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Sandra Newman’s ‘Julia’: A Fresh Perspective on Orwell’s Classic ‘1984’

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Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell is one of the most well-known and lasting political books of the past century. To his close friends Anthony Powell and Julian Symons, the author, however, expressed remorse over his masterpiece, calling it “a good idea ruined” and cited health problems at the time of creation. After almost 75 years, Sandra Newman’s Julia revitalises Orwell’s universe and provides a new, perceptive viewpoint on the beloved novel.

Readers are encouraged to put themselves in the shoes of Julia Worthing, Winston Smith’s romantic interest, in Julia, and experience the narrative from her perspective. The underdevelopment of Julia’s character, a recurrent critique of the original poem, is addressed by this change in emphasis. Julia’s depth is still unknown, despite her being frequently perceived as Winston’s apolitical love interest. By exploring her past, life after Winston’s infamous surrender, and complex narrative turns, Newman expands and enhances the universe of Nineteen Eighty-Four.

While Winston Smith is central to Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, he is reduced to a supporting character in Julia. He makes occasional but important appearances, which let Julia express her viewpoint on significant events. With this method, Julia is elevated from a flat character to a lively, multifaceted person with a boundless sense of imagination. The story is made more complex by the readers’ experiences and ideas that Winston is unaware of. Orwell’s propensity to construct fairly thin female characters contrasts with Newman’s portrayal of Julia Worthing as a powerful and adventurous character. Julia is an engaging and dynamic protagonist because she doesn’t mind taking risks and facing the consequences. Readers who follow her journey uncover aspects and hidden dynamics of the narrative that Winston is unable to understand. Julia has a distinct viewpoint because of her young age and limited knowledge of the world prior to Big Brother. Winston, who frequently indulges in nostalgia, feels more oppressed by the totalitarian regime than she does. Her positive attitude enables her to face and withstand the horrors of the present, and her employment in the Fiction Department cultivates a witty distance that Winston’s profession does not.

The two works have different moods as a result of these perspective variations. While Julia presents a more positive picture of Big Brother’s rule, Nineteen Eighty-Four immerses readers in a sinister and terrible society. In contrast to Orwell’s intense and gloomy prose, Newman’s lively writing style reflects Julia’s viewpoint, which is less oppressed and more resistant. Julia by Sandra Newman is not only an adaptation of George Orwell’s masterpiece. It presents a modern, feminist interpretation of the dystopian society. Although Nineteen Eighty-Four is still a classic in political fiction, Julia is an independent novel that offers readers new perspectives on the original while creating a fully realised world. Highlighting its distinct feminist viewpoint, Julia revitalises the well-known setting of Airstrip One and acquaints readers with the intricacies and exploits of a recast Julia Worthing. It’s a modern retelling of a classic that offers viewers of “1984” as well as newcomers an engrossing story that still has relevance in our world of constant change.

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Business

Vanessa Kirby Personifies Sarah Burton’s Givenchy at the Fall 2025 Show

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Vanessa Kirby made a striking appearance at Sarah Burton’s highly anticipated inaugural Givenchy runway show for Fall 2025, embodying the essence of the designer’s vision. As a longtime admirer of Burton’s work, the Fantastic Four: First Steps star was eager to witness the debut collection in Paris.

“I really wanted to be here in Paris for Sarah’s first show,” Kirby expressed with enthusiasm. “Sarah has been my favorite designer for years. I absolutely love everything she does—I think she’s a master. She designs clothes truly for women—always extraordinary, feline, and structured in a way that makes you feel so empowered.”

Having collaborated with Burton throughout her tenure at Alexander McQueen, Kirby’s presence at the show was a testament to their ongoing creative synergy. Dressed in a sleek black ensemble with sharp shoulders and a plunging V-neck, Kirby’s outfit embodied Burton’s signature aesthetic: a balance of strength and femininity. “The dress we chose felt very classic—the shape felt architectural and strong, but also daytime and relaxed,” she noted.

Following the intimate runway presentation, Kirby joined an exclusive gathering of fashion and film’s elite at a celebratory dinner honoring Burton’s Givenchy debut. Among the attendees were Rooney Mara, Gwendoline Christie, Raye, Alex Consani, and Yseult, all raising a toast to the designer’s new chapter.

Reflecting on the experience, Kirby shared her admiration for the energy of Paris Fashion Week. “I associate Paris with the amazing shows that happen every year. The shows themselves feel like a real reveal—seeing what Sarah has been working on for months for her first Givenchy collection. Everyone was so excited to see her vision.”

With Burton’s Givenchy era now officially underway, Kirby’s presence at the event was a fitting tribute to the designer’s ability to craft powerful, empowering fashion for the modern woman.

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Entertainment

Paris Fashion Week, Day Three: Poise and Manners in Motion

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The third day of Paris Fashion Week saw designers exploring the intricate relationship between gestures and clothing, emphasizing how fashion is not just about what we wear but also how we wear it. Collections from Tom Ford, Dries Van Noten, and Courrèges examined the power of poise, movement, and expression in shaping the narrative of style.

Tom Ford: Seductive Refinement

At Tom Ford, the runway exuded understated sensuality with structured silhouettes, slinky fabrics, and sharp tailoring. The collection celebrated the way garments move with the body, emphasizing controlled elegance and effortless allure. The balance between precision and fluidity played a key role in defining the brand’s signature poise.

Dries Van Noten: The Art of Subtle Motion

Dries Van Noten explored grace in everyday movements, showcasing fluid draping, asymmetry, and layered textures that interacted beautifully with body language. Models glided down the runway in sheer overlays, deconstructed tailoring, and muted tones, creating an atmosphere of quiet sophistication.

Courrèges: A Futuristic Take on Gesture

At Courrèges, the focus was on modern minimalism and futuristic silhouettes that adapted to movement. With high collars, sculptural cuts, and sleek monochromes, the collection emphasized how posture and poise can transform a garment. The interplay between rigid and flowing elements created a striking contrast, reinforcing the theme of fashion as an extension of personal expression.

Final Thoughts: Fashion as a Language of Movement

Day three of Paris Fashion Week proved that style is more than aesthetics—it’s about the way clothing interacts with the body and the world around it. From structured confidence at Tom Ford to fluid elegance at Dries Van Noten and futuristic sophistication at Courrèges, each collection redefined the poise and manners of fashion in its own unique way.

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Business

Rabanne Fall/Winter 2025: A 1960s Beauty Revival

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Rabanne’s Fall/Winter 2025 show was a glamorous throwback to 1960s Paris, with big bouffant hair and bold, smoky eyes dominating the runway. The iconic French-girl aesthetic was on full display, blending vintage inspiration with modern edge.

The Makeup: Statement Eyes & Subtle Rebellion

Rabanne Beauty’s creative director, Diane Kendal, crafted a striking yet effortless makeup look that channeled icons like Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve. Models wore slightly winged, waterline eyeliner and taupe-hued smoky eyeshadow, smudged across the lids and under the eyes for a soft but dramatic effect.

Kendal, known for pushing beauty boundaries, chose to highlight natural skin while focusing on bold eye makeup—a subtle rebellion against the typical all-over glam seen on high-fashion runways. This “done-yet-undone” style perfectly complemented Rabanne’s flamboyant fabrics, sparkles, and sequins.

Hair: The Return of the Bouffant

Fluffy, voluminous bouffants were the crowning statement of the show. The models’ teased, combed-back hair added a touch of vintage glamour, reinforcing the collection’s nostalgic yet playfully modern feel.

Rabanne’s Beauty Revolution

Rabanne Beauty continues to redefine makeup with gender-neutral, statement-making products. The runway featured some of its standout offerings, including:

Shimmer Bomb – An all-over glitter spray for an extra dose of Rabanne’s signature glitz.

Top Coat Mascara – A silver and gold formula that gave lashes a tinsel-like effect.

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