Five Ways to Find Your Personal Style Outside of Trends and Algorithms

A stylish Christy Turlington on the 1993 cover of British Vogue wearing a jaunty Philip Treacy hat, part of a fashion editorial called English Lessons. Photograph by Mario Testino. Cover picture of the iconic Audrey Hepburn for Life Magazine in 1955, shot by Philippe Hatsman.

By Rose Davison

Fashion is currently trapped in a hyper-accelerated trend loop. Every week there’s a new “core” or “maxxing” style to contend with – such as balletcore or whimsymaxxing. They zoom in and out of our cultural consciousness with alarming speed. These fads are so numerous that we can be confounded with choice, so oddly specific that we need a new wardrobe to be part of them, and so rapid that there is rarely time to understand or assimilate our own style preferences.

In 1937 the author, critic and art historian James Laver developed Laver’s law, charting how clothing styles evolve in public perception over a 160-year cycle. He asserted that clothing was seen as “charming” after 70 years, but “ridiculous” after just 20.

Yet today, 1990s and Y2K fashion dominate consumer trends. At first glance, this speed-run of recent history appears to clash with the weekly conveyor belt of TikTok micro-trends. In reality, they are two sides of the same algorithmic phenomenon.

Rather than cycling through distinct eras sequentially as Laver predicted, social media feeds flatten time entirely. Decades of vintage subcultures and instant micro-aesthetics are collapsed into the same endless scroll, allowing a 1990s minimalist silhouette to coexist alongside a week-old “whimsymaxxing” viral trend.

A Y2K inspired look with its

all-over embellisment in studs,

exaggerated silhoueete and 

vibrant colour blocking.

Having lived through both the 1990s and Y2K style moments the first time around, it is clear they are also defying Laver’s timeline – they remain far from “ridiculous” to younger generations.

In Fashion: A Philosophy (2004), the Norwegian philosopher Lars Svendsen described how the “traditional replacement logic of fashion […] has itself been replaced by a logic of supplementation”. Rather than a style coming in and going out of vogue, we now continuously accumulate more styles – produced and consumed faster than ever before.

This shift is driven not only by the speed of online micro-trends, but by mass accessibility and algorithmic marketing. If you feel overwhelmed by the choice and density of the clothing that is around us, that’s probably because at no other time have we been surrounded by so much stuff and had so many possibilities marketed at us. As psychologist Barry Schwartz examines in his book The Paradox of Choice (2016), an overabundance of choice – whether on high street shelves or digital feeds – ultimately causes demoralisation rather than liberation.

Consider the barrage of styles that have recently dominated social feeds. Whether it is the viral “mob wife” or “brat” aesthetics or the heralded return of “indie sleaze”, consumers are inundated with manufactured novelty.

These “must-haves” do not emerge to fill genuine human need. Does the environment truly require us to “whimsymaxx” our way to the nearest landfill? This rapid turnover exploits our impulses – provoking a knee-jerk reaction to buy new goods to avoid feeling outdated.

Paradoxically, recent trends such as normcore, dadcore and gorpcore seem to revel in an “anti-style” aesthetic – prioritising utility and nonchalance over a fashion statement. Yet even these styles require consumer participation. Technical gear designed for extreme outdoor survival from heritage performance brands like Arc'teryx and Gore-Tex is repackaged as high-fashion streetwear, attached to considerable price tags, and pushed through the exact same hyper-accelerated promotional machinery.

Developing an authentic personal style amid this constant marketing can feel daunting. But there are ways to turn down the noise and reclaim your sartorial agency.

Paul Newman in a casual, classic 

look in 1965 at his home in Westport,

Connecticut by Milton H. Greene

1. Find your style icons

Look to figures whose attitude and expression transcend trends – whether it is the uncompromising tailoring worn by Lauren Bacall, the unabashed classicism of Paul Newman or the eclecticism of contemporary stylist Catherine Baba.

Looking back to past eras – before commercial algorithms and fast-fashion feeds dictated daily wear – reveals how individuals curated distinct personal styles. They relied on craftsmanship, silhouette and their personal eccentricities, rather than algorithmic prompts.

2. Reevaluate where, when and what you buy

It sounds daft, but only buy things you actually like. It’s difficult to not enjoy getting dressed when you are choosing from garments that you bought because they make you happy. Go into charity shops and vintage shops and see what you are drawn to in a space where there is (slightly) less trend interference.

3. Think about your messaging

Consider what your wardrobe communicates about your character. Are those puffed sleeved, smocked, tiered dresses really a match for a steely personality, for example?

Evaluate whether transient high-street silhouettes align with your actual lifestyle and self-image, or if they merely reflect passing promotional campaigns.

A fashionable family snapshot

in the1970s, note the striking 

aqua minidress and slim tie.

4. Ditch the influencers

Look to personal or family archives – photographs of parents, grandparents or historical eras – to identify timeless silhouettes and durable materials that offer a real alternative to influencer-driven fast fashion. If your mum looked great in a ribbed polo neck, there’s a strong chance you will too.

5. More isn’t always more

Clever styling, repairing, dyeing and managing your wardrobe can help you to see that what you have is probably enough.

The commercial landscape we live in always tells us we need the latest this and the newest that but, as Schwartz examines in The Paradox of Choice, having the extravagance of choice present in shops and online, actually does us harm.

Breaking away from the feeds, the reels, the ads and the algorithm will mean you can curate a less dictated sense of style – and have a wardrobe that truly speaks to who you are.

Rose Davison, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Marketing, Management and Communication, Nottingham Trent University

The Black Designers Redefining British Fashion by Drawing on their own Heritage, Culture and History

Portrait of multi award-winning, Jamaican-born and London-based fashion designer Francesca Lake for the launch of her Spring/Summer 2027 collection called 'Wake the Town' presented at London Fashion Week. Photograph: Petros Studio. 

By Andrew Ibi

British fashion has always been shaped by creative exchange: forged inside melting pots, authored by radical style communities – and often fuelled by class and migration. Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed the distinct emergence of a new genre centred on the Black British experience. 

It has seen its designers drawing on their unique histories, the most prominent of which are Martine Rose, Priya Ahluwalia, Nicholas Daley, Bianca Saunders, Saul Nash and Grace Wales Bonner, with the latter appointed to lead Hermès menswear in 2025.

The story is evolving. A new wave of talent is developing its own visual languages, challenging notions of Britishness and the expectation of what Black fashion design should look like.

At London Fashion Week in September 2026, Francesca Lake presented Wake the Town, a spectacular exploration of Jamaican funeral traditions, nuanced dress forms and their cultural contradictions.

Lake is developing an immersive design language that celebrates cultural memory and contemporary invention. The Jamaican-born, London-based designer is skilfully disrupting historical style notes to subvert ruffled lace crinolines and elaborate church headwear while purposing theatrical silhouettes into a distorted proposal of British identity.

Joshua Ewusie, founder of E.W.USIE, is busy transforming everyday cultural references into luxurious and sophisticated fashion. His In Lieu of Flowers, spring/summer 2027 collection, draws on the domestic interiors of Ghanaian households, using contemporary and traditional crafts as a cultural bridge.

Rising fashion star Tolu Coker is reimagining British tailoring through fusing her Nigerian heritage and her working-class upbringing in west London. Her February 2026 London Fashion Week presentation, which was attended by King Charles, took direct inspiration from the council estate where she grew up. The king’s presence was a significant moment of recognition for cultural value and Coker’s contribution to luxury fashion.

Elsewhere, debuting labels like are flourishing. NUB contemplates the convergence of heritage and metropolitan London life, while GOYAGOMA, founded by Traiceline Pratt, approaches womenswear through exploring identity, femininity and the everyday experiences of diasporic communities.

Storytelling and cultural reportage have themselves become a form of luxury. But this “luxury” is no longer just about expensive fabrics or high-end logos – instead, the real desirability and prestige come from the meaningful stories, history and authentic cultural heritage woven into the clothes.

At a time when immigration and national identity remain contested political questions, the work of these designers consolidates a vivid picture of modern Britain, shaped by overlapping cultures, communities and histories. Crucially, it offers a more expansive account of identity than political categories often allow.

Beyond a single Black aesthetic

History, experience and heritage remain central to storytelling. But designers are equally keen to debate how Black bodies should be dressed and understood.

More established voices like Bianca Saunders have already reworked traditional menswear silhouettes, challenging uncomfortable and familiar ideas about gender.

Saul Nash, also a choreographer and dancer, has assimilated technical sportswear with movement, helping to stage new expectations of masculinity – shaping a genderless, softer, fluid outcome. Nigerian-British designer Mowalola has been using a provocative design vocabulary to explore sexuality and popular culture with her distinctive use of leather, challenging gender expectations and respectable dress codes.

Jamaican-born and Cayman Islands-raised Jawara Alleyne’s experimental garments challenge commonplace notions of Black male bodies and masculinity. Through draping, slashing, knotting and pinning, his assembled propositions offer a unique culture clash of Caribbean traditions and London’s punk histories. Like many of his contemporaries, Alleyne’s education was completed at Central Saint Martins.

A 2019 graduate of University of the Arts London’s College of fashion, Abigail Ajobi uses luxury streetwear to engage with social issues, community empowerment and youth culture, intrinsically challenging the role of fashion and the runway.

A generation shaping Britain’s style future

Perhaps the most significant evolution is freedom to fearlessly author, build and create personal artistic worlds. Yaku Stapleton’s fantastical collections draw on family storytelling and creative character building influenced by video games. The designer imagines immersive environments which spawn playful, experimental clothing.

Torishéju Dumi also transforms her tailoring through experimental construction, drawing on historical references and unconventional silhouettes. Her work reflects on her personal cultural heritage, but she does not position it as its central purpose.

Ethiopian-born, London-based Feben approaches fashion through a surrealist lens, citing “form and matter” as merging contributors to distinctive textured and draped forms. Ronan McKenzie’s label, Selasi, works with the simple notion that women should “understand and listen to their own bodies” – and her cultural identity is embedded in the process.

In 2023, I co-curated The Missing Thread at Somerset House in London, an exhibition that recovered overlooked contributions to British fashion. One was Joe Casely-Hayford’s, which was shaped partly through responses to political and societal changes; at the same time, he defined the first iteration of Black British identity in fashion.

Today, this new generation is writing the next chapter while expanding into unexpected directions. Their work excels amid political tensions and arguments about immigration and belonging, but they are not necessarily presenting overt political statements. Being Black, or British, has never been a monolithic experience.

Culture is not fixed – it is a continuously altered by its participants. It is a tapestry to be refined, deconstructed and repurposed for its own users. These trailblazing young designers bring a huge range of voices to British fashion, expanding its cultural imagination and redefining who has the authority to construct and create identity.

Andrew Ibi, Programme Leader BA Fashion: Design & Communication, School of Art and Creative Industries, Liverpool John Moores University

Travel: Destination La Dolce Vita, with a Side of Turkish Delight ~ the Long Way to Rome

There are easier ways to get to Rome from Melbourne, but few journeys offer quite such a contrast in flying experiences. For our inaugural Boarding Pass column, award-winning director, producer and filmmaker Franco Di Chiera, reviews his flights via Singapore and Istanbul. It became an exercise in comparing two very different philosophies of air travel: the no-frills practicality of Jetstar Economy and the more indulgent world of Turkish Airlines Business Class, which just took out the top prizes for Best Food & Beverage and Best Entertainment in Europe at the 2026 APEX Passenger Choice Awards. 

Overlooking the Bosphorous Strait in Istanbul,

and Galata Tower, built by the Genoese in 1348.

THE journey began with a Jetstar Boeing 787 from Melbourne to Singapore, before continuing aboard Turkish Airlines through Istanbul to the Italian capital. Three flights, two airlines and two classes of service provided plenty of material for comparison. 

There were unexpected pleasures, particularly in the form of Turkish Airlines' remarkable culinary offering, and a few frustrations that came with the territory of long-distance travel and multiple connections.

If the first flight demonstrated that a budget airline can deliver a surprisingly comfortable aircraft, the second revealed what business-class hospitality can achieve when food and service are treated as central to the experience. The final sector, however, offered a reminder that even the finest onboard service cannot entirely compensate for airport delays, lengthy transits and the inevitable fatigue of a long journey. So, was the longer route worth taking? 

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LEG ONE: MELBOURNE TO SINGAPORE

Jetstar | Economy Class | 
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner

At Melbourne Airport, at the gate waiting to board

the flight for the first leg of the trip with Jetstar.

1. DEPARTURE & AIRPORT EXPERIENCE

IT all began with a somewhat mixed introduction to Jetstar's ground operations in Melbourne. Check-in and boarding were not particularly problematic, but the standard of assistance varied noticeably between staff members.

When my self-check-in failed, I approached a nearby Jetstar employee for help. The response was less than encouraging, with a rather brash and disinterested staff member directing me to another colleague at a service desk. Fortunately, the latter was excellent, demonstrating precisely the sort of helpfulness one hopes to encounter when travelling.

Even finding a functioning power point at the departure gate proved surprisingly challenging. I had to investigate four outlets before finding one that worked. Not the most auspicious start to an international journey, although hardly a major inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.

2. THE FLIGHT

Once aboard, the impression improved considerably. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was something of a surprise, presenting a modern, well-maintained aircraft that immediately challenged some of the assumptions one might make about flying with a budget carrier.

The cabin was clean, the atmosphere pleasant and the overall standard of the aircraft better than anticipated. For a flight of this distance, it provided a perfectly respectable introduction to the journey.

3. THE AIRCRAFT & CABIN

The 787's contemporary design and well-presented interior were among Jetstar's strongest assets. The cabin felt fresh and uncluttered, with a good sense of space and an overall standard of cleanliness that was particularly reassuring.

The aircraft was arguably the most impressive part of the Jetstar experience. It was also pleasing to discover that complimentary inflight entertainment was available, something I had not expected as part of our Turkish Airlines codeshare booking.

There was, however, one minor annoyance. The new blanket supplied during the flight left considerable fluff on our clothes, which proved surprisingly difficult to remove. A small detail, perhaps, but one that rather detracted from the otherwise well-maintained environment.

Jetstar's Economy which offered

decent legroom and seat comfort. 

4. ENTERTAINMENT 

We found the Jetstar entertainment a letdown. On the way over, the plane had seatback screens, but we skipped them because you have to pay extra to unlock the movies. On the way back, we got one of their newly modified planes with no inflight entertainment screens at all.

Heads up to other travellers: Jetstar is phasing out screens for a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) system. You have to stream to your own phone or tablet and pay a steep $8.99 AUD per device for the 'All Access' package to watch movies. 

To make it worse, the new seats only have the smaller USB-C ports and no standard Australian wall plugs, so our older cables didn't fit. While we watched our own content on our devices, the fact you have to pay to watch their movies on your own phone and have flat batteries meant that overall Jetstar's entertainment system was very disappointing.

5. THE SEAT & COMFORT

Seat comfort and legroom were both very good, as were the storage facilities. The cabin provided sufficient room to settle in comfortably, and the overall seating experience was better than one might reasonably expect from a budget airline.

There was nothing particularly luxurious about the arrangement, nor should there be at this price point, but the practical requirements of a comfortable journey were largely met.

6. SERVICE

This was where Jetstar's performance became less convincing. Despite the meals and drinks being included as part of the Turkish Airlines codeshare ticket, the cabin crew initially overlooked both me and my partner. We had to request our meal and subsequently our drinks, with the entitlements only confirmed after staff checked the passenger list.

What was disappointing was not simply the oversight, but the absence of any apology once the mistake had been established.

There were some friendly and helpful members of staff, but the inconsistency was noticeable. The difference between the excellent service at the check-in desk and the less accommodating encounters elsewhere suggested that the problem was not necessarily the airline's procedures, but their execution.

It was an avoidable inconvenience that required little more than better communication and attention to the passenger manifest.

Jetstar Economy's Teriyaki stir-fry vegetables 

with noodles came in a soggy carboard box

and was lukewarm. Photo: Franco Di Chiera

7. FOOD & DRINK

The food was a more positive experience, although not without its shortcomings.

The Teriyaki vegetable noodle stir-fry was fresh and tasty, with a pleasant flavour, but unfortunately, it was lukewarm by the time it reached us. Served in an environmentally friendly cardboard container, the packaging was also less successful when it came to containing the accompanying sauce.

At approximately AUD $15 on the menu, it represented reasonable value. The ingredients were enjoyable, but the temperature was disappointing. A hot meal would have made a considerable difference to the overall impression.

It was particularly frustrating that I had to request food and drinks that were already included in my ticket. Once supplied, however, the meal itself was perfectly acceptable.

At Singapore's Changi Airport, the Rain Vortex

surrounded by a five-storey indoor green  garden.

8. ARRIVAL & OVERALL EXPERIENCE

The arrival into Singapore provided a fittingly smooth conclusion to the flight, with an exceptionally gentle landing.

Taking everything into account, Jetstar delivered a fair economy experience. The modern Boeing 787, comfortable seating, good storage and complimentary entertainment were all positives. The less consistent service, particularly the confusion over our meal entitlement, was the principal disappointment.

Jetstar is a budget airline rather than a conventional full-service economy carrier, and expectations should be adjusted accordingly. Nevertheless, when travelling on a Turkish Airlines Business Class ticket with a codeshare arrangement, one reasonably expects the associated entitlements to be recognised without having to request them.

I have often said I would not fly Jetstar again, only to find myself doing so for convenience. This experience has not entirely changed my view, although it was certainly better than some of my previous encounters.

RATING: ★★★☆☆

Best feature: The modern Boeing 787, comfortable seating and complimentary entertainment.

Biggest disappointment: Inconsistent service and having to request meals and drinks already included in the ticket.

Value for money: Reasonable, although better attention to passengers would cost the airline nothing.

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LEG TWO: SINGAPORE TO ISTANBUL

Turkish Airlines | Business Class |
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300

The chef's wearing whites and special hats

were a highlight of the culinary experience. 

1. DEPARTURE

THE transition from Jetstar to Turkish Airlines was immediately apparent. Boarding the business-class cabin in Singapore, we were welcomed by exceptionally well-presented staff and, rather unusually, professionally attired chefs complete with traditional chef's hats.

It was an appealing introduction to an airline that clearly places considerable importance on hospitality. Refreshing non-alcoholic fruit drinks were offered almost immediately after taking our seats, setting a welcoming tone before the aircraft had even left the ground.

The attention to presentation and the involvement of chefs were early indications that this would be a rather different inflight experience.

2. THE FLIGHT

Despite being an older aircraft, the Boeing 777-300 was spotless and more contemporary in appearance than anticipated. The overall impression was of an airline that had invested in maintaining its aircraft and delivering a comfortable environment for its business-class passengers.

From the welcome aboard to the subsequent dining service, the flight established a standard that would prove difficult to fault.

The older seating was comfortable and allowed

easy conversation with travelling companions.

3. THE AIRCRAFT & CABIN

The business-class cabin featured an older rectangular seating configuration rather than the individual enclosed suites increasingly favoured by international airlines.

Nevertheless, it was comfortable, spacious and well maintained. The sliding partitions provided some privacy, although not to the extent offered by newer designs.

Interestingly, the arrangement had its advantages. Travelling with a partner, I appreciated being able to converse without feeling completely separated by individual compartments. For passengers travelling alone or beside a stranger, however, the greater privacy of a contemporary suite would probably be preferable.

The overall atmosphere was relaxed, with generous space and a welcome absence of the cramped feeling sometimes associated with airline cabins.

The award-winning entertainment was engaging

and came with noise-cancelling headphones.

Photo: Franco Di Chiera

4.  ENTERTAINMENT

It is easy to see why Turkish Airlines frequently wins awards for its in-flight entertainment, including being named 'Best Entertainment in Europe' by APEX for four consecutive years, as the system on this leg was excellent. 

The high-definition screen is large and highly responsive, backed by a comprehensive 'Planet' library loaded with international new-release movies, full TV box sets, and live news channels. 

Passenger connectivity is well supported with a pair of complimentary Denon noise-cancelling headphones and a generous 1GB allowance of free Wi-Fi for Business Class travellers. 

Crucially, the hardware charging setup is highly practical for a global audience: the seat features standard USB-A ports alongside a universal AC outlet that accepts UK, US, European, and Australian plugs directly without the need for a travel adapter, making it simple to keep multiple devices powered throughout the long-haul flight.

The seats with lots of room in front were a 

bonus and being able to easily talk to your

travelling companion. Photo: Steven Choo

6. THE SEAT & COMFORT

Space was one of the most impressive features. There was almost a metre of room in front of the seat, placing the entertainment screen further away than usual. Its generous size meant this was hardly a disadvantage; in fact, it was a relief not to have a screen immediately in front of one's face.

Storage was particularly well considered, with a substantial compartment beneath the entertainment screen, additional space beside the seat and convenient room for reading materials and personal belongings. Importantly, the storage did not compromise the generous legroom.

The sleeping arrangements were equally impressive. Cabin attendants prepared the seats by placing a thin mattress over the seating surface, both softening the bed and providing an additional hygienic layer. They also extended the flatbed themselves, removing the need for passengers to struggle with the seat controls, before supplying a light doona and cushion.

The result was a comfortable sleeping arrangement conducive to a genuinely restful journey. These thoughtful touches made a noticeable difference and demonstrated an understanding of what passengers actually need during a long-haul flight.

One of the highlights of the Turkish Airlines

Business Class were the chefs and their meals.

7. SERVICE

The service was arguably the outstanding feature of the entire flight. Cabin crew were impeccably groomed, courteous and attentive, delivering what I would describe as the best inflight service I have experienced.

The presence of chefs in the cabin was more than a theatrical gesture. It reflected an approach to hospitality that treated the meal as an important part of the journey rather than simply another component of airline service.

There was, however, one minor inconsistency. Passengers occupying the middle seats appeared to be at a disadvantage during meal service, with the less accessible seating positions occasionally overlooked. My travelling companion received his meal considerably later than I did, by which time I was already halfway through mine.

The delay was not unreasonable, but a little more coordination would have made an otherwise outstanding service even better.

The meals on the Turkish Airlines Business class 

flights were a revelation including this light salmon 

bowl, with sweet potato and edamame.

Photo: Steven Choo

8. FOOD & DRINK

Turkish Airlines' culinary offering was a revelation. Our selections included Turkish mezze, salmon and an assortment of Turkish desserts, all beautifully presented and of an unexpectedly high standard.

The menu successfully balanced traditional Turkish fare with modern, lighter alternatives, exemplified by a well-executed salmon poke bowl. 

Composed of fresh salmon, crisp edamame beans, diced avocado, mixed garden vegetables, roasted sweet potato cubes, and grains, the dish was clean, vibrant, and a refreshing departure from typically heavy premium cabin meals.

The grilled salmon was also particularly impressive. It is difficult to imagine a dish of such quality being served on an aircraft, yet it arrived beautifully prepared and was easily the standout of the meal.

Even the bread told a story, accompanied by information about the ancient heritage of a particular Turkish wheat variety. A small bottle of Turkish olive oil completed the presentation. These details demonstrated an appreciation of culinary heritage and provenance that elevated the experience beyond conventional inflight dining.

Breakfast was equally memorable. The Turkish breakfast included an excellent selection of cheeses, yoghurt and exceptional honey. The quality of the honey, in particular, was outstanding. Omelettes and crepes were also available and well prepared, although with so much already on offer, they were hardly necessary.

Fresh raspberry drinks were another 

enjoyable aspect of the beverages

in Business. Photo: Steven Choo

The drinks list was equally impressive, with wines from Turkey, France, Argentina, Spain and Portugal and fresh raspberry and fruit juices.

It was the combination of authentic Turkish cuisine, thoughtful presentation and attentive service that made the dining experience so distinctive. There was a sense of culinary identity rather than the generic international menu one often encounters in airline business class.

9. ARRIVAL & OVERALL EXPERIENCE

The Singapore–Istanbul flight was unquestionably the highlight of the journey. The combination of exceptional service, generous seating space and outstanding food made it a particularly memorable business-class experience.

The lounge experience was also very good, with food cooked to order, massage facilities and showers. Entertainment and Wi-Fi aboard the aircraft were equally impressive.

There was little to criticise beyond the uneven timing of meal service for middle-seat passengers. Turkish Airlines demonstrated that business class can be about considerably more than a comfortable seat and a lie-flat bed.

Of the three flights, this was the one that most clearly justified the premium associated with business-class travel.

RATING: ★★★★★

Best feature: Food, service and generous personal space.

Biggest disappointment: The slower meal service to passengers in the middle seats.

Value for money: Excellent.

Would I fly again? Definitely.

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LEG THREE: ISTANBUL TO ROME

Turkish Airlines | Business Class | 
Aircraft: Airbus A330

The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge was elegant

offering fresh meals, showers and massages.

Photo: Franco Di Chiera

1. DEPARTURE & AIRPORT EXPERIENCE

BY the time we reached Istanbul, the prospect of the final flight to Rome was becoming particularly appealing. Unfortunately, the airport experience proved to be the most frustrating part of the entire journey.

The flight was delayed by more than two hours, with several gate changes adding to the uncertainty. Each announcement seemed to introduce another adjustment, until the final instruction confirmed departure from a gate requiring approximately 20 minutes of walking to another part of the terminal.

After travelling from Melbourne through Singapore, this was hardly the welcome one would hope for at the final transit point. Fortunately, access to the Turkish Airlines lounge provided some respite. Stylish and well serviced, it offered food cooked to order, showers and massage facilities. On paper, it was an excellent place to spend an extended transit.

In practice, however, there were a few frustrations. Finding the masseur to arrange a shoulder massage proved surprisingly difficult, while the wait for a shower was unreasonably long. Both were disappointing, particularly given the standard of the facilities and the airline's otherwise impressive approach to hospitality.

The lounge was certainly a welcome refuge, but the experience highlighted the difference between providing excellent facilities and ensuring that passengers can access them efficiently.

A selection of cheeses and fresh vegetables 

continued the Turkish Airlines level of food.

Photo: Steven Choo

2. THE FLIGHT

Once finally aboard, the experience improved considerably. The Airbus A330 provided a comfortable setting for the final sector to Rome, and the cabin crew were once again polite, professional and exceptionally well presented.

After the delays and uncertainty at Istanbul Airport, it was reassuring to return to the familiar standard of Turkish Airlines' inflight service.

Although this was a shorter sector than the Singapore–Istanbul flight, the airline maintained a level of hospitality that made the final leg a pleasant experience.

3. THE AIRCRAFT & CABIN

The Airbus A330 featured a relatively basic cabin design compared with the more impressive business-class experience on the previous flight. It lacked some of the sense of space and sophistication that had made the Boeing 777 so appealing.

Nevertheless, the aircraft was very clean and the cabin well maintained. The design might have been unremarkable, but there was nothing particularly objectionable about the environment.

It was a functional and comfortable business-class cabin rather than an especially memorable one.

A welcome cup of tea and delightful biscuit

were all part of the Business class service.

Photo: Steven Choo 

4. THE SEAT & COMFORT

Seating comfort and legroom were good, making the flight itself a pleasant experience despite the difficulties encountered at the airport.

The seat provided sufficient room to settle in and relax, and the overall level of comfort was appropriate for the journey to Rome.

There was little to complain about in terms of the physical experience aboard the aircraft. Indeed, the contrast between the airport delays and the comfort of the cabin was quite pronounced.

5. SERVICE

The cabin crew were again a credit to Turkish Airlines. Impeccably presented, polite and professional, they maintained the high standard experienced on the Singapore–Istanbul flight.

Friendly and efficient, their approach reinforced the impression that the airline's service culture is one of its greatest strengths.

The consistency of the cabin crew across both sectors was particularly noteworthy. Even when the airport experience had fallen short, the inflight hospitality remained a strong point.

The breakfast on the flight from Istanbul to Rome

was wonderful with fresh yogurt and honey.

Photo: Franco Di Chiera

6. FOOD & DRINK

Breakfast provided another culinary highlight and a fitting reminder of what Turkish Airlines does particularly well.

The Turkish breakfast was superb, with an excellent selection that included yogurt, fresh fruit and ricotta. The combination was outstanding, and the quality of the honey was particularly memorable.

We also shared an omelette, although it was fairly standard by comparison. Creating the impression of a freshly prepared omelette at altitude is understandably difficult. With such a strong selection of authentic Turkish dishes already available, there is perhaps little reason to compete with conventional breakfast offerings.

The honeycomb and ricotta were the real stars. In fact, that breakfast alone was almost worth the Turkish Airlines journey to Rome.

It was another example of the airline's ability to make food an integral part of the travel experience rather than simply a service obligation.

In Rome, the chefs at their stations in the 

luxurious Plaza Premium lounge.

Photo: Franco Di Chiera.

7. ARRIVAL & OVERALL EXPERIENCE

The final flight to Rome was very good in terms of cabin comfort, food and service. After the extended delay in Istanbul, it was a relief to have an otherwise comfortable final sector.

The principal disappointment was not the flight itself, but the time and energy consumed by the airport experience. Repeated gate changes, the considerable walking distance and the delays had taken their toll by this stage.

The Turkish Airlines service remained excellent, but the overall journey demonstrated how easily airport logistics can undermine an otherwise premium travel experience.

RATING: ★★★★☆

Best feature: The Turkish breakfast, particularly the honeycomb and ricotta, together with excellent cabin service.

Biggest disappointment: The lengthy Istanbul delay, repeated gate changes and difficulties accessing some lounge facilities.

Value for money: Yes, for comfort, food and service; less so when the additional travel time and multiple connections are considered.

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FINAL VERDICT: FIRST-CLASS CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Light flooding into the airy Istanbul Airport

with tall windows and vaulted ceilings. 

Photo: Franco Di Chiera

THERE is little doubt that Turkish Airlines deserves its reputation as a leading international carrier. Its approach to hospitality, the quality of its food and the professionalism of its cabin crew set it apart from many competitors.

The Singapore–Istanbul flight was particularly impressive, delivering a business-class experience that compared favourably with other international airlines I have travelled with. 

Its greatest strength is perhaps the understanding that business class should be about more than a lie-flat seat and an extensive drinks list. The emphasis on Turkish culinary traditions, the involvement of chefs and the small details surrounding the dining experience give the service a distinctive identity.

The longer journey from Melbourne to Rome, however, comes with a qualification. With no direct Turkish Airlines service from Australia, the itinerary required two separate transits and four airports. The lengthy delay in Istanbul, combined with walking distances and waiting times, made the journey considerably more demanding than it needed to be.

Turkish soup with meatballs and yogurt 

along with the ancient grain bread 

were standouts. Photo: Steven Choo

Would I recommend Turkish Airlines? Definitely, particularly for its business-class service, food and comfort. Would I fly with them again? Absolutely, although I would favour a more direct routing to Rome if one were available.

As for Jetstar, the Melbourne–Singapore flight was a fair experience, with a good aircraft and reasonable comfort, although the inconsistency of service left room for improvement. It was a reminder that a budget airline can deliver a perfectly acceptable aircraft and cabin experience, but that the smaller details of customer service remain important.

Ultimately, Turkish Airlines delivered the strongest part of the journey and demonstrated why it is such a serious contender in the international business-class market. Its food and hospitality were genuinely memorable. A little more attention to transit arrangements and airport service would make an already impressive airline considerably harder to beat.

The verdict? Take Turkish Airlines for the food, the service and the comfort. Just make sure you have a little patience for the journey in between.

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THE BOARDING PASS SCORECARD

Flight	Class	Rating
Melbourne–Singapore	Jetstar Economy	★★★☆☆
Singapore–Istanbul	Turkish Airlines Business	★★★★★
Istanbul–Rome	Turkish Airlines Business	★★★★☆

Best of the journey: Turkish Airlines' food and inflight service.

Biggest disappointment: The extended transit itinerary and Istanbul delay.

Would I fly again? Yes — preferably on a more direct route.

US Midterms: Women Voters Helped Drive the ‘Blue Wave’

Women did not only turn out to vote in significant numbers, but they were also elected in historic fashion, like Gina Hinojosa in Texas, who won an upset victory over incumbent Republican Greg Abbott to be elected the state's first Hispanic governor. Cover picture of Audrey Hepburn for Life magazine in 1955, photographed by Philippe Hatsman.

By Musica Lorence

The 2026 US midterm elections delivered a decisive blow to Donald Trump’s Republican party. Democrats successfully flipped seven seats in the Senate, gaining a decisive majority. This turnaround was mirrored in the House of Representatives, where the Democrats could end up taking 258 seats against 177 for the Republicans.

Women voters played a significant part in this Democratic party “blue wave”. Estimates suggest 64 million women voted in the elections, compared with 56 million men, comprising 53% of all voters. Exit polls say 61% of women voted Democrat while 38% voted Republican, a 13-percentage point shift in party support compared with the 2024 presidential election.

This was also a bigger swing than most pollsters had predicted. Pre-election polling indicated that 56% of women in the US preferred Democratic party candidates, compared with 37% who said they preferred Republican ones. These figures suggested a possible 9-percentage point shift in support.

The Democrats performed particularly well in several demographic groups. Of all the young women (aged 18 to 29) who voted, 70% are thought to have chosen Democrat candidates, up 9 percentage points from 61% in 2024.

The vast majority of black women (93%) also voted for a Democratic candidate, versus 6% for a Republican. And a substantial portion of Latino (68%) or Hispanic (74%) women supported the Democrats, against 30% for the Republicans.

The support of black women for Democratic candidates was marginally up compared with 2024, by 5 percentage points. But the shift among Hispanic women was much larger. Support for the Democrats in this cohort rose 28 percentage points compared with 2024.

Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first black

woman governor of any US state after her 

Georgia win. 

Women did not only turn out to vote in significant numbers, they were also elected in historic fashion. Deb Haaland won her race in New Mexico, making her the first Native American woman to be elected governor of a US state. Keisha Lance Bottoms, meanwhile, became the first black woman to serve as governor of any US state after winning in Georgia.

Illinois became the first state to be represented simultaneously in the Senate by two women of colour, following the election of Juliana Stratton. Stratton will serve alongside incumbent senator Tammy Duckworth. And several states with decades-long conservative representation elected women to government for the first time.

Georgia, Minnesota, Tennessee and Ohio elected their first female governors, while in South Carolina Annie Andrews was elected as the state’s first female US senator by vote. For the first time in US history, at least 100 women are predicted to serve in the House of Representatives simultaneously.

Explaining the vote

The result of the midterms was driven by widespread voter discontent over kitchen table issues like the rising cost of living. This has been exacerbated by the White House’s implementation of global tariffs and its costly war with Iran, with US gas prices increasing by 50% since the start of the conflict.

The increase in fuel costs has had a direct impact on the cost of manufacturing, shipping and distributing everyday goods, triggering inflation on household essentials. Figures released by the US Department of Labor in October confirmed that the annual inflation rate rose from 3.4% in August to 3.7% in September.

Research suggests that, across the world, women are disproportionately affected by inflation. A World Economic Forum report from 2022 found that women are less likely than men to have salaries that keep pace with inflation.

The same report also found that inflation is generally higher for products aimed at women. In the UK, for instance, the price of women’s formal shoes increased by 75% in 2021, while those for men increased by only 14%. This pattern was repeated across various other products.

The Women’s Budget Group, a London-based non-profit organisation, said earlier in 2026: “We know from past crises that women are hit first and worst when costs rise. Lower average incomes and savings mean they spend a greater share on essentials.”

The rising cost of living was a key factor in the 

Republican election loss in the US midterms.

The group added: “Women, as the shock absorbers of poverty, are too often left stretching budgets, hunting for discounts, skipping meals and going without to keep their families afloat.”

In addition to feeling the effects of rising prices, there is intense disapproval in the US of the Trump administration’s assaults on female freedom and support systems. These include funding cuts for reproductive and family healthcare programmes and restricted access to IVF fertility treatment and abortion services.

These legislative restrictions, built on far-right ideologies, have directly harmed women in the US. Maria Antonieta Alcalde Castro is the director-general of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights. After the midterm election results were announced, she said:

“Nearly two years of attacks on women’s rights, including the dismantling of USAID [US Agency for International Development] and the defunding of family planning, have forced nearly 1,400 clinics across our federation to close. These midterms are a glimmer of hope that Congress will now hold the line, protect the funding that remains, and demand accountability for the damage done.”

Whether this hope is realised remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: women were central to the 2026 midterms, not only for the scale of the votes they cast but also for the seats where women were elected.

Musica Lorence, PhD Candidate in Global Political Economics and Gender, King's College London

The Democrats’ ‘Blue Tsunami’ is a Strong Repudiation of Donald Trump: Now, They Will Look to Replicate it in 2028

Leading potential presidential 2028 candidate Jon Ossoff, defeated Republican Mike Collins, retaining his Georgia Senate seat as Democrats recorded historic gains in crucial midterm contests. 

By David Smith

American voters have inflicted a generational defeat on the Republican Party in the midterm elections, with Democrats winning control of both houses of Congress: the House of Representatives and Senate. Donald Trump’s party has been defeated in states where it hadn’t lost for a generation – or longer: Texas, South Carolina and Kansas. These have been red states for quite some time, but this shows the Republicans are really suffering in their own heartland.

While Democrats were widely predicted to take the House and had a reasonable chance to win the Senate, no one could have predicted at the beginning of 2026 such a huge “blue wave” washing over the US by November.

In fact, Republicans barely held on in Senate races in Louisiana and Florida – states that have long been firmly red – and the race in Mississippi will go down to the wire. And Democrats held on everywhere that was contested: in most cases, it wasn’t even close.

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So, what does it mean?

One of the very significant lessons from the Democrats’ crushing victory is the party’s ability to accommodate a broad church of candidates and ideas. For example, Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim socialist, won a Senate seat in Michigan, while Adam Hamilton, a Methodist pastor, won in Kansas.

Even though there’s been a lot of heartache and internal wrangling for the Democrats about left versus centre politics, this just shows that when they win by a big enough margin there’s room for everybody in the party.

This means the Senate and House will look very different from the way they looked before the midterms.

And the message for the Republicans? This is unquestionably a repudiation of Trump, and this is backed up by his record-low approval ratings, and the fact that four in 10 voters in exit polls said they were motivated to send a message to the sitting president.

He has launched one of the most unpopular wars in American history in Iran, which has had direct effects on people’s lives and livelihoods, raising the cost of living for everyone.

And while he has typically distanced himself from any responsibility for the election result, there is no question the way Americans feel about the economy is very closely linked to the way they feel about Trump. And this is a decisive repudiation.

It will take longer to see the effect on Trumpism or the MAGA movement.

The question is, after such a loss, will his grip on the Republican Party now loosen? He’s not going to be on the ballot again – no matter what he might say – so he’ll be a lame duck president. So will this result make Republicans turn away from Trump?

They will have some serious considerations: what if inflation is still high in 2028, or the Iran War is still going? The results of the presidential election could be even more devastating for Republicans.

Another interesting aspect of the midterms result is that the Democrats successfully took the focus off all the issues Republicans have seen as winners in recent years, such as the culture wars (in particular trans issues) and immigration.

In this election, nothing compared to cost of living, especially when people could see direct links between Trump’s policies and their bills.

What will it mean for the remaining two years of Trump’s presidency?

Trump has no choice but to accept the result. When a party loses by a really large margin, there’s no way of contesting the results.

He’s made some contradictory comments about how he might respond: he has both threatened to be “Mr Veto”, but also said he can work with the Democrats.

It’s much more likely he will not be able to advance his legislative agenda any further. As president, he can make executive orders and has some foreign policy levers at his disposal, but there will be very real limits on what he can do. He is also likely to be impeached for a third time.

It’ll be interesting to see how serious the Democrats are about ending the Iran war. If they have the political will, they could now threaten to hold up defence spending or shut down the government to try to force a genuine peace deal.

But extricating the US from this war is not a simple matter, given how committed it is at this point.

In general, Republicans will see this as a very serious warning for the 2028 elections. There are some races they could have lost this year and didn’t. If the public mood is the same in 2028 as it is now, the Republicans are in for an even worse defeat.

The Democrats, on the other hand, will see themselves as having a very real chance of taking back the presidency in 2028. One of the big midterm winners was Jon Ossoff, a young Jewish senator from Georgia whose race was called almost immediately after the polls closed. Georgia voted for Trump in 2024.

Ossoff is popular in all parts of the Democratic Party. With his re-election, he has shown he is a compelling speaker who can win in Trump country. He’s the Democrat whose profile has been boosted the most in these midterms, and he’ll certainly be one to watch in 2028, as will Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was re-elected to the House for a fifth term and is still only 37.

Any lessons for the rest of the world?

This shows there are real limits to the Trump style of politics in democracies – the relentlessly attention-seeking, culture-warring, crude, and never apologising style of politics.

In the end, real issues that genuinely affect people’s lives will make themselves known, and there’s no way of avoiding that.

David Smith, Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney

US Midterm Elections: Live Results Tracker

The Democrats has swept the midterm elections with a blue wave that has swept Republicans out of power, gaining control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. 

By Digital Storytelling Team

Millions of Americans have cast their ballots in the US midterm elections, with control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives at stake.

We will be publishing results here as soon as the races are called by the Associated Press in the United States.

In short, this is what’s at stake: the Democrats need to win 218 seats to gain control of the House – a total they are almost certain to reach. And in the Senate, the Democrats need to win net four seats (51 in total). The first Senate results to watch will be in New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina and Ohio.

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