Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Pandora: Wintour <i>sans</i> fur (and shades) for the NPG

Alice-Azania Jarvis
Friday 26 February 2010 01:00 GMT
Comments
(AP)

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.

Anna Wintour has placed a Louboutined heel on yet another rung of the Establishment ladder.

The frosty editor of American Vogue – whose personal schedule is being single-handedly blamed by officials for Milan Fashion Week's truncation to just three days – is to have her portrait displayed at the National Portrait Gallery.

The piece, by the American artist Alex Katz, features a rare picture of Wintour sans Chanel shades. She joins such greats at the gallery as William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, and, ahem, Rio Ferdinand. Sadly, though, Wintour is unlikely to be sporting her Spring/Summer best to the painting's unveiling in May. "She doesn't have any plans to, unfortunately," we're told.

As well as determining the status of the world's fashion weeks, Wintour has been known to spend time as a walking target for anti-fur protesters' flour-bombs. Happily, the NPG is not anticipating the portrait will fall victim to any such activistic stunts.

We haven't heard anything yet so fingers crossed," giggles one staff member. "She's not wearing fur in the picture!" Never stopped them in the past...

No donut: Fabricant's on fire

Michael Fabricant has eye for spectacle. Earlier this week, the Tory MP could be seen waving a donut in the air at a Commons debate. "I brought it to illustrate that alcoholic drinks are as fattening as donuts," he explains. But had he, we wonder, considered using a KitKat? After all, they are the PM's favourite. "You've got me thinking!" he enthuses. "I could lug in a fire hydrant and spray foam to illustrate the need for fire safety. Or chuck a fax at a colleague to show the dangers of manhandling office equipment?" Sounds like a splendid idea.

Lydon enjoys the good (country) life

"I wouldn't use that stuff as a sexual lubricant," exclaimed an indignant John Lydon (Johnny Rotten RIP) when presented with a box of olive-oil spread during an interview with Q magazine.

Lydon, lest we forget, enjoys the bountiful position of brand ambassador for Country Life, the second least expected endorsement in rock 'n' roll history (the first being Iggy Pop's insurance wheeze).

"I know the people of Britain have a problem with me as a butter ambassador – but I eat it every day, mate, and I'm proud of what I've achieved for that industry. I'm putting it on me toast with a spade these days..." We bet.

Hannan toes the party line (at last!)

It appears Daniel Hannan is finally mastering the art of staying on-message.

The controversy-courting MEP – whose NHS-bashing has been well-documented by Pandora – was adamant in his refusal to answer uncomfortable questions at Wednesday night's talk by Theodore Dalrymple. "We are not going to mention immigration," he snapped at Pandora's probe. "It has been decided that this issue will not be discussed. If you are waiting to hear anything about that from us, you will wait a long time." Well: If you can't say anything nice, etc.

A role universally acknowledged

Colin Firth knows on which side his bread is buttered. Asked whether the string of gongs he has collected for his recent performance in A Single Man had dispelled his long-term association with Mr Darcy, the actor chirped: "Nope! It's not mine, it's yours." Not, of course, that he's complaining. "It's perfectly pleasant," he tells Pandora. "I rather like Mr Darcy, from what I remember. He has been around for 15 years now. I lost interest quite a while ago – but if other people want to carry him around then I'm very happy for them."

pandora@independent.co.uk

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in