Latest news with #DanielLee
Observer
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Those ugly shoes? She'll make you love them
In late 2018, a seismic shift took place in footwear — an epochal moment that now feels like a lifetime ago in fashion. Daniel Lee's debut collection for Bottega Veneta broke the mould, introducing shoes that seemed almost revolutionary. Square-toed clunkers — sandals characterised by exaggerated, spatula-like soles that jutted out beneath the foot — and pumps with bulbous, stubby toes made their debut at fashion month. At first glance, they appeared hideous, almost grotesque; their unconventional shapes challenged notions of beauty and tradition. However, within months, these shoes became a culture-shift phenomenon. They appeared on the feet of nearly every celebrity, editor, influencer and luxury insider. Retailers such as Vince Camuto and Shein swiftly produced their own versions — dupes — of the viral Lido sandal, a simple slide with an enormous, blown-up interpretation of Bottega's signature intrecciato woven leather. The designer behind these provocative shoes is Nina Christen, a Swiss shoe designer whose distinct vision played a crucial role. 'It's funny what you can make people wear if you do it the right way,' she reflected. For over a decade, Christen's influence has subtly shaped contemporary shoe design, her work sinking into the industry's subconscious, trickling from luxury houses to streetwear. She has collaborated with Phoebe Philo at Celine, Jonathan Anderson at Loewe, and the Olsen twins at The Row. Last month, Anderson appointed her as the design director of shoes at Christian Dior — an ambitious role and one of the most coveted in fashion today. Yet, Christen continues to pursue her independent vision simultaneously. In 2022, she launched her own brand — Christen — a move born partly from frustration. She explained that her designs for other houses represented her taste, her perspective, 'but they were never 100% myself.' Her opportunity arose when she met Paul Dupuy, an entrepreneur who co-founded Zoi, a health-tech start-up focused on longevity. Christen had designed uniforms for Zoi's staff and clients, and Dupuy was so impressed he offered to help her create her own label. His familiarity with industry insiders, thanks to his mother's fashion background and his network, helped turn her idea into raised $5 million in capital and took charge of logistics, including planning a store in Paris scheduled for 2026. Christen already possessed a comprehensive vision: beyond footwear, she dreamed of perfect Japanese denim jeans, a leather jacket, and fine jewellery — her debut piece being a diamond toe ring. Every detail was mapped out — the packaging, branding, logo and market positioning. Her shoes are produced in Italy by the same factories that serve luxury brands, ensuring impeccable craftsmanship. Price points ranging from $1,100 to $3,650 reflect her commitment to quality and her desire to compete at the highest level. In late June, Christen's Paris studio offered an intimate peek into her universe. The raw cement floor was set with more than 30 of her designs, arranged in a carefully curated grid. Among these, styles from Loewe's spring 2023 runway stood out: cartoonish, fantastical creations — pumps embroidered with deflated white balloons, sandals blooming with hyper-realistic anthuriums, and red rubber pumps resembling Minnie Mouse. Christen was candid: 'You can't wear this for more than two hours. But Jonathan Anderson was very open to ideas that crossed the line between art and fashion.' She has a profound love for the geometry of shapes. 'When I think about toe shapes, it's all about the square, rectangle, circle, oval,' she said. 'What is the degree?' She wore a pair of pure white sandals that left most of her foot exposed, seamlessly bisected by a single strip of leather that ran through the big and second toes — like a strand of floss. The sole was thin, elongated, almost oversized beneath the toes. 'It's about creating things we're not used to yet,' Christen explained. 'When I make something and I don't know if I like it — that's often a good sign.' Her work is driven by experimentation — she strives to redefine norms and challenge perceptions of beauty. She finds inspiration in the mundane, the ugly, even orthopaedic shoes — everyday items that, through her lens, become something more intriguing. Her biggest seller after the first year? A grandpa-style slip-on boot lined with goat shearling. 'Once you wear them,' she says, 'you can't wear anything else.' Her designs highlight the power of the everyday, transforming the familiar into avant-garde statements. — NYT
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Manisha Koirala receives honorary doctorate, Celebrates Bradford's cultural milestone, joins Burberry's Daniel Lee in honours
Actress Manisha Koirala has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford. Taking to Instagram, the 'Dil Se' actress shared a heartfelt note, mentioning that the honor holds special significance as it coincides with Bradford being named the UK City of Culture for 2025. In her post, Manisha expressed her heartfelt gratitude, calling it a "huge honor." She also acknowledged the presence of acclaimed designer Daniel Lee, Creative Director of Burberry, who was honored alongside her. Sharing her picture, Koirala wrote, "It's a huge honor to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bradford - especially in the year it's been named the UK City of Culture 2025. Even more meaningful to share this recognition alongside the talented Daniel Lee, Creative Director of Burberry. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 - your journey is just beginning! HonoraryDoctorate #Bradford2025 #CityOfCulture #DanielLee #Burberry #Gratitude #classof2025. " In the image, the actress is seen smiling as she poses with her hand on her graduation cap, radiating pride and joy. A few days ago, the 'Heeramandi' actress had shared a video from the graduation ceremony and captioned it, "Today, I received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bradford. I stand here not as someone who came through the traditional path of education, but as someone who learned through life - through hard work, failure, resilience, and service. " Expressing her heartfelt thanks to the University of Bradford for recognizing her contributions, Manisha wrote, "This honor means more than I can put into words. It's proof that no matter where you start, your journey matters. Thank you to the University of Bradford for seeing value in my story. Keep growing. Keep shining...." On the work front, the 'Lajja' actress' most recent appearance was in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's acclaimed web series "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar," where she played the role of Mallikajaan.
New York Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Those Ugly Shoes? She'll Make You Love Them.
Back in late 2018, a lifetime ago in fashion, a radical shift happened in footwear. Square-toed clunkers — sandals defined by exaggerated, spatula-like soles that jutted out from under the foot and pumps with bulbous stubbed toes — were shown in Daniel Lee's first collection for Bottega Veneta. At first sight, the shoes were hideous. Within months, they were on the feet of nearly every celebrity, editor, influencer and luxury V.I.C. in the land. Retailers like Vince Camuto and Shein promptly issued dupes of the popular Lido sandal, a simple slide in a blown-up interpretation of Bottega's signature intrecciato woven leather. Lyst declared them the 'hottest shoes in the world' in 2019. 'It's funny what you can make people wear in fashion if it's done the right way,' said Nina Christen, the Swiss shoe designer responsible for the Lido. Ms. Christen's distinctive touch has quite literally been all over some of the most influential shoe design trickling down from luxury houses for the better part of the last decade. She has worked for Phoebe Philo at Celine, Jonathan Anderson at Loewe, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen at the Row and Mr. Lee at Bottega Veneta. Last month, Mr. Anderson hired Ms. Christen as the design director of shoes at Christian Dior. It's one of the biggest jobs in fashion right now, and she is balancing it with a moonlighting gig, too. Last year, Ms. Christen introduced Christen, her own independent shoe brand. The first pure expression of her design identity came partly out of frustration. The shoes she designed for other brands were her taste, her take, she said, 'but they were never 100 percent myself.' Opportunity arose when she met Paul Dupuy, an entrepreneur and a founder of Zoi, a health-tech company in the longevity space. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Metro
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Royal Navy comes within metres of Russian warships in English Channel
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Royal Navy warships have been following Russian ships through British waters. The four-day operation in the English Channel and North Sea comes as Nato reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, but stopped short of condemning Russia's invasion in 2022. Destroyer HMS Duncan and patrol ship HMS Mersey followed and reported on Russian warship Boikiy as it sailed eastwards through the Channel, coming within metres of each other. Shortly before this, HMS Trent and Wildcat helicopters from a Naval Air Squadron followed RFN Admiral Grigorovich past Gibraltar, through the Channel and onwards into the North Sea. HMS Duncan used high-tech sensors and powerful radars to track Boikiy's movements, and found that the ship is missing an anchor. This is in contrast to May, when HMS Tyne tracked Boikiy and its anchors were in place. HMS Mersey has now been sent out five times this year to track Russian ships in UK waters. Commander Daniel Lee, Commanding Officer of HMS Duncan, said: 'Escorting foreign warships through waters near the UK is a vital part of our mission to protect our nation and uphold international maritime law. 'It's a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our seas, which are so important to the lives and livelihoods of the British people. 'As a ship's company, we are proud to carry out this duty on behalf of the nation, showcasing our professionalism and readiness to respond to any task required of us.' This latest operation took place between June 20 and 23, and included HMS Trent tracking the Admiral Grigorovich as she returned to the UK for training after four years in the Mediterranean, off West Africa and the Caribbean. It comes as Finland detained a Russian ship suspected to have been involved in the 'sabotage' of a key underwater power cable. More Trending It's feared Russia could damage vital cables linking the UK to the rest of the globe – and the country's ambassador to the UK did not deny claims that the Kremlin is tracking our nuclear submarines. Luke Pollard, Minister for the Armed Forces, said: 'Russian warships are increasingly sailing through the English Channel, and every time they do, a Royal Navy vessel will be keeping an eye on them. 'I have every confidence, as should the British public, that our Royal Navy will continue to defend our waters and keep our undersea cables safe.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Man admits to attempted murder after hurling toddler onto airport floor MORE: Experts reveal real risk of WW3 — and what's at stake for anywhere that gets dragged in MORE: Trump threatens to unleash 'most lethal weapons ever built' if Iran is supplied nukes
Gulf Weekly
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Weekly
Authentic flavours of Mexico at Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain has curated an extraordinary selection of dining affairs to suit all tastes this month. Indulge in the flavours of Mexico at Cantina Kahlo's Fajita Monday, which offers guests sizzling fajitas, paired perfectly with two refreshing beverages. It costs BD29, from 7pm to 10pm. The restaurant is also offering a Friday Brunch Fiesta, featuring an array of mouthwatering dishes made with authentic ingredients. A lively mariachi band will add to the atmosphere, creating a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable feast. It costs BD35 per person, inclusive of soft beverages and BD45 including selected beverages, on Friday, from 1pm to 4pm. Delight in the simple pleasures of life with an exquisite afternoon tea experience, crafted by award-winning pastry chef Alexis Beaufils, at The Ritz Gourmet Lounge. With his remarkable career and innovative approach to pastry, guests will be in for a treat, with a mix of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with artisanal jams and signature pastries. The special treats, designed to awaken your palate and delight your senses, cost BD34 per set, every day from 3pm to 7pm. Visitors can also discover the sensational flavours of Southeast Asia with Thai Lounge's exclusive menu, expertly curated by MasterChef 2021 champion Daniel Lee. Each dish is meticulously prepared to be a perfect fusion of bold flavours and refined technique, reflecting the chef's award-winning mastery and his deep passion for the region's cuisine. The special menu is available every day, from 1pm to 10pm.
