Lifestyle Round-Up
Published:Sunday | November 9, 2025 | 12:08 AMOmar Tomlinson - Contributor
What does a Hollywood actor receiving a career lifetime award, the new cover of Vogue Taiwan, and a children’s book author have in common? They are among The Rock-connected talents making waves across the globe. Here’s who is on our radar this week.
AND ... ACTION!
British actress Antonia Thomas, who has Jamaican roots, has been cast as Tuppence in the six-part contemporary adaptation of iconic mystery novelist Agatha Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence set to hit screens on Britbox next year.
Her character, Prudence Tuppence, is described in the show’s official log line as “an actress and force of nature who won’t take no for an answer”.
Meanwhile, Tommy Beresford, played by actor Josh Dylan, is “a meticulous crime writer who has lost his passion but finds it again when whirlwind Tuppence re-enters his life”.
Per an announcement feature in entertainment news publication Variety, Academy and Emmy Award-nominated actress Imelda Staunton will play Aunt Ada in the new mystery series.
Thomas is best known for her role as Dr Claire Browne on the long-running television medical drama The Good Doctor, which ended its seven-year run on ABC last year. Dylan currently stars in the Apple TV+ series The Buccaneers, and Staunton is famous for her scenery-chewing portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s The Crown.
‘DALEY’ LIFE
A new Vogue cover and another Rock connection.
It’s go-time for Jamaican-American stylist Jermaine Daley. He’s the creative force behind the luxe looks donned by Netflix’s Emily in Paris actress Ashley Park in her cover editorial for the November edition of Vogue Taiwan.
The New York-based Daley — fashion editor-at-large at both Hero and Heroine glossies — curates a storyboard of on-trend ensembles from fashion houses Prada, Adam Lippes, Khaite, Tory Burch, and more, for Park. The on-set crew included Arseny Jabiev behind the lens, John Novotny tending to tresses, and Yuki Hayashi taking care of make-up.
Speaking to The Sunday Gleaner last week, Daley revealed that the inspiration behind the Vogue Taiwan shoot was rooted in character acting. “We wanted Ashley to embody different personas in each image while maintaining a cohesive fashion mood throughout the story,” he said.
Having last been on The Rock in 2022 to visit his mother, who relocated to Montego Bay from The Big Apple, Daley is still grieving the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. “The impact on Jamaica was heartbreaking to see, and the destruction and loss were devastating,” said Daley. He shared that currently, “I am looking for ways to use my skills to contribute to recovery efforts [on the island]. I am looking at how I can immediately assist my mother, who recently returned to the country... and also help our close relatives.”
BALMAIN’S ROUSTEING BIDS ADIEU
After serving 14 years as the aesthetic architect of Balmain, word came last Wednesday that Olivier Rousteing was parting ways with the French luxury fashion house.
His appointment to the top creative position at Balmain back in April 2011 made Rousteing the first black person to lead a heritage house in France in all its design categories. Also, at just 25 years old at the time, he was the youngest non-founding designer to take the artistic helm of a major Paris fashion house since Yves Saint Laurent was handed the top job at Dior at 21.
“I am deeply honoured of all that I’ve accomplished and profoundly grateful to my exceptional team at Balmain, my chosen family,” the departing creative director said in an official statement. “My thanks go to Mr Rachid Mohamed and Matteo Sgaebossa for their unwavering belief in me and for entrusting me with this extraordinary opportunity. As I look ahead to the future and the next chapter of my creative journey, I will always hold this treasured time close to my heart.”
The designer’s friendships with entertainment and business powerhouse Rihanna, supermodel Gigi Hadid and billionaire entrepreneur Kim Kardashian and her family made Balmain hold sway in pop culture. Rousteing’s personally coined ‘Balmain Army’ was a network of A-list celebrities and top models, which included The Rock’s Tami Williams in his fold for quite some time.
In addition to Williams, several SAINT International models appeared on the runway, in editorials or in campaigns for Balmain across many fashion seasons, including Jonny Brown, Naki Depass, Romaine Dixon, and most recently, Dru Campbell.
SAUNDERS AND PUMA
Sneakerheads, rejoice! Bianca Saunders is here to help put some pep in your step.
The British-Jamaican menswear designer and founder of her eponymous label showcased the new Puma Speedcat Wedge at a dinner and launch event hosted in New York last Wednesday.
The Speedcat — reimagined by New York designer LaQuan Smith as a high-top boxing-style boot — and is available in beige and brown, was being launched Stateside at Saunders’ invitation-only event. The designer said the shoes from the German sportswear company “blends elegance with sport, and movement with identity”.
This marks the second time this year that PUMA has partnered with Saunders. In August, during Notting Hill Carnival, the brand re-released their 2003 H-Street sneaker that was Jamaica-inspired in two colourways, at a pop-up billed ‘38 Love Lane’ which the designer hosted.
Meanwhile, Saunders’ most recently collaborated with the Tate Gallery in Britain on a limited-edition collection inspired by English painter and poet William Blake. Her four non-gendered pieces included the Judging Adam jumper, the Fire Top long sleeve, the Judging Adam hat and scarf. She is also joining local relief efforts for Jamaica. All sales from the Bianca Saunders Blessed Top will go to Give Directly.
WINNIE’S BOOK DEBUT
Winnie Harlow can add author to an already impressive résumé that boasts supermodel and skincare entrepreneur. The Canadian-Jamaican global fashion mainstay has a children’s book, Simply Winnie, on the way.
Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud, Harlow explained the reason behind penning a storybook. “I wrote Simply Winnie to inspire and empower young girls everywhere to embrace what makes us different and uniquely beautiful,” the first-time author said.”This book has been something I’ve been wanting to write for as long as I can remember, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.”
Crediting her mother and grandparents as the trifecta that gave her confidence — and to whom the book is dedicated — Harlow’s book publisher, Penguin Kids, provided the outline for their client’s debut. “[It] follows a spunky, stylish little girl named Winnie who doesn’t fit in at school, but after her grandmother shares some wisdom, Winnie is prepared to embrace her individuality. Ultimately, young Winnie discovers that what makes her stand out makes her special.”
Harlow was diagnosed with vitiligo at four years old. She has used her platform as a supermodel to advocate for diverse representation in the industry.
Simply Winnie hits bookshelves in June 2026.
WITH LOVE FROM LINDO
Academy Award-nominated actor Delroy Lindo is in an island state of mind. The British-American thespian, who was born to Jamaican parents in London, shifted attention to The Rock when a reporter recently asked him about his future.
Attending last weekend’s Denver Film Festival in the United States, where he was honoured with a career achievement award, the 72-year-old was asked, “What’s left on your bucket list?” by writer John Moore.
“If I could do anything right now, I would send all the aid I could muster to the honour of Jamaica,” came Lindo’s reply.
His name is on the lips of many insiders who predict that he will score a Best Supporting Actor nomination at next year’s Academy Awards for his performance as an alcoholic musician in the genre-bending smash hit Sinners.