The Hidden Truth Behind Luxury Brands: Chinese Manufacturers Speak Out

 

For decades, designer brands have woven a tale of Italian craftsmanship and exclusive luxury, but the truth behind these high-end items is more complicated. In this DOCO MiNi, we uncover how Chinese manufacturers, long relegated to producing goods for top fashion houses, are now revealing their role in creating the luxury items we covet.

These manufacturers use the same materials, work with the same skilled hands, and operate in the same factories that produce luxury goods for major global brands. The difference? The label – and the massive markup. As these manufacturers skip the branding and the inflated prices, the distinction between designer goods and non-branded items becomes clearer than ever. The luxury market, once shrouded in prestige, is now being seen in a new light.

Exploring the Funeral Scene in Garth Marenghi's Darkplace

 

One of the most memorable moments from Garth Marenghi's Darkplace comes in the first episode, during the funeral scene for the character Larry Renwick. After a tragic incident involving Renwick’s death, the funeral takes an unexpected turn, perfectly capturing the show’s signature blend of absurdity and horror parody.

The scene, meant to be a somber farewell, quickly spirals into chaos when Renwick's body inexplicably reanimates. The situation goes from bizarre to hysterical as characters Rick and Thornton, unable to deal with the situation in a typical TV drama way, resort to firing multiple rounds into Renwick’s corpse and finally setting him on fire with a flamethrower. This moment epitomizes the show's tone, which lovingly mocks the over-the-top antics of 1980s horror TV, complete with intentionally poor production values, glaring continuity errors, and awkward editing. The funeral scene is just one example of how Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace subverts traditional horror tropes while keeping viewers in stitches.

Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq. Brings Vintage Charm and Satirical Wit to Boyds of Bedford

 

Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq. brought his unique brand of folk music to an unexpected venue on November 2, 2018, performing live at Boyds of Bedford, a vintage suit hire shop. This intimate and unconventional setting set the stage for a special evening, as the performance was also live-streamed to a wider audience.

The event was in celebration of his debut album, Awkward Encounters While Walking My Dog, offering fans a chance to hear the artist's quirky and heartfelt tunes in a personal, one-of-a-kind environment. The choice of Boyds, known for its stylish suits and charming atmosphere, added an extra layer of character to the night, making it a memorable experience for both those attending in person and those tuning in online. This unusual venue perfectly matched Wild's offbeat musical style, further cementing his reputation for combining storytelling with distinctive settings.

COMPETITION: Win The Creep Tapes: Season 1 on Blu-ray

The Shudder Original Series The Creep Tapes: Season 1 is released on May 12th..

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy on Blu-Ray.

Synopsis:

Following his critically acclaimed, innovative found-footage horror films Creep and Creep 2, Patrick Brice brings back one seriously disturbing character for the small screen in Shudder Original The Creep Tapes Season One. Mark Duplass (Safety Not Guaranteed, The Morning Show) returns as the truly terrifying tormentor of unsuspecting victims, who are all about to meet their maker, thanks to the exploits of cold blooded killer ‘Peachfuzz’..  

 

Each instalment finds a new victim added to the tape collection of the devious and deranged murderer. The killer and his alter ego play with each of their ‘prey’ in the most surreal ways, revealing one supremely odd killer who relishes the awkwardness and terror of his unsuspecting ‘employees’. 

 

With disguises including a priest, a skydiver and an actor, Duplass delivers a masterclass in madness as he brings a myriad of performances, that will leave you in awe, shocked to the core and wanting more. 

 

Get yourself taped for a seriously creepy collection of twisted terror, when one wickedly unhinged serial killer’s footage is found in The Creep Tapes. 

Out Now at - https://amzn.to/43cuLsl

Enter Below

Who plays the character of Peachfuzz?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions

1. Closing date 19-05-25

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

Inside El Salvador’s CECOT Prison: The World’s Largest Mega-Jail

 

El Salvador’s government has made headlines with its creation of the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a massive high-security prison built to house tens of thousands of alleged gang members. Located in a remote area of Tecoluca, CECOT is considered the largest prison in the Americas and possibly the world, with capacity for up to 40,000 inmates.

Opened in early 2023 as part of President Nayib Bukele’s awesome crackdown on gang violence, the facility is designed for maximum control and surveillance. Inmates sleep in tightly packed cells under constant monitoring, with virtually no contact with the outside world. Armed guards patrol around the clock, and strict discipline is enforced.

Supporters say CECOT has helped restore public safety in a country long plagued by violence, with homicide rates dropping significantly since the mass arrests began.

CECOT remains a powerful symbol of Bukele’s iron-fisted approach to crime, praised by many Salvadorans.

Excerpt from Conan O'Brien's Mark Twain Prize Acceptance Speech

The 26th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor celebrating Conan O’Brien will stream only on Netflix beginning Sunday, May 4, 2025.

Conan O'Brien is an American comedian, writer, and television host, best known for his late-night talk shows. Born on April 18, 1963, in Brookline, Massachusetts, O'Brien began his career as a writer for "The Simpsons" and "Saturday Night Live" before landing his own late-night show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, in 1993. His quick wit, offbeat humour, and unique style earned him a loyal following.

In 2009, O'Brien took over the hosting duties of The Tonight Show, though his tenure was short-lived, lasting only seven months due to network changes. He returned to late-night television with Conan on TBS in 2010, where he remained until 2021. O'Brien is known for his irreverent humour, quirky interviews, and strong connection with his audience. Outside of television, he has hosted a popular podcast, Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, where he continues to entertain with his signature comedic style.

COMPETITION: Win Signora Volpe: Series 1 & 2 Boxset on DVD

With the return of Signora Volpe Series 2 on U&Drama, Acorn Media International has announced Signora Volpe Series 2 is set for release on DVD and digital on 5 May, along with the Signora Volpe Series 1 & 2 Box Set.

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy of Series 1 & 2 boxset on DVD.

Synopsis:

The thrilling and entertaining three-part crime series also sees the return of TV favourite Tara Fitzgerald (Game of Thrones, Belgravia) and picks up where series one left off… with Sylvia Fox (Fox) settled in the beautiful Umbrian countryside for a so-called quiet life. 

 

Sylvia has re-connected with her sister Isabel Vitale (Fitzgerald) and is now restoring a charming house, but old habits die hard… Sylvia can’t help but get involved in a bevy of fresh mysteries, including the murder of a pillar of the local community, and an undercover mission for MI6 at a perilous house party by the lake.   

 

As her relationship with Carabinieri Captain Riva (Giovanni Cirfiera – American Crime Story; The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Queen of the South) heats up, he’s torn between frustration at her interference and gratitude for her help. But a dangerous case is set to threaten everything… when a dead man comes looking for vengeance, Sylvia’s family and Riva must race against time to save her life.  

  

For a sensationally savvy lead with a stunningly superb vista, look no further than Signora Volpe – a captivating series brimming with escapist charm and marvellous mystery that will have you booking a ticket to Italy in no time.  

Out Now at - https://amzn.to/3RYnPJb

Enter Below

Who plays the character of Carabinieri Captain Riva in Signora Volpe?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions

1. Closing date 12-05-25

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.