Latest news with #BRAVE
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Rita Ora's £50 Primark handbag 'looks like' £200 designer label
Shoppers looking for high-end style for less are likely to love Primark's 'perfect' new bag Primark's Rita Ora collection includes a suede handbag that resembles a luxury alternative. Famous for its affordable fashion and accessories, the high street retailer is stocking a new style for summer. The Rita Ora Fringe Crossbody Bag arguably looks like a high-end style by BRAVE Leather, known for its artisan-crafted leather goods. However, it is available for £50, while the Avah Suede bag offered by the Canadian-based brand retails for C$375 (approximately £200). Both styles look similar as they share a slouched tote bag shape, short strap, and fringed detailing. Despite these similarities, they don't look like the same shade of brown. There are also differences in fabric and construction, and the fringe design on the Primark bag is much longer. Primark bag's outer is 100% leather suede, while lining is 100% polyester. The product description states: "Bring a little drama to your everyday looks with this chocolate fringe crossbody from the Rita Ora collection. "Made from leather with a soft, slouchy shape, it's the perfect addition to your day-to-day 'fits. The adjustable strap means you can sling it over your shoulder or wear it crossbody and a secure zip fastening keeps your essentials tucked safely inside, while the generous fringing brings all the movement. Whether you're heading to a festival or just want to level up your casual, this bag's got you." Elsewhere, the product description says the BRAVE Leather bag is 100% vegetable tanned Italian leather with an unlined suede interior. The brand says the bag is ethically made in Canada. The product description states: "The Avah tote bag is made from super-soft Italian suede featuring side seamed fringe detail. A must have for the bohemian at heart, or the modern fashionista. The roomy inside features a double leather pocket to accommodate all your daily needs." Additionally, BRAVE's website states that they custom-make each piece to order in their Toronto workshop. There's also a complimentary embossing service. Primark shoppers looking for a similar style for less could enjoy a significant saving. However, customers looking for a fringed handbag may prefer to shop elsewhere, reports the Mirror. For instance, Marks & Spencer offers the Per Una's Suede Fringed Shoulder Bag for £89. The product description reads: "This stylish suede bag from our Per Una range is made for boho-inspired looks. It has a compact design with a single shoulder strap and a secure magnetic flap fastening. Fringing down each side swishes as you move, while an interior zipped pocket keeps your valuables organised." For those with their heart set on the Primark bag, the style is available for click and collect. You can also locate your nearest Primark store here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice here.
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Primark's 'perfect' £50 leather bag looks 'so similar' to £275 brand
The store's new accessory looks similar to a luxury version for a fraction of the cost Primark is stocking a new bag that bears a striking resemblance to a luxury alternative. Popular for its affordable fashion and accessories, the retailer has introduced a new style likely to impress shoppers. The Rita Ora Fringe Crossbody Bag looks similar to a high-end style by BRAVE Leather, known for its artisan-crafted leather goods. However, there's a significant price difference. Shoppers can snag the Primark version for £50, while the Avah Suede bag offered by the Canadian-based brand retails for $375 (approximately £275). Both brown bags arguably look similar, thanks to the slouched tote bag shape, short strap, and fringed detailing. Shoppers could mix and match either bag with the same outfit, thanks to the style similarities. However, there are some noticeable differences, as they're not the same chocolate shade, and the fringe design on the Primark bag is much longer. It's also important to note that there are differences in fabric and construction. While the Primark bag's outer is 100% leather suede, it's not the only material. For instance, the lining is 100% polyester. The product description states: "Bring a little drama to your everyday looks with this chocolate fringe crossbody from the Rita Ora collection. "Made from leather with a soft, slouchy shape, it's the perfect addition to your day-to-day 'fits. The adjustable strap means you can sling it over your shoulder or wear it crossbody and a secure zip fastening keeps your essentials tucked safely inside, while the generous fringing brings all the movement. Whether you're heading to a festival or just want to level up your casual, this bag's got you." Conversely, the product description says the BRAVE Leather bag is 100% vegetable tanned Italian leather with an unlined suede interior. The brand says the bag is ethically made in Canada. The product description states: "The Avah tote bag is made from super-soft Italian suede featuring side seamed fringe detail. A must have for the bohemian at heart, or the modern fashionista. The roomy inside features a double leather pocket to accommodate all your daily needs." Additionally, BRAVE's website states that they custom-make each piece to order in their Toronto workshop. There's also a complimentary embossing service. Primark shoppers looking for a similar style for less could enjoy a significant saving. Alternatively, shoppers looking for a fringed handbag may prefer to shop elsewhere. For instance, customers searching for a smaller bag might prefer Per Una's Suede Fringed Shoulder Bag for £89 from Marks & Spencer. The product description states: "This stylish suede bag from our Per Una range is made for boho-inspired looks. "It has a compact design with a single shoulder strap and a secure magnetic flap fastening. Fringing down each side swishes as you move, while an interior zipped pocket keeps your valuables organised." It's much more compact than the other two styles; however, there are notable design differences. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice here.
Mint
20-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Japan's BeyondNext plans $50 million India fund to back deeptech, AI, semiconductor startups
Japanese venture capital firm BeyondNext Ventures, which focuses on deeptech and deep science startups, plans to raise a $50 million fund to back more Indian ventures, a top company executive said. The firm's rationale is threefold: investing in companies with a strong go-to-market focus, investing in Indians across the world, and bringing these businesses to Japan, where larger conglomerates can act as distribution partners. 'We think of India as a place where there are enormous tailwinds and tonnes of young entrepreneurs," Jay Krishnan, head of India investments at BeyondNext Ventures, told Mint in an interview. 'We want to enable those tailwinds, both from a policy and risk conversion side, and bring them to Japan." BeyondNext entered India in 2019, when it backed 14 startups using capital from its $100 million second fund. 'Back then, the idea was to get a taste, get some exposure. Now, we've decided to go full hog in India," Krishnan said. Also Read | How AI is transforming the role of venture capital for startups Japanese VCs are looking more closely at the Indian startup ecosystem. Clean energy startup Aerem raised about $12 million from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation earlier this year. In November last year, Sumitomo's Asia fund was part of a $35 million funding round in mortgage-tech startup Easy. In July last year, mobility manufacturer Suzuki launched its first India-focused ₹340 crore fund to tap startups working in agriculture, financial inclusion, supply chain and mobility. BeyondNext is fundraising at the moment and will set aside 50% of the fund for 20 to 25 investments in the first five years of the 10-year fund. In the next five years, it will deploy the remaining capital for winners from the India portfolio, reserving $1 million for a pre-Series A cheque and another $1 million for follow-on investments. Bullish on semiconductors The firm will enter companies at the pre-seed stage and is offering cheques that start at $250,000 and go up to $2 million. 'We don't want to do Series A for these startups – we'd rather make them discoverable and visible to investors who come in at that stage," said Krishnan. Also Read | India's venture capital firms are finding that leaner might be better For the India-focused fund, BeyondNext said it is very bullish on the semiconductor industry, specifically startups that are able to disrupt the value chain in the sector. Additionally, the firm is evaluating startups in biotech, space and artificial intelligence. 'We're also eager about anything that has a local/contextualised play where the market is big enough that once they crack India, they can go anywhere," Krishnan said. The firm plans to bring its Japanese deeptech playbook to India. BeyondNext runs an incubation programme called BRAVE, where it matches scientists and researchers with ideas that could become startups with business-facing talent. The programme has yielded 52 ventures, according to BeyondNext's website. Also Read | End of FOMO: Venture capital firms turn cautious over AI startup hype; demand models with clear returns and impact 'We prefer two or three founders where the shortcomings of one are mitigated by someone else," said Krishnan. Some of BeyondNext's previous investments in India include GigIndia, which was acquired by PhonePe in 2022, medical crowdfunding platform ImpactGuru, daycare surgery aggregator Medfin, and low-code digital therapeutics SaaS platform Wellthy Therapeutics.
Otago Daily Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Queenstown's beauty queen
From cooking in a retirement village kitchen to successfully strutting the catwalk in a beauty pageant. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED A Queenstowner is off to China at year's end to represent New Zealand at the Mrs United Nations International pageant. Sheetal Bhatt, 44, secured the spot by finishing second runner-up at the recent Mrs Aotearoa Beauty Pageant held in Auckland. She also won the 'most articulate' award at the same event. Originally from India, Bhatt got her first taste of beauty pageants in 2019, when she finished first runner-up at Mrs International Indie Royal in Dubai, which was open to Indians from around the world. In Auckland she paraded in a gown, swimsuit and NZ national costume, and also answered questions from the judges on stage after giving an introduction. Bhatt, who works five days a week as a cook at Arvida Queenstown Country Club's care centre and teaches two days a week at Curious Minds Early Learning, says the pageant wasn't just about outer beauty but also female empowerment. She entered as a way of learning about NZ and its culture, having come to Queenstown from India three years ago. "It's my first step to come closer to NZ." Through the pageant she's also fundraised for an Auckland charity, BRAVE, which supports young people affected by sexual harm. She also teaches yoga online to Indian women entering beauty pageants — "yoga is part of my life". As for residents of the Queenstown Country Club retirement village, Bhatt says they love her unconditionally. "When I'm dressing up they go, 'oh, Sheetal, you are looking great'. I'm like, 'don't, I'm blushing now'."
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Major development in fashion designer Wayne Cooper's bid to clear his name over wife assault claim
Fashion designer Wayne Cooper has had a major legal win after an allegation he assaulted his wife during an argument involving a bottle of wine was dropped. Cooper was set to appear in Sydney's Waverley Local Court on Monday to defend an accusation that he attacked Elizabeth Adams at Bondi in Sydney's eastern suburbs. The case will now not go ahead after the charge was withdrawn during a brief court mention in late March. Cooper still has a court appointment in Byron Bay in August when he will seek to prove he did not attack Ms Adams on another occasion and breach a restraining order. The 61-year-old pleaded not guilty in January to those charges of common assault and contravening the apprehended violence order. Cooper, who first found fame in the 1990s with his BRAVE label, married Ms Adams in December 2023, having met the mother-of-two just nine months earlier. Claims of domestic disharmony first surfaced in public when police sought an AVO to protect Cooper from Ms Adams at Byron Bay Local Court last August. The AVO was confirmed later that month, preventing Ms Adams from assaulting, intimidating, threatening, harassing or stalking her husband. Weeks later, Ms Adams, 47, revealed to Daily Mail Australia that the shadow of Cooper's ex-wife Sarah Marsh loomed over their marriage, triggering a meltdown which landed her in court. 'Like Princess Diana said, "There's three of us in this marriage", so it's getting a bit crowded,' the former UBS banker said. 'But, despite the uncertainties, my commitment to Wayne is unwavering. Our love for one another is infectious and we're more committed than ever.' At the same time Cooper told Daily Mail Australia: 'Everything is fine. It's a storm in a teacup. We're together and we're happy and that's it.' Ms Marsh responded by saying she was not in contact with Cooper and had nothing to do with his new wife. 'I've never even met her,' the one-time model said. 'Except for seeing her in court once. As for him, I haven't spoken to Wayne in over two years.' Days after those comments, in mid-September, Byron Bay police applied for an AVO to protect Ms Adams from Cooper. That matter was dismissed on October 28. On December 8, Ms Adams went to police claiming Cooper had assaulted her during an argument which involved a wine bottle at an apartment complex in Campbell Parade, Bondi. That resulted in Cooper being charged with common assault the following day when he was also served with another interim AVO. Cooper did not appear in Waverley Local Court on December 12 over the Bondi assault charge but pleaded not guilty and the case was adjourned for a hearing on May 19. The charge was withdrawn on March 27, along with the AVO application. Cooper was arrested and faced court on December 21 charged with contravening an AVO and another count of common assault. He was granted bail with conditions including that he not enter Myocum and report to Byron Bay police station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cooper was arrested again on December 27 at Myocum and spent another night in the cells. He faced Parramatta Local Court via audio-visual link the following day accused of breaching his bail but was set free once more. Cooper's new bail conditions allowed him to collect a vehicle from Byron Bay and then to not go within 200km of the town except to attend court. He was ordered to live at an address within the City of Sydney local government area and report three times a week to Kings Cross police station. Cooper proposed to Ms Adams by hiding an engagement ring in a bowl of caviar during a romantic dinner at Bondi Icebergs. The couple had been dating for just eight months following the breakdown of Cooper's tumultuous 25-year relationship with Ms Marsh. Cooper and Ms Marsh sold their Tamarama home for $11million in February 2022, having bought the five-bedroom, five-bathroom house for $5.5 million in 2011. The next month they paid $5.09 million for the Myocum property, a five-bedroom, six-bathroom estate with a resort-style swimming pool, landscaped gardens and tennis court. Cooper was arrested at the Myocum house in May 2022 and charged with two counts of domestic violence-related common assault upon Ms Marsh. Those charges came barely 12 months after Cooper had furiously denied he and Ms Marsh had ended their marriage. Cooper, who has two children with Ms Marsh, told Daily Mail Australia at the time that a story the pair had split was 'completely fabricated'. The assault charges, stemming from alleged incidents at Tamarama in December 2015 and May 2016, were dismissed by a magistrate in August 2023. An application for an AVO to protect Ms Marsh from Cooper was also dismissed. Cooper was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond in December 2008 after pleading guilty to assaulting Ms Marsh just days after she had cancer surgery. The assault occurred when Ms Marsh tried to demonstrate to Cooper how she alleged he had pushed her while on holiday at Port Douglas in far north Queensland. Charges of assault causing bodily harm and stalking and intimidation arising from the same events were withdrawn at Waverley Local Court. British-born Cooper grew up in London 's East End and moved to Australia in 1985, studying fashion design at East Sydney Technical College. He started the labels BRAVE, WAYNE COOPER and WAYNE. His clothes were once sold at two boutiques in Melbourne and are now available at Myer department stores.
