The fashion retailer has discounted a trench coat that resembles a luxury version
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River Island has reduced the trench coat (Image: River Island)
River Island has reduced a trench coat that resembles a pricier alternative. The high street fashion retailer has reduced its Relaxed Wrap Trench Coat from £65 to £30, with two colours available.
Shoppers can choose between beige and khaki trench coats. The khaki trench coat arguably looks similar to End Clothing’s St. Agni Relaxed Trench Coat, another khaki style. However, River Island’s take on the trend is a fraction of the cost, as the high-end coat currently retails for £535.
Several similarities exist between the double-breasted trench coats, as they share a midi length, belted waist, and relaxed style. However, there’s a subtle colour difference and the silhouettes are not identical.
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The materials differ too. River Island’s style is 100% Nylon, while the pricier equivalent is 66% Cotton, 31% Recycled Nylon, 3% Spandex. Nonetheless, fashion fans could style the coats with similar outfits and create comparable looks with either style, which are easily identifiable as trench coats.
While River Island does not offer a product description with details about the popular style, the End Clothing product description highlights its universality, which has been loved for decades. The description says : “From war-time waterproof to byword for sophisticated city style, the trench coat is one of the most enduring styles of our time.
“Australian brand St. Agni has offered up a contemporary take with its signature luxe-minimalist touch. Softly-structured, it’s cut from an organic cotton blend and features a single-sided storm flap and a dramatic lapel collar.”
River Island’s Khaki Relaxed Wrap Trench Coat(Image: River Island)
As such, there are plenty of options for shoppers looking for alternatives. A few examples include New Look’s £54.99 Khaki Double Breasted Trench Coat, Next’s £65 Khaki Green Shower Resistant Trench Coat, and Marks and Spencer’s £179 Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat.
For shoppers with their heart set on the River Island Relaxed Wrap Trench Coat, the Khaki style is usually available in sizes XS to L, but not all sizes were in stock at the time of writing. In bad news for those who like to read reviews before they buy, there are no reviews.
However, shoppers can find reviews for the retailer on Trustpilot, where River Island has an average rating of 3.3./5. One happy customer commented: “River island shoes and clothes are true to size and I only shop from River Island. I shop from River island at least twice a month.”
St. Agni Relaxed Trench Coat(Image: End Clothing)
Another shared: “Great range of quality clothing. Sizing is accurate and store staff are always helpful. Love shopping here!” A third added: “I always have a positive experience in-store but have recently also used their online service and ordered to collect in store. The items arrived promptly and you can return easily to the store. Really pleased.”
However, someone with less positive feedback wrote: “Just think River Island has gotten ridiculously expensive. Also a suit I bought was reduced in price a week later. Couldn’t return as I had worn it.”
They added: “I’ve shopped at River Island for as long as I remember as quality is great, its always being my number one choice. But I won’t pay ridiculous prices.”
A different shopper thought: “Sizing is awful!!! I’m a size 10 normally so I ordered some high waisted shorts in a 10. Couldn’t get them to do up at all!! Ordered a 12 and the exact same thing!! Went straight back. The only good thing is their delivery times and their refund time. Won’t be ordering from here again.”
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Meanwhile, someone claimed: “They sent me the wrong dress and it took me a week to get through to someone on customer service to arrange a free return. Once my order got back to them, my card got charged for the dress again and I was sent an email saying I would be charged £8 for the return… Avoid.”
Singapore– As Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations draw to a close on Saturday night, a huge fireworks display will illuminate the city’s extraordinary skyline.
The numerous skyscrapers and futuristic buildings stand as a tribute to the country’s remarkable development after separating from Malaysia in 1965.
This tiny Southeast Asian state, with a population of just over six million people, has one of the highest rates of wealth per capita in the world. Its advanced economy also attracts workers from across the globe.
The financial hub is famed for its stability, high standard of living, forward-thinking approach and infamous for its centralised style of governance.
While Singapore will bask in some success this weekend, once the flags are taken down and the SG60 merchandise is removed from the shelves, the island-nation will get back to work and begin contemplating its future.
Plans are already in motion to continue Singapore’s growth, with its most famous landmark – Marina Bay Sands – set to house a new fourth tower of hotel rooms in 2029, while a 15,000-seat indoor arena will also be built at the site.
Changi international airport, which was ranked this year as the world’s best for the 13th time, will also gain a fifth terminal by the mid-2030s.
Residents of the “Lion City” clearly have plenty to look forward to, but the road ahead may also contain some potholes.
Al Jazeera has been taking a look at some of the challenges that Singapore could face in the next 60 years and how they might be tackled.
Singapore’s iconic Merlion statue with the business district in the background in 2019 [File: Vincent Thian/AP Photo]
Climate change
As a low-lying island, sitting just north of the equator, Singapore is particularly vulnerable to the threat of a changing climate. The country’s former prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, once described it as a matter of “life and death”.
Rising seas and increased rainfall could lead to flooding, with extreme weather events set to be a more common occurrence.
While the city-state has so far dodged the kind of weather disruption that plagues many of its neighbours, the government is preparing for the worst.
Rising sea levels are of particular concern, with alarming estimates that the waters around Singapore could rise by more than a metre (3.2ft) by 2100.
To counter the threat, plans are being considered to build three artificial islands off the country’s east coast. These areas of reclaimed land would be linked by tidal gates and sit higher than the mainland, acting as a barrier.
Benjamin Horton, former director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore, said the country could come to a standstill if catastrophic rain were to combine with a high tide.
“If it flooded a lot of the infrastructure in Singapore, closing down MRTs [mass rapid transit], shutting down emergency routes, flooding a power station and the electricity went down – Singapore would be crippled,” Horton said.
The already-sweltering Southeast Asian financial hub will also have to cope with even hotter conditions.
Pedestrians shield from the sun with an umbrella as they walk in front of the parliament building in Singapore in May 2025 [File: Vincent Thian/AP Photo]
A 2024 government study found that the daily average temperature could rise by up to 5 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century.
Horton, who is now dean of the School of Energy and Environment at City University of Hong Kong, said this could impact the country’s economic productivity.
“Singapore is always developing and is reliant on immigrant labour that works outside during the day. Climate change is going to impact that significantly,” he said.
Yet, Singapore, Horton said, has “the potential to be the lead in how you adapt to climate change and to be the leader in coastal protection”.
Demographic time bomb
Singapore’s population is ageing at a rapid rate.
By 2030, it’s estimated that almost one in four citizens will be aged 65 and above.
The life expectancy for a Singaporean born today is a little under 84 years, with residents benefitting from a high quality of life and a world-class healthcare system.
But this demographic shift is set to challenge the city-state over the next six decades.
An ageing population will inevitably require more investment in the medical sector, while the country’s workforce could face shortages of younger workers.
Older Singaporean women practice Tai Chi, a Chinese form of meditative exercise, in 2013 [File: Wong Maye-E/AP]
“The resulting strain will not only test the resilience of healthcare institutions but also place significant emotional, physical, and financial pressure on family caregivers,” said Chuan De Foo, a research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
While the authorities are looking to expand and strengthen healthcare facilities, they are also urging citizens to make better lifestyle choices in order to stay healthier for longer. New marketing campaigns encourage regular health check-ups, allowing for early intervention, while new technology is also being utilised.
“AI-driven tools are being developed to support mental wellbeing, detect early signs of clinical deterioration and assist in diagnosis and disease management,” Foo told Al Jazeera.
Fewer babies
Alongside living longer, Singaporeans – like many advanced Asian economies – are also having fewer babies, adding to the country’s demographic woes.
The fertility rate, which measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, fell below 1.0 for the first time in 2023 and shows little sign of increasing.
That figure is even lower than Japan’s fertility rate of 1.15. This week, Japan reported its 16th consecutive year of population decline, with nearly a million more deaths than births in 2024.
Kalpana Vignehsa, a senior research fellow at NUS’s Institute of Policy Studies think tank, said the Singapore government is “swimming against a cultural tide” in its efforts to reverse the decline in births.
“Now is the time for expansive action to make parenting less expensive, less stressful, and most importantly, a highly valued and communally supported activity,” said Vignehsa.
Children in Singapore pass by an OCBC bank branch in 2020 [File: Edgar Su/Reuters]
An unstable world
Singapore is renowned for its neutral approach to foreign policy, balancing strong ties with both China and the United States.
But as relations between the world’s two biggest superpowers become increasingly strained, the Lion City’s neutrality could be challenged.
Any pivot towards Washington or Beijing is likely to be subtle, said Alan Chong, senior fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
He said that this situation occurred during the COVID pandemic, when Washington was not forthcoming with assistance for Asian economies.
“Almost all of Southeast Asia, including Singapore, tilted towards Beijing for economic support without announcing it,” said Chong.
US President Donald Trump’s punitive tariff policy has also caused consternation in the Southeast Asian business hub, which relies heavily on global trade.
Despite the threat from Washington’s increasingly protectionist policies, Chong believes that Singapore is prepared to weather the storm after signing a trade pact in 2020.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership was agreed between 15 mainly Southeast Asian countries, plus major North Asian economies including China, Japan and South Korea.
“It’s a huge insurance against any comprehensive global trade shutdown,” said Chong.
Stability at home
While the international outlook appears increasingly troubled, Singapore’s domestic political scene is set for more stability over the coming years.
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has been in power since the country was formed and shows no signs of losing control.
In May’s election, the PAP, led by new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, won all but 10 seats in parliament with just over 65 percent of the vote.
While the country’s leaders are likely to stay the same in the near-term, Teo Kay Key, research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab, said younger Singaporeans will soon want a different style of politics, one that is more open and more participatory.
“They are more likely to favour discussions and exchange of views,” she said.
Celebrity hairstylist Phil Smith reveals his unusual hack for treating blonde hair that’s gone brassy in the sun or green from too much chlorine…
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
If you’re despairing that your blonde locks have gone an unflattering shade over the holidays, a household essential could be your saviour(Image: Getty Images)
Sun, sea, swimming pools – why are all the best bits of summer the worst for your hair? Celebrity hairdresser Phil Smith, who has tended the locks of Tess Daly and Emily Blunt, says he always sees a surge in clients arriving at his salon worrying about frizzing, colour fade and frazzled scalps at this time of year.
“Maintaining effortless, healthy hair all summer can be a challenge – but with the right tips, tricks and products, you can protect your locks without compromising on style and quality,” he says.
Don’t fall for TikTok hair sunscreen hacks
We’ve all experienced that sting in the shower after a day at the beach – the telltale sign of a sunburned scalp. But avoiding a pink parting isn’t always as easy as it sounds. “I’ve seen people on TikTok suggest mixing sunscreen with water in a spray bottle to mist over the scalp,” says Phil.
“Unfortunately, this just dilutes the SPF, making it far less protective. And it’s a big no no if you have hair extensions too. “If the sunscreen contains ingredients like avobenzone, it can leave rust-like stains on them,” he adds.
Celebrity hairdresser Phil Smith says his ketchup trick for reversing green tinges in blonde hair shocks people(Image: Getty Images)
Instead, a smarter approach is to choose a hairstyle that eliminates your parting altogether. “Slicking your hair back into a ponytail is one option, but that can be a bit harsh and doesn’t suit everyone. I recommend going for a topknot or a couple of soft buns instead. Just leave a few loose strands out for a softer, more effortless look – it’s protective and super cute.”
Use ketchup to boost blonde tones
It’s particularly tough being a blonde in summer, when colour can be left brassy and battered by pollution and UV exposure – or even go green after contact with chlorine. “One hair hack I particularly love, because it shocks people that it works, is using tomato ketchup to reverse green tinges,” says Phil.
“Apply a tablespoon to lengths and wait up to 30 minutes before rinsing. The acid in the tomatoes and vinegar break down the copper build-up that causes the discolouration, restoring the blonde tones you love.
If you prefer results in seconds rather than smelling like you belong in a burger for half an hour, when you get back from your sunshine break, he suggests grabbing a bottle of Phil Smith Professional Haircare Blonde Toning Shampoo (£14 each; ), which uses amino acid rich violet rice extract to have you back to your ‘natural’ colour in the time it takes to shampoo and rinse.”
Chances are that you’ll spend time in the pool over the heatwave but chlorinated water can leave hair dry, brittle and weak(Image: Getty Images)
Shower before the pool to protect against chlorine
There’s nothing better than diving into a cool pool on a hot day, but chlorinated water can leave hair dry, brittle and weak. The good news? A little prep goes a long way. “Our hair is porous, but it can only absorb so much water at once,” says Phil. “If you want to limit how much chlorine your hair soaks up, wet your hair with fresh water before swimming.
“Take a quick shower or, if you’re at the beach, keep a refillable bottle of tap water handy so you can rinse before taking the plunge.” Phil also advises against swimming with your hair down. “I always tell my clients to apply a leave-in conditioner and then tie hair up in a bun to shield it,” he says.
Use the right towel on damp locks
Wet hair is much weaker and more prone to breakage than dry strands, so how you care for it after a swim is just as crucial as before. “Keep a soft microfibre towel like the Dock & Bay Hair Wrap (£15; uk.dockandbay.com ) in your beach bag so you aren’t tempted to rough dry with an abrasive beach towel, which will damage the cuticle and leave you with a halo of frizz,” says Phil.
If you want to comb out knots post-swim, he advises buying a wet brush. “The MDLondon Vent Brush (£13; mdlondon.com ) is perfect,” says Phil. “Start detangling from the ends and work upwards to avoid breakage and minimise discomfort.
Add a pump of Phil Smith Professional Haircare Miracle Primer (£14; Tesco.com) at the same time, with hyaluronic acid to fight humidity-induced frizz and plant-based hemisqualane to smooth and detangle.
Wet hair is much weaker and more prone to breakage than dry strands, so how you care for it after a swim is just as crucial as before(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Get your roots done once you’ve returned home
Everyone wants their hair to look amazing in their holiday photos, but if your sunshine getaway happens to fall around the time you’re due to see your colourist, it might be worth delaying that appointment.
“UV rays break down dye pigment molecules, so when you’re on a sun-soaked holiday it’s almost impossible to avoid fading and dullness – unless you spend the entire trip under a giant hat,” says Phil.
Article continues below
“While no one wants to skip a root touch-up to cover greys, if you can, I recommend stretching the time between appointments and scheduling your session for after you return home. Getting your hair professionally coloured is an investment – this way, your colour stays fresher for longer and you avoid paying for salon results that can’t last.”
For more information about Phil Smith Professional Haircare visit philsmithhair.com
Celebrity hairstylist Phil Smith reveals his unusual hack for treating blonde hair that’s gone brassy in the sun or green from too much chlorine…
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
If you’re despairing that your blonde locks have gone an unflattering shade over the holidays, a household essential could be your saviour(Image: Getty Images)
Sun, sea, swimming pools – why are all the best bits of summer the worst for your hair? Celebrity hairdresser Phil Smith, who has tended the locks of Tess Daly and Emily Blunt, says he always sees a surge in clients arriving at his salon worrying about frizzing, colour fade and frazzled scalps at this time of year.
“Maintaining effortless, healthy hair all summer can be a challenge – but with the right tips, tricks and products, you can protect your locks without compromising on style and quality,” he says.
Don’t fall for TikTok hair sunscreen hacks
We’ve all experienced that sting in the shower after a day at the beach – the telltale sign of a sunburned scalp. But avoiding a pink parting isn’t always as easy as it sounds. “I’ve seen people on TikTok suggest mixing sunscreen with water in a spray bottle to mist over the scalp,” says Phil.
“Unfortunately, this just dilutes the SPF, making it far less protective. And it’s a big no no if you have hair extensions too. “If the sunscreen contains ingredients like avobenzone, it can leave rust-like stains on them,” he adds.
Celebrity hairdresser Phil Smith says his ketchup trick for reversing green tinges in blonde hair shocks people(Image: Getty Images)
Instead, a smarter approach is to choose a hairstyle that eliminates your parting altogether. “Slicking your hair back into a ponytail is one option, but that can be a bit harsh and doesn’t suit everyone. I recommend going for a topknot or a couple of soft buns instead. Just leave a few loose strands out for a softer, more effortless look – it’s protective and super cute.”
Use ketchup to boost blonde tones
It’s particularly tough being a blonde in summer, when colour can be left brassy and battered by pollution and UV exposure – or even go green after contact with chlorine. “One hair hack I particularly love, because it shocks people that it works, is using tomato ketchup to reverse green tinges,” says Phil.
“Apply a tablespoon to lengths and wait up to 30 minutes before rinsing. The acid in the tomatoes and vinegar break down the copper build-up that causes the discolouration, restoring the blonde tones you love.
If you prefer results in seconds rather than smelling like you belong in a burger for half an hour, when you get back from your sunshine break, he suggests grabbing a bottle of Phil Smith Professional Haircare Blonde Toning Shampoo (£14 each; ), which uses amino acid rich violet rice extract to have you back to your ‘natural’ colour in the time it takes to shampoo and rinse.”
Chances are that you’ll spend time in the pool over the heatwave but chlorinated water can leave hair dry, brittle and weak(Image: Getty Images)
Shower before the pool to protect against chlorine
There’s nothing better than diving into a cool pool on a hot day, but chlorinated water can leave hair dry, brittle and weak. The good news? A little prep goes a long way. “Our hair is porous, but it can only absorb so much water at once,” says Phil. “If you want to limit how much chlorine your hair soaks up, wet your hair with fresh water before swimming.
“Take a quick shower or, if you’re at the beach, keep a refillable bottle of tap water handy so you can rinse before taking the plunge.” Phil also advises against swimming with your hair down. “I always tell my clients to apply a leave-in conditioner and then tie hair up in a bun to shield it,” he says.
Use the right towel on damp locks
Wet hair is much weaker and more prone to breakage than dry strands, so how you care for it after a swim is just as crucial as before. “Keep a soft microfibre towel like the Dock & Bay Hair Wrap (£15; uk.dockandbay.com ) in your beach bag so you aren’t tempted to rough dry with an abrasive beach towel, which will damage the cuticle and leave you with a halo of frizz,” says Phil.
If you want to comb out knots post-swim, he advises buying a wet brush. “The MDLondon Vent Brush (£13; mdlondon.com ) is perfect,” says Phil. “Start detangling from the ends and work upwards to avoid breakage and minimise discomfort.
Add a pump of Phil Smith Professional Haircare Miracle Primer (£14; Tesco.com) at the same time, with hyaluronic acid to fight humidity-induced frizz and plant-based hemisqualane to smooth and detangle.
Wet hair is much weaker and more prone to breakage than dry strands, so how you care for it after a swim is just as crucial as before(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Get your roots done once you’ve returned home
Everyone wants their hair to look amazing in their holiday photos, but if your sunshine getaway happens to fall around the time you’re due to see your colourist, it might be worth delaying that appointment.
“UV rays break down dye pigment molecules, so when you’re on a sun-soaked holiday it’s almost impossible to avoid fading and dullness – unless you spend the entire trip under a giant hat,” says Phil.
Article continues below
“While no one wants to skip a root touch-up to cover greys, if you can, I recommend stretching the time between appointments and scheduling your session for after you return home. Getting your hair professionally coloured is an investment – this way, your colour stays fresher for longer and you avoid paying for salon results that can’t last.”
For more information about Phil Smith Professional Haircare visit philsmithhair.com
