CARBON ISSUE 15

INSIDE: THE MODERN MUSLIM LOOK WINTER TRENDS.. THE FUTURE OF FESTIVALS THE GUCCI MURDER ...INTERIOR DESIGN MAXIMALISM AND MINIMALISM.. SUSTAINABLITY... #FREEPALESTINE

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From the editors

As we sit here immersed in the buzz of production day bashing out the pages of Issue 15, it is a memorable time here at Carbon. This issue marks the first time we have been on campus since the pandemic began and we are loving it; slowly building new friendships and memories which were once forbidden by Covid-19. As Covid gradually comes to an end and the long awaited heat of the summer warms our skin, we have tried to bring a summer vibe to mark the start of our new normal.

As life starts back up again, we say goodbye to loungewear and remind you what dressing for a night out or city break really looks like. Check out our winter trends and maxi dress looks on pages 73 and 87. We also shine a light on those brands which have kept us sane during multiple lockdowns, such as, Tiktok and Depop, analysing their impact on the fashion industry- and on our wallets and bodies!

We have tried to include every variety of news, trend and interview into this edition to make sure it appeals to everyone, as here at Carbon everyone is welcome. This issue means the most to us as it is a physical record of a lot of our university firts- bye bye zoom calls and hello real world learning.

Here at Carbon we never disappoint, as even with a global pandemic still lerking around every corner, we have pulled together our most creative issue yet - we hope you love it as much as we do. Tell us what you think @carbononcampus.

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CONTRIB CONTRIB contributors CONTRIB CONTRIB CONTRIB CONTRIB Editor In Chief - Rachel Lamb Art Director In Chief - John Whalvin Digital Director - Hannah Eichler Editor - Olivia Clayton Editor - Lottie George Deputy Editor - Anya Wyeth Art Director - Vicky Horton Deputy Art Director - Emily Grillot

Fashion Editor - Ellie Bicknell Fashion Editor - Issy Whitlock Lifestyle Editor - Emily Benison Lifestyle Designer - Lauren Murphy Arts and Culture Editor - Missy Bennett Arts and Culture Designer - Tara Larkin Creative Politics Editor - Zinnia Bridgman Creative Politics Designer - Mia Curtis Features Editor - Helena Polanska Features Designer - Jen Harriman Social Media Editor - Katie Harley-Walters Social Media Editor - Amy Hardy Front cover image - Ellie Bicknell

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BUTORS with thanks to BUTORS BUTORS BUTORS BUTORS BUTORS Klára Volfová Scarlet Filmer Cody Alexander Ellie Trim Beata Gerasimovaite Mísa Piontková Hannah Green Rebecca Conroy Cailin Leon Victoria Nieto Bella Skinner Meghan Swales Chloe Sharp Izzy O’Connor Matt Holness Sakinah Mustafa Alice Derrica Bryoney Taylor Yvonne Sam Abby Townsend Anna Dalligan Alex Luczakiewicz Isobel Gunderson Charlotte Brooks

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page

CONTENTS FASHION:

CHUNKY RINGS THE RISE OF DEPOP EMO NOSTALGIA MICRO TRENDS SUSTAINABLE FASHION WEEK PICNIC LOOKBOOK TIME TO GO BOLD GET THE AUTUMN LOOK TELFAR MUSIC MEETS FASHION CIRCULAR FASHION CELEBRATING ALICE IN WONDERLAND BLAST FROM THE PAST HKSTYLES BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DAY 20 YEARS OF LRGALLY BLONDE SPEC-TACULAR THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DUPES MUST HAVE MAXIS VINTAGE DEPOPPERS THE ENCHANTED FAIRYTALE WINTER WARDROBE ESSENTIALS Y2K CYBER CULTURE WHITE DRESS EDIT OUTFITS INSPIRED BY FLOWERS MODERN MUSLIM MANNER CELEBRITY COACHELLA DUPES CARBON IN COLOUR

LIFESTYLE:

HAPPY HOUR COCKTAILS IT’S MORE THAN JUST SCENT THE RECIPE YOU NEED FOR CURLS A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN MUA GET FIT WITH US 5 SMALL BUSINESSES ON INSTAGRAM MEET AN INTERIOR DESIGNER HOW TO BEST DECORATE YOUR LIVING SPACE MAXIMISM VS MINIMALISM TOP TIPS FOR A CALMER YOU PARISIAN PLAYBOOK REFRESHING MOCKTAIL RECIPES TOP 10 HEALTH AND WELLBEING BOOKS YOU NEED HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR BROKEN HEART THE BOLD TYPE LETS GET SHREDDY FOR SUMMER WHAT ARE YOUR SKIN CONCERNS? THE GROWTH OF TANGIBLE PHYSICAL PRODUCTS IN A POST-DIGITAL WORLD TOY TRENDS

ARTS AND CULTURE: THE FUTURE OF FESTIVALS MAC’S LEGACY THE GUCCI MURDER YAYOI KUSUMA OLIVIA RODRIGO LEE DOWNER 7 ART MUSEUMS IN EUROPE TO VISIT FIRST YEAR OF UNIVERSITY SOMETHING TO INSPIRE YOU

CREATIVE POLITICS: transphobia: will it ever stop?

COLLAPSE COVID-19: THE FINALE

ASIAN HATE CRIME

#FREEPALESTINE

A CREATIVE

FEATURES: TIKTOK’S IMPACT ON THE FASHION INDUSTRY 10 CREATIVE DESIGNERS ADIOS BEACHES SUSTAINABILITY GETTING TO KNOW NATANYA THE INDUSTRY INSIDER MINIMALISM 101 DIVERSITY AND THE FASHION INDUSTRY DRAKE CHROME HEARTS

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fashion:

8-113 arts and culture: 114-163 lifestyle: 164-191 creative politics: 192-205 features: 206-233

numbers PA G E

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CHUNKY CHUNKY

RINGS

Pages Designed, Written & Photographed by Mia Curtis

&& WHERE TO BUY THEM WHERE TO BUY THEM

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ASOS DESIGN Ring With Baguette Cubic Zirconia Stones in Silver Tone ASOS £8.00

stylisH & chic ASOS DESIGN Pack of 2 Dome Rings in Gold Tone ASOS £6.00

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ASOS DESIGN Ring With Trapped Flower in Gold Tone ASOS £5.00

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BOLD & BRIGHT

Chunky Acrylic Resin Ring in Pink ETSY £10.99

ASOS DESIGN Ring in Coated Metal in Apple Green ASOS £5.00

Hot Lips Chunky Ring in Orange ETSY £13.00

ASOS DESIGN Ring With Twist Design in Pink Plastic ASOS £6.00

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A SOS

DESIGN Ring in Dome Shape in Pink Marble Plastic ASOS £6.00

Y2K Chunky Glitter Heart Stacker Ring in Blue ETSY £2.50

ASOS DESIGN Ring With Twist Design in Blue Plastic ASOS £6.00

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THE RISE OF

DEPOP

Page Designand written by Emily Grillot, Images: unsplash.com

Depop is the GenZ favourite shopping app , the fashion marketplace for the next generation.

It’s a global platform where you can buy, sell and swap clothes, shoes, accessories and much more and could be described as an app which is a cross between Instagram, eBay and the bedroom floor of a teenager! Founded by Simon Beckerman in 2013, the company states that 90% of its users are under the age of 26 and in the UK, it has a huge following with one -third of all 16-24 year olds registered on Depop. It is primarily aimed at millennial and GenZ consumers and is a great way for those who still want to look good but who have concerns about the

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negative impact on the planet. GenZ is also considered to be more cost-conscious and more entrepreneurial than earlier generations. Previously buying clothes to only wear once can never be called ‘green’ and cash strapped GenZ were often blamed for the fast fashion cycle. However, buying secondhand, swopping, up cycling or then selling on, can definitely be seen as sustainable and a great way of reducing your carbon footprint. For 75% of Depop users, reducing their clothing consumption

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THE

FEELING OF ‘PRE’ LOVE

is a powerful motivation. For this young age group, entry to Depop is so easy. All you need to do is set up a profile, take a picture of the item to be sold and upload. Prices are all very affordable and half these young users feel that buying secondhand is a way of finding something that is ‘one of a kind’ whilst others want to keep up with the latest trends. Depop is a community and its fun to keep up to date with your friends activities, like, share and comment.One of the main reasons for the huge success of Depop is that by becoming a top seller on Depop, you have effectively started a fashion business from your bedroom and this can be the start of fame and fortune on YouTube or Instagram. Trends are less dictated by brands and are now set by influencers. For these influencers it is vitally important to stay on top of the latest trends. Many teenagers and influencers will say that checking out what’s on. Depop is a great indicator of what new trends are appearing. New styles can be seen on the app months before they go viral on instagram. Depop has also seen growth helped by a different trend. Some users go to great lengths to buy for

limited editions of collectible or very on-trend items and then sell on to other enthusiasts. These products may or may not have been used and can include items such as limited edition trainers, expensive t-shirts or one -off collections. What started as a way of decluttering by selling unused or unloved items of your own, has now become a way to a lucrative business for some users. Depop’s top sellers can make a substantial living with some earning over $100,000 annually. The combination of online store and social network really helps top sellers show their personality, style and brand and develop a committed following.

HOW TO CLOTHES

SELL

YOUR ONLINE

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The rise of Emo and Y2K Nostalgia is fully grown and reinvented now in 2021. With the popularity of TikTok, the social media platform has introduced our roots of emo style back into the spotlight. With TikTokers such as @yasminesummanx and @thestrawberryhayes, the emo style has become much more accepted than it was two years ago. The app celebrates difference within alt styles, and many share their 90’s/2000’s emo nostalgia looks with the rest of the world.

A main trend within the nostalgic emo community is the colour palette of pink and black. This is highly influenced by the emo rapper Lil Peep, who expressed emo fashion alongside layers of quirky items, accessories, and custom pieces. The colour palette brings a sense of light to the darkness, making the emo style softer than expected, changing perspectives on the connotations that come with the word ‘emo’.

This style has become so popular that we are seeing it more within the music industry, even to artists that we wouldn’t expect it from. An example of this is Willow Smith. We all remember her iconic ‘ Whip My Hair’ song back in 2010 but she has just come back and hit us hard with her new song ‘t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l’ showcasing her new alternative, emo looks with fishnets, coloured makeup and of course eyeliner.

Another platform that celebrates the reinvention and throwback of emo style is YouTube. Many upload videos showing their alt finds through Charity Shops and all brands from Drop Dead to Shein. A main YouTuber that has carried the emo style is ‘Internet Girl’ (Bella McFadden). She welcomes the idea of alt fashion and even refers to it as ‘trashion’ because in some cases, the style is developed by experimenting with old, y2k pieces that could be seen as ‘trash’ and ‘ugly’ but reinventing them to bring back nostalgia but also bring a new sense of fashion to 2021. This welcomes the idea of ‘creepy’ and ‘cute’ to the emo style. Elements that are popular within this style, is merging uncommon things together, almost creating a juxtaposition. Many cute elements such as pink things, Hello Kitty accessories and teddy bears are all used within the genre of fashion, but they are reinvented and altered to suit the uncommon aesthetic. This could be through adding devilish aspects to a cute character (as shown on the Drop Dead hoodie on the left), customising it yourself through pens and spikes or even just pairing pink and black together! Bella McFadden also uses Depop to her advantage. She sells on second hand pieces that conform to the style of emo and she also creates private listings for individuals who want to purchase a whole outfit that she styles personally and specifically for that person. She asks for sizes, measurements, favourite colours and overall aesthetics. So, if you want to try this emo nostalgia style but are unsure of where to begin, consider buying a custom styled outfit by Bella!

Written, Illustrated, Designed and Styled by Tara Larkin, Image by Missy Bennett, Modelled by Tara Larkin.

As seen throughout Tiktok, a main aspect of this style is bringing back nostalgia especially through heavy chains, fishnets, platform trainers and even flared trousers. All of these items were popular within the 90’s and 2000’s and are being welcomed back into fashion. This creates connection to young adults, and allows them to have fun all over again. These items are all so versatile within themselves and the playful thing about this style, is that there are no rules. You can layer and layer until your heart’s content! Fishnets can even be used as a layered top, adding depth and detail to simple pieces, creating this as a staple look.

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Beauty trends are also being affected by the rise of emo nostalgia. A main element of this is eyebrows. They shape the face and can completely change the aesthetic of the whole outfit. Within this emo style, shaving eyebrows has become the new perfect brow, allowing individuals to draw their desired shape no matter what, and always be able to change it up. This is versatility at its finest! Alongside the brows, eyeliner is a must have for this style. From one simple flick to large graphic liner, it adds depth and that rebellious effect that emos always desired.

The word emo was always taboo and placed many outsiders into a box but in 2021, it is now becoming a style on its own to celebrate and allows young creatives to express themselves and their identity. The nostalgia comes back showing how much fashion has changed within the years, and now industry is bringing back styles from years ago, individuals reminisce on a certain time in their life and their older interests. The emo style is always associated with full black, heavy makeup and nothing less. But in 2021, it is freeing, playful and thanks to TikTok; widely much more accepted in modern day society. Instead of black leather jackets and baggy clothing, it can be a mix of whatever you want it to be. Crop tops, fishnets, jumpers, hoodies, flares... you name it, this style has it! Why not experiment with the pink and black aesthetic yourself?

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Image by Tara Larkin, Modelled by Missy Bennett.

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trends. micro /ˈmʌɪkrəʊ trɛnd/

noun

A microtrend is a tendency in the direction of some phenomenon that is fairly pervasive within a given sphere of influence and lasts for a few years.

Trends in fashion come and go, this is inevitable. Those who study fashion know about trend cycles and Lavers law and how pieces come in and out of style every decade or so, like who could have seen kitten heels coming back again? (other than the industries forecasters and manufacturers) However, those comeback trends whose life cycle is never-ending aren’t the ones causing damage, if anything they encourage buying classic pieces that will “never” be out of style. The trends causing irreversible destruction to our environment are micro-trends, these are trends so short-lived that by the end of the season they’re already catching dust at the back of your closet.

Text: Caitlin Coughlan Léon, Images: Unsplash.com, Page Design: Emily Grillot

Can’t think of any? Let me track your mind back to mid-March when the £98 House of Sunny hockey dress was all the rage, flooded all over Pinterest, Instagram and tik tok, it was predicted the dress of summer but by May its already popping up in charity shops and can be found on depop for a fraction of the price, so not only are these fleeting trends detrimental to our environment but also to our wallets.

Another example in accessories, the infamous black-framed yellow lens sunglasses, by the time we have enough sun to use them we’ll be on a whole new trend.

These micro trends are an offcut of fast fashion and are being pushed out just as fast as they come in. Fashion has never been so accessible so it is understandable that people will buy into trends as its the easiest way to take part in fashion culture and feel included, it’s fun and it makes people feel more confident when they see people online in clothes they own, its also 10 times easier to buy peoples outfits rather than pieces you don’t know how to wear.

Trends have always existed and always will, the difference is 30 years ago consumers were influenced by fewer cultural outlets, for example, they took their inspiration from movies, music videos, celebrities and TV, in 2021 we are so oversaturated with inspiration, we have so many social media platforms dedicated to not just fashion inspiration but influencing, urging us to buy into these microtrends, Tik Tok, Instagram, Pinterest and 21 Buttons just to name a few.

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Microtrends are the origin of our overconsumption of clothes, the average American is throwing away almost 30kg of clothes a year and only 13% of it is being recycled. As the fashion industry accounts for up to 10% of global pollution, 3.9kg of clothes being recycled per American isn’t nearly enough to sustain these shopping habits. While buying our was through these trends might be easy on our pockets due to fast fashion prices, constant sales and pay later instalment plans like Klarna and Afterpay, its not very easy on the environment as every time we over shop, a massive fashion corporation starts to overproduce. Industry overproduction is currently running at 3040% every season, so the same way we throw away clothes we don’t wear, billion-dollar companies are doing the same on a scale so much larger. The price of staying ‘on trend’ is too high on the environment, is it even worth it?

Developing your own style sounds almost impossible when you’ve been relying on trends to tell you what to wear your whole life but there’s an easy way to do it while simultaneously using up clothes you already have. Open up your closet so you can see every piece you own, start by making a pile of clothes you wear most often, these will mostly be basics but that’s ok, then start to look at the micro trend pieces you bought on a whim but only wore once and use the time to decide if you can make 10 outfits with that piece, if not, sell or donate.

Now with the pieces you wear most often, use those social media platforms that were once pressuring us, to find ways to style and accessorise those basics. Investing in good quality denim and thrifting cool t-shirts and accessories is my best tip for curating a wardrobe that moves from micro trends and one-wear pieces to a wardrobe full of stuff you will actually wear.

Worldwide, over 100 billion items of clothing are produced each year. Thats 14 items for every person on the planet

3 out of 5 fast

fashion garments end up in a landfill within a year of purchase

Avoiding buying into micro-trends or fast fashion altogether isn’t easy, it’s not something everyone can afford to do and cutting it out completely isn’t realistic for everyone. Discovering and developing your own style is one way to steer clear, it can be overwhelming to get rid of the mindset that you have to dress the way your favourite influencers do or stay on trend with what you saw on tik tok or even small things like buying a new outfit for every outing but with some practice you can train yourself to ignore constantly changing trends whilst still feeling fashionable in your own clothes.

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SUSTAIN ABLE

FASH ION WEEK

Written and designed by Anya Wyeth. Images sourced from Sustainable Fashion Week

Do you want to be involved in the UKs first Sustainable Fashion Week? Find out everything you need to know right here.

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WHAT

WHY

Sustainable Fashion Week will focus more on educating and inspiring the community rather than having the upcoming trends walking the catwalk. Throughout this event, SFW will be teaching us how we can still love fashion, while saving the planet at the same time.

For the past few years, us as a human race have been warned that if we don’t change our way of life, then the damage done to our planet will be irreversible.

Today, the fashion industry contributes 10% of global emissions and if the industry doesn’t take action then this will rise to 50% by 2030.

WHEN 11-19 September 2021

WHERE The Sustainable Fashion Week 2021 programme will be focused around the SFW Hub and a schedule of mini events, spread across Bristol and in pop-up locations across the UK.

The inspiring part about Sustainable Fashion Week is that its community-led events. This means its people in the community influencing other people in the community.

GET INVOLVED

Those who are passionate about following the movement in creating a sustainable future for fashion have the oppurtunity to become an ambassador for SFW. If this interests you, visit the SFW Instagram page or email them at hello@sustainablefashionweek.uk.

SFW CORE MESSAGE “As individuals, it’s important for us to recognise and consider the domino effect that our actions may cuase - Regenerate promotes and focuses around the idea of engaging in more circular methods of production, methods that respect and support our planet and the people involved.”

“ The initial step to understand sustainability in fashion is to understand the value of wearing again and again (and again). Fast fashion encourages individuals to buy and dispose items very quickly, adding to an increased waste problem which amounts to a staggering 10,000 items equivalent to £140 million in value every year.”

“Repurposing our clothes helps us care and love our clothes for longer! There’s endless amounts of ways to upcycle your clothes - embroidery, natural dyeing, the list could go on!

“It’s important for us to reconnect and truly stand for what we believe in; a sustainable future for our planet and its people.”

By repurposing we help keep our garments out of lanfills and loved for much longer.”

www.sustainablefashionweek.uk

sustainablefashionweek_uk

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inspired by Zara

PICNIC LOOKBOOK

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CROPPED GINGHAM TOP £19.99

Article Design: Victoria Horton, Photography Ellie Bicknell, ModelS: Issy Whitlock and Anya Wyeth

STRETCH HALTER PLAYSUIT £17.99

OVERSIZED LINEN SHIRT £17.99

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TIME TO GO

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Written, Photographed, Makeup and Styled: Tara Larkin, modelled: Daniel Veck, Designed: Emily Grillot

It’s time to go bold. Wear the makeup, paint the nails, express yourself.

The lockdown had us all stuck in a rut, bored of our own image and sick of the world. Take this chance to reinvent yourself. Take the anger and turn it into something beautiful.

Be bold, think futuristic and become an expression of the world for 2021.

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GET THE AUTUMN LOOK This coming autumn, the summer glow is here to stay and here at Carbon we are so here for it! Embracing your natural beauty and keeping the makeup to a minimum is trend we hope is here to stay. MUA, Sophia Jane who has 7 years of experience in the beauty industry gives us her trend predictions for this coming autumn, along with recommendations of her favourite products she uses to achieve this look. Follow Sophia’s Instagram - @sophiajanemua - to check out just how talented she is!

Sophia’s top products to achieve these looks are -

1 . Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter £34, for a ‘no makeup’ makeup look.

2 . MAC Strobe Cream £26, for that ‘perfect skin’ look.

3 . Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation £34 4 . Brown Kohl Eyeliner - Sophia’s favourite is MAC ‘Costa Riche’ £16 5 . Illamasqua Cream Blusher £23 6 . MAC Lipstick ‘Ruby Woo’ £17.50 7 . Charlotte Tilbury ‘Hells Bells’ £25

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@sophiajanemua

Designed and written by Meghan Swales. Photography by Beth Boreham. Makeup and modelling by Sophia Jane Orr.

“I think with lockdown looking like it will come to an end in early autumn, everyone has found the perfect balance of minimal, simple makeup. Full glam is out and dewy, fresh skin is definitely making a comeback. Pair with laminated brows and use individual lashes to create a ‘fox eye’ look. I also think that colour is making a real comeback. Coloured eyeliner to give a pop of colour paired with cream blusher across the face is the perfect fresh twist on the typical autumn makeup look. Of course dark lips, such as plums and reds, will always be a winner for autumn too.”

@bethborehamphotography

Makeup artist, Sophia Jane Orr, gives us her expert advice and trend predictions for autumn 2021. Expect natural, fresh and super glowy, it couldn’t get anymore dreamy than that!

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Article by Caitlin Coughlan-Léon, images from Telfar.com

T LFAR

To know Telfar you have to know the legend behind the brand, Telfar Clemens, born in queens to Liberian parents, Clemens started off in the industry in 2003 creating his own collection of deconstructed and reconstructed vintage clothes which he sold in boutiques on the Lower East Side and in Soho in New York City. It wasn’t until 2005 when he launched his own fashion brand named Telfar, a genderless, comfortable sportswear brand, that his work was really appreciated. Although the brand has only just reached mainstream fashion, Clemens has worked on some massive projects including an art installation for Berlin Biennale in 2016 and outfits for musician Solange Knowles for a no-phones-allowed interdisciplinary performance at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City in 2017. The “shopping bags” that took the luxury bag industry by storm were released in 2014 but it wasn’t until recently that they became the favourite bag of the year, even receiving the seal of approval from Oprah.

“What the bots are doing goes against what we are about — we are not trying to create fake scarcity — we just have crazy demand.”

Also known as the Bushwick Birkin because of its roots in the Brooklyn neighbourhood and reputation that matches up to Hermés’ legendary Birkin, the affordable leather ‘shopping bags’ has taken over the spotlight. In the last year, they have collaborated with converse on 2 pairs of Chuck 70 High tops as well as UGG on fur-lined versions of their classic ‘shopping bag’ silhouette and it doesn’t stop there, they have released limited collections with Pat McGrath, Supreme, Demon Slayer and UNIQLO. But why the sudden interest after being out for 7 years? It’s genderless, affordable, black-owned, comes in over 20 stunning colours and is accessible, there’s nothing like it on the market.

With high fashion labels coming under fire for their lack of representation and diversity there has been an uprise of support and investment into black luxury. Labels like Hanifa and Telfar are becoming the standard not only for black-owned brands but for luxury as a whole because of their inclusive teams and accessible pieces.

The brand recently came into some trouble with resellers after its July 2020 restock when customers and fans of the brand expressed their discouragement online when they couldn’t beat the bots and grab them a famous Telfar Shopping bag. To combat the issue Telfar Clemens created the Telfar Security Program which gave customers 24hrs to pre-order all the bags they want. The brand has also begun restocking one product a week to keep the label accessible. With all this, the demand hasn’t dropped and Telfar remains one of the most popular luxury bags of the year.

In a recent interview with Jing Daily, Clemens described the absence of gatekeeping within his brand as the future of luxury, where people can buy pieces, at the price chosen by the brand, comfortably, without the rush to beat resellers and bots. Although the attention directed at the brand has only appeared in recent years, Telfar has fostered a customer base so passionate with deep brand loyalty through affordable pricing, staying true to the brand values throughout the years and straying from traditional ‘luxury’ marketing and branding. By constantly interacting with customers and re-sharing their pictures Clemens has built a brand so in touch with its consumers that they forget they’re consumers and become die-hard fans.

- TELFAR CLEMONS

“It’s not for you — it’s for everyone.”

- TELFAR CLEMONS

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MUSIC MEETS FASHION Wriiten, designed and photographed by Missy Benett

We looked at some of the most popular albums from re cent years, and styled the covers into fashionable outfits fit for everyone! Including inspiration from icons such as Doja Cat, Tyler The Creator and A$AP Rocky.

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HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO HION CIRCULAR FASHIO The world is slowly becoming more aware of the true impact that fast fashion has on our planet. With thrift shops, secondhand apps and recycling textiles becoming more popular with younger generations, we are slowly moving closer to an entirely circular fashion industry.

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ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON

Circular fashion is a regenerative system that textiles circulate along for as long as their highest value is upheld. When these garments are no longer of use, they can be safely returned to the ‘biosphere’ without damaging the environment detrimentally. In this so said circular model, fashion is designed with what its next use will be in mind. Due to less than 1% of clothing being reused, as a society we need to start buying first-hand less and reusing more. The toxicity, recyclability, efficiency and biodegradability of a fashion product need to be considered when designing and creating fashion products. Ethical practises are key to moving towards a circular fashion industry and steering clear of products that aren’t produced from recyclable sources.

In the long run, the goal of circular fashion should be to create a lifecycle of products that bring about no environmental damage. Materials that are biodegradable and can be used to help plants grow as compost, should be researched into and considered in place of all fabrics that aren’t recyclable. It is easy to consider circular fashion to be ‘just another trend’, yet in May 2017 the ‘Make Fashion Circular’ initiative was created by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Setting out goals to collaborate with brands and creatives within the fashion industry to move towards a circular fashion economy.

The initiative pushes fashion brands to re -design and re -think their models of operation, transforming themselves into circular brands, creating a more sustainable industry and healthier planet. This transformation will take time, it needs more than just a few brands or individuals on board for it to truly take force and make a visible effect on the world. With more brands trying to shift their ways everyday, it is clear that there is a change happening within the fashion industry.

Nature is struggling to keep up with the constant and overwhelming demands of our rising population. It is estimated that by 2030 the population will stand at nine billion people! Society needs to start taking steps towardsd changing our damaging ways, what better place to start than tackling an industry that causes such a high percentage of climate change. The philosophy of circular fashion is to provide workers in the industry with dignified work, protect the planets ecosystem and reuse materials safely. It is undeniably important for the fashion world to take the jump and become more sustainable; looking towards a circular future can help achieve that goal.

Fashion has always been an industry that allows us to express who we are in a non-verbal form of identification. However, it’s important to be more mindful of where these clothes come from and what harm they are causing, as this is the most important reflection of our morals. It is a well known fact that each year millions of clothes are thrown away and landfills are consistantly growing in size. Solving this problem starts with reinventing the fashion cycle and needs the support of not only brands, but consumers as well. Consider the stores you buy clothes from, are their morals in place? Do they encourage sustainability?

Putting money into fast fashion will not help to eliminate it. Clearly no impactful change can be made overnight, so taking small steps and beginning to venture out to charity shops and online second-hand companies will slowly but surely help to encourage a more circular fashion economy!

An entirely collaborative effort is required for a circular fashion industry. Becoming more engaged and aware of sustainability issues as a consumer will help to push brands to listen to the demands of their buyers. Fashion companies are kept afloat through shoppers buying into their products, so when they are called out for detrimental cycles of production, action is almost always taken to improve their ways. So, make a start today and visit your local thrift store

Written and designed by Jennifer Harriman

or purchase a new outfit from Vinted... one small action can make a substantial impact!

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Design, Photography, art direction: Emily Benison Model, hair and makeup: Ellie Trim

b r a e t i n l e g C lice in A IN

Wonderland

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Its been over 150 years since Lewis Caroll wrote the everlasting story of Alice in wonderland which was followed by Alicce in the looking glass. At Carbon we wanted to celebrate one of the hits from our childhood.

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BLAST FROM

Written by Michaela Piontkova, Page Design by Emily Grillot

THE TRENDS WE LOVED THROUGH GENERATIONS

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THE PAST

Statement Sleeves This trend first appeared in the 17th century / at the time when Henrietta definitely didn’t need to fit her sleeves into a coat. That is the one problem a lot of people had with the trend when it came back. The wishes were heard, however, and designers are now presenting sleeves that are ornamental on the hems rather than having huge shoulders.

Flare Jeans The significant piece of clothes of the 1970’s… and the 1990’s… and now 2020’s. In the 1970’s the jeans were fairly tight with a high waist. On the contrary in the 1990’s the jeans were baggy with a waist so low that they almost looked like they were about to fall down. Today’s cuts are more similar to those from the 1970’s - rather tighter around the waist that is either high or mid raised. They can be styled with basically everything from a basic T-Shirt and sneakers to something more fancy for a party.

Corsets Although it might be one of the most controversial pieces of clothes, it also is one of the most repeated trends. From Marie Antoinette to Madona to Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2021 they keep evolving and luckily for us they are no longer the uncomfortable underwear they used to be.

High Waist Bikini Do you remember when Taylor Swift appeared on a beach wearing a bikini with waist so high that the bottom almost looked like shorts? Those were actually typical swimwear for women during the 1950’s. The trend came back in the 1980’s and then again in mid 2010’s. However this time it seems like it won’t disappear any time soon. And we love it!

Sunglasses Although it might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when someone says “accessories” sunglasses can evolve every outfit. Lots of the styles that are trending this summer are inspired by those that fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot or Mick Jagger wore back in the days.

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HKSTY.LES 20 CRAWLEY

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UK PERSONAL STYLIST

1. HOW DID YOU START YOUR ST YLING JOURNEY? ‘It began in the first lockdown where I was going through alot of personal problems, so the only way I could get my mind off of things was finding something I loved. So I turned my pain into passion and started my styling journey’

2. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY YOUR ST YLE IS? ‘My personal style is very versatile, nothing specific I am open to everything’

3. ANY INSPIRATION? WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO? ‘I don’t look up to anyone or take inspiration. I just like to do my own thing and see where it takes me’

4. HOW DO YOU DETERMINE A CLIENTS ST YLE? ‘They give me a brief/theme, or they will tell me to freestyle it within their budget, I then do my thing and create multiple designs for them’

5. NAME SOME OF YOUR CLIENTS AND DESCRIBE WHAT IT WAS LIKE. ‘BIGGZ THE ENGINEER was my most recent client, it will thrilling as I only had 24 hours to create and get the products in hand for his birthday. He was over the moon with his fit - you can see the results for yourself on mine or his Instagram’

6. WHERE DO YOU SEARCH FOR CLOTHES? ‘I have many personal links when I need certain things, if I’m looking for a freestyle fit, I normally travel and find exclusive pieces for the client’

7. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF A CLIENT INSISTED ON PURCHASING AN ILL FITTING OUTFIT? ‘Professionally I have to keep an open mind, if it fits the clients brief, I will try my hardest to make it look as good as it can. As long as my clients happy, I am happy too’

8. WHAT CURRENT TRENDS WOULD YOU INCORPORATE IN YOUR CLOTHING SE LECTIONS?

‘Jordan’s 100% are incorporated in most of my fits simply because he has taken over this year and has no competition in the trainer industry’

9. ANY AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE? ‘To grow and go global’

‘‘ONE OF LONDONS FASTEST RISING STYLISTS’’ - @DISCOVERFASHIONUK

H K S T Y. L E S

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DESIGNED AND WRITTEN BY: BRYONEY TAYLOR / IMAGES: @HKKAYY/@HKSTY.LES

@HKKAYY/@HKSTY.LES ON INSTAGRAM

n e t h g i Br

Top: Primark Skirt: H&M

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Jacket: H&M

Skirt: H&M

Hairband: SHEIN

Design and Photography: Emily Benison Model and Hair and Makeup: Emma Vickers

UP

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r u o Y

Top: H&M

Top: Primark Skirt: H&M

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. . . y a D Dress: Primark

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20 Years of...

LEGALLY blonde ...inspired outfits Pink Floral Split Thigh Cami Dress - SHEIN Chain Shoulder Tote Bag - ASOS

Designed and Written by Amy Hardy

Faux Leather Co-ord - I SAW IT FIRST Pink Sunglasses - SHEIN Faux Leather Bag - SHEIN

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Black Straigh Leg Jeans / Pink Mesh Tie Up Crop Top - BOTH FROM PRET TYLIT TLETHING

Pink Sequin Bikini / White Straight Leg Jeans / Fuzzy jacket - ALL FROM SHEIN

Images from Shein, Pretty Little Thing, Legally Blonde Film

Tie Backless Split Thigh Marble Print Bodycon Dress - SHEIN

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Photography by Izzy Gunderson, designed by John Whalvin

Turn heads with sunglasses that make a statement Finding the best sunglasses to suit you is tricky The good news is, there are plenty of sunglasses trends set to be big this summer

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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DUPES Wanting to save up to buy your favourite designer item, but still wanting to look boguie on a budget? Carbon have gathered a few items to give you that expensive look for a fraction of the price.

Ranging from makeup to clothes.

Chanel Tan De Soleil: £43

Bronzing Face Frosting Ganache: £16.50

vs

NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick: £11.50

Hollywood Contour Wand: £29

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation:

£29

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vs £9.99

L’oreal True Match Foundation:

vs

vs

Shein Twilly Scarf Decor Quilted Satchel Bag: £12.99

Medium Ultramatte Lady Dior Bag: £3,700

Bb Pixel Medium Fit Hoodie: £650

vs

Balenciaga hoodie replic (Etsy): £25

Leather Ankle Boot with Belt: £795

vs

Places such as Dhgate and Vova do really good desginer dupes/ replicas at a fraction of the price. Before you go to buy any replicas, always check reviews to see if there are any images shown of the item or any user comments giving their honest opinion.

Steve Madden Amulet Black– £91.20

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Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Toner: £31

vs

The Ordinary Virgin Marula Oil: £8

vs

Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial: £67

The Ordinary Aha 30% + Bha 2% Peeling Solution: £6.25

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Dr. Jart Ceramide: £30

The Inkey List Ceramide Night Treatment: £14.99

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: £6.75

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil: £61

vs

vs

vs

Dr. Marten Blaire Sandels: £89

PrettyLittleThing Black Cleated Flatform Gladiator Sandals: £28

Balenciaga Recycled Speed Sneaker: £575

vs

Dior Saddle Bag: £2,400

PrettyLittleThing Saddle Cross Body Bag: £16

PrettyLittleThing Stone Woven Wave Sole Sock Trainers: £30

vs Yeezy Sides: £690

vs

PrettyLittleThing Cream Rubber Ribbed Sole Sliders: £15

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Designed and Illustrated by Jennifer Harriman, Images taken by Olivia Clayton

Must Have Maxi’s Must Have Maxi’s Must Have Maxi’s Must Have Maxi’s Maxis Must Have Maxi’s Must Have Maxi’s Maxi dresses are a staple piece for any summer wardrobe.

They’ve taken over store racks and we’re here to show you some of our favourite looks!

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Pretty Pink

In Model: Rebecca Conroy Brand: Vinted Price: £7

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White 78 CARBON - FASHION

Whimsical

Model: Elena Holmes Brand: Zara Price: £45

Little Miss

Model: Rebecca Conroy Brand: Primark Price: £15

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Stripes

Staple

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Model: Elena Holmes Brand: Primark Price: £15

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Designed and Illustrated by Jennifer Harriman, Images taken by Olivia Clayton

Vintage

Depoppers Trash2Treats Trash2Treats is a vintage depopper with over 9000 followers due to having sold over 700 vintage items. All their clothes are reasonably priced and styled amazingly.

Trash2Treats comyains a a variety of different vintage clothes, even including some designer pieces. This is a depopper you need to have on your timeline to make sure you get the best clothes, espically for a night out or day in the city!

@josiefoster

Written and designed by Lottie George. Images from Depop Profiles

Leva Leva is another vintage depopper having a following of near 3000 followers and has sold over 200 items. The images on their profile are all taken so allow the garment to really shine and are always paired with other items to show off how the garment could look. The site mainly contains trousers- but who does not love a pair of low rise baggy mum jeans?!

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@evakittty

AREAEIGHTEEN Areaeighteen is definetly somehwere to go for those abstract vinatge items that you just cannot find anywhere else. They hold a massive following of 29000!! meaning they have sold a grand total of 3200 items. If the clothes don’t grab your attention their photos definitely will. They show off there clothes in a gender- neutral way which is so refreshing. This is a shop were you and your artner can buy clothes together.

@areaeighteen

Becky’s Bazaar From Disney merch to Calvin Klein wraps, Becky’s Bazaar has it all. They upload hundreds of new clothes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This meaning their 44000 following is always up-to-date on their vintage items. The prices are so good for what you are getting it should be illegal! Best place to get your oitfits for a day out with the girls.

@beckysbazaar

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The Enchanted

All the things you need to create a enchanted fairtale theme to your photoshoots...

1. Location

In shoots the location is just as important as the outfit. You need to try and match your outfit to the location to get the maximum effect in your shoot.. For example i matched my deep red dress with the wooded location as deep red and green well compliment eachother.

2. Surroundings

For this sort of shoot you want to make sure the location is sucluded with

Design: Emily Benison Illustrations: Katie Harley Waters and Tara Larkin Images: Unsplash

no people in sight of the camera

3. Camera

Using a decent camera and not the one from your phone will help your images stand out. It will help add more depth and clear quality to your images

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Fairytale4.

Acsessories

Make sure you find accessories that match your outfit! But also ones that stand out to bring the outfit together and make it pop! The more artsy you want the shoot the bigger and bolder acccessories you want and if you want it more natural go smaller.

5. Outfit

For an enchanted fairytale style shoot the dress is one of the key components. Get a dress that flows and one that is nice and simple. I would suggest a long dress but if you wanted to go shorter i would just add more acsessories and make sure you get good shoes to match!

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Winter Wardrobe

Written and designed by Lauren Murphy

Essentials

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Pastel Trousers Winter is on the horizon, and here are the winter wardrobe essential you have to get your hands on. Although summer has only just begun it’s never too early to start buying your winter trends and getting ahead of the game. These essential wardrobe trends will have you begging for summer to be over.

Pastel trousers will transform your outfits and give your wardrobe a bit of flavour. Winter doesn’t mean wearing dull colours therefore, this year it is essential we all have some brightness in our lives. Although pastel trousers have been a big hit this summer it is our prediction that this trend will stick around into winter therefore, if you haven’t got yourself a pair already you better hurry.

Pastel trousers can literally be styled with anything and they make every outfit pop. We have paired our mint green denims with this dog tooth trench coat which is also another winter wardrobe essential. With this outfit we have kept the colours quite neutral to really make those green trousers pop. If you aren’t afraid to stand out in a crowed this trend is perfect for you.

You can get your hands on these essential trends at asos, H&M, Bershka, Stradivarius and many similar clothing stores.

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Colourful Cardigans It’s safe to say it’s going to be a very colourful winter however, it doesn’t see like we want to let the summer feeling go this year. After many of us have been gathering our best summer wardrobes for when life can start going back to normal it seems these winter trends predictions are taking in to consideration that many of will have no money spare to spend on our winter wardrobes. However we ain’t complaining, this trend is what everyone has been living for and it’s not going any where.

Written and designed by Lauren Murphy. Photography by Lauren Murphy. Models: Anahera Dixon and Imogen Hackett

Everyone loves a cosy knit in their winter wardrobe but more often than not it’s a dull brown colour which is why we this trend is so great. It always us to wear our beloved winter knits whilst also bringing a little colour into our outfit. It’s not just about the colours though, this winter is also all about the colourful patterns. If your really want to be ahead of the game this winter then you need to be taking inspiration from the clothing brand house of sunny as they have their knit jumper game on point. As for finding a good staple colourful cardigan, Asos collusion have your back. That is where you can find this beautiful sunset inspired cardigan, perfect for now and winter.

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Leather Blazers Although, a common winter trend, it is expected that this year oversized leather blazer jackets are going to be a wardrobe essential. Trendy, piratical and vintage, leather jackets have always had a special please in our hearts but this year it’s time to switch it up and introduce the leather blazer into our lives, especially brown ones. We are all too well aware of the hype around oversized blazers but never has there been such a desire for leather ones. However, this year that is all about to change.

If you haven’t already you need to consider investing in a descent leather blazer, however if you don’t want to hassle of buying a new one then charity shops are the way to go. As this trend is a blast from the past there are bountiful of unwanted leather blazers a waiting a new opportunity to breath life in to someone wardrobe. Therefore, there is no excuses not to hope of this fabulous trend.

If you weren’t quite over the brown trend from last winter, don’t worry because it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. They the looks of the collection in the autumn/winter 2021/2022 fashion shows there was a healthy serving of brown pieces. One being brown check trousers.

There is a never ending amount of check out there to shop through when winter comes around however if you want to keep to brown then Zara will have you covered.

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CFJC

384499 384499

Y2K CYBER CULTURE

DESIGNED AND WRITTEN BY: BRYONEY TAYLOR

?

FUTERISTIC FASHIONS OF Y2K

C F J C F1J C809 CYBER CYB 9 7 CFJC 94 CARBON - FASHION

FASHION B ER CYBER CYBER

Since the last century, Y2K cyber fashion has reached it’s peak popularity. Latex, bright colours, nylon and PVC. Body glitter, bubbly shoes that were huge, giant swishy pants wraparound shades, body glitter - you name it. Every music videos in the 2000s had this, even artists throwing their hands into fish-eyes lenses, bouncing off the walls of some kind of space pod.

People interested in Fashion often wonder why a trend is popular at a certain time. But this trend is obvious. The big rise of the Internet, coding, cell phones and the personal computer. House music, cyberpunk rave culture and sci fi all fit into the cyber experience which is definatly due for a comeback.

Within the change of the millennium, experimental fashion expanded. People started to mix fashion genres that were unusual like grunge and pop and hip hop and rock. Movies set the tone for how people in the newer generation would dress, for example The Matrix and Mean Girls. Increasing globalism with films featuring international fashion aesthetics like Fast and Furious

mixing anime and hip hop and pop music blended with

skateboarding was groundbreaking for the fashion world at the time.

At this current time and even since 2010, we are seeing a fusion and punk-rock, skateboarding aesthetics, hip hop and Asian pop coming together creating the same cyber punk style that fell off in the early 00s. Unlike before its like it is here to stay with us as the internet is one huge burning pot of fashion. As more and more people have access to the internet and we have the clash of cultures the burning pot will continue...

MUSIC VIDEOS & MOVIES If you haven’t seen any of Missy Elliots music videos then please go and watch one right now. They are the definition of a Y2K cyber music video. Missy Elliott’s videos can’t be classified under Y2K futurism because they are, quite frankly, in a league of their own.

‘Sock It 2 Me’ has Missy, Lil’ Kim, and Da Brat flying above Earth as some form of robot warriors on an alien planet that is far too hyper pigmented, fighting some sort of androids and dancing through space. ‘She’s A Bitch’ made in 1995) is a largely cyberpunk, mili-

Missy created worlds in which Black women were the main characters of the cyber future. Missy explains the philosophies of Afrofuturism which is a multi genre which taristic and monochromatic declaration of unapologetic power and induvidualism.

presents “the black cultural experience of freedom achieved through sci-fi, ancient African cosmology and magical realism.”

Even though Missy Elliot and Hype productions ‘created’ the presence of futurism in the music culture, the video that drew the blueprint for Y2K cyber futurism was Michael and Janet Jackson’s ‘Scream’ in 1995. The only and first collaboration between the siblings, Scream was their musical reckoning with everything that annoyed or upset them about the media and society at the time.

Smashing percussion, an industrial soundscape, and tense vocals punctuated their frustrations.

The video included the Afrofuturistic tradition from videos circulating at the time, imagining space as the only place that the siblings could be free from the struggles that followed them in their Earth lives. They bounce around a hyper modern ship in space which comes with a zen garden, lots of furniture and hallway space. It’s influence is in the set design for the remainder of 90s music video interpretations for the future.

TRENDING

Because of its popularity on social media, the Y2K cyber trend has been taken in by one generation in particular, Gen-Z. In the early 2000s, for a typical Gen-Z, will symbolize a childhood filled with tacky lip balm palettes, Bratz, Lelli Kelly and Groovy Chick. There is definatly a childish aura to this trend which explains why so many Gen-Zs might adopt this style because of the nostalgia that is all about this era of fashion. Adopting this style is so much easier now due to thrifting and buying clothes from resellers such as Depop and charity shops. Y2K is available to everyone hence its big come back this trend is here to stay for the foreseeable future - sorry if you hate it...

Y2K cyber fashion is a rehash of the 90s streetwear but with added futurism and cyber to the mix. The early 2000s was due for a comeback and is made fashionable again, also encouraged by pop culture and as per usual social media and celebs. Celebrities like Bella Hadid have been sporting Dior’s Saddle bag (a reinvention of the early 2000s original) since 2018, and designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci have been making logo mania great again. Spice Girls are even making a re appearance with their reunion tour back in 2019 bringing even more attention towards the trend.

Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok

have also been taken over by the Y2K cyber trend which has users sharing outfit inspos such as diamond encrusted tracksuits, butterfly clips and big over sized jeans which they will then take to the streets making it unavoidable.

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THE WHITE DRESS EDIT

FOUR WAYS TO Wear white dresses THIS SUMMER 96 CARBON - FASHION

BEACH CLUB

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PICNIC DAY

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FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL

NIGHT OUT

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Rose

s

PrettyLittleThing

Outfits Inspired

By Flowers

Red Wrap Dress £19.00

Red Cut Out Trousers £16.00

Written by Amy Hardy, Page Design: Emily Grillot

Red Satin Crop Top £15.00

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Carnations

PrettyLittleThing

Frill Blazer £22.00

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Peony Pink Taylored Shorts £22.00

Floral Milkmaid Crop Top £26.00

Pink Towelling Dress £26.00

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shein

Daisy

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Modern Muslim Manner

Just like Carrie in ‘Sex and the City 2’ I have always had an admiration for Islamic fashion. Due to Covid-19, this is now the second year in a row that celebrations such as Eid, or Hari Raya, as it is more commonly known in Asia will be limited or even put on hold for most. Typically, the celebration included dressing up, visiting family and eating. But, this has not stopped the younger generation of Muslims still dressing up for the occasion. This leading to the new era of modern Muslim fashion wear.

Written and Designed by Lottie George. Images from thepatenthijab Instagram

In Islam, it is expected that both men and women dress modestly, otherwise it is considered Haram- meaning forbidden. Muslim women are given special garments to help keep their modesty. One that is commonly known is the hijab, the word actually describes the act of covering up but is also used as another name of the headscarves worn by the women. Muslim women are allowed to use any scarf as a hijab, however, different colours and styles of headscarves can be associated with different cultures. Not all women wear hijabs, it is a choice in most countries, the same goes for women who decide to wear niqab or even burkhas. Niqab’s are like headscarfs but cover the face as well but leaves the area around the eyes clear, whereas, a burkha covers the entire face of the women- this is the most concealing of all islamic veils.

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The new generation of Muslims, also known as Gen M, have taken their traditional clothing and turned it round to fit today’s trends and styles. Shenty Felizianna told BCC “Modest wear- people will think about dull, boring, not stylish…when Fashion giants such as Nike, Mango and Uniqlo took this modest fashion into their game is changed everything’. Everyone believed that Muslim women could not wear trendy clothes as it would lead to them in tight or revealing outfits which is haram.

However, this is not the case at all women can wear garments such as; maxi dresses, maxi skirts, trousers and blouses, and still look stylish, yet, keep the modest aspect of it all. The big factor in the new style of clothes if functionality, “ When you have sleeves that are slightly tapered … it is not practical for a modest Muslim woman going to do her prayers. That is why we usually add zippers so that they are able to roll their sleeves up when praying” Sasha Ahmad, Zamora Modest Wear Lead, told BBC. Modest Wear Designer Nina Aziz stated that due to Covid, they had to find a new way to make garments stylish, practical, modest but also comfortable for the women wearing them.

When looking online I decided to see how easy it is for Muslim women to have access to this new style of clothes, without having to go on specialist sites. As mentioned before, brands such as Nike, Mango and Uniqlo have already stepped up and followed the trend of the Gen M, the same goes for other sites such as Shein, who sell a range of scarves that can be made into hijabs, and also PrettyLittleThing, who have a small collection of dresses with built-in or matching hijabs. Unfortunately, many sites like Boohoo, New Look, River Island and Zara do now sell any garments that are specialised for Muslim Women. The women can still shop in these shops and find suitable clothing, yet, they are not given a range unlike those who are ‘tall’,’ ‘petite’ or ‘maternity’. This is a real issue that the industry needs to address, as Muslim Fashion is a multi-billion dollar market.

Is modesty the best policy?

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Celebrity Coachella Dupes

Written and designed by Katie Harley Waters, images from store websites and Pinterest

Dupe: FashionNova After Sunrise 2 piece Mesh Cover Up set - Neon Yellow $29.99

Here are the 3 top trends from last Coachella that you need to add to your summer wardrobe!

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Winnie’s Neon bikini cover up Winnie’s last Coachella looks blew everyone away, especially this neon bikini coverup. This was one of her many looks for that event and she did not disappoint! This is a perfect outfit ready for Ibiza by the pool.

Harlow turned a lot of heads when she entered Coachella with her neon co ord and bubblegum hair. Pair this outfit with chunky trainers or flip flops to create an ultimate eye-catching look.

Winnie Harlow: Misurare Umbria Bikini $155

Hennessy’s cowboy chaps

Dupe: SHEIN Cow Print Velvet Tube Top & Skirt Set £8.49

Hennessy Carolina: Pink Cow Print top, chaps and matching cowboy hat

Cardi B’s little sister appeared at the 2019 Coachella festival in a matching cowprint top, chaps and hat. Unfortunately we don’t know where her fit is actually from but she absolutely rocked it! She paired this outfit with denim shorts and Dior sunglasses. This dupe from SHEIN is perfect when you want a unique outfit on a budget. Pair this outfit with trainers and a statement necklace and you have a perfect outfit to wear in the day and can even transfer into an evening look.

Billie Eilish: Imran Moosvi Louis Vuitton printed denim jacket

Billie’s LV Prints Billie Eilish is very well known for her baggy, oversized designer clothes.

Especially her designer printed co-ords. At the 2019 Coachella, Eilish wore this combo on stage and in that infamous moment she met Justin Bieber!

However, this piece isn’t actually owned by Louis Vuitton as it is custom made by a bottlegger Imran Moosvi. This dupe however is very affordable and available. Layer this jacket in the evening on your festival day outfits to stay warm whilst still adding the style.

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Photograohy by Ellie Bicknell. Modelled by Issy Whitlock and Anya Wyeth

Carbon in colour

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HAPPY HOUR:

WE’RE OPEN FOR BUSINESS

STRAW

Y R R E B

mer !

It’ s tim e to twi n wit h you r fav our ite coc kta il this sum

IN

S T N E I GRED

“ When life gives you strawberries, mak e a daiquiri!”

500g strawb

erries, hulle

200g ice 100ml rum Juice 1/2 lim

e

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written, designed and photographed by; Victoria Horton, Model; Margs Afatsao, Makeup Design; Diana Das Neves Sousa

DAIQUIRI

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COL

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A N PI

“You are the pina to my colada.”

Ing red ients 120ml pineap ple juice 60ml white r um 60ml coconu t cream

ADA

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e ingredi nts

be s u c e c i s l df u fe w h an ic e c r ush e d u raçao c e u l b l 100m o dk a v l m 0 0 1 , ju ic e d n o m e l , ju ic e d e 1 g n a r o 1 u ic e d 1 l i me , j n o ch e r r ie s chi 8 m a ras sy r up e h t f o 1 tsp a te r w a d o s 200m l

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MARTINI

“ On fridays,

pornstars belong in the martini

ingredients

1 passion fruit , (juiced) 1 passion fruit halved, (to decorate) 60ml vanilla vo dka 30ml passoa 1 tbsp lime juic e 1 tbsp sugar s yrup shot of prosec co

X”

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It’s

more

Written and designed by Charlotte Brooks, Images from Unsplash.com

than just a

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scent Everyone loves to finish getting ready with a quick spritz of their favourite perfume before running out the door. But have you actually thought beyond smelling good? Why do we wear perfume?

Why do we have a favourite fragrance? And what does your go-to scent say about you? Here at Carbon we have all the info you need about the psychology behind perfume.

IF YOU LIKE...

CITRUS SCENTS

You are a powerful invididual ready to conquer the world like a boss! You’re extremely organised, productive and like having plans set for the day.

Getting up in the morning with confidence is not an issue for you and you can easily step up as leader in the pack.

TRY OUT: Jo Malone Orange Peel Cologne, £55

FLORAL SCENTS

Whether it’s rose, jasmine or lilacs, spritzing a floral scent everyday makes you a huge romantic! The type to love date nights, listening to love songs and writing romantic letters! You are an elegant and gentle person with a lot of style. Floral scent lovers are usually feminine, friendly and have a down to earth nature.

TRY OUT: Dior J’Adore Eau de Perfume Infinissime, £84

FRUIT Y SCENTS

We’ve just found the party animal of the group! You are always up for any type of fun with spontaneous plans being your favourite! People gravitate towards your positive vibes and high energy attitude.

There’s also a more flirty side to a fruity scent lover! You aren’t afraid to experiment with colour and prints within your style.

TRY OUT: Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rose Eau De Toilette, £68

WOODY SCENTS

Woody scents are worn by trend setters and normally pick oriental perfumes. If you wear perfumes of this kind you are most likely a night owl who is unafraid to let their sensuality show.

TRY OUT: Sisley Paris Izia La Nuit Eau De Perfume, £94.50

GOURMAND SCENTS

Gourmand scents are those in which smell good enough to eat. Whether that’s vanilla, honey or chocolate they are all full of delicious flavours.

You are a glamorous and confident individual, with many women jealous of your aura. You live in luxury with a sophisticated style, always looking like you’ve got your life together! Who wouldn’t want to be like you!

TRY OUT: Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau De Perfume, £70

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Pages Designed, Written and Illustrated by Mia Curtis, Images from Google Images

THE RECIPE

YOU NEED FOR

PERFECT CURLS

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SHAMPOO & CONDITIONING (WITHOUT SULFATES!) When it comes to washing hair that has more than just a few waves, it’s important to know what to avoid - sulphates being one of them.

By choosing products with more natural ingredients, like oil, protein and Shea butter, it means that your curls will be encouraged to not only appear more healthy, but FEEL better than ever before. Not to mention the gorgeous smell these Shea Moisture Products have!

These two products can be found at any Drug store, like Super drug or Boots, for just £10+ each.

HAIR MASKS Who doesn’t love a hair mask?

This Coco & Eve ‘Like A Virgin’ hair mask not only smells AMAZING, but does a pretty good job at reviving those much-loved curls.

Can be bought at the official online store for Coco & Eve, as well as Beauty Bay, Amazon and now ASOS! For just £32.90.

& M O R E H A I R M A S K S !!

You can absolutely NEVER go wrong with a hair mask (or two!)

Another curly hair fave has to be the Shea Moisture ‘Curl Enhancing Smoothie’ Can be found at any Drug store such as Boots or Super drug, as well as online stores like Amazon, for just £12+.

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WIDE TOOTH COMBING Time to separate those curls!

WATER MIST SPRAYING

After washing your locks, remember to use a wide tooth comb before applying any product! By doing this, it will smoothly separate each strand of hair, allowing your curls to later reach their full potential.

Once you’ve combed your hair through, you should use a water mist bottle to re-dampen your hair, again, before applying any product.

Any comb like this one will do!

Can be found at Amazon, or any Drugstore like Superdrug or Boots.

This will prep your curls before being styled by products like mousses, creams or oils.

Any water mist tool will do, but you can find one like this at most Drugstores or any hair care shop.

CURL CREAM Once you have re-dampened your hair, you can choose to add either a curl cream or a curl mousse.

(Cream being better for your hair, providing more moisture) By smoothing and scrunching the product through your locks, it will allow your curls to set before applying heat, or if no heat is being used, before completely drying.

A curly hair fave has to be this Miss Jessie’s ‘Pillow Soft Curls’ curl cream.

Can be found online at Amazon, for just £20+.

H E A L T H Y T I P !!

AVOID WASHING YOUR HAIR TOO FREQUENTLY AND TRY TO USE COLD WATER WHEN RINSING!

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BRUSHING THE CURLS (CORRECTLY!) When it comes to brushing your curls, it’s important to be using the right type of bristles, as well as the right technique.

This Denman ‘D3 ORIGINAL ST YLER 7 ROW’ brush is said to be the perfect styling tool for natural curls.

Carefully both separating and styling each individual curl, it’s the perfect brush to use once you have applied your base product (curl cream).

Can be found online at the Denman official website, as well as Amazon, for just £7.50+

DIFFUSING (NOT BLOW DRYING!) As you’ve probably discovered, a hair dryer definitely is not curly hair’s best friend - that is, unless it involves a diffuser!

So, if you’re looking to add volume without the frizz, it’s time to start diffusing.

Any diffuser will do; this one is from GHD and can be bought online at ASOS, GHD and Amazon, for just £29.00.

HAIR OIL Once you’ve achieved those diffused, bouncy curls, it’s never too late to add some hair care formula.

Preventing frizz and encouraging soft and luscious curls, this OGX ‘Renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco Reviving Dry Oil’ is the perfect finishing touch to your hair routine!

F U N F A C T !!

SLEEPING WITH YOUR HAIR IN SILK WILL HELP MAINTAIN HEALTHY, NON FRIZZY LOCKS.

Can be found at Drugstores like Super drug & Boots for just £5.99.

HAIR PLOPPING Alternatively, you can use a t-shirt or silk fabric to ‘plop’ your freshly washed hair.

This is a heat free way of enhancing your curls, whilst protecting them from any chance of frizz or damage.

This Only Curls ‘Satin Sleep Turban’ can be found online at the official Only Curls website, for just £16.00.

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A day in the Life of a makeup artist Emma Ford is a self-taught make up artist who we decided to interview to get the ins and outs of where she’s at now, who she wants to be and how she finds life balancing other jobs as well. We also get a glimpse in to what it takes to build a platform on both Instagram and Youtube. @Emmafordxo Hi, my name’s Emma Ford (she\her) and I am a self-taught makeup artist and influencer from Dorset, UK. I have been on the Instagram platform for over two years now and YouTube since February this year.

As-well as these, I also post on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

I have been practicing makeup artistry for roughly 4 years now and specialise in creative and colourful eye-shadow, however am also very comfortable with wedding and prom appropriate makeup and glam looks.

When did you start posting to Instagram?

I started my page originally in January 2019 however I’ve only really been taking it seriously and posting daily since April 2020.

Was it hard to get into/were you nervous to start?

I was so anxious about starting up my page that I actually kept it private for the first few months and I found it quite difficult to get it started while doing it beside sixth form.

How do you balance your YouTube and Instagram with a job?

So I’ve always been such a planner my whole life which has really helped with this. I always plan out my looks and videos ahead of time and will get up early on my days off work to create content whenever I’m free. I really don’t let myself have any free time- if I’m lying in bed I’ll always be editing or replying to comments so that I make my time worthwile. It is a very time consuming job however if you love it doesn’t feel like work.

How do you make time to create your makeup?

Written and Designed by Ellie Trim

Whenever I have free time whether that be a few hours between jobs or a free morning before I start my work I’ll always try and create a look and go to work wearing it.

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What do you enjoy most about creating content for YouTube and Instagram?

I don’t really have just one main thing that is enjoyable as I absolutely love all aspects of it. I of course love makeup and the artistry involved and I love always trying to improve and trying out new styles which will excite my audience. I made my YouTube channel to create content that I wish I had available to me while I was learning, and allow my followers to suggest videos which they want to see.

What do you find hardest about creating content for your YouTube and Instagram?

I would definitely say the hardest part is the time managament and I used to get very stressed about this when I started posting daily as sometimes I’d feel so rushed and therefore would create lower quality content. I would say to definitely not be too strict on yourself as this has helped me so much more now to enjoy creating and not worrying about getting new content out daily.

Did your Instagram grow all at once or did it take time?

Following and growth is so different for everyone however for me it goes through stages of being very fast then slowing down. In the first year of having my Instagram I was not very invested in my page and only grew around 300 followers, however, over the lock down I was able to really concentrate on my work and content to the point that I was gaining roughly 1000 followers per month and had reached over 7000 by the end of 2020. I am stuck on around 8000 now and I’ve found it really hard to reach a wider audience and interactions due to the change in Instagram algorithm but this does not bother me too much as followers don’t define you and as long as I’m still happy creating and gaining support from my active followers then I’m doing well.

Do you ever feel the need to take breaks from posting?

There was a point last year where I was being very strict on my posting schedule and was trying to get out brand new content every day, however this made me feeling stressed and needing a break. Since then I have been way more relaxed on myself and although I still post daily, I only post brand new looks every three days so that I have the time to create alongside my jobs.

How do you stay creative and think of new ideas?

A lot of the time if I feel stuck in my creativity for new looks, I will look through the pages of my favourite artists and take some inspiration from their looks to create a new look. I will also sometimes take inspiration from other sources such as packaging for brands, logos and the colours that I see around me.

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Get fit with us The healthy way

want to know the secret to achieving your dream bod? your own mind! we’ve interviewed jess who has recently discovered the secfret, to get an inside peak into her journey and how she overcame an unhealthy mindset and is now on track to acheiving her goal.

Becoming fitter and healthier starts in the mind. A healthy mindset leads to a healthy body. Live by this and you'll see results in no time!

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s

@JESCUTLER HOW DID YOU RECOGNISE THAT YOU HAD AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD AND THE IDEa OF LOOSING WEIGHT? “It wasn’t me that recognised I had a problem, it was my closest friends who expressed their worries over things i was saying about myself and my eating habbits. Weighing yourself is one thing, but obsessively weighing yourself everyday and feeling deflated because you’re not making any changes was really discouraging. I would binge eat to make myself feel better if I was having a bad daybut it was a constant cycle of binging, then starving myself because i felt horrible afterwards. I was constantly tired, miserable and light headed. After speaking to my friends who were very encouraging and helped me out of this, I began to make small steps into having a healthy relationship with food.”

WHAT DID YOU DO TO HELP DEVELOP A HEALTHY MINDSET IN LOOSING WEIGHT AND KEEPING FIT? “I stopped taking it too seriously! It’s as simple as that. Speaking to my friends, having people close to you that motivate you to be on a healthy path has really helped me. I stopped weighing myself obsessivley, I now weigh myself only once a month and have realised that several factors influence the number on the scales and it’s okay if you haven’t hit a major goal. A lot of influencers have given me recipie ideas for healthy, low calorie meals that are also very delicious! Food is fuel and your body cannot function without it, so it’s time to start loving our bodies and treating it with the love it deserves.”

how has having a healthy mindset now benefited your journey?

“It definitley makes it a lot easier and it makes it fun. I now enjoy exercising, walking and eating nice meals. I’m aware that it can take time to see change but this doesn’t makre me feel as bad as it did before. I’m now more patient and just living a healthy lifestyle that benefits my mental and physical health.”

what is your go to method of loosing weight and how has this benefited your mindset?

“Non-restrictive diets and fun exercises. I eat in a calorie deficit, which has given me the freedom to enjoy yummy, filling meals. I often eat low calorie healthy foods as this helps me to stay full as i would usually get hungry after eating. I can eat whatever I want in my defecit and still loose weight!

Fun exercises are my go to, i get my 10K steps in daily, sometimes up to 20K. Making the walks fun and changing them up makes them exciting and motivates me. Dance workouts are really fun too, jump roping and hoola-hooping is everything i do! I do the occasional 10 min HIT or 8 min ab routine, but making it fun while eating nice things enabled me to have a much more positive mindset.”

what is your best advice you can give someone trying to loose weight quickly, based on your experience?

“In my experience, there is no quick way of loosing weight. Patience and consistency is key. It is also important to just simply have fun with it, not taking it too seriously and recognising the fact that you will see progress eventually. It may not be fast but it is better this way!”

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Written by Ellie Trim Designed by Lauren Murphy

5

Small Businesses on Instagram shop Small businesses that you should get to know that sell on Instagram shop.

@silkandstars This is another beautiful business on Instagram shop. Stocked with delicate, neutral toned clothes. Not only does this page sell their clothes but they also give outfit inspiration on how to wear certain items. There Instagram page is so aesthetically pleasing that it draws you in at first look. This brand also gives discount codes out in some of their posts, making them more affordable. They include a link to their website in their bio but also make it so easy to shop their looks by being on Instagram shop.

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@kiwiandco_ A gorgeous and cute brand, Kiwi&Co. They sell trendy and cute pieces at an affordable price. By following their Instagram, they give our discount codes frequently and allows you to shop easily through their Instagram shop. Their bright and energetic style make their clothes perfect for the summer before toning down the colours for their winter and autumn collections. Their products are high quality and look absolutely stunning.

@cladiamaxwell.designs If you’re looking to bring a bit more colour in to your wardrobe then this brand is where to start looking. Claudia Maxwell Designs focuses on bags and other accessories that will spice up any outfit. Their Instagram page is full of vibrant colours, making their just as loud accessories. The brand makes Instagram fun and unique, bring a happy vibe when looking at their page. Claudia Maxwell Designs is perfect for brightening up your looks with fun, vibrant bags and accessories!

@apressunday If loungewear is still your favourite then Apres Sunday will match you perfectly. Their brand is full on comfy clothes for all your lounging needs. Matching co-ord sets or individual pieces that come in many different colours, what’s not to love? Not only do their clothes look gorgeous but it is also sustainable with each item being made from organic cotton or recycled materials. This fun lounge wear company also like to style their pieces for you in reels which is a great way to find inspiration when next wearing their joggers.

@glitzeegarmz The last Instagram shop is a little different as this brand customises many different garments.

From hand painted trainers to embroiled tops, if you’re looking for something unique to wear, this is defiantly the place to look. Glitzee Garmz takes skill and patience to create the desired look of their brand. The delicate hand painted trainers are defiantly something to grab as no one else will ever have the same as you. This small creative brand works hard to ensure all their customers are happy with what they receive, making them such a reliable Instagram shop.

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Meet an

Interior Designer Carbon on Campus spoke to Libra Jacobs, an interior designer from London, to get the ins and the outs of what it is like to work as an interior designer.

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What inspired you to pursue a career in interior design?

I always loved art and textiles in school and continued to study art at college. At the same time, my Granddad who was an architect sadly passed away and it made me think more about studying interior architecture and following in his footsteps.

What do you feel helped you in building your career as an interior designer?

Being strong minded was very important to me as people used to judge and ask where are you going to get in life with an art qualification? I had to put their comments aside and got into the University of Kent to study interior architecture and design. Luckily I made some really great friends who shared the same interests and enthusiasm as me which made the learning process fun.

What would you say is your speciality in design?

In my current role I specialise in kitchen, wardrobe and office design, however I have experience in designing all rooms.

Where do you look for Inspiration when working on a design?

It used to be magazines but now most of my inspiration comes from Instagram and Pinterest.

Or when visiting nice hotels or restaurants.

What does the process of designing a room include?

A large part is listening to the client, what they want and what is most important to them and other family members that will use the space.

Then you have to look at the space and find best way to achieve this.

What is your favourite thing about being an interior designer?

I love working with my clients to make their ideas and inspiration come to life. When they first see the designs in the 3D design programs it’s very exciting. Then it is great to see the project once the it really comes to life and it is always amazing to see clients happy.

And your least favourite?

There are sometime unforeseen problems that can occur during a project. So it can be difficult to find solutions without massively increasing the cost for the client. It can also be tricky making sure all the different trades are at the right place at the right time to avoid delays.

What does a day in the life of your job look like?

Every day is different, some days I am meeting clients and designing there spaces and other days I am on muddy sites project managing. A lot of the time a mixture of the two.

What is it in particular that you love about interior design?

Being able to take an old unloved space and turn it into a space the clients will love and enjoy for years to come.

What advice would you give to someone who aspires to work as an interior designer?

It is not as easy as you may think and it takes a lot of time and energy but when you see the final results, it is all worth while.

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How to best decorate your living space: Tips from an Interior Designer On top of Carbon’s interview with Libra, she has also given us her five top tips on how to best decorate your living space to get that interior designer touch.

1.Plants

Bring the outside in!

Design and writing by Anna Dalligan; Images via pinterest

Having plants in your living space whether real or fake adds life to the room. By bringing natural colours and leaf textures into a room it adds a fun aspect to the room and can be a stand out decoration piece. In particular hanging down plants are in trend right now, and also are a perfect way to fill space on an empty shelf!

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2. Colour A burst of colour!

A burst of colour either with a feature wall or soft furnishings is the perfect way make a room more fun. This is a perfect design technique where you can let your personality shine through but at the same time also keeping the room looking stylish and trendy. Right now, the colours to keep on your design radar should be dark green, nude, and soft pink!

3. Lighting

Use to create different moods

Having more than one source of lighting in your room rather than just the main light can be perfect for creating different moods in the room. They are not only good from a design perspective but also for practicality for those moments where you want more dim lighting, or a certain colour lighting. Whether you add some flavour to your living space with a stand out lamp or decorate your ceiling with fairy lights, lighting is a perfect starting point when designing a room.

Window 4.Dressings

Make the room more home-ly

We all need curtains to cover the windows in our rooms, so why not make your window dressings stand out and be a design feature of your room! Having abstract coloured or printed curtains can complete a room so make yours stand out! It is what people will see when they walk past your home and see your closed curtain window, so it is important for your windows dressings to look nice but at the same time show your personality.

5. Art

Add a touch of character to your space

Last but certainly not least, art is the all important design feature to let your character truly shine through in your living space! The best part of this is it can be whatever you want! You can create your own art by painting or hanging up personal photographs to add an even more personal touch to your living space.

Etsy is also an amazing place to shop for affordable yet trendy art, and at the same time you can also support small businesses! Having art on your walls can be a stand out feature of a room, and is much more interesting than a plain wall!

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Maximalism VS minimalism

Written and designed by Beata Gerasimovaite, Images from unsplash.com

We are all familiar with minimalist and maximalist interior design ideas, however we’re less familiar with the concept when it comes to understanding the impact it has on our psychology. So how can minimalism and maximalism influence our everyday lives? We are here to help you understand both styles in more depth to help you make the best choice for your interior design.

It’s no secret that sunlight is a major factor that plays in lifting our mood and decreasing anxiety. Studies have shown that sunlight can increase overall happiness, as well as motivation levels in individuals.

Imagine the sunlight peeking through your windows. Sun bunnies dancing on your kitchen counter top. Wouldn’t that make you feel energised and ready to take down the mountains? Well, that is exactly how minimalist interior design can make you feel. Minimalism creates a simple and uncluttered space in your home. It consists of stripping everything down until all that is left is the bare minimum; open plan space, lots of light and functional furniture, which focuses on shape, colour, and texture. But how can minimalism improve your well-being?

Maximalism on the other hand, although complete opposite of minimalism can also have a positive impact on your life. When you hear a word maximalism, you might think of different objects that make you feel crowded and small, however maximalism is more than that. Maximalism is the combining patterns, bold palettes, repetition, graphic designs, and one-of-akind possessions. It’s a lot more personal than minimalism, but how can it be beneficial?

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It’s quite simple; less objects, less dust, less cleaning. It gives you more time to focus on yourself and your hobbies, which can help you feel less stressed or anxious.

Minimalist interior design means you have less distractions, allowing you to focus on your tasks, making you competent and attentive.

Minimalists feel more fulfilled and happier because they don’t feel they have the need for material things in life. They are happy with what they have as they are only surrounded by objects that bring them joy.

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• •

It allows you to express your personality and experiences.

Bold colours and patterns can influence mood and psychology. Choose warm and bright colours such as yellow, pink or red. The brighter and lighter the colour, the more optimistic and uplifted you’ll feel.

Bold colours, design accents, and layering can energize the space. You might not have a space which lets in a lot of light, so energizing the space in other ways can make your home feel more cheerful.

There’s no doubt that both of these designs are unique and wonderful in their own ways so whichever choice you make, minimalist or maximalist, it will be a great decision.

“Minimalism creates a simple and uncluttered space in your home. It consists of stripping everything down until all that is left is the bare minimum.”

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Top Tips For a

Calmer You

Page Design, Text, Illustration by Emily Grillot

We spend on average 6 to 9 hours out of every 24 in bed. For most of us, this is the longest time in a day that we are in one place, so the location and design of the bedroom and the positioning of the bed provide a superb opportunity to align yourself with the natural flow of energy in a way that helps you in other area of your life. A good night’s sleep is essential for health, so it is also important to have a bedroom that calms you at the end of a busy day, and helps you to sleep well. It should also be a place where you wake up feeling refreshed, full of vitality and enthusiasm to make the most of a new day. Bring the peaceful feeling in and keep the hustle-and-bustle of the rest of your house out by following these tips to create a relaxing bedroom that will restore your energies.

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Nothing says relaxation like a luxurious, comfortable bed. This is one area of the bedroom where it doesn’t pay to scrimp, so start with a quality mattress that gives you proper support. Your mattress makes the difference between a good night of sleep and an restful eight hours of tossing and turning. Sometimes people have their beds in locations and directions that make their lives in general, not just sleep and sex, more difficult. Ideally, your bedroom should be exposed to sunlight at dawn which helps to increase your energy in the morning. If you have a choice of rooms, choose one where the atmosphere is calmest. The north has a quieter, more peaceful chi energy which is particularly helpful for those who have difficulty sleeping.

Colour It Calm The most relaxing bedrooms are decorated in cool colours that bring to mind a peaceful day near calm waters. When choosing the palette for a tranquil room, the best choices are shades of green and blue, followed by grey. You don’t want bright tones—stick with mid-tone or pastel shades that add plenty of colour without working your eyes too hard. You can use dark accents of navy blue, hunter green or pewter grey as well, but for the most peaceful feel, decorate mostly in soft colours and white.

Treat Your Senses When you soothe your senses, your body and mind relax as well. Bring sensory delights into your bedroom to create a spa-like, peaceful environment. A few candles by the bed a bouquet of fresh flowers in a pretty vase, a reed diffuser wafting the delicate fragrance of vanilla, rose, lavender or jasmine.

Growing Green Living plants bring a sense of life, tranquillity, and health that can’t be matched by other bedroom accents. Choose one large plant for the corner, or several smaller plants grouped on your dresser or night stand. Plants like photos, Chinese evergreen, syngamous or peace lily and you’ll have thriving bedroom greenery to soothe your mood.

Light It Soft Overly intense bedroom light isn’t relaxing—it’s reminiscent of an operating room. While you do need suitable lighting for reading in bed, dressing and night-time routines, leave the brightest bulbs and the strongest overhead ceiling fixtures to other areas of your home. Lampshades diffuse the harshness of electric light. Harsh, artificial lighting takes away from the bedroom’s purpose as an area of relaxation. Position softer lighting, such as some stylish tea lights and candles in safe places around the room to create a more mellow ambience. Or go for the wow factor with statement lighting like salt lamps.

Clean of Clutter There’s no way to relax in a messy bedroom. If you do nothing else, clear out clutter to make your bedroom more restful. That doesn’t mean your bedroom needs to be stark and without personality—use small touches of colour and pattern to add interest, and display a few photographs or treasured pieces that make you feel good when you see them.

Zen Den

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Written, illustrated and designed by Jennifer Harriman

PARISIAN

PLAYBOOK

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Transforming your living spaces into effortlessly European sanctuaries has never been easier. From colour palettes to candles, paintings to plants; look no further for your ultimate guide to Parisian decor.

Plants Simplicity is key when considering most aspects of Parisian décor, especially when it comes to plants. Pampas grass is commonly used for decoration, typically brown or cream in colour and placed in long white vases that have abstract silhouettes. When considering placing flowers around your room, sticking to whites and pinks will help to reinforce the simplistic aura of the western European aesthetic. Roses, Orchids, Tulips and Hydrangeas appear elegant, classy and at their core, Parisian! Adding plants to any indoor living space is said to purify the air in your home. Plants have the ability to absorb various harmful gases, due to the countless pores in their leaves.

Not only will these plants be an eye-catching and bright addition to your living space, but they will allow for many health benefits as well.

Candles & Ornaments Shelves and table tops can be finished with abstract candle designs and traditional ornaments. Ensuring that a cluttered look is avoided, both ornaments and candles can be great additions to any surface and allow for interesting centre pieces. A common ornament found in Parisian rooms are Greek-inspired statues. They work well in reinforcing a royal ambiance and can also be purchased in the style of vases to host flowers. Not only do candles leave any room smelling fresh, but when brought from the right shop, they are brilliant additions to the artistic décor within a room. Scroll through the online pages of Etsy to find an endless array of artistic and unique candles made by independent businesses; you’re sure to find a style that fits your taste!

Photos Print designs and quotes add dimension and vibrancy to any room.

Keeping to neutral tones and minimalistic designs helps to keep fluidity with the French ambiance. Research into various French artists who focus on geometric and abstract art. Henri Matisse is a fabulous example of a French artist whose prints make for a conversation starter. His various works appear in the homes of many, they also blend in perfectly with the Parisian look. If you are contemplating adding photography into your living space, make sure the images are either neutral and warm toned or black and white. This will allow for consistency in the minimalistic elements of the European style. Regarding frames, light wooden shades, metallic golds or whites are best to stick to for fluidity in your room. Golds will add both a royal and elegant tone to the photos/prints, whereas white and wooden tones will create a rustic ambiance.

Mirrors Reflective surfaces have always been efficient in making any room appear larger, but this isn’t their only benefit. Antique gold mirrors are classically Parisian and create a timeless, sophisticated look. Floor length mirrors allow for maximum levels of brightness to be reflected from any light source. When shopping for mirrors for your room, make sure to stick to continued glass edges or intricately designed, golden frames. This goes for smaller wall mirrors as well, placing them on shelves and fireplaces can add depth to your decoration set up on any surface. Smaller mirrors can also make for stunning ornaments, as well as serving a practical use for tasks such as applying makeup. Hand-held, gold, vanity mirrors add a timeless and classically royal feel to any room they are placed in. Not only this, but due to their functional abilities as well, you’ll be sure to make the most out of both their visual and practical sides.

Colour Palette Sticking to neutral, monotone and earthy shades allows for consistency with the class entwined in the Parisian aesthetic. The French always seem to embody a level of effortless class in both their wardrobes and décor – neutral shades are the best way to capture this same essence.

Avoiding bold/neon colours in all areas of your living space will help to celebrate the elegance of the Parisian look. If you are searching for ways to incorporate pops of colours within your décor, stick to stand-out pieces of art that include colourful, yet toned down shades within them.

Regarding wall colour, whites, creams and light greys appear coherent to the European aura and avoid taking away any light from the room. Wooden features are also a great addition to your living space, they can efficiently break up the lighter shades within your room and allow you to steer clear of an industrial look, adding a timeless, dated appeal to your room.

Books When considering books to add to your Parisian inspired room, looking for hard-back fashion catalogues will reinforce the high-end, western European aura. Chanel, Prada, YSL and Dior all produce catwalk books filled with their most iconic outfits from their runway shows. Not only are they fabulous reads, they look great on any counter top as decorative pieces.

Stacked Vogue magazines will add to the effortless class of your Parisian room, acting as a ‘typical purchase’ and source of news in a living space.

Vogue also produces hard-back books on the history of the brand, serving as both interesting, informative reads as well as stunning centre-pieces on any given table. Megan Hess’ fashion travel books are beautifully illustrated and guide readers through the most iconic travel and fashion locations in a particular city. Her collection looks elegant at the same time as being affordable, making for a simple purchase to add class to your Parisian living space!

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Refreshing mocktail recipes.

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Virgin daiquiri

Cranberry sangria

This is about the best tasting and easiest drink you will ever make in your life! The sweet fresh taste of the strawberries will put you in that summer mood all year long.

This non-alcoholic sangria recipe is a gorgeous companion to the warm weather. Bursting with fruity flavours, there is no other drink you’d rather be sipping on. Whip up a huuuuuge jug of this and enjoy.

You will need:

You will need:

3 strawberries ¼ cup white sugar 1 tbsp lemon juice ¾ cup chilled lemonade Ice

Grape juice Sparkling water Cranberry or orange juice Chopped fruit (apples, oranges, grapes, peaches) Ice Fresh citrus slices to garnish

To make: 1. Throw the strawberries, lemon juice and sugar into a blender with the lemonade. Add ice and blend until smooth.

2. Pour into a fancy glass and serve.

To make: 1. Add the grape juice, cranberry juice, sparkling water and chopped fruit into a large jug. Place the mocktail in the fridge to let the juices mix and chill for a minimum of 1 hour.

2. Remove from the fridge, top with ice and garnish each glass with a citrus slice before serving.

Sweet sunrise This has all the elements of a tequila sunrise minus the tequila. A simple and delightful mocktail, just add an orange slice and get stuck in.

You will need:

Virgin berry mojito Classic mojitos are a crisp and minty treat. This nonalcoholic version is every bit as delicious, and will become that go-to mocktail.

You will need: For mint syrup15g fresh mint leaves 200g caster sugar 240ml water

To make

For mojito150g blackberries 1tsp caster sugar 120ml lime juice Ice 700ml sparkling water

120ml orange juice 14ml grenadine Dash of lime juice Orange slice for garnish Cherry for garnish

To make: 1. In a glass filled with ice cubes, pour the orange juice and lime juice and stir.

2. Slowly add the grenadine around the inside edge of the glass. It will sink and gradually rise and mix with the other ingredients.

3. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry and enjoy.

1. In a small cooking pot use a wooden spoon to crush mint leaves.

Add sugar and water and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let it boil for 3 mins.

2. Take off the heat and let it cool to room temperature, and strain out the mint leaves, until all liquid is released.

3. In a bowl, add blackberries and sugar and mix until all berries are crushed. Divide the blackberries between 4 nice glasses, add 2 tbsp of the mint syrup and lime juice. Fill to top with sparkling water and garnish with ice and mint leaves.

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Top

Health & Wellbeing 10 books you need 1# Good Vibes, Good Life Drawing on his personal wisdom and experiences, Vex King shows you ways to transform negative emotions into positive ones, how to love yourself, and how to overcome fear.

2# Awaken The Giant Within If you have ever dreamed of a better life, Tony Robbins shows you how to achieve the extraordinary quality of life you desire and deserve, and how to master your personal and professional life.

:Content: Sakinah Mustafa

Designed: Emily Benison Photos: Pexels.com

4# 12 Rules To Life Down-to-earth and relatable, this book is for anyone seeking a way out of darkness and provides the tools needed to build a new life they love.

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4# 12 Rules To Life Down-to-earth and relatable, this book is for anyone seeking a way out of darkness and provides the tools needed to build a new life they love.

5# You Are A Badass This book not only teaches you on how to how to conquer fear, practice self-love & gratitude, how to forgive, stop making excuses, be more confident and be the badass you were meant to be!

6# The Power Of Now It is in the now that we find our joy, are able to embrace our true selves and discover that we are already complete and perfect. If we are able to be fully present and take each step in the Now we will be opening ourselves to the transforming experience of The Power of Now.

7# Atomic Habits James Clear distils the most fundamental information about habit formation, so you can accomplish more by focusing on less. This helps improve your productivity and be aligned with the best version of yourself.

8# Women Don’t Owe You Pretty This is the ultimate book for anyone who wants to challenge the out-dated narratives supplied to us by the patriarchy.

Through Florence’s story you will learn how to protect your energy, discover that you are the love of your own life, and realise that today is a wonderful day to dump them.

10# Limitless In this book you will learn to master habits, unleash productivity, tap into boundless motivation and sharpen your focus. You have no limitations. In spite of what others have told you, your potential is infinite when you know how to use your brain.

9# 48 Laws Of Power Drawn from 3,000 years of the history of power, this is the definitive guide to help readers achieve for themselves what Queen Elizabeth I, Henry Kissinger and Machiavelli learnt the hard way.

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How to deal with your

Written and designed by Issy Whitlock

BROKEN HEART Let’s talk BREAK UPS .I think we can all agree they are tough and take a lot of time, acceptance and growth to overcome.

CARBON has put together 5 WAYS to deal with a breakup and find yourself again.

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EXPRESS YOUR EMOTIONS Expressing your emotions is your first step to recovery. You need to acknowledge how you are feeling and allow yourself to be hurt rather than trying to suppress or ignore your emotions as this will just prolong the healing process. As hard as it may be to talk about your feelings with friends and family, it’s crucial that you find a way to do so. This will make you feel less alone and allow others to help you heal.

KEEP BUSY Keep busy and stay socially active. Try not to isolate yourself and instead focus on doing something you love whether that’s the gym, a hobby of yours or just catching up with your friends. From my own personal experience you need to have time to yourself to process your emotions but don’t let yourself dwell and over think the situation. Surround yourself with friends and family and go out and enjoy yourself! Focus your mind on something new!

RESIST CONTACT As hard as it may be to accept, it ended for a reason so try and resist contacting them. Straight after the breakup emotions will be high and you don’t want to say something you may regret later on. Firstly, you need to think about how you may feel if you don’t get a reply or if the reply isn’t what you were looking for. Is it really worth it? A little tip from me, whenever you feel like contacting them, write the message in your notes to refrain from contact. You won’t be able to move on with your own healing if you are continuously drawn back to their lives. “Relationships are like glass, sometimes it’s better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together’.

FIND ‘YOU’ AGAIN When you’ve been in a relationship, especially for a long time it can be easy to lose yourself and become reliant on your other half. This is your time to focus on you, love yourself and ultimately learn to be happy on your own.

You have to think if you were unhappy, breaking up was a positive thing.

You may not be able to see it now but one day you will realise that there is a love out there stronger than what you are feeling now. You have to remind yourself of your self worth, tell yourself that you will be okay and know that time is the best healer. You are strong enough to face it all, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Please remember, “sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.

IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY Please don’t push yourself to forget and move on. Nobody’s experience with breakups are the same. Don’t put a time limit on your healing process and allow yourself to be sad. Don’t push your feelings aside but instead face them head on. You don’t have to be strong all the time. You are allowed to cry and admit that your not okay. You will learn and grow as a person in the long run.

TRY AGAIN WHEN YOUR READY You may feel a sense of urgency to find a new romantic partner but ‘rebound’ relationships prevent you from dealing with your previous one. You need to take the time to reflect on your old one. While you don’t have to rush it , in time you may begin to feel open to another relationship. You may not even be looking for a relationship but love often finds you.

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Images from Terra Designed and written by Issy Whitlock

THE

BOLD

TYPE

What We Can Learn About Friendship From ‘The Bold Type’ Can you think of anyone that better represents friendship than the cast of ‘The Bold Type’. Me neither, that’s why I am going to talk about all the little ways in which ‘The Bold Type’ nails female friendships. The trio themselves, played by Aisha Dee, Katie Stevens and Meghann Fahy, have undeniable chemistry both on and off set. Each character has their own storyline but it feels as though most women would be able to find a situation or character they could relate to. The challenges these women face are relatable and honest, highlighting women’s flaws and downfalls and how those traits feed into their relationships with one another.

After all, that is what we experience in real life friendships. Many young girls see themselves in the characters. Whether you connect with ‘Jane’ (Katie) and her passion for a career in writing, ‘Kat’ (Aisha) and her exploration of sexuality or ‘Sutton’ (Meghann) and her messy, complicated yet perfectly imperfect dating life. The way these women navigate life in their 20s and the challenges of friendship is something we can all learn from.

Always be there for your friends Being there for your friends seems so obvious but sometimes it’s so simple we often overlook it.

We all get wrapped up in our own lives that we don’t see when something is going on in our friends lives. They could be going though a health scare like Jane, family issues like Sutton or heartbreak like Kat. They may not always ask for help but it’s your job as a friend to see when they need you.

You can try and keep secrets but they will always find out Let’s rewind to when Sutton tried keeping her relationship with Richard a secret. Well, that sure enough didn’t last long as both Jane and Kat found out. That is just one thing we have learnt from ‘The bold Type’ - you can’t hide things from your friends. They always find out. A true friend will be honest and call you out on something if they feel it’s wrong because they love you. They care about you and don’t want you getting hurt or into trouble.

Make time for your friends We all have our own lives and busy ones too, but its important that you always make time for your friends. Regardless of all the drama we see the ladies go through, one constant remains throughout it all and that is the Fashion Closet. Whenever, something big crosses their mind or one of them is in trouble, they instinctively drop their workload and retreat into the closet. The Fashion Closet is a safe neutral space in which the ladies are all safe and on equal ground.

Push your friends to go after their dreams We all have dreams and aspirations in life and often we may doubt ourselves. For instance Sutton dreamt of being a Designer but she continued to question her talent which held her back. She also constantly put her mum first. Kat, Jane and Richard had to lift her up and remind her that she needed to put herself first. Many people doubt themselves when stepping out of their comfort zone. Be the positive change that makes your friends feel loved and inspired.

Be truthful and honest always It’s not always easy telling the truth especially if the truth is something your

Female friendships are truly beautiful.

friend may not want to hear.

It’s not always conveyed right on television as they aren’t always perfect and can sometimes be hard to watch. But when it comes to ‘The Bold Type’? They really understand it. They’ve nailed it!

Honesty is so important in friendships. It may be hard to do at the time but in the long run honesty will be something your friends will appreciate you for.

BOLD

TYPE CARBON - LIFESTYLE 153

Written and Designed by Victoria Horton, Photography: Ellis Mitchell

NUTRIENTS NUTRIENTS NUTRIENTS NUTRIENTS VITAMIN

PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN VITA

L E T ’S G E T

S H RE DDY FOR SUMMER TOP 6 SUPERFOODS FOR THOSE LIFESTYLE GAINS: NUTRIENTS EDITION

1KIWI

Kiwis are a superfood that contain two times the vitamin C of oranges.

Full of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium, it packs a whole lot of health benefits. They also have a lot of antioxidants and are a good source of fibre, perfect for those early morning breakfasts or midday smoothies.

Pair with chia seeds and greek yogurt to get the most out of your 5 a day!

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2

POMEGRANTE

Pomegranate juice contains higher levels of antioxidants than most other fruit juices. The antioxidants can help remove free radicals, protect cells from damage, and reduce inflammation. Rather than green tea in the morning, opt to decorate your waffles with pomegrante seeds to switch up your weekday.

For extra nutrients, add in cranberries to start the day with bounce in your step!

4

3 KEFIR

SEAWEED

Kefir delivers high levels of B vitamins including B1, B12 and biotin, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin K2, folate, enzymes and is a great source of protein. Kefir also improves digestion and lowers blood pressure glucose levels

Seaweeds are also a two-for-one deal, nutrition-wise: They contain nutrients commonly found in green, leafy vegetables, along with most minerals found in the ocean. They’re also full of magnesium, which may prevent migraines and asthma attacks.

Grate nori on popcorn and eggs, add wakame to soups, and marinate hijiki with sesame oil for a quick salad!

Perfect for the sessions in the gym alongside protein shakes to double up the gains!

5

ALLIUMS

Alliums are a common superfood with an uncommon technical name; think of garlic, shallots, leeks and chives. They can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels which are often a cause for medical concern.

Research suggests they inhibit the growth of prostate, stomach, and colon cancer cells.

For a lifestlye boost, incorporate alliums to your diet alongside dinnertime favourites of pasta and pizza.

NUTRIENTS NUTRIENTS NUTRIENTS NUTRIENTS VITAMINS

AMINS VITAMINS VITAMINS VITAMINS

6

CHIA SEEDS

Chia seeds contain large amounts of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of high-quality protein, and several essential minerals and antioxidants. They may improve digestive health, blood levels of heart-healthy omega-3s, and decrease risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.

Chia seeds add extra crunch to your summer fruit bowl, perfect for those lazy days in the park!

“A productive day starts with nutrition” Ellis Mitchell BA (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy Solent University

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Designed by Sakina Mustafa Images from unsplash

What are your skin concerns?

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Here are the top ingredients you need for your skin troubles

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid - £5.75

on ic

Acid

This is a hydration magnet for your complexion, there is no skin type that hyaluronic acid doesn’t work for. Like a drink of water for your skin, hyaluronic acid helps to keep moisture levels topped up, the skin barrier strong, and no dehydration in sight. This ultra-pure serum combines 3 types of hyaluronic acid at varying molecular sizes with Vitamin B5 to offer lasting hydration and visible plumping of the skin at all levels of the dermis leaving your skin smoother and overall healthier.

r u l Hya

ide

Niacinamide is a naturally occurring B3 vitamin helps to effectively reduce excess oil, blemishes and redness. Additionally formulated with 1% Hyaluronic Acid for added hydration and effective delivery. It’s great for sensitive skin types, increasing hydration, and strengthening the skin barrier, as well as helping to reduce the appearance of pores and clearing up breakouts.

m

The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum - £6.99

a n i Niac

If you’ve only just started suffering with breakouts, acne or spots, then now’s the time to add this powerhouse to your routine. A BHA, salicylic acid works by exfoliating the skin, breaking down any pore-clogging debris and dead skin cells that can lead to blemishes. It can be a little on the drying side, so remember to keep things balanced with plenty of hydration.

Ac

id

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - £15.99

c i l y Sali

INSTANATURAL RETINOL SERUM - £17.75

ol

Retinol is mainly used to target signs of aging, but little did you know, it also works miracles on hyperpigmentation as it seeds up cell turnover and interferes with pigment production. It stimulates cell turnover, which in turn helps to reduce the signs of aging, uneven skin tone, pigmentation and post-blemish marks.

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157

The growth of tangible physical products in a post-digital world is a key moment in society. Many people prefer the effect of physical products rather than digital experiences. But with this, can cause challenges, difficulties and issues. Hear from those who are sick of digital outlets post pandemic and how they are seeking out for more tangible, physical experiences after being locked inside for months.

B e t h Hammond.

What do you find most difficult in a digital world?

Distancing myself from technology is very hard considering that’s where my life and connections are in one place. I definitely think the digital world makes me focus far too much on myself and my comparison to others.

If you could change the way we use technology what would it be and why?

I would change technology in a way that would include trigger warnings and restrictions before you see certain content like fitness and health images as this can sometimes be harmful for mental health What physical products do you use and why? Why not use a screen or the latest technology?

Physical products I use include books, comic books, digital cameras and a Polaroid. I like comic books because of the talented art work and also being able to collect. I also like to read books to disconnect from digital screens for my

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eyes and mental health. I use a screen almost all day due to my university course being online so it’s nice to have a break.

Has lock down opened your imagination and views on physical/ digital products?

In the first lock down I lost myself in the digital world by distracting myself with games but this became really unhealthy and I learned to take time away from technology to read or even doing nothing is good for your mental health sometimes.

Does new technology excite you?

New technology is exciting because there’s new possibilities and as a digital artist this is positive for me but it’s important to notice when you need breaks.

Are you a more pen to paper person?

Whatever your answer, why?

I’m more of a pen to paper person as I’m an illustrator so I have to be able to quickly sketch ideas before I forget them. I also like the feeling of the pen or pencil on paper while writing or drawing.

Please add any other notes or comments as to why you use a particular physical product rather than digital technologies to get a taste of your interest, use of it and style!

I like Polariser because you have physical memories you can display but I don’t use them too often due to their environmental impact because of the plastic.

Daniel Veck.

What do you find most difficult in a digital world?

Keeping on top of new tech, one week it’s a new phone, the next it’s the newest new phone.

If you could change the way we use technology what would it be and why?

Social media’s - some of them are great! Others, not so much, I think one platform is more than enough.

What physical products do you use and why? Why not use a screen or the latest technology?

Vinyl’s mainly or DVDs - it’s nice to collect them as it’s almost having a little piece of histor y, it’s makes it personalized for the buyer.

Has lock down opened your imagination and views on physical/ digital products?

Definitely - I’ve found myself streaming music more of then than ever, the same with buying vinyl’s too, I think having a lot of time on my hands allowed me to finally catch up with my collection.

Does new technology excite you?

Definitely, mostly computers or cars, especially leaning to towards autonomous cars. One can only dream we see it fully functional in the next 5 years.

Are you a more pen to paper person?

Whatever your answer, why?

Definitely not, I’ve grown up with using computers for 95% of my tasks, whether it’s school or work I find myself being more efficient with a keyboard rather than a pen and papers.

Written, Designed and Photographed by Tara Larkin, Daniel Veck and Erin Larkin.

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Z I N N I A Bridgman.

What do you find m o s t difficult in a digital world?

It sounds silly but I need to have proof of something that happened for it to stay in my mind, which is why I’m constantly taking photos so I can print them off, so I can remember the memory.

If you could change the way we use technology what would it be and why?

I think we should all look at our phones less, it’ll probably hurt our eyes less.

What physical products do you use and why? Why not use a screen or the latest technology?

I prefer reading physical books, it just feels nicer and I love the texture of the pages and the smell of the books, and I have a Polaroid camera.

Has lock down opened your imagination and views on physical/ digital products?

Yeah I want to start a scrapbook diary type thing.

Does new technology excite you?

Yes, but I think all good things must be used in moderation.

Are you a more pen to paper person? Whatever your answer, why?

I remember everything I write down, so yes definitely more pen and paper person.

Z

o

e

Ratcliffe.

What do you find most difficult in a digital world?

Knowing what’s real and what’s edited.

If you could change the way we use technology what would it be and why?

Use it more to make change for good rather than to make more money.

What physical products do you use and why? Why not use a screen or the latest technology?

Art books and illustrative coffee table books because they are appreciated more in person.

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Has lockdown opened your imagination and views on physical/ digital products?

Definitely, the world doesn’t stop when we stop having certain things in person, there is more opportunities now for innovation.

Does new technology excite you?

Sometimes.

Are you a more pen to paper person?

Whatever your answer, why?

Definitely a pen to paper person as I feel like it’s more personal and easier to get my thoughts down.

Sophie Green.

W h a t do you find most difficult in a digital world?

Trying to keep up with all the new changes.

If you could change the way we use technology what would it be and why?

I’d simplify it so it was easier for older generations. Half the time older generations are scared of technology so having some easier models of up to date products wouldn’t embarrass them.

What physical products do you use and why? Why not use a screen or the latest technology?

Analogue cameras because it’s what my uncle Courtney used and I always admired his photos growing up.

Has lock down opened your imagination and views on physical/ digital products?

Lock down has made me realise you don’t need to document everything for it to have happened. We can’t physically photograph us during lock down.

We can show someone a photo of us in our house but we would have to tell this it was during lock down for them to know that.

Does new technology excite you?

Sometimes. It depends if it’s going to keep the ones I love safe. The new apple air tags excite me because I could put this on my dogs collar and if I ever lost her I could track her.

Are you a more pen to paper person?

Whatever your answer, why?

If I have to solve a problem or plan something I like to write it down. It’s easier to physically see it in front of me.

Please add any other notes or comments as to why you use a

particular physical product rather than digital technologies to get a taste of your interest, use of it and style!

My nan passed away when I was 4 months old and my granddad before that. My auntie and uncle Courtney took that role for me. Every time they babysat it was TV off radio on and we would play physical games. She always put 10 small objects on a tray and you had to memorise them.

She would take one away and you had to remember what one. My uncle was a dark room photographer but I never saw him with a camera in his hand. I remember being told all the stories behind the photos though. I don’t want to loose the things that made me who I am by getting sucked into a world ruled by technology. If it improves our safety and way of living great. But I’d rather go and sit on a ride the have a VR headset on in my living room.

Written, Designed and Photographed by Tara Larking, Daniel Veck and Erin Larkin.

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With the rise of TikTok during a global pandemic, everyone has been craving a little bit of happiness in their life.

This gap was soon filled by the resurgance of toys, bears and anything fluffy! From bunnies to frogs, even all supermarkets have been stocking up on cuddly creatures!

With the ever gwoing powerhouse that is tik tok, children and teens have been posting videos with hashtages and challenges, showing off their fluffiest friend!

There are a varied amount of toy brands that have resurfaced is incredible. The most popular trends of toys include Squishmallows, the Build A Bear frog and also Peeps bunnies. From the UK to USA, the trends are soaring and the industry is growing. All amongst TikTok people share their most recent finds, their collections and even swaps.

This has evolved in almost a game to find the best toys and post it online. Many people have day trips and outings to different shops across their hometown just to find the most aesthetic toy. The toys fill teens with happiness and also that sense of y2k nostalgia, which in a time of a pandemic can be such a cheerful coping mechanism; creating happiness over the most simple of things.

One of the toy trends includes Squishmallows. The irresistably soft, round creatures that everyone loves. They were launched 4 years ago in 2017 with just one line of eight simple characters, sold in different sizes from 8 to 16 inches. Each squishmallow includes their own story, personality and name, making them each individual and celebrating different interests. Some of these toys are very rare and it is almost a quest online to see who can get hold of them. One of the rarest is Jack the black cat; only 500 were made.

Most popular supermarkets such as Aldi, Tescos and even Home Bargains have been stocking these toys, to continue the

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adventure of the hunt. Another place to search is in Charity Shops! Many Squishmallows are seen hidden within the toy boxes, so why not try and grab a bargain? With the popularity of second hand shopping, this has become its own trend in itself.

Another platform that is full of Squishmallows and open to swaps, is the vintage peer-to-peer app; Depop. From the keyrings to large Squishmallows, the app is smothered in the toys, allowing customers to search for their perfect friend. Squishmallows have gained such a following that even Lady Gaga posted a photo to Instagram of her laying on all of her favourite cuddly friends! Which Squishmallow will you get your hands on next to revamp your room?

Build A Bear Workshop is an American toy retailer, selling teddies and other animals. Different from any other toy shop, Build-A-Bear allows you to enter their stores, stuff your chosen teddy, add scents, noises and even customisable clothes to your chosen friend! This makes each bear completely custom to you and your own interests. Through the hundreds of creatures they sell, there is one in particular that is so popular through social media and everyone is trying to get their hands on one...froggy! The frog bear is even used amongst Depop to model clothes and accessories which has ultimately created BuildA-Bear to have a new brand identity! Even though the brand and stores keep to the child demographic, with the frog bear being used on Depop to advertise items, it has transitioned teens to become interested in Build-A-Bear, which again creates that sense of nostalgia with childhoods and memories. By modelling items on Depop, the frog creates an aesthetic vibe for the items and makes the items appear more interesting, which will ultimately improve the seller’s income.

The next toy that has taken over is the plushie Peeps bunnies! Peeps are marshmallow sweets that are sold in the United States and were introduced 1953.

They come in shapes of bunnies, chicks and many other animals. Due to the exposure of the rapper

Lil Peep’s music on streaming services such as Soundcloud, Spotify and Apple Music, the Lil Peep fanbase has taken over all aspects of DIY fashion such as custom t-shirts, necklaces and plushies. Some of these fans have also begun customising their own Peep bunnies, to resemble Lil Peep with his face tattoos and outfits. The bunnies are very exclusive and hard to get hold of, especially in the UK. Currently on depop there is one large pink bunny being sold for £80. Similar to Squishmallows, the bunnies come in a range of sizes from tiny to very large, allowing customers to have a choice. These bunnies can work very well with interior of bedrooms, especially with a pink and black aesthetic, resembling Lil Peep’s style and fashion. The bunnies were even seen on the cover of Lil Peep’s Come Over When You’re Sober album, relating to that grunge, emo aesthetic.

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 THE

FUTURE 

Written and designed by Olivia Clayton, images from Unsplash and selected interviewees.





It was a bleak year for live music in 2020; no raves, no gigs, no festivals, no mile-long walks from your tent to the stage or laughing at the extortionate price of a pint. The new normal seemed like a lifetime away, especially being a year into masks and social distancing, there was little to no hope for the music lovers. Little did we know, that on the horizon, an opportunity to make history was coming our way.

On Sunday 2nd May, for one night and one night only, Liverpool’s Sefton Park was transformed into a sight we all know and love. Stockport-born indie band Blossoms, supported by The Lathums and Zuzu, topped the bill for the evening giving it their all to the eager crowd of 5000 who loved every second, just like the old times. No masks. No social distancing. No rule of six. No risk of fines.

If you were lucky enough to attend, you would have had to take a lateral flow test the day previous to the mini-festival and receive a negative result to gain entry. Fans were also highly advised to take stronger PCR tests before and after the event, to allow experts to work out whether there was any spread of the virus. In theory, this was all to test how festivals and large events could possibly take place after June 21st; Melvin Benn, the organiser of Sefton Park, believes that testing is the solution to the creative crisis. He knows plain and simple that “you can’t have festivals with social distancing”, which he said in response to the Government’s plans.

With significantly flawless results and a wave of negative tests after the event, it’s looking even more likely that we’ll be back on the fields with plastic cups in our hand standing in the queue for a Portaloo in no time.

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OF FESTIVALS





“We don’t know what it means for the future of festivals at this point!”

-Leopallooza Festival, Cornwall CARBON - ARTS AND CULTURE 167

Carbon spoke to Harry Walthew, one of the organisers of 2000 Trees festival about the impact the pandemic has had on the event.

How has 2000 Trees been affected by the pandemic?

“2000 Trees festival has been affected by the pandemic massively due to two years of it not running. As it is an independent festival, it relies a lot on ticket sales every year for it to run. So, with it not running for a couple of years, this will affect the festival a lot, but hopefully it will bounce back. There has been hardly any funding through the government, and for it to run this year would be very risky for a small festival like it, whereas festivals like Reading and Leeds have the money to cancel it last minute. We have a good following of people that come to our festival, and we try to persuade the customers who have bought the tickets for last year and this year to keep their tickets for 2022.”

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“Personally, I do think the future of festivals is looking good. This is down to the fact that most of the younger generation and even some older love to attend festivals. So, when the festivals are up and running again everyone will attend as they missed that feeling and experience that you can only get when at a festival. I cannot say for sure if festivals will go back to normal, especially due to Covid-19 and the idea of mixing big crowds again. However, I do feel that festivals will be changed and altered slightly so that everyone can gain that experience and still have fun but be safer than before.”

Are you excited or worried about going back?

“I am very eager to get back to festival life, especially 2000 Trees, as it will help the festival financially as Covid-19 did cause some damage to the financial aspect of our festival. I do understand that some people are anxious to get back into big crowds and mix again. But, as mentioned before, I feel festivals will put in extra measures to ensure the well-being of all festival goers.”

FUTURE

“2000 Trees festival is a small/medium sized festival based in Gloucestershire near Cheltenham.

It is a multi-award-winning independent festival.

The festival started in 2007 and has run every year apart from last year and this year due to the pandemic.”

What do you think the future of festivals will look like?



What is 2000 Trees?

THINK?

Festivals and live music are the one thing that I have really missed throughout Covid, but as the time approaches to when they’ll be starting again I’m getting nervous as to whether I will feel safe/comfortable, particularly as a vulnerable person. If all the precautions are taken into account and things like Covid tests before entering festivals are available I will probably attend as I can’t stay shielded forever.

DO YOU

WHAT Tess - 19 - Cornwall - Musician

Tom - 20 - Yorkshire - Bartender I am excited about going back to gigs and festivals, but I’m also very wary of exposure to the virus. I work behind a bar so I’m already risking it, but it’s different from being stood behind a bar, to then being in a crowd of ten-thousand. The only way a festival would make me feel safe, is if you can only enter with a negative test.

Mia - 20 - Bracknell - Retail Assistant I’m definitely excited about going to festivals and concerts soon! I can’t wait for it to be normal again - it’s probably my favourite thing to experience; the atmosphere and everything, nothing beats it. Although the thought of being in a large crowd makes me feel a bit anxious, I’ve got to the point where I just want to live life again!

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On the 19th of January 1992, Pittsburgh received with open and proud arms, one of its biggest stars, one that will shine forever – the one and only Mac Miller.

It was probably around my 7th grade that some of my friends introduced me to Hip-Hop. Till this day it is still one of my favourite music genres, but I always appreciated artists that could use multiple styles in one song. Transcending from Hip-Hop to Jazz, R&B to Funk. And if you like all of these to be mixed, then look no further.

Always keeping his identity in every take, Mac Miller did not try to please all audiences, that was not his goal. He was an aware and eclectic individual with a great sense of music and not just a literal songwriter.

We are talking about an artist that never lost his relevance for 11 years and counting.

His influence remains till today one of the most important artists in rap history. After his death, many musicians revealed how Mac has impacted their take on music. These include Chance, the Rapper, SZA and Earl Sweatshirt.

The story of Mac Miller, in his own words, started at “a beautiful relationship between himself and those that have been with from being a 19-yearold kid, to being a self-destructive depressed drug user, to making love music and all these different stages”. Since he was 6 years old, Malcom was involved with music, by learning piano, guitar and drums. His first two mixtapes were named “But My Mackin Aint Easy” and “How High”, which he composed at just the age of 15. He used to skip classes and chose music over everything.

In 2009, he changed his artistic name from Easy Mac, to Mac Miller and released his “High Life” mixtape, that brought him huge attention on YouTube. Especially a song called “Live Free”, released 11 years ago, with more than 15 million views, where his carefree attitude walks around the streets in New York City.

His music, said by himself, was mostly appreciated by a largely male fanbase. That was when one of the most beautiful albums started to be composed, “The Devine Feminine”, which describes the importance that women have in his life. Some also say he was heavily inspired by his muse and at the time girlfriend, Ariana Grande.

The collaborative song “My Favourite Part”, described one of the highest points in the career of both artists.

The romance between the two ended in 2018, and that was a turning point in Mac’s life. For once, he wasn’t creating, he was actually unsure of what his next steps in life were. A few weeks later after their split up, Malcom was arrested after he ran his car into a power pole in the San Fernando Valley. He fell into silence after that, he was away from social media and not many people knew where Mac was.

He came back on July of that year and revealed a lifetime work. “The Swimming” album. This LP served for Mac, as his final way of releasing his rough path, connected with drugs and alcohol, where he set himself free from any harm and selfdestruction. “Swimming” gives us the perspective of someone who is trying really hard to overcome deep weaknesses and come back stronger. Mac was really looking for a way to express his feelings, and what better way to do it than with his musical gift.

His main videoclip portrays himself leaving a coffin, releasing all the attached bad energy. And till this day, I still believe that was the saddest coincidence I have ever witnessed. I guess the universe works in mysterious ways.

On September 7, 2018, a close friend of Malcom called 911 agitated. An accidental overdose, a mix with Fentanyl that was never supposed to be there. His life ended there, but not his legacy, not his soul. His music will live forever, and so will his existence.

Rest in peace Mac.

Written and Designed by Alice Derrica

His journey in the rap game really began at that point, which deserved the recognition from the label Rostrum Records, that signed one of the greatest in Pittsburgh, Wiz Khalifa. Six months later after his 4th mixtape K.I.D.S. in 2010, where multiple of his songs went viral, Mac Miller was named in one of the biggest Hip-Hop magazines, XXL, as part of their annual Freshman Class,

where big names like Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill and YG were also present as new talents. After that, it’s history.

Every album released was an authentic piece of art, and although he inspired many other artists, Mac was also inspired by others. He surrounded himself by great names such as The Beatles, Outkast, Pink Floyd, and A Tribe Called Quest.

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“THE DAY THAT I DIE ON

WILL TURN ME INTO AN ICON”

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Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci were the protagonists of the Italian news of the 90s. First for their luxuriant worldly life, then for the heinous crime. A Black Widow, a huge fortune, another woman, a murderous gang, sound like something straight out of a soap opera.

Reggiani and Gucci were both in their early 20s when they met at a party of the Milan elite in 1971. The grandson of the House of Gucci founder was reportedly struck by Reggiani’s beauty and asked a friend, “who is that beautiful girl dressed in red who looks like Elizabeth Taylor?”.

Considered a “social climber“, Reggiani never entered into the good graces of the Italian family.

She was the definition of Femme fatale – after

The bliss lasted just over a decade. During an interview on why her marriage fell apart Reggiani has said that the key moment that changed their relationship was the death of Rodolfo Gucci in 1983. After the death of his father, Maurizio took over the helm of Gucci and strived to save the Italian label through a tough period. It was clear he cared for his role within the family business.

But it wasn’t until 1994, when Tom Ford became the artistic director for the brand, that the house of Gucci regained its grandeur. The marriage broke down in 1985; the businessman left his wife for a younger woman, telling Reggiani that he was going on a business trip but never returning home. A decade passed without Patrizia Reggiani accepting the divorce. Finally just 3 years before the murder in 1972 the divorce was finalised and Reggiani had come to terms with it but still wasn’t ready to give up her title as Mrs Gucci. Giving up comfort is not easy when you have grown accustomed to a certain lifestyle, especially for a proud and stubborn woman like Patrizia. So the years pass and the anger grows; furious, jealous, vindictive - Reggiani did not waste affectionate words for her ex-husband, on the contrary

It took the police two years to discover the culprits and the principal, but the suspicion that Patrizia Reggiani was behind the heinous crime was born immediately. But while the media renamed “Lady Gucci” the “Black Widow,” Reggiani never admitted to having ordered the murder. She was arrested in 1997, and a high-profile trial ensued.

On the day of her incarceration, Patrizia was taken away by the police, she was wearing a fur coat and all her jewelry. Not a tear, not even a word of apology. She did not object, she did not pretend not to know why the police were taking her away. “You are here for the murder of my husband, but the fur and the jewels come with me”. She was convicted in 1998 of arranging Maurizio’s murder and sentenced to 29 years in prison. The Italy native’s sentence was cut even shorter in 2016, when she was released for good behaviour after 18 years behind bars after which she immediately went shopping in the famous shopping avenue, Via Monte Napoleone, with a parrot on her shoulder.

I don’t know about you but I cant wait for the movie! The drama, the suspicion, but most importantly the fashion!

Writing and design by Helena Polanska, Imagery from Gucci

Ridley Scott is currently shooting a film about the complete story of The Gucci Crime. House of Gucci is an upcoming American biographical crime film.

With a screenplay by Roberto Bentivegna the film is based on Sara Gay Forden’s book “The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed” that was originally published in year 2000. The upcoming film will revisit this high-profile case, with a stellar cast - Lady Gaga in the role of Patrizia Reggiani, who was tried and convicted of orchestrating the assassination of her ex-husband and former head of the Gucci fashion house Maurizio Gucci, portrayed by Adam Driver. It also stars Al Pacino, Jared Leto, Jack Huston, Reeve Carney, Salma Hayek, and Jeremy Irons. The movie is set to be released on 24 November 2021, which is only fitting considering it is the date of the fashion house’s 100th anniversary. With an all-star cast, here’s everything you need to know about what really went down in the Gucci family.

coming from a difficult and poor childhood she seduced the wealthiest and most envied Milanese party of the time. Outstanding dresses, worldly parties, galactic apartments and unbridled luxury, the glossy life of the two looked like an advertising campaign for wealth and fame. In spite of Maurizio Gucci’s fathers Rodolfo Gucci’s best efforts the two got married in 1973 in a marriage that will go down in history as one of the most luxurious.

she used to lash out at him, selling him to the press as a ruthless traitor. The straw that broke the camel’s back, or rather that undermined the woman’s already weak mental health, was Maurizio’s decision to remarry with his new girlfriend, Italian decorator Paola Franchi. So, on the morning of March 27 1995, the head of the Italian luxury house was killed. Four gunshots two in the back, one in the leg and one, lethal, in the temple, were fired on the porch of Gucci’s office in Milan.

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YAYOI KUSAMA AND THE MIRROR ROOMS

I n recent decades, and perhaps a sign of our culture of cynicism, heroes

Imagery by Tate Modern, Writing and design by Helena Polanska

have popularly been prefixed with the term “flawed”. From the dark and gritty cinematic remakes of Batman and superman to problem fuelled reality-T V shows, charisma is demonstrated as much by personal failings as public accomplishments. Collectively we seem to have agreed that brilliant also means damaged, with the sugar of remarkable talent or ability and flavoured with the spice of deviance, weakness or even sociopathy. The case of Yayoi Kusama is no different. From childhood Kusama suffered from anxiety and hallucinatory episodes, often in the form of nets or spots multiplying to dominate her field of vision. Forms from these hallucinations became the basis of her visual vocabulary, she began covering different surfaces – including walls, floors, canvases, objects, animals and people with polka dots, which became a trademark of her work.

“Like Alice, who went through the looking-glass, I, Kusama, who have lived for years in my famous, specially-built room entirely covered by mirrors, have opened up a world of fantasy and freedom.”

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The Japanese born artist Yayoi Kusama in the recent years has become the highest-selling female artist in the world. However, her success has been hard-won. Born on March 22, 1929 in Matsumoto City, Japan, she studied painting in Kyoto before moving to New York in 1958 and establishing herself as a part of the New York avant-garde scene. Kusama’s achievement as a woman artist, coming from a traditional background in a conservative part of Japan in the early part of the twentieth century, cannot be underestimated. It was her own drive and confidence in her talent that powered her extraordinary career. Embracing the rise of hippie counterculture of the late 1960s, she came to the attention of the public when she organized a series of performance art in which naked participants were painted with brightly coloured polka dots. While she is no doubt a polymath, working in a number of different mediums – from pumpkins to polka dots – her signature form are installations known as the “Infinity Mirror Rooms”. An immersive experience of interiors lined with mirrors creating the illusion of endlessly recurring spaces. Despite having created the mirror room form another artist, a male artist made his own mirrored installation around the same time. Kusama was making work of equal, if not more importance, but wasn’t getting the same recognition because of the blatant sexism and racism at hand, both of which played a part in her depression. This injustice lead to a crisis and even an unsuccessful suicide attempt in Kusama’s life but, thankfully,

mirrors also played a role in her eventual recovery from this difficult time.

Kusama first used mirrors in the mid-1960s in her large-scale installations “Infinity Mirror Room – Phalli’s Field” 1965 and Kusama’s “Peep Show – Endless Love Show” 1966. While exhibiting her work – thousands of stuffed, diversely shaped polka-dot fabric tubers in an attempt to create hallucinatory scenes of an endless surface she found that the labour involved in making them was physically and mentally exhausting. In response she started to utilize mirrors to achieve similar effect. “Infinity Mirror Room— Phalli’ s Field” was her first installation incorporating mirrors. The reflective surfaces allowed her vision to transcend the physical limitations of her own productivity.

However, it was with her following room work that Kusama truly showed her mirror and light works potential, in a 1966 work called “Peep Show - Endless Love Show”. It featured a small rectangle peephole where viewers could peer into a space of flashing coloured light bulbs so that the only image one saw was one’s own, reflected infinitely in the mirrored walls, surrounded by blinking lights. The mirrors created a participatory experience by casting the visitor as the subject of the work. Multiple times Kusama has emphasized the importance of the role the viewer plays in her rooms and how they continually experience the work in a new way: “One is more aware than before that he himself [the viewer] is establishing relationships as he apprehends the object from various positions and under varying conditions of light and spatial context … For it is the viewer who changes the shape constantly by his change in position relative to the work”.

From June 14 2021 till 12 June 2022 Tate Modern presents a rare chance to experience “Infinity Mirrored Room – Filled with the Brilliance of Life”. Entering this installation, you move along a reflective walkway over a shallow pool. Around you, tiny dots of light are repeated endlessly in the mirrors and water. The lights pulse, like a heartbeat or a ticking clock. Even while we experience infinite space, we are made aware of time passing. As the second part of the work’s title suggests, it seeks to visualise life as a ‘brilliant’ experience.

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Written by Anna Dalligan, Illustrated and Designed by Jennifer Harriman

At just eighteen, Olivia Rodrigo is already making her mark on the music industry.

With her debut single breaking countless records, her new-found global success doesn't appear to be going away any time soon.

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Olivia Rodrigo was born 20 February 2003, in California, United States. From a young age, Olivia has always loved music and singing, however her creative outlet at the time was more focused on acting. In 2015, Olivia landed her first acting job as the lead in an ‘American Girl’ film called ‘Grace stirs up success’. From here is when her career started to evolve as she next landed a role on the Disney Channel series ‘Bizaardvark’ where once again Olivia landed one of the main star roles. The series ran from 2016 to 2019, lasting for three seasons until Olivia landed the role that would be her acting breakthrough and catapult her into stardom as the leading star of the Disney Plus series ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’.

The series tells the story of a group of high school students who go to the school “East High” where they filmed the iconic 2000s High School Musical movies and decide to put on a school production of the movie which they called High School Musical: The Musical. In the series Olivia Rodrigo plays the main character ‘Nini’ who is cast as the lead ‘Gabriella’ in the school play. Olivia got to show off her skills as a singer / songwriter in the series, being given the opportunity to sing and write her own songs which would make up parts of the soundtrack for the series.

One song in particular from the first season of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” that was entirely written and sung by Olivia is the song ‘All I Want’. This song was the start of Olivia’s career as a performing artist, and became a viral hit through the app TikTok, with the sound being used in over 100,000 TikTok videos, and the song debuting at No.90 on the US Hot 100 Billboard charts.

The song has since been certified gold by the RIAA, meaning it has sold over 500,000 units.

Olivia was for sure the standout star from “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”, alongside her lead co-star Joshua Bassett, who played Nini’s boyfriend ‘Ricky’ in the show who was cast as Troy Bolton in the musical. The two teen actors were heavily rumoured to of had a relationship outside of the show for a number of months whilst filming the first series, however they broke up in late spring / early summer 2020.

On Olivia’s Instagram, she published many videos of her singing songs she had written about her and Bassett’s relationship and their breakup. A mix of the talent displayed in these videos and the success of ‘All I want’ led to Olivia landing her first record deal, being signed by Interscope Records, where her career as a singer truly started.

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At the beginning of 2021, Olivia announced that she would be releasing her debut single as an artist, separate from “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”. Rodrigo’s first single ‘Driver’s License’ was released 8 January 2021. The song instantly became a worldwide hit, going viral on TikTok, with around 1.8 million videos on the platform being posted using the official sound. This success extended out of TikTok with the song being certified triple platinum by the RIAA, as well as spending 8 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Olivia the youngest artist to have their debut single

peak at No.1, as well as the song becoming the longest running number one for a debut single. The success of ‘Driver’s License’ made Rodrigo an overnight superstar, receiving compliments across the music industry, most notably from Taylor Swift, who Olivia credits as being her musical inspiration from a young age.

With the unprecedented success of Olivia’s debut single, there was an element of concern that she would be a ‘One Hit Wonder’, therefore the pressure was on for whatever Olivia released as a follow up.

On 21 May 2021, Olivia Rodrigo released her debut album ‘Sour’. The album includes 11 songs all written by Olivia herself, proving her talent as both a singer and songwriter.

The album was an instant success, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with 295kw

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In April 2021, Rodrigo released her second single ‘Deja Vu’, which reached No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Olivia the first artist in history to debut her first two singles inside the top 10 of the Hot 100. Soon after, Olivia announced her anticipated debut album ‘Sour’, and alongside this released her third single ‘Good 4 u’ which debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This proving the teen singer had nothing to worry about in terms of being a ‘one hit wonder’ as she has already proven her success through only releasing three songs thus far.

album sales and 300 million streams in its first week. This is only the start of Olivia Rodrigo’s career and to prove this success so early on can only mean she has a long and successful career ahead of her!

Written by Anna Dalligan, Illustrated and Designed by Jennifer Harriman

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ng

ti mee

LEE DOWNER

With Covid hitting the world like a tonne of bricks, so many industries have been dying as we close our doors and stay at home but lets not forget the amazing oppurtunities, experiences and iconic moments withi them. Looking into the music scene, Lee Downer has always been one for experimentation with his sound, image, fashion and style. From influences lifetime achievements and getting into the Guiness Book of World Records, Downer speaks about his experience, life and success and in order to make it work ‘you have to be prepared to tour your ass off.’

What names/bands have you been in and which currently now?

Loads since I was a kid but ones that actually did well are The Defiled, Antiproduct and my band now LOWLIVES.

of

instruments and learn other bands songs. We’d rehearse on our lunch at school at my parents house and then our drummers house after school...no idea how they put up with us.

What inspired you to become a musician?

I used to play football at a reasonably high level as a kid and then I discovered Nirvana and weed...everything changed almost in an instant.

My dad brought the album ‘Nevermind’ and hearing that the first time totally blew my mind.

How have you evolved over the years?

I’ve definitely jumped around genre wise, my last band The Defiled were a metal band but my first love was grunge/ punk rock so my new band is very much in t h a t style. I’ve always naturally written songs in that style a lot easier and it’s never felt forced.

What was your lifetime achievement and proudest moment, why?

Playing Reading festival was a big moment for me... when I was a kid my dad took me every year so to get to finally play it was unreal. I had played a lot of major festivals in previous bands but I had never played Reading until LOWLIVES were asked to play a couple of years back.

What was it like growing up for you? Did you always want to become a musician?

Since I was 9 it’s all I’ve ever thought about. I started a band with a friend from school when we were both around 10.

Luckily in my school we had a lot of people into the same music and we almost learnt t o g e t h e r to play

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Did you e v e r have a ‘break

through’ moment?

I think the first time The Defiled sold out a show in our hometown London was a major turning point...up until then we thought no one cared about our band. I remember all of us being very nervous before the show and it turned out to be one of the best we ever played. It definitely felt like we had arrived...then every london show after that was sold out.

What other bands in the scene do you communicate with and interact with?

I know a lot of dudes in bands after years of touring a lot...a band we currently love and know well are Teenage Wrist that are in our kind of scene.

I’m very close with Motionless In White as the Defiled

Getting in the Guinness book of records for playing on an iceberg with my previous band The Defiled was also a major highlight...wasn’t exactly a lifetime

achievement as something I never contemplated but definitely a very experience.

it’s ever was cool

used to tour with them a lot and I was in their last video...some of the nicest people I’ve met through music.

What is the hardest thing about being an alternative creative?

Making money...sadly there’s hardly any money

in the music industry nowadays, touring and Merch is the only way to make money so you have to be prepared to tour your ass off to make it work.

What/Who is/are your musical influences?

Main ones are Kurt cobain, Dave grohl, billy corgan...fairly obvious answers as they are all greats but they truly shaped me as a songwriter and a person.

What is one message you’d give to your fans?

We appreciate every thing you do to support our band!

What is the best advice you have been given, musically or personally?

Sing from your stomach...and don’t Tour in a bus until it is 100% necessary as there’s no going back to a van.

What are you planning next for your band and achievements?

Release a record and tour as much as humanly possible.

Written and Designed by Tara Larkin, Photographs by Scott Sorenson, Lee Downer, @blessuh, @scottchalmersphotography, @sergey.astakhov.

What is your creative process like?

I play guitar a lot and I tend to not just sit playing covers so I try to write something every time I play...doesn’t need to be whole songs, just a little riff or a melody idea. I record little snippets on my phone and then just check through the hundreds of voice notes to see if any of it was cool and start working on it. Or...a song will just come out in a matter of minutes...I almost feel like those end up being the better songs. Just spur of the moment almost making it up on the spot then trying to remember what I did to record down as quickly as possible. cess like?

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Written and Designed by Tara Larkin, Photograph by @blessuh Will, Graphic Design by Tara Larkin.

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7art museums in Europe

to visit

1.

Louvre Museum- Paris This fantastic art museum is most famous for being the home of the Mona Lisa. It is one of the largest Art museums in the world that is based in Paris, France. The Louvre is an outstanding landmark that once used be a palace. Be sure to go to this Museum on your next trip to Paris.

2.

The british museum The British museum based in Bloomsbury, London. Known for human history, art and culture. This museum holds a huge range of historical items from paintings to clothing from the Anglo-Saxon’s. Don’t miss out of this fantasitic experience.

Images from Museum’s websites

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4.

3.

Van Gogh Museum

Uffizi Gallery

The Van Gogh Museum is in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Museum includes all of Van Gogh’s art work from paintings to drawings, learn more about Van Gogh and his journey into the world of art by visitng this museum.

5.

The Uffizi Gallery is in Florence, Italy. The Gallery includes sculptures and paintings from the middle ages. The building is designed by Giorgio Vasari, it is an outstanding building that will leave you speechless.

6.

V&A

The V&A is names after Queen Vicoria and Prince Albert, it was founded in 1852. The museum includes a wide range of historical items, artwork, sculptures and many more. This is the largest museum in the world with over 2.27 million items inside. Make sure you check out this amazing Museum if you haven’t already.

Rijksmuseum is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands .

It is close to the Van Gogh Museum. It includes many different pieces of Art and history. The famous Amsterdam sign is located just outside of the Museum.

Musee d’Orsay

This Museum is based on the left Bank of Seine in Paris. It is based in the Beaux-Arts railway station built in 1900. The Musee d’Orsay is mostly filled with French art including paintings, sculptures, furniture and photography from 1848-1914.

Written by Amy Hardy, Designed by Amy Hardy and Tara Larkin.

7.

Rij ksm use um

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F i rst y e a r o f u n i v e rs ity c i m e d n a p a g n i Dur

t h ro u g h t h e e y e s O F S T N E D U T S L A N O I T A N R E T N I Being a student during the pandemic is hard for everyone.

However, it may be especially difficult for international students.

Whether it means being unable to visit your family or not being able to come to the UK when you originally planned to, there were many obstacles. Here are stories of 6 international students about how coronavirus affected their uni lives.

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Guishermo, Spain

Solomon, Nigeria

The biggest obstacle caused by the pandemic was when I couldn’t come to the UK because all flights from Colombia were cancelled. I spent basically the whole first semester studying at home and only came to Southampton in January when the country was in the middle of a lockdown.

As a Columbian I of course have experienced a big culture shock, however, not being able to physically go to the university or pretty much anywhere made adapting to the new environment even harder. I am lucky to live in halls, though,

Honestly, I don’t really feel like the pandemic affected my life here in the UK that much. I managed to move here, I live in halls so I still got to meet new people and made friends, I can even visit my family back home. What is upsetting me though is the 10 days quarantine I have to undertake whenever I come back from Spain. I would like to go home for a few days but I can’t because now that I have a job I would have to take holidays for the quarantine. Another thing with working is that when I first found a job in October I got fired a few days after I started because “we were going to another lockdown”.

I feel the restrictions most affected my social life.

I am very lucky to live in student halls so I got to make friends anyway. I can’t imagine that just about now I would be finally able to go out and meet new people because these friends I made when I moved here were what helped me to get used to the new environment. I also wasn’t able to visit my family due to the pandemic so being able to socialise with someone was very important for me.

Klara, Czech Republic

Kency, China

Ioana, Romania

I was planning to move to the UK for about two years prior so I was really excited when I finally did that. What I didn’t expect though was that I will have to go back home for about 3 months because I couldn’t afford to pay for my accommodation. I needed to find a job which I wasn’t able to do because of the lockdown. I also feel like I didn’t get the full learning experience because I had online lectures most of the year.

The lockdown really affected my adapting to the new culture. I thought the best way to do so was to go out and meet some locals, but we couldn’t do that. Because of that I couldn’t make that many British friends with whom I could practice my English. It also interrupted my studying. I was supposed to come to the UK in September but I had to postpone it for half a year until March when I finally came here. Because of that I won’t be able to get my degree until February next year which affects my Autumn recruitment plans and I’ve lost a lot of offers.

Moving out was a big step for me. I had to learn how to live alone, find a job, and pay for myself.

This would have been hard even under the usual circumstances, however it was way harder now because I couldn’t even visit my family. I have been in the UK for 9 months straight. I didn’t even get to fly back home for Christmas because plane tickets are much more expensive and I simply can’t afford them.

so I still made friends.

Written and Designed by Michaela Piontkova, Images provided by interviewed peopele

Diego, Colombia

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Something To

Inspire You!

Inspiration can truly come from any where but it can be hard to find a direction to take your ideas. These two collages push creative boundaries making them stand out against the crowd.

Written and Designed by Lauren Murphy

The first collage is a perfect mixture of different colours, textures and objects all combined together to make one piece of art. By removing parts of the face and replacing eyes and mouths can instantly catch attention and make your piece of work stand out. Adding different textures and shapes helps keep your attention as you try to work out if it all works together or not.

In the second design layering is used to create unique patters and colours. Adding layers to a design allows you to add depth to your work and make it more personal.

Being creative is all about thinking outside of the box and experimenting. There was no plan with either of theses two pieces it is simply trial and error however, remember there is no error in art.

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will it ever stop?

TRANSPHOBIA: Written and designed by Charlotte Brooks, Images from Unsplash.com

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Over the years people have become more confident in expressing who they are and breaking traditional gender roles. But does this lead to inclusivity or just create more abuse & judgement?

Online hate is not new to anyone. Influencers get criticised for their every move and action by at least one person. Appearance and style is flawed in every way, new insecurities are found and opinions are thrown in every direction. But for the LGBTQ+ community, online hate reaches a whole new level. One that many of us will never experience online.

What is transphobia? Transphobia is defined as “the fear, hatred, disbelief or mistrust of a person who is transgender or someone who does not conform to traditional gender roles”.

Research conducted by the anti-bullying organisation Ditch The Label in 2019 showed in a survey of 10 million online posts related to transgender identity shared in the UK and US, over 1.5 million were anti-trans. The report shockingly showed how badly the trans community get harassed and abused every day for expressing who they really are, which is inhumane.

Transphobia can be seen every day online. It can range from purposely misgendering someone to throwing slurs around such as ‘tranny’ or ‘shemale’ making the victims of this abuse feel hurt and hopeless. Deadnaming is another transphobic issue which is regularly seen online. This is the idea of purposely calling someone by their previous name from before they transitioned.

The transgender community is by far one of the main targets for online harassment and many victims of this abuse claim online hate is taken a lot further than what people say in real life.

Many transphobic people do not outwardly state it in real life and abuse those of the LGBTQ+ community, but when in front of a screen to protect them, they feel no fear in potentially ruining someone’s life.

Some members of the LGBTQ+ community say social media is the best thing to happen as awareness can reach a wide audience and people can express who they really are online. It is for some people a vital space to relate to others and feel more comfortable in their own skin, creating a community. But for others, social media causes extreme backlash which can have detrimental effects on someone’s mental and physical wellbeing. It is making a platform which could have an amazing impact, a hostile environment which opens up more scrutiny and abuse than ever before.

But will this transphobic abuse online ever stop? Who is responsible for preventing people posting transphobic abuse or negatively commenting on someone’s identity? Many members of the LGBTQ+ community think social media companies should do more in terms of protecting those receiving online hate and take more action into preventing their platform being used as a space for hate speech. Even though most social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok have community guidelines to outwardly stop transphobic posts, indirect hate and comments can be missed which could potentially have harmfulw effects.

Most recently, Instagram has introduced a new optional setting of adding your pronouns to your bio to specify gender identity in an easier way. This new setting allows users to add up to four pronouns, which can either be chosen from a pre-set list or a form can be filled out to add new ones. Users can also determine if they want their pronouns shared publicly on Instagram or with their followers only. This new feature was announced in the hope of making Instagram a more welcoming and inclusive platform and to perhaps eliminate some forms of online hate. The platform encourages everyone to take advantage of the new feature to build a better community and society and to open up a new conversation. Is this feature enough? Will this stop transphobic abuse? The simple answer is no. Encouraging people to add pronouns to their bio will not stop opinions and judgement from others who do not agree and in some cases may lead to more abuse. Instagram claims this is further support into creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ society and in some ways such as making people feel more comfortable by adding their identity it is, but this could also make people more vulnerable.

Online hate will never stop for anyone and putting yourself online will always open up the potential for criticism and abuse. However, this doesn’t make it right and for those of the transgender community, having a different identity that doesn’t conform to stereotypical gender norms should not lead to further harassment and abuse. Everyone should be able to live their lives how they please, be who they want to be and be comfortbale and confident within themselves.

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Asian Hate Crime.

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Written and designed by Yvonne Sam

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Hate crime: "A crime, typically one involving violence, that is motivated by prejudice on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation or other grounds."

The incident of Asian hate crime has skyrocketed dramatically since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since the onset of the pandemic from March to December 2020, more than 2,808 anti asian hate crime cases have been reported. Statistics report these cases comprise of: 70.9% Verbal harassment 21.4% Shunning 8.7% Physical assault 6.4% Coughed & Spat on 8% Work place discrimination These figures underplay the dark figure of crime, and the many cases of anti asian hate crime that go unreported.

Prior to the onset of Covid-19, anti asian hate was still a large issue within society, however, following the increase in detriment caused by the virus, more and more people are using the pandemic as an excuse to inflict their inner hatred, leading to the exacerbation of anti asian hate crimes in society.

Elderly and more vulnerable asians are being targeted and 11% of them have been physically abused for absoloutley no reason. As of recently, the internet has become increasingly saturated with viral videos capturing these moments, displaying the remorseless acts of criminals harming innocent asian citizens, from teenagers to the elderly.

This has impacted the ability for asians to feel safe walking around neigbourhoods in which they grew up in, with fears of being subjected to racial slurs as well as physical abuse. This fear is not only experienced by those who suffered directly from anti asian hate, but extends to the worries of grandparents, aunties and uncles, and other members of family old and young.

Racism and discrimination against asians has become normalised.

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#Freepales

ti tes Pro tine

Designed by : Sakinah Mustafa

t tes Pro

Photos Source: Supportive Charities

ine #Freepalest

#Freepales

ti tes Pro tine

Written by Zinnia Bridgman and Sakinah Mustafa

#FREE PALESTINE

in Lon don

nG

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nS ydn ey,

Austra ilia

las gow , Scotl and

Quotes from Government Officials in Israel The conflict between the Israeli Government and Palestine has recently been brought back into the light of the media as attacks from both sides are getting more and more aggressive. Marches across the world have been going on over the years and most recently over the last few months, calling for the people in power to help put a stop to a conflict that has been going on since the 1950s.

Over the past 70 years the displacement of the people of the state of Palestine has gone almost unnoticed and only a couple stories of how the people affected have had to live.

Every year 500 – 700 children are taken from their homes and out into solitary confinement ad since 2000, 10,000 Palestinian children have been detained and held in the Israeli military detention system without access to basic rights. These shocking events have come to light in the recent months due to people being vocal about this across social media and highlighting these horrible events through personal videos and images.

“Israel has broken 65 UN resolutions with no consequences. Iraq broke two and was invaded and destroyed” – the Human Perspective on Instagram and here are some of the rules that have been breached; they forbade the ‘right of return’ for Palestinian people after fighting in 1967 which counts as Ethic Cleansing under the fourth Geneva Convention.

The Israeli Government violated the human rights of the Palestinian people on a massive scale including, torture, imprisonment without a trail, land confiscation, separation of families and many more (1970).

To show support for the Palestinians there have been protests across the world including the UK, Canada, Australia and France and boycotts of Israeli made products. Keep the hashtags relevant online and keep educating yourself on what’s going by reading the news and finding charities that can support the Palestinian people.

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C E V I T A C E S P A L E V I T A E S P A L E V I T A Creative Collapse.

For the small creative businesses of the UK, the pandemic has hit them the hardest, and it’s something they never thought they’d have to face. Some saw it as a perfect opportunity to go freelance; more time at home, on furlough from work, spending less money due to the lack of social events. But for others it was a creative nightmare.

Written, designed and illustrated by Olivia Clayton, images from Hartex.

Everything just changed all of a sudden. Effectively overnight restaurants, cinemas and theatres were closed, gigs and festivals were cancelled for the foreseeable future, and social distancing became the new norm, just as the UK’s creative industries were thriving. A £1.57 billion care package was brought in by the Government, but it was too late for some, with Southampton’s Nuffield Theatre being one of the most drastic casualties of COVID-19. While this money is helping many large-scale events, questions rise over the future of small creative businesses, in a post-pandemic world.

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C A L L O C T A E R C A L L O C E A E R C E L Harry, the owner of Hartex, standing proudly outside his store on the Southbank.

Introducing you to...

Harry, the owner of Hartex Feels Good: a vintage clothing store on the Southbank. We spoke to him about how he has coped throughout the pandemic while running a creative small business.

What is Hartex?

We’re a curated vintage shop, specialising in 90’s/00’s pop culture nostalgia & football.

How has Hartex been affected by Covid-19?

We’ve had to close due to lockdown, and at the moment London is noticeably quieter than it usually is so business is slower.

How important is the creative industry to you?

The creative industry is important to me as it’s the inspiration that constantly shapes what we like and what we do. We at Hartex are dealers of culture in cotton form.

How have you been supported by the Government?

We were fortunate enough to receive some grants from the Government.

It wasn’t as much as we’d be making normally but it helped to get by and reopen without too much stress.

Do you think the Government have done enough to help small businesses throughout the pandemic?

Youtuber Zac Alsop (The Zac and Jay Show) supporting Hartex.

I can’t speak for other small businesses particularly, but obviously bigger and more accessible grants would’ve been good. Overall I’ve just tried to focus on keeping our customers engaged through online sales.

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COVID-19:

“When this is all over, the NHS England board should resign in their entirety.”

The anger felt by the NHS workers during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic wasn’t even acknowleged as the government continued to ignore how they were feeling and the strugles they faced in hospitals around the UK. “When this is all over, the NHS England board should resign their entry” said one NHS employee when asked about the coronavirus pandemic and how the governement handled it, whether the NHS board is truly worthy of being allowed to control how our iconic healthcare system works.

The scale of anger and frustration was unprecedented, and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the cause. The UK Government’s Contain–Delay– Mitigate–Research strategy failed. It was miserably defective and unable to stop the coronavirus pandemic from seeping into every crevice of society wholly because of an incompetent system. People didn’t isolate and quarantine, in part due to the Test and Trace app being sold as a world first (a lie debunked by Peter Stefanovic who noted the app was already in place in countires such as Latvia, France, Germany and Denmark), but for the most part a lack of communication between the Government and the general public.

They didn’t contact trace either. Another feature of the “NHS” track and trace system which the Government conveniently always titles it when deflecting the blame from themselves in parliament at PMQ’s and elsewhere. The basic principles of public health and infectious disease control were ignored, for reasons that remain muddied in the water. The UK implemented a new plan—Suppress–Shield–Treat–Palliate to cover their mistakes from the first time round. But this plan, agreed far too late in the course of the outbreak, had left the NHS wholly unprepared for the surge of severely and critically ill patients that would inevitably come. NHS employees came forward with responses of distress and horror.

“ I t ’s t e r r i f y i n g f o r s t a f f a t t h e m o m e n t . St i l l n o ac c e s s t o p e rs o n a l pro te c t i ve e q u i pme n t [ P P E ] o r t e s t i n g .” “ T h e r e ’s b e e n n o g u i d e l i n e s , i t ’s c h a o s .”

“I

d o n’t f e e l s a f e . I d o n’t f e e l p r o t e c t e d .” “ We a r e l i t e r a l l y m a k i n g i t u p a s w e g o a l o n g .”

NHS workers whistleblowed on the failings and lies being fed to the general public. Hospitals did in fact run out of PPE, they had to improvise with bin bags and liners with photographic evidence proving so. Private corporations cashed out on the NHS’ plight; with billions given out carelessly to multiple Ltd companies. Many of which had barely any assets or no correlation with the health industry: examples being sweetshop owners and furniture makers. Unfathomable to all that the value of lives came down to dormant companies. And to add fuel to the fire, not one piece of PPE was delivered by these companies we trusted. Not ONE item.

Nevertheless, despite the governmental abysmal failings on our National Health Service, our NHS servicemen and women alongside every key worker across the country, persisted to reach a goal everyone wants: to be Covid free.

Despite countless preventable deaths across the nation, and beds being taken up at a rate the NHS could not have predicted, the end of Coronavirus was becoming clearer by the day. By improvising PPE and dedicating themselves to inhumane shift hours, the rate of inpatients was decreasing, the death rate was deteriorating and ‘covid-free’ ward announcements were on the rise; we have to thank our key workers in what will be the pivotal moment in history that makes us reflect on what we truly need and want as a society.

In tribute to all those passed through Coronavirus negligence via our Governement and the NHS England board, we owe it to them to learn from this pandemic. For example, more determined decisions passed through parliament with conviction and not fear, listen to what other countries are doing before similar events reach our shores, value being place more on the people we count on to save our lives and to ultimately, deter such a catastrophic outcome from occuring again, if the day arises in the future.

What we did is not enough.

What we praised the NHS with every Thursday was not enough.

What the Government view the NHS as, is not enough.

The time to change is now. For the future.

Thank you ,

NHS

and to every key worker during this pandemic

A personal tribute to key workers Julie Horton; a current NHS employee, Becky Horton; Customer Lead at Acacia Homecare for the Elderly, Alison Horton; TA for the children of key workers and to Denise Burrows-Hutt who sadly passed away from Coronavirus in March 2020, all family members.

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Written, Designed and Photographed by: Victoria Horton, Model and Make-up Design by: Pavlina Nikolova

the finale.

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TikTok has grown to become one of the biggest social media platforms worldwide in the past year and a half. From comedy to dancing videos, the app caters to everyone.... but what impact has it had on the fashion industry?

Writing by Anna Dalligan, Deisgn by Anna Dalligan and Jennifer Harriman

TikTok’s

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Impact on the Fashion

Industry

The phone application TikTok was launched in the Autumn of 2016, starting as a music app where people could make 15 seconds videos singing or dancing to their favourite songs. However, as the app has grown in popularity, users started making various different pieces of content .. and here was when TikTok’s impact on the fashion industry became visible.

The hashtag ‘fashion’ on TikTok has 68.1 BILLION views, not including other variations of this hashtag which have millions upon billions of views.

This alone shows how popular of a niche fashion is on the app. In recent years, Instagram had been THE social media platform for fashion, creating an entire new career in the fashion industry as an influencer, who is someone who posts fashion related content for their followers.

However, since the rise of TikTok it has created an entirely new platform for regular people who love fashion to create videos and turn a passion for fashion into a career. TikTok being better than Instagram for creating influencers in that the algorithm is completely random and personalised to each and every viewers personal taste in content.

It does not matter how many followers you have, unlike with instagram, if your video ends up on people’s ‘For you’ page it will make an impact and can instantly kick-start a fashion career.

Influencers who primarily use TikTok as their social media sharing platform are known as TikTokers, and they are the ones who have the power in starting trends due to their large platform of followers. In Fashion terms, this means that it is famous tiktokers who may show a specific item of clothing or wear a certain fashion aesthetic, making it gain popularity within the app, which then extends into the runway and onto the high street. TikTok has created hundreds of different fashion aesthetics helping young people individualise their style based on their preferences of certain colours and clothing, yet at the same time keeping it grouped together as all come under the ‘TikTok fashion’ category. For example, an aesthetic that has been created by TikTok in the past year is ‘cottagecore’, which follows a countryside, vintage aesthetic being made up of light colour tones, long floral dresses and cardigans, however another aesthetic created by the app called ‘E-girl’ has a complete opposite dark and edgy aesthetic, made up of chains, graphic tees and black and white tones. These two styles were entirely created by TikTok, and the popularity they’ve gained in a short time shows the app’s impact.

One of the most notable trends that, although wasn’t created as such by TikTok, but has been

brought back into fashion as a result of the app is Y2K fashion, which refers to the early 2000s style. Before TikTok Y2K fashion was widely criticised in the media in the 10’s with people quite notably ‘unable to believe it was ever popular’.

However, as soon as famous TikTokers were seen to start wearing outfits very similar to those worn in the early 2000s, the trend immediately caught on. The hashtag #Y2K on TikTok currently has 1.7 billion views, the hashtag #Y2Kaesthetic has 238.3 million views and #Y2Kfashion 99.1 million views. However, this trend is not only popular on TikTok and has become, as of right now, you could say the most popular fashion trend worldwide, on and off TikTok. Every shop you go in on the highstreet is full of Y2K-esque clothing and accessorises, and the trend has even made its way onto the runway and into high fashion, with many designer brands bringing back and re-releasing bags from their early 2000’s collections, and creating new collections to hop onto the trend, for example Prada has re-released bags that they previously sold in the early 2000s, and Juicy Couture has jumped back into popularity, re-releasing their old early 2000’s classic velour juicy tracksuits, as well as creating new collections as a mix of 2021 and Y2K fashion. Without TikTok, Y2K fashion may have never come back into style.

Not only has TikTok given fashion influencers the opportunity to go viral and create dream job opportunities, but it has also given businesses and the fashion companies the chance to grow, with even some major fashion brands switching to TikTok as their preferred social media platform because of how beneficial it is in promotional terms.

There are even some fashion companies who have built themselves up from the beginning to now being successful businesses through TikTok alone.

Companies know how popular TikTok is with the younger population, which is their most common customer target audience, therefore this is something they take advantage of as it not only gives them publicity, but saves them millions of advertisement campaigns as TikTok is entirely free.

How many times have you been scrolling through TikTok and seen an item of clothing someone else is wearing in a video that you want? This is

exactly what happened in the summer of 2020 with Slazenger skorts. Previously just used as a skort worn when playing sports as this is what they were intended for when designed, these skorts suddenly went viral on TikTok. Starting with fashion tiktok influencers wearing them, girls across the country wanted to hop onto the trend, so much so that the skirts almost instantly entirely sold out online and in stores. However, people would do anything, and pay anything, to follow the Slazenger skort trend, meaning that the skorts which were before sold for £8 on Sports Direct, were then found being sold for prices as high as £50 on resale websites / applications such as EBay and Depop. People created entire online businesses over the summer by purchasing the £8 skirts in bulk, selling them out, and then reselling these for a large profit. This all being as a result of TikTok, showing how easy it is to create trends.

In such a short amount of time, TikTok has quite clearly made its impact on the world. Considering the application’s launch was less than five years ago, and even then the app only truly started to become recognised as a social media platform and grew in popularity worldwide in the later part of 2019, the impact the app has had is something quite remarkable. The fashion industry has forever been changed as a result of TikTok, and will only continue to evolve as a result. The app is popular with all ages meaning that whether you are 9 years old or 60 years old, TikTok has fashion content and advice suitable for you.

With over a billion videos being uploaded to the platform everyday, and the number of users only growing.. TikTok shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. No matter who you are or what your interests are, TikTok has something for you.

The fashion industry to come will heavily rely on TikTok for creating and popularising fashion trends. They know the impact the app has already had, therefore it will only continue to grow and become more powerful as time goes on. TikTok is the future of the fashion industry, and its impact has left a mark on the fashion world for years to come.

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Pages Designed by Mia Curtis and Helena Polanska, Written by Mia Curtis, Images from Instagram

CREATIVE DESIGNERS

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Adios Beaches

With travel in the pandemic almost impossible, and definitely limited, travel bloggers have struggled to create content and keep a sensitive balance of holiday pics on their pages. We’ve checked in with our favourite travel influencer’s to see how the pandemic has affected them, what their plans are next, and a little bit of inspo for your next travels! All social medias and blogs are linked, so give them a follow for the perfect travel tips!

Text by Ellie Bicknell, Design by Helena Polanska, Images from Unsplash

How has the pandemic affected you as a travel influencer?

Very honestly, I feel so grateful that I have been able to travel the way that I have in the last year throughout the pandemic. I could never imagine complaining about certain aspects of how travel has changed with what is going on in the world right now, and how the pandemic has affected travel.

I feel I have to respond to this in a very sensitive manner because in reality, yes, it is more difficult to travel than it used to be, of course it is - and it can be much more expensive with tests and visas and non-negotiable COVID-19 hotel stays but if you are travelling, you are doing so at your own risk and compared to the reality that a lot of other people are having to endure right now, I know I have it very easy.

The travel industry obviously shut down and that was a lifeline for a lot of people, for their field of work. I actually used to host yoga retreats in Palermo, Sicily (www.eliteyogaescape.com) but obviously I can’t do this anymore and that was my dream that I had worked so, so hard to achieve and I did it - but then obviously, everything changed very quickly. So I had to shift my perspective and my career... But I am lucky that I am now a freelance writer, manage social media accounts, and I am a business advisor (but I figured all of that out during the first lockdown - of which, I was locked down, at my boyfriend’s family house in the UK and I had actually started just online tutoring children to make ends meet), so I have been able to support myself and this freelance work is thriving now and I am so grateful. As a newly founded freelancer, I never received any financial

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help from any government schemes, so I felt that my choice to travel was mine to make.

-

Bianca Polizza (@travelbybianca)

Before the borders first closed in March last year, I had just been on incredible work trips to Myanmar and Kerala, India. I had created some of my best content on those two trips and was looking forward to all the other partnerships and plans that I had for the rest of the year. I was just about to visit Vietnam on what would have been another content creation trip when the world slowly started shutting down, and soon, promoting travel of any kind didn’t feel right.

I had to think on my feet to come up with other ways to keep my community engaged, but I also cannot deny that the downtime from traveling gave me the much-needed push to further diversify my services and income streams.

I listened to my audience and started my Lightroom Masterclass to teach people how to edit photos and felt extremely grateful that I could still work while so many people around me weren’t able to.

- Charu Goyal (@travelwithcg)

Has it made you make any changes about how you would travel in the future?

Definitely! The pandemic has made me realize what an extraordinary opportunity being able to travel is and how the next trip is not always guaranteed. So going forward, not only would I like to be present in every aspect of traveling, but would also say yes to more adventures and more trips while I still can.

- Charu Goyal (@travelwithcg) It takes so much research now, a lot of paperwork and endless testing (which is a VERY small inconvenience, for being able to continue having new experiences around the world). In November 2020, we were filming a DJ’s music video in Italy, we had to get our PCR tests to travel to Indonesia, this was so hard to do. Even though I speak Italian, without being a resident in Italy, it was almost impossible to get a booking with a doctor. We managed to get an appointment, get a test and the results and thought we were set. When we arrived in Indonesia, and immigration told us we had the wrong test. This is now a criminal offense in most countries with HUGE fines and possible imprisonment...

So, we were taken by the army and put into a COVID-19 hotel in Jakarta.

Luckily an express PCR was an option, so we managed to do that but it was a scary experience. So just do your research, make sure you have all of the right paperwork, check you’re not flying through red zones, or that any countries you will be flying through, won’t turn into red zones when you do fly (so get used to booking last minute flights). Get comfortable with anxiety and fear and stress and worry, and always make sure you have enough money in your bank account to book a second flight because you might suddenly need to. Also, double check all of the government websites for what paperwork you need to fill in before landing, you could end up with a big fine on the other side, or time in prison, and also, check that your COVID tests are correct and that they are translated for the country you are entering into. And do your damn quarantine for however long it’s meant to be in the country you are going to - you’re lucky to be there, respect the rules.

- Abena (@travellingtuesdays)

Do you think more people will be interested in a similar career to you, now that the world is opening up?

There were already loads of people wanting this, but we see an even more significant interest with the pandemic and the big switch to remote work.

Doing something “online” was so alien and distant for many before this, but now it’s become a much more possible reality. Travel content creation is very high on people’s minds.

- Arijana (@shipped_away) I think so. I feel that people realized how important it is to do what you are passionate about while you still can and thought of or started their own small businesses from home. A great thing about a job like mine is that it doesn’t rely on any single income stream and can be done from anyplace with the internet. So with work from home being such a big part of all our lives during the pandemic, I would assume that more people are going to be interested in a similar lifestyle as the world opens up.

- Charu Goyal (@travelwithcg)

Where would you like to travel next? @travellingtuesdays - Southern Africa @travelbybianca - Mexico @shipped_away - Egypt @travelwithcg - Vietnam (Follow Charus’ blog at travelwithcg.com)

- Bianca Polizzi (@travelbybianca)

Are there parts of travelling that you don’t miss from before the pandemic?

I don’t miss the over tourism; I can’t lie about that. I don’t miss going to places and it being really cramped. I recently travelled to Egypt, and we went to the pyramids, and it was almost empty, only a few sellers and people, not the usual massive tour groups. My friend who lives there said normally you go there and are cramped with people all over you, but it was relatively empty. I want everyone to see the world and I don’t want to keep people from going places because if you want to go then you should definitely go see it, but it is nice to have these places quieter. Before, because of over tourism there has been a lot of pollution and damaging of these places, but now I feel like the world’s had an opportunity to almost breath. Hopefully when tourism does open it’s done with sustainability in mind because over tourism is not the best.

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SUSTAIN SUSTAIN --

interview with sustainable jewelry brand Funky Destination

We are joined with Teshany Fitzsimmons, owner of the independent sustainable jewelry brand Funky Destination! We talk about the importance of sustainability, her journey, and some tips and tricks for anyone wanting to start their own sustainable business!

Where do you source your wood from for your products?

I get all of the wood from my local forest! The wood I collect has already fallen off trees so I’m not killing or damaging the trees, I’m taking what’s already dead and what’s already fallen which is a lot more eco friendly.

What’s the process you go through to go from a slab of wood, to amazing jewelry?

The process of making my jewelry is basically I go to the woods and I find some sexy looking branches. I go for Birch Tree branches because they are really, really strong, lightweight, and they work so well with jewelry because the finish is just so professional as well. I basically have to slice the wood with a saw, and then cut the wood into its shape with a scroll saw, then sand the earring with normal sand paper, and finally I have to gloss the earring after that and add the silver attachments. So it is quite a long process but so worth it at the end.

What was it like trying to start up your business?

Written and designed by Missy. Images from Funky Destination

Starting up my business was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be, I started about a year ago and it’s going really well so far! It wasn’t really meant to turn into a business, it was more meant to be something that would just save me up a little bit of money to go travelling again. I really didnt think it would turn into what it has turned into, it’s been a very fun and enjoyable experience. Very stressful, but very fun!

How long does it take you to complete a single pair of wooden earrings?

It really depends on what type of earring I’m making, for example cowboy boot earrings probably take me about 3 hours to make, some earrings take me 4-5 hours to make, and then the ying yang earrings or the mushrooms only take about an hour. But they are all quite time consuming, that’s why my prices are quite high because they take a long, long time to make!

Any products you have created that you didn’t expect you would do?

How did you go about promoting your brand?

I haven’t really promoted my brand that much, I just kind of messaged people, followed people, told people about my work and, you know, spread the word! I feel like it’s just gone really smoothly for me though which I am so thankful for, its been a really great experience!

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To be totally honest, all of the products I make now I have to take a step back to believe I just made that product! My whole entire life every single art teacher I have ever had has always told me I will not get anywhere in life with my art, so I just stopped doing art for years and it’s quite surreal and also emotional that I am an artist now, which is just crazy! It just kind of shows that you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it! I look at my earrings this time a year ago and I literally cannot believe how much I have improved! So all of the earrings I make now are just kind of mind blowing to me. To some people my earrings aren’t incredible but for me they are because I know where I have come from. It’s just an incredible skill to have learnt really!

ABILITY ABILITY

What’s your favourite piece you’ve made to date?

My favourite product I have made so far is probably my cowboy boot earrings! I love those, I just think they’re a really unique design and cowboy boot themed things are very in right now. I also love making dripping mushroom earrings and scream earrings, I just love all of them! I also made a cowboy boot table which was a really enjoyable task for me!

What does sustainability in a brand mean to you?

Sustainability to me as a brand is just making sure that all of the products I make are made purely from the Earth, at the moment I don’t use fully sustainable paint but I get all of my supplies from another small business.

But I make sure most things are second hand when I get them, obviously I do need to buy brand new earring clasps but I just think it’s really important for me to make sure that it’s as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible and make sure I’m leaving as little print on the Earth as possible as well!

What does sustainability mean to you personally?

Sustainability to me as a person is so important! I’ve been as sustainable as I possibly can be for years now, just by getting all of my clothes second hand and making sure I buy stuff with as little plastic as possible and obviously having a sustainable business too, just loads of things like that.

I just love nature and I love going camping and making wooden products and buying second hand clothes, it’s so important for me! And I think if everyone bought second hand clothes there would be such a great impact because people don’t really think about how problematic it is to shop fast fashion!

Have you had any major setbacks during the time you’ve been running your business? And how did you overcome these?

I recently just had a major setback because my mental health took a major toll, and unforntunately becasue my job is very artistic and also time consuming when it comes to being on social media, it’s really not good for my mental health to push myself too much. So, I had to have a bit of time off which really did affect my work but I’m getting back on it now! I just needed to take some time off for my mind because my mental health is more important than anythiung becasue it’s just very precious to me, but I’m getting better now and getting counselling so I’m going to be back and better before I know it!

I know that you take custom orders, what’s your thought process when doing these to ensure the customer is getting the design they asked for, while also adding your own flare?

I try and make the design as much as what they want as possible, and if they want a design that really isn’t my style, or can’t be turned into my style, then obviously I will say that to them. But most of the time I say yes to a design. It’s normally when I start making my design that I will message my customers and say to them that I think your earrings will look better with this colour or this shape, and give them tips to what I think would look best, and most of the time they agree with me because they know that I’m the artist and I kind of know what im doing! But, most of the time when someone wants a pair of custom made earrings I can do the earrings exactly the way they want them unless obviously it’s somebody elses design then I can’t do that.

Any tips and tricks to starting a small sustainable business that you would like to share?

I think my tips for starting a small sustainable business is to just go for it! And be true to yourself, like think about is your business actually sustainable? You just have to make sure you’re doing what you say you are doing if that makes sense, but I think starting your own business you have to be true to yourself, have a balanced work life and social life, and to also just have fun with your business! It shouldn’t take over your whole entire life. I’ve had a bit of a problem with that recently, it just became my whole entire life and all I thought about but I kind of forgot I was a human being with emotions, so just remember you are human and if you need to take a break, then take a break! And good luck to anyone who is starting a small business because it is a really incredible experience!

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NATANYA GET TING TO KNOW

After a snippet of her 90s style jungle song “Like U” went viral on TikTok, we had to delve deeper into the girl bringing back music with a soulful jazz vibe.

What pushed you to start music?

I would definitely attribute that to GCSE music, just learning how to create and share my creations on SoundCloud and connecting with members of the musical community really close to me and really close to my school and collaborating with them and learning how to put it on Spotify that’s what really pushed me career-wise but passion wise it’s always been there in me since I was a child. My dad loved Motown and I loved Amy Winehouse so watching her life growing up really inspired me to do the same.

Was there an artist in particular that you looked up to before choosing to do music?

Yeah, I looked up to Amy Winehouse completely when I was a child and just a lot of the Motown stars like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson and obviously a lot of the old jazz musicians like Bill Evans, Chet Baker, Charlie Parker, all of those people. I was really in love with the dedication that they brought to their work and Ray Charles as well. I really loved how they have everything to their music and their work, there seemed to be this otherworldly cosmic connection with what they were creating and I always sought to kind of express that myself.

What genre of music would you put yours under?

Genre wise I would put myself under neo-soul or r&b but I know I branch out a lot and often black creatives get put into that r&b or neo-soul category really fast but my main goal is not to be pushed into one genre and to dip my fingers in as much as possible.

Do you feel it ’s a white / maledominated genre and if so, has this ever made you want to go in a different direction?

I don’t feel like r&b and neo-soul are very white male-dominated at all but I do feel like there’s definitely been a kind of growth in the attention the white male participants of the genre receive since the turn of the decade where artists who are white and male wow people a lot more and want people to listen to the same music you’d hear from a black woman.

In terms of producing your own music where/who do you like to get your inspiration from?

I listen to a lot of hip-hop producers, both old school and new and lots and lots of jazz music so I think I get the inspiration for the chords and harmonies from a lot of jazz and soul music and I get a lot of the

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production and sampling inspiration from people like 9th Wonder, J Dilla, Alchemist, Mike Navy Blue and I listened to a lot of Tyler The Creator when I was growing up as well so a lot of his weird drum choices I really liked and a lot of his weird instrument choices and his use of synths, that really inspired me growing up.

We first heard your music on Tik Tok, have you found it a good platform to find more people with your music taste?

Definitely, Tik Tok was very instrumental in changing the relationship strangers have with my music from being one of like “this is kind of nice I just stumbled upon it” to like “oh this is a musician”. It really changed the way I was perceived by my following on social media and it got me a lot of coverage for my music. A lot of people approached me and thought of me as a tik tok musician when that was never me. I was a musician and then I just dumped it on tik tok one day and lots of people happened to like it but I think it’s really beneficial like an element of free promotion where you don’t have to pay anything to get loads of people to enjoy what you make as long as it’s good enough.

Moving from music to style, how would you describe your style, does your music taste influence it?

Style-wise I would say it depends because I like to do many things with my style but day to day kind of thing is quite earthy, very indigenous and lots of upcycling of clothes, knitting my own clothes, incorporating a lot of tribal wear from my Nigerian heritage because I’m half Nigerian so a lot of stuff like that. My music taste definitely does because I grew up listening to a lot of very pro-black kind of people or people rooted in black genres. Even now the music I listen to the most, people like Earl Sweatshirt, there’s like this affinity for African spiritualism or pan Africanism so it definitely influences that earthy way I dress.

I would definitely say Erykah Badu is a big style icon but in terms of that I would say I really liked the things Amy Winehouse wore at the beginning of her career and GreenTea Peng, I think she has the coolest clothes and Brandy. Definitely a lot of old black movies from the 90s and 2000s. Also, Aaliyah and TLC. a lot of that side of things. It’s kind of just a game of going into charity shops and just seeing cool pieces that remind me of that time and bring back that nostalgia and staying connected to my heritage and showing that through the clothes I wear. Also, Selena Quintanilla!

To follow Natanya and discover more of her beautiful music, she can be found on Instagram @N4t4nya, on TikTok @Nattipop4, on SoundCloud Natanya and on Spotify Natanya Popoola.

Article by Caitlin Coughlan-Léon, images @N4t4nya

Do you have any style icons?

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The Industry

INSIDER Today we will be taking a look into the life of a content creator. In todays day and age, it is important to create a strong online presence for your brand. I have spoken to maddison gordon, content creator assistant for Astrid & Miyu, who will be talking us through her role and give us an insight to the industry.

Firstly, could you outline your role and what you do for the company?

“I’m the social and content assistant at Astrid & Miyu – my role includes creating a variety of content, for our social channels, I’m head of their TikTok and I am the photographer/videographer for their social shoots.”

Could you tell us a bit about Astrid & Miyu?

An Interview with

Maddison Gordon

Interviewed, written, illustration and designed by Anya Wyeth. Images by Maddison Gordon.

From Astrid & Miyu

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“I’ve worked there for about 8 months now and its fantastic. The teams are based on diversity and passion, with more than 10 different languages spoken within the company. Astrid and Miyu is best known for their signature ear stacks and the vision is to bring contemporary designed jewellery and make it accessible to everyone.

The culture is one that encourages diversity and they constantly look to build on it. As a female founded company, they are all about empowering women, as well as all of humanity which makes it such a lovely company to be apart of. They’re one of the only jewellery companies that do piercings, tattoos and welded bracelets in stores too with the friendliest staff to provide you with a positive experience. Honestly not a bad word I could ever say about them!”

What’s your day-to-day like as a social and content assistant?

“My day-to-day varies depending on what content we have coming up that week. Some days I’m shooting flat lays for Instagram with our products, other day I’m in store filming content, or booking TikTok collabs and planning for social shoots! Every week is different. Which is why I love it so much.”

How

do

you

go

about

getting

collaborations?

“This is again through browsing online, I like to look for unique people who work hard and create engaging/inspiring content.”

To work in this industry, what would you say are some important skills to have?

As Harry Styles said – “if you do a job you love, you’ll never end up working a day in your life”.

However, you still have to work hard (so you can shop harder).”

“I did film, media and photography at college, then photography at university. I then did a bit of freelance work before starting at my current job. I’d say one of the main skills is experience, getting out there and assisting on photoshoots, booking models and creating a lot of your own content. It also helps to be skilled in Photoshop, Premier Pro and Capture one.”

What advice would you pass down to those who aspire to work in social and content creation?

“I’d say always keep creating your own work and don’t be afraid to experiment! I was one of the only people who didn’t take a ‘history’ or ‘geography’ for GCSE and did creative subjects instead because that’s what I was passionate about. If you know yourself and trust your gut, follow it!

If you could pick one favourite part of your role, what would it be?

“My favourite part is being able to have the opportunity to create a variety of content! In particular I find TikTok super fun and filming for YouTube.”

And what would you find to be the most stressful part about your role?

“I wouldn’t say its stressful, but on the days I put pressure on myself to create the best quality of work I can I’d say is the more stressful side but its self-inflicted.”

What do you find helps get you in a creative mindset?

“I like to browse constantly for inspo to help get me in the creative mindset.”

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5 Steps to the Essential Minimalist Wardrobe The alternative to fast fashion Minimalism is a lifestyle choice which encourages us to stop accumulating large quantities of clothing and instead, to invest in fewer items which we love. Having too many clothes often means we enjoy them less and how often do we have an overflowing wardrobe but feel that we have nothing to wear. The minimalist idea is that by owning less, we free up more time, space, energy and money to get more out of life.

SIMPLE BUT FLEXIBLE A minimalistic wardrobe is flexible and can have varying numbers of items but what is important is that they are clothes you need and love. The most important aspect is to discard the clothes you do not need or use. It is so much easier to become your own stylist when you have a more manageable number of items to put together the ‘look’ of your outfit. A capsule wardrobe takes more planning and determination and is a smaller, leaner collection of items but ones which you really love and which need to be versatile, timeless and of a good quality so unlike fast fashion, made to last. This versatility of good basic items will help with the headache of wondering what to wear each morning and make getting dressed less time consuming and tiring.

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Page Design, Text, by Emily Grillot, Images: unsplash.com

Here are 5 quick and easy steps to start your journey to a minimalistic approach.

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Step 1: think about your daily needs and your lifestyle.

Step 2: what is your style and what do you feel most confident wearing.

Step 3: check the laundry requirements, if you can’t afford dry cleaning do not buy those items, the same goes for hand washing.

Step 4: What colours suit you and choose a colour palette so that your items can be easy to mix and match.

Step 5: Find creative ways to get rid of your unwanted clothes through charity shops, selling, up cycling or shopping with friends.

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Basic Neutral Tops Bring out the best of basics! Pair neutral tops with your fave jeans to win at minimalism. Sage green, chocolate brown and ice white are the perfect option to start an outfit with, the fan favourite of a basic tee proves it’s a staple for any wardrobe.

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Shacket Layer all day everyday with shackets to complete any look!

Shackets add effortless style to a minimalist outfit; it’s the perfect option to layer up with regardless of weather and without ruining the ‘fit!

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Blazer

Channel your inner boss babe in a blazer ‘fit for any occasion. Versatile, the blazer will never go out of style! Whether it’s a brunch meeting with execs or a night out on the town, having one will become your new best friend.

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Hoops or studs, adorn your outfit with gold jewellery to perfect your look day and night. Chunky or dainty, there’s pieces for everyone!

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Stand out from the crowd in statement gold earrings, match with a necklace to add extra rich vibes.

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Gold Earrings

Mum Jeans

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Blue Wash Mom jeans are the go-to pair for effortless minimal style with maximum impact. Mom jeans vibing in the 90’s, but make it 21st century. Standard or ripped, it’s the perfect alternative to the jeans of yesterday: and you’ll fit in with the Gen Z crowd.

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DIVERSITY

and The fashion industry has been called out for cultural appropriation, racist advertising, and its lack of diversity within campaigns, catwalks and behind the scenes. Over the years, there have been significant examples of racially insensitive or even outright offensive campaigns. In 2018, H&M launched a child’s clothing campaign which sparked widespread controversy across the globe. The image featured a young black boy modelling a hoodie with the slogan “Coolest monkey in the Jungle”, causing the Swedish brand to receive major backlash.

It’s not just H&M. Popular luxury brand Gucci also received heavy criticism, having to apologise in 2019 for releasing a balaclava design resembling ‘blackface’.

Written and designed by Yvonne Sam

For decades, the standards and “superior indications” of beauty have long-lasting been light eyes, pale skin, light hair and tall, skinny figures. Fashion has a history of being exclusively white, with no room for diversity in the industry as there already was an established beauty standard which people expected, and

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wanted to see. For this reason, people of colour have rarely been represented in all aspects of the fashion industry, from the catwalk to campaigns. As years do go by, beauty standards are constantly changing and improving... to some extent. The lack of diversity isn’t only limited to in front of the camera, but also extends to behind the scenes. Luxury fashion brands have been found guilty of only hiring white employees, failing to create a diverse and inclusive workforce representing any person of colour.

Brands will be quick to hire beautifully, racially ambiguous models, but will rarely hire individuals of colour to work behind the scenes and make any decisions for the brand. This is a lack of internal diversity in the fashion industry. As of recently, luxury brand, Jacquemus posted an Instagram story showcasing their amazing models that were modelling for their campaign as well as a snapshot of the team. In the photo you can see that there are no people of colour working behind the scenes, with a predominantly white workforce.

The need for a more diverse and inclusive working environment has never been more present, with the increasing racial equality in the workplace. Will the fashion industry ever reach this equality?

the FASHION INDUSTRY

"

the beauty norm is changing and differences that weaknesses are now turning into strengths.

"

- Clementine Desseaux

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CHROME HEARTS JEANS In the late 2019, Drake was seen several times with the Chrome Hearts cross path jeans, that range from all type of colours and patterns. And let’s not forget that each of this cost around $2000. But how can we put a price tag on the man that owns a $100 million house. CH was his main and most frequent choice of clothing. From t-shirts to Timberland boots, with the same cross patches, and jackets.

ROLEX AND MUSIC VIDEOS In July 2020, Drake posted a video on his main Instagram account, showing his custom-made gold (mixed with diamonds) Rolex made with a unique Chrome Hearts band. But it was on his “Laugh Now Cry Later” music video, released one month after, that Drake really marked an official position in relation to the brand. The extravagant video had it all… The Nike company store only available to Nike employees, guests, and visitors and their world headquarters. Recreating the 1961 Muhammad Ali photo, doing shadow boxing inside a pool, playing sports with OBJ and Kevin Durant, jet skiing in the lake and of course, using a special Chrome Hearts jersey.

If 2020 wasn’t enough for showing his extravagant ties with the L A fashion house, Drizzy really proven that 2021 was the real year.

The music video “What’s Next”, released in March this year, started off with the music name written in the official chrome hearts font. The rapper is seen inside his 1 of 1 Chrome Hearts Rolls-Royce, wearing his at the time unreleased collab with the brand, showing some of it for the first time ever.

ROLLS-ROYCE The Rolls-Royce is worth a year of work between CH and Drake. Being one of the most exclusive type of cars, Rolls-Royce does not play when it comes to complete, exclusive and luxurious automobiles. From distance, the SUV looks like any other Cullinan model by RR. The real uniqueness is in slight exterior ornaments on the outside and extravagant details on the inside. The wheels represent the Chrome Hearts logo, with the words “Fuck You” engraved in the aluminium rims. The bonnet ornament sculpture called “Spirit of Ecstasy” used by RR in every car, was replaced by a custom triple CH cross. The inside is where all main changes were made. The car is entirely patterned with the CH logo, engraved in black leather, with silver accents.

LOVER BOY COLLECTION

CHROME

Article & Design By Alice Derrica

A GUIDE TO DRAKE AND CHROME HEARTS

The connection between the two has been going for a while and demonstrated once more the individual uniqueness of the artist and the fashion house.

The history between Chrome Hearts and music started since its early days in 1988, when the initial idea was to create handmade biker gear, which was popular look used by famous rock stars at the time. These include the Guns n’ Roses, Rolling Stones and Sex Pistols.

But it was on the streetwear rising, that the brand focus and personality started to shift. Artists, musicians, and models started to wear Chrome hearts all over the world.

However, Drake is the one that has been growing and developing his loyalty with the Los Angeles based label

HEARTS

The latest collection between Drake and Chrome Hearths has been considered one of the most anticipated of this year. It has its goal on promoting his upcoming album Certified Lover Boy , however the collaborative drop was only released in Miami’s Chrome Hearts shop. The purpose, said by one of the co-owners, is to be extremely exclusive. No wonder that the resell of one single hoodie goes up to £4,000.

Drake’s unthrifty personality has shown to the public how “the artist of the decade”, according to billboard, can join the most unique and high end brands and tailor them to his taste.

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