London, 23 February 2026
Today marks the close of London Fashion Week (LFW) 2026, and OMODA UK’s most high-profile brand moment yet in the UK. As Principal Partner of this year’s LFW and in recognition of its wider relationship with the British Fashion Council (BFC), OMODA UK spent the week making its presence felt across the capital, establishing the OMODA 7 as the mode of transport of choice for fashion’s most discerning figures, and a design statement that belongs squarely in the world of contemporary style.

Alongside OMODA UK’s LFW activation was a campaign that did what the best fashion statements always aim to do: turn heads. ‘I’m Not a Supermodel, But This Car Is’ was a confident, viral campaign that flipped the convention of automotive advertising on its head. Rather than placing a human at the centre of the story, it positioned the OMODA 7 as an undisputed showstopper of the season.

Fronted by model Denise Ohnona, who often gets mistaken for one of the UK’s most famous and iconic supermodels of the 21^st Century, OMODA UK’s campaign unfolded through a series of photo and video content in which the OMODA 7 was styled, lit and presented with the same admiration afforded to the world’s most famous faces. Denise’s role was knowing and playful, which added the human presence precisely to remind people that the real star isn’t a ‘face’ as expected, but the OMODA 7 itself.

High-impact digital billboards at The Outernet ran during LFW, designed to make tourists and passers-by do a double-take before directing them to the website imnotasupermodel.com, tying people back to the brand and the car. The messaging reflected the OMODA 7’s confident design language and its ambition to challenge expectations, both in automotive, fashion and culture.

Throughout the wider London Fashion Week spectacle, a fleet of OMODA 7s provided VIP transport for designers, models and senior industry figures across London. From backstage arrivals to after-show departures, the OMODA 7 was woven into the fabric of LFW, not only as a sponsor but as a genuine participant in fashion’s most important week, making it the mode of choice in the industry.

Inside the official BFC NEWGEN space at 180 Strand, OMODA UK created the ‘OMODA Lounge’, which displayed an immersive environment inspired by the brand’s “Art in Motion” design philosophy. In collaboration with FOUNDATION FM, the female-led radio station championing underground music, art and culture, the space hosted live DJ broadcasts and served as a meeting point for designers, artists and tastemakers throughout the week. It was a physical expression of what OMODA represents: a brand that understands the space where design, technology and culture converge.

Victor Zhang, UK Country Director, OMODA UK, said: “For OMODA UK, London Fashion Week represented a perfect meeting point between design, creativity and technology, values that are already central to everything we stand for as a brand. The word ‘MODA’ is not incidental to our name; it is our intent. We believe a car can be as culturally relevant and as aesthetically compelling as high fashion, and the OMODA 7 is our most powerful proof of that yet. 

“The ‘I’m Not a Supermodel, But This Car Is’ campaign reflected our confidence in the OMODA 7 as a fashion-forward SUV that belongs in contemporary British culture. We close London Fashion Week 2026 with the OMODA 7 firmly established as the most stylish new arrival of the season.”

The connection is more than symbolic. Embedded in the brand’s very identity, “MODA”, derived from the word for “fashion”, speaks to OMODA’s founding belief that a car can be as fashion-forward, as expressive, and as culturally relevant as anything on a runway. The OMODA 7 is that belief made real as a bold, stylish and technology-forward mid-size SUV that doesn’t just keep pace with modern taste but rather sets the benchmark.

Positioned between the compact OMODA 5 and the flagship OMODA 9, the OMODA 7 represents a significant step in the brand’s UK portfolio. Available in Knight and Noble specification grades, it is offered with either a 1.6-litre TGi petrol engine or OMODA’s Super Hybrid System, which delivers over 700 miles of total range, including up to 56 miles of EV-only driving, with fast charging and Vehicle-to-Load capability.

Inside, eco-leather finishes, dual digital displays, SONY audio and wireless smartphone connectivity come as standard. The OMODA 7 is also the first UK-delivered OMODA model to feature an in-built fragrance system, which adds an innovative sensory dimension to the cabin, setting a new benchmark for interior experience in this segment.

The OMODA 7 will arrive in UK dealerships from March 2026, priced from £29,915 OTR* for the petrol variant and from £32,000 OTR* for the SHS. All models are supported by a comprehensive 7-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty, an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty for SHS variants, and RAC Home Start as standard for the lifetime of the warranty.**

* All prices quoted are correct at time of writing
** Subject to servicing within the OMODA&JAECOO network, in line with the maintenance schedule

The Zip Yard was founded in 2005 with a clear vision: to make professional tailoring fast, affordable and accessible. What began as one store near the Harland & Wolff shipyard has evolved into a trusted brand recognised for quality craftsmanship, reliability and care.

Today, the business remains committed to the same founding principles while continuing to adapt to modern customer needs. From one-hour express services to specialist bridal, formalwear and school uniform alterations, The Zip Yard has altered and repaired millions of garments, helping to keep clothes in circulation and out of landfill.

At the helm of The Zip Yard are Neluka and Neil Dunning, who together lead the brand’s continued growth. Neluka opened her first franchise in Leeds in 2019 and quickly recognised the potential of the business model. Two years later, she acquired the UK master licence, and in April 2025, alongside Neil, became owner of the entire Zip Yard network across the UK, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

“When I bought my first Zip Yard franchise in 2019, I had no idea how quickly my journey would grow,” says Neluka. “From doubling the customer base in Leeds to partnering with Tesco and appearing on BBC’s The One Show, every milestone reminded me that what we do is about more than just alterations – it’s about building trust, solving problems, and making people feel good about their clothes. Leading the business today with Neil by my side makes the journey even more meaningful.”

Under their leadership, The Zip Yard has continued to champion sustainability and slow fashion, promoting repair and reuse as essential steps toward reducing clothing waste. The brand remains part of a growing movement encouraging customers to buy better and repair what they love.

“We’re incredibly proud of our reputation for quality and professionalism,” says Neluka. “Whether it’s a simple hem repair or a complex restyle, we approach every garment with care and craftsmanship. As more people look for sustainable alternatives to fast fashion, our role feels more important than ever.”

With over 40 franchisees and hundreds of skilled staff employed across the network, The Zip Yard’s ambition is to continue expanding, with the long-term goal of having a store in every major UK town and city centre.

As it celebrates 20 years in business, The Zip Yard’s message is simple: repair, restyle, reuse – and rediscover the joy of clothes that fit and last.

Visit The Zip Yard

A new accessibility review conducted by Halton Stairlifts, a leading stairlift provider, has analysed the 25 largest shopping centres in the country to highlight which destinations truly support inclusive access and which still have work to do.

The research assessed each centre based on five key criteria:

• Availability of mobility hire (wheelchairs or scooters)
• Whether Changing Places toilets were available
• Accessible toilet availability
• Quality of online accessibility information
• Presence of quiet hours or sensory-friendly sessions

Top scorers achieved full marks, offering mobility hire services, comprehensive accessible facilities and clear public information. These are the most prepared destinations for visitors with mobility requirements.

Centres with a score of 4/5 performed strongly overall, but often lacked sensory-friendly hours or clear public documentation around Changing Places facilities.

Centres scoring 3/5 may require more planning for visitors, particularly those reliant on mobility aids. Halton Stairlifts recommends checking ahead before travelling.

Halton Stairlift’s mobility expert, Neil McKenzie, comments:

This upcoming shopping period can be extremely challenging for anyone with mobility issues, especially in busy and crowded environments.

Our research shows that while many centres are investing in accessibility, there are still large gaps in major shopping centres. The UK population is ageing, which is why we stress how important it is to ensure shopping spaces are inclusive.

Standout regions include the North West, Midlands, Scotland, and the South East, while the centres falling behind are Atria Watford, Royal Victoria Place, Merry Hill, and Lakeside, all of which are missing key accessibility features or clear public information.

Why this matters

More than 14 million people in the UK live with mobility challenges, and for many, accessibility is not a luxury. It is fundamental to independence, safety and dignity. An accessible shopping centre can make an ordinary day enjoyable rather than stressful.

Studies like this help families, carers and mobility users make informed choices while setting a standard for improvement across public spaces.

1.     Majority Pulse 1 Bluetooth Party Speaker – £69.99 (was £99.99), Currys

Big sound. Smart lights. Serious fun. This early Black Friday deal is a steal – and possibly the best-sounding gift under £100.

The Majority Pulse 1 doesn’t just play music – it performs it. Packing an impressive 80W output, a 6.5-inch bass driver, and responsive AI lighting, this speaker brings concert energy to your kitchen, garden, or wherever the party lands. With Bluetooth 5.4, USB/SD playback, Bass Boost mode, and up to 10 hours of battery life, it’s built for both house parties and karaoke nights (yes, there’s a mic included).

2. Moto Bluetooth Turntable – £89.99, Currys

Vinyl is back, and the Majority Moto blends retro style with modern convenience. With a warm walnut finish, an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, built-in speakers, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, it bridges old-school charm and new-age tech. You can even record vinyl directly to USB – ideal for those who love preserving their records as digital keepsakes.

3. Majority D40 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers – £72.99, Currys

For the audiophile who takes their playlists seriously, the D40 speakers deliver crisp, balanced sound with punchy bass and polished trebles. With Bluetooth, RCA, optical, AUX, USB, and SD connectivity, they’ll fit seamlessly into any setup – whether that’s a minimalist desk or a full home cinema. Compact, powerful, and beautifully designed, they’re proof that bookshelf speakers can do big-room sound.

4. Mix Tape USB Stick – £19.99, Suck.uk.com

Before playlists and streaming, there were mixtapes – handmade love letters in cassette form. The Mix Tape USB Stick revives that nostalgia with a 1GB USB drive inside a retro cassette-style case, complete with space to jot down track listings and messages. It stores up to 900 minutes of MP3s, making it the perfect way to share your personal soundtrack with someone special.

5. Cat Scratch Turntable – £21.99, Suck.uk.com

Finally – a turntable your cat can get behind. This cardboard DJ deck features a spinnable platter and poseable tone arm, so your feline friend can “mix” while saving your sofa from destruction. A hilarious (and oddly stylish) addition to any music lover’s home.

6. Music Creator Mini Karaoke Station – £25, Argos

Great for tweens, kids and karaoke fans. Turn any living room into a stage with this wireless mini karaoke system. Featuring 8 LED light modes, two microphones, and funny voice effects, it’s made for duets, dance-offs, and spontaneous performances. Connect it via Bluetooth or load your own tracks using a microSD card – then let the show begin.

7. Broken Records 200-Piece Jigsaw – £14.99, Suck.uk.com

For those who prefer to unwind offline, these vinyl-shaped puzzles combine classic album aesthetics with tactile satisfaction. Choose from Hip Hop Classics, Rock Legends, or Pop Stars, each packed in a sleeve that looks like a real LP. A perfect rainy-day nod to the golden age of records.

8. Boombox Lunch Box – £21.99, Suck.uk.com

School lunch never looked this loud. Styled like a retro ghetto blaster, this metal lunch box features a lenticular EQ display, embossed detailing, and stickers for personalisation. It’s the ideal gift for anyone who thinks 1989 was peak cool – or just wants to carry their snacks in style.

9. Spot The Intro Music Board Game – £26.99, ASDA

Think you know your chart-toppers? This fast-paced trivia game challenges players to name songs and artists from six decades of hits. Connect your phone to stream the mystery tracks, then race the clock to prove your musical prowess. Bonus questions add extra points – and extra pressure.

10. You Rock! Gold Hand Charm – £11.99, Suck.uk.com

A pocket-sized salute to anyone who deserves applause. The You Rock! Lucky Charm is a miniature gold hand making the universal rock gesture – equal parts desk ornament, lucky token, and ring holder. Packaged in an elegant black-and-gold box, it’s a subtle but stylish way to say: “You’re awesome.”

London, UK (30^th September 2025): Nissan van line-up has had their impressive safety credentials re-confirmed by Euro NCAP, after the organisation recently changed the way in which it ranks LCVs.

The compact and versatile Nissan Townstar – and the Interstar, Nissan’s largest LCV – have both been awarded the maximum five stars under the new system. Both vehicles are available with ICE or all-electric powertrains.

Meanwhile, the medium-sized Primastar achieved a strong four-star rating. All three vehicles have been re-assessed by Euro NCAP this year.

The star ratings replace the ‘medal’ grading method employed by Euro NCAP until recently, under which vans were allocated rankings such as bronze, silver and gold. Star ratings are already used in a wide variety of automotive settings, with a five-star rating indicating the peak of success.

The Nissan LCV team is naturally delighted that its trio of vans are ranked so highly. In fact, the new Euro NCAP scoring system meant a step up for Townstar, which advanced from its former gold status – just below platinum and equivalent to four stars – to five-star billing.

These ratings are testament to Nissan’s commitment to safety, particularly as since 2023, Euro NCAP has applied more rigorous assessment protocols to commercial vans than those used in previous years.

Statistics published by Euro NCAP provide a fascinating insight into just how safe Nissan’s LCVs really are – thanks to an advanced suite of technologies installed as standard across all grades. For safe driving, Townstar scored 79 per cent; Interstar 73 per cent and Primastar 68 per cent.

Assessed for crash avoidance, Interstar was scored at 76 per cent; Townstar achieved 74 per cent and Primastar achieved 61 per cent. All three achieved an impressive 80 per cent in the post-crash safety category.

There were a number of factors that helped Townstar advance to its new five-star status. The van won particular praise for its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system which detects other vehicles and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Euro NCAP noted: ‘‘Performance is excellent when approaching a stationary or slower-moving car, with collisions avoided in almost all test scenarios. The system performs equally well whether the target vehicle is straight in front of it or offset to one side.’’

Townstar’s Lane Departure Warning System also won praise, ‘‘performing well in all tests’’.

Euro NCAP said Primastar ‘‘represents a good choice for those seeking a safe commercial van’’ and that Interstar’s five-star rating was ‘‘well-deserved’’.

Euro NCAP’s current criteria for commercial van ratings focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and place special emphasis on vulnerable road users, including pedestrians out and about at night, and cyclists.

Reaffirming Nissan’s commitment to quality and reassurance, every Nissan LCV is covered by a five-year or 100,000-mile warranty. The comprehensive package includes bumper-to-bumper protection and roadside assistance for a full five years – providing comprehensive cover for extra peace of mind.

Francesco Russiello, LCV Category Manager at Nissan said: ‘‘The outstanding performance of our Light Commercial Vehicle range across all safety categories demonstrates our clear commitment and dedication to improving passenger and road safety.

‘‘Nissan is at the forefront when it comes to the advanced suite of technologies that are standard on all grades of our LCVs, identifying potential dangers and helping the driver to avoid an accident.

‘‘The information provided by Euro NCAP’s thorough testing and rating programme is crucial for consumers to truly understand the various safety technologies we have introduced across our vehicles as standard. It’s great to see our efforts recognised in this way, but more importantly, it’s hugely reassuring for our customers.’’

The Hollywood Mirror: A Must-Have for Budding Beauty Creators

The new Studio Creator Hollywood Mirror: Get Ready With Me Set has arrived giving content creators, makeup lovers and beauty beginners the ultimate desk-top setup for flawless lighting, hands-free filming and effortless organisation. With three lighting modes, adjustable brightness, a 360° phone holder and a detachable accessory tray, this is the must-have mirror for anyone creating GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos, tutorials, or selfies.

Whether you’re getting ready for a night out, filming a makeup routine or perfecting your skincare ritual, the Hollywood Mirror transforms any space into a professional-style vanity, without the studio price tag.

Features

·       LED Hollywood Lighting, Three professional lighting modes: white, natural and warm

·       Adjustable Brightness, Touchscreen dimmer control for tailored lighting

·       360° Phone Holder, Built-in holder rotates to capture your best angles

·       Hands-Free Filming, Perfect for shooting Get Ready With Me videos, tutorials or time-lapse makeup routines

·       Detachable Storage Tray, Keeps beauty essentials, accessories or tools tidy and within easy reach

·       Stylish & Compact Design, Ideal for bedroom desks, vanity units or compact filming setups

·       USB Rechargeable – Powered by USB for easy use at home or on-the-go

Contents

·       1 x Studio Creator Hollywood Mirror

·       1 x Built-in 360° Rotating Phone Holder

·       1 x Removable Storage Tray

·       1 x USB Charging Cable

Create, Film, Glow – All in One

Designed for the new generation of beauty and lifestyle creators, the Studio Creator Hollywood Mirror is more than just a mirror, it’s a content creation companion. With adjustable lighting to suit every skin tone and environment, creators can film confidently with soft, even lighting and no harsh shadows.

It’s never been easier to create professional-style content from your own bedroom.

Whether it’s GRWM reels, skincare tutorials or daily vlogs, users can keep their hands free and their space clutter-free, while capturing content with the perfect glow every time.

Specifications

·       Dimensions   27.7L cm x 4.6D cm x 36.2H cm

·       3 Lighting Modes, White, Natural and Warm

·       Touchscreen dimmer with Brightness Control   

·       360° adjustable built-in Phone Holder    

·       Removable accessory tray

·       Power USB rechargeable (cable included)

The Studio Creator Hollywood Mirror: Get Ready With Me Set is available now at Smyths Toys for £24.99.

Subaru UK & Ireland is delighted to announce that ‘The Subaru Cocoon’ garden has won a host of top awards at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, the world’s largest annual flower show. The innovative Show Garden was awarded ‘Best Show Garden’ and the highly coveted Tudor Rose Award, a prestigious accolade that recognises exceptional show gardens. The ‘Subaru Cocoon’ show garden also took home the ‘Best Construction (Show Garden)’ award and the RHS Environmental Innovation Award.

Once covering 20% of Britain, these lush, biodiverse Rainforest ecosystems have now dwindled to less than 1%, making them one of the UK’s most threatened habitats. The Subaru Cocoon’s powerful conservation message, combined with its innovative sustainable design, captivated judges, leading to this remarkable recognition, placing it among the most successful gardens in the festival’s history.

The show garden is a collaboration between Subaru UK & Ireland and the Mike McMahon Studio, and was inspired by the UK and Ireland’s rapidly vanishing temperate rainforests. The resulting space is a sculptural sensory refuge that creates a calming environment, drawing attention to this quiet, yet vital crisis.

Lorraine Bishton, Managing Director at Subaru UK & Ireland, said: “We are thrilled The Subaru Cocoon garden has received outstanding levels of recognition, as it supports our aim of showcasing both the beauty and fragility of our native rainforests, and the need to safeguard these ecologically rich, but threatened habitats.

We would like to thank our partner, Mike McMahon Studio, whose vision and commitment to excellence has proved instrumental to this activation. They have created a garden which beautifully articulates Subaru’s commitment to protection and sustainability, along with a profound appreciation of the natural world – values we know our customers share.

Following the festival, I’m looking forward to seeing the Subaru Cocoon further evolve as it is repurposed to provide an enduring legacy with the inspirational charity Horatio’s Garden.”

Mike McMahon and Jewsly Mathews of Mike McMahon Studio, added: “We are overjoyed and humbled to receive a Gold Medal, Best Show Garden, Environmental Innovation Award, Best Construction Award and the coveted Tudor Rose Award at the 2025 RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. With our Subaru Cocoon, we sought to capture the quiet majesty of the temperate rainforest and illuminate the urgent need to protect these precious, life-giving ecosystems. This recognition is a testament to the power of gardens to stir hearts, spark change, and celebrate the profound beauty of our living world.”

Award-Winning Sustainable Innovation

The show garden features a striking curved Jali wall – a perforated architectural screen that honours co-designer Jewlsy Mathews’ South Indian heritage – made from 4,500 innovative Kenoteq K-Briqs manufactured from over 95% recycled construction waste. The revolutionary building materials emit 95% less carbon than traditional fired bricks, with the Jali wall doubling as a super-sized ‘insect hotel’ supporting microhabitats across the site.

By using sustainable bricks, the garden project diverted 9.45 tonnes of construction waste from landfill and saved 1,972 kg of CO₂ emissions – equivalent to the amount of CO₂ 80 mature trees would absorb over a full year. This innovative approach to biodiversity follows Mike McMahon Studio’s RHS Chelsea Gold Medal-winning garden in 2024.

In lieu of a traditional walled garden door, a reflective water threshold leads into a cool, immersive landscape of texture and shadow, with cantilevered fallen tree trunks planted with native epiphytes. The planting scheme features exclusively native species from the UK and Ireland, including thirteen species of fern, Silver Birch, and Scots Pine, structured in forest-like layers to celebrate the rich biodiversity of Britain’s temperate rainforests.

The Cocoon garden reflects Subaru’s commitment to sustainability, care, and considered movement – values shared across both brand and show garden. Just as Subaru supports responsible exploration through electric innovation with the zero-tailpipe emission, all-wheel-drive Subaru Solterra, the garden offers a place of refuge that treads lightly on the land.

As part of Subaru’s commitment to sustainability, the award-winning garden will be given a second life after the festival, with plans to repurpose it with the Horatio’s Garden charity, ensuring the installation continues to inspire and provide a place to nurture the wellbeing of people beyond the event.

For more information on the Subaru range, including the all-electric Solterra, visit www.subaru.co.uk

John Flamsteed was appointed as the first Astronomer Royal by King Charles II in 1675 to create an accurate map of the night sky which could be used to help determine longitude and improve navigation at sea.

Christopher Wren best known as the architect of St Paul’s Cathedral, was tasked with designing the Royal Observatory along with his assistant Robert Hooke. 

Astronomy and time are inextricably linked. By tracking the movement of the stars, astronomers can use the sky like a giant clock and ensure accurate time here on Earth.

As the Royal Observatory built a reputation for navigation and astronomy, it also established itself as a centre for measuring and sharing time. 

In 1821 the Observatory became the testing centre for marine chronometers used by the Royal Navy. Then in 1833 the Greenwich Time Ball was installed by John Pond, the sixth Astronomer Royal, on the roof of Flamsteed House.

British independent watchmakers The Camden Watch Company have teamed up with The Royal Observatory again (first time was with the GMT watch) to create a special timepiece commemorating this anniversary.

Available in nine variations (different styles of straps matched with the different cases), The Camden Watch Company No.27 Moonphase Edition is a tribute to the Victorians’ fascination with the night sky and as they describe it, “a love letter to their endless curiosity about the cosmos.” 

The watch features a shimmering dial mirroring the stars scattered across the midnight sky, while the moonphase function accurately tracks the lunar cycle, reflecting the moon’s changing shape as it moves through its phases and above the moonphase opening section the words Royal Observatory Greenwich appear. This unisex timepiece comes in either a stainless steel case or a black ion-plated stainless steel case as well as various coloured leather straps or a mesh strap.  There is also a vegan strap option available.

Anneke Short, Co-Founder and Designer of The Camden Watch Company says:  “We’re so happy with this watch, the moonphase is such a poetic complication, and it is a great addition to the Camden family.”