The Hitlist: September 2023

Celebrate it being September with our carefully curated list of what to watch, read, do and listen to this month!

Double Brit Award Winner and Grammy nominee, Jorja Smith, returns with her much-anticipated second album. This album takes us on an adventure of sounds and thrills – it’s smooth, pop and oh-so soulful. Compromised of deep, thumping drums, racing basslines, irresistible hooks and distinctive beats, ‘Falling Or Flying’ runs at the same pace that Jorja’s mind does. We’re putting bets on this being our album of the year!

Inspired by the real-life story of a housewife driven to kill in suburban Texas in the eighties, Love & Death follows a churchgoing mother and wife, Candy Montgomery (played by Elizbeth Olsen). A chance, charged encounter with fellow churchgoer Allan Gore offers Candy an exhilarating taste of the thrill she craves. Their meticulously planned and daring affair unfolds according to design – until their respective spouses, Pat and Betty, unexpectedly uncover their hidden liaison, and a horrifying turn of events leads to a gruesome outcome.

Say hello to the first historical novel from bestselling novelist, Zadie Smith. Kilburn, 1873. The 'Tichborne Trial' has captivated the widowed Scottish housekeeper Mrs Eliza Touchet and all of England. Readers are at odds over whether the defendant is who he claims to be - or an imposter. Mrs Touchet is a sceptical woman; she suspects England is not quite what it seems. Andrew Bogle, meanwhile, finds himself the star witness, his future depending on telling the right story. He believes that the rich deceive the poor and that people are more easily manipulated than they realise. Based on real historical events, The Fraud is a dazzling novel about truth and fiction, Jamaica and Britain, fraudulence and authenticity, and the mystery of 'other people.'

The adored designer Coco Chanel is the subject of V&A’s next major exhibition. ‘Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto’ will explore the French couturiere’s enormous influence, from her Parisian roots to establishing the House of Chanel. This is an in-depth look at the looks that defined the look of a century. It’s good they’re concentrating on her fashion manifesto though, because her political one hasn’t aged particularly well.

Looking for some more styling inspiration? Head over to Katie’s Blog where you’ll find styling tips, insider info on the latest launches, and lots more!