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Fashion Show Celebrates Young People Living with Stoma Bags Daisy, 15, from Redditch in Worcestershire, is like many teenage girls who enjoy experimenting with fashion. However, her journey with clothing took a different turn after undergoing surgery for a painful bowel condition called ulcerative colitis when she was just nine years old. The condition caused severe stomach aches, diarrhoea, and bleeding, and the surgery left Daisy with a stoma – an opening in her stomach that allows waste to be collected in a stoma bag.Despite these challenges, Daisy continues to embrace her love for fashion. "I literally wear bikinis on holiday, I can wear whatever I want," she says with confidence. Daisy is under the care of Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where she is participating in an upcoming event to raise awareness of young people living with stomas.In March of the previous year, fashion students from South & City College Birmingham teamed up with Birmingham Children's Hospital to design adaptive clothing for children with complex mobility needs. The clothing featured thoughtful details like magnetic buttons and side zips, making it easier for children to dress independently. This collaboration culminated in a fashion show where young patients proudly modelled the adaptive outfits.Building on the success of that initiative, Andrea Jester, an upper limb plastic surgeon at the hospital, is planning another fashion show with a specific focus on young people with stomas. According to Andrea, many children at the hospital have stoma bags, but they often struggle to find clothing that accommodates their needs."I could see that they can't wear clothing like other children – high waisted, low waisted, or baggy clothing. A lot of children really want to wear fashionable clothes, but they feel limited," she explains.This upcoming fashion show aims to highlight how young people with stomas can still wear trendy and stylish clothing, just like any other child. The event is not only about fashion but also about celebrating confidence and raising awareness of the challenges these young individuals face in a society that often overlooks their needs.The event promises to be an empowering experience, showcasing that with the right clothing, everyone, regardless of their health condition, can feel fashionable and confident.
The Red-Carpet Dress Made from Upcycled Rowing Kit When Olympic rowing champion Imogen Grant graced the red carpet at Sports Personality of the Year, her dress wasn't just a glamorous ensemble. It was a bold statement about sustainability, creativity, and the power of upcycling.The 28-year-old athlete, who was named Green Sports Awards Athlete of the Year, collaborated with the London College of Fashion to transform her old rowing kits into an evening gown. This innovative project allowed Grant to merge her passion for the environment with the elegance of haute couture.A Champion’s Mission to Reduce Waste"As athletes, we are provided with so much kit throughout our careers, and sadly, a lot of it goes to waste," said Grant. The constant cycle of new sponsorships brings a steady flow of replacement kits, leaving old items unused. "The way we currently produce and discard athletic gear is not sustainable," she added. "This project is about showcasing another life these items can have, sending a message that reimagining waste is possible."By choosing to wear a dress made entirely from her old sports gear, Grant hopes to inspire athletes and others to think differently about waste, fashion, and sustainability.The Journey from Rowing Gear to Red CarpetCreating the dress was a painstaking process that took two months to complete. Designer Aishvarya Verma, who brought Grant’s vision to life, faced unique challenges in working with high-performance sports fabrics. "We were dealing with materials not designed for evening wear," Verma explained. "The hardest part was taking apart each piece without wasting any fabric." Deconstructing just one item of kit took Verma seven days. But the effort paid off, as the final dress beautifully combined function and fashion.A Dress Rich with Stories and MemoriesThe dress wasn't just made from recycled materials; it was infused with Grant's personal history.The front section of the gown featured the kit she wore during her gold medal victory in Paris.Pieces from her early days as a rookie on the Great Britain rowing team were also included.Material from the jacket she wore at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony added a symbolic touch.Each piece holds a story. I’ve set world-best times in some of these kits. When I handed over a bag of old gear, I didn’t know how it would come together, but the result is incredible. It’s a dress that represents my journey.A Bold Statement for Sustainable FashionBeyond its aesthetic appeal, the dress sends a message about the importance o
Mango Fashion Chain Founder Dies in Cave Tragedy In a heartbreaking turn of events, the founder of the popular fashion chain Mango, Isak Andic, has tragically passed away following a cave accident. The incident, which occurred in a remote region, has shocked the global fashion industry, with tributes pouring in from across the world.Andic, who founded Mango in 1984, revolutionized the retail fashion sector, building a brand that became synonymous with trendy, affordable clothing. Under his leadership, Mango grew from a small store in Barcelona to one of the most recognized fashion chains globally, with stores in over 100 countries. His vision for creating stylish yet accessible fashion has influenced generations of designers and entrepreneurs alike.The accident took place while Andic was exploring a popular cave system known for its breathtaking natural beauty. It is reported that he was accompanied by a group of fellow adventurers when the tragic event occurred. Local authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, which has left both his family and the fashion community in shock.The loss of Isak Andic marks a significant moment in the fashion world. He was known for his innovative approach, blending modern trends with a touch of classic elegance. His ability to understand consumer desires and adapt to market changes played a key role in the company's success. Mango's presence in major cities worldwide is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and creative vision.Tributes to the late founder have been flooding in from business leaders, celebrities, and the thousands of employees who worked under his guidance. "Isak was more than a businessman; he was an inspiration to many, and his legacy will continue to live on," said one of his colleagues.As the fashion world mourns the loss of a true pioneer, the future of Mango remains uncertain. However, Isak Andic’s contributions to the global fashion industry will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
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.