The hospital gown of the future is finally here. Why did it take people this long for hospital gown manufactures to design a gown that doesn't needlessly expose butts?

British officials have commissioned designer Ben de Lisi to create new, chicer hospital gowns to replace the "hideous, embarrassing" open-backed model. "I wanted the new gowns to feel fabulous and aspirational," explained de Lisi. "It's infinitely dignified, yet practical." [BBC]

• A lesbian couple in Russia have been officially denied the right to marry. The fight for same-sex marriage is relatively new to the country, and has been met with intense opposition. •