Latest news with #Urchin


New Indian Express
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Cinema Without Borders: Walking the streets—Urchin
As a first time director Dickinson follows the footsteps of the likes of Ken Loach and Mike Leigh. Urchin is a kitchen-sink drama about the homeless. It's not populated with bright, shiny, happy faces but by the have-nots living on the margins. In fact, they aren't just at the bottom of the hierarchy but entirely invisibilized and rendered inconsequential for the majority. The idea emerged from Dickinson's own volunteer work with people dealing with homelessness and addiction and he gets things spot on right from the first shot of eating at the charity truck. The film is raw and rough, both in its setting and its craft. It does tread on familiar territory, offering few surprises in terms of the story or its telling. In fact, it gets weighed down quite often by the plodding pace, staccato rhythm, a theatre-like stylised staging of scenes and sequences and the odd tonal shifts between social-realism and the surreal workings of Mike's mind. What helps is that sordidness is accompanied by some wonderfully hopeful moments. The film doesn't wallow in indigence. The serious social commentary is balanced by a fine thread of humour, like a ray of sunshine in the midst of the clouds. It's the characters that win the day, as do the actors essaying the roles, including Dickinson himself as Mike's street pal Nathan. At the end of the day, it's Dillane's show all the way. He is forever charming as Mike despite the underlying angst. He elicits audience empathy even in his wickedness and despite our collective exasperation at his own self-destructive ways. He is as vulnerable as he is volatile. Urchin doesn't offer any clear answers. The struggle for survival remains in a continuum. What makes the film hold together well is Dickinson's non-judgmental, compassionate, humanist approach to his people. There are no villains here. If there's a bad guy in his scheme of things it's the system and the social disquiet it engenders. Urchin may not be a trailblazer but certainly makes for an impressive, earnest debut.


Evening Standard
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
Scarlett Johansson and Harris Dickinson's Cannes directorial debuts, unpacked
Cannes 2025 is done, and two of its most talked about feature film debuts didn't come from unknowns. They came from familiar faces. Scarlett Johansson and Harris Dickinson, pictured above, both featured in Un Certain Regard – the strand known for championing bold new voices. Their films Eleanor the Great, a New York-set character study by Johansson, and Urchin, Dickinson's walk on the margins of London. Both sparked immediate curiosity – not only about the stories, but also about the kind of directors these two stars might be.


Tatler Asia
04-06-2025
- Business
- Tatler Asia
Tiffany & Co CEO Anthony Ledru on staying ‘anti-trend' and embracing the brand's legacy
Above Tiffany & Co Wave diamond necklace Tiffany has always been a symbol of timeless luxury. How do you reinterpret that legacy for a new generation of clients? At the heart of our jewellery brand is a rich heritage we cherish. In 2027, we will celebrate our 190th anniversary—a milestone that distinguishes us! Unlike many brands still searching for their roots, we draw inspiration from our extensive historical archives, making our designs meaningful. A prime example is the beloved 'Bird on the Rock,' which has captivated Southeast Asian audiences for decades. This year marks its 60th anniversary, and we seized the opportunity to refresh this classic design three years ago. Though it featured the iconic Tiffany Diamond from 1995, it needed a new look to soar. Our mission was to help the bird retake flight. We created our 'rainbow birds' by experimenting with emeralds, yellow, and white diamonds, transforming them into pendants, earrings, necklaces and rings. This revitalisation is crucial for our brand to remain dynamic and relevant. We believe that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully. While being showcased in a museum is an honour, we strive to be an exciting contributor to the jewellery world for years to come. Since joining LVMH, Tiffany has taken a more fashion-forward turn. What inspired that creative pivot? How do you measure its impact, and what have been the results of this pivot? When LVMH acquired Tiffany, we recognised the need to revitalise the brand, which had a rich heritage but felt dormant. Our initial campaigns with Beyoncé were surprising and aimed at refreshing Tiffany's image. We showcased the Tiffany diamond during the holiday season, highlighting its iconic status. Today, our direction is clear: We focus on jewellery while celebrating our values of joy, inventiveness, and craftsmanship. Our approach is about 80 per cent heritage and 20 per cent modernity, a shift from our earlier strategy. Inspired by Schlumberger, our recent campaign features some of our most timeless designs, following our motto, 'With love since 1837.' We aim to maintain a distinct identity by embracing the uniqueness of the past decades. We are anti-trend, creating modern designs that remain deeply rooted in our heritage. Above Greta Lee wears Tiffany & Co jewellery from the Urchin chapter of Blue Book 2025 High jewellery is becoming increasingly central to Tiffany's identity. How are you enhancing this segment while preserving the legacy, and what do you think has contributed to the significant rise in high jewellery purchases? Tiffany is a leader in the jewellery industry, celebrated worldwide and proudly American. Three key aspects distinguish Tiffany. First, our inspiration comes from the extraordinary world of Schlumberger, capturing the essence of nature, wildlife, and the iconic bird, which reflects our brand. Second, we take pride in the exceptional quality of our stones. Our collection features unique legacy stones, including Tsavorite, Tanzanite, Kunzite and Morganite. We acquired 32 rare stones from the Argyle mine, showcasing our commitment to exclusivity. Finally, the Tiffany & Co Museum exhibits our finest craftsmanship, including exclusive 10-carat stones. This unique creativity fosters client loyalty, ensuring they return to us. Above Tiffany & Co Seahorse blue zircon brooch We're sitting in the reimagined 5th Avenue flagship. What does this space say about the future of Tiffany retail? Tiffany is committed to creating unique and exciting stores that showcase exquisite jewellery and cultural items. Like the Basquiat piece in New York, our landmarks offer a distinctive experience. Our recent store in Milan, which opened two weeks ago, exemplifies remarkable localisation. It offers views of iconic Milanese sites, Pistoritos in Tiffany's colours and archives from Liza Minnelli. Each store is modern, energetic, and has exclusive artistic touches. We are also expanding in Asia and the Middle East. This July, we'll open our largest flagship in Japan, covering 2,200 square metres of exceptional jewellery, art and hospitality. In Europe, we're renovating spaces in Paris, opening new locations in London, Vienna, Zurich and Munich, and strengthening our presence in the US. Brazil is an excellent example of localisation. In December, we opened a duplex store at Iguatemi, featuring local architecture and design. Sustainability is crucial to us, and we lead the way in responsible sourcing. Our engagement rings come with a complete diamond journey, ensuring transparency from mine to market. As a founding member of the Gemstone Council, we actively support conservation efforts through the Tiffany Foundation. We have ongoing programs for ocean protection in the Philippines and recently engaged in coral reef protection initiatives in Southeast Asia. Above Anya Taylor-Joy wears Tiffany & Co jewellery from Wave chapter of Blue Book 2025 How do you nurture and sustain that vital emotional connection in a world progressively dominated by social media and digital interactions? There's an overwhelming amount of information today. By organising Blue Book events, we'll create a unique experience that differs from a Zoom call. Blue Book events facilitate meaningful connections among clients, the press, celebrities, and other stakeholders involved with the brand. While I can show you pictures of jewellery, the absolute joy comes from wearing it. The live experience is vital—it's emotional and engaging. Yes, it requires a long trip and can be costly, but this reflects the essence of the brand. Meeting in person creates a lasting impression that a Zoom call cannot match. The concept of luxury is evolving, and the Blue Book plays a vital role in this transformation. See more: 9 celebrity jewellery looks that made a statement Above Tiffany & Co Sea Turtle diamond pendant As we look towards 2025, what does modern luxury signify for Tiffany & Co? Modern luxury is about genuine experiences and personal connections. It's shifting away from traditional luxury standards and embracing tangible interactions. While digital platforms are valuable for their reach and educational aspects, they can't replace genuine human connection. I believe in personal interactions, like handing you my business card and remembering our conversation. You may come to Tiffany for the brand, but I hope you return because of the relationship we build. In 2025, there is a growing desire for authenticity, which is often lacking online. Everyone's talking about the softness of luxury retail at the moment. What are your thoughts? Recently, LVMH released its earnings, which have shown resilience. However, there's notable uncertainty today—perhaps the highest since last year. We've been fortunate to see a positive trend over the past six months due to our focus on authenticity, but uncertainty is the only certainty right now. While we wait for developments, the world stands still. This is why we create 'bubbles' for people to enjoy life. The brand's transformation excites me most about Tiffany's next chapter. Aligning our goals has taken time, and we are committed to presenting timeless design through iconic elements, such as 'A Bird on a Rock' and Tiffany hardware. Being different is essential for relevance, and Tiffany truly understands its significance. Our communication focuses on timeless design, heritage, and love—concepts we've celebrated for nearly 200 years. This narrative comes to life in our flagship stores, called 'lighthouses.' They illuminate the cities they inhabit and showcase our brand's potential. Opening a store in Milan was a game-changer, and these landmark locations will allow Tiffany to shine more brightly. Above Guests attend Tiffany & Co's Blue Book Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing What message would you like to convey to the Southeast Asia region? What would you like to share with them? I have a deep appreciation for this region, as my experiences with Louis Vuitton allowed me to explore it frequently. Southeast Asia captivates me with its remarkable diversity and youthful population, which holds tremendous potential for the future. The love for unique gemstones and the vibrant spirit of celebration make it a thriving jewellery market. For instance, Singapore boasts a well-established high jewellery scene, while Thailand is bursting with excitement, and the Philippines stands out with one of the highest birth rates in the world. I've had the pleasure of visiting the Philippines several times, and the energy in places like Greenbelt is simply infectious! My first visit left me struck by the warmth and friendliness of the people; it truly felt like friendship is woven into the fabric of daily life. The vibrant culture and the rhythm of life there reminded me of South America. This beautiful archipelago is a treasure trove of culture and diversity, and I find immense joy in it. I believe embracing life's experiences is key to a fulfilling journey. Thank you all for being part of this adventure together—let's continue to learn, grow and celebrate the beauty of our shared journey! NOW READ Tiffany & Co. explores love and strength in new campaign Opinion: Why representation matters at global events like Met Gala 2025 and how jewellery can start a cultural dialogue All Eyes On: Rosanna Ocampo launches her summer 2025 collection, Alo Yoga opens in the Philippines and more style happenings Credits Images: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co


Gulf Today
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Cannes movies
Known for its glamour and prestige, the annual Cannes Film Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events on the film calendar. This week we are taking a look at everything that happened in Cannes where the biggest and most elite names in the film world gathered for premieres and awards. A film that caused a little bit of controversy is 'Eddington' by director Ari Aster. The film tells the tale of a town in Mexico during the early days of the Covid pandemic. With an ensemble cast that includes Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Deirdre O'Connell, the movie shows two sides of the Covid story. The two sides being the people who supported mask-wearing and vaccines and the people who didn't. Director-actor Harris Dickinson had previously been at Cannes after playing the lead Ruben Östlund's 'Triangle of Sadness.' This time he was back as a director with his movie 'Urchin' which receieved great reviews from audeinces and critics alike. The film stars actor Frank Dillane in the lead role and tells the story of a man who lives on the streets of London and the stuggles he endures. Despite the dark theme, critics have described the film as being 'energetic and filled with life.' In other news this week, turn to our Health pages to read some expert advice on how to handle chronic stress. There is no one who is immune to stress, especially in this fast-paced world we live in. Experts advise setting small and realistic goals as well as taming the voices in our heads.


Gulf Today
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Harris Dickinson's directorial debut born of gut feeling
Harris Dickinson is sitting on a rooftop terrace in Cannes, trying to find all the movie tattoos on his body. There's a little one for 2001's 'Donnie Darko,' but there's a much larger one on his arm for 'Kes,' Ken Loach's seminal British social realism drama from 1969. 'I'm sure there's a few more on my legs,' Dickinson says, smiling. 'I can't remember.' But the spirit of Loach runs strong in Dickinson's directorial debut, 'Urchin.' The film, which premiered the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival, stars Frank Dillane as a homeless London addict. A sensitive and preceptive character study, 'Urchin' has been widely hailed as a standout at Cannes. Just as the 28-year-old Dickson, who starred in last year's 'Babygirl,' is emerging as a major movie star, he's revealed himself to be a filmmaker to watch, too. 'Before we screened, I was debilitated by nerves,' Dickinson said the day after the premiere. 'I felt so vulnerable - which I do normally with acting, but not as much. I suddenly realized what an exposing thing this is. Like you said, it's showing a different side of myself and putting that out there to be obliterated.' But Dickinson, who first emerged in Eliza Hitman's 2017 film 'Beach Rats,' only expanded audience's notions of him with 'Urchin.' As he explained in an interview, making it was important enough to him, even if it meant sacrificing parts at the very moment Hollywood won't stop calling. Next, Dickinson will star as John Lennon in Sam Mendes' four-film Beatles project. How did your artistic journey start? Was acting or directing first? I wanted to direct from a very young age. I wanted to make films. I was making these skateboard videos and I was doing a lot of short films on YouTube. I had a web series where I would release episodes weekly. It was like a sketch show. That was first love, just making things. Acting kind of kicked off a little bit once 'Beach Rats' came out at Sundance. It was weird. I had to earn my stripes, of course, as an actor. But I couldn't go to film school because I was acting. So I just carried on my own interest in it and thought: Hopefully someday I can do it. Then the short film happened and the BBC took a chance on me, commissioning 'Urchin.' Was it hard to juggle your priorities? Hard to figure out, yeah. And particularly when we're in a world where people don't always love someone trying to doing multiple things. And rightly so. There are times when you shouldn't be trying to be a basketball player, or whatever. A lot of people do go, 'Oh, I fancy doing that now,' particularly when they get to a more successful position. But this has always been a love of mine and I've just been waiting for the moment to do it. That must of required a lot of effort, especially after all the attention of 'Babygirl.' Did it mean saying no a lot? Yeah, for sure. But it's easy to say no to things. 'Urchin' was all I could think about it. It was pouring out of me. It was all that was on my mind. It's easy to say no when you've got something to take you away from that, you know? Nothing that came in would make me question my own film, which is a sign that I had to make it at this time. I don't know, maybe that sounds self-important. What was it about this character that compelled you? The discovery of Mike happened over a long time. I really started with the intention to create a very focused character study of someone who was ultimately battling against themselves. I wanted to show a full person in all of their ugliness and all of their humanity and their charm. And that was a hard process to get right. Associated Press