Sir Elton John has once again partnered with renowned home fragrance expert Harry Slatkin to launch a new candle and reed diffuser collection, the Woodside Collection, inspired by the springtime ambiance of John’s English estate.The collection debuted exclusively on QVC on April 14, 2025.
A Fragrant Tribute to Woodside
The Woodside Collection features a selection of scents that evoke the essence of spring at John’s estate.One standout fragrance is Rhubarb Strawberry Crumble, a scent that made its debut in the holiday collection and has returned due to popular demand.John describes it as capturing the aroma of freshly harvested rhubarb and strawberries from the Woodside gardens, combined with honey and baked into a crust until hot and bubbly.“This candle smells exactly like a fresh one being pulled out of the oven, waiting to be enjoyed,” he says.
Elton John and Slatkin + Co. Woodside Collection. Photo: Slatkin + Co.
Other fragrances in the collection include:
Apple Mint Tea: A crisp yet sweet scent found in the Woodside Hamper trio.
English Moss: Featuring fresh eucalyptus and cedarwood with a green apple note for a tart aroma.
Spring Rain: A blend of fallen rain notes with lush honeysuckle, jasmine petals, and stems.
Sugared Pear & Vanilla: Topped off with sparkling orange and grounded with amberwood.
Windsor Festival: A melange of bergamot, florals including neroli and ylang-ylang, plus sandalwood.
Packaging Reflects Seasonal Elegance
The packaging of the Woodside Collection is as thoughtfully designed as the fragrances themselves.The candles are housed in glass vessels in beautiful spring hues and are embossed with a piano-key pattern, reflecting John’s musical legacy.The reed diffusers come in floral gift boxes, and a curated trio of candles is presented in a reusable wicker hamper, offering a quintessential English gift for any special occasion.
Elton John’s Involvement in the Creative Process
John’s involvement in the creation of the Woodside Collection was hands-on.He tested each scent at every stage, from oil to candle, ensuring that the fragrances met his standards.“My love for candles has always been rooted in their ability to transform a space and evoke emotion,” John says.“Working with Slatkin + Co, and my good friend Harry Slatkin, has been a true joy, and I’m thrilled to now introduce a new collection just in time for Spring.”
Availability and Purchasing Information
The Woodside Collection is available exclusively on QVC and the Slatkin + Co. website.For more information and to purchase the products, visit QVC’s website
Jordan Firstman is no stranger to controversy. The comedian, known for his NSFW film Rotting in the Sun and his cheeky debut single “I Wanna See My Friends D*cks,” thrives on ruffling feathers. But his latest opinion has some gay fashionistas clutching their pearls—and not in a cute way.
Appearing on Kareem Rahma’s online series Subway Takes, Firstman offered a spicy sartorial opinion that left many queer viewers raising a perfectly manicured brow:
“The gays do a little too much,” Firstman mused, as subway cars clattered in the background. Rahma, dressed like a beige department store mannequin in a blazer and polo combo, nodded in agreement: “Most of the time, my gay kings are not slaying.”
Firstman’s hot take flies in the face of a long-standing stereotype: that gay men are the undisputed trendsetters of modern style. From designer runways to drag ballrooms, queer men have led the charge in redefining what it means to serve a look.
But in Firstman’s view, that legacy has turned costume-y.
“In the ’90s, the media told us we were the tastemakers,” he said. “We were watching Sex and the City like, ‘Honey, don’t wear that!’ And we believed it.”
“Risky” Business or Queer Expression?
The comedian claims straight men keep it simple—think dad jeans and a dusty flannel—while gay men dress like they lost a bet at Fashion Week.
“If you go to the average gay bar,” Firstman explained, “you’ll see someone in a crop top that says ‘I love Björk and bottoming,’ shiny spandex shorts, and Doc Martens. It’s too much!”
Sure, that outfit might not scream “minimalism,” but it does scream queer joy. And frankly, we’d like to scream it from a rooftop with a handheld fan and a mesh crop top.
Fashion Isn’t a Uniform
At the end of the day, queer fashion isn’t meant to fit into a box—it’s about blowing the box up and rhinestoning the debris. Whether you’re donning a harness at Whole Foods or rocking a sheer lace shirt on the dance floor, LGBTQ+ style thrives on individuality.
So if someone wants to dress like a disco ball had a baby with an indie band poster, more power to them. Fashion doesn’t have to be palatable to be valid—it just has to be you.
And if anyone finds that Björk crop top, please DM us. Pride season is approaching.
What began as a bold runway moment at London Fashion Week has exploded into a full-on cultural movement. Conner Ives, the American-born, London-based fashion designer, has already raised $70,000 — and counting — through pre-sales of his now-iconic “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt. And yes, it hasn’t even shipped yet.
The real kicker? Every cent is going to Trans Lifeline, a non-profit organization that provides peer support, direct aid, and life-saving services for transgender people across the United States.
A Fashion Statement That Speaks Volumes
The tee first turned heads in February when Ives himself wore it during his runway bow at the close of his Fall 2025 show at London Fashion Week. The designer stretched the shirt with both hands as he greeted the crowd, underlining the slogan and its deeper meaning.
The shirt’s message — both literal and symbolic — instantly resonated.
Just a day later, Ives announced via Instagram that the “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt would be available for pre-order, with 100% of proceeds going to Trans Lifeline.
“After the groundswell of support for the ‘Protect the Dolls’ tee, we will be putting the T-shirt up on our website for pre-order,” Ives wrote in a February 25 post. “Resources like this are now more important than ever, given the hostility and oppression the federal government has adapted towards trans people in America.”
He added, “I would not be where I am without the support I have been given by the dolls, so this is the least I could ever do to say thanks.”
Celebrities Are On Board — Loud and Proud
Soon after, a handful of celebrities helped the tee break the internet — in the best way possible.
Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in “The Mandalorian” and “The Last of Us,” wore the shirt while celebrating his 50th birthday with DJ and music producer Honey Dijon. A snap from the celebration made its way online, and the message spread like wildfire.
Pedro Pascal pictured wearing a ‘Protect the Dolls’ T-Shirt at his 50th birthday party, alongside Honey Dijon.
All proceeds from the sales of the T-Shirt are donated to the Trans Lifeline charity. pic.twitter.com/0eX9XsjxYp
Then came Troye Sivan, who brought the shirt to one of the world’s biggest stages — literally. While crashing Charli XCX’sCoachella 2025 set to perform their “Talk Talk” remix, Sivan rocked the tee in front of a global audience streaming live on YouTube. Later, he posted a backstage shot on Instagram alongside Lorde and Billie Eilish, who also joined Charli for her surprise-packed set.
And let’s not forget Haider Ackermann, the newly appointed creative director at Tom Ford. The Colombian-born French designer was seen wearing the shirt in a photo with actress Tilda Swinton — a moment that Ives gleefully reshared on his own social accounts.
From Runway to Reality
The buzz around the shirt hasn’t slowed down. On April 15, Ives reflected on the shirt’s unexpected journey in another Instagram post.
“I never had any idea what this would turn into, what we would be able to do with the printing of a tee,” he wrote. “Couldn’t be more proud of everyone that made this possible — the early adopters (Haider, Pedro, Troye), the stylists that connected the dots (and bought the tees! No press loans here), and the hordes of people that have donated to @translifeline.”
He added that the first round of shipments was going out that week, and thanked fans for their patience.
Fashion With a Purpose
The shirt has become more than a wardrobe staple — it’s a badge of solidarity and support during a critical time for the trans community.
Trans Lifeline, the nonprofit benefiting from the T-shirt’s sales, is a trans-led organization that provides a crisis hotline, microgrants, and a network of peer support. Their mission is rooted in survival, empowerment, and building a more equitable future for trans people — something Ives clearly aligns with.
The “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt is available for purchase at connerives.com. And if you’re wondering — yes, it’s still flying off the digital shelves.
Latin pop artist Johann Vera is having a banner year, and he’s doing it with unapologetic flair. Since publicly coming out as queer in August 2023, the Ecuadorian singer, actor, and influencer has released his debut EP Nada Importa En Verdad and launched a bold new line of men’s lingerie. Now, with growing momentum and the support of Latin pop legend Ricky Martin, Vera is entering a new era of creative freedom—and he’s not looking back.
From La Banda to Center Stage
Vera, 29, first gained international recognition in 2015 as a finalist on La Banda, the Spanish-language talent competition created by Ricky Martin and Simon Cowell. Though he didn’t make the final cut for the boy band CNCO, Vera used the opportunity as a springboard for a multifaceted career. For years, however, he kept his sexuality hidden, feeling pressure to conform to industry norms—especially those tied to the Latin pop image of the charming, heterosexual heartthrob.
“I didn’t like that I had to play a role that didn’t reflect who I was,” Vera told Queerty in a recent interview. “There were a couple of queer guys on the show, and I saw them struggle. It really set the tone for what we thought we had to be.”
Coming Out, and Coming Into His Own
After years of reflection and therapy, Vera came out publicly in 2023 through his deeply personal single, “Closet.” The music video, which visualizes his journey of self-discovery, was met with an outpouring of love—including support from his former mentor, Ricky Martin.
“Ricky told me to just do it,” Vera recalled. “He’s from a different generation and said he wished he had come out sooner. His encouragement gave me the confidence I needed.”
That single marked the beginning of a new creative chapter, culminating in his debut EP Nada Importa En Verdad, which dropped in January 2024. The project blends infectious Latin pop beats with raw emotion and themes of liberation, self-love, and identity.
“The title means ‘Nothing Really Matters,’ and it’s a reminder not to overthink everything,” Vera said. “It helped me let go of fear and just be myself. I started living more fully—and flirting a lot more openly.”
Fashion with a Purpose: Meet Duro
As if a hit EP wasn’t enough, Vera took things a step further by launching Duro, his new men’s lingerie line inspired by the EP’s songs and visuals. With sultry, boundary-pushing designs—including peekaboo thongs and cut-out briefs—Duro aims to celebrate sensuality, confidence, and queer joy.
“I wanted something that was sexy but also comfortable,” Vera said. “There’s a pair of underwear inspired by ‘Closet’ that has a little cutout in the back—like a little cleavage for guys. I think it’s super hot.”
Photo: Karl Darcy for DuroPhoto: Karl Darcy for DuroPhoto: Karl Darcy for Duro
The line includes three capsule collections, each tied to the emotions of a specific song. Whether it’s the dreamy, ethereal vibes of “Cielo” or the fierce energy of “Nada Importa En Verdad,” Vera hopes Duro helps people connect more deeply with themselves and feel empowered in their skin.
“I was running from my queer identity for so long,” he admitted. “Now, I want to be loud and proud about it—and I want to create art and fashion that speaks to our community.”
Looking Ahead: Big Dreams, Bigger Purpose
As Vera looks toward the next chapter of his career, he’s focused on continuing to tell honest, meaningful stories—through both music and fashion. A Latin Grammy nomination is high on his wish list, but so is spotlighting artists from Ecuador and uplifting the next generation of queer creatives.
“I want to keep creating, keep helping, and keep being real,” Vera said. “This is the most honest I’ve ever been. And if nothing really matters—nada importa en verdad—then I might as well be happy and help others find that happiness too.”
Johann Vera’s EP Nada Importa En Verdad is now available on all major streaming platforms. His men’s lingerie line, Duro, is available for purchase at shopduro.com.
Singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes joined the chorus of online reactions to Bad Bunny’s recent Calvin Klein ad campaign, offering a simple Spanish compliment that resonated with fans. Mendes’ comment, “Guapo,” meaning “handsome,” appeared under the Puerto Rican rapper’s Instagram photos, which have generated millions of likes and a flurry of responses.
Bad Bunny’s images, part of a new ad campaign for the underwear brand, quickly went viral, prompting a range of reactions from fans and fellow celebrities. The post, photographed by Mario Sorrenti, has garnered over 4.4 million likes on Instagram, with comments ranging from simple approval to more explicit expressions of admiration.
Mendes’ comment, while brief, added to the online buzz surrounding the campaign. The official MTV Instagram account also acknowledged the photos, commenting, “I tapped way more than twice.”
The exchange comes amidst public interest in Mendes’ personal life, including his past relationships with singers Camila Cabello and Sabrina Carpenter. In October, Mendes addressed his audience during a performance at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, discussing the public’s speculation about his sexuality.
“There’s just been this thing about my sexuality and people talking about it for so long,” Mendes said at the time. “I think it’s kind of silly because I think sexuality is such a beautifully complex thing, and it’s so hard to just put into boxes.”
He continued, “It always felt like such an intrusion on something very personal to me, something that I was figuring out in myself, something I had yet to discover and still have yet to discover.”
Mendes’ comment on Bad Bunny’s photo comes as both artists have released new music. Mendes’ self titled album, “Shawn,” reached No. 26 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in November. Bad Bunny’s latest release, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” debuted at the top of the charts in January.
The online interaction between Mendes and Bad Bunny highlights the power of social media in amplifying celebrity moments and generating widespread attention. The brief Spanish compliment from Mendes added to the viral nature of Bad Bunny’s campaign, demonstrating the reach and impact of celebrity endorsements and online interactions.
Dylan Efron, fresh from his successful run on “The Traitors,” is navigating his newfound public spotlight with authenticity and a touch of humor.
“On these talk shows I’m going on, I don’t have to put on an act,” Efron told PAPER. “I don’t have to be anything but who I am.”
Efron’s appearance on the reality competition show has propelled him into the public eye, drawing attention both for his personality and his style. A friendship with Antoni Porowski, forged at a fashion event years ago, has now blossomed into a collaboration, with Porowski styling Efron for a recent photo shoot. “I was fanboying over Antoni at the event,” Efron admitted.
As his television appearances have increased, Efron has found himself paying more attention to fashion. “My only real style until now has been board shorts and shirtless,” he said. “So I love the idea of dabbling in fashion. I’m very much on my fashion journey right now.”
From Fanboy to Friend
Efron and Porowski’s connection began at a Filson event in Seattle, a trip that involved a seaplane journey to Whidbey Island. “Filson is a good representation of why I admire Antoni’s style in general: it’s masculine, it’s outdoorsy, it’s a heritage brand,” Efron explained. “That was like two years ago. I was fanboying over Antoni at the event.”
Antoni Porowski and Dylan Efron for Paper Magazine. Photo: Brian Meller
Porowski recalled their shared approach to the trip. “We were moving the same way on that trip, running around and moving lots, while others were hungover and staying out,” he said. “We were the first ones to be like, ‘I’m crashing.’”
Their friendship grew through DMs, with Efron seeking Porowski’s advice on brands and styles. “He’d message me every once in a while, asking about a brand or something I was wearing,” Porowski said. “Then I went to the Todd Snyder show [at NYFW] and he reached out, saying, ‘Hey, Traitors reunion is coming up, tell me about the look.’”
Personal Style and Comfort
When it comes to personal style, both Efron and Porowski prioritize comfort and authenticity. “I’m a very nostalgic person,” Porowski said. “I have a strong loyalty to things that I responded to when I was a kid. It’s always for me about pieces I can tie into my actual lifestyle.”
Efron, raised in California, described his style as “board shorts, white tee, no shoes.” He added, “I loved camping, if I wasn’t at the beach, so I love having rugged clothes—like jeans I haven’t washed in two months with mud stains.” He is now embracing the new world of fashion. “I’ve always wanted to get into fashion. That’s why ‘The Traitors’ press run has been so cool, it’s a chance to actually do that.”
On “The Traitors,” Efron opted for comfort over high fashion. “I really just wore a lot of what I already had,” he said. “It turned into a real comfort sweater look. I was never really going for best-dressed there, but I was definitely the most comfortable.”
Antoni Porowski and Dylan Efron for Paper Magazine. Photo: Brian Meller
Porowski praised Efron’s choice of Birkenstocks. “My heart was singing when you wore the Birks,” he said. “I hated those like six months ago, but now they’re my entire identity, it’s all I wear.”
Navigating the Press Circuit and Viral Moments
Efron’s press circuit has been a new experience. “It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “On the show, I’m pretty much just myself. So on these talk shows, I don’t have to put on an act.”
Porowski acknowledged the intensity of press tours. “I get so exhausted when it’s even just a five minute live segment,” he said. “It’s a workout for your brain, which I’m not used to.”
Both Efron and Porowski have experienced viral internet moments. “It’s fun, honestly,” Efron said. “The key for me is to be able to laugh at myself. You can’t take yourself too seriously, you have to be in on the joke. You have to lean into it.”
Porowski described viral moments as “strange.” “There is something fun about the electricity and excitement of being in the cultural zeitgeist, but it’s also terrifying,” he said. He also discussed his experience being in the Taylor Swift’s chiefs box. “It was one of those moments when, obviously, you’re with Taylor, it becomes a whole thing because of who she is and the eyeballs she gathers.”
Efron has found ways to manage the constant connectivity of modern life. “It’s all about letting go, for your mental health,” he said. “I’ve been experimenting with, like, modern-day office hours. Technically I’m accessible by phone at all hours. But for me it’s been about forcing myself to put my phone on airplane mode when I’m at the gym, when I’m walking my dog, to just be offline for a sec.”
Reflecting on “The Traitors”
As the finale of “The Traitors” approached, Efron expressed excitement. “I’m excited to experience it with everyone, for everyone to see the conclusion,” he said. “It’ll be a nice way to wrap it up.”
He also addressed the discourse surrounding Danielle’s performance as a Traitor. “The thing about Danielle that didn’t come across on camera is that we all had this very genuine friendship with her,” he said. “She’s an awesome person. I always looked at her as someone I could trust.”
Efron admitted to misjudging Gabby during the show. “I think I was too quick to judge Gabby, because she is so quick-witted and it’s intimidating,” he said. “I thought I had valid reasons and, of course, they were wrong.”
Porowski defended Efron’s instincts, citing his suspicion of Bob The Drag Queen. “You trusted your gut and went with your instinct,” he said. “I think that was when everyone fell in love with you.”
When asked whether he would want to be a Traitor or a Faithful on the show, Porowski said, “I’d love to be a Traitor. But I’m a terrible liar. I’m an innocent Canadian boy, though, so I think I’d be a great Faithful, too.”
Actress Sarah Paulson made her runway debut at age 50, walking in Miu Miu’s Fall/Winter 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week. Known for her role in American Horror Story and her high-profile marriage to actress Holland Taylor, Paulson’s appearance on the catwalk surprised many, adding a unique highlight to the final day of Fashion Week.
Paulson wore an off-the-shoulder satin button-up dress that was unbuttoned just enough to reveal a white bra beneath. Completing the look, she wore knee-high socks, a black bucket hat, and green snakeskin high heels.
“I’m obsessed with Mrs. Prada and I’m obsessed with the Miu Miu brand, so it just was like the biggest honor of my life,” Paulson told i_d. She jokingly downplayed the experience, saying, “It’s not a big deal, you guys. It’s totally fine. It was a very relaxing experience. I wasn’t at all nervous… This is a joke.”
Paulson’s runway moment was celebrated by fans and fashion enthusiasts alike, showcasing the versatility of the Emmy-winning actress in yet another creative arena. Paulson’s appearance at the Miu Miu show also highlighted the increasing visibility of queer women in high-profile spaces. Alongside Paulson, musician Towa Bird, who is in a relationship with actress Reneé Rapp, also walked the runway. Bird wore pants, a black-and-white t-shirt, and another black bucket hat.
Paulson and Bird were joined by supermodel Gigi Hadid, actress Nicole Kidman, and Keith Urban’s daughter Sunday Rose, who at just 16 years old, made her runway debut. Other notable models included The Brutalist actress Raffey Cassidy and BlacKkKlansman star Laura Harrier.
Paulson’s appearance on the runway was an exciting milestone for both the actress and her fans. With increasing representation of queer stars in mainstream media and fashion, Paulson’s debut offers a glimpse into a future where more LGBTQ+ icons may find their place on the catwalk.
Fans are hopeful that this won’t be Paulson’s last appearance in fashion, as her style and influence continue to inspire both her peers and audiences. The addition of more lesbian representation in the fashion industry is a step forward for visibility, and it’s clear that Paulson’s runway debut was just the beginning.
In the world of fashion and social media, Barry Brandon is certainly no stranger. Known for their consistent efforts towards LGBTQ+ visibility, Brandon is once again set to redefine queer narrative in the media with a new groundbreaking print magazine, “ICONIQA.”
A Platform Amplifying Queer Voices
Scheduled to launch in October 2023, ICONIQA will be a vibrant celebration of global queer excellence. Moreover, this publication aims to highlight the rich tapestry of queer identities. By featuring curated in-house and reader-submitted content, it seeks to break down barriers and amplify underrepresented voices in mainstream media.
“We champion diverse voices and unique perspectives from the global queer community in our magazine,” explains Barry Brandon, the visionary behind ICONIQA. “Furthermore, with every issue, we aim to ignite conversations, challenge norms, and inspire individuals.”
Barry Brandon: A Trailblazer in Queer Representation
You may recognize Brandon from their viral appearances on queer TikTok. If you’re anything like us, you’ll remember the “MOVE OUT OF OUR WAY” video leaving you breathless. Regular readers here on Gayety may even remember Barry’s series of photos and videos that celebrated queer strength. The images, taken by Franco Dlp with the help of Sandra Quintero, captured a group of queer icons dressed in nothing but an elegant string of pearls. We also must not forget the First Queer Supper shoot, where ze gathered together even more queer creatives to create a gay depiction of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Last Supper.
Armed with a wealth of experience, creativity, and passion, Barry Brandon brings a fresh perspective to ICONIQA. Her work consistently challenges conventions and redefines the status quo. With ICONIQA, Brandon aims to inspire and empower the queer community worldwide through increased visibility and self-expression. Clearly, Barry is more than ready to take the helm on an entirely new project at a much greater scale.
ICONIQA: From Barcelona Nightlife to Global Stage
ICONIQA had its humble beginnings as a queer dance party in Barcelona’s nightlife scene which debuted at the iconic Razzmatazz nightclub. It soon emerged as a celebration of queer joy and excellence, with performances from the likes of Violet Chachki. Now, with the help of local queer artists and global icons, it plans to extend its unique approach to other cities across Europe.
“Through ICONIQA, we believe in creating safer spaces for queer humans globally and view this as our platform for social change,” says Brandon. “ICONIQA is committed to celebrating queer diversity and brilliance from all corners of the globe.”
ICONIQA Magazine: A Showcase of Queer Culture
As a print publication, ICONIQA promises to be a vibrant showcase of contemporary queer art, fashion, and photography. Additionally, each issue aims to foster a deeper understanding of queer culture and its profound influence. The magazine is open to submissions from queer creatives worldwide, emphasizing its mission to amplify global queer voices.
ICONIQA combines fashion-forward editorials, engaging articles, and exclusive interviews with prominent figures from the global queer community. Indeed, it is an unapologetic celebration of queer identities, promoting individuality, expression, and empowerment.
“Visibility and self-expression are powerful tools,” shares Brandon. “They help us create safer spaces and platforms for social change. Thus, we are dedicated to celebrating the diversity and brilliance of queer individuals globally.” We are so excited to see what new surprised Barry has hidden up their couture sleeves.
For more information about ICONIQA, visit www.iconiqa.co.
On Monday night, celebrities gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the annual Met Gala, a charity event that raises money for the museum’s Costume Institute. This year’s theme was “in honor of Karl,” a tribute to the legacy of the late designer Karl Lagerfeld. (more…)
