AUTUMN / WINTER 18/ 19 ISSUE 1: [id] entity
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EDITORS’ LETTER
Y o u o n l y g e t o n e l i f e , so be yourself… In Springfield’s first ever magazine, we bring you a variety of topics with something to interest every Springfield man. From the best places to eat, shop and see in 5 of the most exciting and vibrant destinations in the world, to seriously good-tasting food recipes which are sure to ‘spice’ up your life. We introduce you to Zach Miko, the first ‘brawn’ model who talks about adapting to model life and his hopes for the future of fashion. We have the ultimate ‘how to’ guides - we’ve ‘cleared up’ the complicated skincare routine to help you fix up and look sharp. We’ve compiled a list of wardrobe essentials that form the basic components of even the most exciting outfits and we help simplify packing hand luggage, starting off your travels stress-free way. What else is exciting? We’ve teamed up with Spotify to bring you some of 2019’s best playlists for every mood. Finally while we wanted to make this magazine exciting and interesting for you guys, we felt passionately about addressing a really pertinent and relevant issue for men in 2019... mental health. It affects so many men around the world, and here at Springfield we are all about encouraging men to speak up and remove the stigma surrounding men’s mental health issues. In addressing the issue we seek to offer some guidance and tips from decluttering the mind and mood boosting workouts.
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We at Springfield believe in every man as an individual. We encourage self-expression and we recognise that everyone should be celebrated for their individuality. Fashion today, has more opportunities, and is certainly more exciting, than ever. There are no boundaries, increased creativity and diverse global influences. As the saying goes “what is outside reflects what is on the inside” and fashion really is the most exciting way to reinvent ourselves every day, reflect our personalities and individual styles. Fashion is more than just clothes on your body, it is a means of expressing self-knowledge and self-confidence and a revelation of your true character and spirit. That’s why we encourage you to be you, be authentic and be individual. You only get one life, so be yourself and ultimately dress for you. Anyway.. enough from us. Sit back, relax and enjoy reading our Springfield A/W 19/20 issue +
MEET THE EDITORS HILDA KOSUNEN
HELSINKI, FI ‘BE INSPIRED AND INSPIRE THE OTHERS’
LAUREN CLARE GLASGOW, sco ‘LOVE YOURSELF FIRST AND EVERYTHING ELSE FALLS INTO LINE’
IIDA ALHO
TURKU, FI ‘PASSION IS KEY IN EVERYTHING I DO’
AMY SINGH
GLASGOW, SCO ‘UNTIL YOU STEP INTO THE UNKNOWN, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE MADE OF’
CONTRIBUTORS MODELS: ANDY BROWN, JACODB LEISER, DANNY LOMAS, SIMONE CORTESE, USMAN MOHAMMED PHOTOGRAPHER: JOHN CRUTTENDEN 5
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STREETSTYLE P.27
AT HOME - ON THE GO P. 24
CLEAN UP YOUR ACT P. 22
V IS FOR VEGAN P.16
LEAVE IT TO THE TRACK P. 14
DECLUTTER YOUR MIND P. 10
MAN UP - A SILENT CRISIS P. 6
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MEET THE MODELS P. 60
MEET ZAC MIKO P. 56
GET PACKING P. 52
TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE P. 48
DRESS FOR PERSONALITY P. 42
WARDROPE ESSENTIALS P. 38
MAN UP
MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH A SILENT CRISIS If you are a man reading this and you are aged between 20 and 49? Did you know that the statistics show you’re more likely to die from suicide than from cancer, a road accident or heart disease? Men are 3 times more likely to commit suicide than women.
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Currently, 84 men in the UK alone take their own lives every week, the majority of which suffered in silence or tried to self-medicate.
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hese are more than alarming statistics, but these are people’s lives we are talking about. There is a clear need to talk about mental health more and remove the stigma surrounding the term to stop the suffering in silence.
Society has created a number of gender stereotypes that men should be “tough” “strong” “fearless” and that they cannot display any signs of weakness or else they are not “man” enough. Even the phrase “man up” is used so often in society for all the wrong reasons and gives a misleading impression that mental health problems can be solved by simply acting more manly. These macho stereotypes leave little room for men to open up aboutmental health issues and seek the help they need. Many men fail to recognise or acknowledge the warning signs of mental health issues when they experience feelings of anxiety or sadness and are often unwilling to seek help or speak about these emotions.
What can we do as society? Firstly, we have to recognise any signs that someone is suffering and encourage others to open up and share how they are feeling and assure others they should not feel weak just because they experience sadness or a feeling of loss of direction. Suffering in silence should no longer be an option.
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‘Society has created a number of gender stereotypes that men should be “tough” “strong” “fearless” and that they cannot display any signs of weakness or else they are not “man” enough.’
Springfield have teamed up with CALM, The Campaign Against Living Miserably, a UK charity dedicated to preventing male suicide to raise awareness of mental health and help remove the shame and stigma surrounding it. The charity has run a number of campaigns with the aim of removing the stigma around men’s mental health and encouraging men to stop suffering in silence and to reach out for help. CALM provide a helpline 365 days a year for men who are feeling down for whatever reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They also offer bereavement support for those who have experienced losing loved ones to suicide.
We fully believe that even the ‘fittest’ and ‘healthiest’ people can still suffer from mental health issues and there really is no health without mental health. Dealing with mental health is a serious task that requires time, help of loved ones and often professional help which should not be afraid to be sought. We’ve compiled a list of small habits to include in your daily routine to help clear your mind and looking after your mental state…
Call the helpline 0800585858 or visit www.thecalmzone.net
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DECLUTTER YOUR Decluttering is a trend reaching beyond your sock drawers to your social life. Guides such as Marie Kondo’s Tidying Up and How Not to Give a F*ck by Sarah Knight, encourage you to give up everything that does not generate joy in your life. Hold it there, I am not telling you to call your boss and tell how Monday mornings generate the exact opposite of joy. The core ideology is to reduce the chaos in your life or at least make it more controlled. Sarah Knight talks about decluttering your social life and learning to let go of the expectations of your social groups and society. Before erasing that annoying cousin’s number or burning all bridges with your exes, first you should begin with yourself and clear your head.
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If organising and diving deep into your thoughts does not really tickle your fancy, do not
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easy worry, We have provided steps to begin with. Do not sweep your thoughts under the carpet or even worse, throw them out of the window. Instead, start organising them and accepting that they exist - in good and bad. Albert Einstein once said: “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign of?”. We all have valuable thoughts in our heads that sometimes just need rearranging and care in order to see more clearly - like our sock drawers.
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Believe you have the power to change things and if something is out of your control, learn to accept it.
Be decisive “clutter is simply delayed decisions� (Scott Roewer) - stop procrastinating because overthinking and postponing decisions will overwhelm!
Talk to someone - it is more powerful to show that you are vulnerable than hiding behind the curtains. And even if you are not ready to talk to someone, start keeping a journal because it helps you to organize and analyse you muddled thoughts.
Take smaller steps take less on your plate and celebrate small achievements. Don’t concentrate on the ultimate goal but find a step by step plan that leads to your goal.
Avoid multitasking and set priorities - multitasking takes you out of focus and confuses your brain. Science has proven that our brain can physically only concentrate on one thing at a time. Multitasking is just an illusion and is only jumping between the tasks. Setting priorities helps you to identify your goals, and clarify the path to your destination.
Take time to unwind and...breath - your mind is not an engine and it needs space and time to charge. It is okay to take a break and just sit back.
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SHOP THE LOOK HERE 14
DENIM SHIRT €36.99 T-SHIRT €15.99 myspringfield.com
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“Reduced anxiety, higher self-esteem and clearer thinking”
LEAVE IT ALL ON THE TRACK Physical exercise now prescribed on the NHS? We ask the experts how fitness can improve both your physique and mental health. Starting small can make big changes! Researchers at University College London discovered that taking part in just three exercise sessions per week could reduce depression by 20%. Not only this, GPs are prescribing exercise are as effective treatment for depression. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that those suffering from mild to moderate depression should take part in three exercise sessions around 45 minutes over the space of 10-14 weeks for a boost in mood. Reduced anxiety, higher self-esteem and clearer thinking are just a few of the benefits to mention. 16
“Reduced anxiety, higher self-esteem and clearer thinking”
GETTING OFF THE MARK Many find the idea of hitting the gym daunting, finding what works for you is key. Here are some simple ways to get started. 3.WALKING Simple and effective, not to mention the most affordable exercise available! Life Coach Jacqueline Hurst promotes stepping out to improve mental health: “My top suggestion here is that any exercise is a great idea. It really doesn’t have to be hours at the gym, a small ten minute walk in nature can be of huge benefit to mental health. What is very important to remember is that moving your body, in a way that is effortless and enjoyable, is the best way to start. Don’t put too many harsh goals down. If you do that it will be less likely that you will want to do it, and in turn it just doesn’t get done.”
2.YOGA The perfect way to increase body awareness, relieve stress and tension. Yoga has also been found to sharpen attention and concentration… Jacqueline Hurst: “If you love gentle movement, go for yoga. It’s very soothing, and it’s always the first activity on my list for helping people to get in touch with themselves; starting to focus and connect with your breath, and your body, can be very powerful. It’s hard to hide when you’re in your mat and in the zone, and that in itself can be really therapeutic.” The ideal place to meet likeminded people, especially for beginners!
1. SWIMMING By adding just 10 minutes of swimming to your routine you could see an instance lift to your mental health. Swimming is a full body work-out with low impact option. Jacqueline adds that “Think about how you are going to feel afterwards and also notice how you are thinking about the exercise beforehand. In other words, when you get your mind right, you get the right actions out of it. You have to have the right thoughts in your mind first before you take the action.”
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V
IS FOR
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TASTINESS IS DISH BEST SERVED VEGAN. Veganism is booming all around the world and offering options for any taste or craving. Whether you have a sweet tooth, a soft spot for sour or you like your food to make you hot under the collar, we have gathered 3 different vegan recipes for you to awe your friends with or enjoy a tasty meal of your own - with a good conscience.
KEEP YOUR ORANGES CLOSE. BUT YOUR TOFU CLOSER. 200g tofu 2 oranges Miso Sauce 2 tbsp. miso paste 2 tbsp. soya sauce 1 tbsp. oil 1 tbsp. agave syrup 2 tsp. garlic spice
1. Mix all the ingredients of miso sauce in a large pot. 2. Cut tofu and oranges approximately the same size and mix them in a pot with miso sauce - let it be. 3. Cook tofu on a hot pan until dry, let chill 4. Cook oranges on the same pan less time tho cowboy 5. Arrange into grill sticks 6. Netflix and chill
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THEY MIGHT TAKE OUR STEAKS, BUT THEY’LL NEVER TAKE OUR BANANAS! 3 bananas 2 dl oats 2 dl flour 0.8 dl oil Vegan egg: 2 tbsp. sunflower seeds and 5 tbsp. of water
1. Leave sunflower seeds to soak in water to get soft. 2. Heat the oven to 200 degrees. 3. Mash bananas, oats and oil in a blender into a smooth mass. 4. Mix rest ingredients
1 tsp. salt
5. Pour into a tray and add sliced banana on top
1 tsp. cinnamon
6. Bake for 40 min
1 tsp. cardamom
7. Enjoy!
1 dl sugar
FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS - IT’S GOING TO BE A NUTTY RIDE 120g noodles
2 tbsp. soya
1. Mix on a hot pan chopped onions, ginger and soya sauce. Once onion is brown(ish) add peppers and cashew nuts.
1 cm ginger
2. Cook noodles.
lemon juice
3. Mix everything in a pan! Voila!
1 onion ½ pepper Cashew nuts 1 tsp. salt
Scan the codes to see the recipes on YouTube! 21
CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE TO SEE OUR IDENTITY CAMPAIGN VIDEOS
https://www.youtube.com/user/CanalSPF
5 quick meals for every man
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T-SHIRT €15.99 myspringfield.com 23
CLEAN
YOUR A 4-step fool proof guide for clearer, brighter skin
ACT
Your skin is your largest organ, and just like any other part of your body, you need to keep it healthy.
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UP
1. EXFOLIATE
Exfoliation gives skin a deep cleanse and removes dead skin cells, dirt and sebum from the skin. It unblocks clogged pores to remove any impurities and prevent spots and blackheads from appearing giving dull skin a brighter, clearer appearance. Men with sensitive/dry skin should exfoliate less often, while men with oily-type skin should exfoliate more often, but no more than 3 times per week. If you have dry, irritable skin then a chemical exfoliant like Clinique For Men Exoliating Tonic may be a better option for you. These can be massaged into the skin and left to absorb for 30 seconds before washing off. An abrasive scrub exfoliator is a better option for oily/ combination skin types and should be massaged continually into damp skin, focusing on problem areas for approximately 30 seconds, before washing away.
2. CLEANSE Cleansing removes the dirt and bacteria that skin is exposed to throughout the day as well as the excess sebum that builds up on the skin. It is therefore a crucial step in maintaining your skin’s health. Cleanser should be applied to damp skin in the morning, or after exfoliating. It should be massaged into the skin and washed off with lukewarm water.
3. APPLY SERUM Serums are a great addition to skincare routines and provide your skin with the essential nutrients and ingredients it needs to prevent blemishes and premature ageing. A little goes a long way with serums, 1 to 3 drops of serum should be applied lightly in between cleansing and moisturising.
4. MOISTURISE Moisturising delivers hydration and replaces the essential nutrients and moisture lost through the exfoliating and cleansing process. It gives skin a firmer, fuller appearance while acting as a protective barrier for the skin from dirt and bacteria as well as delivering anti-ageing effects. Moisturiser should be applied every morning and night to dry skin after skin has been thoroughly cleansed. A small amount of moisturiser is required and should be gently applied, taking special care to hydrate around the forehead and eyes. Men with oily skin – don’t skip this step. Using just a small amount of moisturizer will help keep oil in check.
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SPRINGFIELD X
AT HOME Laidback sounds to see you through the day
9AM Start your morning right with this collection of all new funk and soul
1PM The perfect mix of contemporary R&B
6PM Unwind after a stressful day at work, easy listening! PYJAMAS €36.99 myspringfield.com 26
9PM
ON THE Feel good & upbeat, the perfect listen for travelling
9AM All the new music you need to hear right now
1PM Uplifting and energetic music that helps you stay motivated
3PM A cheerful mix to shake off the worries of the workday
6PM
SWEATSHIRT €29.99 myspringfield.com 27
BLAZER €69.99 myspringfield.com 28
FIND YOUR
[id]entity WITH SPRINGFIELD
As an expression of individualism, we challenged our five models to style a basic white t-shirt to reflect their personal identities with the latest Springfield clothing. Flick through the next few pages to see the looks on the street. 29
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BLAZER €69.99 TROUSERS €49.99 myspringfield.com 32
DENIM JACKET €49.99 myspringfield.com
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QUILTED JACKET €59.99 CARGO TROUSERS €39.99 myspringfield.com 35
CAMEL COAT €69.99 WHITE T-SHIRT €15.99 myspringfield.com
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FAUX LEATHER BIKER JACKET €79.99 JEANS €39.99 myspringfield.com
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WARDROBE ESSENTIALS While we encourage fashion as a means of embracing our individuality, seasons change and with that brings new trends so what’s ‘in’ one day is ‘out’ the next. We suggest there are a few timeless essentials that form the basic timeless components of every man’s wardrobe.
THE BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
There are few things that can’t be worn with a button down shirt. Can be worn with jeans and chinos for a more casual look, under a crew neck jumper for a smarter option or with a suit for a smart dressed up option. The button down shirt’s variety and wide applicability is its greatest strength and can be worn all year round.
CHINOS
A good alternative to jeans. Can be worn with a shirt, a jacket or a simple t-shirt for a smarter or casual aesthetic.
HOODIE
The multi purpose hoodie that takes you from the gym to a casual lunch - or can be dressed up under a blazer for a night on the town.
SUNGLASSES Whatever your outfit, whether
with a dressed up suit or a dressed down white tee and jeans, sunglasses are the perfect accessory to elevate your outfit keeping you cool and squint free all year round. Find a shape that suits you and you will ooze coolness.
BLACK JEANS THE BIKER JACKET
Can be suede or leather in black or brown. A good way to give a plain outfit a bit of edge and style.
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Find the right fit and black denim jeans are easily dressed up or down. They work with almost every outfit!
THE WHITE T- SHIRT The plain white tee is a timeless staple piece that can provide the basis for even the most elaborate of outfits. €15.99
myspringfield.com
BLUE DENIM JEANS The right find and shade of denim jeans will be a versatile piece in your wardrobe transcending both the realms of casual and smart wear.
€39.99 myspringfield.com
WHITE TRAINERS White trainers are the perfect finishing touch for every outfit
€36.99 myspringfield. com 41
DENIM JACKET The denim jacket is an easy casual piece to have in your wardrobe. Worn over plain tee or sweatshirt for a laidback look or with a pair of denim jeans for an extra fashionable edge.
â‚Ź49.99 myspringfield.com
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SHARE YOUR SPRINGFIELD STYLE ON INSTAGRAM USING THE HASHTAG
#SPRI N G F I E L D I S Y O U AND YOU COULD WIN €100 TO SPEND IN STORE
FIND US AT @SPRINGFIELDMW ON INSTAGRAM
[id]entity 43
DRESS FOR YOUR
DENIM SHIRT €36.99 myspringfield.com JEANS €39.99 myspringfield.com 44
White t-shirts. Black jeans. Grey Jumpers. All excellent basic items of clothing, that make your life easier and your mornings quicker. Functionality at its best. But be prepared – the endless era of individual style is here. T he rise of technology means we are constantly exposed to new trends and
styles in fashion that are miles away from functional but that we can assign to our own personalities and allow us to help reflect this as individuals. Inspiration - it is everywhere. We are constantly finding new sources of inspiration on a daily basis all of which are helping us to construct our own unique and individual styles. The globalised world has meant that fashion has become infused with cultural and geographical influence. We want to dress in a way that reflects our own individuality, personal style whilst expressing character and personality with a focus on who we are and what we feel. Individuality is the key to cutting through the noise in today’s spirit of the times. Let’s be honest, it is easy to base your clothing choices on what the ones closest to you are wearing. Or we throw on whatever we can find and whatever is most convenient. Whatever the motivation, choose something that is expressive of you. Styles are more varied than ever, and there is really no right or wrong way of dressing anymore. Time has moved on, clothing is more than showing your wealth or your social status. Instead a focus is on differentiating and creating something individual, showing your personality through your clothes is the new ‘cool’. But, it is about more than just looking good, but feeling good too.
The hedonistic value of clothing is often forgotten about in men’s fashion. So what if men started to wear what suits their personalities, not bound by expectations and perceptions of how men “should” buy clothing: by convenience, price and quality. These are all important factors, but we should be encouraging is individualism. This is what Springfield wants to offer: functional, quality clothing with something extra to add a touch of personality. Choose the white t-shirt and style it up how you use. Maybe a
Clothes can offer you a meaning. They can offer you happiness and confidence and no matter what you wear, you should always feel good. jean jacket? Satin chinos? Layer it with a striped shirt? You choose. There are billions of men in the world but not one of them is similar. The new era of clothing that communicates who you are is here. Find inspiration, and use it as a means to create your own style. Be you, be authentic and dress for your personality.
Flick through the next few pages to see some individual styles.
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CAMEL COAT €59.99 myspringfield.com GREEN T-SHIRT €15.99 myspringfield.com
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KNITTED POLO €25.99 myspringfield.com DENIM JACKET €49.99 myspringfield.com
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TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE We have compiled a list of 5 different destinations with somewhere to suit everyone.So, why not pack your bags, book your flight and jet off to one of these vibrant cities that all offer very different and unique experiences.
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LOS ANGELES THINGS TO SEE Santa Monica Pier Venice Beach The Hollywood sign Hollywood Boulevard The Broad museum WHERE TO EAT Breakfast: Urth Caffe, Nat’s Early Bite Coffee Shop, IHOP Lunch: Lemonade, Bristol Farms, HuckleBerry Cafe and Bakery Dinner: Nobu, Jon and Vinny’s Brentwood, Pizzana WHERE TO SHOP Rodeo drive South Coast Plaza The Grove
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M A RRAKEC H
LONDON
THINGS TO SEE Musée Yves St Laurent Traditional Bath Houses Royal Mansour El Badi Palace Medina: the old town
THINGS TO SEE Tower Bridge London Eye Piccadilly circus Big Ben Wembley Stadium
WHERE TO EAT Breakfast: Zwin Zwin Cafe, Henna art cafe, Earth Cafe Lunch: Chez Hassan, Terrasse Bakchich, Chez Lamine Dinner: Limoni, Cafe Le Studio, Le Petit Cornichon
WHERE TO EAT Breakfast: The breakfast club, Beigel Bake, the Ivy Kensington Brasserie Lunch: Fishers Fish and Chips, The Table Cafe, Pizza Union Spitalfields Dinner: The Ritz, The Diner Soho, Gordon Ramsay’s Restaurant
WHERE TO SHOP Souq Sebbaghine shopping mall The Souks 33 Rue Majorelle
WHERE TO SHOP Oxford street Bond street Westfield shopping center
H E LSINKI
MILAN
THINGS TO SEE Suomenlinna Sibelius Monument and Park Linnanmaki Amusement park Kiasma Finlandia Hall
THINGS TO SEE Duomo di Milano Castello Sforzesco Piazza del Duomo AC Milan San Siro Stadium Naviglio grande
WHERE TO EAT Breakfast: Karl Fazer Cafe, Cafe Ursula, Cafe Roasberg Lunch: Friends and Brgrs, Kappeli, Fafa’s Dinner: Ragu, Restaurant Muru, Juuri
WHERE TO EAT Breakfast: Magentino, Gobbato Bakery, Mi Casa Toasteria Lunch: Pescaria, Ravioleria Sarpi, Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo Dinner: Dongio, Langosteria, Trippa
WHERE TO SHOP Kamppi shopping center Stockmann department store Old Market Hall
WHERE TO SHOP Golden Triangle CityLife Shopping District Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele ||
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GET
PACKING Hand luggage essentials for your next trip
LONDON, BARCELONA, BEIJING‌ Whether your job requires travelling frequently or for a short stay, keeping a list of essentials to pack will save time and minimize stress. By keeping your hand luggage simple you will ensure that airport security and running to the nearest WIFI are your only stresses.
STEP 1: BASIC BOTTOMS
When choosing a pair of trousers for business travel pick one colour (blue, black) Having this consistency will erase the need to bring various shoes and belts in different colours. Dark colours are a good option as this will minimise marks and wear from travelling.
STEP 2: JACKET OR BLAZER
Choose a simple solid colour blazer or jacket that matches your bottoms.
STEP 3: TRAVEL OUTFIT
Consider packing a comfortable travel outfit for the journey home
STEP 4:SHOES
Bring either one or two pairs of shoes and ensure that they match your clothing options, if you’ll be constantly on the go on your trip choose a comfortable pair that will get you through the day.
STEP 6: TOILETRIES
Pack all your essential toiletries in a toiletry bag. (Recommendation on following page) Pack these items at the top of your luggage or in an outside pocket to ensure they are easy to find when going through security.
STEP 7: TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Place airline reservations, hotel confirmations and rental car or transportation details in a separate folder that is quick to reference. If you have these items on your phone, book mark them for quick access. A travel phone charger pack will also be a useful investment for your trip.
STEP 8: LAPTOP/TABLET CASE
Keeping your laptop or tablet separate from your luggage will ensure you can access it easily and is a stress free way to avoid losing it
STEP 5: WORKOUT CLOTHES
Pack one lightweight, exercise outfit that you can easily wash out in the sink after each exercise session and hang to dry.
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SMART THINGS TO PACK
1.
2.
5.
3. 4.
1.NATURAL
STRETCH SHIRT €36.99 2=€60
€19.99
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4.
2.
SMALL TABLET BAG €29.99 ER WALLET
FAUX LEATHER VANITY CASE €17.99
5.
3.
ESSENTIAL FAUX LEATH-
ESSENTIAL VENEER BELT €21.99
CAMEL COAT €69.99 myspringfield.com 57
T-SHIRT € 19.99 58
MEET ZACH MIKO The first male ‘plus size’ model shaking up the fashion industry The fashion industry has progressed significantly in the last few years with a growing acceptance for different body types, genders and skin tones in the models they use. The industry is taking steps to increasingly diversifying their models and be more representative on their catwalks and in their campaigns. The industry is embracing ‘plus size’ modelling more and more and we are seeing a number of body positivity movements popping up. We have seen the likes of curvy Ashley Graham and Tess Holliday making waves in the industry, gracing the front cover of Vogue magazine, which has been a positive and necessary step for the industry.
That being said, the industry places its focus on female body positivity and tends to neglect males. IMG CEO Ivan Bart says “The body positive messaging and size diversity is something that’s relevant and something that continues to be on everybody’s mind” and that “we have to extend the conversation for men.” This is where 28 year old Zach Miko, the first male ‘plus size’ model, is taking the fashion industry by storm. IMG Models signed up Zach under a new division they call “Brawny”, the male version of “curvy”. We caught up with the charming Zach about how his life has changed since signing a contract with IMG Models and what “Brawn” means to him. 59
S O Z A C , H O W DID IT FEEL WHEN YOU W E R E A P P R O A C HED TO BE THE FIRST P L U S S I Z E M A LE MODEL?
Zach Miko: If someone had ever told me that I would be a model and travelling across the world, I would think they were crazy. So naturally, I was over the moon when IMG approached me! I was humbled, honored,thrilled, grateful, and I couldn’t quite believe it. My wife and I danced in our living room and I called my Mom and Dad immediately. It’s not just my career either, this marks true change in the fashion industry. It makes something accessible for people who it was out of reach for, for so long.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT “BRAWN ” MEANS?
Never in a million years did I think modeling would be something I would get into. I have always appreciated fashion but being a man of my size (6ft6 with a 42 inch waist), I always felt it was something completely out of my reach.
Brawn is an alternative to plus size.. to me ‘plus’ means additional or extrabut there is nothing extra about a human being. It makes you feel like a leftover person. Brawn is the male version of curvy. It has more of a body positive message. Brawn has been a dream come true for me and I hope for other males like me, big and small, who have felt unrepresented in fashion. I hope that the introduction of brawn can make fashion accessible to everyone, embracing our individuality and finding our self worth that has been lost for so long.
W O U L D Y O U S A Y THAT THERE ARE S T R U G G L E S I N BEING A PLUS-SIZE MALE?
SO WHAT DO YOU THINK IS NEX T F O R SOCIETY’S MALES OFF THE BAC K O F THE ‘‘BRAWN’’ MOVEMENT?
I think sometimes society forgets that men can have negative body issues and low self-esteem too. There is this worldwide 'toxic masculinity' idea that men should be strong, powerful and they should pretend not to care about anything. Men are made to feel like they should suppress their feelings and not talk about them without feeling weak. What I want to show is that having feelings or insecurities doesn’t make you weak, it just makes you human. Women are doing a great job of empowering each other in recent years and I want to help men do the same.
My vision is that every male can go into any store, try on an outfit, and can look and feel good, whether they are big, small or anything in between. That’s something I grew up without. If someone can open up a magazine and see me or another plus size model and say, “wow they remind me of me, and they are a model and they look great...so I can look great too.” I feel like that will have a ripple effect that will pulse not just through the fashion industry, but the psyche of every man and woman in our country.
W O U L D Y O U S A Y BODY IMAGE ISSUES H A V E H A D A N IMPACT ON YOU?
FINALLY ZAC, WHAT WOULD YOU S A Y TO MEN WHO ARE STRUGGLING W I T H THEIR OWN SELF-ESTEEM?
S O M O D E L L I N G HAD NEVER BEEN SOMET H I N G O N Y O U R HORIZON BEFORE?
Absolutely! For a long time I just refused to go clothes shopping because I always felt that I didn’t deserve new clothes because of my size. I would tell myself I couldn’t buy new pants until I lost enough weight to fit into a smaller size. There was this constant aspiration to look better. I think that larger people like me, have grown up seeing traditional models and so we feel that because we don’t look like them we don’t feel sexy or attractive. It has taken me a long time to realise that beauty is not a box that you have 60
to fit in but instead everyone is beautiful and individuality is beauty. This is why I feel the message that “Brawny” is sending out is so important, when people start to see different body types in mainstream fashion and media for the first time its a form of validation and it indicates a change in society and a way of saying, “We love you for who you are and not who we think you should be.”
I really feel that you have to learn to love who you are right now, in the moment. I have spent my whole life pressuring myself to look ‘better’ saying oh I need to lose 50 pounds, once I slim down, after this diet or that exercise routine, I will be happy with how I look. But it’s not about that. Yes, it is great to have goals to work towards and you should have places you want to go. Life's a journey but you have to love yourself on the journey. So what I would say is who you are at this very moment is attractive, beautiful, desirable, and more than enough.
CHAMBRAY SHIRT €36.99 BLACK CHINOS € 49.99 61
Meet the
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HOW WOULD YOU STYLE A WHITE
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“I would style it with WE ASKED, THEY ANSWERED my black faux leather
jacket. I love monotonic colors, and looks effortlessly cool.”
“I normally wear a white t-shirt with my suits and white trainers. It’s smart casual, and is versatile from work to after work drinks.” “Well.. I would wear it with denim. I like the combination of blue denim and white. Plus, it’s easy.”
“Definitely with cargo pants and a statement jacket. For me, a white t-shirt is like a blank canvas that I can paint on.”
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‘‘Hmm... definitely with my camel coat and a pair of sunglasses. It is laidback, trendy and my go-to style.’’
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