john lewis travel fan

I can't stop wearing this bargain John Lewis three-piece loungewear set

This great value set comes in five colours and has already sold out numerous times.

The £12 John Lewis portable fan you won't regret buying: 'Extremely effective in the heat'

Every summer it's the same story: the weather unexpectedly heats up and suddenly fans are sold out everywhere.

Last year's heatwave was a scorcher and had us feeling weary with no reprieve – it was a very long week of poor sleep.

Read more: When will the next UK heatwave happen in 2023? Here's what we know   (Yahoo News UK, 6-min read)

This year we've decided to get ahead of the inevitable fan shortage and luckily, the John Lewis & Partners Handheld and Foldable Desk Fan , which costs just £12, is finally back in stock after selling out multiple times in 2022.

It's a portable, compact fan that'll keep you cool whether you're working at home, commuting on a packed and sweaty train or bus – or even going for a walk in the park. And, needless to say, it is also a godsend for those menopausal 'heatwaves' too that happen regardless of the weather outside.

The fan's small size means it's perfect for your bedside table, too, so you can let the cooling breeze ease you to sleep.

Why we rate it

The John Lewis & Partners Handheld and Foldable Desk Fan is compact, which is why it's a brilliant multi-purpose buy.

The small but mighty, foldable gadget is nine inches high and has a width of four inches.

This design is rechargeable and boasts three speed settings, so you can opt for a light breeze or faster, more full-on ventilation.

Not only can the fan be handheld, but the handle can fold out to form a stand to prop it up, which makes it easy to position on a table or desk. And it also means it'll sit safely on your bedside table at night.

Plus, unlike a lot of bigger fans, it doesn't make a lot of noise which makes it even more sleep-friendly.

£12 at John Lewis

To charge, all you have to do is insert the charging cable into a standard USB port, and you can still use the fan while powering it up, or juice up the battery ready to keep in your bag for when you start to overheat.

It will operate for approximately nine hours on low speed, six hours on medium speed and four hours on high speed.

The fan comes in two colours too, you can shop it in white and sage.

What the reviews say

The John Lewis & Partners Handheld and Foldable Desk Fan is a heatwave winner as it has received over 800 five-star reviews from happy shoppers, who've taken it on holiday, sat it on the table in restaurants and used it to keep cool during pregnancy.

"First bought one of these 2 years ago – have since bought 2 more (placed in different rooms for my menopausal moments !!) and also gifted a few. Such a brilliant little fan – lovely cool breeze on even the lowest setting & love the fact you can fold & tilt it. Buy one quickly as they always sell fast!!"

"I've been using these wee fans for years and buy them as gifts for my female friends because they all want mine! It sits on the table in restaurants or as hand held in public transport… the guys are wanting them too now."

"I'm pregnant and was desperately in need of a portable fan to help keep me cool in the 3rd tri throughout the summer months. It has exceeded all expectations and is much better than the cheaper alternative that I was going to buy. The fact that it can double as a portable desk fan has actually been a life saver in the office. It's quiet enough that it's not too obtrusive for other people as well. Battery life seems to be great so far as well. Absolutely CANNOT RECOMMEND HIGHLY ENOUGH!!!"

"Much better quality than any other I've seen (and I've looked at and had many). Spreading the word, you won't regret."

"I'm so pleased they've brought these fans back. They are incredible, not too loud and deliver a great breeze even on the lowest level. I bought a load for family as they were impressed with mine and thankfully I can purchase another one for my office. Please don't discontinue this product again."

"This is a fantastic fan, took to USA and was a godsend."

Buy it now: John Lewis & Partners Handheld and Foldable Desk Fan | £12 from John Lewis & Partners

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Click & Collect at selected John Lewis and Waitrose stores. Free collection for orders over £500

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Exchanging currency at John Lewis

Planning a trip abroad can take up a lot of time and effort. We want to make sure buying travel money is the easiest part of your holiday preparations . Whether you’re at a John Lewis buying mini toiletry travel bottles, or at home packing your suitcases, we’ll make sure exchanging currency is at your convenience.

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With excellent rates , we’ll also do our best to make sure you get your money’s worth. We monitor the market daily to ensure we’re offering a competitive rate.

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You can order travel money online to collect it at your local Waitrose or John Lewis , or have it delivered the next working day .

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We promise you’ll never be charged a commission fee when buying travel money from us, so you can save your pennies for those memorable holiday moments.

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Rates on Wednesday 1 May 2024, 10:00

Exchange rates in our shops may vary from those offered online. Click here for our bureau rates .

What our travel expert has to say:

“There’s a lot that goes into planning a trip abroad, which is why we’ve made a point to make sure you receive your foreign currency at your convenience. Whether it’s exchanging directly at one of our Bureau de Change or ordering online with next-day home delivery, we’ll make sure you receive your travel money in enough time. If you’re on the go, you can even pick up your currency at your local John Lewis or Waitrose.”

- Matt Richardson, Head of Foreign Currency

We buy back currency too

Whether you’re back from your holiday or visiting the UK from abroad, we’ll buy back your leftover foreign currency and exchange it into pounds. Like buying foreign currency, selling it is just as quick and easy, with no commission fees, and at a competitive rate. Sell your travel money in-store at any of our Bureau de Change.

Frequently asked questions

How do i buy currency from you.

You can exchange currency from any of our Bureaux de Change in John Lewis. You can also order online with next working day home delivery , or c lick and collect from your nearest Waitrose and John Lewis. 

Exchange rates in our shops may vary from those offered online.

Does someone need to be home if I want my order delivered?

Yes, your order will be delivered by Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed™ service and will need to be signed for by either you or someone else at your address.

What is click and collect?

Click and collect allows you to order online and collect your travel money from any Waitrose or John Lewis store.

Simply select the click and collect option when placing your online order. We’ll send you a collection date in your confirmation email, as well as a reminder email and text message when your order is ready to be collected. Your order will be held for seven days from the collection date.

Your travel money order can be collected from the customer information point at any time during the opening hours of the store.

What currency do I need?

It’s helpful to know what currency you’ll need when travelling abroad before you get there. This ensures you can jump right into the fun when you arrive. For guidance on what currency you might need for your destination, you can ask one of our partners at the Bureau de Change desk or check our rate table .

Are all currencies available?

We sell over 50 types of currency online and up to 30 in our Bureaux de Change. To find out if we stock the currency you need online, you can check the list on our rate table. For in-store exchanges, please visit your nearest John Lewis Bureau de Change to ask one of our Partners, or call 0330 123 3396 to ask a member of our customer service team.

Currencies in-store will be subject to availability.

Is it cheaper to withdraw cash abroad or exchange currency before you go?

Withdrawing holiday money abroad is great in an emergency, but you can’t guarantee the currency exchange rate will be the same as it was when you left home. When using a card abroad, you might be subject to ATM fees. By exchanging currency with John Lewis before you go, you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ll get a great rate and you won’t be paying any commission.

Can you use a credit card to buy travel money?

Yes, you can absolutely use a credit card to buy your travel money. It’s important to know that while we do not charge you extra to pay by credit card, some card issuers charge additional fees for foreign currency exchange payments. Make sure to check with your bank first before purchasing travel money.

How much money do I need to take on holiday?

The amount of travel money you need to take on holiday depends on what kind of trip you’re taking, but it’s always smart to have a budget so you know what to expect. No matter how big or small your budget you should take multiple ways to pay with you, to keep you safe in every scenario. This could be cash, debit/credit cards or prepaid travel cards. If you end up with leftover foreign currency at the end of your trip, we’re happy to buy it back from you at a competitive rate.

How do I find my nearest Bureau?

Finding your closest Bureau has never been easier with our Bureau de Change locator . You just need to type in your postcode and check out your options.

If you’re tight for time, you can also order online and collect your travel money from a John Lewis or Waitrose , or even have it delivered to your home by the next working day .

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Enjoy fee-free transfers using our 24/7 international money transfer service. £100 minimum transfer applies.

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We have carefully selected our travel money supplier as First Rate, with their choice of over 60 currencies, to provide our Foreign Currency Exchange services.

Our International Payments service is provided by trusted global money transfer provider Xe. Xe Money Transfer Service is provided by HiFX Europe Limited and Xe Europe B.V., trading as Xe.

John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners Bureau de Change are both trading names of John Lewis plc. Registered office: 171 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5NN. Registered in England (Registered Company Number 233462). John Lewis plc introduce the panel of carefully chosen providers in Bureau de Change products and services, whom each hold the appropriate licences with the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC.

Foreign Currency online from both John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners is provided by First Rate Exchange Services Limited registration number 04287490 (Money Service Business licence number MLR-64068), whose registered office is at Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, West London, TW8 9DF England.

For UK clients: International Payments at John Lewis Finance is provided by HiFX Europe Limited. HiFX is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, registration 462444, for the provision of payment services. HiFX is a limited company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 3517451. Registered office: Maxis 1, Western Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1RT.

For EEA clients: International Payments at John Lewis Finance is provided by XE Europe B.V.. XE Europe B.V. is authorised by the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank) under the Payment Services Directive II, licence number R149006 for the provision of payment services. XE Europe B.V. is a limited company registered in The Netherlands with company no. 72587873, and registered office at Rozengracht 12,1, 1016NB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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11 best handheld fans of 2023 that will keep you cool when the hot weather hits this weekend

Looking to beat the heat? Cool down on scorching days with our roundup of the best handheld fans available from retailers like Amazon, ASOS and John Lewis

• 15:29, 9 Jun 2023
• Updated 10:28, 6 Oct 2023

The UK is set for a mini heatwave this weekend, which means many Brits will be looking forward to getting out and about in the sun. When the hot weather gets too much, a handheld fan is the perfect thing to keep you cool, but you'll need to get one soon.

With temperatures expected to peak at 27C, getting hold of these handy gadgets that offer fast relief from the heat may be a top priority.

The best handheld fans will save you on stuffy trains, bus journeys and even at festivals, so they're wonderfully versatile. They can also be used to stop makeup from melting as the weather heats up.

Prices on this list start from as little as £2 - so you needn't worry if you're on a budget.

Lightweight and easy to carry, this John Lewis option comes in four stylish colours.

It operates for approximately nine hours on low speed, six hours on medium speed and four hours on high speed.

The fan is even designed with a nifty fold-out stand, making it a wonderful choice for a desk. It also comes with a two-year guarantee.

Get up to 17 hours of cooling time with this handheld fan - perfect for long days in the garden.

This sleek gadget folds up easily to fit in your bag, and it can also be used as a small desk fan when you're working from home.

This small but mighty bladeless handheld fan is a nice, affordable option for anyone wanting to stay cool while out and about.

One very happy customer had this to say about theirs:

"The quality of the item is really good and it has really strong air I really recommend this item and you should definitely buy it!!!!!"

Best handheld fans 2023

Here's our roundup of stylish, discreet and wonderfully portable handheld fans - including options from Amazon. This guide features something for every budget, so you should have no trouble finding the perfect one for you. Ready to beat the heat? As the scorching weather begins, snap up one of the handy gadgets below, and thank us later.

1. EasyAcc Handheld Portable USB Fan

Best overall handheld fan.

• Long-lasting power
• Folds up easily
• Lightweight
• Pricier than other handheld fans

Price: £19.99, Amazon - buy here now

2. John Lewis 4 inch Handheld and Foldable Desk Fan

Best stylish handheld fan.

• Includes rechargeable battery
• Includes charging cable
• Super quiet
• Has a fold-out stand
• Takes five hours to fully charge

Price: £12, John Lewis - buy here now

3. OCUBE Mini Handheld Fan with 7 Color LED Light Base

Best led light handheld fan.

Light up and stave off the heat with this handheld fan that boasts an LED light base.

Not only does it look cool, but has three speed settings and a powerful top speed. It's also rechargeable on standard USB ports (like your laptop), has a long battery life and it doubles up as a desk fan.

• Has a powerful top speed
• Can be used as a night light
• Bigger than other models

Price: £16.99, Amazon - buy here now

4. Portable USB Bladeless Fan

Best bladeless handheld fan.

If you're looking for a powerful fan on a budget, this bladeless device is for you.

Available in white, black or green, it can emit wind from 360 degrees and provides a soft breeze. A USB cable charger is included, allowing you to charge on the go.

• Boasts a stylish design
• Includes USB cable charger
• Too big for small bags

Price: £9.99, Wowcher - buy here now

5. The Tech Bar iFan6 Mini portable fan

Best discreet handheld fan.

If you prefer a minimal look, go for The Tech Bar's sleek offering. It's discreet, can run for up to six hours and is USB rechargeable .

This fan also comes with a neat and handy lid, allowing you to keep it safe when stored away. We love it.

• Super discreet
• Sleek design
• 4-6 hours usage time
• Not very silent

Price: £29.95, Selfridges - buy here now

6. YunTuo Mini Portable Handheld Fan

Best travel handheld fan.

An attractive and handy fan, this little number can work cable-free for up to 15 hours.

Powered with two rechargeable batteries, it has three speed settings and delivers strong power. Six colours available.

• Anti-slip bottom
• Strong and durable
• Come in different colours
• Slightly bulky

7. Halfords Simply Motorised Handheld Fan

Best budget handheld fan.

If you need something cheap, you can’t go wrong with this wallet-friendly fan from Halfords.

Priced at only £2, the affordable model is ideal for keeping stashed away in your bag - and we're huge fans of the colours.

These fans are designed with foam blades, meaning the fan is safe to use and won't hurt your hands or face (like plastic ones do) if you get too close.

Powered by two AA batteries, each one features a 4500rpm motor, which delivers great airflow. Colours may vary.

• Super affordable
• Extra safe foam blades
• Not rechargeable

Price: £2, Halfords - buy here now

8. JISULIFE Handheld Fan

Best multi-purpose fan.

This three in one design not only keeps you cool on hot days, but also works as a flashlight and a power bank for when your phone battery runs low.

Great for travelling, it offers 21 hours of cooling time with one full charge.

• 21 hours cooling time
• Pocket-friendly

Price: £17 .99, Amazon - buy here now

9. Revolution Hand Held Electric Fan

Best for makeup lovers.

If you tend to do your makeup during commutes, this light-up fan is a good bet.

The mini handheld gadget not only keeps you cool with a gentle breeze, but also has built-in ring light that helps you achieve the perfect glam on the go.

• Built-in ring light
• Comes with a micro USB cord
• Only comes in pink

Price: £16, LOOK FANTASTIC - buy here now

10. Dunelm Blue Mini Travel Fan

Perfect for travelling, this battery-powered mini fan has been comes in a striking blue colourway and features a sturdy, durable plastic and steel body.

Price: £5, Dunelm - buy here now

11. Mini Portable Fan

Best bladeless.

This small but mighty bladeless handheld fan is a good, affordable option for anyone wanting to stay cool while out and about, and comes with three speed options.

Charge it up via USB and away you go. One very happy customer did just that, and had this to say:

Price: £5.08, was £10.49 Temu - buy here now

Check out our top tips on staying cool during the heatwave .

We have also picked some affordable portable air conditioning units for your house, should you want some industrial-level cooling down when the temperatures begin to soar.

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John Lewis’s handheld fan could be a heatwave essential – and it’s just £12

Melting in the heat add this portable buy to your basket, article bookmarked.

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Many of us have been reaching for our sunglasses and catching some last minute rays (hello unpredictable weather) while making the most of the balmy conditions this week, but with heatwave temperatures to contend with, a fan is non-negotiable appliance for some.

When the sun is shining and the weather is as hot as it has been over the last week, there’s only so much that a cool drink and a floaty summer outfit can do, so a fan – whether handheld, bladeless or hands-free – is the perfect investment to keep you from melting in the heat.

If you’re looking for localised cooling to target your desk as well as a breeze for when you’re on the go, a small portable, tabletop fan could be the option for you. Luckily, John Lewis & Partners has come through with a portable gadget that’s so good it’s been a sellout hit year after year.

An excellent and cost-effective way to keep cool as temperatures rise, the handheld and foldable desk fan is part of the retailer’s Anyday collection , which encompasses more than 2,400 products that are, on average, 20 per cent cheaper than its other own-brand items.

Costing just £12, the fan has hundreds of five-star reviews and even comes in a choice of two sleek colours, a muted sage hue and a simple white colourway.

Whether you want a fan to pop in your bag, help you drift off at night or keep you cool while you’re working, here’s everything you need to know about the top-rated John Lewis & Partners buy.

John Lewis & Partners handheld and foldable desk fan: £12, Johnlewis.com

Get ready to make surviving the working day in the heat a total breeze – literally – with this small yet powerful portable fan. Measuring 4in in diameter, the fan is compact, meaning it’s not only a great option for setting on your desk but can also be easily slipped into your bag when you’re on the go.

The gadget is rechargeable using a USB port, making it the perfect companion if you're spending a lot of time in your home office, as there’s no need to keep changing batteries.

It also has three different speed settings, so you can adjust the breeze to suit you and, once fully charged (which only takes five hours), it will operate for approximately nine hours on low speed, six hours on medium speed and four hours on high speed.

The fan is designed with a built-in fold-out stand, so you can use it as a handheld option or prop it up on a table. It also comes in two different colours: white, and a soft sage hue.

If it’s a larger fan you’re looking for, we have plenty of other recommendations in our guide to the best ones to suit every space and budget.

Earning the top spot in our round-up , this Vonhaus portable 31in tower fan (£54.99, Amazon.co.uk ) was praised by our tester as being “powerful enough to really make a difference when temperatures soar.” They added that it oscillates up to 70 degrees, yet “it’s only 31in high, so won’t dominate a room. It’s also only 3kg and has a carry handle, so can easily be moved anywhere in the house.”

If you have the budget for it, it’s also worth considering Dyson’s purifier hot+cool formaldehyde fan (now £599.99, Dyson.co.uk ). The high-tech device doesn’t just cool but can also heat a room and eliminate pollutants, including pollen, dust and now also formaldehyde.Even better, the cooling appliance is now on sale with £100 off, just in time of the warmer weather.

Our tester praised the excellent cooling, super-effective heater and impressive air purifier. “We especially loved the fact we could see how clean the air was on the LED screen on the front,” they said.

“No other fan in this round-up has quite the year-round bang for its buck, but you’ll need to be sure you’ll use all its features before blowing the budget on it,” they added.

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Keep cool when temperatures rise with the best air conditioning units and fans

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Best fans from Amazon, John Lewis, Currys and Argos to beat the heat this summer

These are the site's top rated products

• 15:38, 11 JUN 2023

Heat and sunshine blazed across the UK yesterday as temperatures hit over 30℃ for the first time this year. London saw highs of 31℃ and 52 per cent humidity, which meant it was time to crack the fans out.

However, if you were one of the unprepared ones, not realising just how hot it was going to be, then you probably found yourself without any air conditioning or fans. If you’re questioning which cooling fan would be best to tackle the heat, these are just some of the best rated ones around right now.

READ MORE: TikTok viral powder puff that 'blurs' skin made me look like I was wearing a filter

Prices will vary depending on brand and retailer. Currys’ best rated fan is the VYBRA VS001W Smart 3-in-1 Air Purifier, Fan & Heater, which is currently priced at £199.99.

The retailer gives you the option to pay the full cost in one lump sum or you can pay monthly, which will see you dish out just £8.10 per month.

Features include controlling the fan remotely from your phone, has a quiet mode and number of nine cooling settings, and is suitable for a room size of up to 50m³. You can also set a timer for between one to eight hours.

It currently has a perfect five star rating on Currys, as one person said: “Very quiet and quickly make your room cool.”

It’s also available to purchase on Amazon for the slightly cheaper price of £159.99. Customers also raved about the fan on the site, however some pointed out issues with the remote control. One customer said: “Brought this for a small bedroom, and I’m not disappointed, it gives out good air, the heater side of the fan works great, on the lowest setting it quite enough for me to sleep with a nice cool breeze.”

A second wrote: “This is effective as a fan, air purifier and heater. It's easy to use, with a remote control and the sleek design isn't ruined with clunky buttons. It's unobtrusive and great in a modern home. Very quiet when operating too. First class product.”

However some pointed out issues with the remote control.

John Lewis’ top rated fan is the Meaco MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator , and also happens to be one of the site’s bestsellers. Priced at £109.99, with a strong airflow that reaches over several metres, low power consumption from under ten watts, ECO mode for auto fan speed cooling, sleep Mode for optimised bedroom cool, and weighs just 3.2kgs.

It currently has an average customer rating of 4.9 out five, from 630 reviews. One shopper wrote: “This fan is exceptionally quiet so perfect for night time. However I returned it as it makes a beep sound when you turn it on and off or change any settings, which defeats the point of it being quiet. It also oscillates left, right and up, but not down, so it didn't reach our bed.”

A second said: “This fan is just amazing and as other reviews have stated, definitely worth buying. Love the remote,different settings, choice of oscillation and the silence of it all!! Been a life saver for me during these hot weeks, made my sleep bearable.”

A third commented: “Excellent, quality product. Remote very useful, versatile & quietly unintrusive. Gives full room circulation & balanced temperature.”

Alternatively, Amazon’s top-rated is the GLOBAL GOLDEN USB Desk Fan , a portable table fan with three adjustable speeds, priced at £13.99. The USB desk fan uses a silent structure which is engineered to be quiet while delivering strong wind, making it your best partner during the hot summer.

The fan also comes with a USB cable to make it compatible with all USB ports, such as computer, power bank, wall chargers and other USB-enabled power supply, this USB fan is energy-saving and environmentally friendly. It has a perfect five out of five star rating from 56, as customers praised its portability and great for a bedroom or office.

One customer said: “An Excellent and Powerful Little Portable USB Fan. I have tried several of this type of fan in the past and have to say that this one is by far the very best that I have tried. It is portable, powerful and holds its charge for a decent amount of time. If you need cooling very quickly, or you need a fan to take to work or on your travels in a hotel room, then this is the one for you. I found it so good that I bought another two of them!”

Another commented: “This little powerhouse is like a personal breeze generator that fits perfectly on my desk. With three adjustable speeds, it's a tornado when I need it and a gentle summer breeze when I don't. Say goodbye to sweaty work sessions and hello to productivity! This fan is a must-have for anyone who wants to keep cool while conquering deadlines. Don't underestimate its size, it's a mini miracle!”

Lastly, Argos’ top dog is the Challenge 16 Inch Ped & Desk Digital Fan at £90. It’s also possible to pay in three instalments at £30 via PayPal, and customers can also collect Nectar points.

The fan features eight different speed settings, includes a remote control, an adjustable tilt, a 1.8m cord, and is supplied assembled. It has a 4.8 out of five star average rating from 256 reviews and 98 per cent recommendation rate.

One customer wrote: “Top rated fan on Which, better than a Dyson! Such good value for money.”

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A second said: “I bought this fan last week ‘ assembled very easily. Features are very smart with remote control and manual control. No noise at all’ steady stand.”

A third commented: “Bought this for a top floor attic room and it’s excellent , very quiet and enough setting that I can set a nice breeze for keeping it on all night. Very happy.”

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Fans are loving John Lewis' new five-piece summer dress collection

They're selling fast!

Printed midi dresses are pretty much a summer staple by now, with countless styles popping up all over the high street this season.

Easy to style for work, weddings and weekends alike, a midi dress is easily the most versatile piece you can buy at the moment.

So, we're hardly surprised that John Lewis & Partners' new five-piece midi dress collection is proving so popular with fans...

Each of the statement dresses in the capsule AND/OR La Galeria Elefante range boasts a bold and bright print with three-quarter sleeves and a flattering V-neckline.

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article

AND/OR La Galeria Elefante Mexicana Fern Print Tiered Maxi Dress, Red/Ivory

AND/OR La Galeria Elefante Kimono Paisley Print Midi Dress, Blue/Ivory

AND/OR La Galeria Elefante Kimono Feather Print Midi Dress, Ivory/Grey

AND/OR La Galeria Elefante Mexicana Shell Print Tiered Maxi Dress, Shell Blue/Ivory

While they're a little on the pricier side at between £165 and £195 a pop, they're the kind of summer midi dresses you'll wear year after year, styled with white trainers by day and heeled sandals by night. Sign us up now.

The new collection was created with Victoria Durrer-Gasse, the designer behind Ibiza's cult store La Galeria Elefante – and each piece has a touch of her signature floaty, boho-chic style.

"I love this!" wrote one fan, while another added: "So gorgeous".

And there was a similar reaction when the brand shared a snap of fashion influencer Katherine Ormerod wearing the Jody Star Maxi Dress last weekend.

In fact, the Jody has now sold out, so you'd better be quick if you want to nab a piece from the collection. That said, if the Jody is the one that has really caught your eye, you can sign up to be notified when it's back in stock on the John Lewis website.

And, if you're looking for more summer events dress inspiration, here are some of our high street favourites to shop now...

M&S Collection Jacquard Waisted Midi Dress

Per Una Floral Print Wrap Midi Dress

Whistles Aster Floral Wrap Dress

Boden Jane Midi Dress

Boden Aria Ponte Midi Dress

M&S Collection Floral Print Shirt Midi Dress

Mint Velvet Tori Print Twist Shirt Dress

REISS Arlo Pink Half Sleeve Printed Midi Dress

M&S Collection Lace Waisted Midi Dress

Boden Katherine Midi Dress - Forest Folk Meadow

Simply Be Ruth Structured Maxi Dress

REISS Raya Multi Striped Asymmetric Midi Dress

Oasis Amalfi Floral Print Dress

Baukjen Adele Button Dress

Whistles Devina Henna Print Dress

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Moscow Monumental — the towering hubris of Stalin’s skyscrapers

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When the German philosopher Walter Benjamin visited Moscow in 1926, he noted the city’s lack of grandeur, its absence of monuments, the persistence of “little wooden buildings” that made it seem as if “the Russian village is playing hide and seek”.

Thirty years later, however, the Soviet capital was crowned with seven monumental skyscrapers whose construction had transformed the social and physical fabric of the city.

Katherine Zubovich offers a richly illustrated account of how Stalin sought to turn Moscow into “the capital of all capitals”, a place that would proclaim the Soviet Union’s greatness to the world. The skyscrapers were to serve variously as apartment blocks, hotels, a university and ministries, the concrete expression of a new way of living. Yet as Moscow Monumental shows, the project typifies many of the contradictions and ironies of the Stalinist era.

These showcase giants — reserved for the Soviet elite — did little to ameliorate the postwar privations suffered by ordinary citizens

The skyscrapers grew out of an even grander project, the proposed construction of a gargantuan “Palace of the Soviets” that would, at 415 metres, have been the world’s tallest building. Yet while there was no shortage of futuristic designs for this structure, and a site was earmarked — by dynamiting the 19th-century Cathedral of Christ the Saviour — Soviet architects lacked the necessary technical expertise and were forced to look to America. Zubovich’s account of their supportive reception during visits in 1934 to New York, Chicago and other US cities is a reminder of a period of collaboration later obscured by the superpower conflict of the cold war.

Though the palace was never built — after the second world war, the site was turned into an outdoor swimming pool; in the 1990s the cathedral was rebuilt — the bureaucratic and technical expertise from the project underpinned the skyscrapers’ construction. Yet by the time their construction was approved in the late 1940s, the ideological climate had shifted. The word “skyscraper” was too redolent of US influence, so their Soviet counterparts became simply “tall buildings”. The contrast was emphasised by claims that American skyscrapers — “symbols of the enslavement of man to the soulless machine of business” — swayed in the wind.

The greater contradiction was that whatever their symbolic benefits, these showcase giants did little to ameliorate the postwar privations suffered by ordinary Soviet citizens. Zubovich, an assistant professor at the University at Buffalo, argues that the project made things worse. To clear space for the skyscrapers, which were reserved for the elite, tens of thousands of people were forcibly resettled outside Moscow. While the construction workers were lionised as heroes — except those drafted in from the Gulag — they didn’t get to live there either. (Echoes of some of the practices detailed in Moscow Monumental can be found in China today as municipal authorities radically reshape the urban environment there.)

Under Nikita Khrushchev’s leadership, during the 1950s and early 1960s, the skyscrapers’ prestige declined, and they were held up as examples of “excess” and “individualism”. Yet the Stalinist monumental brand proved more durable. While western architectural styles shifted towards glass skyscrapers, the distinctive tiered “wedding cake” design and classical features of Moscow’s skyscrapers remained popular templates throughout the Eastern Bloc. The style has even survived the collapse of communism. In Central Asia it still connotes power and status, while in Russia the nationalism of President Vladimir Putin seems likely to continue to foster nostalgia for such symbols.

Moscow Monumental : Soviet Skyscrapers and Urban Life in Stalin’s Capital , by Katherine Zubovich, Princeton, RRP$39.95/RRP£34, 288 pages  

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