Few strive to protect the planet with the zeal of Stella McCartney, whose fashion label insists it is committed to “creating the most beautiful and desirable products with the least impact on our environment”.
But have Stella and her husband, fellow designer Alasdhair Willis, missed a trick in their quest to reduce their mansion’s carbon footprint?
The question is raised by her application to have one of her fields on her farm in Worcestershire ‘converted’ from agriculture to green energy.
Stella, 51, and Alasdhair, 52, have earmarked it as the site for 380 solar panels to help them “further reduce their dependence on fossil fuels”. It’s a process the couple has already begun with the installation of “air source heat pumps.”
Stella McCartney and husband, Alasdhair Willis, pictured together during the Milan Menswear Fashion Week
Ms McCartney, a staunch environmentalist, poses with an SOS sign during Milan Men’s Fashion Week
Together with the solar panels, it supports the “transition to a low-carbon future and the reduction of the impact of climate change”.
The filing shows that they chose modules from the Chinese company Trina Solar, a decision that some may find confusing. The company’s founder and chairman is Gao Jifan, who amassed a fortune of £6bn while protesting against his country’s totalitarian regime.
Perhaps Stella and Alasdhair – who also own a £10 million mansion in West London – were unaware that GB-Sol, Britain’s leading solar panel manufacturer, is less than 90 miles from their farm.
GB-Sol, which is north of Cardiff, reduces its carbon footprint and packaging by using suppliers that are ‘as local as possible’ and has been voted best solar supplier by Ethical Consumer – energy magazine ‘for many years’.
Isn’t that a big effort, Stella?
The couple chose to install solar panels from a Chinese company at their home in Worcestershire (file photo)
Lady Lola’s happy new beginning
The year started well for Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart, who endured a series of tragedies.
I hear she is dating Dutch model Parker van Noord (24), a label ambassador for Jean Paul Gaultier.
Sharing a photo of her kissing him at a party, Lady Lola, 23, told her admirers: “Happy New Year from me and mine.”
Parker is the son of the late famous male model Andre van Noord. Lady Lola’s father, the Marquis of Bute, better known as the racing driver Johnny Dumfries, died in 2021.
Lola’s friend Kai Schachter-Rich took his own life in 2019.
Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart shared a photo of her kissing Dutch model Parker van Noord (pictured)
The 23-year-old added the caption: “Happy New Year from me and mine.”
Pop star Paloma Faith is used to being welcomed into the most exclusive venues, but she was recently turned away by the Ivy Kensington Brasserie.
The 41-year-old singer arrived with a cute puppy that she took care of for a friend.
A staff member had to explain that they only allow guide dogs and certified emotional support dogs.
He may be on the throne, but King Charles’ charity is pushing ahead with a major property development in Bahrain, the Gulf state criticized by human rights activists for its violent response to pro-democracy protests.
The Princes Foundation is looking for an Urban Development Assistant for their new urban project in Bahrain.
The project’s Senior Design Manager, Leslie Ohomele, is an intriguing figure who has thrown herself into Lady Susan Hussey’s “Race Row” on social media.
We can ski you, Heidi!
Heidi Klum also wants to cause a stir on the slopes.
The German supermodel, 49, was unmissable in a brightly colored ski overall in Aspen, Colorado.
She was enjoying a holiday with her husband, musician Tom Kaulitz (33), and his twin brother Bill, who are both founding members of the German pop group Tokio Hotel.
Heidi was previously married to British singer Seal, with whom she has three children.
She also has a daughter, Leni, a model, with ex-boyfriend Flavio Briatore, the 72-year-old Italian businessman.
German supermodel Heidi Klum (left), 49, was unmissable in a brightly colored ski overall in Aspen, Colorado (right).
Lord Camoys, who has died aged 82, is the banker who became the first Roman Catholic Lord Chamberlain to become head of the royal family since the Reformation.
He was also affected by the tragedy as a father figure to Crown Prince Dipendra of Nepal. “Dippy” met Devyani Rana at a party at the Camoys family home, Stonor Park.
Dipendra was so in love with her that when his family made it clear they would not accept Devyani as his bride, he slaughtered eight of them, including the king and queen, before turning the gun on himself in 2001.
An egg for Flo
Florence Pugh, best known for her starring role in Little Women, seems to have a big appetite.
The Oxford restaurateur’s daughter ate a giant slice of cake at her 27th birthday party at the Standard Hotel in Kings Cross, London.
The star was delighted that friends, including Bridgerton actress Simone Ashley, were there so soon after the New Year celebrations.
“No one wants to do anything but grind and satisfy their hangover,” she told them.
“I am so incredibly grateful for all of you.”
Actress Florence Pugh ate a giant cake while celebrating her 27th birthday in London
Claire Foy played a young Queen Elizabeth alongside Matt Smith’s Prince Philip in The Crown.
But she is not happy with his character, Prince Daemon Targaryen, in the Game Of Thrones prequel House Of The Dragon.
“I watched everything [it]’ said Foy.
“It took an enormous amount of effort which eased towards the end. I was a very loyal friend [of his character] but I contradicted him in many scenes. Then I had to say it [Smith] that I found them loathsome to see.’
Source: Daily Mail
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
