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Luxury jewellery is becoming one of the strongest-performing categories in the global fashion industry as demand for traditional products such as handbags and shoes continues to slow. Industry analysts say major luxury houses are increasingly investing in jewellery, viewing it as the sector with the greatest growth potential amid changing consumer preferences. The shift has benefited both established jewellery brands and smaller luxury labels. Companies that were once known primarily for fashion and leather goods are now placing greater emphasis on expanding their jewellery collections to attract consumers looking for timeless, investment-worthy pieces. Among the biggest beneficiaries are luxury groups Richemont and LVMH, which own some of the world’s leading jewellery brands. However, smaller brands have also recorded strong growth, encouraging fashion-focused companies to strengthen their presence in the category. According to the report, the industry’s positive performance has renewed interest in jewellery across the luxury sector. French luxury group Kering, which owns jewellery brands Pomellato and Boucheron, reported particularly strong results earlier this year. The company announced in April that sales from its new jewellery division increased 22% on a comparable basis during the first quarter, outperforming all of its other business segments. The figures highlighted jewellery’s growing importance as a revenue driver. Luxury brand Hermès has also experienced rapid growth in jewellery. Analysts at investment firm Vontobel estimate that the company’s jewellery business has achieved a compound annual growth rate of nearly 30% since 2019, although they note that the division still represents a relatively small part of Hermès’ overall business. Industry experts believe this trend reflects broader changes in consumer behaviour. Luxury analyst Madjo said, “Even at soft luxury players like Hermes, Prada, Gucci, everybody’s putting a bit more emphasis on jewellery because that’s where the growth is coming from right now. So you want to be exposed to that.” At the same time, traditional luxury categories such as handbags and shoes are facing increasing pressure. Hermès, whose reputation has long been built around its highly exclusive Birkin bags, recently saw its shares fall about 10% after reporting weaker-than-expected first-quarter growth. The results prompted questions about whether the company’s scarcity-based business model can continue delivering the same level of success. Claudia D’Arpizio, senior partner at consultancy Bain & Company, said changing consumer tastes are reshaping the luxury market. “Bags and shoes are facing meaningful headwinds, as both have experienced significant softening in consumer desirability, particularly among younger audiences,” she said. She added that these categories have traditionally generated strong revenues and profit margins, but post-pandemic market conditions have made them far more challenging. According to D’Arpizio, luxury brands must now develop new strategies to remain competitive, with jewellery increasingly emerging as one of the industry’s most promising growth opportunities.

The season 9 finale of Rick and Morty has left fans emotional after delivering one of the series’ darkest and most heartbreaking endings. Titled Field of Dreams, the episode shifts its focus to Morty as he embarks on an emotional journey across different realities, forcing him to confront difficult truths about himself, Rick and the meaning of family. The finale has since sparked widespread discussion among viewers, many calling it one of the show’s most powerful episodes to date. The episode begins with Morty travelling through multiple dimensions, attending the funerals of alternate versions of himself in search of a sense of belonging. His journey eventually leads him to a parallel Smith family mourning the loss of their own Morty. Unlike the dysfunctional family he knows, this version has distanced itself from Rick because of his destructive behaviour and alcoholism, creating what appears to be a healthier home environment. For a brief moment, Morty experiences the warmth and stability he has always wanted. The alternate family treats him with kindness, making him question whether his own life could have been different. However, the illusion of a perfect family soon begins to unravel as Morty’s presence unintentionally changes their lives, proving that no reality is truly free from pain or consequences. The emotional core of the finale centres on Professor Rick, a version of Rick who abandoned his destructive lifestyle and spent years attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings after losing Diane. Morty eventually tells him the truth about Diane’s fate, offering him comfort but also reopening old wounds. The revelation ultimately pushes Professor Rick back toward alcohol, suggesting that even the best versions of Rick cannot completely escape their past. As Morty watches yet another family fall apart, he begins blaming himself for the destruction around him. Believing that he brings chaos wherever he goes, he returns to his own dimension emotionally defeated. The closing scene features Rick taking Morty on a motorcycle ride before drunkenly declaring that he is Morty’s father. Rather than rejecting the statement, Morty quietly accepts it, implying that he now sees his future as inseparable from Rick’s influence. The ending has particularly resonated with fans because it suggests Morty is finally accepting that he may become more like Rick than he ever wanted. Instead of offering hope, the finale presents a bleak emotional conclusion in which Morty sees himself as someone who damages the lives of those around him. Critics have described the episode as one of the series’ most mature explorations of identity, trauma and family relationships. A post-credit scene hints that more interdimensional chaos lies ahead, setting up future storylines for season 10. While the finale leaves several questions unanswered, it succeeds in delivering an emotionally devastating conclusion that has earned praise from critics and viewers alike. Many fans have called Field of Dreams one of the strongest Rick and Morty finales ever produced, applauding its willingness to place emotional storytelling above spectacle.

Netflix’s hit period drama Bridgerton is officially in production for its fifth season, with the streaming giant confirming that the series will return in 2027. As filming gets underway, details about the cast have begun to emerge, including one confirmed departure, several returning favourites and a former lead who says she is still waiting for an invitation to return. Season five will focus on Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd, as the story explores her life following the death of her husband, John Stirling. Masali Baduza will reprise her role as Michaela Stirling, who is expected to play a central part in Francesca’s emotional journey throughout the upcoming season. Netflix is also expanding the show’s ensemble with several new additions. Tega Alexander has been cast as Christopher Anderson, while Jacqueline Boatswain will portray Helen Stirling. Gemma Knight Jones is joining the series as Lady Elizabeth Ashworth, introducing fresh characters to the Bridgerton universe. A number of familiar faces are also set to return. The confirmed returning cast includes Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton, Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, and Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton. Showrunner Jess Brownell has also confirmed that Alice and Will Mondrich will continue to be part of the story, ensuring the Mondrich family remains involved in the series. Nicola Coughlan has confirmed she will return as Penelope Bridgerton, although fans should expect to see less of her this season. Speaking previously on the Dish podcast, she said, “Season five had started filming already, so I won’t be in it very much. I’m always happy to come back. I think it’s a genuinely lovely job to come back to.” Several other major cast members—including Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Luke Newton and Polly Walker—are widely expected to reprise their roles. However, Netflix has not yet officially confirmed their involvement in the upcoming season. The most significant confirmed departure is Victor Alli, who is not expected to return following the death of John Stirling in season four. Meanwhile, former series lead Phoebe Dynevor, who played Daphne Bridgerton, revealed that she has not yet been contacted about returning. She previously said, “I have not received a call. When I get that call, I will be there if I can,” indicating that she remains open to reprising her role if the opportunity arises. With filming now underway, fans can expect more casting announcements and story details to emerge ahead of the show’s anticipated 2027 release. 

TikTok creator Rebecca Luna, who openly documented her journey with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease to raise awareness about dementia and end-of-life care, has died at the age of 49. Luna passed away on July 25, according to a statement shared on her official TikTok account, where her family announced that she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. The statement thanked Luna’s followers for the compassion and encouragement they had shown throughout her journey and requested privacy for the family during this difficult time. Her passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from supporters who said her honesty and courage had helped thousands of people better understand the realities of living with Alzheimer’s disease. Luna, a single mother from Victoria, British Columbia, first revealed her diagnosis publicly in April 2025. Over the following year, she gained a large online following by sharing candid videos about her symptoms, medical appointments and the emotional challenges of living with young-onset Alzheimer’s. Her openness resonated with viewers around the world, many of whom praised her willingness to discuss a disease that is often misunderstood. Beyond documenting her personal experience, Luna used her platform to educate people about dementia and advocate for greater awareness of end-of-life care. She frequently shared information about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), a legal option available under specific circumstances in Canada, explaining how it had become part of her own plans after careful consideration. In one of her final updates, Luna revealed that she had decided to move forward with her planned MAID date after reflecting on her declining quality of life. She described the decision as deeply personal and thanked her followers for standing by her throughout her journey. Her honesty sparked thoughtful discussions online about patient autonomy, dignity and the difficult decisions faced by people living with terminal illnesses. Throughout her videos, Luna consistently encouraged others to show kindness to themselves and prioritise their mental and emotional well-being. Even while discussing the progression of her illness, she remained focused on spreading hope, compassion and acceptance. In her final message, she reflected on the importance of self-love and expressed her wish that others would learn to embrace themselves with the same compassion. Luna’s story touched thousands of people, particularly families affected by dementia. Many followers said her videos helped them better understand the experiences of those living with Alzheimer’s while also providing comfort to caregivers facing similar challenges. Her willingness to discuss topics that are often considered difficult or uncomfortable earned widespread respect across social media. Following news of her death, tributes poured in from supporters who thanked Luna for transforming her personal struggle into a source of education and hope for others. Many described her as a courageous advocate whose legacy will continue through the conversations she inspired about young-onset Alzheimer’s, caregiving and compassionate end-of-life choices. Her family has not announced details regarding a public memorial but asked that her memory be honoured through kindness, understanding and continued awareness of the disease. 

Miley Cyrus has officially signed with Atlantic Records, marking the beginning of a new era in her recording career after her recent tenure with Columbia Records, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The move signals a fresh chapter for the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who has continued to reinvent herself throughout her career, from her Disney Channel beginnings to becoming one of pop music’s most influential artists. Her latest label change follows the release of Something Beautiful through Columbia Records after an earlier stint with RCA Records. Atlantic Records has long been home to some of the industry’s biggest names, including Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Charli XCX, Coldplay and Rosé. Cyrus now joins the label’s high-profile roster as it continues to represent many of the world’s leading recording artists, adding another globally recognized name to its extensive catalogue of talent. Her arrival also comes months after Ed Sheeran announced that he was leaving Atlantic Records and Asylum Records following a 15-year partnership. In a heartfelt message shared with fans, Sheeran emphasized that the decision was made on good terms, saying it was “not a disgruntled artist leaves record label type situation” and expressing his gratitude for the team that had supported his career throughout the years. His departure marked the end of one of the label’s most successful artist relationships. While no release date has been announced for Cyrus’ next musical project, she has already offered a glimpse into what fans can expect. In a recent interview, the singer revealed that she is working on a 10-song album exploring different forms of love, focusing on self-discovery, healing and human connection. She described the creative process as one of the most natural experiences of her career, saying she entered the studio with a clear artistic vision. Beyond music, Cyrus has also expressed an interest in returning to acting, revealing that she hopes to take on a compelling romantic role after spending recent years focused primarily on recording and performing. With a new record label, fresh creative ambitions and another album already taking shape, Miley Cyrus appears poised to enter another defining chapter of her career. The partnership with Atlantic Records not only marks a significant business move but also signals a new creative direction for one of contemporary pop music’s most enduring and adaptable artists, with fans eagerly awaiting what comes next. https://x.com/billboard/status/2081832043848053209?s=46

NEW YORK: Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay an estimated $5.5 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging that its talc-based baby powder and other products caused ovarian cancer. The proposed settlement covers around 76,000 claims. The cases include lawsuits pending in federal and state courts across the United States. The agreement could bring an end to a legal battle that has continued for about a decade. However, it will only become final if 95 per cent of eligible ovarian cancer claimants accept the deal. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs welcomed the settlement. They described it as a reasonable outcome after years of legal proceedings. Johnson & Johnson has continued to deny that its talc products caused cancer. The company has also rejected claims that its products contained asbestos. The company said it agreed to the settlement to bring the long-running dispute to an end. Its litigation chief maintained that the claims lacked merit. Under the proposed agreement, Johnson & Johnson expects to pay about $3 billion in 2027. Additional payments will follow in 2028. The final cost could be higher. Lawyers involved in the negotiations said the total amount could eventually reach $7 billion or more, depending on the number of claimants who participate. The settlement does not place a fixed ceiling on the company’s total payments. Individual qualifying claims will receive amounts based on specific criteria. The agreement follows several important courtroom victories for Johnson & Johnson. The company has won a number of individual trials. It has also successfully challenged some of the experts used by plaintiffs to support their claims. A federal judge recently raised questions about whether individual plaintiffs could establish that talc specifically caused their ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson has maintained for years that its talc products were safe. The company stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the United States in 2020. It replaced the product with a cornstarch-based version. The legal dispute also involved a controversial bankruptcy strategy. In 2021, Johnson & Johnson moved talc liabilities to a subsidiary that sought bankruptcy protection. The strategy, commonly known as the “Texas two-step”, was intended to resolve the lawsuits through bankruptcy proceedings. The attempts ultimately failed after courts dismissed the bankruptcy cases. Before those efforts, Johnson & Johnson had experienced mixed results in talc trials. In one major case, a jury awarded billions of dollars to 22 women who alleged that the company’s baby powder contributed to their ovarian cancer. Other cases ended in victories for the company, while some awards were later reduced on appeal. The new settlement differs from the earlier bankruptcy proposals. It applies only to existing claims. It does not cover potential future lawsuits. The agreement is also expected to provide faster payments to eligible claimants. Lawyers involved in the deal said payments could be completed within about 18 months. The settlement now faces an important approval test. At least 95 per cent of ovarian cancer claimants must agree to the deal before it can become final. If approved, the agreement would significantly reduce one of Johnson & Johnson’s longest-running legal challenges and provide compensation to thousands of people involved in the litigation.

Niall Horan has delighted fans with another unexpected collaboration, this time joining Off Campus actress and singer Ella Bright, who plays music major Hannah Wells in the hit Prime Video series. The former One Direction star secretly recorded vocals for Bright’s rendition of the classic “Baby Now That I Found You,” transforming the solo recording into a duet without her knowledge. The surprise arrives during a particularly busy period for Horan. Earlier this month, he joined country star Thomas Rhettas a special guest for two stadium shows, including a performance at Hersheypark Stadium. During the appearances, Horan and Rhett performed their collaboration “Old Tricks” before treating audiences to a surprise performance of One Direction’s “Steal My Girl.” The crossover performances highlighted Horan’s versatility and were met with enthusiastic reactions from concertgoers, with clips quickly circulating across social media. In a video shared on his official Instagram account, Horan introduced the latest surprise with a heartfelt message before Bright heard the finished track for the first time. “You don’t know this yet, but you’re about to listen to our version of ‘Baby Now That I Found You,’” Horan said. The duet is featured on Off Campus: The Mixtape (Extra Credit) and is set for release alongside the expanded soundtrack. Bright’s reaction quickly won over fans as she listened in disbelief before smiling and revealing she had no idea Horan had been invited to add his vocals, making the moment a genuine surprise. Fans across social media have responded enthusiastically to the collaboration, with many praising the natural harmony between Horan and Bright’s voices and calling the duet one of the soundtrack’s most anticipated releases. Several listeners compared the song’s warm acoustic feel and heartfelt delivery to Horan’s 2017 debut solo single, “This Town,” a track that remains a fan favourite. Others applauded Horan for supporting an emerging artist and introducing the duet in such a thoughtful way. The collaboration adds another memorable chapter to Horan’s recent run of performances and musical partnerships. Following weeks of anticipation sparked by their live debut, “Baby Now That I Found You” has now been officially released on all major streaming platforms as part of the Off Campus soundtrack. Fans have praised the duo’s effortless vocal chemistry and emotional delivery, with many already calling the song one of the soundtrack’s standout tracks. The release has further fueled excitement among listeners, who have welcomed the studio version after its well-received live performances. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbJQbpXNC0I/?igsh=MXRqM2Roc3o4cXNpeg==

New developments have been reported in the ongoing case involving actor Momina Iqbal and PML-N lawmaker Saqib Chadhar. Momina recently shared a post on social media suggesting that forensic evidence has strengthened her case. She described the latest progress as another step toward justice. The case is being investigated by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). It involves allegations of cyber harassment, intimidation and threats. Momina had approached the authorities after accusing Saqib Chadhar and his wife, Samira Chadhar, of harassment and other alleged offences. During the latest court proceedings, the investigation officer informed the Lahore sessions court that the investigation involving Saqib Chadhar had been completed. The officer also told the court that Samira Chadhar had submitted her mobile phone to the NCCIA. The device is reportedly being examined as part of the forensic investigation. Momina’s lawyer, Adnan Ahsan, asked the court to withdraw the interim bail granted to the accused. He argued that allowing them to remain free could pose a security concern for the actor. The investigation has focused heavily on digital evidence. Mobile phones and other electronic material have been examined as authorities work to establish the facts surrounding the allegations. The dispute became a legal matter after Momina accused the couple of harassment and threats. The allegations reportedly include cyber harassment, stalking, intimidation and blackmail. The accused have denied the allegations and obtained interim pre-arrest bail while the legal proceedings continue. Momina’s latest statement has drawn attention to the progress of the investigation. However, her reference to the accused being “proven guilty” reflects her position and does not constitute a final judicial verdict. The court will ultimately determine the legal status of the allegations after considering the investigation and evidence presented before it. The forensic examination of digital devices remains an important part of the case. Investigators are expected to assess the material recovered during the probe before the matter proceeds further.