The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
The Saturday miscellany: Stella McCartney vs Phoebe Philo; Pope Francis; Brick Lane Village Fête; Peter Doig at the Scottish National Gallery
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Culture clash: Brit fashion designers
Stella McCartney vs Phoebe Philo
By Holly Williams
Both graduated from Central Saint Martins, and Phoebe was Stella's design assistant at Chloé, taking over when Stella left to set up her own label. Tight-knit pals, they graced the cover of POP magazine together – pole-dancing, bizarrely – before becoming design rivals (rumours of a fall-out have been denied).
As befits the McCartney dynasty, Stella's label has an ethical bent. Her designs are lauded for their luxe but easy-to-wear quality; after early accusations of nepotism, she's won many celebrity fans. But for fashion clout, Phoebe can't be beat. Since becoming creative director at Céline in 2008, she's defined modern minimalism, changing both high-end and high-street dressing, making the label one of fashion's most influential and exclusive (you can't buy online).
The winner: Phoebe Philo
The deleted emails of... Pope Francis (as read by John Walsh)
From: Ilpapa@vatican.com
To: paolo.moretti@bancaromana
Sent: 17 July 2012
Subject: infallible idea!
Paolo, my old friend in Christ, my consigliere di finanza. Greetings from Rio, where I am enjoying the caipirinhas and the ladies with the, hem hem, figure belle on Ipanema beach, while running Catholic World Youth Day. Anyway, did you see the fuss in the British press – il Sole, Il Independente – about my suggestion that those who attend Youth Day or follow it on Twitter can win indulgences to lessen time in Purgatory? Some bossy editorials say Is bad thing, like when Popes used to charge for indulgences in Middle Ages, which annoy Martino Luther so he start Reformation. I suddenly think: why don't WE also charge cash? E250 for 1 month off Purgatorio! Genius! Look into it, will you? I give you special Papal blessing on return (E500 – only kidding!!) +F
Instant ethics
By Ellen E Jones
Dear Ellen
Q. Is it OK to pass wind on an aeroplane, given that no one will hear you do it?
A. Assuming it's of the loud-and-proud, non-smelly variety, absolutely. In fact, I'd go further: if you fart on a plane, where no one can hear you, does it even make a sound?
@msellenejones
Recommended
By Liam O'Brien
Do
See if you can scoff three crackers in a minute and win a prize at the Brick Lane Village Fête, where there'll be vintage clothes, music and food. 28 July, bvlf.org
See
A show of Peter Doig's sensuous paintings opens at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh. 3 August to 3 November, nationalgalleries.org
Buy
Designed as a reminder of our own mortality (thanks!) this skull candle by DL & Company is made from paraffin wax and burns clean. £90, selfridges.com
Indy Index
By Liam O'Brien
The northern section of the 560-acre Olympic Park reopens this weekend on the first anniversary of the London Games
But you'll have to wait until next year to revisit Sir Anish Kapoor's 114.5m Orbit tower
2,000 newts had to be relocated before construction of the Park began in 2006
The athletes' village has been turned into 2,818 homes, 1,379 classed as 'affordable'
Construction on the Park since the Games has created 1,000 jobs
The world's biggest McDonald's – built to serve 2,000 Games-goers – has been dismantled. Shame
Since the Games, the number of adults playing sport regularly has actually dipped by 100,000 to 15.3m
West Ham FC will take up residency in the Olympic Stadium from 2016, boosting their capacity at home games from 35,000 to 54,000
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments