She has grown up in a life full of wealth, luxury and has been able to have everything her heart desires at the snap of her fingers. So it’s no surprise that Petra Ecclestone’s wedding will be as lavish as her lifestyle. The F1 heiress is set to walk down the aisle with businessman fiancé James Stunt in Italy this week and her father Bernie Ecclestone is believed to have splashed out £1.3 million on giving Petra her dream wedding.

According to the Mirror, the wedding takes place at the 15th century Odescalchi Castle, where Tom Cruise married Katie Holmes, just outside of Rome. Petra’s sister, Tamara, 27, will be maid of honour and 5ft 4in Bernie, who is worth £2.5 billion, will give his youngest daughter away. The three-day celebration is sure to be the talking point among high society, especially the reception where Bernie, 80, has really splashed out.

Eric Clapton, who rarely plays live anymore but is a good friend of Bernie’s and is believed to be getting a £240,000 fee, will perform the first song as the newly-weds take to the floor for their first dance as a married couple. And then the Black Eyed Peas will perform a set for guests at the reception, at a reported cost of £750,000. Renting the Italian castle costs £310,000, which includes catering; guests’ accommodation, and £40,000 will be splashed out on a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

— Daily Mail

Abercrombie & Fitch shares take a nine per cent nosedive

Abercrombie & Fitch shares dropped nine per cent after they bribed Jersey Shore star Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrent into stop wearing their clothes.

Despite being an elite fashion brand with a range of celebrity customers, 300 locations across the US and a history that launched over a century ago — company figures have nosedived.

The label believed the serial torso-flasher was ruining their reputation after frequently exposing his chest in public to bare their logo on his underwear. Sales for the American company are believed to have slumped after the New Yorker was publicly bribed with a ‘substantial payment’.

Designer bosses released a statement on Tuesday, saying they were ‘deeply concerned’ by Sorrentino’s potential to ‘damage’ their image. It said: “We understand that the show is for entertainment purposes, but believe this association is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans. We have therefore offered a substantial payment to Michael ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino and the producers of MTV’s Jersey Shore to have the character wear an alternate brand. We have also extended this offer to other members of the cast, and are urgently awaiting a response.”

On Wednesday, Sorrentino’s cast mate Paul “Pauly D” Delvecchio informatively pointed out that the trendy brand has actually sold a “GTL” T-shirt in the past. GTL stands for the Jersey Shore catchphrase “Gym, Tan and Laundry.” “Hmmm, if They Don’t Want Us To Wear Those Clothes Why Make GTL Shirts,” the DJ tweeted, posting a photograph of the Abercrombie T-shirt, which reads “GTL (you know the deal) Fitch.” The public statement initially sparked rumours of a publicity stunt, given the timing right in the middle of the ‘back to school’ shopping season — but it appears to have backfired.

— Daily Mail

What’s the matter, Julia?

Most people getting off a plane have had a relaxing holiday or have wrapped up a good business deal and are generally in a happy mood when they reach the terminal. So either Julia Stiles is a really bad flier and her tears were of relief or she just didn’t want to be home.

The actress was snapped looking red-faced and rather stressed as she arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday. She appeared to be a little flustered as she arrived at the carousel to collect her luggage. But when she left the baggage claim and made her way into the terminal she burst into tears, leaning up against the wall as she sobbed.

She managed to compose herself and flash a brief smile to let everyone know she was OK. But onlookers were left perplexed at her plight, with some suggesting that a phone call she received shortly after leaving the terminal brought bad news.

— Daily Mail