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You're right Jono. It can be spelt differently elsewhere. Having got 2d and 3d now I know my 7 is right but can't parse it. Also a subject I know little of.

Hi Rocky

Think “one” inside a 4-letter house of couture.

I got the theme from 17a, but as that virtually exhausted my knowledge of it, I'm not going to bother. My least favourite compiler anyway....

Finally finished - that was a slog!

Thoroughly enjoyed this.
29 made us laugh out loud for some time
But now stuck on 1 - crossers sia
24 - crossers cmo
and 27 - crossers si

All done. Bit too much Google involved due to not knowing much about the theme. But good to have a challenge. Not a typical Paul again really.

COD either 9d or 11a I think.

Solved se corner, left with 1

I always like a themed puzzle, regardless of whether I have the appropriate GK, as I take it as an opportunity to educate myself further and some of it was well known anyway. Like Brendan, I also liked the way Paul mixed up whether it was part of the wordplay or a def. Great to see 25 making another appearance in the only obvious Pauline clue. The clue that made me smile the most was 29 - though being forced to help both my kids grapple with it for GCSE, it is not a favourite!

Hi Pauly,

1a - I doubt many people will know this word meaning "summer" in the US - take a common 8 letter "gala" and remove the first letter/fails to open.

Your crossers are correct

... our American cousin Geeker had never heard of it so what chance us Brits:-)