Trent Alexander-Arnold joins Calvin Klein FC squad with smouldering pants shoot

One expert explains why the pairing of footballers and pants is so lucrative. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the latest in a long line of footballers to strip down for Calvin Klein underwear campaigns.

The legendary football team Calvin Klein FC has transformed their underwear from stripping down to their, um, packets.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, a Liverpool star turned Real Madrid ace, has just made his latest move for the club’s new autumn campaign. He joins a long line of the best players in the game who have modelled for CK over the years.

Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly, both of whom were celebrities for the label, as did US legend Alex Morgan in the Calvins or Nothing campaign last year.

In the 2000s, giant billboards featuring Freddie Ljungberg in Y-fronts set the barrage for the Arsenal midfielder.

Since then, underwear and football have become synonymous, with names like Ronaldo and David Beckham following.

In 1982, when an image of Brazilian pole vaulter Tom Hintnaus appeared in New York’s Times Square, Calvin Klein first drew attention to a well-known sports star in tight whites.

After the initial outcry was over, the advertisement became a huge hit, making CK’s branded underwear a necessary item.

Footballers and pants is a match made in heaven, according to advertising guru Paul Hutton, the director of Inter Regional Public Relations and Four Agency.

He claims that Calvin Klein’s formula for getting footballers to model underwear successfully combines aspiration, mass appeal, and athleticism. Footballers are known for their outstanding physical performance and reputation, but they also have a relatable edge. Fans view them as both icons and “everymen.” That trio “sells.”

The deals are also pricey in the packets. All Star Sports, the business that Alexander-Arnold founded, has assets worth about £8.5 million from sponsorship and image rights deals.

Kate Middleton’s suede ballet flats are the perfect shoe for in-between autumn weather

Her brown suede ballet flats are a must-have for the new season, and Princess Kate recently made the perfect outfit to welcome autumn.

Princess Kate wore Pretty Ballerina’s brown suede Ella flats(Image: Getty Images)

During her most recent visit to the newly renovated gardens at the Natural History Museum yesterday (September 4) Kate Middleton put together the perfect autumnal outfit for this in-between weather we’re currently having. The Princess of Wales opted for a green tweed blazer, a crisp white shirt and some tailored trousers, and finished off the look with brown accessories including the perfect pair of suede ballet flats for the season.

Although Princess Kate is known for re-wearing plenty of pieces, this seems to be the first time she’s worn the Ella design brown suede flats from Pretty Ballerinas. The pointed toe ballet flats feature fringing details across the front, with a gold buckle detail.

Meghan Markle’s charm-enabled jewelry is a hot item on Netflix, read more.

READ MORE: I spent £1500 on two of ASOS’s best-looking boots for the fall and discovered two of their best designs.

The Pretty Ballerinas website currently sells the majority of its prints and colors, but Princess Kate’s exact pair is no longer available. However, the Ella style is available in a wide range of colors and prints. This £229 khaki green and brown suede version, which has large khaki buckles on the front, is the closest thing to Kate’s brown suede pair.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales during their visit to the newly renovated gardens Natural History Museum on September 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images)
Kate’s exact ballet flats are no longer available at Pretty Ballerinas(Image: Getty Images)

Another pair of tartan suede shoes with subtle check prints and dark autumnal hues is also available. They’re typically available in almost all sizes, and they’re currently on sale for just £99.

Ella shoes by Pretty Ballerinas are the perfect transition between your summer sandals and autumn boots. They are perfect for a transitional wardrobe for us. For a more formal outfit, you can wear them with princess-styled pants like Princess Kate or with some jeans and knits. The pointed toe helps lengthen your legs and make a stronger statement between your hemline and the ground, making them a great pair with dresses and skirts.

Pretty Ballerinas Ella suede flats
You can snap up a brown and khaki pair of Pretty Ballerinas Ella suede flats(Image: Pretty Ballerinas)

We also discovered some fantastic alternatives on the high street if you want a princess-like brown suede look. Although the price of Boden’s Easy Slingback Flats is £119, you can save 15% using the code MY7P. They are slingback heeled and bow in a dainty bow, but they are the same color as Kate’s flats and point in the same direction.

The Vagabond Shoemakers’ Wioletta Ballet Flat in Brown are currently only available in limited quantities at Schuh, but they have a significant discount that reduces their price from £110 to £37.99. With wide buckles straps across the arches and a chisel toe design, these shoes are ideal for everyday use.

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Pretty Ballerinas’ Ella shoes are the ideal fall footwear if you want to imitate Princess Kate’s style. You can find the ideal pair of shoes if you want to find them in suede or leather, with options for everything from buckles and studs to raffia and fringe details.

Kelly Clarkson breaks silence after Brandon Blackstock’s death to mark huge milestone

Katelyn Clarkson marked a significant personal milestone of hers by posting on social media for the first time since her tragic death as her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.

Kelly’s ex husband Brandon died just a few weeks ago(Image: Invision)

Kelly Clarkson has broken her silence after her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s tragic death. The music manager died at the age of 48, just days after the singer announced she’d be postponing her shows to spend time with her children.

Just days later, the family issued a statement where they said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years.

He was surrounded by family and passed away peacefully. We appreciate your prayers and thoughts, and we ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy in this challenging time.

Kelly won American Idol 23 years ago
Kelly won American Idol 23 years ago(Image: Reuters)

Kelly, who was married to Brandon from 2013 to 2022, had yet to return to social media fully since her ex-husband’s death, but she has taken to her Instagram to reflect on a huge personal milestone. She wrote: “To everyone that took time 23 years ago to call in and vote for me, thank you.

“I will forever be grateful for all of you who have supported me for so many years,” said the winner of American Idol. Finding your true calling and passion is a gift, and the ability to make a living doing it is the cherry on top. I appreciate you always.

Kelly’s previous post was the one of her postponing her Las Vegas residency after announcing that Brandon had been taken ill. Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas..

“While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.” Brandon shared River Rose, 11, and Remington ‘Remy’ Alexander, nine, with Kelly.

Kelly, who hasn’t appeared on television since Brandon’s tragic passing, will also make an emotional comeback. The first of a four-part series, Songs &amp, Stories, which was filmed before her ex’s passing, will feature Kelly.

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After their father passed away, the singer has been taking time off from work to care for her children. A source said, “It has been draining, exhausting, emotional, and devastating. A big part of it was making time for the children to visit Brandon, and all of the emotions that came with this difficult time. Workhorse like Kelly.

She only knows that hard work. She genuinely detests disappointing others. Knowing how many people depended on her, such as her crews and employees, was what kept her going. She will find a way to put her children first.

Inside Netflix star Cecilie Fjellhoy’s life since Tinder Swindler fame

What happened to Cecilie Fjellhoy, the star of The Tinder Swindler, after it reached the top of the Netflix charts when it first appeared in 2022?

The Tinder Swindler is the subject of Netflix’s newest show, which even includes a well-known face from the popular 2022 documentary.

True crime television series Love Con Revenge shines a spotlight on partners who lent thousands of dollars before discovering they had been duped.

Cecilie Fjellhoy, who shared her own romance fraud tale in The Tinder Swindler, hosts the six-part show.

With the assistance of private investigator Brianne Joseph, the Norwegian-born star is now on a mission to assist other love scam victims in seeking justice.

What, then, has kept Cecilie busy since she first gained fame?

Cecilie’s life after she became famous as The Tinder Swindler.

Cecilie co-founded fraud centre LoveSaid (Image: Joshua Wilks/Netflix)

After dominating Netflix’s charts, Cecilie and another scam victim, Anna Rowe, founded LoveSaid, a think tank focused on combating romance fraud.

The duo frequently posts updates to their social media profiles and write articles to raise awareness of love scams and offer assistance to other victims.

Although the term “victim” may have connotations, Cecilie doesn’t like it.

The TV star clarified her position on the label in 2023 by saying, “Yes, f***, I want to be seen as a victim.” After being told by the police, “It’s not really a crime.” What will they do to others if that is how I was treated and my case was so public?”

The entrepreneur has also gained success as a public speaker, frequently giving talks on fraud prevention and detection in addition to her collaboration with Anna.

The Netflix star has spoken at educational conferences everywhere from New York to Dubai, and more recently transformed her story into a novel.

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Along with Pernilla Sjoholm, The Tinder Swindler’s other alleged victim, Cecilie wrote the book with the title Swindled Never After.

The duo assert that this book is “a powerful synthesis of personal storytelling and eye-opening insights” rather than just “just a retelling of The Tinder Swindler.”

Cecilie’s most recent effort to expose romance fraud is her new Netflix series, which highlights the variety of forms love scams can take.

Speaking before the series premiere, she told Netflix: “Since The Tinder Swindler, I’ve heard from people all over the world who’ve been targeted by criminals hiding behind love.

I can use what I’ve learned to help others heal, regain their voices, their influence, and their lives through Love Con Revenge.

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Jason Manford says ‘I f***ed it’ as he recalls his The One Show exit amid sexting scandal

After being forced to quit his BBC show, comedian Jason Manford and his former coworker Alex Jones have reunited on The One Show.

BBC The One Show Jason Manford admits to ‘ruining’ show after Alex Jones reunion(Image: Getty Images for The National Lo)

Jason Manford is reunited with his former The One Show colleague Alex Jones as he admitted to a fan how he ruined his previous presenting stint on the show.

In 2010 Manford was forced to step down from BBC ’s The One Show after admitting swapping X-rated messages with women.

A viewer commented online how it was “such a shame” that his on-screen partnership with Jones hadn’t endured after appearing on the show this week.

Manford replied: “I know! F***ed it! But hey ho, we live and learn and grow!” Manford, then 29, had only been in the post with Jones for three months after the departure of former presenters Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley to ITV.

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The One Show presenters Alex Jones and Jason Manford who make their debut this evening. in 2010
Jason Manford’s time hosting the BBC show with Alex Jones didn’t last long(Image: PA)

Manford, who was married at the time, said, “I’ve made the decision to leave The One Show so that I can concentrate on my family and travel commitments.”

Later, he claimed that his then-wife Catherine had forgiven him and claimed that he had been “a d***head.” He reaffirmed that he was a good husband and father. I’ll be one forever from now on.

But he eventually ended his relationship with her in 2013. Four children were born to them. In 2014, he started dating TV producer Lucy Dyke. She and his daughter were expecting in January 2015, and they tied the knot two years later.

Jason in bed with a vimto
The comedian kept fans updated during his recent hospital stay(Image: JasonManford/X)

Last month, Manford experienced a health crisis, forcing the comic to axe a number of shows after suffering from appendicitis.

The father-of-six informed fans he had surgery to remove his appendix after three more shows were postponed. He posted a photo of himself in his gown as he updated the news from his hospital bed.

“Appendix surgery all went well, now in recovery with my Vimto, they serve it in all Manchester hospitals,” Manford told his followers on social media. “Bit of a scary and extremely painful 24 hours but thankful to our NHS and my incredible nurse mum who’s a godsend in a health crisis!”.

Then, he eluded his supporters with a cheeky bit of “sage.” He said, “My advice would be to avoid getting appendicitis while driving at 70 mph on the motorway!” “.

Seriously, I’m upset that I had to change the weekend dates, and I apologize for the late notice being given to so many people in St Albans, Oxford, Lincoln, Skegness, and Kendall Calling.

“I was told not to worry because I believed I could get by on antibiotics and surgery so I could continue doing the shows.” Also, means that I can’t travel to Portugal on Monday to take my family on vacation! That’s life, I suppose. Thank you for all the “Get Well Soon” messages.

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Comedy mate John Bishop took up his position at Kendall Calling despite having three of his four axed performances scheduled to be changed.

‘Controversial ads are more than just rage bait – they’re part of an ominous agenda’

One of the most popular trend forecasters on the Internet, Gabrielle Minoli, claims they fall under a more ominous agenda.

Could the ads for Sydney Sweeney and Matt Rife be used for “Operation B. E. I. G. E.”

Is anyone else seeing it? There’s a creeping cultural shift happening and Matt Rife and Sydney Sweeney’s ads are the pretty faces being pasted over it.

I’m referring to the conservatism shift. Let me explain before you swipe out. Unless you’ve been under a rock, you’ll have probably heard of Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad.

The camera panned over her blonde hair and blue eyes while announcing that the actress had ‘Good Jeans’. The script had many accusing the ad of playing into racism and eugenics, which was only heightened by the revelation that Sydney is reportedly a registered Republican. But while the backlash was intense, the support was counteractively fervorous.

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Sydney posing topless in double denim for American Eagle
Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad sparked accusations that the brand was promoting eugenics (Image: American Eagle)

Donald Trump himself commended the ad as “the hottest ad out there” and American Eagle’s stocks shot up. It seemed like a sort of extreme societal boomerang.

Meanwhile, Matt Rife, a TikTok comedian cursed with good looks (and perhaps cursed for real, given his recent guardianship of America’s ‘most haunted’ toy), featured in an ad for e.l.f Cosmetics. The news was widely met with backlash, largely because of his past controversial jokes around domestic violence – which alienated a portion of his female audience.

Some people have referred to these advertisements as “rage bait,” a technique used to produce offensive or defensive content. After all, everyone is firing up, and it’s obvious that everyone is conversing. But this explanation seems unsatisfactory. Why is the bait pushing the same thing if it’s just rage bait?

After all, while they’ve been probably the most prolific, these ads have not been the only ones inspiring discomfort. Kim Kardashian’s recent SKIMS face wrap ad provoked criticism for its promotion of what some view as an extreme beauty regimen. But it’s hard to believe that Kim Kardashian was simply rage-baiting when cosmetic alterations are part of her brand.

SKIMS face wrap
The SKIMS face wrap caused backlash (Image: PUBLICITY PICTURE)

Plus, people have been pointing towards other emerging trends, like clean girl, corporate core and even the princess nails trend as falling in line with a more conservative agenda. In the UK, too, many expressed their dismay online when fast fashion retailer Pretty Little Thing, once known for its ‘bombshell’ night out dresses, decided to transition to a “boring” quiet luxury rebrand.

The most interesting aspect of South Park’s most talked-about season is probably its most interesting. The creators of the iconoclastic cartoon have long prided themselves on breaking taboo and have come under fire before for spreading racist and anti-semitic jokes (among other things). Even they have criticized political correctness’s sudden demise. “Woke is dead,” Eric Cartman said.

We see it in our ads, our fashion, our makeup, even our TV shows. But why and how might businesses be pushing a agenda? What might their ultimate goal be, in addition to that? I spoke to Gabrielle Minoli, an online “anti-forecaster” known by her social media handle as saltlacroix, whose theory Operation B. E. I. G. E has been gaining traction online.

Sofia Richie Grainge Amazon baby clothes
Sofia Richie-Grainge is one of the most popular ‘clean girl’ influencers (Image: Amazon)

In her own words, B. E. I. G. E. refers to media, trends, and storepable items that are “boring and Engineered to Identify with Gentrification and Eugenics.” While she admits she initially thought the “Eugenics” part of the acronym might be a stretch, “clearly some big brands had other plans with their campaigns this year”.

She’s quick to point out that she’s a comedy content creator and that her channel was founded to satirize various aspects of culture and media. However, she has successfully predicted a number of significant trends over the past few years, and millions of people have already viewed her most recent theory, which documents this conservative shift.

She reveals she first came up with the idea for Operation B. E. I. G. E in 2024, when she noticed a “beige-ification” to the advertisement of popular brands in her hometown LA, such as Chipotle and Barnes and Nobel, which had transitioned towards a more “sterile” aesthetic.

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She says, “I knew I wanted to give this shift a name, and I chose something as official as possible because the “diet fascism,” as we’re seeing, feels systemic and increasingly planned… Promoting mediocrity, homogenizing aesthetics, and erasing diversity are key factors.”

Her videos analysing Matt Rife and Sydney Sweeney’s ad campaigns under this lens have gained millions of views across TikTok and Instagram. She explains: “Both campaigns are great examples of what Operation B.E.I.G.E. looks like emboldened. Some have called these campaigns rage bait, and while there could be some truth to that, the real danger is in what major campaigns like these normalise.”

Matt Rife
Matt’s e.l.f. campaign caused worldwide backlash(Image: Penske Media via Getty Images)

She continues, “Asian Eagle’s campaign with Sydney Sweeney was the first step in letting us know that Sydney Sweeney has “great jeans.” When the male announcer makes this statement in the most popular spot, Sweeney’s blue eyes meet the camera and lands on “jeans.”

” As made explicitly obvious in other campaign assets, we’re meant to consider ‘ genes’, too. In any socio-political environment, but especially one where racial profiling continues to lead to detention and deportation, it’s a bold statement.

She continues, “To be clear, the issue that so many of us have with this campaign is not Sydney Sweeney herself, but the physical characteristics that are lauded as “great,” characteristics that continue to be promoted in eugenics-based propaganda.

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Gabrielle acknowledges that this is “less explicitly B. E. I. G. E. ” in her campaign for e. f., but she does point out that it is”an example of platforming the middle and testing the waters of cisgender, heterosexual men marketing to women. Although it’s not a new phenomenon, it certainly dates back to 1950s advertisements featuring male announcers.

She adds:” Sexism and a return to ‘ traditional ‘ gender roles is certainly B. E. I. G. E. “

According to Gabrielle, Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS ad might also fall under the umbrella of “B. E. I. G. E.” in light of ‘body optimisation,’ which we appear to have entered after years of work in the direction of body positivity.

Many people have rung the alarm on ” Instagram Face,” or the homogeneity of body modifications, but it’s now allegedly as inexpensive and as simple as bandaging your face.

” It feels like the wheels have kind of come off the self-care mobile that gained momentum in 2020, “Gabrielle says”. Are you even a high-value woman if your jaw isn’t positively snatched enough to split a diamond? A word that truly ticks all the right boxes in an acronym like this.

Kim K
“Many others have rung the alarm on ‘Instagram Face,’ or the homogeneity of body modifications”(Image: INSTAGRAM)

READ MORE: Does Kim Kardashian’s traffic stopping Skims ad objectify or liberate women

But, like any operation, there must be an end goal. “I think about [Operation B.E.I.G.E’s end goal] a lot, and do want to acknowledge that there are possibly darker motives that align with certain political goals,” Gabrielle tells me. “So much of it feels like a gradual, calculated response to the great strides we’ve made in terms of diversity, equity, inclusion, and media representation (or “wokeness”). “On the broadest level, I do believe the end goal is for us to stop thinking for ourselves, and to trust that what we’re being served up algorithmically or IRL is what’s best and desirable, even if it’s slop. It’s trending slop, so it must be good! I mentioned AI before, and I strongly believe its normalisation is letting our creativity and critical thinking skills fritter away. The hope seems to be that we’ll lie down, fall in line, and forget how to question what’s in front of us.

” To the benefit of corporations and media execs, we often conflate value and talent with mainstream marketability, and that’s at the heart of Operation B. E. I. G. E. There are fewer and fewer rare gems plucked from obscurity, and far more rocks tumbled to reveal fool’s gold. Alternatively, a cowboy hat and mustache would be on top. They assume we will purchase the ticket, play along, and not notice.

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