An estimated 40,000 visitors are expected to attend the Harrogate Spring Flower Show over the next four days, making it one of the UK’s largest events for horticulture and floral art. The event, which opened today (Thursday 24 April), is being held at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre in Harrogate and runs daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm until Sunday 27 April.
Organised by the North of England Horticultural Society, the Harrogate Spring Flower Show is recognised for hosting the UK’s biggest exhibition of creative floral art. This year’s floral art theme, Swords & Sorcery: Fantasy Heroes, features imaginative displays inspired by fantasy and mythical tales.
One of the highlights ahead of the show was a themed display featuring a figure styled as a floral sorceress. Created to reflect the fantasy theme, the design featured Ewa Mawdsley surrounded by flowers and foliage, casting a spell over a bubbling cauldron. The display was created by Harrogate-based florist Helen James and her colleague Laura Pannitt, using elements such as alliums, artichokes, achillea, and asparagus fern.
The 2025 edition of the show includes the Grand Floral Hall, showcasing striking spring blooms from top growers and nurseries. Other major attractions include a range of Show Gardens and Creative Borders, offering inspiration for garden design and planting.
As well as floral art and garden displays, the event features a variety of specialist plant nurseries, garden shopping, expert talks, and demonstrations, making it a popular fixture on the UK’s horticultural calendar.
The show has long been a key attraction in North Yorkshire, drawing gardening enthusiasts, floral designers, and families from across the country. With a mix of artistic displays and practical gardening advice, the event caters to both professionals and hobbyists alike.
Passengers set to embark on a 35-night Caribbean cruise aboard P&O Cruises’ Ventura have had their plans disrupted, after the cruise was cancelled due to “operational reasons”. The voyage was scheduled to depart on 4 January 2027 and was to take travellers across multiple Caribbean destinations.
The cancellation marks the second recent long-haul voyage to be pulled by the cruise line. Earlier, a 14-night sailing on Iona, set to leave on 30 August 2026, was also cancelled, citing the same reasons.
Why was the cruise cancelled?
P&O Cruises has not provided detailed reasons for the decision, only stating that it was made for “operational reasons”. In a statement, a company spokesperson said: “On occasion, it is necessary to change an itinerary from the one previously published, and we are very sorry that Ventura’s 35-night Caribbean itinerary departing 4 January 2027 has been cancelled.”
Passengers received an email notification that read: “Due to operational reasons, we’re sorry to inform you that your cruise, departing 4 January 2027, is no longer going ahead. We understand this news is disappointing and would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.”
Where was the cruise going?
The original cruise was a 35-night round-trip sailing from the UK to various Caribbean ports, though the exact route was not confirmed by the company at the time of cancellation. The Ventura has previously visited popular Caribbean destinations such as Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, and St Kitts on similar itineraries.
What happens now?
P&O Cruises has arranged for affected passengers to be automatically transferred to a similar voyage, sailing G701 on board Iona. This cruise is also planned for early 2027 and includes stops across the Caribbean. However, some customers have voiced disappointment on social media, saying the alternative ship or itinerary does not match their original booking.
Can you claim a refund?
Yes. While guests are automatically rebooked, they are not required to accept the new cruise. Passengers who prefer not to travel on Iona can request a full refund. Instructions on how to claim are typically included in the cancellation email or can be obtained by contacting P&O Cruises’ customer service team.
What’s next for Ventura?
In place of the cancelled trip, Ventura will now offer three new itineraries. P&O Cruises has announced that these will go on sale from 4 June 2025, though further details on destinations and dates are yet to be confirmed.
A nurse from Kerala who has worked to support fellow Malayali professionals in the UK has been invited to attend King Charles III’s garden party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her contributions to the NHS and international nursing community.
Prabin Baby, 45, who currently works as a patient experience nurse in Hertfordshire, received the invitation in acknowledgement of her efforts to help internationally trained nurses, particularly from Kerala, integrate into the British healthcare system.
Originally from Tiruvalla, Kerala, Prabin moved to the UK in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite her experience in Malaysia and India, including roles in clinical care and nursing education, she initially struggled to adapt to the NHS system. This personal challenge motivated her to assist others facing similar difficulties.
“When I arrived in the UK, I felt uncomfortable, despite having clinical experience and the required OET qualification,” Prabin said. “Internationally trained nurses face barriers in understanding the system. They need support, both professionally and culturally, to settle in. I believe someone has to step up and help.”
She joined Lister Hospital in Stevenage as a registered nurse before being promoted to educational and corporate roles within the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust. Through her work, she has supported the welfare and development of Malayali nurses, helping them to understand the NHS structure, workplace culture, and career development pathways.
Her professional growth was further supported by a fellowship with the Florence Nightingale Foundation Academy, which provided her with opportunities to develop her leadership skills and expand her work in supporting internationally educated staff. The NHS also funded her professional nurse advocate course, enhancing her ability to guide others in similar roles.
“I have always believed in collaboration with leadership to build an inclusive and supportive environment,” Prabin said. “Our trust is diverse and inclusive, and although there are many native English staff, I was honoured to be selected to attend the garden party.”
Speaking about the event at Buckingham Palace, Prabin said she felt proud and humbled as an Indian nurse. “There were times when I stood outside the palace and wondered what it was like inside. To have the opportunity to enter and meet the royals and others who have contributed to public service was a memorable experience.”
She credited her family—her daughter, parents and sister—for their continuous support. “They are my backbone and have always encouraged me in my work.”
Prabin also highlighted the broader professional opportunities available to nurses in the UK. “If we are interested and willing to learn, there is much scope to specialise and progress here. The recognition and appreciation we receive are often greater than in India or other developed countries.”
Her journey reflects the challenges many international healthcare workers face and the importance of mentorship, institutional support and inclusive leadership within the NHS.
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The new collection arrives just ahead of the summer season
Megan Thee Stallion has unveiled her own swimwear brand, named Hot Girl Summer, marking her first foray into fashion retail with a collection that will be available both online and in stores across the United States.
The 30-year-old Grammy Award-winning rapper, born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, announced the launch of Hot Girl Summer earlier this week. The name of the brand draws from the popular phrase she first coined and later trademarked in January 2022. The phrase became widely known in 2019, prompting widespread use by fans and major companies.
The swimwear line is set to go on sale from 19 May, available at nearly 500 Walmart locations across the US and on Walmart’s website. The pieces will also be offered on Megan’s official website, MeganTheeStallion.com.
“Everyone knows I love being near a pool or a beach, so I finally decided to turn my passion into a business and create my own swimwear brand,” said Megan in an official statement. “It was only right that we kick off Hot Girl Summer with this launch and provide Hotties of all body types with the official Hot Girl uniform. I used to shop at Walmart growing up, so it's a full circle to have my own line available at Walmart and I'm so grateful for their support.”
The rapper personally modelled pieces from the debut collection in promotional images shared online. In the campaign, Megan posed in a purple bikini with matching models beside an ice cream truck. The photo series also featured swimsuits with the Hot Girl Summer branding and showcased a variety of styles and cuts.
The initial collection includes 18 pieces in total and is described as size-inclusive. It features bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, monokinis, and cover-ups available in various colours. The designs reflect Megan’s signature style and were crafted under her creative direction, according to her team.
“With the introduction of Hot Girl Summer, Megan officially becomes the first hip-hop artist to launch her own swimwear brand,” read a press release issued on 14 May.
The launch follows a successful campaign by Megan to secure ownership of the phrase Hot Girl Summer, which she began using on social media in 2019. The term quickly gained traction, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Speaking to Allure magazine, Megan explained why she pursued the trademark after companies such as Wendy’s and Forever 21 began using the phrase in marketing campaigns.
The music star has expanded her career into multiple business areasInstagram/ theestallion
“I really didn't even know that it was gonna catch on how it did,” she said. “It was just me talking and telling everybody I was gonna be me for the summer, and they should be them too — like as free as they can be. When I saw Wendy’s and Forever 21 saying, ‘Hey, are you having a Hot Girl Summer?’ I was like, ‘Hell no, Forever 21, you're going to have to pay me.’”
Megan added: “I just wanted to get it trademarked because it’s me. It’s my thing.”
The new collection arrives just ahead of the summer season and appears to be strategically timed to coincide with warmer weather and holiday plans. It also builds on Megan’s established image and messaging around confidence, body positivity and empowerment, themes she frequently promotes in her music and public appearances.
The Houston-born rapper has previously collaborated with fashion and beauty brands, including Revlon, Fashion Nova and Nike, but this marks her first independent fashion venture under her own brand.
In recent years, the music star has expanded her career into multiple business areas. In addition to her music and now fashion endeavours, she has also taken roles in film and television, including a guest appearance on the Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and other entertainment projects.
With Hot Girl Summer, Megan Thee Stallion is further establishing her presence in the world of business and fashion. Her entry into the swimwear market joins a growing trend of celebrities launching their own fashion lines with an emphasis on body diversity and inclusivity.
The collection is expected to appeal to a wide audience, especially her fanbase – known as the Hotties – and shoppers seeking bold, expressive summer styles backed by a major celebrity figure.
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Nancy Tyagi stuns in a handmade silver-aqua gown at Cannes 2025
Nancy Tyagi is back at Cannes. But this time, the 24 year old influencer and designer from Uttar Pradesh is not just a surprise guest, she is a name many were waiting to see again.
Last year, she made her debut at the prestigious festival in a self stitched 44 lb (20 kg) ruffled pink gown, crafted from scratch in her Delhi home. It was not just the weight of the dress that turned heads but the story behind it. A year later, Nancy returned with another outfit of her own making.
This time, she wore a silver aqua gown with a plunging neckline, a shimmering corset, and layers of tulle. It had roses stitched into the skirt and headpiece, and bold shoulders that looked like unfolding petals. Her makeup was clean and glam with silver smoky eyes, a neatly tied bun, and just the right sparkle.
What is special is not just the gown, but the fabric. She sourced it from Seelampur, a market in northeast Delhi better known for its chaos than couture. But that is what makes Nancy different. She turns everyday materials into red carpet magic. She does not come from fashion schools or big labels. She learnt it all by herself.
The self-taught designer walks the red carpet in a look stitched from Seelampur fabricInstagram/nancytyagi
Nancy said she felt emotional returning to Cannes, where everything changed for her. “Last year, I was overwhelmed. This year, I feel proud,” she said. “This is my outfit. I made it. It is all mine.”
Her Instagram post summed it up in Hindi: “Phir se Cannes… phir se red carpet. Kabhi socha nahi tha yeh safar itna khoobsurat hoga” (Back to Cannes, back to the red carpet. I never imagined this journey would be so beautiful).
Nancy Tyagi brings local craftsmanship to the global stage in her second Cannes appearanceInstagram/nancytyagi
And the internet agreed. From fashion fans to fellow creators, the applause was loud. Comments flooded in praising her evolution, confidence, and creativity. One user wrote, “You have inspired millions. This is real talent: self made, rooted, and unstoppable.”
Nancy’s journey from a small town girl stitching clothes in her room to walking the world’s most watched red carpet continues to be proof that success does not need privilege. Just skill, grit, and imagination.
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Luxury in 2025: Iconic brands raise prices, making designer pieces harder to afford
Imagine your dream designer bag now costs more than a month’s rent. Welcome to 2025, now luxury isn’t just a splurge but a high-stakes financial tango, right? Inflation, tariffs, and a dash of geopolitical drama have collided, sending price tags into orbit. This time, brands aren’t just nudging numbers, but they’re launching full-blown price tsunamis. Can you still play the luxury game without drowning in debt? Let’s break down who’s hiking, why, and whether that iconic piece is worth the squeeze.
Chanel
In 2025, Chanel has been on a price-raising spree, almost as relentless as their signature tweed. The iconic Classic Flap Bag Large, for instance, now retails at 9,400 GBP (9,52,000 INR), a steep jump from 7,870 GBP (7,97,000 INR) back in January. That’s not just a rise; it’s a whole statement. With demand booming and the brand’s push for exclusivity, Chanel clearly shows no signs of slowing down.
Louis Vuitton’s strategy? Keep things steady but consistently pricier. In 2025, the Alma PM handbag crept up to 1,590 GBP (1,61,000 INR), marking a 6.4% increase. Meanwhile, the Clooney BB inched to 1,925 GBP (1,95,000 INR), a 4.9% hike, while the Capucines MM surged by 7.2%, now priced at 6,310 GBP (6,39,000 INR). Inflation’s impact? Definitely. The only thing rising faster than these prices? Their legendary prestige.
The iconic Hermès is giving luxury lovers something to chew on, especially if their taste leans toward legendary bags like the Birkin or Kelly. In the U.S., prices for the Birkin 25 in Togo leather rose from 8,400 GBP (8,52,000 INR) to 8,900 GBP (9,03,000 INR): a 6.1% increase. The Kelly 25 in Togo Retourne jumped from 8,350 GBP (8,47,000 INR) to 8,900 GBP (9,03,000 INR), marking a 6.2% hike. Some exotic models, like the Kelly 25 in Matte Alligator, saw a staggering 23.8% increase, now priced at 38,800 GBP (39,37,000 INR). Because nothing says 'forever status' like a price tag that stings.
Rolex has increased prices on its gold models by up to 14%, reflecting a 27% rise in the cost of gold itself. For instance, the white gold Daytona with the OysterFlex bracelet now retails at 24,300 GBP (24,70,000 INR), up from 22,350 GBP (22,70,000 INR) last year. Stainless steel models have seen more modest increases of about 1-3%. Gold just got a little more golden right?
Known for its cashmere and quiet luxury, Loro Piana isn’t shying away from price hikes either. Some items, like the Loom handbag, rose by 8%, while select pieces saw a staggering 23% increase. Soft just got pricier.
Tag Heuer quietly nudged up the price of select U.S. models by around 10% this summer, a direct response to looming U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports. It’s a cautious buffer rather than a drastic shock, as the brand hedges against potential margin hits. Rather than surprising buyers later, Tag Heuer is choosing to gently pad prices now, just in case.
Even beauty brands aren’t safe from the pricing squeeze. Sisley bumped up the price of its Korean products by 5%, while L’Oréal increased prices of Yves Saint Laurent and Lancôme items at duty-free outlets by about 10%. It’s partly due to higher ingredient costs and partly because “flex splurging” in Korea shows buyers aren’t put off by a little extra cost.
In a more gradual move, Coach has been incrementally hiking prices over 19 of the last 20 quarters, while Ralph Lauren pushed its average retail price up by about 12%. Instead of shocking customers, they’re taking a slow and steady approach, which has surprisingly fuelled demand rather than dampened it.
Cartier’s parent company, Richemont, is taking a softer approach, avoiding major price hikes despite the pressure of U.S. tariffs. Instead of gambling on big increases, Richemont is holding prices steady, particularly for its luxury jewellery, which continues to perform well without any drastic changes.
With higher-end items becoming even more unreachable, brands are shifting focus to “affordable luxury.” Think sub-400 GBP (40,000 INR) accessories like designer scarves and wallets, small indulgences that keep aspirational customers engaged. It’s a strategic play to maintain interest without alienating the middle-class luxury lover.
Luxury prices in 2025 are skyrocketing as iconic brands make big movesiStock
The luxury gamble?
The overall picture is clear. Some players have quietly bet on patient, incremental hikes and are already reaping rewards, while others have pushed hard and risk alienating shoppers. Observers note that Coach and Ralph Lauren’s measured markups drove a surprising sales boom (+42% Coach growth in Europe in Q4), whereas ultra-luxe giants saw only minimal gains. In short, moving slowly seems to have paid off, at least so far while exorbitant jumps have mostly just made headlines.
The gamble now is on for every brand. Every new price tag is a wager: will wealthy buyers shrug and splurge, or push back and hunt for deals?