The eagerly anticipated finale to the fierce and hugely popular gang crime drama premieres today.

This season is definitely going to be the last of Top Boy (presuming the show doesn’t get picked up by yet another broadcaster and/or streamer). It’s on Netflix right now, if you want to binge the whole series over the next 24 hours.

Ashley Walters and Kano are back as Dushane and Sully. Little Simms is making a return as Dushane’s partner Shelley, as is Jasmine Jobson as Jaq and Saffron Hocking as Lauryn. Other cast members also likely to feature in the final season are Hope Ikpoku as Aaron and supermodel Adwoa Aboah as Becks.

The Banshees of Inisherin star (and now BAFTA winner) Barry Keoghan and Peaky Blinders’ Brian Gleeson are joining the cast as newcomers. They’re set to play Jonny and Tadgh respectively as Irish drug dealing rivals.

SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN PREVIOUS SEASONS…

There are a lot of loose ends to be tied up in this final season. Notably, the aftermath of Sully’s murder of Jamie, who Dushane was lining up to be his successor as drug kingpin. With his retirement plan down the drain, it’s likely that old tensions will be reignited between Dushane and Sully. Though he’s not the only one Sully has to worry about – Jamie’s brothers Stef and Aaron might also be seeking revenge.

We’ll likely also see more of Dushane’s struggles with panic attacks, which started during the last season. 

The other main storyline involves Liverpool gangster Curtis, who was killed in season four, but whose gang made it out alive. Although Sully warned them not to return to London, they might also be on a path of revenge, hunting down Curtis’ pregnant ex Lauryn and her sister Jaq. 

In order to keep Top Boy close to our hearts after this season ends, how about some TOP Boy fashion – as seen on our favourite characters. Here’s how to dress like Sully, Dushane and co:-

Drake Releases ‘Top Boy’ x Nike NOCTA Alien GORE-TEX Jacket

Available exclusively via Netflix.

To celebrate the premiere of Top Boy, DRAKE, the Executive Producer and rights owner for the UK crime drama, has now dropped the first apparel collection for the show.

The Top Boy  X NIKE NOCTA Alien Gortex Jacket builds on the sportswear-street active look seen on Micheal Ward’s character, Jamie, the lightweight and breathable outerwear shell is constructed of 100% polyester and features a GORE-TEX  Infinium membrane. The jacket is waterproof and windproof with water-repellent two-way zip closures and a storm flap with an adjustable hood. The loose-fit style expressing a black and blue colorway is marked with collaboration markings on the interior, along with rubberized NOCTA and Nike detailing throughout.

Priced at around £400 Drake’s Top Boy x Nike NOCTA Alien GORE-TEX Jacket is now available in sizes S-2XL 

Top Boy Sully Stone Island Jacket

https://www.jacketsjunction.com/product/top-boy-sully-stone-island-jacket/ £125

Top Boy Dushane Bomber Jacket  £115

https://www.jacketsjunction.com/product/top-boy-dushane-bomber-jacket/

Top Boy Jamie Jacket

https://www.jacketsjunction.com/product/top-boy-jamie-jacket/  £78 (original by The North Face)

Top Boy Jaq Puffer Jacket

https://www.jacketsjunction.com/product/top-boy-jaq-puffer-jacket/  £110

Top Boy Sully Hoodie

https://www.jacketsjunction.com/product/top-boy-sully-hoodie/  £70

Top Boy Jamie Black Hoodie

https://www.jacketsjunction.com/product/top-boy-jamie-black-hoodie/  £7

Top Boy Jaq Green Vest

https://www.jacketsjunction.com/product/top-boy-jaq-green-vest/  £100

all at JACKETJUNCTION.COM

All sizes XS – 4XL and you can custom size your choice.

Plus all the  Top Boy Nike & Netflix collab collection

Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps launches own clothing line after Nike snub

Nike who?

England goalkeeper Mary Earps was one of the brightest stars in England’s World Cup squad.

Her individual trophy cabinet includes the Best Female Goalkeeper at the 2023 FIFA Awards and the Golden Glove Award from the Women’s Super League last season.

Yet ahead of this summer’s tournament, Nike, official manufacturer of the England kit, made the controversial decision not to sell a replica of her goalkeeper’s shirt to fans, blaming their ‘commercial strategy’.

So, how did Earps respond? By launching her own fashion brand, reminding fans to be proud of who they are.

The 30-year-old’s clothing range, called MAE27, so far includes two black t-shirts, one with the slogan ‘be unapologetically yourself’ and a second with the phrase ‘girls know the offside rule too’.

Both products cost £26.50, but you’ll have to wait until she restocks to buy one, as the designs have sold out.

Earps launched the range in June, but it gained more attention after Nike appeared to snub the goalie again by missing her out of an Instagram post celebrating the team’s semi-final victory.

Though she hasn’t said her clothing range was a direct response to the Nike controversy, the player did not hide her feelings about it.

‘I can’t really sugar-coat this in any way, so I am not going to try. It was hugely disappointing and very hurtful, It is something that I have been fighting behind closed doors, I have been trying to go through the correct channels as much as possible.

‘Which is why I have not spoken on it publicly, even though I have been asked a lot about it over the past few months because I have been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.

‘Unfortunately, it has become very evident that is not possible and there is not going to be an acceptable solution for the young kids out there.

‘It is very, on a personal level, it is obviously hugely hurtful considering the last 12 months especially – and also I think there has been an incredible rise in goalkeeping participation over that year.’

She added: ‘For my own family and friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, like they are going to come out and wear normal clothes and I know that sounds like, “oh Mary, what a horrible problem”, but on a personal level that is really hard.

You can now create an avatar of yourself to ‘try on’ clothes before buying

New avatar technology allows you to test clothes to see how they’d look on you – it even clearly shows different textures.

Clothing returns were an issue for retailers long before the pandemic. And in 2019, ASOS changed their returns policy to crack down on ‘serial’ returners.

During the pandemic, there was no way to physically shop and test the fit and suitability of clothing. Online was the only option and returns became an even more common experience for retailers.

To help ease this problem, a technology company focused on fashion e-commerce has created 3D avatar software to allow consumers to make better informed shopping decisions.

The ‘hyper accurate’ avatar notes your dimensions and those of the clothes, allowing one to see an accurate fit and how the fabric looks against your skin, all thanks to artificial intelligence and augmented reality.

The software creates a 3D rendering of your body’s exact measurements 

In the near future the company plans to expand the service to habitually “difficult to shop” items, such as swimwear and underwear.

To create an avatar you need the free Yoox app, which has all clothes from participating stores on it.

The future of shopping is looking smarter.

I back in London after a couple of weeks in the sweltering heat of Ibiza and Mallorca. Whilst there, I shopped in possibly the most beautiful shop I’ve ever seen – Treasure Ibiza – which stocks re-loved, vintage and designer Ibiza fashion to blow you mind. More about that in this issue.

The big celeb fashion news whilst I was away was the release of Barbie and PINK has dominated everyone’s wardrobe. Here’s my ONLY attempt at wearing Barbie pink, because it’s NOT my colour at all but I’m loving Margot Robbie in baby pink at the premiere.

Barbie mania is everywhere and although I haven’t seen it yet – it is the ultimate feminist movie of the year and very clever, so I look forward to that. Check out all the celebs rocking pink at the moment. Who do you think wears it best> I’m going for Dua Lipa.

And I have to mention the awful weather in London. Not only have I gone from 40 degrees in Spain to 13 degrees and torrential rain in Hampstead, I ended up with serious flu which I thought was Covid. I tested negative thank goodness. But this weekend is expected to be a washout and it’s the big MARGATE SOUL FESTIVAL for Mi-Soul Radio. I won’t be going because I’m still getting better but here’s a few ideas on what to wear for all my friends and colleagues who will be loving every minute of it – whatever the weather. It’s ALL ABOUT THE COLOURFUL RAIN PONCHO & Hunter Wellies.

I also discuss another big festival in this issue – FUNKY DORY – plus report on the real cost of our throwaway fashion, and it makes for a sad read.

I don’t know about you, but smaller more intimate festivals are the ones for me. Rather than gargantuan festivals, where one gets lost in a sea of people, and who needs that?

THE boutique Mini Fest for those who know.

And from my perspective, Funky Dory is the festival of the summer.

Set in the heart of the picturesque Essex countryside, this epic event comprises not just the hottest DJs representing Soul Classics, Boogie, Disco and Soulful House but the most beautiful people celebrating life, music, food and most importantly FASHION.

Funky Dory is back this August 19^th, so here’s what we should be wearing for this epic day filled with the very best of everything.

Here are the key pieces to be seen in:

Denim Cut-Offs, Boho blouses, Vests & Waistcoats.

Straight out of the beaches of Ibiza and Croatia, the casual ‘non-effort’ look is simple pair of denim cut-off shorts combined with a simple vest, of a floaty blouse with small waistcoat for that all important 70s vibe.

The Hat.

The Fedora, The Panama, The Trilby or in DJ Brian Power’s case, the cool vintage military beret hat or even Ronnie’s funky baker boy flat cap.

No outfit is complete without a hat this summer and you only have to head to ASOS.COM to grab yours in time. Keep it neutral, so it doesn’t over-power your outfit and simply adds awesomeness.

The Boho / Tea-Dress

It’s all about a pretty boho style dress for the ladies. Keeping it patterned, midi or maxi but combining it with trainers – not boho cowboy boots or Havaianas flip-flop because you’re there to dance and have fun. M&S have an amazing collection of pretty dresses which you can dress up with that Fedora and dress down with funky trainers. You need to be comfortable and Zara have an amazing collection of boho dresses of all lengths plus platform trainers in pure white which will compliment all tea dresses.

Cargo Pants & Funky Dory TEES

The Funky Dory merch website has all the tees you need right now.

Pair with a pair of denim or military cargo shorts and you’re bang on trend for Funky Dory. Slogan Tees say everything.

www.funkydorylove.co.uk/shop

Sunglasses & Cross-Body Bags

The coolest pair of Rayban Aviatiors or Wayfarers for the guys and the hugest tortishell cats-eye sunnies for the girls. Sunglasses are literally everything at a festival so make sure you find the right pair to suit your face shape. You need to keep your hands free for that delicious Caribbean food and all important G&T so a small cross-body bag, just enough to keep your wallet, keys and phone safe.

Sparkles

We’re talking glitter on the cheeks, glitter on the cross body bag or even on the nails – bring that tiny bit of glitz to your outfit. Just don’t over-do it.

Funky Trainers & Birkenstocks

You’ll be dancing all day so footwear has to be comfortable and cool sand you can’t go wrong with a pair of VEJA trainers, Nike Air Jordans or Adidas Gazelles (especially with the new platform soles). Or you could follow the latest trend – just like BRIAN POWER and go with Birkenstocks, because they’re BACK with a vengeance this summer.

11am – 11pm – Ashfields Carriage & Polo Club, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1JU

Here’s to that heavyweight DJ Line Up with scrummy food trucks and delicious drinks in the sunshine and I am 99% certain the sun is going to be shining.

Here’s the link with the full DJ line up & all info to purchase tickets > https://funkydorylove.co.uk/events/minifest2023/

It’s truly a hidden treasure trove of pure iconic Balearic fashion, tucked away in the gorgeous port of Ibiza Town, packed with re-loved, vintage and designer clothing any true Ibiza islander will be well aware of.

Owned by the awesome Sarah Day and her right hand girlie Becky, they are legends on the white isle. Rebecca was in the shop when I popped in last week. It’s a five minute walk from the Pacha shop along the marina, beside all the gorgeous bars and restaurants, in one of the the little cobbled streets. I suggest you go at night, because I went at lunchtime and it was BOILING.

I initially went in to some FANTASTICO Fans, which also belongs to Sarah. I walked out with this stunning Kaftan (everyone loves me in this), awesome sunnies, Treasure necklaces and the ultimate BEADED CAPE.

Everyone knows the beaded cape is the must have garment from London to Ibiza this summer. When I return to the balearics next week, I’ll be modelling it for you because when I popped in to see the wonderful Rebecca Hensley Bower who was managing the shop whist Sarah was around the corner at the official Fantastico Fan shop, It was 40 degrees and I was pouring with sweat ao couldn’t try anything on but my hubby and I were totally looked after and I couldn’t take my eyes of everything.

Treasure is the perfect name for this shop and collection of clothes, boots, bags and accessories. I thoroughly recommend you visit the shop if you’re on the island this summer or check out the website www.treasureibiza.com

“We know that Ibiza’s wardrobes are some of the best in the world. Vibrant, colourful, unique and exciting, our finds are sourced not only from local designers and shops, but from all over the globe. With everything from ‘high street’ to ‘high end’, we have something for every style and budget.”

Treasure Ibiza brings Ibiza’s best bits to your doorstep. Sourcing from the island’s fashionistas and beyond. Preloved, vintage and handmade treasures await in the store in Ibizas vibrant port. They also ship worldwide, so grab a preloved piece of Ibiza, wherever you are!

Sarah

I am passionate about the fashion industry because it offers endless opportunities for creativity, innovation, and self-expression. Fhe fashion industry is a fascinating and dynamic field that constantly evolves with new trends, designs, and challenges. It is an industry that accounts for a significant share of world economic output.

Becky

I believe that the fashion industry has the potential to make a positive impact on society by promoting inclusivity, creativity, and sustainability.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday (13:00 to 21:00)

Carrer D’Enmig 26,
07800 Eivissa,
Illes Balears (SPAIN)Tel: 676 91 93 76

Britain’s love of fast fashion is fuelling an environmental “catastrophe” in Ghana, experts warn. Many items donated in the UK are so cheaply made that they can’t be re-used. Ghana’s capital has a toxic mountain of ditched clothes and garments rot on a beach. It is an environmental crisis caused by our obsession with fast fashion.

But campaigners say much of the clothing being donated in the UK is cheap and mass produced, leaving Ghana – the main recipient of our second-hand garments – at breaking point. It’s an environmental catastrophe.

Fast fashion is the mass production of cheap garments to cater to changing trends. Items are often worn just once. Chinese fashion retail website Shein sells tops for just £1.05. But the desire for cheap, disposable clothes comes at a cost. In West Africa, Ghana’s capital is drowning in used clothes.

In West Africa, Ghana’s capital is drowning in used clothes with no facilities to deal with it and the official landfill site overflowing, much is burnt or left in the gutter. It makes its way to the sea via drains or is dumped at the textile mountain at Old Fadama, where 40,000 of Accra’s most vulnerable citizens live. Cattle and chickens forage on the heap, while waste pickers search for scraps to salvage. It is a breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The river, also overflowing with waste, brings with it the risk of cholera.

How did clothes end up there?

Almost all textiles made for fast-fashion retailers come from China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia and several other Asian countries.

Items arrive in UK after being shipped around the world to be sold in stores. On average, clothing is worn seven times before it is binned or donated, but increasingly items are worn just once.

Clothes are donated to charity shops, recycling banks or through door-to-door collections. Items not sold in shops are then bought by textile merchants.

The lowest-quality items are separated and may be recycled for mattress stuffing, carpet underlay and cleaning rags, or incinerated. Garments are sorted for eastern European countries and Africa.

Items are packed into bales and loaded into shipping containers. If the sorting plant is outside the UK, quality thresholds may be lower, which leads to waste items ending up in the bales. Some merchants in the UK may send unsorted textiles.

Bales are shipped to the recipient country via an importer, then onwards to retailers to sell at shops or markets. But not all gets sold.

The waste may be distributed for use as rags or cloths, but is often burnt or dumped at landfill or other unofficial sites. I think this pic says it all.

I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions regarding whether that cheap one-off purchase was really necessary!

It’s July and here’s a round up of what NOT to wear this summer 2023 plus the best BIG PANT SWIMWEAR options before you pack for your holiday and the most iconic festival looks ever.

Enjoy.

Amanda xx

1. Bleached brows

2. Cargo pants

3. Underwear as outerwear

4. Wide leg jeans

5. Maxi skirts

6. Cut-outs

7. Tiny glasses

8. And tiny purses

9. Uggs

10. Bike shorts

11. Double denim

Trends aren’t inherently bad; they keep things fresh and play an important role in pushing fashion forward. With that said, there are good ones and bad ones. Some have staying power while the rest will invariably leave you cringing at your poor style choices a few years down the line.

For our money, all of the trends and pieces listed below fall firmly into the latter of those two camps, so keep scrolling to see what we want men’s fashion to ditch in 2023.

Mullets

We still can’t actually believe we’re having to type this, but somehow mullets have been making a comeback. Blame TikTok, blame Gen Z, blame the unrelenting and indiscriminate recycling of decades-old trends, but whatever the reason for this god-awful trim’s resurgence, we’d urge you to STEER CLEAR.

Moustaches

Don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing wrong with a good moustache on the right face. A bit of upper-lip foliage can be a great option if it’s backed up by a strong jaw and the confidence to pull it off.

That said, there’s a real danger at the moment of us collectively walking into a situation not dissimilar to ‘peak beard’ in the early 2010s. A lot of people are growing moustaches now, including plenty who don’t quite have the growth to carry it off.

Wraparound Shades

Are you a cyclist, runner or short-tempered American cop with a military haircut? If not, then why are you wearing wraparound sunglasses? Hey, each to their own. If you genuinely like the way the look then you do you, but from where we’re standing this bears all the hallmarks of a flash in the pan that’ll have you cringing at photos in a few years’ time.

Skinny Jeans

Some guys are STILL clinging onto their skinny jeans… or maybe they just physically can’t get them off. Either way, they need to go, and 2023 is the last chance saloon as far as we’re concerned.

What To Wear Instead

You don’t have to go completely the opposite way and start wearing loose-fitting legwear. A slim-fit jean is still a good option as long as it’s not overly tight.

Outside of that, a classic regular fit with a straight or tapered leg hasn’t gone out of fashion in 150 years. How’s that for a safe bet?

Absurdly Baggy Jeans

At the complete opposite end of the spectrum, impractically baggy jeans (and pants in general) have been on the rise for a minute. Again, where pants are concerned, it’s best to stay away from the extremes, so this is another one we’d be happy to see the back of in 2023.

Crocs

They might be comfortable, but so are dressing gowns – it doesn’t mean you should wear them in public. From the moment it began, the whole Crocs thing has smacked of a fleeting fad. Give it another year or two and there’ll be nothing left of it but lingering embarrassment.

What To Wear Instead

Sneakers? A pair of Birkenstocks? Pretty much anything slip-on and comfortable that doesn’t look like a block of emmental cheese.

Tight Tailoring

Tailoring is supposed to fit you, not cut off the circulation to your extremities and stop you from raising arms. Slim and skinny fit suits are another trend that some men still seem to be struggling to let go of.

But it’s not too late to trade your tight-fitting tailoring in, and the beginning of a new year is the perfect excuse.

Broccoli Hair

Shaved back and sides with a big crop of permed, curly locks on the top. Call it what you want, but this monstrosity of a haircut is not going to age well. It’s been ubiquitous among Zoomers for a good few years now, so perhaps the turn of the new year would be a good time to put it to bed once and for all.

Socks And Slides

Your dirty white socks were never supposed to get this much exposure. Wearing sliders might be comfortable for you, but it certainly isn’t for the onlookers. Do us all a favour and put some proper footwear on when you leave the house.