NARENDRA KUMAR’S CATWALK SHOW IS HIGHLIGHT OF LAKME FASHION WEEK.
THE recent Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 show in Mumbai had the usual high-profile designers, eye-catching outfits, top trends and A-list celebrities like Kareena Kapoor
Khan lighting up the stylish five-day spectacular.
But one designer that did something decidedly different was Narendra Kumar with his interesting-titled catwalk show Never Hyde, which was a bold and beautiful celebration of
the plus-sized woman.
He teamed up with the large clothing brand aLL-The Plus Size Store for the aLLPrimero x show, which aimed to empower men and women of all sizes. The grand offering
celebrating plus-sized fashionistas had trendy outfits for all shapes, sizes and body types. The outfits for all occasions were colourful and encouraged those wearing them to never hide or conform to other’s ideas on their figures, along with feeling confident in their own skin.
The ace designer drafted in nearly 30 newcomers to model the various creations. These included Bollywood actress Shikha Talsania, who was last seen delivering a winning turn in hit film Veere Di Wedding, as the showstopper for the show.
The bubbly star exuded confidence, and later said: “I love fashion, but like all curvy people,
I hated shopping. For me, aLL Primero X Narendra Kumar isn’t just about size inclusive
clothing but empowerment because of the confidence these clothes instil in me. It was a great experience walking the ramp!
“Narendra is an amazing designer; his silhouettes and designs flatter my curves and also make me feel comfortable.”
The plus-sized models, both male and female, walked down the ramp for a collection that was a real representation of a more democratic fashion estate and one that broke norms.
The line filled with vibrant shades, whimsical prints and eccentric silhouettes included dresses, jumpsuits, hoodies, pant suits, blouses, leisure wear, zippered wide collar blouses, bomber and denim jackets, jeans, tops, shirts, trousers, blazers and printed T-shirts with photos of iconic curvy women from past eras.
With the designer collection, Kumar helped bust popular fashion myths and explained the Never Hyde show was based around this concept about plus-sized people leading dual lives, where they have a certain character but also must conform to what society thinks they should be doing, including slimming themselves down.
The concept of Never Hyde took its title from Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. “The collection is contemporary and modern. I have not designed it from the perspective of: ‘Oh this is for plus-sized people, so I need to make plus-size appropriate clothing’. This is to move away from the idea that plus-size is a different world,” said Kumar.
The designer thinks the fashion world is finally getting more real with colour, size and many other different things. Runways around the world at high-profile fashion have been embracing the new democratic fashion trend, but this particular collection looks likely to inspire Indian designers to also follow suit.
The Shree Kunj Bihari Vrindavan (UK) Temple has officially launched its project to establish a grand home for Shree Banke Bihari in London.
The inaugural event, held in Harrow from 4 pm, featured devotional chants, the Deep Pragtya ceremony, and a presentation outlining the temple’s vision. Speaking at the gathering, Shalini Bhargava described the planned temple as “a spiritual home promoting bhakti, unity and seva for generations to come.”
Several dignitaries were honoured at the ceremony, including Cllr Anjana Patel, Mayor of Harrow; Anuradha Pandey, Hindi and Cultural Attaché at the High Commission of India; Kamakshi Jani of the Royal Navy; Councillors Janet Mote, Nitin Parikh and Mina Parmar; Krishnaben Pujara, Chairperson of ALL UK; and Truptiben Patel, President of the Hindu Forum of Britain.
Organisers said the launch marks the beginning of a new spiritual and cultural hub for London’s Hindu community, offering a centre for devotion, learning and community service.
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Williams explained that her weight challenges began after the birth of her first daughter
Serena Williams reveals she has lost more than 31lbs using a GLP-1 medication
The tennis legend says the treatment enhanced her existing healthy lifestyle
She stresses that weight loss should not change self-image or self-confidence
Serena Williams has revealed she has lost more than 31lbs after turning to a weight-loss medication, saying the treatment has transformed both her body and her mindset.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion, 43, told PEOPLE that using a GLP-1 medication — a type of injection that works by regulating appetite — has helped enhance the healthy lifestyle she already maintained through diet and exercise.
“I feel great,” Williams said. “I feel really good and healthy. I feel light physically and light mentally.”
Postpartum struggles
Williams explained that her weight challenges began after the birth of her first daughter, Alexis Olympia, in 2017. Despite training intensively and eating healthily, she found it difficult to return to her preferred weight.
“I never was able to get to the weight I needed to be, no matter what I did, no matter how much I trained,” she admitted. “It was frustrating to work so hard and not see results.”
She experienced the same plateau after giving birth to her second daughter, Adira River, in 2023. Although she initially shed weight quickly, progress soon stalled. “I never lost another pound,” she recalled.
Turning to treatment
Determined to try a new approach, Williams consulted doctors through Ro, a direct-to-patient healthcare company, and began a GLP-1 course once she had finished breastfeeding. The medication, also known as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is commonly marketed under brand names such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.
“I did a lot of research before I started,” she explained. “I wanted to know if it was a shortcut or if it could really help me. In the end, it felt like the right decision.”
Williams, who is now a patient ambassador for Ro, said the injections made a noticeable difference. “I lost over 31 pounds and was really excited about that weight loss.”
Feeling better than ever
The Olympic gold medallist says she now feels stronger and more energetic.
“I can do more. I’m more active. My joints don’t hurt as much. Even simple things like moving around are easier. I feel like I have a lot more energy.”
She emphasised that GLP-1 was not a substitute for discipline but a way to support her existing healthy habits. “GLP-1 helped me enhance everything I was already doing — eating healthy and working out, whether as a professional athlete or just at the gym every day.”
Confidence and body positivity
Despite her transformation, Williams stressed that her self-confidence has never depended on her size.
“Weight loss should never really change your self-image,” she said. “Women are judged about their bodies at any size, and I’m no stranger to that. I’ve always loved myself at every stage. The difference was that my body didn’t feel good carrying that extra weight after having children.”
She added that she encourages her daughters to embrace body confidence too. “It’s important to teach them to be confident at any size, just as I try to be. Looking back, whether I was smaller or heavier, I always felt confident — and I looked great too.”
Looking ahead
Williams says she plans to continue with the weekly GLP-1 injections as needed, alongside training for a half marathon. The gym remains her “favourite place to be” — and she intends to keep sharing her workouts with fans online.
“I just feel pretty good about it all,” she said.
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Bhaktivedanta Manor hosts grand Janmashtami festival amid record crowds
Tens of thousands of devotees gathered at Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford over the weekend for the annual Sri Krishna Janmashtami festival, one of the most important dates in the Hindu calendar.
The celebrations began on Saturday (16) and continued throughout Sunday (17) , with organisers estimating that more than 50,000 visitors attended across the two days. The programme included darshan of Sri Sri Radha-Gokulananda, devotional singing, thought-provoking dramas, dance performances, exhibitions, and talks. Visitors also enjoyed a vibrant festival bazaar, a food court offering Indian delicacies, children’s activities, and free vegetarian meals (prasadam) served throughout the day.
Bhaktivedanta Manor hosts grand Janmashtami festival amid record crowds
At the New Gokul Farm, devotees had the chance to feed and worship cows and oxen, while young people engaged with the Pandava Sena youth group. The popular Radharani Café served freshly prepared dishes, and the Farm Shop offered organic produce grown on site. Special shuttle bus and park-and-ride services ensured smooth access for visitors from Stanmore and Harrow & Wealdstone stations.
Saturday’s celebrations were briefly disrupted when an administrative error led to more tickets being released than the temple site could safely accommodate. This forced organisers to cancel entry between 3pm and 4pm and caused traffic congestion in the area.
In a statement, the temple apologised for the “serious and regrettable mistake” and assured devotees that stronger safeguards are being introduced to prevent a repeat.
Bhaktivedanta Manor hosts grand Janmashtami festival amid record crowds
Temple President Her Grace Visakha Dasi reflected that “Janmashtami 2025 at Bhaktivedanta Manor was unique. Alongside devotional exhibits, powerful dramas, insightful talks, and delicious prasadam, we also got an unexpected glimpse of how extraordinarily popular the Manor is. Due to an administrative error, too many free tickets were released, which led to traffic jams. We won’t let that happen again, but it showed us that we may need more days to allow eager pilgrims to celebrate Janmashtami with us.”
The festival was supported by more than 1,000 volunteers, who dedicated countless hours to ensure the event’s success. Despite Saturday’s disruption, Sunday’s programme ran smoothly and was described by many attendees as “an atmosphere saturated with bhakti and optimism.”
Bhaktivedanta Manor hosts grand Janmashtami festival amid record crowds
Distinguished guests included the Indian High Commissioner Mr. Vikram Doraiswamy and the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire, Andy Prophet, who joined devotees in marking the occasion.
Bhaktivedanta Manor, donated by Beatles star George Harrison in 1973, is now one of Europe’s most significant Hindu temples, attracting worshippers from across the UK and beyond.
Dakota Johnson wore two Gucci looks at the Los Angeles premiere of Splitsville.
Her silver corset gown highlighted this year’s metallic fashion trend.
She later changed into an emerald Gucci minidress for the after-party.
Johnson described the film as a “soulful, unique comedy” exploring love and relationships.
Red carpet look
Dakota Johnson turned heads at the Los Angeles premiere of Splitsville, arriving in a striking silver Gucci gown with a leather finish and a draped corset that cinched at the waist. The outfit echoed the metallic trend that has dominated fashion this year.
The actress later switched outfits for the after-party, opting for a long-sleeved emerald Gucci minidress.
Adria Arjona and Dakota Johnson attend the Los Angeles premiere of "Splitsville" Getty Images
About the film
Splitsville is set for release on 22 August. The film explores the dynamics between two couples, weaving together the challenges of love, relationships and individuality.
Speaking to Deadline earlier this year, Johnson explained: “It has an interesting tone because I guess, off the bat, it reads as a comedy, but it’s a very soulful, unique comedy about two couples and the challenging dynamics of their relationships individually, and then their relationships intertwined with each other. It’s about the complexities of love.”
Splitsville is set for release on 22 AugustGetty Images
Johnson on non-monogamy
In the film, Johnson plays a woman in an open marriage. Reflecting on the subject, she shared her views on non-monogamy: “I think it’s such an interesting topic because I don’t feel like there’s one right way to love, or one right way to live your life, and I think human beings are being allowed to evolve.”
She added that while some prefer long-term monogamy, others may explore multiple relationships: “If you want to have multiple relationships in your life, great. If you want to go really deep with one person, great. If you want to have both of those at the same time, great. Why not, really? But also scary, you know?”
London. A five-day Shiv Katha has begun at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre to honour the victims of the tragic Air India crash, with prayers offered for their eternal peace. The programme, running from 18 to 22 August, is being led by HH Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji with recitations by PP Shri Jogi Dada, and attended by devotees and dignitaries from India and abroad.
Opening the Katha, Shri Jogi Dada called it both a spiritual gathering and a heartfelt tribute to the passengers of the Ahmedabad–London flight. “Mahadev’s darshan equals a pilgrimage. It is inspiring to see the younger generation engaging in bhakti, which is vital for preserving our heritage."
Guruji spoke on the eternal energy of Shiv Shakti and chetna (consciousness). “Shiva is not just a deity but the ultimate consciousness. Through Shiv Katha we awaken inner energy and spread vibrations of peace across the world. May the departed souls attain eternal peace, and may their memories guide us towards compassion and unity,” he said.
The inaugural day saw the presence of Chaitanya Shambhu Maharaj, Shri Maheshbhai Bhatt, Dhruvbhai Bhatt and Rajendrabhai Thakkar. The evening concluded with Aarti and a sacred Rudrabhishek, performed in memory of the crash victims.