Lifestyle

News on consumer habits, trends, and lifestyle spending.

Lifestyle
Share sale values Bears at NFL record US$8.9bn
A new high-water mark has been set for the value of National Football League (NFL) teams, with the Chicago Bears reportedly worth US$8.9 billion (A$13.5 billion) based on a transaction approved by the NFL. The NFL finance committee approved the sale of 2.35% of the team by the estate of Andrew McKenna to the two other shareholders, according to CNBC. The McCaskey family will lift its ownership to 77% by acquiring two-thirds of the stake and the Ryan family will move to 23% with the balance, CNBC wrote in this story, citing people familiar with the deal who asked not to be identified. This beats the $8.6 billion record based on the sale of a minority shareholding set for the San Francisco 49ers in May, when a 6.2% stake changed hands, and the Bears’ last valuation of $6.4 billion a year ago. Investors typically pay a premium for control of any company, although CNBC reported smaller stakes below 10% can, in fact, sell at a higher premium than control shareholdings because of the smaller outlay and rarity in gaining access. The last control sale of an NFL team was Josh Harris’ purchase of the Washington Commanders for $6.05 billion in 2023.
Lifestyle
Gucci kicks off Milan Fashion Week with Demna film debut
Gucci began Milan Fashion Week on Tuesday with an unconventional cinematic showcase, as new creative director Demna presented his debut collection through a short dramatic film starring Hollywood actors. The film, titled The Tiger, featured Demi Moore, Edward Norton and Ed Harris, and was co-directed by Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn. It was screened inside the Palazzo Mezzanotte, home of Milan’s stock exchange, replacing the traditional runway format with a theatrical birthday dinner celebration where actors and models wore designs from Demna’s new “La Famiglia” collection. Among the highlights, Moore, the film’s central figure, appeared in a gleaming golden dress, while models in opulent fur coats and plunging shirts sat in the front rows of the improvised cinema. The presentation marked a sharp departure from Gucci’s usual shows as French parent company Kering aims to breathe new life into its flagship brand following two years of declining sales. Top executives including Kering’s new CEO Luca de Meo, chairman and controlling shareholder François-Henri Pinault, and Gucci’s newly appointed CEO Francesca Bellettini attended the screening. Demna, best known for transforming Balenciaga by blending austere design wit
Lifestyle
Nike and Skims launch their collaboration this week
Nike is set to launch its highly anticipated activewear line with Kim Kardashian’s intimates brand Skims this week after it was pushed back due to production delays. The collection is slated to launch on both the Nike and Skims websites on 26 September. “NikeSKIMS is a bold evolution in how women experience sport and style — and together with SKIMS, we’re delivering what no other brand can,” Nike President Amy Montagne said. “It’s part of Nike’s broader commitment to her: uncompromising product innovation that moves and celebrates women." It was initially announced in February to hit stores earlier this year, but was pushed back due to production delays between the two teams. The launch of the collection comes as Nike is implementing a turnaround strategy under the new CEO, Elliot Hill, who joined the company in October 2024. The sportswear company is trying to return to form after former CEO John Donahoe focused the company on the lifestyle side of the business. While this led to the company’s annual sales growing north of US$50 million, many of Nike’s core athlete customers began to shop elsewhere over criticisms that Nike lost sight of innovation. The Skims collaboration is hoped to reach athletes while als
Lifestyle
Finding the right target not as easy as ABC
In a case of mistaken identity, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is taking some of the heat for a decision made on the other side of the world, and in doing so, has been pulled into the maelstrom that is United States politics. The ABC has been inundated with criticism of its namesake American network’s decision to pull outspoken television host Jimmy Kimmel off air because of his remarks about the murder of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. “We have received hundreds of complaints about the axing of Jimmy Kimmel, but it’s not us,” ABC Radio Melbourne breakfast show host Charnelle Vella told listeners. She said ABC put out a post on Instagram saying: “Stop emailing us. We’re not the ABC that fired Jimmy Kimmel”. Some of the comments sent to the Australian Government-owned broadcaster: "What You Did To Jimmy Kimmel Is Against The Constitution and I Will Be Boycotting ABC. When you bend your knees to the president, you've gone too far. America is not happy with ABC." "I will contact and boycott ALL business that sponsor ABC's shows!" "I will NEVER watch ABC again — Free speech is gone. Go Jimmy Kimmel!" As the ABC reported in this story, the message was intended for the American Broadcasting C
Lifestyle
Meta announces new Meta Ray-Ban Display smartglasses
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg showed off the company's newest Ray-Ban model smart glasses at its Connect event. "Glasses are the ideal form factor for personal superintelligence, because they let you stay present in the moment while getting access to all of these AI capabilities that make you smarter, help you communicate better, improve your memory, improve your senses, and more," Zuckerberg said. The Meta Ray-Ban Display has a built-in display that can be controlled through subtle hand movements using a neural wristband and will be priced at US$799. The glasses will be available in the store on 30 September. While the glasses are set to go on sale, Zuckerberg’s demonstration wasn’t without hiccups, which he attributed to the Wi-Fi at the event. They will feature a high-resolution built-in see-through display on the right lens that allows the user to read messages, receive video calls and follow map directions and will also feature a 12 megapixel camera that can take photos and videos. At launch, the glasses will support a range of Meta-owned apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Messenger, alongside third-party apps like Spotify. Hours after the announcement, the company’s share price rose by over 1% in premarket t

Lifestyle
Gucci names Bellettini as CEO as brand seeks turnaround
Luxury conglomerate Kering has appointed Francesca Bellettini as CEO of Gucci, as the brand seeks to return to growth. Bellettini, currently a deputy CEO of Kering, will be Gucci’s fourth CEO in two years. Newly-appointed Kering CEO Luca de Meo has said the group will begin implementing plans to reorganise its brands and cut its debt by the end of the year. “At this pivotal moment, I intend to build a leaner and clearer organisation in which the best talent drive our Houses forward,” said de Meo. “Gucci, as the flagship of our Group, deserves the sharpest focus, and Francesca — one of the most seasoned and respected professionals in our industry — will bring the leadership and flawless execution needed to restore the brand to its rightful place.” Bellettini was CEO of Saint Laurent before being named Kering’s deputy CEO of Brand Development in 2023. Kering’s deputy CEO positions will now be scrapped, the company said. Gucci’s revenue dropped by 25% year-over-year in the first half of 2025, reaching EU€3.03 billion (A$5.37 billion). This was the largest decline reported by any Kering brand during the period, with the fashion house representing 40% of the group’s revenue. The brand’s operating income plummeted by 5
Lifestyle
WEBTOON shares soar on Disney comics deal
The WEBTOON Entertainment share price increased by more than one-third after it clinched a deal with Walt Disney Company to create a new digital comics platform with Disney content, including the Marvel and "Star Wars" franchises. They also entered into a non-binding term sheet for Disney to buy 2% of WEBTOON Entertainment, subject to agreeing terms and closing conditions. WEBTOON (NASDAQ: WBTN) shares closed $5.84 (39.04%) higher at $20.80, capitalising the digital entertainment company at US$2.71 billion (A$4.07 billion), before easing to $19.99 in after-hours trading. WEBTOON and Disney earlier announced they would develop a digital comics platform featuring more than 35,000 comic books, including decades of past comics from Disney’s portfolio such as Marvel, Star Wars, 20th Century Studios and Pixar. “Through our expanded relationship with WEBTOON, the global leader in digital comics, we’re opening doors to new audiences and deepening fan engagement," Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro said in a press release. WEBTOON and Disney already had a multi-year collaboration featuring almost 100 reformatted classics and new original series tailored for the vertical scrolling format used on the WEBTOON platform.
Lifestyle
Four Seasons Paris completes luxury revamp
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris has completed an extensive three-year transformation, unveiling fully renovated rooms and suites for the first time since its grand reopening in 1999. The landmark Parisian property, part of the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts collection, has reimagined its 243 guest rooms as private residences, designed to blend contemporary elegance with the intimacy of classic Haussmann-style apartments. Each redesigned space features some of the most expansive layouts in the city, complete with personal work areas, curated libraries and private dining rooms. Select suites now boast French windows that frame sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower and Paris rooftops, while private balconies have been converted into lush urban gardens. The enhancements allow natural light to permeate deeper into interiors, creating an atmosphere of serenity and sophistication. Modern technology complements the traditional design, with discreet home automation systems, mood lighting, and advanced audiovisual equipment, ensuring guests remain fully connected while immersed in the hotel’s luxury setting. Three flagship suites showcase the new vision of residential-style living: the Penthouse Suite, the Parisian Eiffel S
Lifestyle
Aston Martin celebrates 60th anniversary of Volante
Aston Martin is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its iconic Volante convertible and has created special limited edition models to celebrate. The marque’s Q by Aston Martin bespoke division have based the limited edition models on the DB12 Volante and Vanquish Volante, with a modern take on the “Green over Tan” colour scheme by the company’s heritage. The carmaker's chief commercial officer, Joylon Nash, said the cars are an embodiment of rarity, performance and craftsmanship that define Q by Aston Martin. “Volante is one of Aston Martin's most evocative names, representing six decades of the ultimate open-top driving experience,” Nash said. “With the 60th Anniversary of Volante Editions, we've created a truly exclusive celebration of that legacy — bringing together the raw power of Vanquish Volante and the refined versatility of DB12 Volante in a way that speaks directly to our most discerning customers.” Both of the 60th anniversary editions are finished in Q Pentland Green with a Q Westminster Green bonnet, complete with anodised bronze accents throughout the exterior – including the signature vaned grille up front. The vehicles are powered by a hand-built 4.0 litre V8 twin turbo and have a top speed of 202