Evolve Magazine May Issue by Rianne Ward

Issue 6

Clements Riberio Hot collection, Evans, Models Exclusive interview

Exclusive interview with the fashion designer

May 2012

EDITORS NOTE

Issue 6

CLEMENTS RIBERIO

Hi Evolvers,

Welcome to the 6th issue of YOUR fashion magazine Evolve! I am so pleased to be bringing you this amazing issue. Myself and my amazing team have worked really hard to make sure that there is something new and exciting in the issue and hopefully something for EVERYONE!!

From exclusive interviews with iconic designers such as Zandra Rhodes to sitting down with MTV star of Geordie Shore Sophie to discuss her documentary Get Thin or Die Trying. We have the latest run down of all the latest fashions for your spring wardrobe as well our staple pages such as ; Model Spotlight, Top 5 and all the latest plus size news from here and abroad!! and lets not forget the amazing interview with designers Clement & Riberio who took time out on their holiday to sit down with us!! with special announcements about our 1st exciting fitness event ‘Curvy & Fit’ and soooo much more enjoy - until next time!! xoxo

12 14 22 36

NEWS

Readers File Evolve News Worldwide Evolve News London Fashion Week

FASHION

Trans-Seasonal Trends Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Trends HOT Summer Fashion Evolve Top 5

HEALTH/LIFE STYLE

46 Curvy & Fit 58 Twin Talk 60 20 Fabulous things for your heart 62 Secret Dealers 76 Fitness & Fun

BEAUTY

32 Beauty Basics

Exclusive interview

Exclusive inte

rview with

the fashion

designer

Editor in Chief Rianne Ward Art Direction & Design Sylwia Szyszka www.sszyszka.com Fashion Editor Sarah Potter Features Editor Olga Crosse Health & Lifestyle Editor Alison Chapman

CONTENTS 3 4 6 10

Hot collection Evans, , Models

2 3 16 18 20 30 32 38 40 48 52 54 56 72 74

FEATURES

Editors Letter Readers File Get Thin or Die Body Confidence Campain Sonsi Model Spotlight - Kelsey Arif Exclusive Interview Clements & Ribero 10 Rules for Loving yourself Fall in Love with you Zandra Rhodes Interview All Walks beyond the catwalk Remembering Whitney The Face of Ann Summers Shandra Freeman Interview ‘D’ Persona’ Parkinson Interview

ENTERTAINMENT

64 Sherryl Blu 65 What’s on & Where 66 Evolve Essentials Must Haves: Books And Music 68 Celebrity Gossip 70 What’s on in Art World

Arts & Entertainment Editor Sherryl Blu Contributing Writers Ayanda Soares Zandela Soares Bella Marie Sarah Potter Melita Davis Caroline Bilkey Lottie Longford Queen Allen Alison Chapman Photographers Nathan Thompson Website GO Dzine

READERS FILE

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Wow you guys really pulled out ALL the stops you even got Tocarra!!! I am very impressed Well done Julie from Chicago

How can i thank you for starting this magazine it really does give the plus sizewoman what she needs news fashion and gossip all for us! Love it Caroline - Nottingham

Downloaded it and showed it to my colleagues at work - let them know we have our own Glamour magazine for us curvy girls Monica - Tottenham

You guys are doing an amazing job!! Your issues are getting better and better! How can i feature in it? Clare - London

I am spreading the word - BEST plus size mag hands down love it Dionne - coventry

Great seeing the page where you thanked everyone who has been apart of it - good to see the people behind the mag Harriet - London

Tocarra Tocarra Tocarra!! Well done she looks amazing Patricia - Hampstead

The model Harriet looked amazing in this issue, very i.D magazine Elliott -Birmingham

Great features and articles and your shoots were amazing I want to get involved Sam - Bristol

Evolve magazine represents plus size women with a very honest view! Keep up the great work Hannah - Stoke on trent

I stand by your motto â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Be Proud Be You!! Ayo - london

NEWS

EVOLVE NEWS FORDS Latest Plus Model – Kaela Humphries

Have you heard that Kaela Humphries - Kim K’s soon to be ex sister in law , has recently joined the ranks has the latest plus size model at FORD Models. Kaela recently struck a pose in various summer looks from the Limited’s new plus-size line, Eloquii. “The line is really fashion forward, the clothes fit and they look amazing,” she told People Magazine. Well done Kaela – We think she looks great!!

One Stop for Shapewear!

OneStopPlus are really going from strength to strength whilst increasing their range. They have now released a great new lingerie collection that includes some great shape wear with shape wear becoming very popular to smooth out our lumps and sexy bumps we look forward to reviewing some of their items very soon……

Gemma Collins - Fashions from ESSEX???

Well we tell you in our last issue that we had heard the rumours that the lovely Gemma Collins will be creating her own FAB designs. It has now been confirmed that she will be releasing her plus size 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 32 fashion range very soon. Remember you heard it HERE first!!Ladies what do you think? Are you excited to see her range? What do you expect to see in the range (and errmm NO white handbag jokes please ;-) ) let us know your thoughts at editor@evolve-magazine.com

Ms Curvaceous 2012

Freshly back from being a judge at the much anticipated Model Contest. I just wanted to say well done to the organizers and to the fantastic winner Simone Charles!!! Great event and great fun Evolve was very pleased to support. Full details of the event and an exclusive interview with the 2012 winner will be in the June Issue.

Are you Plus Size and Pregnant?

Dragonfly TV are making a new Channel 4 documentary following plus size expectant mums. The programme will capture the amazing journey of pregnancy, looking at the challenges and what difference if any it feels like to have a baby as an overweight mum. They are looking for expectant mums who want to share their experiences. If you are interested in taking part, or would like to know more, please get in touch on: 0207 033 2252 or aimee.evans@dragonfly.tv

NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

fashion NEWS SPOTLIGHT by Melita Davis NYFFFW

NYFFFW is just around the corner (June 13-16 2012) and with so many wonderful indie and boutique designers showcased previously, this year is undoubtedly, going to be a haven of immense talent. As we eagerly await the designer roll call, we look forward to what Gwen DeVoe, SONSI, and all involved have in store. FFFW also have a talented past line-up of the “Face of FFFW” including: Teslyn Butler (09), Rosie Mercado (10) & last years stunning Nina Taylor. An outstanding array of beauties! Could the next face be YOU? Entries are open to residents of the USA only. Details are outlined on the 2012 FFFW website here: http://fffweek.com/2012/home . Exciting times for new and young full figured fashion, and for all of us to discover new outfits to enhance and celebrate our full figured curves!

Full figures

Full figures are being celebrated in many countries - via all sorts of avenues. Beauty pageants aren’t just for the primped, perfected body brushed air-heads, and tiny tiara clad kids, we’re talking full figured beauty, - realistic beauty. Coming up in the next few days is the awesomely titled ‘Ms Full Figured USA‘. The 23rd annual pageant with over $5000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, March 18 2012 is when, and in Newark, NJ is where it’s at. Head to http:// www.msfull-figured.com/ for more details or follow them on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ms-FullFigured-USA-Pageant/177243092349062

Miss Brazil Plus Size

Miss Brazil Plus Size pageant has recently unveiled their new face of beauty naming Ms Barbara Monteiro (Jan 30th 2012) as their plus size pageant winner. Allowing only contestants weighing in over 175lbs to enter, there was a steady robust stream of busty beauties all vying for the coveted crown. Barbara won $6000 and a trip to Switzerland for her successes, where she will undertake a course in modelling.

Miss Curvy UK

For our full figured UK ladies there is also a competition for you! Miss Curvy UK is about to announce on their website (http://www.misscurvy.co.uk/# ) details of heats and competition stages! “A national competition for real women” - as their logo, can only ensure that the English full figured lady is about to represent. Check out their Facebook page for even more detailed news. (As seen in Vogue - Curvy http://www.vogue.it/en/vogue-curvy/ curvy-news/2012/02/miss-curvy-uk ).

HOT TREND ALERT

*HOT TREND ALERT* Hands up thong wearers? Full figured ladies are no stranger to wearing them, but would you attempt to put your curves even more out on display in public? Word on the street is the Brazilian bikini isn’t just for the thin types who happily flaunt the booty of junk on our beaches in summer. How would YOU feel about discovering a plus size range of Brazilian bikinis to flaunt your bootyliciousness? Some swimwear designers are incorporating this trend into their Summer swimwear lines, and we for one, are only too happy to get the wax to match. Check out Brazilian designer swimwear for the curvy plus size chic here: http://www.acquarosanet.com. br - (Acqua Rosa); http://www.lehona.com.br - (Lehona); http://bit.ly/yCGVys - & (Lands’ End).

FASHION THAT FITS

FASHION THAT FITS - is an Australian L’Oreal Fashion festival forum, that focuses on promoting positive body image within all areas of fashion media. A panel of experts recently congregated together in Victoria consisting of all types - fashion related, from retail, media and the broader community. They discussed body image, the way it is portrayed and how it affects consumers, community & also the Australian fashion industry itself. The discussions were hailed a success by all. This a crucial start to a very informative and open line of communication, that needs to be topical within the fashion industry. Addressing the relative problems that may come from negative body image & it’s portrayal in our community through fashion advertising, & depiction in media, is the first step to acceptance that body image is different for each and every one of us. A truly great and inspiring notion for all who struggle with body acceptance in society today. Well done Aussies!

Sneaky NZ consumers

Sneaky NZ consumers have recently gone on an undercover shopping spree in their town, to discover at all where plus size clothing can be found. It’s a likely story - one that we as curvaceous women are used to. Lack of representation reflected on sizing tags. A size 16 young lady took a wander around the fashion stores in Auckland New Zealand, hoping to find outfits sizably suited to her curves. A frosty reception was reported in a lot of the stores, and thus had discovered that many stores only catered for a size 14 and under. The stigma of being a size 14 and up seems to be a powerful force in Auckland, with very few plus designs featured at shop front. - New Zealand Herald report: Fri Feb 10th 2012. (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_ id=6&objectid=10783537 )

FASHION

Louise Gray

shoulders

Not unlike the ‘eighties’ shoulders that were shown a few seasons ago, height and width on shoulders is going to be a major trend in Autumn if the catwalks now are anything to go by! Samurai Warrior shaped, almost shell like shoulders were a recurrent theme, as were flamenco ruffles and embellished shoulders.

eras

McQ Alexander McQueen

Everyone went print crazy at fashion week, citing influences for their collections from every edge and element of the world. From Oriental prints to Aztec and Africans, it seems that any country will do when it comes to taking

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Peter Pilotto

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Burberry Prorsum

Michael va

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london fashion week autum/winter

The 20s, 60s, and even echoing back to the Victoria era, period clothing as never been so in. To avoid looking too fancy dress, choose elements of the style; perhaps a swinging sixties shift dress, a corset and jeans, etc. Don’t be afraid to experiment and mix genres and eras too!

Peter Je nsen

Mary Ka trantzou

r 2012 by Sarah Potter colours

Acne

Lights and darks come together in one huge fashionable mashup. Forget the idea that pastels are reserved for the Spring- you can rock a lilac and peach in Winter too, with designers experimenting with lighter colours for next season. Metallics are also a huge trend, seen on everything from leggings, dresses and of course, accessories. Anything glittery and shimmery it seems is high on everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wish list and would like great on a night out!

fabrics

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Maarten van der Horst

Laser cut material was spotted all around at Fashion Week, be it on accessories, or even a full lasered catsuit! It gives an interesting edge to your garments, and has just the right amount of sheer sexiness. Fabrics like tulle and chiffon were used to create flowing skirts that were asymmetric or voluminous in size and fabrics like leather, suede and crushed velvets made an appearance.

ACCESSORIES

Accessories were bright and bold, it seemed the bigger the better. With oversized crucifixes made of recycled metal, entire faces covered with headpieces and incredible sculptural heels, you can lift any old outfit with a fresh pop of colour in your accessories. Favourites were bright oranges, ruby reds and hot pinks.

FASHION

TRANSITIONAL ‘TRANS-SEASONAL’ TRENDS

by Sarah Potter

ometimes, there just isn’t enough time or money in your life to revamp your wardrobe season to season. Also, let’s be honest, it’s just a bit of a pain. However, there are pieces from each season that can be reworked in new ways, keeping them bang on trend, and lasting more than a few months. These are the transitional pieces from

Autumn that can, and will, see you through to the Summer. So resist having that Spring clean just yet, and rummage through to find those little gems!

maxis

The maxi. It has become a firm favourite for the past few seasons, and it’s still going strong! Perfect for ladies who don’t like their legs, there are so many maxi options to choose from. For a laid back casual look, choose a maxi in jersey fabric. Make sure that it has a slight curve to it if it is a tube shape as anything too straight will add bulk to the hips. For the evening, choose a maxi in chiffon for an ultra feminine feel which will look amazing teamed with a tighter fitting top. It will give the illusion of curves and will make you feel graceful and fabulous! Key colours are pastel pinks and lemons, aswell as shimmery and glittery metallic colours like gold and bronze.

Peplums

The peplum is ridiculously on trend right now, and one of the most flattering inventions. That ruffle at the hip, whether it be on a pencil skirt or a fitted jacket is about to become your new best friend! Not only will it give a nipped in waist, but it will hide a multitude of tummy sins, so a peplum is perfect for an indulgent dinner date! Peplums are coming in every size; mini midi and maxi this season, and whether you choose a stiff structured one or relaxed one is completely up to you. Every shape and style right now is a perfect peplum!

New Navajo

The ethnic navajo print was seen on everything from dresses to accessories last season, and while you may be preparing to pack it away as just a fad trend, well don’t. Not quite yet. The new navajo has come to town. With the egyptian trend riding high this spring, incorporating navajo prints with aztec, egyptian and even indian prints will give the trend a new lease of life. The colour palette has moved on from the rustic and earthy, with turquoises, ruby reds and emerald greens taking centre stage. This time round, the print is more of an accent detailing rather than a full on block, with necklines, hemlines and leggings being adorned with the print.

hats Androgyny

Although feminine is in, masculine isn’t out! Androgyny is still around, and be mixing up the genders, you create a new style from your old favourites. Team that girly pastel dress with your coveted brogues, your mannish jacket with a gorgeous jumpsuit, and why not add that dicky bow to your sheer shimmery shirt?! This time round, it’s not a war of genders, but a meeting of the two, creating something fresh and unique!

Sporty five panel caps, luxuriously feminine lady boaters, fun and quirky fedoras or cool and laidback beanies, the hat is having a serious fashion moment! Once just used as a mere accessory, this season a hat can the statement piece! There are so many styles to choose from, and a good hat can give a well worn, well loved outfit a new lease of life! If you’re still not too keen on the idea, you can still rock the trend by wearing a headpiece, whether it be a ornate clip or a bouncy bow!

Leather Fetish

Leather is always in style, and while Autumn and Winter saw a huge influx in the way it was worn, this time round, it’s more subtle. The silhouettes have become softer, as have the colours. Buttermilk, mink and light brown leathers match this season’s colours perfectly and any leather shorts or skirts that were invested in can be teamed with relaxed jumpers and sportswear pieces to inject a little sexiness into what is essentially a casual look. A leather jacket is a wardrobe staple and can be thrown over almost any outfit with the upmost of ease.

FASHION

SPRING/SUMMER 2012 FASHION TRENDS

HOT TAMALE- REDS AN Louis

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Like a perfect mexican dis and yellows are all the rag and was seen on some catwalks. This Spring, th better! For a strong statem to a bold block of colour l red dress or a zingy lem For a filtered down loo shades of tomatoes or mu everyday outfits and you sizzling! Just try to avoid the colours together, rath their individual palettes. O work particularly well w yellows look fantastic pair or turquoise accents.

ICE CREAM COLOURS

Awash with candy coated hues to tantalise your tastebuds, the catwalks were filled with delicious delectable fashion in all manners of saccarine-sweet silhouettes. Seen on everything from shoes, shirts and even the hair, there are so many ways to channel the trend. With an icecream inspired palette of mint choc chips, lemon sorberts and raspberry swirls, this is one trend that will fulfill your wardrobe needs as well as your sweet tooth! The most fashionable way to wear this trend is to mix the colours; creating a fashionable feast for the eyes!

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Givenchy

Alexand

This Spring sees the rise of a romantic marine-life inspired trend, and mermaidesque fashion has never been so sought after. Part ethereal and part fairytale, this trend is completely feminine. Combining one of the hottest colours of the moment; sea green with textured shimmering fabrics, elegant flowing silhouettes and the ubiquitous pearl, this look can be worn day or night depending on how you dress it. This trend is one to have fun with, and whether you use it as an all over inspiration or just take what you will from it, it should always be fun and youthful. For a subtle nod to the trend, try tying in some shimmering ribbon through your hair, or add a pearl or two!

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SPORTS LUXE

A youthful and dynamic take on the urban street inspired look, this season, sportswear becomes more of a necessity than a staple. With pop colours like lemon yellows and true blues, to military khaki, the key is in the detailing. Contrasting stripes and blocked colours are awash with zips of every size, as well as the ubiquitous hood on everything from coats to dresses. Mesh and netting is used to give a slightly feminine feel to a generally masculine, and utilitarian pockets are used on various garments within the trend this season. From off the shoulder jumpers to slightly oversized shirt dresses, silhouettes are kept comfortable and loose. Perfect for when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the go, but still want to remain in style!

INTERVIEW

Get thin or die trying

Sophie Kaesai FROM mtv rEALITY sHOW gEORDIE SHORE by Olga Crosse

ophie Kaesai star of the MTV reality show Geordie Shore recently made ‘Get thin or die Tryin’-a documentary for MTV about the perils of plastic surgery . Like so many of us, Sophie was considering changing her lovely self until that is, she discovered what you have to actually go through to get that ‘perfect’ look. Sophie, was searingly honest, and friendly and chatted to me about everything from lipo to Mexico to her life since Geordie Shore.

on the table is like a blank canvas, for the Dr’s its work and they forget you are people, they are so rough with the person on the table as well.

How did you get involved with hosting ‘Get thin or die trying’? The MTV producers called me because I am open about my weight issues, and am happy to talk about it and I was dead keen to do it.

Do you feel under pressure to be skinny now you are on T.V.? Yes definitely. With Twitter everyone has an opinion and if you are on T.V. then you can be misconceived and people say you are fat and ugly. I have always been confident but when the show came out it got knocked a bit and I cried at some of it. Its better now and there is no abuse, and now most of the comments are supportive now I’ve lost a bit of weight. They’ve just moved onto someone else. Now people are tweeting that I am amazing, inspirational, and a role model. Someone tweeted that had anorexia and an eating disorder and that the programme helped her and it saved her life. How great is that.

What did you discover when you did the documentary? I was in the operating theatre watching a man get lipo and implants, his heart was going all funny, people started panicking, it was terrible. Were you shocked/upset by it? Yes, I always thought it would be great to have lipo and stuff done, but after watching the procedure, it was awful. The person

Would you have plastic surgery or lipo now? At the beginning of the programme, I was wondering whether to get lipo or not, it was about my journey to decide what to do. Now, no way would I have anything done.

What would you say to young girls considering surgery after doing the show? Stop being lazy, do it healthy, eat well, go to the gym. If you are slim or not love how you are. Look in the mirror and say I am lovely and gorgeous and then you will believe it. Do you think there is a difference in size between Northern girls and Southern girls? Yes I do, in London girls are slim and tiny, they have a different look. Londoners are on the move all the time. Up North we are more laid back. What’s your fashion style? Rock chic, girlie girl, little dresses, sparkles, skulls, pink, it depends. I love the High St, I don’t like designers. I love Primark. How did you originally get involved Geordie Shore? I saw the ad on Facebook and applied on the train on the way back from London. I thought it was TOWIE. Two weeks later they called me and that was that. I gave up work, went on the show. I did it for a better life really. I was working in a call centre and wanted something else. How has your life changed ? Oh its changed for the better, it’s the complete opposite to what it was before. I was working in a call centre, one year on I am living this mad lifestyle with all these people. What’s it like living in the house with the others? Its really really good. At first we were all strangers but they are all really great people. We have our ups and downs and sometimes they would do your head in, six weeks solid with no phones or anything is hard. What’s next for you? Series 3 is being shot in Mexico and I would like to do some presenting. I did T4 on the beach interviewing musicians and celebrities and I would love to do some more. Have you a boyfriend? I do, he’s involved in the show. He is used to the life and knows it can be hard. He is not going to Mexico, he works for MTV and DJ’s Evolve’s motto is Be Proud…Be You..what makes you proud to be you? I love my boobs, I have a good personality, am bubbly and friendly. I love being myself and the skin I am in. I love the craic and banter.

FEATURES

Body Confidence by Olga Crosse

volve magazine is all about promoting body confidence, well being and health. Our aim is to shout out loud the message that we are all special and unique no matter what our shape, size, colour, age or creed. Our motto is - Be Proud Be You and we want you all to Be Proud because you ARE You! I have been very lucky recently to meet many people and organisations who are working towards very similar goals from Caryn & Debra at Allwalks.org, B-eat (beating eating disorders), designers such as Clements Ribeiro, Zandra Rhodes, models such as Clementine Desseaux, celebrities such as Sophie Kaesai (Geordie Shore) and Josie Gibson, Lynn Featherstone (Equalities Minister) and Jo Swinson MP who are all working towards the same goal of making You Proud to Be You. Let me tell you about the wonderful Campaign for Body Confidence which was launched on 8th March 2010, cofounded by Jo Swinson MP and Lynne Featherstone MP (now Equalities Minister). Along with its co-founders, the campaign’s steering group includes All Walks Beyond the Catwalk (founded by Caryn Franklin, Debra Bourne & Erin O Connor),Girl Guiding UK, Central YMCA, Mumsnet, Susie Orbach and B-eat. The Campaigns Pledge ‘We believe that the pressure to conform to impossible stereotypes is damaging our sense of well-being and leading to increasing unhappiness, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression and eating disorders in women, particularly amongst young people and children – and men We believe that everyone has the right, whatever their size, shape or form, to feel happy about themselves’ Therefore we pledge to campaign for Body Confidence to influence the fashion, beauty, diet, and media industries – and the government to: -Ensure honesty and transparency in advertising

-Promote diversity of body shapes and sizes used in magazines, advertising, broadcast and catwalks introduce media literacy and body confidence education in school give children positive examples of using their bodies by promoting active lifestyles and less sexualised imagery Body Confidence Awards The All Party Parliamentary Group on Body Image with the support of the Campaign for Body Confidence, will host the Body Confidence Awards presented in association with bareMinerals. The awards ceremony will be held on 19 April 2012 at the House of Commons and will recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of those who help to promote better body confidence. Awards will be given out to winners, decided by a combination of public votes and a panel of judges, in the following categories: •Retail •Fashion •Advertising •Campaigning •Beauty •Broadcast/Print/Radio •Education •and the Central YMCA Award for health, sports and fitness. In addition there are two awards that will be decided only by the public: •the Mumsnet Award for promoting body confidence in children •and the Celebrity Ambassador Award. Event sponsor bareMinerals threw their full

weight behind highlighting companies, individuals and organisations that promote and celebrate body confidence. As firm believers that they have a responsibility as a beauty company to start changing the images that people see, they were keen to support an event that does the same.

Image from thefatandskinnyonfashion.com

Jo Swinson MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Body Image said: •“For far too many people, negative body image is having an impact on their well-being. The awards will recognise the positive steps taken by industry groups, businesses and campaigners to empower people with the confidence to have a positive body image and to embrace diversity in the images being presented. We believe that brands that promote diverse body ideals are doing the right thing and we should give them our support.” Andrew Rodgers, Marketing Director, bareMinerals said: •“Increasing confidence has always been at the heart of everything we do at bareMinerals. We are extremely proud to be supporting the Campaign for Body Confidence and partnering with the All Party Parliamentary Group in this very important work which we believe has the power to make a positive difference in so many lives.” www.campaignforbodyconfidence.org.uk

FEATURES

A niche marketplace, SONSI offers the very best in the latest fashion and trends, with over 300 brands, including some fabulous plus sizes brands like IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel, Fashion Bug and Lane Bryant to name a but a few, it’s bound to have something, and more, to catch your eye.

Bow-Front Flower Swimdress by Catherines- GBP 107.50 - GBP 117.45

t’s rare to find a brand who truly understands a curvy lady. Whether you need last minute ‘night out with the girls shoes’, or a ‘knockout first-date necklace’ or even a ‘last minute holiday swimsuit’, there is a solution to these, and many a fashion dilemma. Enter SONSI, the one stop shop for all your wants, needs, wishes and desires. Fashion-wise of course, they’re not miracle workers after all!

With a fabulous range of swimwear, SONSI is the one to visit when planning your holiday outfits, from gorgeous one pieces in flattering cuts and prints, to unique and unusual swim dresses, we’ve picked some of the best beachwear to take the ease out of your investing in your Summer wardrobe!

Zebra swim tank with built in Cacique balconette bra by Cacique GBP 59.67

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Bow-Front Flower Swimdress by Catherines

GBP 107.50 - GBP 117.45 Florals this season should be bright, bold and oversized and this pretty little number fits the bill perfectly! The large prints distract from any lumps and bumps, while the skater style flared skirt skims hips and hits the thigh at just the right point, all while nipping in the waist.

Farrah Swimsuit by Kiyonna

GBP 117.45 For every woman who loves retro vintage, this one piece would be perfect teamed with a pin curl, red lips and wedged heels, to bring a little glamour to the beach. Comfort and support are

in Europe

by Sarah Potter

Farrah Swimsuit by Kiyonna- GBP 117.45

combined with luxurious ruched material across the tummy, streamlining the body allowing you to ooze confident sex appeal with the utmost of ease!

Zebra swim tank with built in Cacique balconette bra by Cacique

GBP 59.67 Take a walk on the wild side with this fabulous zebra print swimsuit. Featuring block panels of black to the sides, creating the illusion of a seamless silhouette, this piece is fun and daring, and with interchangable straps, allowing you to recreate your look over and over again, you’ll want to wear this swimsuit with every outfit.

Turquoise Flower Flip Flops by Fashion Bug

Farrah Swimsuit by Kiyonna- GBP 117.45

GBP 12.93 Beautifully bejwelled, the perfect heel height and a bit of sparkle in this season’s hottest hue. What’s not to love about Fashion Bug’s flowery flipflops? With an embellished flower in sea green, these will look absolutely fantastic with a tan- faux or real!

Beaded Chiffon Cover-Up by Catherines

GBP 63.70 - GBP 69.68 Whether you’re on the beach or at the bar, nothing beats a great cover up, and this one by Catherines is fit for all occasions. With flattering kimono sleeves, the garment is slightly tailored to the bust, giving your body a gorgeous silhouette with enough room to move! With peacock inspired colours of true blues and royal purples, you could certainly strut your stuff wearing this!

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curves!

e know that having your picture taken can seem really nerve-racking, but after a trip to our boutique studio you'll see how easy we make it. During your big day we'll find out what you need and then guide you through every step of the way, to produce beautiful professional pictures. Most of all you'll have a lot of fun - that's our secret! Whether you're looking for classic portraiture, a professional portfolio or just some new profile pictures, come to us.

ocated in the heart of London's vibrant West End on Shaftesbury Avenue, our experienced and skilled team has been hand picked for their friendliness and ability to get the best out of our customers. We know that for most people the thought of having their picture taken fills them with dread, but through years of experience we know how to make it both relaxing and enjoyable. Even our most hardened customers can't help themselves from having a brilliant time.

hat we offer is an experience first and foremost and we emphasize a great service throughout, knowing that this is something most people will experience only once or twice in their life.

hether you want a personal portfolio, corporate or social media shots, this is the perfect chance to combine it with an enjoyable half day out. A session with us includes Mini-facial / Mini-manicure Hairstyling (no cutting or colouring) Makeover with a top makeup artist Fashion-style photo shoot, including up to six outfit changes Private viewing of your images with options to purchase. (Strict no hard-sell policy)

EvolveÊMagazineÊlimitedÊofferÊ-Ê£19Êonly! SpendÊhalf ÊaÊdayÊatÊStudioÊ52,ÊreceivingÊtrueÊstarÊtreatment.ÊForÊ justÊ£19.00ÊyouÊandÊyourÊguestÊwillÊgetÊaÊglamourousÊmakeoverÊ&Ê photographyÊsessionÊforÊtwo.ÊWeÊwillÊproduceÊaÊstunningÊportfolioÊ of Êimages,ÊshowingÊoff ÊyourÊbeautifulÊfeaturesÊandÊgorgeousÊcurves.Ê ThisÊ limitedÊ offerÊ willÊ alsoÊ includeÊ oneÊ individualÊ imageÊ each,Ê sessionsÊareÊavailableÊatÊourÊLondonÊandÊBirminghamÊstudios. CallÊourÊfriendlyÊteamÊonÊ0207Ê734Ê5200ÊtoÊbookÊthisÊamazingÊhalf Ê dayÊexperienceÊÐÊyouÊdeserveÊit! T&CÕs:ÊAllÊmajorÊcreditÊandÊdebitÊcardsÊareÊaccepted.ÊThisÊofferÊisÊvalidÊforÊpurchaseÊuntilÊ05ÊMayÊ2012ÊandÊforÊappointmentsÊuntilÊ31ÊAugustÊ2012.ÊOverÊ18ÊorÊmustÊbeÊ accompaniedÊbyÊaÊparentÊorÊlegalÊguardian.ÊAÊfullyÊrefundableÊdepositÊfromÊ£25ppÊisÊrequiredÊatÊtheÊtimeÊof ÊbookingÊtoÊensureÊyourÊarrival.ÊDepositsÊcanÊbeÊusedÊtowardsÊ anyÊorderÊorÊwillÊbeÊrefundedÊtoÊtheÊcardÊitÊwasÊpaidÊby,ÊwithinÊsevenÊdaysÊof ÊyourÊcompletedÊappointment.ÊSessionsÊlastÊforÊapproximatelyÊ4-6ÊhoursÊandÊappointmentsÊareÊ availableÊMon-SunÊsubjectÊtoÊavailability.ÊLondonÊ-Ê52ÊShaftesburyÊAvenue,ÊLondon,ÊW1DÊ6LPÊÊÊÊÊÊÊBirminghamÊ-ÊTheÊCube,Ê196ÊWarfesideÊStreet,ÊBirmingham,ÊB1Ê1RN. Ê www.studio52london.com www.facebook.com/studio52london @studio52london W:

MODEL SPOTLIGHT

Kelsey Arif

A new model coming to a magazine near you.... by Sarah Potter

relative newcomer in the modeling industry, Kelsey Arif is taking it by storm. With her astonishing good looks, right from her wavy mane of luscious brown locks to her beautiful big bambi-like eyes, Kelsey is every inch a model and certainly knows how to own her body. Having worked with big names in the plus size fashion industry, and came first runner up in the grand final of Miss British Beauty Curve 2012, Kelsey has set a glittering path for herself, and we’re sure she’ll go far! EM: How did you start out in the industry? KA: My passion for modeling started when I entered Plus Size Tall’s 2011 Model Competition. Initially there was no way I thought I’d win, but I was grateful to meet so many amazing people within the fashion, modeling and beauty industry. I was so shocked when I won and from then on my passion just grew and grew. EM: What do you do in your spare time? KA: ’m actually studying for a Marketing degree! So not as glamorous as you might have thought after all. I want to be Kelsey Arif- Marketing Director and Plus Size Model! They’re both so important to me. They are my two passions in life.

EM: Have you always been confident in the way you look? KA: No, not at all. I’ve lost seven stone, and before then I was very conscious of my looks. I wasn’t happy with the way I am as it was affecting my health being bigger than I am now, so decided to do something about it. It’s given me a confidence boost for sure, and it’s made me realise that I don’t have to get right down to a smaller size to feel good about myself. I love being an 18-20! EM: What has been your modeling highlight? KA: Oh there’s been so many in such a short space of time. Obviously when I won the pageant it was a great opportunity for me, one that I’ll never forget, and it opened so many doors to things, like modeling for Evans and Anna Scholz which were great experiences too! Representing Hertfordshire in Miss British Beauty Curve pageant was a highlight too, as I genuinely didn’t think I’d get through, let alone come in at 1st runner up and of course now be the cover model for this issue of Evolve magazine, it’s been amazing!!

Image from starnow.co.uk

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EM: Why did you agree to model for Evolve? KA: I love Evolve’s whole concept and ethos. You should be proud of yourself no matter what your size and you shouldn’t change for anyone but yourself. I agree that everyone deserves the right to feel comfortable in their own body. I also met Rianne when I had entered the Plus Size Tall competition and she was one of the judges, she has stayed in touch ever since. She was so helpful and supportive and I wanted to be a part of this incredible magazine she has created!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Clements & Ribeiro on their SS12 SWAN collection for Evans by Olga Crosse

n January I was invited to preview the new Clements Ribeiro SWAN collection for Evans. I loved it and keeping schtum until now has been pure torture. Evans have pulled out all the stops on this, the collection was shot by leading fashion photographer Angelo Pennatta, styled by Victoria Young and modelled by Tara Lynn (Ford) and Robyn Lawley (Milk). It’s a very wearable, accessible collection with a strong 1940’s influence. Sizes range from 14 – 32. The collection incorporates Clements & Ribeiro’s signature floral prints, textured broderie anglaise, and silk fabrics in gorgeously vibrant colours. I predict this collection will be a major hit, in fact I tried to buy some pieces on the first day of the launch and some sizes had already sold out. This could well be the collection that has the rest of the designers clamouring to get on the curvy bandwagon.

INTERVIEW

I had the pleasure of interviewing the design duo, they kindly took time out of their holiday to speak to me. Congratulations on your amazing new collection for Evans. It has garnered lots of press attention, all extremely positive, were you expecting this sort of a reaction when you were first approached? CR: The plus size market wasn’t really on our radar until we were approached by Evans. We were in our own bubble and in the fashion bubble. Not many designers want to be associated with curvy and plus size brands, - why? CR: Unfortunately the plus size issue is largely ignored by the high fashion world. We live in a culture that associates fashion with thinness, what with all the skinny models and size zero celebrities. But the moment we were approached we were instantly inspired, we saw a great opportunity to tap into the market and use our design skills to bridge the gap. I love the nod to the 40’s, vibrant colours and cut of the clothes which is a giant leap away from the traditional offerings, what

inspired you to base your designs on those themes? CR: Our most stylish plus size friends have always been into vintage, as it is often difficult to find original, quirky designs in their sizes on the high street, so we looked into the 40’s and 50’s world of pin ups - an era when the female ideal was more voluptuous, therefore embracing a muse that does not apologise for her size but celebrates it. Were you surprised at the lack of choice in terms of pretty, well made, fashionable clothes for women with curves when you started on the collection? CR: We actually feel we are in a very privileged situation in that we may well be the only high end designers creating for the plus size market, especially when we realise the limited choices within the plus market itself! Everything seems to be too timid, self effacing and even less choice if you are looking for something of better quality or for a special occasion. Having worked on the range now a year - we are currently working on the third collection - it does become clear how difficult it is to balance the quality/needs balance, but

creatively it has been a joy - just wait until you see the A/W collection! Designers shouldn’t need to be intimidated by it. We’ve always been told that designers shy away from the curvy market because its difficult to make clothes fit such diverse sizes and the clothes are more expensive to produce, is this your experience? CR: It is a challenge, but a very stimulating and refreshing one. With globalisation fashion has embrace diversity in race and skin colour, and has taken baby steps towards accepting the different body shapes an sizes - see the success of both US and UK’s ‘body’ issues. In France French Elle already runs a special plus size issue every season and glossies such as V magazine and Vogue Italia

have had special plus size issues, so the time is really ripe for such an initiative. The range itself is quite easy, as we were learning as we went along, making sure we respected the different shapes and proportions, without compromising our inspiration. Will there be a A/W 12 collection, what can we expect? CR: The A/W range is bolder and more sophisticated. We have improved our sourcing and the quality of cut and fabrics is superb. The best thing however is that the range has a strong fashion point of view that directly reflects what’s going on in high fashion right now. And save up for our coats. We have learned how difficult it is to find the right coats for bigger girls and I can tell you: we cracked it!

FASHION

top 5

by Caroline Bilkey

Peplum peter pan collar top ÂŁ12 - George at ASDA This bargain of a top we just love! It is the perfect number for transitioning from Winter to Spring. Whilst the weather is still a bit chilly, wear a black long sleeved T-shirt underneath, giving a gorgeous block colour look. Carry the block colour look through, by wearing it with some clashing bright trousers, or Some faded skinny leg jeans. The belt draws in the eye to the waist, creating a flattering hour glass curve. Even better it works an office look too, so versatile!

Womens Cut outs - Matalan Although we have seen bright and block coloring around for some time now, it is still very much apparent in the coming Spring 2012 fashion. We love the new style of cut for these trousers, which flatters any figure. Not to mention the return of the cuff hemline - something we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen for a while. The trousers come with a lovely slim red contrasting belt. Wear them with just a plain white shirt tucked in and some fabulous heels.

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Contrast Platform Wedge ÂŁ20 - Primark Although these wedges are not going to be released in the United Kingdom till April, we could not contain our excitement, so just had to put them in our top 5 this issue! Combining a combination of trends, these wedges will not only match pretty much your entire wardrobe, they will be super comfortable with the heel, making functions in gardens a breeze. The clear plastic black strap is funky and ads edge to the design. These are very similar to many high end label shoes trending for Spring, however have The benefit of a high street price.

Bow Pendant ÂŁ6 - Accessorize This bow necklace is simple and elegant. Great just over a plain tshirt, or layer with lots of other lengths of chains and beads for a more eclectic feel. Available in a range of vibrant Spring colours.

Collection buttermilk dress Marks & Spencer This buttermilk dress is truly divine and again a great transitional piece from Winter to Spring. Whilst the weather is still a bit cooler wear it mod-like with black tights and a bright colored turtleneck under it. As soon as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warmer wear some funky necklaces and bangles, a stylish satchel bag and a great pair of wedge shoes! The nipped in waist creates definition to any figure.

FEATURES

The Greatest Love of All = by Olga Crosse

YOU! W

hen I first mooted this concept for this article I thought it was going to be an easy one. The first thing I thought of was the lyrics to The Greatest Love of all - where Whitney Houston warbles ‘Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all’, a line Whits took little notice of considering she went on to lose her stunning looks, awesome voice and by all accounts her god zillions when she spiralled into drug addiction and a toxic marriage. I was then reminded of the line in Sex in the City where Carrie intones that ‘the greatest relationship is the one you have with yourself’. This worried me because the relationship I have with myself lurches from one drama and crisis to another buoyed up with alcohol, if it involved another human being I would caution against anyone getting involved and to run for the hills….quickly! My rules for loving myself include drinking copious amounts of the best wine I

can afford in Odd-bins several times a week, a giant pack of Doritos and/or Krispy Kreme’s – all varieties. So repeating the line ‘you have to love yourself before you can love someone else’, I decided to draft a checklist to keep my relationship with myself firmly on track. Who knows it may succeed when everything else has failed. I needed help, so I put out a plea for some rules for some self-loving to my friends and acquaintances, 24 didn’t reply, 7 did, 1 said they couldn’t think of a single rule as they were cynical and tired, another said she was trying to figure the whole love thing out full stop and didn’t have time to think about loving herself as she was too busy loving everyone else and getting nowhere, 1 was drunk and didn’t make sense and another mentioned something brilliant but unprintable in this well respected publication! That left me with 3, Bianca, Ursula and Lottie and along with myself this is the best of the rest, see what we’ve come up with:

Image from justloveyourself.blog.com

Flaunt your flaws, if you can embrace those you can embrace anything – (having said that, if your flaw is a broken or missing tooth, its probably wise to get that seen to)

Don’t compare yourself with others, be unique (We’re all guilty of comparing ourselves unfavourably to some Hollywood starlet who undoubtedly has been airbrushed or surgically enhanced)

3. 4. 5. 6.

Love learning new stuff

Decide what suits you, stick with it and make the most of what you have got Learning to make a positive out of a setback (my personal favourite) Don’t scare yourself with worry and your thoughts and other people’s views(see pension and housing crisis above)

7. 8.

Be kind to your mind and make time for yourself Praise yourself (very popular this one with the Internet and self help books!)

Surround yourself with nice things (even nice people)

10.

Image from ichoosetobehealthy.blogspot.com

Stay healthy and drink plenty of water, take time to relax and gets lots of sleep, shine on the inside and out! (I love shiny things, who doesn’t)

So there you have it, my very own 10 rules, you may have your own set , you may agree with those ones, but if it’s one thing I learned when dreaming up these, is the importance of having a set even if you don’t always follow them. After all what are rules for except to break them! If you have your guide or set of rules for loving yourself, then email me at Olga@evolve-magazine.com and I will put them into the April issue.

FEATURES

by Lottie Longford

rom the onset of 2012, three letters have created a media thunderstorm: PIP.Widely reported in the news, the specific brand of PIP breast implants had been exposed as non-medical grade, despite approval by our governing body MHRA.So far so, that the silicone is understood to have been used in the manufacture of mattresses.40,000 UK women have been faced with confusion and contradiction. As a lass who spends her days boob-blogging, I admit that I have a extraordinary interest in breasts. Not a boob-related story goes by without my pouncing and devouring and this situation is no different. Prior to this I paid the bills on a cocktail of wages from the beauty and cosmetics industry where I learnt that plastic really is quite plastic. While I have absolutely no objection to a woman’s right to correct less than barbaric Mother Nature, I do wonder how different the world would be if we gave ourselves a pat on the back once in a while. As with any cosmetic surgery, psychological balance

about body image must be understood as primary importance. What made these 40,000 women undergo the surgeon’s blade and how do they feel about these revelations? On 14th January 2012, I joined a group of around 60 women peacefully protesting outside the major clinics of the Harley Street are in London. Amongst these ladies were boyfriends, mothers, children and friends – all united in support. The procession was organized on the social media platform Facebook which became a powerful ‘silent’ tool in giving this group a voice against the clinic’s reaction. I wanted to speak to these women to get a feel for what it was like to be one of the notorious number. I met some truly dynamic ladies with stories that really hit-home. Becky had spent her inheritance on hers; she raised the question “Do I have to wait for someone else to die before this is sorted out? Or will I die first?” Quite evident was the panic and confusion.

Samantha’s grandfather had put forward the money for her life-changing operation, rather than see her take out financial loans. Her dear relative has since passed away and, now requiring surgery to replace the implants, she feel cheated out of the kind gesture he put forward to give her confidence. Another lady told me how she had previously paid for her PIP implants to be removed when she encountered pains and worrying ‘lumps’ of escaped silicone in her armpit. While the implants in question are now out of her body, she still bears the financial burden and showed full support to the other ladies affected. Fiona had never had breasts- she couldn’t even fill an ‘AA’ cup. After years of selfconsciousness, she chose a surgeon of famed expertise. Alas, Fiona still received the PIPs. With homemade plaques that put Blue Peter to shame, she added that her mother lost her breasts to cancer only three years ago and she personally wished she hadn’t considered her appearance so prevalently. I felt particularly choked in our conversation and wished that these women had the confidence they deserved.The PIP scandal highlighted the impact of aesthetics on the mind, and the collateral damage the risks may hold. As David Nicholl’ssaid in ‘One Day’ “if I could give you just one gift ever for the rest of your life it would be this. Confidence.” Without confidence, we cannot live to our full and deserving capability. This crisis was born out of a quest for perfection - this year, fall in love with ‘you’ and everything you already are. Evolve, be proud, be you. Lottie Longford @LottieLongford www.beautyandtheboob.com

Written by Clare Cherry

lready we are in February and so we will soon be seeing those fresh daffodils and daises appearing and we know what that means... Spring in near and so what will the latest trends bring us this year?? Think fresh, bright and simple... Minimalism will be big this spring summer, using soft pastel shades for our eyes, cheeks and lips and skin looking fresh and dewy. Metallics will be seen on the eyes with also a strong influence of one of our favourite decades the 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s... MAC will be releasing their new fantastic Mineralise skin care range, tried, tested and highly recommended.. Making its debut with ionized super-duo charged watertechnology. The collection includes Mineralize Charged Water Cleanser, which gently removes makeup without scrubbing or massaging, leaving skin clear and conditioned. Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel, a rich and creamy, superlight and hydrating gel. And for those eyes begging for a boost: Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Eye Cream, to instantly minimise dark circles and puffiness. Plus, two must haves: Mineralize Charged Water Face and Body Lotion and Mineralize Charged Water.

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SPRING Makeup 2012

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BEAUTY

Image from beyondbeautybasics.com

Look out for some great collections on our Makeup counters for spring collections... One to watch... Shop Mac, Cook Mac, an amazing new collection of Brights and pastels for all skin tones, Included in the collection you will find delicious, delovely, delectable, divine, degorgeous, de-with-it, degroovy assortment of the Eye Shadow x 4 palletes in wearable brights perfect for Spring. Treat yourself to Lipstick in heavenly hues, mouthwateringly Kissable Lipcolour and Cremeblend Blush. This Spring, shop ‘til you drop with a tonguein-cheek collection that elevates the everyday into the extraordinary. Cook MAC has spring’s no-carb, no-calorie recipe for kooky, kitschy, kitchen kouture in savoury shades for Eyes, Lips and Nails.

5 Steps to a beautiful simple Smokey eye!!! • Use a soft black eye pencil MAC eye kohl in smolder £10.50 and gently line the outside of the eye, top and bottom. • Then using a soft blending brush, blend the line out across the lid in an oval shape so there is no line from the liner, creating a soft Smokey affect • Use a dark shadow, doesn’t have to be black, deep purples and greens can look great, and gently pat the colour over the liner on the lid and lower lash line, again blend with your brush

Image from chicprofile.com

• Add some black liquid liner to the upper lash line, thicker at the outer corners of the eye to add extra impact Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Black £14 • Finish with a least 2 coats of high volume and curling mascara to the lashes or top with a fab set of false lashes for ultra glam chic! Max Factor Masterpiece Max £10.50

BEAUTY

beauty basic Written by Clare Cherry

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We all know surgery can be an extreme length of beauty, so before you go rushing down to ‘Harley street’ let’s look at the many ‘non-surgical’ options out there which we can adapt to our beauty regimes to make us look and feel even more gorgeous than we already are.

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So many lifestyle factors affect the appearance of the skin, e.g sun exposure, smoking, stress, lack of sleep, water. Naturally as we get older the skins natural ability to regenerate itself by shredding dead skin cells and replacing them with new ones gradually slows down, which is why skin loses its youthful glow. The skin will have a lower oil production and a thinning of the skin which make fine lines and wrinkles more visible. So what can we do to reduce this appearance of ageing on the skin?

Our local beauty salons are have all into the latest ways of anti-ageing regimes, with treatments such as Laser skin rejuvenation, which uses high intensity pulses of light work beneath the skins surface. As the tissue absorbs the light energy, it heals? then ‘heels’ by producing more elastic collagen. Chemical Peels, use which is an acidic solution applied to the face to remove the dead outermost layer of skin cells and to restore the youthful glow. Always use a salon or speak to a dermatologist to get the most effective peel suitable for your skin. Acupuncture Facials, apparently sworn by celebrities such winnetkame

Well, starting with our skincare routine, it is very important that we cleanse and moisturise daily every day we are cleansing and moisturising, to keep the skin fresh, clean and hydrated. Look for products full of anti-oxidants, AHA’s and collagen. (By visiting a dermatologist) We can look at using creams with retinoid or growth factor creams which can help stimulate cell and collagen regeneration to help renew the skin and you can find them under names like Retin-A Micro and Renova.

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s we turn each magazine page, flick through every ‘reality’ TV programme, thinking Kardashians and Katie Price’s. Its not hard to notice how much we are exposed to what can be a harsh reality of beauty and the extreme lengths and expense we will go to live up to this ‘ideal’ image of how we should look. In the real world though, we are who we are, and they wouldn’t be what they look like without the help of thousands of pounds of cash and a whole entourage of people encouraging them to live up to the spotlight and glamorising the use of surgical procedures to change the way they look.

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as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, it can be an expensive form of treatment, but with great results, as hair thin needles are inserted into specific points on the face and scalp causing under-lying muscles to contract and relax. Probably the most controversial of ‘non-surgical’ anti-ageing treatments would be Botox and Dermal Fillers, I don’t necessarily agree with injecting the skin with a poison, I do think that if it done right, by the right person in the right place it can look great. Botox works by relaxing facial muscles so they can’t contract, basically paralysing the muscles under the skin which stops any movement. One treatment can last up to 3 months, starting (priced) at a around £120 per injection. I couldn’t (can’t) stress enough, I really believe that we get what we pay for and if Botox is done incorrectly it can seriously have an adverse effect on the skin, causing a ‘surprised’ look or a drooping eye so be careful on where you choose to do the treatment.

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The most important thing to remember in all the beauty is that we can never strive to be someone were not, but subtle changes can make big differences in our confidence and our natural ability to shine... Be Proud Be You xxxx

FEATURES

t i F & y v r Cu

e 18th August

initiativ ss e n it F st 1 s e n zi olve Maga

Challenge Rianne

A personal challenge but advising Evolve Readers that I whole heartily believe that we can be CURVY & FIT and I intend to lead by example by participating on a 4 month fitness program with fitness instructor to the stars Bella Marie. Throughout the 4 months the readers can follow my journey through the social media sites with regular updates in each issue of the magazine as well as YouTube video clips, thus allowing the movement to become viral.

The Event

A 1 day sponsored event called Curvy & Fit. We aim to embrace and involve the Sports industry, the plus-size industry and also evolve a more political aspect in our event. The purpose of this event is to face many curvy women’s nemesis, the GYM. Curvy ladies will have access to the gym with trained instructors and will be surrounded by women that look like you who love their curves but also want to be fit! On the day there will be a host of various speakers throughout the day and will also consist of classes such as: African Yoga Street Dance (Full FiguAre Funk) Plus-size Zumba Belly Dancing Fitness

Fitness First

Fitness First is sponsoring the Challenge Rianne sessions which will be marketed for supporting the initiative, declaring themselves as the leading UK gym to support the plus size community. We hope to film the event for TV and for this to possibly progress onto DVD . you all We would love ent ev to support this and get tell us in touch at: your views get azine.com ag info@evolve-m

Image from fashion.telegraph.co.uk

COVER STORY

Fashion Inspiration by Olga Crosse

meet some pretty amazing people on Evolve business, so imagine my delight when I met the legendary designer Zandra Rhodes CBE at her home in South London last December. Born in Chatham Kent, Ms Rhodes designs’ have graced the backs of everyone who is anyone from Princess Diana, Sarah Jessica Parker, Liz Taylor to Jackie Onassis. She had just flown in from New York, and despite being smothered with a stonking cold, she was gracious and charming and very engaging. Your collections are beautiful, feminine, bold, colourful and optimistic, what inspires and influences you? Travel inspires me, it really opens the mind. I love to get away from things, India and Australia are my favourite places, because I love colour. You have a collaboration with the plus size brand Simply Be. How did that come about? Simply Be approached me, they came around to the penthouse, saw my collections and it went from there. I said why not and we’ll see how it all goes. It was the right time for me,

the price was right and I had the right ideas for Simply Be at the time. You are known to be ground breaking and at the forefront of the fashion scene and are definitely not conventional, is that what you hope to bring to Plus Size fashion? I never really thought about it before now but I want to make the size 18/20 plus lady feel like a princess. Those ladies do fashion beautifully and with no stigma attached Curvy gals tend to get very bad press? I am very shocked by that I never had a problem with dressing and designing for bigger and curvier people. I don’t even have to adapt my designs as I always designed colourful kaftan dresses and tunics, my kind of dresses work very well on larger ladies. I’ve designed for Oprah when she was an 18/20 which was great. US girls don’t seem to mind being bigger, I just came from NYC giving lectures on fashion and the ladies are bigger there, same as California and Chicago, people tend to be more gracious in the US about size.

Image from spaghettigazetti.com

COVER STORY

Images from toutnouveau.co.uk

What are your hopes for your new plus size collection and do you think it will pave the way for other designers to follow suit? I am shocked they are not following suit already, I am so used to designing for larger ladies so it surprises me others don’t do it. Was the creative process different whilst designing this collection and if so in what way? Not really, floaty designs work well on larger ladies. I tend to think of the glam bits and work with that. So if someone has a big chest then a V neck works well, or fabulous wrists, so I think of different things that would look good and work with that. Larger ladies tend to do glamour very well and are twice as good at it than everyone else. You have a fantastic jewellery collection and home wear collection, what’s next for you? Adele Marie (the jewellery designer) approached me, I have designed another SS12 collection for her as well which is great. I loved designing those pieces. I think bigger girls can and do jewellery very well, they have the confidence and presence to carry it off, bigger girls are great at accessories and big jewels. I saw a picture of you with a fantastic pink bed,

did you design that? That was great, but no, it was only me pictured with it. I read that you have a book coming out could you tell us a bit about that? It’s been out a while. My mother was very creative which is where I must have gotten it from. I originally started out as a textile designer and went to the Medway College in Kent where I’m from and where it all started. I love the eclectic and fun elements. The book features my textiles designs from 1961 – 1971. It was great fun hunting out all my old designs and putting them into a book. I may well do a follow up. I love colour. I can see that with your wonderful hair. The pink is easy to keep, green isn’t so will stick to pink for a while. Evolve’s motto is ‘Be Proud…Be You – What makes you proud to be you? I’m still here, still love designing, still love seeing people in my clothes, I will keep going and keep going for a long while yet. Amen to that

INTERVIEW

All Walks Beyond the Catwalk ‘Fashion for Positive Change by Olga Crosse

spent a very interesting and thought provoking afternoon talking to Caryn and Debra in West London recently about www.Allwalks.org and their views on diversity within the fashion industry and media and how it affects today’s women. All Walks Beyond the Catwalk is an initiative founded by Caryn Franklin, Debra Bourne and Erin O’Connor. They work with cutting edge designers and photographers to promote change. In June they launched All Walks Centre of Diversity at Edinburgh College of Art, and are heavily involved with the All Party Parliamentary Group’s campaignforbodyconfidence, backed by Minister for Equalities Lynn Featherstone. You founded All walks 3-4 years ago in response to the widely held view that not enough diversity is represented on the catwalks and in fashion. What prompted it? CF - The fashion industry is powerful and we wanted to broaden the range for women that could benefit the industry and present an inclusive, emotionally considered offering to women. This campaign comes from the heart. We had had enough, the offering got narrower and narrower. Women were being presented as 3 dimensional human beings, sexualised, and stereo typed. This is not against thin pale women, its about all

women getting t o g e t h e r who feel disconnected from what the media and fashion industry is presenting them with, which is a big shift away from the traditional industry. What is the message you want to get across? DB – There is a split - the catwalk caters for the fashion industry, its very narcissistic, in that you are given tall, beautiful, thin models, in order to fulfil press and buyers expectations. The catwalk space’s prime objective is luxury branding which is the opposite for the average consumer and promotes a body shape that does not reflect the consumer. These days those images are telegraphed globally, which means the catwalk shape and aesthetic is presented to everyone as standard which is simply not true. The catwalk is primarily a corporate and marketing space, however it is also being used as a consumer space. This space should exist, and we are not

suggesting changing it but lets have a conversation with people in power and influence to take into account the average consumer. CF - This industry makes billions and the corporates do not want to change that. We need to get it away from root profit and bring in the well-being of the consumer. Consumers are fed an identity that doesn’t fit. We also need to create a linkage between being thin and large. The thinking is being thin will sort out obesity. There is not enough mainstream linking up with anorexia and obesity. There is a preoccupation with obesity and a disconnect between Corporate regulation, it should be about the emotional and physical well being of the consumer as well as consumerism. Have you noticed a change in perception over the years within the media and fashion industry as a result of your campaign? DB - Yes I have seen a shift and it’s a positive shift. Mark Fast regularly uses Laura Catterall ( Cosmopolitan, Special K). I have seen other young models emerging who are curvy. CF - We work a lot with colleges, we are planting the seeds in the colleges and giving students choices and opinions instead of the traditional fashion stereo types and ideals. Students and emerging young designers are now choosing to work with diverse models, they previously thought they had to think one way, and we interrupted that signal,. In Plymouth and Edinburgh we worked with students on designing for ordinary bodies. They were not getting a thorough training because they were designing and making clothes for size 8/10. We provoked thought. They couldn’t transfer their designs to a live body. Colleges wholeheartedly embrace this and it is now a live project. CF - Designers are working with brands such as Evans and feature a more individual model. American Apparel is doing street casting. Debenhams are using older models. There is currently a study underway at the Judge Business School to back up Dr Phillips Diedricks study that size 14 is the most desirable shape. If you see these shapes in the media you will feel better about your own. In our lectures we ask the Q’s of young designers ‘what impact would that (your designs) have on well being? Students we have reached in the system are slowly making those changes. Its like a super tanker. CF - Retailers are now realising that there is more money to be made by having authentic, female friendly offerings. Women are recognising their power, they will take their money to the retailer that honours them by not having airbrushed images and providing more realistic models.

FEATURES

Whitney Elizabeth Houston the voice, the legend! by Sherryl Blu

becoming the first African-American woman to receive constant rotation of her music videos on MTV. History was made! The Greatest Love of All led to Whitney being crowned #1 artist of the year and spawned her first worldwide tour with the same name.

Spotted in the 80’s Whitney became sought after for various modelling jobs and several recording contracts.

In 1987 her second album; Whitney saw her become the first female artist in history to debut at one of the Billboard 200 albums chart becoming the first artist to have #1 albums in the US and UK. 4 singles reached #1, including; I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) making her the first female artist to generate 4 #1 singles from one album giving her 7 consecutives number ones to steal the record from the Beatles and the Bee Gees who held 6.

orn to entertainment executive, John Russell Houston Jnr, and renowned Gospel singer Cissy Houston, in 1963 Whitney was raised in Newark, New Jersey, with legends such as Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin being an integral part of her upbringing. Age 11, Whitney performed as a soloist in a junior gospel choir. At 14, Whitney provided back-up vocals for the track Life’s a Party by the Michael Zager band followed by backup vocals on Chaka Khans hit; I’m Every Woman.

After being signed to Arista records by Clive Davis (lifetime mentor and friend), Whitney’s debut album; Whitney Houston was released in February 1985 winning her several awards, her first Grammy and first hit in the US with ballad; You Give Good Love. Saving All My Love followed becoming her first #1 single in the US and UK. How Will I Know, accompanied by a music video, peaked at #1 and led to Whitney

Following her involvement in Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday in Whitney formed the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children in 1989. Her third album; I’m Your Baby Tonight, was released in 1990. A year later Whitney’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl saw her become the first and only act to turn the national anthem into a pop hit.

Image from duchessofhackney.com

Whitney married Bobby Brown in 1992. Daughter Bobbi Kristina was born in 1993. Whitney’s first acting role was in The Bodyguard (1992). She executively produced and contributed 6 songs to the soundtrack. The single; I Will Always Love You, emerged as Whitney’s most iconic performance winning her 3 Grammys for the album. Whitney continued to act and contributed to movie soundtracks for; Waiting To Exhale in 1995 and A Preacher’s Wife in 1996.

royalties. In 2003, Whitney released her 5th album Just Whitney and featured in her husband’s reality show Being Bobby Brown. Whitney divorced Bobby in 2007 amid more allegations. After releasing; I Look to You in 2009, she appeared on the X Factor, UK and the Italian version, then embarked on the Nothing But Love World Tour, her first in 10 years.

In 1998, Whitney collaborated with Wyclef Jean, Rodney Jerkins and Missy Elliot to create; My Love Is Your Love. The album debuted at #13 and gave us classics such as; It’s Not Right But It’s OK. Whitney: The Greatest Hits was released in 2000 with guest appearances from George Michael and Enrique Iglesias. .

With her latest film; Sparkle still in production, Whitney was found dead in a bathtub at the Beverley Hills Hilton on the eve of her mentor Clive Davis’ pre Grammy party...a party she would never attend! It’s hard to digest her shocking and untimely passing but her legacy lives on allowing us to remember her for her incredible voice and unforgettable contribution to music and history.

The years that followed, saw Whitney battle alleged drug abuse and erratic behaviour. However, she went on to sign the biggest ever record deal in music history with her contract renewed for $100 million plus

RIP Whitney... we miss you already! 55

INTERVIEW

Lucy Moore

Winner of the Ann Summers Valentine’s Day modelling competition by Olga Crosse

hen Ann Summers launched a campaign to find a model to front their Valentine’s Day campaign and swimsuit campaigns over 4,000 women of all shapes and sizes entered. Lucy Moore (size 16) and a criminology student from Portsmouth was the only curvy girl shortlisted, she went on to beat off all the skinny competition and eventually won. I chatted to her about her stunning win. Well done on winning. Not only did you win but you were the only curvy girl selected and beat 4,000 ‘normal’ girls. How was that? Overwhelming, it was hard to believe, it was so unexpected. I had to take a breath of fresh air, I broke the mould. Why did you decide to enter? They launched on Twitter and asked for any shape and any size. I am not a show off and am not outgoing, but I want to get into modelling and decided to go for it. Did you think you would win, what did you have to do? No. not at all, I was really shocked to get to the final 50 and then the final 10. Then they asked me what makes me sexy and to show your thing. I did a dance to Rihanna. All the other girls were gorgeous, slim and lovely and I did stick out. We had to film the advert, I was never in front of a camera before and I loved it. We were told to wear something comfortable but 2 minutes before we were told we had to strip down to our underwear.

I hope you wore nice ones? Luckily the night before I thought what if I get asked to do this (wear knickers) so I wore nice ones. When you won it, how did you find out, was it a grand finale? No, voting went on for a couple of weeks, so I was at home, when I got the phone-call, I was on my own, I rang my Mum who was crying. We didn’t have a party or anything. So there was no crown then? No crown no. Do you get to sample some Ann Summer’s products? Yes, I get some freebies, lots of underwear, the range is getting lots better, much more fashionable and its moved away from being tacky. What about the ruder stuff? Laughs – yes I got some rude stuff as well. Your stand out personality, body confidence and sexy size 16 curves won over the CEO Jacqueline Gold. Whats your secret? Family and friends make me feel good, and boost my confidence, and like me for who I am. I’ve been small - 12/14, but I’ve always been curvy, its just the

Image from fashion.blogorganization.com

way I am, I don’t gorge, I watch what I eat and I exercise. Did you get any negative comments or nastiness at all? Yes, it was a bit daunting as I didn’t know what to expect. The positive outweighed the negative. I was worried about it, with the internet and twitter everyone has something to say. I then made a decision not to waste my energy on being down and not let it upset me.

What advice would you give to other young girls thinking of entering into modelling that may be curvy but lack the chutzpah to do so? Be yourself, be healthy and happy and don’t be upset if you get knocked back. Keep going, don’t diet if you don’t want to and don’t compare yourself to others. Your image fronted all campaigns for Ann Summers for Valentines Day and you were all over the High St in your bra and knickers, wasn’t that daunting? Not really daunted, I can’t really believe it, I am overwhelmed, you don’t see a plus size girl in her underwear often. I’m excited though. This will change your life, what are your hopes for this? Keep going, be really successful in modelling, and help change what the industry (fashion) feels about curvy models.

Image from whatsonningbo.com

Image from lovesceneonline.com

What does your Mum & Dad & boyfriend think? They are so proud. My boyfriend is cuffed to bits. Whats next? Hopefully get signed to a modelling agency. This whole thing has been bigger than I thought, its really hard to explain. I’ve already shot swimwear for the Ann Summer’s swimwear collection. The swimwear is great it really pulls your bum up, holds your tummy in, there are body panels for the curvy girl, sheer panels for the hips, some crystals, and its very glam.

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Twins talk Fun & Fitness

by Ayanda & Zandela Soares

Over past two months we have been talking to people who have lost weight or gained weight in the last five years we asked the question ‘Were you happier FAT or THIN? And do you love the skin you’re in’.

hat could be more beautiful than loving the skin your in? I mean looking in the mirror every day and loving what you see. When we arrived on the set of the biggest loser UK 2011 we were asked to look in the mirror and point out what part of our bodies we were unhappy with, we looked at each other giggled and said where should we start, we both had very little parts of our bodies that we were happy with. Over past two months we have been talking to people who have lost weight or gained weight in the last five years we asked the question ‘Were you happier FAT or THIN? And do you love the skin you’re in’.

With the western 20th century gorilla marketing ramming images of what it believes to be beautiful is there any wonder that over 91% of females age 16 - 40yrs are currently unhappy with our bodies and what they see in the mirror. I found this research to be ironic because after talking with our readers, followers, fan out of the 36 woman and men we spoke to 23 said they were happier when they were FAT! However only 7 of them had put the weight back on the rest continued to work hard at keeping it off. So was the other 16 actually in denial? lying to themselves and to others and secretly enjoying the respect and attention they receive as there thinner selves.

Top tips Love the skin your in • Wear clothes that fit your body • Give yourself positive feedback • Don’t deprive yourself, everything in moderation • Dance more, staying active releases endorphins • Stop looking at unattainable beauty images • Spend more time with people who love you • Set out little goals and tick off one by one • Do something special for someone else always makes you feel good about yourself • Learn to nurture yourself in every way • Accept your flaws and the fact that you are imperfect. • Stop the self criticism • Let go of your worry

Many felt that they were being judged by society if they did not resemble the image of beauty we have in media today. Because of these insecurities many people have fears and anxieties low self-esteem and a poor self image. Having lost over 9 stone between us we realised that were are no happier with our bodies as we were when 9 stone heavier we both continue to have insecurities we both go on over drive when we gain extra weight we get depressed about the excess skin we have about not fitting into cloths or not having as much junk in the trunk you name it we feel it. Over the last two month we have both learnt that whether you are fat, thin, tall, short, rich or poor there is nothing more important than learning how to love yourself. We both understand firsthand the influences of media images making us all believe that we are imperfect. It will take time for us to learn how to love the skin we are in but we ask that you take that time to try and love yourself. Once you find that place were you can love yourself and be confident with the body you have, increase your self esteem. It is important for us all the value ourselves and love the people we are inside and out, Does society judge us based on the size of our bodies YES! But, does it really matter? And should we even care what other people think of us if

they themselves base their thoughts on our physical appearance. The only person that matters in the loving equation is YOU!!! Just last week we both went for a meal with our partners who clearly like a meaty woman we asked them why do they like bigger aka FAT woman and to our surprise both men said they do not have a preference for thick or thin woman but that they both were attracted to other features or mannerisms such as our smiles, confidence, sense of humour and how we both carried ourselves with elegance and grace. So to all you readers who stress over dating you, can’t find anything to wear out, just remember the word of Ian and Andrew our partners who did not care if we were fat or thin but just that we represented the woman they could feel safe, secure and confident with. Twin Talk diet plan for April: Cambridge diet plan having 4 shakes a day, + 1 small no carb meal, 2L water per day and 1 whole cucumber WEIGHT LOSS; 6lb in first week, 3lb second week Get in touch and let us know your weight issues – lets work together to continue to BE Proud To Be US!!!! info@evolve-mTop tips

FEATURES

20 good

things for you and your heart! by Alison Chapman

pril is a funny old month for women, in some countries it has been nominated as Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history month,

in another it is womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sexual pleasure month (a good one in my book!) But, I am nominating April 2012 as the YOU and your heart month!! So here are my top 20 things that are good for you and your HEART!

1.Respect yourself. 2.Respect others. 3. Don’t look back with regrets (why re-play past pains?) 4. Walk up stairs where you can. (Treat it as your daily work out) 5. When it feels hard – tell yourself “it’s easy” (it will start to feel easy – I promise!) 6.Sing as if you are that SUPERSTAR. 7.Dance like you’re on strictly come dancing! 8.Wink at some hunk! 9. Tell yourself everyday that you are lovely – cos believe me you ARE! 10. Have a sexy clothing day, stockings, basque, plunge bar, suspenders WEAR it! You’ll feel sexy! 11.Have a veggie day once a week. 12. Eat chocolate, dark chocolate increases serotonin levels! 13. Make sure you get a good nights sleep – too little sleep affects the heart! 14. Take time out for yourself EVERY day. YOU time is very important. YOU are important. 15.Gossip at least once a day! 16. Have a bubbly bath with candles and chocolates once a week. 17. Before you explode – STOP - count to 10 – it really does help! 18. Get a pet; they do wonders for heart rates and they always love you. 19. Go shopping, so good for so many reasons, exercise, keeping up with latest trends and fashions, fun, exciting ect!

20.Love yourself. 61

FEATURES

SECRET DEALERS’

by Alison Chapman

Many know me from the hit ITV show David Dickinson’s real deal but I am also the secret dealer in ITV’s hit show “Secret Dealers” which is returning to ITV with a Big Bang! Myself and two other rival dealers will do battle in your home for items you want to sell. We will tour the house inspecting everything of value. From jewellery, sideboards and children’s toys, to jumbled attics, and furniture; nothing is out of bounds to the dealers, I shall be trying to outbid my fellow dealers for your antiques and collectables! If you fancy taking part and turn your unwanted antiques into serious money, without even leaving the house! Call us on: 0117 970 7674 or Email: secretdealers@rdftelevision.com

ENTERTAINTMENT

Sherryl Blu

Entertainment Editor Hey y’all, Welcome to another fantastically colourful and entertaining Arts & Entertainment section. So much has happened in the past few months since we last met, from Beyonce finally having the baby through to the Voice and BGT becoming staple weekend viewing. In the following pages you can check out fab interviews and amazing bits of entertainment news. Have a look at what’s on in the arts section and try and get down to one of the brilliant exhibitions taking place in London or, feast your eyes on what’s on in the entertainment world, from Kanye West and Jay-Z’s Watch the Throne tour through to Soul-D-Out Live the US edition at the IndigO2, there is definitely something for everyone! Both CEO of Evolve and I, along with millions of other fans, absolutely adored Whitney so to mark her untimely death, we have dedicated a double page spread to her memory. Check out the feature to remind you of her amazing achievements. Finally, summer is on the horizon...well nearly, because winter is out of the way and we are officially in spring – wooohooo! Anyway, enough rambling from me, get on and enjoy what lies ahead... Lots of love, hugs and cupcakes...we love cupcakes!! Sherryl...Xx Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ SherrylsWorld

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ENTERTAINTMENT

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ENTERTAINTMENT

c i s u M : s e Must hav Our version of events: Emeli Sandé.

Fresh from winning the Critic’s Choice Brit Award and following the massive success of her first solo single Heaven Emeli Sandé (pronounced San-day) gives us her debut album. www.emelisande.com

Pink Friday Reloaded: Nicki Minaj

After a massive year at the top and with a string of Grammy nominations under her belt, Nicki brings us the follow up album to her Platinum debut. Expect quirky lyrics over pop infused hip hop beats. www.mypinkfriday.com

MDNA: Madonna

Madonna proudly brings forth her twelfth studio album, MDNA which is a pseudo-blend of her name. This album also doubles up as her debut release with Live Nation Entertainment. Check out guest vocals from Nicki Minaj and M.I.A www.madonna.com

Electronic Earth: Labrinth

This is the debut album from Simon Cowell’s first nontalent show signing. The album was written over a two year period and mostly produced by Labrinth himself features hits; Earthquake, Let the Sunshine and more. The album is a nice balance of R&B and pop together with a splice of Electronica.

Tomahawk Technique: Sean Paul

Fifth album from Jamaican dancehall artist Sean Paul. On this album Sean Paul pushes the boundaries and fuses Euro-trance with his distinctive sound over banging beats. www.allseanpaul.com

At Last, The best of Etta James

Etta James, a musical force since the 50’s and renowned for bridging the gap between R&B and Rock & Roll, sadly passed away in January of this year. This ‘best of’ compilation is a must have for all Etta James fans and music lovers alike. Released on iTunes, 4th Feb 2012: http://itunes. apple.com/gb/album/at-last-the-best-of-etta-james/ id415284495

s l a i t n e s s e ve

evol

S K O O B : s e Must hav Lone Wolf – Jodi Picoult

(release date: 28 Feb) n Lone Wolf, Jodi explores who has the right to make end-of life decisions. IMAGE magazine say: Picoult portrays the human world and its petty paperwork as significantly less dignified (then wolves). This is a heartbreaking story told in engaging prose.” www.jodipicoult.com

Betrayal - Danielle Steel

(release date: 1st March) The latest offering from the American romantic novelist is Betrayal; a story focusing on a Hollywood legend that falls prey to one of her most trusted. Tipped to be a new bestseller! www.daniellesteel.com

The Magic- Rhonda Byrne

(release date: 6th March) Were you intrigued by the Secret? Did you try and live by the rules of attraction? Rhonda’s newest book promises to take you on a 28 day ride set to open your eyes and lead you to live the life you have always dreamt of.

ENTERTAINTMENT

celebrity gossip BY Sherryl Blu A moment of silence...

A couple of weeks back, tragedy struck the star studded Blackberry BBM gig which took place at a London nightclub. Jessie J had just finished performing her set when a man was stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle. The victim was rushed off to a nearby hospital and a 25 year old man was arrested. As you can only imagine, everyone tried to leave quickly following the distress, but police stampeded the area and started questioning the celebs. It is not yet understood what the motive for the attack was but regardless, the whole incident has left everyone feeling very

Beyonce

And so the rumour mill continues churn, chew up and spit out self confessed diva, Beyonce. The question that has been circulating ever since baby Blue Ivy debuted in this world is; ‘is she real’! Sounds like a mental doesn’t it? But, that is the question on a lot of people’s lips. I for one would like to believe there is a real baby somewhere in the back but admittedly, the pictures (which often look staged) do not seem to be doing Bey any favours. The baby is often seen strapped to her chest in the same pose (not that babies have many poses to choose from) looking very doll like and we never seem to see her adorable face. What is going on Bey? Yes, we understand privacy is your right and paramount in your world but put the speculation to bed and show the world your beautiful bundle of joy, giggle, dribbling and drooling like all babies do.

u Rihanna

Rihanna has been all up in the headlines recently for a variety of reasons. One being; it seems she is unable to let go and shake off her past in the form of Chris Brown, secondly she has been spotted leaving Ashton Kutcher’s home during the crazy hours of the morning, thirdly she’s been snapped wearing a green trench coat/mac with sexy heels and leaving very little to the imagination and fourth and finally, she’s about to make her movie debut in alien invasion blockbuster; Battleship this coming summer. Seems like the RiRi obsession is set to stay...pull up a ringside seat!

the Purple One also known as Prince

Can you remember a few years back (2006), there was this big hoo ha surrounding the Purple One also known as Prince? Apparently, he had signed a deal to front a perfume and cosmetics campaign for a fragrance called 3121 which was inspired by his LP at the time, with the same name. The company went on to claim Prince did not fulfil his side of the bargain which included him doing interviews, handing out samples of the fragrance at his gigs and attending instore events. The company claimed, as a result the scent flopped and its licensing deal was cancelled. The courts awarded the company costs for a case of fraud meaning, the symbol has been ordered to cough up a princely sum of nearly £2.5million. Would have probably been easier to just do his bit, I would have thought. Just sayin’!

OMG...drop everything!

The Inbetweeners are coming back for a fourth series....*does happy dance* I am so excited! Apparently, Jay, Simon, Will and Neil are set to hit our TV screens again following the success of the Inbetweeners movie which grossed in excess of £45million at the box office which is a massive profit considering the film was shot and produced for just £3.5million! According to source, this series will begin with the 4 starting college but sadly, one of the boys may well be killed off, although at this stage it is not clear who, if at all. The Inbetweeners are always guaranteed to raise a laugh, from Will’s clumsiness, through to Simon’s desperate attempts to bed Carly. Even Jay’s potty mouth always gets me giggling. Inbetweeners series 4? Bring it on!!

ENTERTAINTMENT

What’S On...

in the Arts World

Picasso at Tate Britain: 15 February 2012 – 15 July 2012.

Bio: Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, ceramicist and stage designer. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century and is widely known for co-founding the cubist movement. The exhibition is called; Picasso and Britain and showcases some of Picasso’s most famous pieces whilst examining his relationships with several key British modernists and Britain as a whole. The exhibition will also include the response of the British people to his work. The Picasso exhibition caters for all art fans regardless of age and tastes. For more information and ticket prices please visit: www.tate.org.uk

David Hockney

exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts: 21 January 2012 -09 April 2012

Bio: David Hockney is an English painter who is regarded as one of the most influential British artists of the twentieth century. David was an important contributor to the pop movement of the 1960’s. The David Hockney: A Bigger Picture exhibition takes place in London as part of the Cultural Olympiad. Those that attend the exhibition will be taken into David’s artist world and shown pieces of well known landscapes from around the world. As an artist David has and continues to evolve with technology and displays this throughout this exhibition by showcasing photo collages, a series of films created using 18 different cameras and drawings created using an iPhone and/or iPad. A must see for all art lovers. For more information on tickets and opening times, please visit: www.royalacademy.org.uk

David Shrigley exhibition at the Hayward Gallery, London: 01 February 2012 -13 May 2012

Bio: David Shrigley is a British visual artist from Macclesfield, England. He works in various media but is best known for his cartoons released in postcard packs or soft cover books and has produced more than 7,000 works on paper since leaving the Glasgow school of Art in 1991. The David Shrigley: Brain Activity exhibition marks his first ever major solo show in the UK. The work on display will be either brand new or never seen on display in the UK and will include; animation, painting, drawing and sculptures. Fans of David will be pleased to see two of his most popular sculptures on display. The stuffed dog and a piece entitled Pumpkin. An exhibition that would appeal most to those with a dark sense of humour. For more information, please visit: www.southbankcentre. co.uk/find/hayward-gallery

ragamala

Ragamala paintings from India, Poetry, Passion and song at the Dulwich picture gallery. A Ragamala is a set of 24 miniature genre paintings which show various modes of Indian music accompanied by a brief caption or poem describing the mood of the raga from the Claudio Moscatelli collection. Show runs from 25th Jan 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 27 May 2012. For more info: www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

nicholas hawksmoor

Nicholas Hawksmoor: Architect of the Imagination exhibition. The exhibition brings to light the imaginative legacy of an original architect by using a range of images and quotes from other architects, writers and critics. Show runs from: 4th February 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17 June 2012 For more info: www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/ thearchitecturespace

INTERVIEW

Shanda Freeman by Je Tuan Lavyonne

handa Freeman a New York native is a curvy icon in the United States. She has co-hosted a radio show, had a television show “Man and Wife” on MTV with her husband DJ Fatman Scoop, and she is a relationship expert. The show “Man and Wife” was an entertaining and frank discussion about sex and relationships. She was the 2011 host for Full Figured Fashion Week New York and it’s no surprise because she is a timeless beauty and the epitome of class. Shanda uses social media to connect with the public. She can currently be found on youtube under “ManandWifeTV”. Me: What made you decide to become a relationship expert? It was a natural transition. I worked with prostitutes, was a case manager and worked with HIV/AIDS patients. When it comes to the subject [of sex] I’m not afraid to talk about it. I have a natural desire to give advice and to be inspirational. I loved your show Man and Wife with your husband DJ Fatman Scoop, how did it feel doing a recorded television show in the bed? The bed represented what my husband and I did every night. We sit and we discuss topics. When we did the show it wasn’t going to be in the bed originally. The bed represented so many things with us and people found it to be a natural comfort.

What has been the reaction to this show from the public? I never got one negative email. People always need a place of security to talk about those subjects. People felt like they could ask any question and feel like they weren’t being judged.

What advice would you give to anyone on making a marriage/relationship successful? The first thing is communication. Many of us are brought up to suppress feelings. As you mature you have to learn to find your voice, don’t be afraid to speak. Learn how to communicate in a fashion that’s respectful. You have to be able to listen; you have to be able to admit that you have to change. It’s give and take. You have to have great intimacy; if that’s not good things will go haywire. Don’t take each other for granted. You are very versatile. You were the host of Full Figured Fashion Week New York last year. How did that make you feel? It was great. I love the plus size community and they were so receptive. Gwen Devoe reached out to me and it helped me. It came at the right time, my mother passed away a few months before and it pulled me out of a funk. Gwen provided a platform. You are very comfortable in your body. What’s your advice to women that are struggling with this? I always encourage women to think health first. Most plus size women aren’t always happy with what they see in the mirror. Dress for your body. It has to start with you. Nobody can empower or inspire you unless you come to them first. What’s next for you? There is a very big something with me and husband. I’m not at liberty to say but we are coming back to TV. I’m getting into interior design and building my site Shanda’s style and I’m working on getting a housewares line. I’m starting a wig line and my first book which is long overdue.

Image from plussizesavings.com

Evolve’s motto is Be Proud...Be You...what makes you proud to be you? My experiences, what my parents instilled in me. They taught me grace, tact, and dignity. I’m fully embracing what God has put in front of me. Being a great mom and great wife; those are important to me. I always present myself in a way that I and my parents can be proud of.

Evolve- Be Proud Be You Je Tuan Lavyonne www.fullfigurednews.com

INTERVIEW

Donna ‘D’Persona’ Parkinson by Sherryl Blu

onna ‘D’Persona’ Parkinson (the accidental poet) would never have considered herself a poet and in fact, never really had the desire to be one until she became truly inspired at her best friends book launch. 7,000 poems or so later, she shows absolutely no signs of stopping! I caught up with Donna to find out all about her amazing poetic journey, what she has achieved so far and what she has up her sleeve for the future. Hi Donna, how are you? Hey I’m good how are you? Where do you draw inspiration from for your poetic pieces? Inspiration comes from various places, sometimes it’s like a light bulb just goes off in my head. It can be anything really... You seem to write constantly and for someone that is quite ‘new to the game’, you have a fairly large catalogue including several books. Talk to us about that... When I started, I was just writing about anything and everything. My first book A Different Perspective was a compilation of all types of poetry on all sorts of subjects. New Beginnings On The Endz was about urban life, gun and knife crime, estate mentality, drugs, gangs etc. Book 3 D’Personally Yours was a little less in your face but my heart wasn’t in it. Book 4 The Urban Time Bomb encapsulates the whole ‘street thing’ and really sends home the fact that we all need to take responsibility for the actions of today’s youth. It is my favourite book so far.

Which of your own poems do you particularly like, feel proud of and why? Deadyouths@london.com without a doubt, it is the one that gets the biggest reaction from the kids and therefore equates to getting through for me. It does exactly what I want it to do. As a result of your love for poetry, you went on to take over a publishing company which helps individuals self publish books including poets. Tell us about that... Mad Jock Publishers make it possible for authors to have their works published in a book that they and their family can treasure for generations. How do you manage juggling the company, working during the day and finding the time to write poetry? Do you sleep? LOL It’s hard but someone’s got to do it! Us women are used to juggling everything with very little sleep and I just get my priorities right. What advice would you give to someone who is yet to unleash their inner poet? Don’t plan it, don’t get hung up on technique and structure just let your thoughts flow. What’s in the pipeline for you? I’m working on a new book actually so watch this space…

How do you feel your poetry is received? It’s been described as controversial, thought provoking What type of individual do you think could appreciate your poetry? I’d like to say everyone, but my poetry could be considered ‘niche’ . That said I don’t limit my work and I try to stay true to who I am and what I want to achieve. Do you believe poetry has now become universal in that it now reaches people across generations/cultures? Yes! People now realise that poetry does not always have to mean Shakespeare, Wordsworth or Keats. Poetry has grown and developed in style and has become a little more widely accepted as a means of entertainment. What do you enjoy most about the poetry process? Making a difference through my expression.

As this edition of Evolve is all about love...please give us a short but sweet poem on LOVE! Love flows through me and reaches out to your soul, Cascading over your entire spirit, Gently spraying our bodies with droplets of freshness, Love speaks to me in vibrant colours that exemplify passion, Draping us in shades that bring light to our lives, Softly illuminating our paths, Love encircles us in pools that know infinite depths, Swirling around our entwined hearts, Delicately ebbing towards unity, Loves comes to me in tropical fragrances that fill me with longing, Coaxing my senses to dance around my being, Love flows through me and you… Connect with Donna: http://www.facebook.com/PERSONA.POETRY http://www.urbantimebomb.co.uk/ dpersona@live.co.uk mad_jock2009@live.co.uk urbantimebomb@live.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

fitness & fun Written by Bella-Marie

Bella-Marie is passionate about fitness and works with people with busy lifestyles to help them find ways to fit healthstyle into their life.

n a blustery cold Saturday afternoon I met the lovely Rianne Ward for a hot cup of tea and chat about life, work and our business ventures. (If you are reading this article and have no idea who Rianne Ward is then shame of you) Rianne Ward is the CEO of this publication and will be the main highlight of my commencing articles so stay tuned. Back to our cup of tea and chat - after an hour of conversing we ventured down the Health and Fitness path; like any Fitness Professional I asked the basic questions about her current lifestyle, eating habits and overall fitness, which she honestly disclosed to me. Out of all the things we discussed only one section of our conversation shocked me, in fact, I literally gasped at her experience when enquiring about gym membership. Avoiding the nitty gritty she relayed the whole experience and concluded with this profoundly rude words ‘well there aren’t many machines you can use (because of her size), just the treadmill’. As a Fitness Professional I find that

attitude outrageous on all accounts, what gives this homo sapiens the right to subject her to what could feel like public humiliation? Some of you may think my response is over the top; however there’s a much bigger picture to consider. It doesn’t matter what size you are, whether your weight mirrors beetroot or a Siberian Tiger, it takes a considerable amount of courage to approach a stranger and ask for advice. To have a stranger who knows nothing about your lifestyle, your mental, emotional and physical needs insult your intelligence and tell you that you can only use ONE machine in the entire gym is not acceptable. Healthy and Fitness is not just about looking like a track & field athlete it’s much more. It’s about the overall well being of an individual, making that person feel good about themselves, building a persons confidence from within, getting that person to like and love what they see in the mirror.

Noticed earlier I referred to the ‘mental, emotional and physical’ needs; these are three areas that are very often neglected in the fitness industry, many think all you need is iron, sweat and tears to be fit, and healthy to feel good – that’s not always the case. Imagine this - a woman who has for the past few months worked her derriere off to achieve her ideal dress size and weight. She can now fit into her dream dress size when she steps on the scales sees her dream number but yet when she looks into the mirror she still sees the unattractive person, the very same person she’s disliked for years. What happens to this woman? In most cases she’ll go back to her old ways, old habits eventually her old weight and WHY? Because during her fitness campaign she wasn’t encouraged to work from the inside out, she wasn’t taught to love herself no matter the dress size or the number on the scales. Image from realitypod.com

As a Personal Trainer I have to admitt this is not an easy task, however with the right amount of attention and nurturing it is achievable. I have seen amazing transformations; one woman now walks around butt naked in front of her husband whereas before she would hide herself in the dark another room.

Before I go here are some suggestions on how to start your journey to loving who you are:

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•Spend time alone - disconnect your computer, no headphones and disconnect ALL phones. Go for a walk, do a little meditation. •Compliment yourself and mean what your say. This will start a cycle of love which only stops when you say so. •Evaluate what you’re feeding your mind. Ask yourself ‘are the television shows, movies, music & books I indulge in enhance or potentially damage my life? •Exercise. Go to bed early. Sleep works wonders to your daily function. Next issue: Rianne Ward – Her Challenge Begins!

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