Kim Kardashian's shapewear and clothing brand, Skims, is making a significant leap in its global expansion strategy by opening its first standalone store in London. Located on the iconic Regent Street, the store is set to open next summer, marking a pivotal moment for the brand as it seeks to deepen its connection with UK customers. Regent Street, known for its high foot traffic and luxury retail presence, offers Skims an ideal platform to showcase its full product range in one of the world's most prestigious shopping destinations.

The move into the UK market is not Skims' first foray into international retail, but it underscores the brand's growing appeal beyond the United States. With existing presence in luxury department stores like Harrods and Selfridges, Skims has already established a loyal following in the UK. The new store will occupy a prime location previously held by Ted Baker, filling a gap left by the brand's collapse and signaling Skims' ambition to become a staple in global fashion retail.

Jens Grede, Skims' Chief Executive and co-founder, highlighted the importance of the London store in the brand's global expansion plans. "This iconic location allows us to forge a deeper, more personal connection with our UK customers," Grede told The Times. The 10-year lease on the property reflects Skims' long-term commitment to the UK market and its confidence in the brand's continued growth and popularity among consumers.

Beyond physical retail expansion, Skims is also venturing into new product categories, including beauty and fragrance, further broadening its brand appeal. Kim Kardashian's recent acquisition of the Skkn By Kim brand, previously licensed through Coty, paves the way for this expansion. "Expanding into beauty isn't just about growing Skims - it's about building on the strength of the brand and bringing our approach to a whole new category," Kardashian stated. With its inclusive sizing and focus on comfort and functionality, Skims is poised to redefine essentials in the beauty sector just as it has in shapewear and loungewear.

This week, cinemas are set to welcome a new contender in the family entertainment genre with the release of the live-action adaptation of 'How to Train Your Dragon'. The film, which follows the story of a young Viking named Hiccup and his unlikely friendship with a dragon named Toothless, aims to capture the hearts of audiences just as its animated predecessor did over a decade ago. With Dean DeBlois, the creative force behind the original animated trilogy, at the helm, expectations are high for this latest iteration.

The narrative revolves around Hiccup, portrayed by Mason Thames, who defies his village's tradition of dragon slaying by befriending Toothless, one of the most feared dragons. This act of compassion leads to an extraordinary bond that challenges the longstanding feud between Vikings and dragons. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup's father, bringing his signature gravitas to the live-action version after lending his voice to the character in the animated films.

The transition from animation to live-action is a gamble that has seen mixed results in the past. While some adaptations have struggled to resonate with audiences, others have managed to surpass expectations. 'How to Train Your Dragon' benefits from a strong foundation, with its source material being both a beloved children's book series by Cressida Cowell and a critically acclaimed animated franchise. The film's success will hinge on its ability to translate the original's emotional depth and visual splendor into a live-action format.

As 'How to Train Your Dragon' prepares to take flight in cinemas, it joins a competitive lineup of new releases. However, with its universal themes of friendship, understanding, and breaking barriers, the film is poised to offer a compelling option for families and fans of the original alike. Whether it can soar to the heights of its animated counterpart remains to be seen, but the stage is set for another memorable journey to the Isle of Berk.