CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

There comes a point every summer when the heavier winter fragrances are quietly pushed to the back of the shelf. Not because they’ve suddenly become bad. Simply because sunshine demands something different.

A good summer fragrance shouldn’t arrive before you do. It should drift rather than announce itself, catching the breeze as much as it catches attention. Think effortless linen over heavy tailoring, an Aperol Spritz over an Old Fashioned.

Fortunately, some of the world’s biggest fragrance houses have delivered exactly that this season.

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc

If summer had a dress code, Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc would probably write it.

Still one of the standout warm-weather fragrances in the Estée Lauder stable, it effortlessly blends creamy coconut, bergamot, pistachio, ylang-ylang and amber into something that feels less like a beach holiday and more like a private villa overlooking the Mediterranean.

It’s luxurious without becoming ostentatious and remains one of the finest examples of how a solar fragrance should be done.

Jo Malone London Raspberry Ripple Cologne

Limited editions often feel like marketing exercises.This one doesn’t.

Inspired by the nostalgic British ice cream flavour, Raspberry Ripple balances juicy raspberry with delicate white musk and redcurrant to create something playful yet unmistakably refined. It feels like an English seaside escape viewed through a luxury lens—fresh, optimistic and surprisingly versatile.

Perfect for those who prefer their summer fragrances to have personality rather than simply smelling of citrus.

Burberry Hero Parfum Intense

Burberry continues to evolve its Hero collection, and the latest, more intense interpretation proves that summer fragrances don’t always have to be light to feel appropriate.

Rich cedarwood remains at its heart, supported by warm spices and resinous notes that make it particularly effective as temperatures begin to cool after sunset.

It’s an excellent reminder that summer evenings deserve their own fragrance wardrobe.

BOSS Bottled Beyond

Hugo Boss has spent years refining the modern masculine signature scent, and Bottled Beyond continues that evolution.

Fresh opening notes quickly settle into warm woods and sophisticated aromatics, making it one of those rare fragrances that works equally well in the office, at dinner or during a weekend away.

Sometimes versatility is the greatest luxury.

Davidoff Cool Water Elixir Safran

There are very few fragrances with the cultural legacy of Cool Water.

Rather than attempting to recreate the original, Davidoff has taken it in an intriguing new direction with Elixir Safran, combining saffron, green apple and cedarwood into a composition that feels familiar enough to honour its heritage while offering something noticeably richer and more contemporary.

Choosing a summer fragrance has never really been about following trends. It’s about finding something that matches the pace of the season.

Whether that’s the Riviera glamour of Tom Ford, the easy-going optimism of Jo Malone London or the enduring freshness of Davidoff, the best fragrances of Summer 2026 all share one important quality.  They don’t try too hard.

And, as with the best-dressed men, that’s usually what makes them memorable.

Once upon a time, the paddock was a place of overalls, team polos and the occasional leather jacket thrown over a driver’s shoulders. Today, it’s as much a style destination as it is a sporting one, with race weekends becoming global showcases for tailoring, luxury brands and off-duty dressing.

So perhaps it was only a matter of time before Marks & Spencer found itself on the grid. Ahead of the British Grand Prix, the retailer unveiled its latest collaboration with Silverstone, transforming the iconic pit lane into an unlikely catwalk and proving that Britain’s best-known high street name is no longer content with simply being the place you buy your socks and sandwiches.

Instead, M&S is making a confident case for being part of the modern menswear conversation and the timing feels particularly smart.

Formula 1 has never been more culturally relevant. Thanks to a new generation of fans, social media and the growing influence of driver style, the sport has evolved into a meeting point where fashion, engineering and entertainment naturally overlap.

For M&S, partnering with Silverstone isn’t about chasing a trend. It’s about aligning itself with values that have always underpinned the brand: British heritage, precision, innovation and performance.

The collaboration builds on the retailer’s growing relationship with Formula 1, having already become the Official Travel Kit Partner to the Atlassian Williams Racing team earlier this year, providing tailored travel wardrobes for drivers, engineers and team personnel throughout the season.

What makes this latest collection particularly interesting is its confidence. So rather than producing logo-heavy merchandise or novelty racewear, M&S has taken inspiration from the world of motorsport without becoming costume-like. Relaxed tailoring, lightweight outerwear, refined separates and contemporary silhouettes feel entirely wearable whether your destination is Silverstone, Soho or simply Sunday lunch.

The best collaborations don’t ask you to dress for a moment. They simply give you better clothes to live in. That philosophy has become increasingly central to the M&S menswear story. Over the past few seasons the retailer has steadily refined its collections, focusing on sharper fits, improved fabrics and elevated essentials that appeal to men looking for quality without unnecessary complication. It’s an evolution that reflects the company’s broader ambition to strengthen its fashion credentials while remaining accessible.

The Silverstone setting also says something about how fashion is changing. Luxury houses have long staged runway shows in extraordinary locations, from historic landmarks to coastal resorts. Seeing a British high street brand transform a Formula 1 pit lane into a fashion runway demonstrates just how confidently M&S is positioning itself within the wider style conversation.

And perhaps that’s the biggest takeaway.

This isn’t really a story about racing.

Nor is it simply a story about another capsule collection. It’s about a British brand recognising that modern style is no longer confined to traditional fashion capitals. Inspiration can come from anywhere—architecture, travel, design, engineering or the controlled chaos of Formula 1.

For decades, Marks & Spencer has been trusted for the wardrobe essentials that form the backbone of everyday dressing.

The Silverstone collaboration suggests it’s now just as interested in adding a little adrenaline to them. But through better design, greater confidence and a reminder that, sometimes, British style performs best on home soil.

Long days in front of screens, air-conditioned offices and the natural ageing process are all contributing to a condition affecting millions of people: Dry Eye Disease.

While most of us experience occasional dry eyes after a late night or marathon work session, chronic dry eye is something entirely different. Left untreated, it can impact everything from comfort and concentration to the quality of your vision.

According to optometrist Dina Sonpal of Midland Eye, dry eye occurs when your eyes either fail to produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly due to an imbalance in the tear film’s protective oils. The result is irritation, soreness and persistent discomfort.

The Symptoms May Surprise You

Dry eye doesn’t always feel dry. In fact, watery eyes are one of the most common symptoms, as the eyes attempt to compensate for a lack of lubrication by producing excess tears.

Other signs include:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Burning or gritty sensations
• Eye fatigue
• Redness and irritation

Many people assume these symptoms simply mean they need a stronger prescription, when the real culprit could be an unstable tear film.

Why Does It Happen?

Screen use remains one of the biggest contributors. Concentrating on laptops, tablets and smartphones reduces how often we blink, allowing tears to evaporate more quickly.

Other common triggers include:

• Ageing
• Contact lens wear
• Air conditioning and central heating
• Wind and smoke exposure
• Certain medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants

A particularly overlooked cause is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), where tiny glands in the eyelids become blocked and fail to produce the oils needed to prevent tear evaporation. MGD is believed to be responsible for the majority of evaporative dry eye cases.

Why Diagnosis Matters

Because dry eye symptoms often overlap with other eye conditions, professional assessment is essential.

Modern dry eye clinics can evaluate tear quality, eyelid health and gland function using advanced imaging technologies, helping specialists identify the root cause rather than simply treating the symptoms.

In some cases, persistent dry eye may even be linked to underlying health conditions, including autoimmune disorders and thyroid disease.

Managing Dry Eye

The good news is that treatment options have evolved significantly in recent years.

Simple lifestyle changes can make a noticeable difference:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule during screen use
• Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops
• Apply warm compresses to the eyelids
• Reduce direct exposure to heating and air conditioning
• Consider omega-3 supplements to support tear health

For more advanced cases, specialist treatments such as anti-inflammatory medication, punctal plugs and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy can help restore comfort and improve long-term eye health.

The Bottom Line

Dry Eye Disease is far more than a minor irritation. As our lives become increasingly screen-focused, it’s a condition that’s becoming harder to ignore.

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t simply put up with them. A professional diagnosis can identify the underlying cause and help create a treatment plan tailored to your eyes, ensuring clearer vision and greater day-to-day comfort.

Festival season is as much about preparation as it is the music. While the headline acts and late-night sets might grab the attention, anyone who has spent a weekend navigating muddy fields, unpredictable weather and packed campsites knows that the right equipment can make or break the experience.

From practical bags that keep your essentials close to lightweight furniture that transforms a campsite into something approaching comfort, investing in a few well-chosen pieces pays dividends once you’re through the gates. Whether you’re heading to a sprawling countryside festival or a more intimate weekend gathering, these are the festival essentials worth making room for in your kit.

Fjällräven Skule Sling 6

Minimalist, practical and designed for life on the move, the Skule Sling 6 is exactly the sort of bag that comes into its own at a festival. Compact enough to wear comfortably all day, yet spacious enough to accommodate your phone, wallet, sunglasses, portable charger and sun cream, it keeps your essentials within easy reach without adding unnecessary bulk.

Crafted with Fjällräven’s renowned focus on durability and functionality, it offers a welcome alternative to overstuffed pockets and cumbersome backpacks, allowing you to move freely between stages while keeping valuables secure.

Helinox Chair Zero LT

For many festival-goers, seating is often an afterthought until the reality of spending hours on damp grass begins to take its toll. The Helinox Chair Zero LT provides a remarkably lightweight solution that delivers genuine comfort without consuming valuable space in your bag.

Weighing little more than a bottle of water, it packs down neatly and assembles in seconds, offering a proper place to sit whether you’re relaxing at the campsite, enjoying a morning coffee or recovering between performances. It is one of those pieces of kit that quickly becomes indispensable once you’ve experienced the difference.

Hanwag Bergler II

Festival footwear requires a careful balance of comfort, durability and style. The Bergler II from Hanwag manages to deliver all three with ease.

Handcrafted using traditional double-stitched construction, this heritage-inspired boot is built to cope with uneven terrain, changing weather and long days spent on your feet. More refined than the average festival welly yet every bit as capable when conditions deteriorate, it brings a touch of timeless craftsmanship to the field while offering the support needed for a full weekend outdoors.

Vango Beta 350XL

A good tent provides more than simply a place to sleep. It becomes your base camp, your shelter and, occasionally, your sanctuary from both the weather and your neighbours.

The Vango Beta 350XL stands out thanks to its generous proportions and practical design. With ample room for sleeping, storing equipment and escaping a passing rain shower, the extended living area offers welcome flexibility that smaller festival tents often lack. For couples, small groups or anyone who values a little extra personal space, it strikes an excellent balance between comfort and practicality.

CIEN SUN Suncare Spray SPF 30

While festival packing lists often focus on waterproofs and wellies, sun protection remains one of the most important essentials to remember. Long hours spent outdoors, often with little shade available, can quickly lead to sunburn even on overcast days.

CIEN SUN Suncare Spray SPF 30 provides reliable protection in a convenient, easy-to-apply format that can be reapplied throughout the day without fuss. Lightweight enough to carry around the site and affordable enough to stock up before the weekend begins, it’s a simple addition that can make a significant difference when temperatures rise.

The best festival experiences rarely come down to luck. A carefully considered selection of gear can transform a weekend of compromises into one of genuine comfort, allowing you to focus on the music, the atmosphere and the company rather than the practical challenges of life under canvas.

From Fjällräven’s versatile Skule Sling 6 and Helinox’s brilliantly portable Chair Zero LT to Hanwag’s heritage-crafted Bergler II boots, Vango’s spacious Beta 350XL tent and the essential protection of CIEN SUN SPF 30, each of these products earns its place on the packing list for festival season 2026.

There are summer collections, and then there are invitations to a way of life.

Acqua di Parma’s Summer 2026 Collection falls firmly into the latter category.

Inspired by the idea of independent chic, the collection celebrates something increasingly rare in modern life: the confidence to move at your own pace. It’s an ode to understated luxury, authentic craftsmanship and the kind of effortless elegance that never feels the need to announce itself.

In other words, very Italian.

At the heart of the collection is La Caletta, reimagined through the distinctive lens of architect and designer Laura Gonzalez. Her interpretation captures the quiet beauty of Mediterranean living, where simplicity is elevated to an art form and sophistication emerges naturally from restraint rather than excess.

The undisputed star of the collection is Bergamotto La Spugnatura Eau de Parfum, a fragrance that tells a story long before it reaches the skin.

While countless brands speak about heritage, Acqua di Parma continues to preserve it. The fragrance is crafted using La Spugnatura, an ancient extraction technique still practised today by only a small number of artisans in Calabria. Using natural sea sponges, the method carefully extracts bergamot essence by hand, transforming a centuries-old craft into something remarkably contemporary.

The result is more than a fragrance. It is a reminder that true luxury often lies in the time, skill and patience required to create something exceptional.

Alongside it, Blu Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi returns in a striking limited-edition design created by Gonzalez. One of the house’s most beloved fragrances, it remains a joyful tribute to the Amalfi Coast, blending fig, citrus and cedarwood into a scent that feels like a sunlit afternoon overlooking the Mediterranean.

If Bergamotto La Spugnatura celebrates craftsmanship, Fico di Amalfi celebrates escapism.

The kind that begins the moment the cap comes off the bottle.

The collection extends beyond fragrance with three scented candles inspired by some of Italy’s most beloved summer rituals. Rather than drawing inspiration from grand landmarks or famous destinations, they focus on something far more evocative: the simple pleasures of Italian food culture.

Sorbetto al Limone captures the refreshing sharpness of Italian lemon paired with cooling mint, conjuring images of shaded terraces and sparkling coastal waters.

Latte di Mandorla takes a softer approach, blending almond and iced milk accords with sandalwood to recreate the creamy indulgence of a Sicilian almond drink enjoyed on a hot afternoon.

Meanwhile, Granita al Gelso offers a sweeter interpretation of summer, balancing mulberry and brioche notes with warm vanilla bourbon to evoke one of Sicily’s most treasured frozen treats.

Together, the fragrances and candles create something larger than a seasonal collection.

They capture a mood.

A slower breakfast. A walk through sun-drenched streets. The scent of citrus drifting through an open window. The confidence to choose your own rhythm rather than following someone else’s.

It’s a philosophy that feels particularly relevant today.

Luxury is often associated with having more. Acqua di Parma’s latest collection quietly suggests that true luxury might actually be found in wanting less, noticing more and appreciating the craftsmanship behind life’s simplest pleasures.

And if that happens to smell of bergamot, fig and Sicilian granita, so much the better.