Singer Lights Reveals How Motherhood Helped Her Push Creative Boundaries

Ladies Firsthighlights women and girls who are making the world better for the rest of us.

As male-dominated Hollywood continues to be shaken up and barriers continue to be broken down for women, the music industry remains slow in joining the headline-making fight for gender equality. A handful of fierce artists have been devoted to changing that, however, by speaking openly about sexuality, gender roles, their experience with assault, and more. Artists likeKesha,Lady Gaga,Janelle Monáe, and, most recently, award-winning singer/songwriter Lights — a self-professed “sexually empowered nerd woman” — are bringing the music world’s gender relations to 2018 standards.

The 31-year-old alt-pop sensation has been overcoming obstacles and breaking down barriers since she first started in the biz as a teen, penning songs for a local Canadian TV show. Now, she’s on a mission to help make the industry an equal playing field and show her four-year-old daughter, Rocket Wild Bokan, that anything is possible.

“[#MeToo] doesn’t make headlines as much in music because there’s always been that rock star mentality and people have let [sexual consent] slip a lot, but dudes are scared right now and it’s affecting everyone,” she declares when we meet backstage after her performance at the Osheaga music festival in Montreal. “Women are extremely powerful, especially right now, and that’s a good place to be. I think you’ve got to shake things up to make a change and that’s what’s happening.”

The first step, according to Lights, is addressing the lack of females working behind the scenes by encouraging girls to pursue careers in production, engineering, mixing and mastering — you name it.

“If, 15 years ago, when I was a teenager, I would have heard that a song on the radio was produced and written by a girl, I would have been like, ‘Hell yeah! I can do that!’” she explains. “But you don’t hear that, so we’ve got to shout those women out and create content that’s targeted at young girls to show them that it’s an option. What we’re targeted with when we’re young says [nothing about] that being a viable career path — I want to change that!”

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Beau in full tourist dad mode

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Whether that’s by working with more female talent herself or creating a producer-inspired game for young girls, Lights is actively searching for ways to change the status quo and it all stems from one inspirational root: motherhood.

“Since I’ve had a kid, I’ve just been more inspired than ever [and] braver for sure,” she reveals. “I’m like, ‘I don’t care!’ It puts things into perspective a little bit more and you’re not so narcissistic about people judging you because it’s going to happen anyway. You just have to work your ass off and impress them and show them what you’ve got!”

Which is exactly how she worked up the courage to challenge yet another male-dominated industry and release a six-part comic series dubbedSkin & Earth, which came complete with a concept album (and is now being turned into aTV show) and a public confession: She’sbisexual.

Although she admits that she didn’t set out to write a specifically LGBTQ+ story, she knew all along that her heroine, Enaia Jin, would fall in love with a woman while navigating a post-apocalyptic future.

“I think we spend too much time creating characters that are slated under these categories and what they’re supposed to be like and who they are supposed to love,” she says. “We spend too much time worrying about who we think we’re allowed to like and we don’t just love people.” Here’s to making that change!

Do you think the music industry still has a long way to go to achieve equality? Tweet us @BritandCo.

(Photos via Matt Barnes)

Romance reality TV is probably one of the best sectors of the entertainment universe, at least if you ask us. We love our Bachelor nation binge watches and live for our daily Love Island recaps. Watching people fall in love is so, so cute…and more often than not these relationships spill out of our screens and into the real world, where we’re able to keep up with all of our favorite reality stars à la social media. Such is the case for Gabby Windey — former Bachelor contestant and half of The Bachelorette’s starring Season 19 duo — who *just* came out as queer and revealed that she’s been dating comedian and writer Robby Hoffman for three months. Please excuse us while we squeal in excitement for her!

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Former 'Bachelorette' Gabby Windey Reveals She's Dating A Woman | The View

On Wednesday, Gabby appeared on The View to share a mysterious update about her dating life. “I have been seeing someone for a couple months,” she said. “And I’ve been keeping it a little private because it is a bigger story and a bigger conversation. Because I’m dating a girl.” She continued, explaining to the speechless (and rather stiff) hosts that her queerness “was always a whisper in me that just got louder and louder” and she “had to navigate through the shame” she’d internalized before coming out. “I don’t want to live and not be living my full truth,” she commented.

Following her announcement, Gabby shared a series of pictures to Instagram with her big news, featuring her girlfriend Robby. “Told you I’m a girls girl!!” she humorously captioned the post. She went on to share an adorable video of her running up to Robby and kissing her post-The View, and it’s safe to say we’re ecstatic for her.

Image via Instagram

Robby also shared her own pictures of Gabby to Instagram, tagging her in the comments.

Gabby was a finalist on Clayton Echard’s season of The Bachelor in 2022. She proceeded to co-star in her own season of The Bachelorette alongside Rachel Recchia, getting engaged to Erich Schwer last May after meeting him on her season. Gabby and Erich called off their engagement last November, and she seems to have started seeing Robby a few months later.

We should note that Gabby isn’t the first Bachelor Nation contestant to come out as queer, either. Becca Tilley, who was casted in Seasons 19 and 20 of The Bachelor has been dating pop singer Hayley Kiyoko for five years, sharing her sexuality with the world in 2022. Colton Underwood, another lead in the franchise, also came out as gay in 2021, not to the surprise of comedian and actor Billy Eichner (IYKYK).

The Bachelor franchise has historically been solely focused on heterosexual relationships, only deviating from the norm in Australia. In 2021, The BacheloretteAustralia lead Brooke Blurton became the first openly bisexual lead in the franchise, hosting both men and women in the Bachelor Mansion.

TBH, we’d love to see more representation in The Bachelor franchise. Love is love — and we want to see it all on our screens!

Stay updated on the latest pop culture and celebrity news with Brit + Co.

Header image courtesy of Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

This must be the week of astonishing book news because Liz Moore's The God of the Woodsis getting a TV adaptation! Published last year, the true crime-inspired novel received nods from the New York Times, NPR and PEOPLE. It also landed on our personal book club list, earning a 5-star rating from us.

If you stop everything to watch every "missing person" case that appears on TV, you'll love getting acquainted with The God of the Woods!

Here's everything to know about The God of the Woods series and why you should read the book before it comes out!

What is 'The God of the Woods' about? 

The God of the Woods starts off camp counselor Louise's realization that a prominent camper named Barbara Van Laar is missing. The young girl's disappearance has a trickle down effect that immediately reminds everyone of the similar situation that happened to her brother Bear years ago. It's ironic because everyone remembers how devastating the events surrounding Bear was, but everything isn't as it seems.

Not only are the Van Laars wealthy, they're also well-connected to resources that have helped them spin certain narratives that had damning effects on people unfortunate enough to be in their vicinity. What's worse is there are some people in Shattuck who know more than the family thinks they do.

Why should I read it?

If you binge watched the Ruby Franke documentary, you'll love reading about the mysterious connection between the Van Laar children's disappearance and the effect it had everyone. It's told from various POVs, but the dots connect in such a way that'll leave your mouth hanging open.

Who's developing the series? 

According to Deadline, Sony TV's so impressed with working with Liz Moore that it's greenlit The God of the Woods and The Unseen World "for series development."

Who's producing it?

Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty will be executive producers for The God of the Woods TV series! Deadline also reports they're behind the Long Bright River series that's currently streaming on Peacock!

Has a cast been announced? 

Not yet! But we have a few ideas about who should play a few of the key characters! We'd love to see the following:

  • Sophie Thatcher as Louise
  • Alexander Skarsgård as Peter Van Lar III
  • Stellan Skarsgård as Peter Van Lar II
  • Jessica Chastain or Naomi Watts as Alice Van Laar

When will it premiere on TV?

A TV premiere date hasn't been announced yet, but we'll let you know as soon as it is!

Read 'The God of the Woods' Before The Series Premieres

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The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

We can't wait to see how The God of the Woods series pans out!

In the meantime, learn more about Margaret Atwood's novel The Testamentsand it's upcoming TV adaptation!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Pride *should* be a year-long celebration, whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community or not. Empowering everyone to be comfortable in their identities forms a more understanding and joyful world for us, so bringing advocacy past the month of June is pretty important.

With companies launching pride-focused collections during June each year, it can be hard to know which ones are *actually* supporting the proper causes, and living up to their pride missions. These 10 pride collections are totally committed to the community.

Coolhaus.

Image via Coolhaus.

Take pride in your identity, allyship, or general love for sweets with Coolhaus.

This pride season, the LGBTQIA+-founded ice cream company is launching a limited-edition 'Love Out Loud' ice cream sammie, and in celebration, is donating $25,000 towards GLAAD's mission of accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Baggu x House Wine

Image via House Wine

Bag brand, Baggu, and canned wine creators, House Wine, released a collaborative Pride Pack for this year's pride season.

House Wine has proudly supported the Human Rights Campaign throughout their tenure as a business, and continue to do so with this pack built with a reusable bag, House Wine Rainbow Cans, and assorted stickers.

For every Pride Pack purchased, House Wine will donate $2 to HRC, further advocating for their mission of equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The North Face

Image via TheNorthFace.com

The North Face is embracing finding connection in nature for the queer community, and their extensive pride collection features colorful shirts, shorts, hoodies, tanks, shoes, and more outdoorsy accessories.

"Each one of us is a reflection of the glittery, messy, beautiful diversity that is Mother Earth," their site reads. "This pride, we celebrate the transformational power of finding our runway in the outdoors together."

What's even better about their collection is it isn't relegated to June only. The North Face supports queer-serving organizations like Brave Trails and YouthSeen year-round.

Bombas

Image via Bombas

Each sock and underwear purchase from Bombas' pride collection gives back to organizations supporting people facing homelessness, *especially* those part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

According to True Colors United, young queer people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQIA+ peers – and 40% of homeless youth belong to the community.

Bombas is reaching their fifth year in partnership with the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, which offers homeless, LGBTQIA+ young people a safe, accepting space – and this year's "Let Everyone Know" pride sock and underwear collection was designed in collaboration with the center to give back.

Noodles & Company

Image via Noodles & Company

Beloved noodle chain, Noodles & Company, is bringing back the ultra-tasty Pride Crispy – a rainbow-laden, fan-favorite rice crispy treat that satisfies sweet cravings, but *also* gives back to the LGBTQIA+ community.

For the third year in a row, Noodles & Co. is pledging 100% of proceeds from Pride Crispy sales (up to $30K) to Out & Equal, who advocates exclusively for LGBTQIA+ workplace equality.

The Crispy will be available to pair with your favorite noodle bowl through the month of June!

Dr. Martens

Image via Dr Martens

Widely considered a boot for the community, Dr. Martens is bringing a pride-inspired design to you in collaboration with Japanese artist, illustrator, and zine creator, Fuyuki Kanai. The pride boot is adorned in illustrations that recall "inclusivity, community and queer relationships."

Though the retailer released this boot for the month of June, Dr. Martens maintains a year-round partnership with The Trevor Project, he world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQIA+ youth. This year, they're pledging $200,000 to the org.

Adidas x Rich Mnisi

Image via Adidas

Adidas believes that sports can change lives, but love can make an even *greater* impact.

The company designed their 2023 pride collection in collaboration with South African designer, Rich Mnisi to further promote the message that love unites.

Inspired by a childhood poem of Mnisi's called "Let Love Be Your Legacy," the sportswear collection "embodies a shared ambition to encourage allyship and expression without bias, in all spaces across sport and culture."

The brand also tapped Adidas partners, Tom Daley, Jari Jones, and organization Athlete Ally to publish passionate love letters to sports as a whole, in effort to uplift all LGBTQIA+ members involved with sports.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Image via Abercrombie.

Regardless of the sales they make this year, longstanding fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitchis committing $400,000 to The Trevor Project. Their most recent pride collectionsurrounds a "proud year-round" statement, which is a sentiment we can get behind.

The ready-to-wear pieces in the collection include everything from polo tees, matching sets, activewear, swimsuits, skirts, and more.

Converse Proud To Be

Image via Converse

This season's pride collection from Converse celebrates "those who are proud to be living in the power and joy of being themselves." The footwear company teamed up with a handful of members from the queer community to design five different (super cute!) pride-infused sneaker designs available for purchase.

Converse is proud to have pledged close to $2.5M to local, national, and international organizations since their first Pride campaign in 2015. It Gets Better Project, The Ali Forney Center, BAGLY, and The Theater Offensive are all community partners working for the LGBTQIA+ community

NYX Cosmetics

Image via NYX Cosmetics

According to NYX Cosmetics, 64% of LGBTQIA+ gamers have been harassed online at disproportionately higher rates than all other identity groups.

NYX's 2023 pride collection hones in on LGBTQIA+ people in the online gaming space – saying "game over" to the haters, and instead, embracing queer gamers of all identities for who they are. The company teamed up with 5 LGBTQIA+ gamers to amplify their stories in effort to "create awareness for safer spaces in gaming." Each player represents a makeup item for next-level looks!

Furthering their advocacy, NYX's pride campaign surrounds their year-round partnership with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, aiming to amplify queer voices, train allies, and provide donations – over $500,000 has been given globally to support youth support and services.

Barefoot Dreams x (RED)

Image via Barefoot Dreams

Lovers of cozy comfort, Barefoot Dreams, has teamed up with (RED), whose mission is to fight global health emergencies and support equitable access to testing and treatment. We’re here for it! The retailer will give 15% of every purchase of the ultra-soft Barefoot Dreams + (RED) throw blanket ($180) to (RED)’s Global Fund, up to a $100,000 donation in order to help strengthen healthcare systems and support equitable access for everyone.

MiliMili Modern Rainbow Collection x PRONOUN

Image via MiliMili

MiliMili makes comfortable, yet stylish wearables for you and your little ones. This year, their Modern Rainbow collection is standing up for pride. Made in collaboration with Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and with a custom print by artist Katie Kaapcke, 100% of the profits from collection sales (which covers everything art prints and crib sheets, to pillowcases and swaddles) go to PRONOUN, Justin and Jesse’s non-profit organization, in support of equality for all.

Mars Wright Pride Collection

Image via Mars Wright

Mars Wright is a Trans artist and activist spreading Trans joy through art. Their pride collection features clothing, prints, and accessories that all advocate for everyone finding that joy, plus a portion of the proceeds from each purchase goes *directly* to the Black Trans community through the Unique Women’s Coalition. There, the UWC dedicates their work to being a collective voice centering around the narratives and needs of Black Trans culture.

Bluebella x girli

Image via Bluebella

This month, Bluebella, a lingerie, underwear, and nightwear brand, launched their Pride campaign and collection in collaboration with queer British artist, girli. The collection features Bluebella’s top-selling sets – but reimagined in the colors of the rainbow. Each piece is designed to help everyone, no matter their gender expression, feel empowered while celebrating Pride.

10% of the profits from the collaborative collection’s sales will be donated to OutRight International, a human rights organization supporting LGBTQIA+ people around the world.

“Future-focused companies understand the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to supporting human rights for LGBTQ people – one that benefits employees, consumers, and communities alike. That is why Outright International is partnering with Bluebella for a second consecutive year,” said Elise Colomer-Cheadle, Director of Development at Outright International. “By leveraging its platform and brand, Bluebella continues to elevate Outright’s work [of] advocating for the human rights of LGBTQ communities around the world. Through our collaboration, Bluebella extends the reach of Outright’s mission, giving a voice to the voiceless by amplifying the issues impacting LGBTQ people globally. At a time where anti-LGBTIQ movements are mobilizing, we remain deeply grateful to call Bluebella our ally and partner."

Danessa Myricks Beauty Bi-Pride Chrome Flake Eyeshadow

Image via Danessa Myricks Beauty

Danessa Myricks Beauty launched the Bi-Pride Infinite Chrome Flake eyeshadow in honor of the bisexual community. For every purchase of the pinky-purpley blue shiny shade made, Danessa Myricks Beauty will donate 10% of sales to the Audre Lorde Project. The Audre Lorde Project is an NYC-based, member-led community organizing center for queer and Trans people of color. ALP organizes with, for, and in community to build a more just and liberated world.

American Eagle + Olivia Ponton Pride Collection

Image via American Eagle

This Pride, American Eagle is bringing together a limited-edition Pride collection designed in collaboration with Olivia Ponton. You’ll find rainbow-adorned statement tees, denim shorts, a cap, and tote bag in this collection that gives back. In lieu of this exclusive drop, AE is continuing its charitable partnership with the It Gets Better Project. As the organization’s largest donor in history, AE continues its work by donating $100,000 this year, while also giving customers the opportunity to support the cause through donations during the month of June – online and in-stores.

"I hope that this collection reminds people that they are part of a community that loves and supports who they are," Ponton said.

OUAI

Image via OUAI

Hair-care brandOUAI believes everyone is the best version of themselves when living life your OUAI – embracing the core of who you are, and staying true to yourself, despite outside expectations. In honor of Pride 2023, OUAI has pledged a $200,000 donation throughout the month of June to multiple LBGTQIA+ organizations. Each week of June, OUAI will spotlight these various orgs by donating to them directly, and encouraging customers to donate in their own way at checkout.

On June 1-8, OUAI will support The Trevor Project, whose mission is to end suicide among the queer community.

On June 9-15, they’ll spotlight the Ali Forney Center, which helps LGBTQIA+ individuals out of homelessness and promotes independence.

On June 16-22, OUAI will look toward the Los Angeles LGBT Center, working toward total equality.

Finally, during the last week of June, the company will spotlight Strands For Trans, a non-profit on a mission to create more Trans-friendly barbershops and hair salons.

Linktree x Peppermint

Images via Linktree

With an increase in hate speech and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in the U.S., Linktree is proud to support queer creators and small businesses this Pride. To advocate for the community, the linking platform is leveraging their Tip Jar feature so anyone can virtually tip their favorite Drag performers.

Tipping is already so encouraged in the Drag community, and RuPaul’s Drag Race legend Peppermint knows this. Peppermint is partnering with Linktree this Pride to share their authentic experience as a Drag performer amid the fight for LGBTQIA+ representation and equality.

“As a trans woman and Drag performer, defending our rights from the recent legislative attacks on our community and maintaining the visibility and progress we’ve gained is at the top of that list,” Peppermint said. “Linktree’s work in support of the LGBTQIA+ community, encouraging tipping to my fellow Drag performers is a tangible example of their impact. I’m so excited that it’s now easier than ever to support performers outside of live events. We have to work together to keep our essential art form alive and thriving.”

Chispa Pride

Images via Chispa

Chispa, the #1 dating app for Latin singles, continues to support the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride with an all-new virtual sticker collection that users on the platform can utilize in order to show their solidarity and acceptance of the queer community. The profile stickers include an Ally sticker, as well as Trans, Queer, and Non Binary ones.

This addition comes at a time where it’s important to break the stigma behind Latinx sexuality and dating. According to a survey by Chispa, over 60% of Latinx singles reported that they never talked about being LGBTQIA+ while growing up. With this year’s Pride initiative, the platform hopes to continue the conversation surrounding Latinx and queer discrimination.

In addition to the symbolic stickers on the app, Chispa is also contributing a monetary donation to the Latino Equality Alliance. There, the LEA advocates for equity, safety, and wellness of the Latinx LGBTQIA+ community.

YITTY

Image via YITTY

YITTYLizzo’s inclusive shapewear brand – is continuing their commitment to theLos Angeles LGBT Center this Pride through their “Every Body’s Gay” campaign. This year’s initiative comes to light with the help of drag entertainers Blackberri, Strawberry Corncakes and Vidalia Anne Gentry, and influencers Chiara Rose, Logan Grayson, Davesha Sowell, and Kristany Jackson.

As they tell their stories to us about what Pride means to them, YITTY has dedicated itself to supporting both the Los Angeles LGBT Center through giving financial contributions *and* sponsoring Trans Pride LA! The Los Angeles LGBT Center provides more LGBTQIA+ services than any other organization in the world, which is why we’re excited to show you this comfy-cozy Pride collection. Shop super soft bra tops, short-shorts, and Pride pins to feel the love all year long.

Krewe

Image via Krewe

New Orleans-based opticals brand, Krewe, is connecting with CDFA this June to honor Pride month and support the TransLatin@Coalition through a limited-edition eyewear collection. Being from NOLA, Krewe drew inspiration for the collection knowing that New Orleanians are nothing if not prideful, colorful, loving, and vibrant – this sentiment is reflected in the two specs designs that give back to TransLatin@Coalition, who advocates for the needs of Trans, Gender non-conforming and Intersex individuals.

waterdrop x Conchita Wurst

Image via waterdrop

Hydration brand, waterdrop, came together for Pride with Conchita Wurst, a LGBTQIA+ advocate and Austrian artist, for a colorful, celebratory collaboration that *also* gives back. 10% of net sales from the collaborative Pride collection will be donated to international LGBTQIA+ organizations Queer Base and Outright International, as waterdrop continues to stand against all forms of discrimination.

Parade x ggggrimes

Image via Parade

Beloved underwear and loungewear powerhouse, Parade, came out with a new limited-edition Pride collection in collaboration with Trans digital artist, Theodoor ggggrimes that’s full of Y2K-inspired pieces and prints. Each sustainable style furthers the brand’s commitment to Pride and aims to highlight the joy-filled freedom that queer people deserve.

“I started Parade to create an alternative to the one-note idea of sexiness that had defined the underwear industry for too long,” said Parade’s CEO, Creative Director and Co-Founder, Cami Téllez. “Theodoor’s work, centering queer and trans people of color in limitless self-expression, love and sexuality is exactly the kind of artistic work the world needs to see more of. We’re so excited to bring our love of color and visions of ultimate freedom to the world through this collection.”

Year-round, Parade gives customers the option to donate 1% of their purchase back to support important causes such as LGBTQIA+ law and policy. In 2023, Parade helped fund 200+ hours of response to legal help inquiries from across the country, including those from incarcerated community members via the Transgender Law Center.

Skittles Pride Collection on Audible

Image via Skittles

Your fave colorful candy is moving past the rainbow for Pride this year. Skittles knows that amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices is more important (and challenged) now more than ever, thus their initiative in partnership with Audible was born.

Until the end of July, anyone with a pack of Skittles can listen to *free* collections of queer storytelling on Audible. With a quick QR code scan of the brand’s Pride Packs, fans can access categories like Queer Fiction, Real People, Real Voices, and Audible Theater Originals.

Aside from the listenables, keep an eye out for Skittles Pride Packs on shelves near you – for every pack sold, the candy company will donate $1 to GLAAD (up to a $100,000 amount) in support of their ongoing efforts to combat anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.

Made by Mary Pride Collection

Image via Made By Mary

Made By Mary’s Pride Collection features a sleek rendition of the Pride flag in jewelry form: a ring and hoop earrings set in gold vermeil or sterling silver boast rainbow-studded inlays that stun with just about any summer look.

For the month of June, 10% of net proceeds from their Pride Collection will be donated to The Trevor Project.

Mavi Jeans "Love Without Rules" Tote Bag

Image via Mavi Jeans

In partnership with the largest non-profit organization in the country dedicated to LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness, sustainable fashion brand, Mavi Jeans, will be donating 100% of net proceeds from their adorable “Love Without Rules” tote bag to the Ali Forney Center. The brand is “deeply rooted in diversity, individuality, and inclusivity,” and this latest Pride initiative exemplifies that.

"The Ali Forney Center is grateful to again partner with Mavi Jeans and appreciate their commitment to supporting the homeless LGBTQIA+ youth and the programming and services we provide," said Paul Clark, Director of Corporate Engagement at AFC. "The funds raised from Mavi’s Pride tote bags will help us continue our mission of providing resources and support to LGBTQIA+ youth."

LIVELY Pride Capsule

Image via LIVELY

LIVELY’s curated Pride Capsule features cute undergarments in *all* the colors to help celebrate this year. Because it all starts at the first layer, the brand is highlighting their most loved bras, undies, and loungewear not only in the Pride collection, but also their latest Neon Mesh edit. 10% of proceeds from the comfy Neon Mesh collection will be donated to The Trevor Project throughout the month of June.

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Header image via Adidas

This post has been updated.

I'm still reeling over the fact that Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey cast includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Lupita Nyong'o. Like WHAT! This is going to be the most beautiful movie of 2026 — especially since some of the first leaks from set show Tom Holland "out on the open sea without a single green screen in sight," according to X user @zoerosebryant. And y'all, not only is the scenery gorgeous, but so is Tom Holland. (To no one's surprise).

Keep reading to see the first The Odyssey set leaks of Tom Holland.

Tom Holland sets out on a hero's journey.

The first leaks we got of Tom Holland filming The Odyssey feature the Spider-Man 4 actor on a boat in Greece — and according to an extra who was on set, Tom was filming scenes of his character arriving in Sparta.

I'm a big fan of the curly hair (even though I remember Tom said he hated his long hair in Avengers: Infinity War because he felt like Prince Charming), but more than one person on the internet has compared Tom's look in The Odyssey to Elijah Woods' Frodo from The Lord of the Rings, and I can't help but laugh.

We also recently got a look at Tom Holland alongside Jon Bernthal as they hung out in a tent off camera (and without their capes) and again I say: the curly hair is doing wonders for me!

Christopher Nolan and Universal haven't confirmed who our favorite stars are playing (aside from the announcement that Matt Damon is leading the story as Odysseus), but rumors have started circulating that Tom Holland will play Odysseus' son Telemachus, who sets out to find his father and is protected by Athena, rumored to be played by Zendaya. This means my favorite couple could get plenty of screen time together, which is literally all I care about.

The rumors also say we could see Anne Hathaway as Odysseus' wife Penelope, Charlize Theron as sorceress Circe, Benny Safdie as Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae, and Lupita Nyong'o as Agamemnon's wife Clytemnestra. Stay tuned to find out! Until then, I'll be daydreaming about Tom Holland as Telemachus.

What do you think about the first The Odyssey set leaks? Tag us on Instagram with all your hot takes.

Trends come and go, but some home decor styles refuse to stay cooped up in the past. Whether you love a bit of nostalgia or prefer to keep things fresh, these once-forgotten design choices are making a strong return. The question is — are they outdated or iconic? The answer: Design is cyclical. Designers are always looking to the past for inspiration, reinventing old trends for a new generation. Whether you embrace them fully or pick and choose elements, incorporating a touch of nostalgia into your space might just be the unexpected refresh your home needs.

Scroll for 11 outdated home decor trends we're surprised are coming back this year!

Michael P.H. Clifford

1. Wood Paneling (But Make It Chic)

If you shudder at the thought of ‘70s wood-paneled basements, don’t worry — today’s take on this trend is far more refined. Think sleek slatted wood walls, painted paneling, and natural finishes that add warmth and texture to modern spaces.

Kirsten Blazek, founder of a design firm A1000XBetter, designed this office for her friend Jennifer. “She is a thrifter and nothing makes her happier than treasure hunting for vintage items,” says Kirsten. “She especially loves mid-century ceramics and both she and her husband have a special love of 1970’s inspired design.”

Wayfair

2. Tuscan Kitchens With a Twist

Remember the warm, earthy tones, wrought iron details, and heavy wood accents of early 2000s tuscan kitchens? They're making a return — but in a more refined way. Instead of ornate finishes, today’s take on this trend embraces natural stone, terracotta tiles, and a softer, more Mediterranean aesthetic. These rustic pendant lights from Wayfair are a great example of that!

Gavin Cater

3. Brown Is The New Neutral

Gray reigned supreme for years, but rich browns — think chocolate, caramel, and coffee hues — are reclaiming their spot as the go-to neutral. Whether it’s a moody brown wall, a cognac leather sofa, or dark wood furniture, these shades are bringing warmth and depth back into interiors. This moody bathroom designed by Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of the celebrity-loved design firm House of Rolison is case in point.

Airy Kitchens

4. Checkerboard Floors

This design staple of the ‘50s and ‘60s is stepping back into the spotlight. Whether it’s classic black and white marble or a softer version in muted tones, this pattern brings timeless charm with a modern edge.

Flor

5. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

I've always loved the cozy feel of wall-to-wall carpeting in bedrooms — it instantly makes the space more inviting! But to get it right, quality matters. Today’s options are far more refined, with high-end textures and durability that help prevent wear and tear. Flor carpet tiles are an especially smart choice — not only do they add warmth, but if a stain happens, you can simply swap out a single tile instead of replacing the entire carpet.

Gavin Cater

6. Grandmillennial Still Reigns

Florals, chinoiserie, ruffles, pleats, and fringe return again and again as we embrace cozy, curated spaces with a timeless, classic touch.

Shade Degges

7. Bold Wallpaper (Again!)

Wallpaper went from must-have to outdated and back again. Right now, bold patterns, oversized florals, and Art Deco-inspired designs are dominating walls, turning them into statement pieces rather than simple backdrops. This House of Hackney London Rose wallpaper is so gorgeous and romantic in a bathroom designed by Karan and Sapna Aggarwal of L.A. design firm Bungalowe.

Arterberry Cooke

8. Cozy Canopy Beds

Ultra platform beds are falling out of favor as canopy beds, once considered old-fashioned, are making a major return. From minimalist four-poster designs to draped, romantic styles, they bring a sense of drama and coziness to bedrooms.

Ksenia Chernaya

9. Vintage-Inspired Bathrooms

After years of sterile, all-white bathrooms, vintage-inspired bathrooms with a bit more soul are coming back. Clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, and pretty shower curtains instead of harsh glass doors are turning modern bathrooms into nostalgic escapes. The key? Mixing vintage elements with sleek, modern fixtures to keep the look intentional rather than outdated.

Cordonne Paint

10. Banquettes Are Back + Better

The kitchen trend everyone’s loving right now is the banquette for their cozy “stay a while” vibe. They come in styles to suit any aesthetic, from cottage to modern, and you can find ones from West Elm, Pottery Barn, McGee & Co., Target and more in our latest banquette roundup.

McGee & Co.

11. Wicker Furniture, For Real

I never thought I'd say this, but wicker is back from your mom's 80s porch in an elevated, refined style. "I wanted this outdoor lounge to feel like a Southern veranda — inviting, layered, and effortlessly elegant," says Shea McGee, whose lovely Haviland Outdoor Sofa is designed in wicker and new for spring.

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