Glitz, glamour, and a touch of local drama – Dua Lipa’s latest escapade is giving us all the feels of a Hollywood romcom! The pop sensation, known for belts that make us want to dance until we drop, certainly knows how to throw a wedding bash to remember. Freshly tied in matrimony with actor Callum Turner, this power couple descended upon the historic city of Palermo in true jet-set style, roping in an impressive guest list that reads like the who’s who of the music and fashion world – think Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, and Donatella Versace. The three-day spectacle is said to have cost a cool £1.5 million, giving the Amorè of Italian celebrations a run for its money.
But as with every epic story, there’s always a plot twist. Cue the local residents, whose infamous Sicilian charm might have worn thin with an unexpected cover of graffiti and posters, perhaps not quite sold on the idea of Palermo becoming a temporary playground for the A-listers. The colourful sentiment? “Palermo is not for rent!” Broadcast as a cheeky reminder that while tourism is welcome, turning the town into a living room may not be.
Yet, far from a diva-esque dismissal of the locals’ concerns, Dua seems to have taken the DIY-friendly route of smoothing things over. According to Metro, the New Rules queen reportedly splashed out a generous £5,000 to offset any disruptions to local routines, focusing keenly on parking grumbles. Imagine getting a parking ticket… and then suddenly it’s paid for by a global popstar. Beats getting a boot on your wheel!
In an apparent act to keep the peace and the tunes flowing, sources also whisper that Dua and Callum have block-booked Airbnbs in the area, presumably ensuring that visiting pals aren’t crashing the locals’ couch time. Sure, the picnicking in Piazza Sant’Anna with cocktails in hand – neatly adorned and dolled up for the city square’s new role as party central – might make you wish you were peeking through the door with a spritz in hand.
As the celebratory weekend unfolds, the island’s capital has seen everything from spectacular fireworks shows to very private peeks into what a £45m (£33.7m) net worth popstar’s nuptials look like. It’s the kind of decadent unfolding we can’t stop watching – even if from afar, envying every cocktail clink and whispered sweet nothings echoing off those ancient city walls.
