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Nail Artist Shea Osei Reflects on Emotional Moment After Seeing Her Work on the Big Screen in Wicked When nail artist Shea Osei was asked by Cynthia Erivo to create nail designs for her character Elphaba in the highly anticipated Wicked movie, she never imagined how emotional the experience would be. After working tirelessly alongside Erivo, Osei was moved to tears when she saw her intricate designs on the big screen during the movie's premiere.Osei, a talented nail technician from Basildon, Essex, has known Erivo for 15 years, and their collaboration in Wicked was more than just a professional endeavor—it was a celebration of friendship, creativity, and trust. When Erivo was cast as Elphaba in 2021, she reached out to Osei a year later, asking her to help bring the iconic character's look to life with custom nail art that would reflect the character's transformation throughout the film.A Longtime Friendship and Professional PartnershipThe bond between Osei and Erivo goes back over a decade, with the two having worked together on multiple projects, including the Netflix film Luther: The Fallen Sun. When Osei received the call from Erivo in 2022, she jumped at the opportunity to create designs for a character as iconic as Elphaba.“I was able to watch it amongst everyone else… I cried. There are many bits that I cried at,” Osei said. “I’m very hard on myself when it comes to my work and what I do. I was checking to see if I had put it on properly, did I shape it properly, and was the ombré good.”A Transformative Nail Design Process for ElphabaOsei’s work on the film involved designing more than 35 sets of press-on nails for Erivo's character. Using various shades of green, ombré effects, and foil designs, Osei carefully crafted nails that reflected the evolution of Elphaba’s character. As the story progresses, Elphaba transforms from a shy and timid figure to a confident, empowered woman, and Osei's nails played a key role in visually representing this journey.“When Elphaba comes into her own and she becomes more confident in who she is when she gets to the Emerald City… she has that confidence and her nails tell that story too. It's more of a daring design and more 'this is me, this is who I am and you will accept me for who I want to be'.” Osei explained.The design process was meticulous, with each set of nails taking up to 90 minutes to perfect. Osei made sure the nails were consistent in style, shape, and design, allowing them to complement the character's dramatic transformation.A Bold and Daring Look for ElphabaIn addition to
How "Pickling a Cucumber" Made Me a TikTok Sensation It all started as a simple kitchen experiment, but for one TikTok creator, pickling a cucumber turned into a life-changing moment. This unconventional journey led them to win a prestigious TikTok award, proving that creativity can blossom in the most unexpected places.In an era where social media thrives on authenticity, this creator struck gold by sharing their raw, unfiltered excitement about pickling cucumbers. "It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about sharing something I truly loved," they shared. The video, featuring a step-by-step guide to making the perfect pickle, resonated with millions, gaining over 5 million views in just a week.What made this simple video so compelling? The creator's infectious passion and quirky storytelling stood out in the saturated world of TikTok. By blending humor with practical advice, they transformed an ordinary activity into a source of inspiration for aspiring food enthusiasts.Winning the TikTok award was more than just recognition. It opened doors to new opportunities, from collaborations with major food brands to a cookbook deal. "Pickling a cucumber taught me that the smallest ideas can lead to the biggest dreams," the award winner remarked.This story serves as a reminder that in today’s digital landscape, creativity has no boundaries. Whether it’s a kitchen experiment or a heartfelt story, the key is to share it authentically—and you never know who it might inspire!
Huge Hats and Saffron Strands: Capturing Africa's Vibrant Moments From fashion-forward moments at Cape Town Fashion Week to the vibrant celebrations of cultural festivals across the continent, Africa's best moments this week were full of color, history, and energy. Here’s a roundup of some of the most striking photographs and events that captured the spirit of Africa this week:Fashion Meets Tradition in South AfricaAt Cape Town Fashion Week, models dazzled in elaborate designs, including oversized hats and bold, multi-textured coats. These striking outfits were complemented by fans as the models showcased the work of South African designer Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba, bringing together traditional influences with modern fashion.A Vibrant Harvest in TunisiaIn Tunisia, Faiza Hamdaoui, a farmer from the north, was photographed during the saffron harvest. Known as the world’s most expensive spice, saffron flowers were gathered in brilliant purple clusters, embodying the rich agricultural heritage of the region.Libyan Women Showcase Traditional Henna DesignsIn Tripoli, Libyan women proudly displayed intricate henna designs on their hands, some adorned with ornate golden jewelry. This photo captured the timeless tradition of henna artistry, a cultural practice that has been passed down through generations in North Africa.Senegal’s Historic MemorialIn Dakar, Senegal, soldiers stood to attention to commemorate the Senegalese riflemen who were killed by French troops during World War II. This poignant ceremony marks the first time France has officially acknowledged the massacre, highlighting a critical moment in colonial history.Cultural Revelry in Dakar CarnivalAlso in Dakar, the city was alive with the vibrant energy of the Dakar Carnival. Spectacularly dressed participants marched down the streets in colorful costumes, celebrating their culture and promoting positive social change with themes centered around the spirit of Ubuntu.A Joyous Wedding in NamibiaNewlyweds in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, posed with their family and friends under the shade of a tree on their wedding day. The joyful celebration was captured in a moment of warmth and togetherness, showcasing the importance of family in African culture.Rising Cocoa Prices in CameroonIn Cameroon, cocoa farmers are seeing a boost in prices, with local farmer Bruno Ebassa proudly showcasing his harvest. This rise in cocoa prices brings hope to farmers and the surrounding communities, as the world’s demand for chocolate continues to grow.Urban Art in Nairobi, KenyaIn Na
The Fashion Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence in Fashion The Fashion Awards 2024 is one of the most prestigious events in the global fashion calendar, where the industry's finest are recognized for their outstanding contributions. Held annually in London, the awards celebrate creativity, innovation, and excellence across various sectors of the fashion world, including design, photography, styling, and sustainability.This year’s edition is set to honor the trailblazers who have not only shaped fashion trends but also pushed boundaries in terms of cultural impact and sustainability. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, The Fashion Awards 2024 highlights those who have made a significant mark, from emerging designers to established icons. Categories such as “Designer of the Year,” “Model of the Year,” and “Sustainable Fashion Initiative” will be hotly contested, with the nominees reflecting the dynamic and diverse nature of modern fashion.The event, which attracts celebrities, designers, and industry influencers, provides a platform for recognizing excellence and inspiring future trends. With its glamorous atmosphere, The Fashion Awards is a celebration of all things fashion, honoring the creative minds that push the boundaries of design and style.As anticipation builds for The Fashion Awards 2024, the event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the visionaries who continue to shape the future of the fashion industry.
Fashion Sisters Champion Black Creatives with Cultureville EventCelebrating Black Creativity in Manchester Adeola and Ronke Jane Adelakun, founders of the African fashion brand Cultureville, hosted an inspiring event at Aviva Studios in Manchester to highlight and support Black creatives. The Black Creative Trailblazers event showcased diverse talents, including musicians, poets, models, and fashion designers, aiming to bridge gaps in opportunity and representation.A Fashion Journey Rooted in IdentityThe sisters’ journey began with a personal challenge: finding African print clothing in the UK. Adeola, after reconnecting with her Nigerian roots, fell in love with traditional fabrics and designs. She returned to Manchester, partnering with Ronke Jane to launch Cultureville.“Starting Cultureville wasn’t easy,” Adeola shared. “It was about more than just fashion; it was about creating a platform for underrepresented voices.”Their experience highlighted the “knowledge and network gap” faced by many Black creatives, sparking the idea for an event that provides resources and exposure.Empowering Black CreativesThe Black Creative Trailblazers event featured vibrant performances and art, creating a space for creatives to connect with potential employers and agencies. Ronke Jane emphasized the importance of action over words:“We have to do more to open the door to Black creatives. It’s not enough to just talk about it.”With Black creatives making up just 2% of the UK’s creative industry, the event seeks to challenge this disparity and create tangible opportunities in an industry worth billions.Looking AheadThe sisters envision Black Creative Trailblazers as a launchpad for careers, fostering connections and driving change. “This is about elevating the community,” Ronke Jane said, underlining their commitment to providing a platform they once struggled to find.
Boohoo Considers Split as Sales Decline Boohoo, the fast-fashion giant, is reportedly contemplating a breakup of its operations after experiencing a significant decline in sales. The company, known for its trendy, affordable clothing, has faced growing challenges in recent months, leading to a reevaluation of its business strategy.In a move that could reshape the brand’s future, Boohoo is considering restructuring its various brands and divisions, which may involve separating certain entities to focus on more profitable ventures. This decision comes as the retailer grapples with lower consumer spending and increased competition in the crowded online fashion market. Additionally, rising production costs and concerns over sustainability have added further pressure on Boohoo's performance.Despite its struggles, the company remains a dominant player in the e-commerce fashion sector. However, the ongoing sales slump has forced Boohoo to rethink its approach to maintaining market relevance. Industry experts suggest that a potential breakup could help Boohoo streamline operations and focus on its most successful brands, allowing it to cut costs and improve overall profitability.The brand's future now hinges on how it adapts to a rapidly changing market and responds to the demands for more sustainable and ethically produced fashion. As Boohoo moves forward with its plans, all eyes will be on how the company addresses its challenges and whether a breakup will provide the strategic shift needed to regain momentum.
"Fashion Wasn’t Meeting My Needs": A Journey Towards Personal Style and Authenticity For a long time, I found myself feeling disconnected from the world of fashion. The constant pressure to conform to ever-changing trends and the idea of what was "in" never quite resonated with me. I realized that fashion, as it was presented to me, wasn't meeting my needs. It felt like a never-ending pursuit of something I couldn't quite grasp. The clothing I wore often felt like it was more about appearance than comfort, more about fitting into a mold than expressing who I really was.The disconnect between what was being marketed as "fashionable" and what I truly wanted from my wardrobe became more apparent over time. I didn't just want clothes that looked good in a magazine or on a runway. I wanted fashion that felt right—clothes that represented my personality, my lifestyle, and my values. I was tired of buying into trends that didn’t serve me and wanted something more authentic, more personal.In shifting my focus away from trends, I started to explore what really mattered to me in fashion. I began to see style as an expression of individuality rather than conformity. It wasn’t just about looking good; it was about feeling good in what I wore. I discovered that personal style isn't something that can be bought off a shelf or dictated by a designer’s seasonal collection. It’s a journey of self-expression, finding what makes you feel most like you, and surrounding yourself with pieces that reflect your personality, your comfort, and your values.As I began to redefine my relationship with fashion, comfort became just as important as style. I no longer wanted to sacrifice comfort for the sake of appearance. I also began to pay attention to the sustainability of my clothing choices. I realized that fashion needed to align not only with my personal style but also with my ethical values. Wearing clothes that are sustainably sourced, ethically made, and versatile enough for daily wear became a priority.Looking back, I can see that fashion wasn't meeting my needs because I was measuring my style by external standards. Once I started focusing on what I needed from fashion—comfort, authenticity, and sustainability—I found the wardrobe that truly served me. Fashion, in its truest form, is about more than just clothes. It's about making choices that reflect who you are and how you want to present yourself to the world.
Cathedral Fashion Show Calls for a Sustainable Reimagination of the Fashion Industry A sustainable fashion event, Fashion on Earth, recently took place in the historic setting of Bristol Cathedral, aiming to raise awareness about the ecological impacts of the textile industry. The event, organized by Sustainable Fashion Week (SFW), showcased designs created "in harmony with nature," alongside an array of immersive activities, including a community catwalk, a makers market, live poetry readings, music performances, and a series of pledges to encourage sustainable fashion practices. The show's backdrop was artist Luke Jerram's Gaia: Our Home Planet—a breathtaking installation depicting Earth as seen from space, underscoring the call to rethink humanity's impact on the planet.Shifting Focus to Sustainable FashionSFW founder Amelia Twine explained that this year’s event took a different approach, integrating performance, poetry, and visual displays over traditional workshops and panel discussions. "We want people to come away feeling something rather than just having information," she stated. Ms. Twine emphasized the urgency of rethinking society’s relationship with clothing and nature, saying, “There is increasing evidence that fashion is killing the Earth, and we’re inviting people to join with us now to rethink their relationship with clothing and nature."With fashion's well-documented toll on the planet, Fashion on Earth seeks to inspire a community-driven shift toward sustainable practices. "The event is totally about feeling," added Twine, inviting attendees to explore their personal connections to clothing and nature.Designs Rooted in Regenerative ApproachesThe catwalk was designed by stylist and community director Lauren Reed, who drew inspiration from the current state of the Earth's soil and emphasized the need for regenerative approaches in fashion. "Community is key to change," said Reed. "If a community can pull together like this, we are unstoppable." The event highlighted textiles crafted from reclaimed fabrics, certified organic cotton, and locally-sourced regenerative wool, illustrating a commitment to environmentally-conscious fashion.Emma Hague from South West England Fibreshed noted the significance of hosting the event in a cathedral. "Using the gravitas of the cathedral to frame this conversation not only amplifies what we are exploring at Fashion on Earth, but also gives us a platform for celebration," she said, underlining the power of connecting art, community, and environmental action.A Celebratory Night of