The Weekly Gulp, August 15: Pitbull mania, Claire's farewell and women's survival in Gaza
Almha unpacks the Pitbull craze, Niamh gets candid about the closure of tween store Claire's, and Aimee interviews two women in Gaza.
Editor’s letter
This week has been tinged with nostalgia - from watching students get their A Level results to hearing long-forgotten songs from bands I loved as a teen. It’s been a wild trip down memory lane.
We kicked things off with Demi Lovato’s surprise reunion with the Jonas Brothers on stage - belting out This Is Me like it was the Camp Rock 3 sequel we never got, but definitely deserved.
And with Taylor Swift’s announcement of her new album The Life of a Showgirl, Ashley took us on a journey through her most iconic eras - from Fearless (yes, Love Story was once my ringtone) to 1989.
We also got a little misty-eyed over the news of Claire’s filing for bankruptcy. While there’s still hope - it’s not their first brush with financial trouble - Niamh and I couldn’t help but feel for today’s tweens. At 13, we were obsessing over butterfly earrings and bedazzled coin purses; now, it’s all about serums and Sephora hauls. Time flies, huh?
Enjoy the sun this weekend, let’s hope it’s not the last of it, summer isn’t over just yet!
Editor’s Picks
‘I lost my best friend to ketamine addiction - now I'm helping others avoid her fate’ by Aakifah Gani
“Stop Ketamine UK is the nations first charity solely dedicated to ketamine use and addiction. We’ve previously covered how use of the party drug is on a terrifying incline and Aakifah has done a great job of delicately retelling co-founder Charlie’s story,” writes Emerging Audiences Editor, Lauren Gordon.
Everything you need to know
This is your cheat sheet for the week's news that matters. We got you!
Taylor Swift announced her new album The Life of a Showgirl - so we revisited her most iconic eras
The toy firm coming for @.slyvaniandrama has dropped their law suit against the creator
Notting Hill Carnival organisers unveil route changes and digital updates for a safer and smoother celebration this August bank holiday
Lily James is set to play Bumble’s billionaire founder in an upcoming biopic
Another heatwave just hit the UK - and these common sunscreen mistakes are critical
Almha Murphy unpacks Pitbull mania - and explores Mr Worldwide’s global cult
Almha is our internet deep-diver, fishing for fresh takes you should know about
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Pitbull lived up to his stage name of Mr Worldwide, and started a global movement amongst his fans, in which women attending his concerts (and it does appear to be largely women) have elected to dress exactly as the singer. Distinctive elements of his appearance include the bald head, black suit and facial hair.
Almha unpacks ‘Pitbull mania’ and speaks to members of his global cult… DALE!
Niamh Kirk on the beauty of Claire’s amid their tragic bankruptcy news
Niamh is our go-to reporter for emerging trends and taste tests
Claire's Accessories, the purple glitter clad haven for any young teen looking to level up their hairclip, earrings or headband game, is under threat as it's US parent company has filed for bankruptcy.
Nowadays, it seems tweenage girls aren't as fussed about glitter-infused makeup and cute piercings and have instead fast-tracked their way to high-end skincare as part of new Sephora generation.
Niamh gives her thoughts on the potential closure of the chain and said: "While I think it's great that people are becoming aware of skincare, self-care and a little pamper early on, it's sad that the mecca of my childhood is dying out."
Aimee Walsh interviews two women in Gaza about their "impossible choice" between starvation and violence
Aimee is our resident cultural critic - from politics to books coverage
Displaced and distraught, women in Gaza are searching for food and safety - neither are to be found easily. In their efforts to find sustenance amidst the rubble, women in Gaza are facing yet another threat and a terrible inevitability of war - sexual violence.
Aimee Walsh hears from women living out a nightmare in Gaza in this heartfelt and powerful interview as they describe how seeking food has become a dangerous reality in Gaza.
Ashley Bautista has found her signature scent - and it’s less than £20
Can't tell your floral top-notes from your vanilla base? Our resident fragrance fan Ashley has you covered - and it'll won't hurt your wallet
Who would’ve thought you’d have to travel across the world to find THE perfume? During one of her travel antics, Ashley shares the story of how she found her signature scent - and it’s a total bargain.
“Looking for souvenir shops, we stumbled across a store which had hundreds of perfume bottles beautifully lined up. After a nice chat with the owner, he recommended a bottle that came in a suede box - and the moment I smelled it, I fell in love. It was like he knew exactly what I was looking for,” she said.
We’re listening to:
Earlier this week, the Jonas Brothers left the audience in awe by bringing on fellow Disney alum, Demi Lovato. Performing some of their biggest Camp Rock hits, this one song still plays on repeat…