I’ve never been a fan of fashion.
Yes, I like to look cute but I’m not a kind of person who follows trends – especially skinny jeans.
So, this week, I was no more welcome to the Met Gala in New York than Prince Andrew at a family dinner.
Officially known as the Costume Institute Gala, this annual fundraising event is held solely for the Metropolitan Institute of Fashion for the Arts.
It is considered the most famous event in the world, where celebrities from different fields attend the gathering organized by Vogue.
Upon arrival, celebrities tend to reveal their fashion innovations heavily on the red carpet while the global media looks on.
Of course, any famous person might use this massive platform for the benefit of humanity to highlight issues such as the response to the war in Ukraine, the global mental health crisis or climate change.
Can you imagine the difference it could make, especially if you have over 282 million followers on Instagram?
But unfortunately, that’s the thing about celebrities, not many of them think that way.
I suppose that’s why Kim Kardashian and I will never be best friends.
The social media star appeared on the red carpet, instead using her moment in the spotlight to reveal the agonizing lengths she went to to match her dress – the dress Marilyn Monroe wore to President John F. Kennedy’s birthday party in 1962.
Speaking to Vogue, Kim said, “When it didn’t suit me I wanted to cry because it can’t be changed at all.
“I looked at them, and I said, ‘Give me three weeks, and I had to lose 16 pounds [to] Today to be able to absorb this. It was such a challenge, it was such a role.
“I would wear a sauna suit twice a day, run on the treadmill, cut out all sugar and carbs completely, and eat only the cleanest veggies and protein.”
A stray response when a lot of people look at you, many of them young and vulnerable.
And I’m not the only one who thinks Kim is a very bad role model.
Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart called out Kim saying she was “so wrong.”
“To openly admit to starving yourself for the Met Gala. When you knew so well that millions of young men and women were looking at you and listening to your every word.
“Please stop supporting these stupid, mischievous celebrities who are all about their bodies.”
I couldn’t have put it better myself Lilly.
Really, if we have to watch such a disgusting display of red carpet fortune as vast swathes of the world starve and fight for survival, at least let it be used to educate, promote action, and make a difference.
The tone of death reactions from people like Kim Kardashian does nothing to make our world a better place, so let’s stop giving them light.
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It may have been a three-year wait to see Friends Downton again – but it was worth it.
It was great to have a trip to the flicks this weekend especially because I got to watch Downton Abbey: A New Era.
This time we’ve joined the Crowley family on a big trip to the south of France to unravel the secret of the newly inherited villa of the widowed Countess.
Of course, Maggie Smith was the star of the show again and there were tears – good and bad.
Really fun movie.
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Anyone fancy winning an “absolute gem of reading” as we head into summer?
Birthright’s book by Patricia Dixon has been described as “heartbreaking” and “the best read of 2022.”
1931: Ofili receives a love letter from a fan with a gift, a priceless painting.
Nine years later, the Nazis invaded France and stole countless works of art, including the Opili’s gift.
Present: Ophélie’s grandson, Hugo, has run the family’s affairs in the land and their mansion is in danger of being sold.
Fabian, the heiress of the estate, hastily returned from London in dire need of saving her home.
Meanwhile, Mac, who spends every summer in France with his late grandparents, inherits their country house.
When the Mac returns, the memories of the good times come back..
When Mac and Fabienne meet, their attempts to save their future risk plunging them into the darkness of the past and the dangers of the present.
I have three copies of birth right to give up.
If you would like a chance to win a copy, simply email your name, address and phone number – along with the answer to the question below – to [email protected]
The closing date for entries is Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
(Q) Who wrote the birthright?
Regular Irish news rules apply
Competition winners
Northern Ireland Tourism Competition Winner Mary McGreevey, from Banbridge
