95% of black adults and 80% of black children do not go swimming, according to recent figures from Sport England – and a lot of that comes down to haircare.

But now, a British inventor has created a unique waterproof headscarf designed to protect Afro hair, in a bid to encourage more black people to go swimming.

Danielle Obe, 38 from London, came up with the idea for the headscarves – called Nemes – after her daughter Kayla, now six, began to dread going in the pool. She herself had previously given up swimming for two decades because she did not want to risk damage to her hair.

Afro hair can be damaged by the chemicals in swimming pools because it is often naturally drier and more brittle – and the time it can take to moisturise and style hair after swimming can be really offputting.

‘Natural Afro hair grows up and out, not down in length like Caucasian hair,’ says Danielle.

‘The chlorine dries out the hair, causing it to be frizzy, brittle and “thirsty”, which is what causes breakage, hair thinning and – in some cases for women with processed, delicate hair – it falls off if the hair is not thoroughly washed out, conditioned and rehydrated.’

Danielle herself gave up swimming because of how long it would take to style her hair after a dip.

‘Getting into any type of aquatic activity then was a huge no-no. I couldn’t go swimming in the evening after work. If I did, how would I turn up for client meetings the next morning?’ she says.

‘Kayla hates getting soap in and around her face, so when it came time to wash her hair after swimming, she would scream and scream.

‘So one day I promised her we would find a solution, we would work together to create something that protected her hair.’

The pair experimented with different caps when swimming – doubling them up and trying out different brands – until Danielle realised she would need to create something herself.

‘I discovered that swimming caps were originally designed not to protect hair, or keep it from getting wet, but instead to streamline,’ she explains.

‘So I couldn’t find something to keep Kayla’s hair dry because the product was flawed to begin with.’

The headscarves Danielle invented are based on ancient Egyptian designs and will protect all hair types in the water. They are used by her entire family, including three-year-old Eliora and nine-year-old Zachary.

Danielle has also launched the Black Swimming Association, alongside Team GB swimmer Alice Dearing, journalist Seren Jones, and musician and filmmaker Ed Accura, to run in partnership with Swim England.

The charity, the first of its kind in the UK, aims to encourage more BAME people to go swimming, after figures from Sport England revealed 95% of black adults and 80% of black children do not go swimming, according to a survey taken over two years.

‘After I created the design, I began sharing it with people. My aim was to encourage more people to go swimming, but we have also found many people use them in the shower, or to rehydrate their hair.

‘The Nemes can be used by everyone, not just BAME people, to swim, steam, spa or shower and protect colour-treated hair in chlorine water so hair colour lasts longer, and most especially designed for afro-Caribbean hair and hairstyles.’

The scarves are available for pre-order and will go on sale in the spring.

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We do love an online shopping fail, whether it’s a set of drawers that turns out to be absolutely tiny or a ‘piece of paper with sleeves’ masquerading as a furry designer coat.

This time in online buys gone wrong, we have what was meant to be a bodycon dress turning up looking like a massive pink bin bag.

Lauren Thompson, 18, from Leeds, ordered a £25 PU bodycon dress in baby pink from PrettyLittleThing, hoping to wear it for a Barbie-themed birthday party this Saturday.

When the dress arrived in the post Lauren couldn’t help laughing as she tried on the dress – rather than fitting like a glove, it hung away from her body and looked, well, pretty silly.

Lauren shared photos of her outfit online, where they were flooded with likes and replies from people laughing at her misfortune and comparing the dress to one of those big blue bags from Ikea.

The disappointed student said: ‘I bought a size bigger because it looked so tight. I’m usually a 10 so I got a 12.

‘I thought to myself “this is going to look good, it’ll look quality”.

‘I’m going to a Barbie-themed party so it would have been the ideal dress.

‘When I opened it, it just looked like a clear bit of plastic and I thought no way is that a dress but thought it was just the material.

‘For some reason I couldn’t zip it up, there was a 15cm gap between each side but also the dress was just massive.’

Thankfully Lauren wasn’t too upset with her order, instead finding the whole thing hilarious.

She even admitted the incident won’t stop her from buying bits from PrettyLittleThing in the future.

‘Luckily I’d ordered it in plenty of time to get something else,’ she said.

‘If I’d left it until the day before I’d have had to rush to the shops and go mad trying to find something in time.

‘I put it in the group chat and all my friends were howling.

‘It was worth it because it’s so funny and I can’t believe how mental it’s gone on social media.

‘It’s just hilarious and it won’t stop me from shopping there, I love PrettyLittleThing.’

PrettyLittleThing has been contacted for comment and we’ll update this article if we hear back.

Got a funny story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.

Share your own online shopping fails in the comments section below.

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Panicking about coronavirus doesn’t have to stop you from having fun with your style.

Influencers already proved that by sharing makeup tutorials to go with your face masks (which don’t do much to protect you from coronavirus, just FYI).

Now a set of photos shows New Yorkers carefully selecting masks in stylish prints and colours.

Because why wear a plain old medical mask when you can get a steampunk inspired one? Or a mask to make you look like a cat?

Citydwellers are wearing the masks en masse on the subway, where every cough or sneeze will get you dirty looks.

‘There’s no vaccine, there’s no cure. So why not protect yourself?’ said Ethan Blackmon, 30, from behind a black, ventilated mask and dark shades.

‘The subway is a highway for it.’

Most New Yorkers can’t just stay home or avoid public transport, so the masks feel like their only option for protecting themselves.

But even the most carefully selected mask doesn’t put a stop to building anxiety around the illness.

‘I can’t stop working,’ said Jenny Alvarez, 25.

‘I fear not being able to breathe, congestion in my chest. I’m scared that someone right next to me could have it.’

‘I’m on the train all day,’ Karla Cote, 28, said.

‘I go into a lot of rich people’s houses who travel a lot. They’re not going to tell me if they’re sick.’

For others, the masks are more about protecting their loved ones than protecting themselves.

‘I’m going to see my parents and they’re old. I don’t want to spread it,’ said James Perng, 25. ‘They should be asking people to work from home.’

‘I’m scared I’m going to die,’ said Kayla Stephenson, 23.

‘I’m pregnant. I’ve got a two-year-old at home.

‘They don’t even know what’s going on. It’s crazy.’

‘I’m scared that there’s no antibiotics or cure,’ said Jazmin Alvarez, 25.

‘I work in a pharmacy and have to deal with older people. I take the train everywhere.’

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Share your views in the comments below.

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Environmentalism and feminism may seem like two unrelated concepts.

After all, you can be a single-plastic-using, steak-loving, 4×4 driving fiend and still believe that women deserve to have the same rights as men.

That’s until you take a closer look at the fashion industry.

Fast fashion not only takes a toll on the planet by clogging up landfills and using virgin resources that we can ill afford, but it’s also often the product of poorly pain female labour.

That’s before you get to who the stuff is marketed towards; who is guilt-tripped and shamed into believing that they need to continuously buy new clothes to look and feel better? Women, of course.

So it’s not that surprising to find that a sustainability revolution is being headed by women.

Take Regina Polanco, for example. She’s the founder of PYRATES – a smart fabrics label shaking up the fashion industry by creating properly sustainable textiles.

She started the brand back in 2014, inspired by her ‘world-travelling millennial friends who are non-conforming young PYRATES, who lead borderless and adventurous lives’.

Regina tells Metro.co.uk: ‘In a pre-athleisure world where you had to choose between comfort and dressing well, I collaborated with a designer to offer my friends multi-functional clothing, suited for a number of activities such as travelling, business meetings or having drinks with friends.

‘When researching new materials for PYRATES, I became dissatisfied with what the market had to offer – functional but synthetic fabric or natural but less-functional fabrics.

‘I felt strongly that clothing had to evolve with our current standards of innovation.’

So, she went off to do three years of textile research in the lab and came up with PYRATEX® – a sustainable, naturally sourced and multi-functioning fabric. A luxury knit fabric, PYRATEX® is made in Europe from either vegetal, upcycled or biodegradable fibres.

After her first collection was released, Regina quickly found herself inundated with requests from brands looking to make their clothes from the same luxurious, high-functioning fabrics.

Sustainable fashion is here to stay, she tells us – we’ve just got to be patient.

‘Sustainable fashion is still very new and at first, it seemed like another hype trend,’ she says, ‘but we predict it will become the norm as the demand for more eco-friendly alternatives is taking over in many industries, not only the fashion industry.’

PYRATES and other sustainable brands straddle the tech and fashion industries – two notoriously brutal businesses that up until recently, haven’t exactly been renowned for being too female-friendly (despite their clientele).

But the idea of breaking into a traditionally male-dominated industry shouldn’t put women off, Regina says.

‘There is an equal level of opportunity for female entrepreneurs in both the tech and fashion industries. Both are hard to break into because being an entrepreneur is hard-work whatever industry; saying that, both are certainly equally rewarding and welcoming to female entrepreneurs.’

Her main piece of advice for women thinking about starting their own businesses?

‘Go for it! Building a business is hard, but if you are willing to fight for it and put on the hard work, there is no reason why you shouldn’t start your own business.’

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2020 (8 March), Regina has teamed up with ASICS to develop a special yoga capsule collection.

The seven-piece collection has been made from natural fibres coloured with natural, biodegradable dyes derived from plants and minerals like pomegranate, as part of a process which uses a reduced amount of water.

Its packaging is also made from natural and reusable fabrics to further help reduce the adverse impact on the planet and encourage the reuse of the fabric bag.

‘This collection in collaboration with ASICS has been created by women for women,’ she explains. 

‘International Women’s Day is very important and sadly still necessary, until the day comes where there is full equality achieved worldwide. Every day is women’s day and we have to keep supporting and celebrating each other as women. Launching a yoga collection with ASICS, who share our vision, is another way to mark women’s strength on International Women’s Day.’

The ASICS and PYRATES environmentally-sustainable yoga collection is out now at asics.com

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Share your views in the comments section below.

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If you’re a fan of the style of Vans trainers but not the £60 price tag, you can pick up a similar pair for a tenth of the cost at Aldi.

Yes, the budget supermarket’s weekly offers include footwear this time around.

The black and white shoes cost just £6.99, compared to the original Vans, which usually cost around £60.

Obviously, the dupes aren’t exactly the same and won’t have all the same features but the style is pretty convincing.

They are available for men and women and also come in pink or teal colours too.

You can get some for kids too, costing just £5.99.

They are great for a casual look as the weather gets a little warmer.

The trainers have a durable rubber sole and the description on the website says: ‘Comfortable to wear, these practical trainers go with everything!

‘Give your outfit that finishing look with a pair of casual yet stylish canvas trainers.’

One person who purchased them when they were on sale before left a review and said: ‘These shoes are just as well as they are sturdy and comfortable. Color is quite durable as I’ve had a pair for a good part of a year and not noticed any fade in color.’

The shoes are available in store from today or online but you will have to pay £2.95 for delivery.

The good news is that delivery is free over £20 so if you want a few pairs or are ordering other items, it works out cheaper.

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Ever wished your accessories doubled up as a self-defense weapon?

The Defender Ring is what you’re after.

A New York company has created a ring that hides a blade able to cut skin, pierce eyes, and even collect an attacker’s DNA.

The idea is that if you were out and about and were attacked, you could use your ring to defend yourself.

Ryan Lee, 34, invented the Defender Ring after the highly publicized murders of two women who were slain while they were out jogging.

The jewellery features a top that can be unscrewed in three seconds to unleash a sharp 5mm long blade that’s able to draw blood.

Ryan said: ‘We designed it to be normal jewellery but you can unscrew the ring top and inside there is a blade.

‘The blade is for self-defense – it is very sharp and it can cut through durable material.

‘It is for self-defense against an attacker.

‘It is sharp enough and big enough to cut through skin and draw blood and that’s how it can collect DNA.’

The ring is available from $55 and comes in a range of different designs and finishes including rose gold, stainless steel and sterling silver.

Women are advised to use the ring by either punching, slashing or grabbing and pulling the ring against an attacker’s flesh.

‘Wear Defender Ring, make a fist, and punch an attacker in the eyes, throat or face to create a deep puncture wound,’ the site reads.

‘Make a fist and and slash an attacker using a sideways motion in the eyes, throat or face to create a long gash.

‘Grab an attacker’s arm and pull to gouge and create a long gash.’

Ryan is quick to say that the blade might not withstand a more violent attack and urges women to think of running away as their first line of defence.

But he hopes the rings will give women a sense of security when out in public.

‘Women can wear these rings 24/7 – they can wear it to work, they can wear it while they are exercising.

‘These are instances where they wouldn’t usually carry a weapon.

‘My whole life I have been passionate about self defense. I grew up with all women.

‘These joggers being killed in broad daylight prompted me to create a practical self defense item.’

The rings launched in June 2019 and have been a big hit, so Ryan now plans to produce a ring with a blade that’s twice as long.

Here’s the thing, though. While these rings do sound like a solid way to protect yourself, wearing one would not be legal in the UK.

The only self-defence product that’s currently allowed in the UK is a rape alarm. Even pepper sprays, which are allowed across the pond, are not legal to carry around in public in England.

Carrying any sort of concealed weapon – including a product which is made or adapted to cause a person injury, such as these rings – is against the law.

There’s a chance that if you were to wear one of these rings and happened to be stopped by the police, you could be arrested.

If you used the ring against someone and caused injury, you could be charged with assault.

For now, your best bet remains carrying a rape alarm and being prepared and able to escape an altercation if needed.

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Ready for another tale of online shopping gone wrong?

Student Abigail Ross, 20, ordered a kimono sleeve midi dress from ASOS, hoping to wear it for her 21st birthday next month.

But when it arrived, the dress didn’t end up making Abigail look like the model she saw on her screen.

Instead, it left her looking ‘like one of the 12 disciples’ thanks to its oversized fit and droopy arms.

Thankfully Abigail was able to laugh the online shopping fail off, sharing a photo of herself in her semi-religious garb to her Whatsapp group of pals, who instantly compared the £110 gown to something Jesus’s apostles would wear.

Abigail, from Whitehaven, Cumbria, said: ‘One of my friends mentioned that I looked like Jesus, then I realised, because of the drapes, I actually looked like one of the 12 disciples.

‘I’d ordered a few dresses as it’s going to be my 21st in April.

‘I panic ordered that one because the others didn’t look nice and then it came and it looked like a tablecloth.

‘When I took it out of the bag, I thought maybe it was a dress that looked better on than off.

‘But when I put the dress on I thought they’d sent me the wrong size because it looked huge – it didn’t look nice at all.

‘It looked like I’d ordered it 10 sizes too big – it’s a 14 but looked like a 22.

‘I realised it looked awful and then when I went to show my mam we both just burst out laughing.

‘I felt ridiculous when I put it on, I thought I looked like I’d lost loads of weight and my mam said that the sleeves looked like loose skin.’

Abigail, who snapped up the dress for £77 after taking advantage of an online discount, has returned the dress and is waiting for a refund from the retailer.

Abigail said: ‘I’ve seen the funny side to it now – it’s not put me off online shopping.’

ASOS has been approached for comment.

Have you experienced a hilarious online shopping fail? Get in touch to share your woes by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Share your views in the comments section below.

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In the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19, many of us have been forced to enter a new age of working from home.

It’s a strange transition for those of us who are used to going into an office every day and – while totally necessary – can pose challenges.

For some, walking from bed to sofa or dining table to start our working day means we don’t leave our pyjamas all day, which can lead to feeling slugging (and having to throw on a decent top for any video calls that might be taking place).

Although the advice is currently to act as if you are going to go to work in person in the mornings, there is a workaround that means you aren’t getting dolled up simply to stay at home – loungewear.

It’s the midpoint between pyjamas and ‘proper’ clothes, meaning you look and feel professional enough but are still comfy and cosy.

We’ve picked the best pieces from the UK that can be delivered right to your door.

Boohoo, £13.50

In video calls, this will simply look like you’re wearing a chic cable knit jumper, but you’ll feel like you’re in your jammies.

Don’t be too frightened of the cropped top here, as the high-waisted bottoms mean you’ll avoid any overhang of belly.

This one also comes in black and grey, and is great value for a full set.

Missguided, £25

Jumpsuits really should have been invented for situations like this, where you’re in the comfort of your home and aren’t self-conscious having to get naked in the toilets of a bar or restaurants.

This super-soft version is from Missguided, and you can bag 25% off (correct at the time of writing) with the code lucky.

ASOS Design CURVE, £30

Plisse material has the wonderful quality of being swishy and stretchy in all the right places, while still looking totally put-together.

Master the Tan France ‘French tuck’ with this understated maroon number, and no one will believe it was only supposed to be worn around the house.

Sweaty Betty, £80

Bear with us here, because these yoga pants are anything but cheap.

However, if you want something that’ll last forever (and just happens to work well during self isolation) these could be ideal.

They’re sweat-wicking, won’t break however crazy your moves are, and are lightweight for any travels you may go on.

DKNY at TK Maxx, £19.99

Some people refuse to get out of black regardless of the situation, which is where this floaty lounge set comes in.

The loose vest top and elasticated flared trousers will keep you feeling your usual ‘all black everything’ self – as well as bearing a designer logo – while you’re in the house.

ASOS Design – £16

Men have a reputation for not wearing pyjamas, which is absolutely fine but can pose a problem when you need something to doss around in in the house.

This is perfect as it doesn’t look too ‘pyjama-ey’. You’ll likely see plenty of fashionable lads walking around London wearing the very same garms once the weather heats up, so you won’t feel like Wee Willie Winkie in his night-shirt.

Uniqlo – £29.90

Uniqlo has always been the GOAT for functional basics that last a long time.

Unsurprisingly, this 96% cotton sweat set is no different. It’s certainly not something that’d be confined to the house only, and will last long after quarantines do.

Next, £34

A solid basic set of PJs, that has plenty of stretch and is also cuffed at the sleeves and ankles.

It might not seem like a revelation, but if you haven’t good a good pair of these in your drawer, you’re missing out on a lot of comfort.

Piglet, £100

For those of you who are used to wearing a shirt to work, you might want to compromise with this ultra-luxe set from Piglet.

They’re made from 100% natural stonewashed flax and can even be monogrammed, so you feel like the king or queen of your castle.

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.

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Vans has released a range of shoes with sensory details for people living with autism.

The shoe and skatewear brand has created the range for kids and adults.

It includes things like fuzzy material, soft squishy tops and a calming colour palette.

The ComfyCush Old Skool has blue suede uppers, checkboard with red velvet hearts and a message on the back of each heel.

There’s a ComfyCush Slip-On PT style that has squishy check uppers in a grey tone with a hell-pull to make it easier to get on, and another with holographic water printed on top.

Specifically for children, there’s the ComfyCush New Skool V with a rubber toe cap for durability, a single-strap hook-and-loop closure for tightness and fit, a heel pull tab and a foam padded collar.

A minimum of $100,000 (£86,000) will be donated to A.skate, an organisation that allows children with autism to be part of the social world through skateboarding.

In a statement, Vans said: ‘Since 1966, Vans has stood as a champion of individuality and self-expression.

‘The brand’s commitment continues with the release of sensory inclusive footwear designs as part of the Autism Awareness Collection.

‘With this project, Vans celebrates the unique aspects of all people.

‘Designed specifically with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in mind, the ultra-comfortable footwear collection is offered with sensory-inclusive elements including a calming color palette and design features that focus on the senses of touch, sign and sound.’

The range is only available online from the US and UK stores now, with prices ranging between £20 and £80.

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It’s safe to say that now, more than ever, we are in awe of the work the NHS do for this country.

Despite being overstretched and exposed to increasing risk due to the coronavirus, workers from across the health service have stepped up to the plate and proven themselves as heroes.

One footwear company – Allbirds – has decided to honour these people in the best way they know how – by giving them a free pair of comfy trainers that hopefully lighten their load a little.

In an emailed statement, the brand said: ‘We admire everything NHS healthcare workers are doing for our communities. To show our appreciation for those on the front lines fighting COVID-19, we’re offering a pair of shoes on us.

‘It’s a small way of saying thank you and providing comfort for the long hours you’re putting in to keep us safe and healthy.’

NHS healthcare workers are asked to fill in this online form that proves they work for the service, and they’ll hear back from the company once they’re verified.

There are thousands of pairs of the trainers – which are touted as ‘the most comfortable shoes on the planet’ – available.

They normally cost from £95, and are made from premium natural materials including merino wool and Brazilian sugarcane.

Their Sweetfoam soles make them perfect for people on their feet all day, and the shoelaces are made from nautical rope so staff won’t have to keep retying all day.

On bargains platform HotUKDeals, shoppers have been praising the brand for the act of kindness.

One commenter said, ‘What a lovely gesture about time other big companies follow suit’ and another wrote, ‘My wife and myself are both frontline NHS staff and I can tell you the appreciation shown by the vast majority of people is very much heard and felt, thank you.’

If there’s anything we as people (and businesses) can do for people putting themselves in harm’s way for the greater good, we should get on board.

Props to Allbirds for trying to take some of the pressure off of people on the frontline.

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.

Share your views in the comments below.

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It’s a pretty gloomy time right now and with reason.

But a nurse is trying to help bring a smile to people’s face by wearing a mask that’s unlike others.

Social worker Lulu Geraghty, 42, crotched a vulva by hand and attached it to her protective equipment.

Lulu, who lives in Brisbane, Australia, makes vulva tea cosies and hats in her spare time and decided to make the quirky addition for a laugh.

She was quick to say that it was more a fashion item since it doesn’t meet medical standards – but added ‘it will certainly help with social distancing’.

‘I had a spare vulva just lying around so I whacked it on, for a bit of fun,’ explained Lulu.

‘It just seemed to lighten the mood a bit. I don’t want to minimise the seriousness of coronavirus but I think we do need to be lighthearted as well.’

Lulu started making the designs in 2017 to start a conversation about female positivity and stigma.

She said: ‘I like to be a little bit confrontational and I like to have the competing ideas of something really uncomfortable with something pretty and domestic.

‘What I really wanted to do was break down the taboo – this anxiety that many women feel about the appearance of their vulvas.

‘It’s amazing how many women don’t even know the basic words for their anatomy.

‘I deliberately make them a little bit frilly, asymmetrical and hairy. Every one is different.’

Lulu makes the tea cosies on commission and gives them as gifts to her friends, but it takes her a long time to craft each one.

She doesn’t follow a pattern and instead makes the designs freestyle.

Sadly though, not everyone is always a fan.

She added: ‘They’re pretty divisive. People have strong reactions – they either love them and think they’re great, or they’re just repulsed.’

Lulu has also made a YouTube video showing others how they can make their very own crocheted vulvas.

The step-by-step guide now has almost 100,000 views with users trying their hand at the skill.

‘I would say, go for it. There’s nothing to lose,’ urged Lulu. ‘The thing about crochet is if you make a mistake you can just undo it a little bit and redo it.

‘The thing about vulvas is there are no rules. You can just make it wobbly and however you like. I guess that’s part of why I like doing it.’

She also laments the pressure to have an ‘ideal’ vagina.

‘Sadly the idea there is an ideal vulva is very censored and unrealistic.

‘Young women especially feel under pressure when actually they’re totally normal.

‘Even now more than ever. Procedures like labiaplasty, or vulval surgery, are on the increase, even for teenage girls. I find that really worrying.

‘I thought we had come a long way in terms of body positivity and understanding inner beauty and being able to express yourself. I feel that there’s still a lot of pressure.’

Lulu was hoping to display her creations at the Seattle Erotic Art Festival but it has been postponed due to coronavirus.

Like many people across the world, Lulu is working from home in her job as a social worker for victims of domestic violence.

She crafts the vulvas during her downtime to help her unwind.

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Over the past few weeks we’ve seen companies step up their game and help those fighting COVID-19.

From Deliveroo giving 500,000 free meals to NHS workers fighting coronavirus, to Lidl delivering thousands of free fruit and veg bags direct to hospital staff.

But British fashion house Burberry is the latest brand to announce measures to support those tackling coronavirus.

It’s revealed that the heritage brand will be using its supply chain network to fast-track the delivery of over 100,000 surgical masks to the NHS – which are likely to be well-received, considering the shortages staff have faced over the past few weeks.

Alongside this, Burberry has pledged to make non-surgical gowns and masks for patients in British hospitals.

It’s also been revealed that these gowns and masks will be manufactured in the brand’s Yorkshire factory – where its trademark trench coats are made.

Alongside these generous measures, Burberry will also be donating funds to the University of Oxford’s vaccine research, which is due to begin human trials in April. 

While it’s likely the vaccine could take a number of months, Burberry will help in the short-term by contributing to two charities working to tackle food poverty – The Felix Project and FareShare.

The brand’s chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci took to social media to comment on the news.

He said: ‘I am so incredibly proud to be part of the amazing @Burberry family as we work to support our communities in this tough time – together we will get through this!’

Marco Gobbetti, Burberry’s CEO, also said in a statement: ‘COVID-19 has fundamentally changed our everyday lives, but we hope that the support we provide will go some way towards saving more lives, bringing the virus under control and helping our world recover from this devastating pandemic. Together, we will get through this.’

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If online shopping has been helping you through lockdown, there’s a brand new footwear collaboration which should be on your radar.

Converse has teamed up with Japanese fashion house Comme des Garçons for a new eye-catching collection.

The last time the two brands joined forces, they focussed on black and white trainers, but the new offering sees things get a lot more colourful.

The 2020 PLAY range features the classic Converse Chuck 70 in three vibrant colours – an acid lime green, a pastel blue and a strawberry pink.

Of course, each shoe is adorned with the iconic Comme des Garçons heart – designed by Filip Pagowski – along with the classic ‘All-Star’ patch.

Available in both the high-top and low-top Converse versions, each striking pair is priced at £130.

As with all Chuck Taylor Converse, the sizes are unisex – going up from a size 3 to a 12. 

With most shops being closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, these are not available to buy in store at the moment, but they on sale now at converse.com.

The launch of the flamboyant shoe range was met with excitement on Twitter.

One user commented: ‘I need them Comme des Garçons converse yo, the blue ones so cute.’

While others joked about how they wouldn’t be able to show off their new shoes, at this moment in time.

‘I really just bought Comme Des Garcons x Converse during a time where we can’t go out lol,’ another said.

If the Comme des Garçons trainers don’t float your boat, Converse has a hefty collection of limited edition shoes online, with plenty of other designer collaborations.

In other footwear news, Vans has launched a range of sensory shoes for people living with autism and this shoe company is offering free pairs of trainers for NHS workers.

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Remember when tie-dye was all the rage?

It might’ve started in the 60s as part of U.S protest art but its popularity endured into the 90s, after hitting a high point in the decade prior.

And after a lifetime of waxing and waning, the colourful style has stayed true to form and had a resurgence in 2020.

While most of us are under lockdown thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, we’re embracing hobbies once more.

And in the first line of attack is our wardrobe (or perhaps second, after baking).

We’re Marie Kondo-ing the contents of our dressers, taking up knitting, sewing and just generally transforming our wardrobes.

And over on YouTube and TikTok, tie-dying is making the rounds right now.

Popular creators are currently loving the stuff and teaching their followers how to create the easy colour staples.

Content creator Lauren Riihimaki, for example, recently uploaded a video entitled Tie-Dyeing Everything In My Closet Cuz I’m Stuck At Home which has half a million views.

And there are various quick tutorials on TikTok where users are dying their tracksuits and hoodies.

It seems to be a popular new hobby for the youngsters, allowing them to upcycle their wardrobe while we socially distance.

The most popular items to dye have been loungewear which, with a bit of bleach and colour, are transformed into high street retailer level goods.

And you can upscale your own wardrobe too, using items that are likely to be around the house.

If it’s your first time, start with something simple like an old T-shirt.

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Lockdown has brought about some new Instagram fashion hashtags – first there was #quarantineootd, then #DressUpFriday, but it seems the latest one is slightly more inventive.

The hashtag #HomeCouture is the newest trend sweeping our social media feeds and involves taking high-end catwalk looks and recreating them with bits and bobs around the house.

It started out with George Serventi (@skipdin), who took to Instagram to share his interpretation of a Comme Des Garçons runway look… using bin bags.

He then decided to challenge others to recreate iconic catwalk moments using objects around the house.

In an Instagram post, George wrote: ‘CATEGORY IS: #HomeCouture. Recreate your fave runway/red carpet look with whatevs you have lying around the house and upload using the hashtag #HomeCouture (tagging moi ofc) to join in the wholesome fun!’

He added: ‘Think scouring pad ball gowns, toilet roll palazzo pants and saucepan facinators… Because in the words of Fifth Harmony we CAN work from HOME!!’

More recently, he’s posted a snap of his rather impressive attempt to recreate the famous Killing Eve-style Molly Goddard couture dress (also worn by Rihanna) – using pink paper tissue.

The name of the hashtag gives a nod to Haute Couture (which means fashion constructed by hand, from start to finish).

Of course, lots of people have jumped on the inventive new trend, with many sharing pictures of their crafty creations.

Instagram account @sydneypimbley posted an image of her recreating a look from John Galliano’s Maison Margiela fall 2017 haute couture show, using cardboard.

Another user, @1granary, jumped on the bandwagon with her clingfilm interpretation of the Viktor & Rolf FW 2005 catwalk show.

While others went for looks with their pillows and duvets…

It’s safe to say the genius hashtag is certainly providing us with a lot of comic relief during this troubling time.

Do you have a story to share of what you’re getting up to in lockdown? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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To echo every person on the internet: we are living in unprecedented times. 

Right now, our health and the health of those around us is our top priority and it is ever harder to find glimmers of light in the face of such darkness. 

It is for this reason that I want to share something that is helping me, in the hopes it may bring some joy to you. 

While we’re trapped at home, we have time to go through our wardrobes and try on every single piece of clothing for absolutely no reason. 

I’ve previously written about why you should be wearing your ball gowns to the supermarket and, if anything, you should be doing this more now. There’s nothing like an impeccable dress train or a hooped skirt to physically stop people getting any closer to you. 

But there is also huge delight to be had in donning the clothes you have saved for best occasions or have tucked away as some sort of ‘life memorabilia’ and parading them from living room to bedroom. 

I know it sounds silly, but this is the exact moment where we should be able to be silly. We’re surrounded by a cacophony of voices telling us that we aren’t good enough because we haven’t got up at 6am, done a workout, written a book and found the cure for Covid-19 – all before This Morning arrives on TV. 

For me, being silly is putting on a full face of makeup, finding my old prom dress, lining up my teddy bears at the bottom of the stairs, and pretending that I’m walking down to greet them as we jump into a limo and head to prom (truly iconic). 

If we can all experience this feeling, we needn’t bulk-buy new outfits for when we’re out of lockdown. 

Especially when we look at the fast fashion industry and how it has responded during this pandemic. Brands like Pretty Little Thing and Boo Hoo are still operating and their warehouse staff have pleaded with people to stop ordering goods as they are reportedly having to work in conditions that are not conducive to stopping the spread of the virus. 

All because consumers are still purchasing out of heightened boredom and a desire to look sensational while sat in front of a box set of Mrs Brown’s Boys. 

I want people to look inside their own wardrobe. You can Marie Kondo your clothes, but it’s also a chance to explore your style. I’ve been able to put on outfits that, prior to this, I would have felt unsafe to wear in public. 

I’ve untucked the lavish dresses I have crammed into tote bags at the back of my wardrobe and getting to wear them feels fun. I expect everyone could use a bit of fun at the moment. 

While throwing on everything in your wardrobe may feel like a pointless task at the minute, it may help to chase the blues away – even momentarily

Many of us feel hopeless, knowing we can’t do anything to help those battling coronavirus except staying at home. It is an incredibly scary time and it has been hard to find any positives. 

While throwing on everything in your wardrobe may feel like a pointless task at the minute, it may help to chase the blues away – even momentarily. 

Even if it stresses you out and you end up wanting to burn all your clothes, at least you’ve spent five hours of your lockdown time doing something relatively productive. It will also ensure you have plenty of looks prepped for when we do step outside again. 

You now have the time to upcycle and repair garments that may have seen too many lunges. Get that needle and thread out, and darn your bloody socks. 

There is no one way to be doing anything right now. But what we can do is attempt to find enjoyment in the mundane, in the activities that we took for granted before – such as getting dressed every morning to go to work. Now you can get red-carpet glam just to walk the dog.

Trust me, you’ll be thanking me when you realise how much fun you’re having in your wedding dress from the first marriage, a bottle of merlot in hand, dancing around every room of the house this weekend.

Do you have a story that you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk

Share your views in the comments below

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If you’re feeling a deep sense of ennui from the daily cycle of pyjamas to sweatpants back to pyjamas again, never fear, a new fashion trend is here.

Bonus: It’s the ideal look for a Zoom chat with your coworkers or that Houseparty pub quiz… mostly because it only really works on camera, not outside of the house where people can see the back.

The look we speak of is, of course, the quarantine pillow dress, or the #quarantinepillowchallenge.

Created by StyleByNelli, the quarantine pillow dress is a way to make staying inside during the coronavirus lockdown high fashion.

You grab a pillow and belt it to your front, fastening the belt tight around your waist to cinch in the cushion, creating the illusion of a dress.

As we mentioned, the illusion only works from the front. From the back, you’re either naked or still wearing your pjs underneath.

You can change up the look with all the pillowcases at your disposal, and accessorising with coordinating jewellery, bags, and shoes – because no, your slippers don’t cut it.

A few members of the Metro.co.uk team tried out the quarantine pillow dress for ourselves, and learned a few key lessons.

Firstly, you need quite a large pillow, as it needs to cover your bod, or you can use multiple pillows.

Secondly, you need a belt that can go super tight around your waist. I realised that I don’t actually own a single belt so tried to borrow my boyfriend’s. Sadly it was a touch too loose on my waist and thus the pillow didn’t stay up.

The belt needs to be pulled as tight as it will go to give your pillow dress’s skirt a kicked out A-line shape.

You can wear your pillow dress over clothes for comfort, but if you’re getting dressed up for some video socialising, we’d recommend going all out and wearing it alone, with some accessories to make it clear this is an outfit, not just your way of snoozing on the sofa.

We recommend heeled boots, a statement necklace, and wearing your hair in a bun to let your pillow couture take centre-stage.

Here are our pillow dress looks so you can be inspired. Please do share your own in the comments section below or on Instagram with the tag #quarantinepillowchallenge.

Here I am offering two different looks – a minimal grey and a statement corgi. Again, you can see the belt isn’t tight enough to give that cool A-line shape.

Jessica Lindsay accessorises her pillow with cat ears, sunglasses, and attitude

Aidan Milan looks annoyingly good

As does Sian Elvin.

This really isn’t what I had in mind when I strapped a dumb corgi cushion to my body.

Collective embarrassment doesn’t work if the people joining me look great, damn it.

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A couple who create bespoke period costumes for museums and re-enactors have incorporated their passion into their daily walks.

Izabela Pitcher, 45, and her husband Lucas, 51, have dressed in their own historical costumes while doing their daily government-sanctioned exercise.

They’ve covered eras including Georgian, Tudor, and late medieval.

The couple refer to their walks as ‘costume constitutionals’ which they do at the same time each day so that their neighbours can watch them from their windows.

Izabela and Lucas, from Milton Keynes, run period costume shop Prior Attire, providing historically accurate clothes for museums and cosplayers.

The couple has so far done seven ‘costume constitutionals’ during the coronavirus lockdown.

And they say that their neighbours have stood at the window to watch and try to guess what era they are dressed as each day.

Izabela said: ‘It’s been really uplifting to have people get involved.

‘The village we live in is really tiny, so we kept seeing people through their windows looking worried and a bit sad.

‘We thought, why not cheer them up?

‘I think we’ve met more people through doing this than we have in the last year – although from a safe distance, of course.

‘They will stand at their windows and have a guess what era we are dressed as. It’s good for kids, too, because it’s like a little bit of homework for them,” Izabela joked.’

The couple makes costumes for museum or re-enactment events, but all of of their spring and summer events have now been cancelled because of the virus.

So their outfits are sitting in the wardrobe – but they still have to be taken out of storage, looked after, cleaned and properly maintained.

Izabela added: ‘It’s nice to actually be able to wear the stuff rather than having it sitting in the wardrobe.

‘We have enough outfits to be able to keep doing this for the next two weeks, at least.’

Residents say the Pitchers’ performances have become the highlight of their day during lockdown.

And even a delighted neighbourhood police officer has praised the couple and posted photos on social media of the couple on different days.

The officer said: ‘In one of my beautiful villages, a couple have been dressing up in historical period costumes when they go out for their daily walk.

‘What a fab idea to brighten up the day. Residents are waiting for them at their windows and in their gardens, trying to guess the historical periods – from a safe distance, of course.’

To follow the couple’s ‘costume constitutionals’, or get involved in guessing the eras, visit the Prior Attire Facebook page.

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Clothing retailer Zara is known for advertising their clothes in an unusual way.

From jeans that look like they’re being worn by a ghost to coats that are doing anything but insulating the model.

The fashion store was even spotted flogging a dress worn by a model underwater. How people are meant to see what the item looks like, we do not know.

But the global pandemic has halted Zara’s eccentric selling tactics as warehouses and all stores are currently closed.

Just as many of us work from home, so too are the models that advertise for the brand.

You might’ve noticed that many online companies are displaying the product by itself as opposed to on a model.

And with the coronavirus lockdown, Zara’s models are unable to fly to the headquarters in Spain to shoot the clothes so have instead styled all the new numbers from home.

And the results are pretty high fashion.

Now you can see what you’d look like wearing the Striped Knit Dress while holding your morning cup of coffee.

Or what the Buttoned Poplin Shirt and Asymmetric Waist Wool Pants look like as you listen to your fave work-from-home Spotify playlist.

Clearly the models have picked up on all the right angles and lighting tricks as they shoot themselves from home, using their phones.

In some images you can see whovever they are isolating with snapping the shot.

Clearly the models had lots of fun, shooting from the comfort of their bedrooms, propped up on mattresses and windows, and even in their gardens performing TikTok dances.

The homely edition covers all of Zara’s new arrivals.

Clearly white is in as the new selection includes high-neck shirts, high-rise buttoned trousers, poplin shirts, and more.

And as the weather gets warmer, the latest collection includes lots of summer staples such as metal-framed sunglasses, floral prints and crop tops.

Though we might not be able to wear these outside during the lockdown, at least we can say we’re like Zara models, strutting the latest garbs at home.

At the moment all Zara stores are closed but you can still order online as normal.

Return timeframes will also be extended to 30 days after the re-opening of their stores.

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If the thought of another day spent in sloppy sweatpants makes you want to stay in bed, try taking a leaf out of Lucy Rogers’ book.

The 32-year-old has decided to jazz up lockdown life by wearing a different fancy ballgown for every day she works from home.

She’s sharing every glamorous moment – from snacking on the sofa to slouching her way through a Zoom call – on her Instagram, @sayyestothewfhdress.

The plot is a great way to make sure the clothes Lucy receives through Rent the Runway don’t go to waste, as she struggled with the idea of not having anywhere to show off the stylish pieces.

Lucy, from the UK but living in New York, hopes that as well as brightening up her day, her vow to wear the fanciest gowns to work from home will bring cheer to other people.

‘I really wanted to wear all these gorgeous dresses I had rented, but I had nowhere to go,’ said Lucy, who works for the digital marketing agency Croud.

‘I started the Instagram site as a bit of a joke, to keep myself entertained while we’re all stuck at home.

‘I thought my friends and family would find it funny and it just blew up from there really.

‘I was going to cancel my subscription but then I thought this could be an opportunity to wear all these lovely things that I could never normally wear to the office.

‘Unfortunately I have to send them back afterwards.’

Lucy says she’s received an outpouring of positive messages from people who are enjoying her pics.

‘I’ve even had messages from people working in the ER, saying they check in daily to look at the dresses,’ she says. ‘I thought that was so nice.

‘And people have started posting their own photos with the hashtag.

‘It’s a bit of fun to make people smile while all this is going on.’

Have you found a way to make working from home fun? Share your story by emailing us at MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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