Pop icon and fragrance aficionado Kylie Minogue has unveiled her latest olfactory venture, and it’s nothing short of a love letter to her fans. The newly launched Lovers by Kylie Minogue fragrance collection introduces two complementary scents: Lovers Fleur and Lovers Noir, designed to reflect the highs, depths, and delicate nuances of romance.
This marks the latest addition to Minogue’s ever-growing lifestyle empire, which already includes everything from rosé wine to home décor. With Lovers, she returns to fragrance, a world she’s long embraced, with a duo that’s as expressive and multifaceted as her decades-spanning career.
Photo: Kylie Minogue Parfums
A Fragrant Ode to Love in All Forms
According to Minogue, the Lovers collection is all about celebrating the vast emotional spectrum of love. “Lovers is a celebration of love in all its forms, the thrill of connection, the comfort of knowing, and the magic in between. It’s intimate, playful, and deeply personal,” she said in a press release.
Crafted in collaboration with Scent Beauty and renowned perfumer Ilias Ermenidis, the duo of scents was designed to be worn either individually or layered together, like two lovers in harmony or dancing apart.
Ermenidis, who has worked with Minogue for years and also helped refresh her original Darling scent in 2021, described the pair as “a dual fragrance that could be worn apart or together, reflecting the magnetic pull between lovers.”
Meet the Scents: Fleur & Noir
The Lovers collection includes two Eau de Parfums that transport wearers from sunlit flirtations to nighttime allure.
Lovers Fleur ($68) An amber-white floral that evokes softness, warmth, and sensuality.
Top notes: Leafy greens, honeysuckle, coconut milk
Heart notes: Tuberose India, ylang ylang, handpicked jasmine
Base notes: Sandalwood, white musk, amber woods
Lovers Noir ($68) A bold, aromatic woody scent with spicy undertones and an irresistible trail.
Top notes: Green apple, sage, pink pepper
Heart notes: French lavender, artemisia, cacao absolute
Base notes: Cashmere woods, tonka bean, patchouli
Early reviews praise Fleur as “sweet and long-lasting without being overpowering,” while Noir has been described as “amazing and fresh with serious staying power.”
Photo: Kylie Minogue Parfums
A Legacy of Scent
This isn’t Minogue’s first foray into the fragrance world. She launched her debut perfume Darling in 2006, which was updated and re-released in 2021. More recently, she introduced Disco Darling in December 2022, a glamorous scent inspired by her 2020 album Disco.
With Lovers, Minogue continues to evolve her scent portfolio while staying deeply connected to the emotions that inspire her art. Available now via KylieMinogueParfums.com, this latest release invites fans old and new to lean into love, in all its many moods.
Rare Beauty isn’t just another celebrity brand, it’s a beauty movement grounded in self-love, inclusivity, and thoughtful innovation. And now, founder Selena Gomez is raising the bar again with the brand’s newest offering: a perfume that’s not just about how you smell, but how you feel while using it.
Fragrance Meets Function
Rare Eau de Parfum is the first fragrance from the brand, and it comes with an impressive and carefully crafted scent profile. Expect cozy gourmand notes like caramel, pistachio, and vanilla, perfectly layered with warm ginger and grounding sandalwood. It’s sweet, spicy, earthy, and unexpectedly elevated, think dessert with a smoky twist.
Selena Gomez announces new fragrance, Rare Eau de Parfum.
It’s described as “warm and decadent with a touch of spice with notes of creamy caramel and pistachio” that “gives way to an unexpected duality of rich vanilla and spicy ginger, then dries down to an earthy sandalwood.” pic.twitter.com/gwt3VkqwZx
But this isn’t just a perfume you spritz and forget. Rare Beauty is also releasing four complementary fragrance balms in Amber Vanilla, Floral Peony Blossom, Fresh Bergamot, and Woody Oak. These balms are designed to be layered with the perfume to help users customize their scent experience, intensify certain notes, or simply make it last longer.
Beauty That Everyone Can Use
What truly sets this launch apart is the brand’s continued commitment to accessibility. The bottle was developed in partnership with hand therapists and packaging engineers to ensure it’s ergonomic and easy to use—even for those with limited hand mobility.
Rare Beauty will launch its first Eau de Parfum on August 7th!
— Designed with accessibility in mind, the bottle is crafted for people with limited mobility. The scent features notes of caramel, pistachio, pink pepper, ginger, cocoa bean, vanilla, sandalwood, tonka bean, and a… pic.twitter.com/DbmbjREnVX
— Selena Gomez Worldwide | Fan Account (@WorldwideSelG) July 28, 2025
This design choice stems from Gomez’s own lived experience with lupus, an autoimmune disease that can affect joint movement. Rather than accepting the status quo in an industry that often overlooks disabled consumers, Rare Beauty is taking tangible steps to make beauty products more universally accessible.
This isn’t the brand’s first foray into accessible design. Rare Beauty previously made headlines for updating its viral liquid blush and highlighter, adding a soft sponge applicator that makes blending easier without applying pressure. But Rare Eau de Parfum feels like a deeper evolution, bringing accessibility into a category that’s rarely, if ever, considered from a mobility standpoint.
Praise From Fans and Advocates
The launch is already making waves on social media, with many users applauding the brand’s innovation and intentionality.
“Selena really came in on a saturated market and actually did something to make it better,” one fan commented.
Another added, “This is so cute and I’m shocked no one thought of it before.”
Rare Beauty may be late to the fragrance party, but it’s arrived with purpose, poise, and something the beauty industry often lacks: progress.
With Rare Eau de Parfum, Selena Gomez isn’t just selling a scent, she’s offering a statement. And it smells like inclusion.
Sydney Sweeney is facing social media backlash after the debut of her new denim campaign with American Eagle, which some critics have accused of invoking racially insensitive messaging.
The fall 2025 campaign, which launched last week, features the Euphoria and White Lotus star posing in American Eagle’s latest denim line. The central tagline? “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.” But the cheeky pun, playing off “great genes,” hasn’t landed well with everyone.
In one clip posted to American Eagle’s Instagram, Sweeney stands in front of a sign reading “Sydney Sweeney has great genes,” with “genes” crossed out and replaced by “jeans.” Another video shows Sweeney explaining, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color.” The camera then zooms in on her own blue eyes. She finishes with, “My jeans are blue.”
While the wordplay may have been intended as clever and lighthearted, many online users didn’t see it that way. Across TikTok, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter), some commenters accused the brand of leaning into messaging that echoes eugenics or white supremacist ideology, especially in its framing of inherited beauty traits.
Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign is receiving criticism for a “jeans/genes” pun that some say echoes eugenics and white supremacy rhetoric.
As of Tuesday morning, neither American Eagle nor Sweeney has responded publicly to the controversy. A representative for the actress declined to comment, and American Eagle has not issued a statement despite mounting criticism.
Still, the campaign has continued to roll out across AE’s platforms and in stores, with no visible changes.
Behind the Denim: The Sydney Jean
Controversy aside, the campaign is tied to a philanthropic effort. The centerpiece is a limited-edition denim jacket and “The Sydney Jean,” designed in collaboration with Sweeney herself. The jeans feature a butterfly embroidery, meant to symbolize growth, transformation, and domestic violence awareness, a cause close to Sweeney, who has previously spoken about supporting mental health resources.
All proceeds from the jeans will benefit Crisis Text Line, a nonprofit providing 24/7 text-based mental health support.
“Sweeney’s girl-next-door charm and main character energy, paired with her ability to not take herself too seriously, is the hallmark of this bold, playful campaign,” American Eagle wrote in a press release.
Stock Up, Comments Down
While the comments section has filled with critiques, American Eagle’s stock is experiencing the opposite effect. Since the campaign launched, shares of the company have jumped by 21%, suggesting that the backlash hasn’t hurt business, at least not yet.
The Internet Remains Divided
On one side, critics are calling for more accountability from the brand and questioning how the messaging made it past multiple rounds of approval. On the other, some fans argue the campaign was meant to be playful and has been misinterpreted.
Regardless of intent, the moment highlights how a single word, especially one with loaded historical implications, can derail even the most fashion-forward marketing efforts.
Whether the brand chooses to respond or let the conversation die down naturally, one thing’s for certain: this campaign is being talked about far beyond the dressing room.
Charli XCX is stomping into fashion with serious attitude. The pop provocateur has officially teamed up with Converse to launch a limited-edition line of customizable shoes that blend punk chaos with DIY couture. In true BRAT fashion, it’s messy, bold, and unapologetically Charli.
The “Von dutch” singer revealed the capsule on Instagram, showcasing multiple designs that instantly feel like must-haves for every party girl, or brat, on the go.
Introducing BRAT-core Footwear
For her first look, Charli serves angelic-meets-anarchic energy. She sports a frilly white tank and skirt set, exuding early-2000s innocence, but the shoes steal the show. Her custom Converse high-tops are intentionally distressed in a faded gray-white hue, with heavy scuffing and tears. Scribbled on the sole? One powerful four-letter word: BRAT, a tribute to her critically acclaimed, era-defining album.
These are not your average fresh-out-the-box kicks. They’re battle-worn, rebellious, and ready for the pit (or the dancefloor).
Charli’s second look leans into laid-back cool. She pairs a gauzy white T-shirt dress with high-top Converse in a charcoal shade, this time bearing the phrase “PARTY GIRL” across the soles. It’s the kind of shoe built for long nights and louder music—practical, stylish, and not afraid to get a little dirty.
“I’ve always worn Converse,” Charli told NYLON. “I have an old pair of Converse that I got, God, I don’t even know, 10 years ago that have holes in them, and I love wearing them. It’s a classic, timeless shoe… I love pairing it with a classic item, whether that is a classic leather jacket or so mething that is a staple piece that doesn’t follow any type of trend cycle.”
This isn’t just a drop, it’s a playground. Fans can build their own Charli-approved sneaker by swapping out colors, swapping text on the soles and sides, and choosing from hues like brown rice, gray lilac, and blue flower. Every pair comes with a lock-and-key charm on the heel tab for that extra touch of bratty flair.
Charli said the inspiration came from her deep-rooted love of Converse and desire to leave a personal stamp on something timeless. “It’s always reliable and always there. I have a few items like that in my wardrobe… and I wanted to have my own shoe. I wanted to make it more about me. Obviously.”
Designed with BRAT DNA
The sneakers are more than just merch, they’re an extension of Charli’s BRAT aesthetic. Subtle but powerful design details carry the chaotic spirit of the album, including the placement of slogans on the soles rather than the sides.
“It’s a continuation of the language of BRAT,” she explained. “The whole beginning of the campaign was following the Brat ethos: having a private Instagram, leaving hints, not putting something totally in your face.”
She continued, “With the design of the shoe… the fact that it is on the sole, it’s this hidden little thing. I like that the logo is being walked through the dark; that feels very inherently Brat. There’s an element of destruction to the placement, which I really like.”
Mark Your Calendar
The Charli XCX x Converse collab officially drops Tuesday, Aug. 5, but don’t drag your feet, it’s only available for three days. After that, the BRAT dream shoes vanish just as mysteriously as they arrived.
Tom Daley, the Olympic legend who landed more than just medals, has made his latest splash not in the pool but on social media with the launch of his new Adidas swimwear collection. Known for his grace both on the platform and off, Daley has taken his creativity to a fresh frontier.
A five-time Olympic medalist, celebrated diver and LGBTQ advocate Tom Daley, who came out to the public in 2013 and married filmmaker Dustin Lance Black in 2017, introduced the swimwear line to the world on Tuesday, July 15. He shared a series of striking photos on Instagram, radiating confidence and flair. One snapshot portrayed him climbing from the water in retro style trunks. In another, he appeared mid-dive, each image a testament to the collection’s daring energy.
Adidas captioned the post with enthusiasm, writing: “Serving dives and swimwear! Introducing the new adidas x @tomdaley swim collection.” The straightforward message quickly resonated online, earning cheers from fans and high praise.
The trunks, styled in a throwback cut and priced at thirty pounds in the UK, are currently available in two bold colorways. They have already garnered glowing customer feedback. One reviewer awarded them five stars, noting “Nice material nice fit nice design.” They added “I like the idea these were by a guest designer and who better to design trunks than Tom.”
Social media reactions came pouring in. One enthusiastic response read “OBSESSEDDDDD,” while another complimented the fit and feel: “Always cut your new collab is great.”
Daley’s partnership with Adidas is as much a personal victory as it is a stylish offering. Beyond the perfectly tailored trunks, his collaboration represents positive forward momentum in queer representation within sports and fashion. For the former champion diver, who once felt compelled to live under the shadows of his identity, this collection marks a milestone.
Just last month Tom Daley gave a powerful testimony about the struggles many LGBTQ athletes face behind closed doors. In June he revealed that “closeted” queer sports stars often reach out to him, seeking guidance on coming out. Many are trapped in silence or uncertainty, unsure of how to reconcile their identities with the expectations of their professions.
Daley also spoke openly about the eating disorder he battled in his late teens. At that time, as he was beginning to accept who he was, he was influenced by managers who warned him to present a more “straight” image for fear of losing endorsements. He recounted the shame he felt after being told to avoid public displays with his now-husband Dustin.
In his documentary Tom Daley: 1.6 seconds, he shared behind-the-scenes moments that shocked even his loyal fans. He said he organized a party and invited Dustin. The feedback from his management left him frozen with anxiety. They warned that being seen alongside a known LGBT rights activist could damage his appeal, particularly in countries where anti-gay sentiment remains high. Their stark messaging included threats of losing sponsorships and global audiences.
That kind of pressure and fear shaped Daley’s journey for years. But now, in a striking twist of fate, he stands at a place of pride and visibility. Whether he is leaping from a platform or stepping confidently into front row for fashion, Tom Daley now makes choices on his own terms.
The Adidas swimwear line stands out not only for its design but also for its message. Each stitch and seam celebrates Daley’s authenticity. The bold splash of color and retro cut stands as a visual representation of pride rooted in personal triumph. For many LGBTQ athletes still finding their way, it serves as a beacon of what is possible when authenticity wins the day.
Despite not yet being available in the United States, fans have made clear their excitement. Many are requesting that Adidas expand its distribution so that everyone can wear a piece of Daley’s story. His influence spans beyond athletic achievements or wedding day, reaching into everyday life where form meets function and statement meets style.
At a moment when queer representation in athletic apparel is still rare, Daley’s collaboration feels revolutionary. He has used every platform available – podcasts, Olympic podiums, television interviews and now fashion – to tell one clear story: queer athletes have a place in every area of life. They belong on center stage and they deserve to be seen.
Adidas’ bold approach to working with Daley may serve as inspiration for other brands. If more athletes with powerful stories partnered with major labels, the landscape of sport and style could become richer, more diverse and more reflective of reality. Daley’s swim collection may be just the start.
For now, his message to the world is simple. Live out loud. Embrace your truth. And, yes, make a splash while you’re at it. If these trunks are any indication, summer just got a lot more colorful.
Celebrity stylist Law Roach isn’t just known for crafting show-stopping red carpet looks, he’s a behind-the-scenes force whose loyalty, vision, and emotional intelligence have reshaped what fashion partnerships can look like.
In a recent episode of the Baby, This Is Keke Palmer podcast, Roach reflected on two of his most iconic collaborators: Zendaya, who elevated his name alongside hers, and Céline Dion, who literally googled him after admiring his work.
Before their 2016 fashion renaissance, Dion came across Roach’s work with Zendaya and saw something special. “She liked that [Zendaya’s style] had some sophistication to it, and she liked it, so she Googled me,” Roach recalled in an interview with People. “She sought me out, which is really humbling. I mean, Céline is an icon.”
That simple search led to a full-blown partnership that shook the fashion world. Roach described how Dion leaned into bold fashion moments, showing a new side of herself at a time when many had written her off.
“When I first started working with Céline, it was my mission to show people how cool she was and how she was younger than we all thought,” he told Keke Palmer. “People thought she was 60 already… because we grew up with her our whole lives.”
For Roach, helping Dion step into this next chapter wasn’t just about clothes, it was about joy. “I’m here almost every day and it makes me so happy to see her so happy,” he told People. “If I had a small piece of that with the clothes and the fittings and the shoes and the bags, then I am overjoyed.”
Of course, before Dion, there was Zendaya. And she didn’t just work with Roach, she went to bat for him.
“She said, ‘Every step of the way, I’m taking you with me,’” Roach told Palmer. “When she gained control of her career, she made sure she advocated for me in those rooms.”
Roach went on to describe moments where Zendaya turned down massive opportunities if Roach wasn’t included. “When you have someone that’s a partner for you and that’s willing to walk away from millions of dollars to make sure that you get your share… it’s incredible,” he said.
That kind of loyalty is rare, and it’s clear Roach doesn’t take it for granted.
From Retirement to Revival (One Night Only)
In 2023, Roach shocked the fashion world by announcing his retirement. But his sabbatical was short-lived, he returned in early 2024 for one dazzling moment: dressing Céline Dion for the Grammys.
The singer, who had been out of the public eye following her 2022 diagnosis of stiff person syndrome (SPS), made a triumphant return in a pleated blush pink gown, a mustard Valentino coat, and enough diamonds to stop traffic. She presented Album of the Year to Taylor Swift to a roaring standing ovation, and Roach was behind the look.
Celine Dion speaks onstage during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
To mark the occasion, he posted a video on Instagram of a name tag that read: “Hello I am UNRETIRED,” captioning it, “One nite only!!!!!”
What Comes Next?
In 2025, Roach re-entered the scene more selectively, now styling rising star Ryan Destiny. He also hinted that personal friction with a past client, along with burnout, contributed to his original decision to retire.
Still, the stylist remains focused on intention over hype. “I had to create a blueprint and a plan to change people’s perception of who [Céline] was as an artist, as a woman, as a person,” he said. “Not change people, just elevate them.”
Zendaya helped elevate him. Céline trusted him to elevate her. And in turn, Law Roach has transformed what it means to be a stylist—not just a curator of fashion, but an architect of legacy.
Even though Pride Month has wrapped, Tinder and designer Willy Chavarria are keeping the celebration alive, and Madonna herself is taking note.
Pride Style That Pops
Tinder reunited with queer designer and activist Willy Chavarria for a special 2025 Pride capsule collection, serving bold looks and bold statements. The seasonal drop was inspired by the limited-edition sweatshirt that made its debut during Paris Men’s Fashion Week, a moment that married high fashion with unapologetic queer pride.
The capsule includes wardrobe staples with a punch, featuring oversized cuts, gender-fluid silhouettes, and graphic slogans that center self-expression and queer empowerment. The limited collection builds on last year’s collab but dials up the energy with streetwear that actually says something.
Love Is the Label
Beyond the clothing, Tinder also reignited its in-app Pride sticker campaign, those brightly colored badges that let users proudly showcase their identity and support within the app. This year, they introduced a new sticker that reads, How We Love Is Who We Are, a message that aligns perfectly with both Chavarria’s ethos and Tinder’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility.
During Pride Month, every time a U.S.-based user added a Pride sticker to their Tinder profile, the platform donated $1 to the Human Rights Campaign. It was a simple swipe-right on advocacy.
Madonna Makes It Official
Need further validation that this collab is iconic? Madonna gave it her seal of approval. The Queen of Pop included the collection in a recent Instagram carousel celebrating Pride Weekend, where she posted moments with her children, music, dance, and a subtle shout-out to the collab.
In her caption, Madonna wrote, “Pride Weekend allowed me to Have Fun and Celebrate my Love and support for the Queer Community as well as my Children and our Shared Love of Music and Dance.”
The cameo was brief but effective. With Madonna’s endorsement, the capsule joins the ranks of fashion moments that blend cultural relevance with genuine allyship.
Pride Doesn’t End in June
Tinder and Chavarria are reminding us that Pride is more than a month. It’s a movement, a mindset, and a mood you can absolutely wear on your sleeve.
So if you’re still riding the glittery high of Pride season, there’s no reason to come down just yet. Especially when Madonna’s dancing in the same sweatshirt.
Ten years after Obergefell, Darnell Lamont and Chris Hill remind us that intimacy is its own kind of rebellion.
Darnell and Chris are the kind of people you talk to and feel like you’ve known them for years. After two conversations, I’ve already divulged my entire life story and invited them to stay with my husband and me in Ireland. I meant it, too. It’s rare to feel that kind of genuine warmth through a computer screen, but that’s just the kind of people they are. As I reflect on our conversation, their story makes a lot of sense. As I see it, they are the product of two people growing together out of instinct.
Photos by Chris Behroozian
The Beginning of a Queer Love Story
For two talented creatives who put so much intention into their work, it’s funny how incidental their relationship has been. Not without care and tenderness, but seemingly without needless anxiety. “We met on Scruff,” Chris says with a cheeky grin.
Chris, a talented hair stylist, is a self-described “Chatty-Cathy,” and it tracks. One flash of his pearly whites and a flick of his long hair, and it’s easy to see why Darnell was so drawn to him. “It was probably like three or four attempts of me trying to get you to hang out,” Darnell says playfully. Darnell, a brilliant art director, is quieter and more reserved, yet deeply contemplative. His beard and glasses give him a professorial look, even when paired with a baseball cap. Coupled with his deep voice and thoughtful cadence, talking to him is a tonic. They complement each other perfectly. They just fit.
Chris described their first date, at a sports bar in Philly, as “easy.” Despite the first-date jitters, a combination of liquid courage and Chris’ charm got them gabbing all evening like old friends. “We had a couple of shots, and we just had the best time. […] We hung out almost every day since.”
The Proposal That Wasn’t
As our conversation turned to weddings, the theme of ease kept coming back. Marriage wasn’t on either of their radars. “I never really had a picturesque idea of getting married or anything like that,” says Darnell. “I think we talked about it, but it was never anything super serious or anything.”
Circumstance Without the Pomp
Like many queer people, a traditional marriage wasn’t something they ever expected for themselves. “It wasn’t a realistic thought, kind of growing up gay, you know? It just wasn’t really part of it,” says Chris. “Even when we started talking about marriage, we didn’t even want to do the proposal thing.” Their actual “proposal,” if you want to call it that, was an impromptu trip to the jewelry store. “We went to our favorite jewelry store, it’s called Halloween, and we were just kind of shopping around.”
“We were there for like maybe an hour or something, and we both kind of just found rings that we loved. And then we were like, should we just do it?” I could see the excitement on their faces as they remembered this moment. I got the sense that their relationship was a constant process of discovery, filled with little moments just like this one.
Originally, the couple toyed with the idea of a black-tie affair. Something gay and grand. “I think just naturally, when you get engaged, the kind of hype of it felt like we needed to do something grand, and then we were like, we actually don’t really want any part of that.”
Letting Go of the Big Wedding Pressure
Instead, they gave themselves time, two full years in fact. And in that time, they let the idea of a big wedding fade. What emerged was something much closer to the truth: a private, deeply intentional celebration. It’s not an easy decision to make. Anyone who has planned a wedding can tell you that sooner or later, the expectations of friends, parents, in-laws, and family friends start to weigh on you. Before you know it, the whole affair can quickly spiral out of your control.
This was something Chris and Darnell were very intentional about. “We kind of just kept our plans to ourselves, and that helped us just be really clear about what we wanted.”
An Intimate Wedding Day in LA
The night before they tied the knot, Darnell and Chris checked themselves into Chateau Marmont. Perched above Sunset Boulevard, this century-old Gothic Revival building is like something out of a fairy tale. Chic, storied, and effortlessly romantic, I can’t think of a more perfect setting for these two. “It’s such a magical place,” says Chris. The rest of their stay sounds like a dream. They ordered room service, went down to the pool, took a little dip, and sat in the sun. While most people are panicking about the weather and writing last-minute table-seating labels (yours truly), Darnell and Chris were soaking in the entire thing. “It truly felt like a staycation because it was like something we were doing that no one else knew,” says Chris.
A Wedding Ceremony Without the Spectacle
There is also actual wedding business to attend to here. The couple, of course, had to go through the legal motions, and they wanted to document everything along the way. “The photos were really the most important part, just so we can have [them] as a keepsake,” says Chris. They met their photographer, Chris Behroozian, a few times before for a vibe check. “We just wanted to feel really chill with them,” says Chris. “Especially getting your photo taken for hours is kind of a vulnerable experience.” Not to mention, Chris Behroozian’s work is intimate, timeless, and somewhat cinematic; the ideal complement to both the couple and the setting.
Capturing the Day with Intention
Given how stunning and editorial the photos look, I had to ask them how they achieved it. “We really did a lot of work in the preparation so that on the day, we weren’t micromanaging anyone, you know?” says Chris. “It felt so easy because [Darnell] and the photographer had done so much back and forth to prepare. So on the day it was decisive, it was clean, it was respectful.” It can’t hurt if one of you is an art director.
After their photos were taken in the morning, the couple headed to the courthouse. According to them, it was quick and easy. “We loved our judge. She was so cute and sweet.” They even had their photographer as their witness. Two birds with one stone.
FaceTime, Dive Bars, and Two Dinners
Once they finished up at the courthouse, it was over to West Hollywood for some photos and shots at a dive bar. There, they gave their family a quick heads up to answer the phone when they call, and they broke the good news over FaceTime. If there was one thing that made them reconsider eloping, it was not having family there. I reminded them that there will be plenty of opportunities to do exactly that in the future—who says you even need an excuse?
When you’ve broken the conventions, you get to do things like planning two dinners instead of one. And that’s exactly what they did. First, they had dinner at Horses in West Hollywood, where they hung out and did some people watching. Then they headed back to their hotel for a second dinner. “That was really sweet because when we got to the table, friends and family had sent us bottles to the table.”
They even got a celebratory welcome. An older couple sitting next to them somehow got wind of their story and their arrival. “They freaked out when we got to the table,” says Chris. “It was so cute. They were screaming and clapping.” This was the point when the emotions of the day began to set in. Seeing their families, getting that welcome, and then processing it together sounds like the kind of shared, intimate experience that fuels a marriage. After dinner, the couple had cake in their hotel room, took some Polaroids, and watched cable TV, which is one of their favorite things to do together.
This sort of low-key experience certainly isn’t for everyone, but I can’t help but wonder how many people would choose this if it felt more accessible to them. Without the external burdens of familial and societal expectations, weddings can be like a secret shared between lovers. Something that belongs to just the two of you.
10 Years After Obergefell
It’s not lost on me that my conversation with Darnell and Chris is occurring almost exactly 10 years after the Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015. Nor is it lost on Darnell and Chris that the current political landscape has us wondering just how safe our right to marry is. “The political climate definitely informed our sense of urgency,” says Chris. “In November, with the new administration, […] we felt pretty vulnerable.”
The Political Reality of Queer Marriage in 2025
No queer couple needs the government to validate their relationship, but the rights afforded to those who marry are deeply impactful. Regardless, no matter what happens, Darnell and Chris’ relationship is built on something stronger. If they did see their rights roll back, “it would be a sad thing, but it wouldn’t break us,” says Chris.
So, 10 years after Obergefell, perhaps it’s time that some of us reexamine our relationship with weddings and marriage in general. Ask yourself, how can they best serve your needs as a family, rather than falling into the same conveyor belt as everyone else? While certainly not for everyone, Chris and Darnell chose to skip the spectacle and, in doing so, they found something far more personal.
Life After the Ceremony
True to form, the couple says they are looking for some consistency for a while. “We’ve been in Los Angeles now for six years, and it’s just feeling like we can breathe a little bit.” According to Darnell, they’re in their nesting period.
Photos by Chris Behroozian
Marriage as Intention
Now that they’re married, I couldn’t help but wonder if life feels different for Darnell and Chris. In many ways, this is a natural continuation of their story, but in others, this has made them feel more solid as a couple. “I feel like we’re quicker to say sorry,” says Darnell. “You’re more intentional about each other’s feelings […] because you plan to spend a lifetime together, you know?”
My mother-in-law likes to tell me, “What’s meant for you will come easily.” It always struck me as a platitude you tell yourself when you lose something you worked hard for. Perhaps I would amend the statement just a bit: “What’s meant for you will come naturally.” With a little intention and a dash of preparation, it might even come together with relative ease. When I look at relationships like Darnell and Chris’, I am reminded of how many great things can — and should — come easily.
Things like love. Intimacy. And watching cable TV with your husband.
Keep scrolling for more stunning shots of Darnell and Chris’ special day.
Charles Melton has traded in his tux for trainers, and the internet is losing it.
In Coach’s newest campaign for the Soho Sneaker, the May December actor ditches the red carpet glam for something a little more… shirt-optional. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alma Har’el, the cheeky new short film titled Not Just for Walking shows Melton at home, caught off guard by paparazzi. In a slick move, he tosses his Soho Sneakers out the window as a decoy, before slipping into a backup pair and dashing off, abs and all.
The vibe? Athletic, playful, and just a little chaotic, in the best way.
Melton, 34, first joined the Coach family as a brand ambassador in September 2024, debuting in the Fall “Unlock Your Courage” campaign and holding court front row at the Spring 2025 runway show in New York. His effortless blend of old-school Hollywood charm and contemporary cool made him a perfect fit for the brand’s evolving image.
And while he’s no stranger to tailored suits, this campaign lets him flex, literally and figuratively, in a more laid-back, dynamic look that’s still dripping with star power.
Photo: Coach
Photo: Coach
The Sneaker That Does It All
Coach’s Soho Sneaker isn’t just another fashion-forward footwear drop. Inspired by late-’80s and early-’90s cross-training shoes, the design leans into comfort, versatility, and just the right amount of retro edge. Originally debuted on the Spring 2025 runway, the Soho is now hitting the streets with an inclusive campaign starring not just Melton but a crew of boundary-pushers like Audrey Nuna, Satou Sabally, and NASCAR’s Toni Breidinger.
According to Coach, the Soho was “made to embrace the many expressions of the wearer’s life.” Whether that’s high fashion, high speed, or high drama (à la Melton’s stealthy escape), the sneaker is built to keep up.
Photo: Coach
Photo: Coach
Melton Gets Candid
In a recent interview with Esquire, Melton opened up about his experience shooting the ad, saying, “The whole environment and the vibe of the days we spent filming and shooting were very loose and free. I felt like I was allowed to express more of a playful side of myself, which I don’t get to do too often in front of the camera.”
That ease radiates through the campaign, making his performance feel authentic, fun, and, let’s be honest, kind of hot.
Social Media Reacts: “Charles Melton, Please Step on Me (In Those Shoes)”
Naturally, the internet didn’t take long to weigh in. Within hours of the campaign’s release, fashion fans and thirst traps alike filled timelines with one common message: Charles Melton is that guy.
“Take it all off already…”
“Back off, ladies & gays. That man’s taken by me.”
“Need to lick every drop of sweat off his body.”
And our personal favorite:
“God is great, God is good, let us thank him for our food”
Charles Melton’s latest turn with Coach proves he’s more than just a pretty face in a suit, he’s a versatile style icon ready to play. And with the Soho Sneaker built for life’s many sides, this campaign is not just a fashion moment, it’s a full sprint into summer.
Tom Daley may have first captivated the world as the teenage diving prodigy who could seemingly defy gravity, but these days, he’s more likely to be making waves with yarn than a swan dive. The British Olympian, who rocketed to fame at just 14, is closing one chapter and casting on another, this time as a designer, entrepreneur, and cultural tastemaker.
From Pool to Platform
Daley’s rise began with a splash, literally. At the 2008 Olympics, the then-14-year-old high diver soared from the board with precision, grace, and the poise of an athlete far beyond his years. “Looking back, it’s surreal,” Daley said during an interview with Flaunt, reflecting on the whirlwind of media attention that consumed his teenage life.
But beyond the gold medals and international acclaim, there was a quieter, more personal journey unfolding. “Knowing I was gay and navigating that during the height of my visibility was intense,” he shares. “I felt like I had to constantly prove myself to compensate for a part of me I was scared to show.”
Daley didn’t just come out, he took the narrative into his own hands, bypassing the tabloid route for a heartfelt YouTube video in 2013. It was a choice rooted in authenticity. “I wanted to be in control of my story,” he says. “No spin, no clickbait, just me, saying what I needed to say.”
The move was bold at a time when public coming outs were often handled through glossy exclusives. But for Daley, honesty trumped spectacle. “I wasn’t trying to make a splash with it,” he says with a smile. “I just didn’t want to hide anymore.”
Life After the Podium
After years of winning medals and hearts, Daley stepped away from competitive diving in 2024. But retirement, for him, doesn’t mean retreat. Instead, it’s meant a pivot, from triple flips to triple purl stitches.
His post-sport passion project, Made With Love, is a full-blown knitting and fashion brand with a devout following. The brand’s offerings, from luxe yarn kits to streetwear-style knit hoodies, are now available at major retailers like Michaels and JOANN Fabrics. The idea was born during quiet downtime, but quickly spiraled into obsession. “I taught myself from YouTube,” Daley says. “Then suddenly, I was sketching designs and staying up past midnight with a knitting needle in hand.”
That obsession now fuels his next big project: The Game of Wool, a reality competition show à la The Great British Bake Off, but for stitchers. It’s a cozy competition Daley will host—and knitters everywhere are already unraveling with anticipation.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Daley chapter without reflection. His upcoming documentary, Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds, promises a raw, intimate look back at his life, both in and out of the pool. “There’s footage I didn’t even know existed,” he says, referencing videos shot by his late father, who was a constant presence during his early diving years. “Rewatching that has been emotional.”
The film captures both the triumph and trauma of being thrust into the spotlight so young, and shows how Daley has transformed adversity into artistry.
Daley in Full Bloom
Currently gracing the digital cover of FLAUNT Magazine’s “Fleeting Twilight” issue, Daley is seen modeling standout looks from Ben Sherman’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection. The editorial mirrors his evolution, from decorated diver to fashion-forward force.
Though he’s swapped Speedos for stitching needles, one thing remains the same: Daley is diving headfirst into whatever comes next—on his own terms.
