As summer ushers in new trends across fashion, interiors, literature and music, The Times offers an insightful look at what’s heating up—and what’s cooling down—in this week’s cultural barometer.
In the world of corporate fashion, the quintessential summer outfit for the professional woman has emerged: the white suit. Described as a pristine, slouchy two-piece, it is quickly becoming the go-to ensemble for workwear this season. Celebrity admirers such as Katie Holmes and Elle Macpherson have championed this look, making it a stylish statement. The aesthetic leans not towards the loudly glamorous disco vibe of Bianca Jagger in Studio 54, but rather a more understated and approachable style reminiscent of Diane Keaton encountering colleagues by the water cooler. Recommended labels offering this trend include Kooples, Mango and Theory. The look pairs best with flat shoes such as trainers or pumps, while practicality is advised—carrying a stain remover is considered a necessary accompaniment for the crisp white fabric.
Turning indoors, the interiors scene is embracing “doubling down” on design by turning to affordable alternatives to classic furniture icons. For those who covet pieces like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair or the Nessino lamp but find the prices prohibitive, Dupe.com offers budget-friendly lookalikes. The platform has gained traction not only among homeowners but also professional interior designers seeking stylish yet economical solutions. It operates by allowing users to upload images of desired designs, then generating suggestions for new or vintage items that capture a similar aesthetic. The approach hinges on avoiding exorbitantly expensive or complex items that resist imitation, favouring simple and sleek silhouettes that enhance room décor. This innovation is reshaping how classic design is accessed and enjoyed.
In literary circles, a wave of interest is sweeping through the “tradwife” genre—a contemporary fascination with traditional wife or homemaker lifestyles. Influencer Nara Smith has helped spark curiosity in this niche, and publishers are responding with suspense novels that weave the tradwife motif into captivating drama. Liane Child’s The Tradwife’s Secret, released on 22 May, tells the story of a Montana wife whose idyllic picket fence existence is upended by a dramatic twist. Jo Piazza’s Everyone Is Lying to You (out 15 July) centres on the disappearance of a tradwife named Bex following her husband's murder. Another forthcoming title, Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, introduces an influencer character named Natalie who wakes to find herself trapped in the year 1805, a storyline with a “Black Mirror”-style narrative that has been optioned for a film starring Anne Hathaway. About the trend, Child remarked to The Times, “It’s hard not to be fascinated by the tradwife movement now, especially in the context of Trump’s America. We know that behaving like 1950s wives is a step backwards, so why are we still happy to devour tradwife content on our social media?”
Music enthusiasts are buzzing about Kilimanjaro, the Zambian-born and Dundee-raised DJ and producer whose Afrobeat and Amapiano rhythms are set to dominate dancefloors throughout the summer. Having begun his musical journey with drums at age 12 and a decade of touring across Europe and America, Kilimanjaro had contemplated stepping back from live music. However, a serendipitous DJ gig at an Ibiza afterparty reignited his passion, propelling him into a prolific period of performances with weekly residencies. At 32, he has already performed at Coachella and is scheduled for major festivals including Glastonbury and Pacha in Ibiza, coinciding with the release of a new single on 9 May. Despite international success, Kilimanjaro notes the profound influence of his Scottish upbringing on his music style and values the enthusiastic support of Scottish fans. Known for a personable stage presence that matches his stature—“a 6ft 4in man with a cute smile,” as he describes himself—he has also become a familiar figure at high-profile fashion events.
On the accessory front, Vivienne Westwood has debuted a novel creation: a bag specifically designed to hold a mobile phone. Priced at £600 and available via viviennewestwood.com, the bag features the label’s iconic updated orb branding combined with a woven check pattern that evokes the essence of a traditional picnic blanket. This new item exemplifies the continuing intersection of function and fashion in contemporary design.
This latest edition of The Times’ weekly trend summary illustrates a diverse and dynamic cultural landscape, from sartorial choices and interior innovations to intriguing new literary subgenres and vibrant musical talent, capturing the spirit of the season across multiple domains.
Source: Noah Wire Services