LifeThe Guardian music
“Conrad Lant, frontman of UK heavy metal band Venom, has died aged 63. He dragged the unruly spirit of punk to heavier turf, inspiring a new subgenre with confrontational lyrics and hammering riffs.”
The death of Venom frontman Conrad ‘Cronos’ Lant at 63 marks the end of an era for heavy music, as the man who fused punk’s fury with metal’s weight leaves behind a genre-defining legacy. This week matters because his passing coincides with a broader cultural reckoning across fashion, food, and literature that reminds us how rebellious voices continue to shape our world.
A conversation with our hosts, Alex & Ben.
LifeThe Guardian music
“The singer and bassist led the Newcastle band for more than four decades, helping name the black metal subgenre.”
No cause of death was given for the musician born in Chelsea who moved to Newcastle aged seven.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“A year into the job, the designer placed a monumental fabric coral sculpture on the Paris catwalk.”
He said his approach is rooted in couture craft rather than branding or virality.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“Josie Knowles, 26, leads fashion campaigns for Peta UK and stormed an H&M catwalk in vegan, secondhand clothes.”
She practiced unfolding her anti-wool sign so her message would be seen even if only for a second.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“Stella McCartney showcased wool alternatives, including Brewed Protein developed with Japanese biotech firm Spiber.”
The designer said there was no wool on her runway this season and that monitoring kindness requires real work.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“Dior designer Jonathan Anderson staged a show in the Tuileries Garden with trees and mist conjured by LVMH.”
The collection opened and closed with layered chiffon skirts worn with soft jackets or sheer shirting.
LifeThe Guardian food
“This quick curry dresses baked beans in butter, cream and spices for a rich, versatile dish.”
Swap in plant-based butter and oat or soya cream to make the recipe entirely vegan.
LifeThe Guardian education
“A former student’s LinkedIn post about classism resonated with hundreds of others.”
Scottish students study for free but are capped at about 30% of the university’s places.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“You do not need a head-to-toe overhaul to update your look for the season.”
Try swapping loafers for lace-ups, choosing a fitted blazer, or styling a low ponytail instead of a slicked-back bun.
LifeThe Guardian food
“This fast dish uses frozen spinach, macaroni, and sustainable fish pie mix for a quick Wednesday night meal.”
A second recipe for tomato and feta lentils is also designed strictly for speed.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“Harry Styles walked eight miles across New York City in £910 Prada loafers.”
I tried the same distance in my penny loafers to see what experts warn could happen.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“To mark Oxfam’s Second Hand September, readers shared their best secondhand fashion discoveries.”
Highlights include a pink-and-red Prada skirt bought on eBay for £28 and a 1960s dress found in Melbourne.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“Tom Cruise appears on his first GQ cover in 20 years, prompting the internet to nickname him “unc.” Meanwhile, Michael B Jordan makes his Vogue debut as only the sixth man to receive a solo cover.”
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“From preppy Oxfords to French workwear styles, shirts are the wardrobe staple making a comeback this season.”
Our menswear expert answers your questions on fits, fabrics, and styling tricks.
LifeThe Guardian books
“This roundup features a tiger's tale, the young Henry VIII, and a fantasy follow-up from Katherine Rundell.”
Discover new picture books about blended families, sibling dynamics, and small-town secrets.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“A decent windbreaker will see you through September showers, whether paired with heels or boots.”
Explore outfit ideas featuring anoraks styled with leather skirts, jeans, and tracksuit bottoms.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“Stylists and Guardian writers share their most-loved wardrobe essentials, from T-shirts to trainers.”
Most of the recommended basics, including highly praised underwear brands, won’t break the bank.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“An extended run of hot weather in 2026 proved that loose clothing maximises sun protection while minimising skin contact.”
Even attendees at haute couture shows in Paris and Rome struggled with the heat while wearing heavy cocktail suits and sequins.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“The untrained British designer who turned down multiple offers to buy his company still works Saturdays in his Mayfair shop.”
Now 80 and swimming daily before 6am, Smith is publishing his memoir, Threads: My Life in Style.
LifeThe Guardian books
“New releases include a bright board book of opposites, a Scarryesque Korean picture book about a weather shop, and a delectable poetry collection.”
There is also a heartwarming tale for horse lovers and a brilliant YA wartime romance.
LifeThe Guardian Life
“Dermatologists say the best light therapy masks can promote collagen production and improve elasticity with sustained use.”
However, while red and infrared light are safe for all skin types, blue light can worsen hyperpigmentation on darker tones.
LifeThe Guardian books
“A roundup of new picture books and novels includes a story about a wheelchair-using dad who transforms into dinosaurs.”
Another title follows a mouse detective investigating mysterious animal disappearances.
LifeThe Guardian books
“Authors, critics and academics worldwide have voted to determine the top 100 novels ever published in English.”
The list highlights what voters consider the greatest literature available in the language.
LifeThe Guardian music
“The 27-year-old co-wrote Gracie Abrams’ hit album before building a cult following with her funny, wordy songs.”
Her live show features joke-shop glasses and an overlong trenchcoat.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“With the right styling, a hooded top does not have to be restricted to travelling or home offices.”
New outfit ideas pair hoodies with bomber jackets, skirts and boots.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“Our fashion expert recommends joyful jumpers, 24-hour earrings and a flattering tee to brighten the cold month.”
The picks include a £54 jumper and a rhinestone-collared J Crew shirt.
LifeThe Guardian fashion
“A 36-year-old reader questions why beauty culture is making facelifts feel necessary for women her age.”
Recent articles highlight the growing popularity of the elective cosmetic surgery.
LifeThe Guardian food
“This vibrant vegan dish contrasts the sweetness of roast squash, fennel and raisins with balsamic vinegar, pine nuts and capers.”
The Italian-inspired agrodolce is served alongside Greek flatbreads.
LifeThe Guardian food
“Aubergines are roughly 92% water, so roasting dehydrates them before they are braised in soy sauce, sake and sesame oil.”
This hands-free vegan recipe serves four and pairs perfectly with rice.
LifeThe Guardian food
“These easy vegan burgers use black beans that crisp up perfectly, mixed with breadcrumbs, chipotle paste and mustard.”
Caramelising the onions until jammy adds a worthwhile layer of flavour.