.
A tenth of the richest people on earth got rich by building real estate empires. With a total of 220 billionaires, the real estate industry was the third largest source of wealth this year. China was home to the most property owners, with 60, followed by the United States, with 44. Among those was President Donald Trump, with an estimated net worth of $3.1 billion.
Dec 10, 2018
Why divorce rates are falling fast
I am a child of unhappily divorced people. Apparently, there are happily divorced people, but I have always thought they were a myth; an invention of advertisers, who need people to always be happy, even in extremis. Your heart can be in pieces, but how well you wear a cashmere shrug and gambol with a puppy!
For me, it was like growing up filled with emotional shrapnel. I didn’t think I would get married, although I always wanted to. I felt incapable of trust. I was love-shy. I am married now, although I do not know if I will stay married. Does anyone really know if they will survive? The fractures between us are large and growing. Sometimes we fill them in, and sometimes not. Perhaps one day we will no longer want to.
I always had a ghoulish interest in marriage though – and in divorce. It was a secret and unacknowledged obsession, which I tried to pretend I was above. Before I was married I would haunt wedding shows deliberately – and insultingly. (I was born to a woman who would shout at random brides, helpfully: "Don’t do it!") I was jealous, and contemptuous. But I wanted to get married, and for bad reasons. I wanted to get married to show I was not broken. I wanted to get married to prove I was wanted.
For that is what marriage is: the universal sign of being wanted, and settled, and loved. Nothing exposes your needs – and defects – like relationships. When I became engaged at 39 I expected congratulations, for, as my husband said, quoting Louis CK, he was the last branch I clung to as I fell out of the tree, and I married him, at least partially, because he said things like that. He knew things about me that I didn’t. My friends treated me like a bad investment that had, suddenly and miraculously, produced a dividend.
Too often, you come to the most important relationship of your adult life like a child, with all a child’s needs, hopes and fears. So, I have been asking people why they got divorced. It’s a curiously intimate question if you really dig in, and ask how they felt, rather than what happened. What were you seeking and how did you feel when it didn’t show up?
Nov 9, 2018
Jerry Seinfeld announces four London dates in summer 2019
Jerry Seinfeld is to give four rare performances in London when he brings his standup show to the Hammersmith Apollo in summer 2019.
Seinfeld will perform two shows a night on 12 and 13 July, marking his return to the capital for the first time in seven years. The 64-year-old superstar comedian, who found international fame with his eponymous TV series, has had recent hits with the Netflix special Jerry Before Seinfeld and the Emmy-nominated web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. He will arrive in the UK after a residency at the Beacon theatre, New York.
The comic recently gave an interview to the New York Times in which he reflected on the current climate in comedy including Bill Cosby's sentence for sexual assault, Louis CK's return to live performance after admitting sexual misconduct and the cancellation of Roseanne Barr's show after she posted a racist tweet.
Seinfeld said that the intensity of solo standup is what makes it so popular: “The thing about being in comedy is, 'We hate you, get off the stage' is what we're used to. Every comedian has that as part of their life. Getting booed, yelled at, hated. So you almost don't notice it. You either have the skin for it or you don't."
In one of his most recent UK performances, in 2012, Seinfeld performed in Birmingham. “Oh my God, Birmingham, England!" he yelled as he took the stage. “Do you know how many years I have been wanting to come here? Zero! Never even thought about it."
Seinfeld will perform two shows a night on 12 and 13 July, marking his return to the capital for the first time in seven years. The 64-year-old superstar comedian, who found international fame with his eponymous TV series, has had recent hits with the Netflix special Jerry Before Seinfeld and the Emmy-nominated web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. He will arrive in the UK after a residency at the Beacon theatre, New York.
The comic recently gave an interview to the New York Times in which he reflected on the current climate in comedy including Bill Cosby's sentence for sexual assault, Louis CK's return to live performance after admitting sexual misconduct and the cancellation of Roseanne Barr's show after she posted a racist tweet.
Seinfeld said that the intensity of solo standup is what makes it so popular: “The thing about being in comedy is, 'We hate you, get off the stage' is what we're used to. Every comedian has that as part of their life. Getting booed, yelled at, hated. So you almost don't notice it. You either have the skin for it or you don't."
In one of his most recent UK performances, in 2012, Seinfeld performed in Birmingham. “Oh my God, Birmingham, England!" he yelled as he took the stage. “Do you know how many years I have been wanting to come here? Zero! Never even thought about it."
Oct 22, 2018
Franklin Medhurst obituary
My father, Franklin Medhurst, who has died aged 98, was an architect and town planner, author, campaigner and environmentalist.
Two years ago the message in his pro-EU letter to the Guardian went viral and was retweeted by the MP Jo Cox days before she was murdered. Later, Frank, a lifelong cyclist, was asked to start the first Jo Cox Way bike ride, a 260-mile ride from Cox’s constituency in Birstall, West Yorkshire, to the House of Commons in London.
In the 1960s Frank was director of the Teesside Survey and Plan, a revolutionary 40-year urban restructuring programme. After two years, when the plan was almost complete, he was abruptly dismissed. He later claimed, in his book A Quiet Catastrophe (2013), that his firing was associated with the 70s Poulson affair.
Born to artisan glassmakers Arthur (known as Will) and Winifred (nee Maberly) in Bristol, Frank went to Askwith Memorial school in Taunton, Somerset. He was 19 when war broke out and he volunteered for the Royal Air Force. Frank served as a wireless operator and an air gunner, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for sinking a U-boat, which was only located this year.
He married Betty Blackwell in 1944, and after the war received ex-serviceman grants to train as an architect at Bristol School of Architecture (1946-1951) and then at the London School of Town Planning (1951-53), where he was taught by EAA Rowse.
Betty and Frank divorced in the 70s, and in 1982 he married Jenny Hydes, a Fairtrade retailer, with whom he campaigned on poverty and against the Iraq war. He gained a further degree from the Open University in global politics (1989) and retired the following year.
In his 70s he planted a 3,000-tree wood near his home, recently named Franklin’s Wood. Complications from a heart operation in his 80s resulted in an amputation below the knee, but undeterred he bought a reclining tricycle which he rode into his late 90s. His final book, War and Liberty, was published last year.
Frank is survived by Jenny, five children from his first marriage, Nick, Steve, Bruce, Amelia and me, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Two years ago the message in his pro-EU letter to the Guardian went viral and was retweeted by the MP Jo Cox days before she was murdered. Later, Frank, a lifelong cyclist, was asked to start the first Jo Cox Way bike ride, a 260-mile ride from Cox’s constituency in Birstall, West Yorkshire, to the House of Commons in London.
In the 1960s Frank was director of the Teesside Survey and Plan, a revolutionary 40-year urban restructuring programme. After two years, when the plan was almost complete, he was abruptly dismissed. He later claimed, in his book A Quiet Catastrophe (2013), that his firing was associated with the 70s Poulson affair.
Born to artisan glassmakers Arthur (known as Will) and Winifred (nee Maberly) in Bristol, Frank went to Askwith Memorial school in Taunton, Somerset. He was 19 when war broke out and he volunteered for the Royal Air Force. Frank served as a wireless operator and an air gunner, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for sinking a U-boat, which was only located this year.
He married Betty Blackwell in 1944, and after the war received ex-serviceman grants to train as an architect at Bristol School of Architecture (1946-1951) and then at the London School of Town Planning (1951-53), where he was taught by EAA Rowse.
Betty and Frank divorced in the 70s, and in 1982 he married Jenny Hydes, a Fairtrade retailer, with whom he campaigned on poverty and against the Iraq war. He gained a further degree from the Open University in global politics (1989) and retired the following year.
In his 70s he planted a 3,000-tree wood near his home, recently named Franklin’s Wood. Complications from a heart operation in his 80s resulted in an amputation below the knee, but undeterred he bought a reclining tricycle which he rode into his late 90s. His final book, War and Liberty, was published last year.
Frank is survived by Jenny, five children from his first marriage, Nick, Steve, Bruce, Amelia and me, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Sep 27, 2018
Uber and CitySprint among gig economy firms to face parliament
Uber and courier firms including CitySprint are to be called to give evidence to a parliamentary inquiry into gig economy companies that have continued to deny workers employment rights despite tribunal rulings.
Frank Field MP, chair of the work and pensions committee, is to see if changes to legislation and enforcement are needed to ensure workers have their legal employment rights.
The new inquiry comes after a string of tribunal rulings against companies, including Uber, eCourier and CitySprint, which ruled that couriers and taxi drivers should be classified as workers and be entitled to holiday pay and the minimum wage. The companies failed to deliver those rights across their workforce, and argued that their drivers and riders were self-employed contractors.
"The inquiry will, I hope, shine a bright light on the extent to which justice is being evaded in the gig economy," said Field, who resigned the Labour whip late August. "We will be looking to suggest any immediate changes that are required, both to the law itself as well as its enforcement, to ensure no company is able to evade justice."
The inquiry launches as Uber continues to fight a 2016 tribunal ruling that said its drivers were workers and not self employed. The latest round is expected to be heard at the court of appeal late in October. Since the tribunal ruling Uber has offered some improved conditions for UK drivers, including limited insurance, limits on working hours and a 24-hour phone line for support.
Uber has repeatedly insisted that most of its drivers wanted to retain the flexibility to choose their own hours. However, the firm continues to face criticism over conditions. Couriers working for its Uber Eats takeaway delivery service this week protested outside the company’s London head office over a change in pay structure, which they said left them out of pocket.
Frank Field MP, chair of the work and pensions committee, is to see if changes to legislation and enforcement are needed to ensure workers have their legal employment rights.
The new inquiry comes after a string of tribunal rulings against companies, including Uber, eCourier and CitySprint, which ruled that couriers and taxi drivers should be classified as workers and be entitled to holiday pay and the minimum wage. The companies failed to deliver those rights across their workforce, and argued that their drivers and riders were self-employed contractors.
"The inquiry will, I hope, shine a bright light on the extent to which justice is being evaded in the gig economy," said Field, who resigned the Labour whip late August. "We will be looking to suggest any immediate changes that are required, both to the law itself as well as its enforcement, to ensure no company is able to evade justice."
The inquiry launches as Uber continues to fight a 2016 tribunal ruling that said its drivers were workers and not self employed. The latest round is expected to be heard at the court of appeal late in October. Since the tribunal ruling Uber has offered some improved conditions for UK drivers, including limited insurance, limits on working hours and a 24-hour phone line for support.
Uber has repeatedly insisted that most of its drivers wanted to retain the flexibility to choose their own hours. However, the firm continues to face criticism over conditions. Couriers working for its Uber Eats takeaway delivery service this week protested outside the company’s London head office over a change in pay structure, which they said left them out of pocket.
Aug 29, 2018
Greek, Chinese FMs Commit to Expand Cooperation
The foreign ministers of Greece and China on Monday signed a memorandum of collaboration in Beijing, in the framework of China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative.
At a press conference following their meeting, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi affirmed the close ties between the two countries and pledged to expand their cooperation, according to the Athens News Agency.
In an official foreign ministry statement, Kotzias said that "our main goal is to deepen our political cooperation," and in that regard he said he had extended an invitation to Wang Yi to visit Athens.
The two ministers agreed to further talks on finalizing the next five-year action plan in economic cooperation between the two countries.
On his part, Wang Yi called Greece a "natural partner of China", given Greece's geographic location, comparative advantages and long-term relations of friendship and respect between the two.
Particular areas of cooperation that the two ministers discussed included, the linking of infrastructure, further promotion of trade, financial cooperation and collaboration between the peoples of the two countries in multiple sectors including tourism, science and technology, education, culture, sports, youth and local government.
Earlier, Kotzias met with top-level officials of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). On Tuesday he is scheduled to meet separately with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan and CCP official Yang Jiechi. He will also visit the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the largest think-tank in Asia, where he will deliver a speech on Greek-Chinese relations and the way forward.
At a press conference following their meeting, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi affirmed the close ties between the two countries and pledged to expand their cooperation, according to the Athens News Agency.
In an official foreign ministry statement, Kotzias said that "our main goal is to deepen our political cooperation," and in that regard he said he had extended an invitation to Wang Yi to visit Athens.
The two ministers agreed to further talks on finalizing the next five-year action plan in economic cooperation between the two countries.
On his part, Wang Yi called Greece a "natural partner of China", given Greece's geographic location, comparative advantages and long-term relations of friendship and respect between the two.
Particular areas of cooperation that the two ministers discussed included, the linking of infrastructure, further promotion of trade, financial cooperation and collaboration between the peoples of the two countries in multiple sectors including tourism, science and technology, education, culture, sports, youth and local government.
Earlier, Kotzias met with top-level officials of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). On Tuesday he is scheduled to meet separately with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan and CCP official Yang Jiechi. He will also visit the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the largest think-tank in Asia, where he will deliver a speech on Greek-Chinese relations and the way forward.
Jul 18, 2018
University, online job site renew cooperation
Utar president Prof Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik said the university has a long-standing relationship with JobStreet.com, having, conducted various joint research projects since 2010.
"It is due to the assistance and support of industry partners like JobStreet that Utar has become what it is today.
"For instance, because of the support from several stakeholders, Utar was ranked in the Top 111-120 of the Times Higher Education Asia-Pacific University Ranking 2018," he said.
"I have faith that the ambassadors would be able to collaborate with JobStreet to benefit both organisations.
"This programme not only enables ambassadors to build character but also to develop skills through trainings provided by JobStreet.com," he said.
"Student ambassadors can also help their friends register for a JobStreet account and give advice about employment processes as well as career choices," he added.
JobStreet.com Regional Senior Manager Dominic Wong said they are happy to work with Utar in developing industry-ready graduates through the joint programmes.
"All student ambassadors were trained in the JobStreet.com workshop which was designed to help them assist other undergraduates to be more job market ready. The workshop also deepens the student ambassadors’ knowledge on the job market dynamics, leadership skills and how to conduct resume clinics," he said.
"We look forward to other collaborations in the future with Utar to help students be more career-ready as well as ultimately bridge the employments gaps in Malaysia,"
Presently, more than 51,000 Utar graduates have registered with JobStreet.com.
Jun 25, 2018
Editorial: Trump can't stop cooperation on climate change
America needs broad and sustained action to cut carbon emissions into the atmosphere, which trap heat and warm the planet.
Though the president has ceded leadership on the important issue to Europe, China and other nations, a bipartisan group in Congress is trying to find consensus around a plan for action.
This includes two Wisconsin congressmen — Reps. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay, and Ron Kind, D-La Crosse — who are part of the 82-member Climate Solutions Caucus. By design, the group is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. Its goal is to "educate members on economically viable options to reduce climate risk and protect our nation's economy, security, infrastructure, agriculture, water supply and public safety."
That sounds encouraging.
Lots of Democrats going back to former Vice President Al Gore have highlighted scientific warnings about global warming for decades. Now a growing number of Republicans have joined the cause. That includes U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who stressed the need for action during his unsuccessful bid for president a decade ago.
More recently, Republican Jeb Bush favored an international agreement to lower emissions during his 2016 bid for president. And last year, James Baker and George Schultz — former Cabinet secretaries under President Ronald Reagan, outlined their proposal for a revenue-neutral carbon tax.
Swift and serious action is going to require support from both political parties.
The private sector also is stepping up to help find remedies that make environmental and economic sense. The Alliance for Market Solutions, for example, includes business executives whose goal is to "build the conservative case for a clean-energy future." The group proposes a tax on carbon in exchange for less government regulation to encourage innovation.
In a front-page story last week, the State Journal marked 30 years since NASA's top scientist warned Congress and the world that global warming had already arrived. Since then, average temperatures have climbed, and extreme weather has increased. The risk to lives and property is enormous.
One popular priority the Climate Solutions Caucus should embrace is greater investment in scientific research. America should be leading the search for clean energy breakthroughs, not waiting for other nations to discover the future.
Another way to impose a tax on carbon emissions without hurting ordinary people is to steer the revenue back to the public, perhaps in the form of a rebate or tax credit that's based on carbon use. The less carbon burned, the bigger the check or credit. Making sure any carbon tax is "revenue neutral" — so the proceeds from any tax doesn't turn into a slush fund for unrelated government spending — is the best way to build support.
From melting glaciers to bleaching coral reefs to more floods and wild fires, the effects of climate change are becoming more evident. Our nation must pull together to pursue climate solutions for the sake of our children and grandchildren.
Mar 21, 2018
Sino-Russian cooperation and exchange under the Belt and Road Initiative increases
Frozen grounds, cold winds and long nights - these can be a nightmare for any construction team. But this is what employees of the China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group grappled with in past winters while building the China-Russia Tongjiang Rail Bridge crossing the border between China and Russia. The bridge is expected to trigger a commercial and infrastructure development boom in the cross-border economic corridor, along with a larger flow of cargo and people.
Scheduled to be finished this year, the 2,280-meters bridge (about 1,900 meters of which is built by China) connects Tongjiang city in Heilongjiang Province to Nizhneleninskoye in Russia. It is one of the most important infrastructure projects to promote the implementation of the "plan for building the China-Russia-Mongolia Economic Corridors." The Chinese construction team nearly completed the major parts of the project in China over an intense 14 months in 2015, wining global praise.
With both countries embracing the upcoming year of China-Russia local cooperation and exchange, its completion is a veritable gift to facilitate China-RFE cooperation, together with joint projects in other fields between the two countries in RFE.
Cooperation tightens
In the past two years, the Russia Far East Area has absorbed $9 billion in foreign investment, of which 80 percent comes from China, which is how Russian president Vladimir Putin introduced RFE at the Eastern Economic Forum in 2017.
According to data provided by the Ministry for the Development of Russian Far East, Chinese enterprises increased by one-third in 2017. The 28 joint projects committed to the area are valued at $4 billion, accounting for 35 percent of overall foreign investment in the Far East over the past three years.
Beyond the resource-extraction industry, China's Tianjin Port Group signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation with Commercial Port of Vladivostok Group in June of 2017 to promote the two ports' integrated development and respond to China's international Belt and Road Initiative.
With both countries embracing the upcoming year of China-Russia local cooperation and exchange, its completion is a veritable gift to facilitate China-RFE cooperation, together with joint projects in other fields between the two countries in RFE.
Cooperation tightens
In the past two years, the Russia Far East Area has absorbed $9 billion in foreign investment, of which 80 percent comes from China, which is how Russian president Vladimir Putin introduced RFE at the Eastern Economic Forum in 2017.
According to data provided by the Ministry for the Development of Russian Far East, Chinese enterprises increased by one-third in 2017. The 28 joint projects committed to the area are valued at $4 billion, accounting for 35 percent of overall foreign investment in the Far East over the past three years.
Beyond the resource-extraction industry, China's Tianjin Port Group signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation with Commercial Port of Vladivostok Group in June of 2017 to promote the two ports' integrated development and respond to China's international Belt and Road Initiative.
Feb 24, 2018
Azerbaijan, India eye cooperation
The Finance Minister of India, Mr. Arun Jaitley met with the Finance Minister of Azerbaijan, Samir Sharifov in New Delhi on February 21.
The two ministers discussed measures for expanding bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and India, particularly in the area of trade and investment and exchange of trade and business delegations.
The discussions also dealt with the bilateral agreements being negotiated between the two sides, namely, Bilateral Investment Treaty and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
India and Azerbaijan enjoy close friendly relations based on historical links and growing bilateral cooperation. India’s ONGC-Videsh is an equity partner in Oil and Gas sector in Azerbaijan.
In 2017, India’s export to Azerbaijan has grown by more than 60 percent and total bilateral trade between India and Azerbaijan has reached around $460 million.
The two countries have growing cooperation in capacity building under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme which provides fully paid training programmes for Azerbaijani professionals and students in Indian institutions.
The discussions also dealt with the bilateral agreements being negotiated between the two sides, namely, Bilateral Investment Treaty and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
India and Azerbaijan enjoy close friendly relations based on historical links and growing bilateral cooperation. India’s ONGC-Videsh is an equity partner in Oil and Gas sector in Azerbaijan.
In 2017, India’s export to Azerbaijan has grown by more than 60 percent and total bilateral trade between India and Azerbaijan has reached around $460 million.
The two countries have growing cooperation in capacity building under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme which provides fully paid training programmes for Azerbaijani professionals and students in Indian institutions.
Jan 19, 2018
Time for closer partnership and greater cooperation
On January 22, the Second Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum will be held in Santiago, Chile. As an important practice of the major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics following the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the meeting will set the stage for greater progress in the relations between China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries in the new era.
Established in 2014 at the initiative of President Xi Jinping, the China-CELAC Forum is an important milestone of China's distinct foreign policy approach, signifying a new stage of mutually reinforcing progress of bilateral ties and regional cooperation in China-LAC relations.
It has extended China's regional cooperation frameworks to cover all developing countries, contributed to a full-fledged structure of China's foreign policy, added another platform for South-South cooperation and provided strong support to building a community with a shared future for China and LAC countries.
Over the past three years, the China-CELAC Forum has made solid steps and delivered tangible results. Seventeen subforum sessions have been held to promote cooperation in over 10 areas. The dialogue and exchange mechanisms between the two sides have strengthened and expanded. China's financing measures towards LAC countries have been steadily implemented, supporting more than 80 projects concerning people's livelihood in over 20 LAC countries.
China and LAC countries are both developing countries, and we both have our dreams and visions. Across the vast ocean, we look forward to joining hands with our LAC colleagues. It is my belief that with firm determination and persistent efforts, China-LAC cooperation will continue to score new progress in the new era.
Let's unite our efforts and build toward a new form of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation and a community with a shared future for mankind. Together, we will contribute to an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.
Established in 2014 at the initiative of President Xi Jinping, the China-CELAC Forum is an important milestone of China's distinct foreign policy approach, signifying a new stage of mutually reinforcing progress of bilateral ties and regional cooperation in China-LAC relations.
It has extended China's regional cooperation frameworks to cover all developing countries, contributed to a full-fledged structure of China's foreign policy, added another platform for South-South cooperation and provided strong support to building a community with a shared future for China and LAC countries.
Over the past three years, the China-CELAC Forum has made solid steps and delivered tangible results. Seventeen subforum sessions have been held to promote cooperation in over 10 areas. The dialogue and exchange mechanisms between the two sides have strengthened and expanded. China's financing measures towards LAC countries have been steadily implemented, supporting more than 80 projects concerning people's livelihood in over 20 LAC countries.
China and LAC countries are both developing countries, and we both have our dreams and visions. Across the vast ocean, we look forward to joining hands with our LAC colleagues. It is my belief that with firm determination and persistent efforts, China-LAC cooperation will continue to score new progress in the new era.
Let's unite our efforts and build toward a new form of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation and a community with a shared future for mankind. Together, we will contribute to an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.
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