Lifestyle briefs

Aug 18, 2011, 4:06 GMT

Vanity Fair reveals Best Dressed List

Los Angeles (dpa) - Society magazine Vanity Fair has placed the Duchess of Cambridge, wife of Britain's Prince William, on its new Best Dressed List, making Kate the first British royal to get the honour. Princess Charlene of Monaco is another royal who made the list for the first time.

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle made it to the best-dressed couples list. Michelle Obama has been on the list four times, while her husband was recognised for his sartorial style in 2009. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, wife of the French president, is another best-dressed first lady.

Hollywood royalty was also on the list with stars like Justin Timberlake, Colin Firth and Armie Hammer appearing. Carey Mulligan and Tilda Swinton also made an impression on Vanity Fair thanks to their good taste. Pop star Lady Gaga is on the list for the second time.

The magazine publishes different best-dressed categories every year. Fashion experts, hair stylists and society insiders contribute their opinions. This year marks the 72nd time the list has been published.

The Love Parade is dead but the Fuck Parade goes on

Berlin (dpa) - Germany's Love Parade dance music festival was permanently cancelled in July last year after the deaths of 21 people in a crowd crush in Duisburg. However, Germany's Fuck Parade will be staged again this year. The parade of dance music will take place in Berlin on 20 August. It came into being in 1997 as a counter-demonstration against the more commercial Love Parade. Its organisers see the event as an expression of Berlin's sub-culture.

German firm develops anti-monster spray for kids

Mannheim, Germany (dpa) - Night after night children around the world have problems going to sleep because they're afraid of monsters in the dark. Now a firm from Mannheim in Germany has come up with what it calls a 'monster defence spray.' Called Monsterschreck (Monster fright), the instructions on the bottle advise users to 'Spray it liberally in every corner of the room.' The spray smells of lavender and citrus and has a label that glows in the dark to make it easier to find.

Hook up while watching bats

Bremen (dpa) - Single parties, personal ads online and speed dating are just a few of the things people will do to find the partner of their dreams. But a long time can pass before you find that person. Hobbies can be another useful way to find a partner and Germany's nature protection organisation, NABU, thinks it can provide the necessary romantic kick. The Bremen branch of the organisation is offering moonlight excursions for singles to view bats and owls in the Lueneburger Heath. 'It's also possible to stay overnight in one of the local bed and breakfasts,' according to NABU's homepage.