Issue 7 of The HYPE

Vol. 1. Issue 7. 21st February 2018

Music

Kendrick humbles Dublin Cathal McCahey discusses Kung Fu Kenny’s performance at the 3 Arena this month

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escribing the difference between a ‘concert’ and an ‘experience’ is difficult. Those of you who have witnessed a musical ‘experience’ will know exactly how it feels. Kendrick Lamar’s opening concert of his European tour in Dublin was just that.

There was rarely a moment the audience was not in awe or covered in goosebumps.

From the start Kendrick connected with the crowd, thriving off their energy while providing an almost tangible buzz. The show itself seemed to be one living thing, a living organism with energy bouncing back and forth.

The problem with bigger artists is that they feel they can just show up, play their set, say a few words and leave. Usually, this leaves you slightly annoyed but at the end of the day you saw what you came to see.

Kendrick poured his heart and soul into his performance, meaning every

word. The show was a phenomenal spectacle.

For a music concert, the visuals were certainly impressive. Short video interludes between songs provided a little bit of entertainment.

They consisted of Kendrick learning a form of martial arts playing into his ‘Kung-Fu Kenny’ persona. There was also stunning solo choreography performed behind Kendrick during songs, this was a mix of martial arts and dance, a combination you would not expect to work so well with hiphop.

Kendrick even appeared inside a cage within the crowd with a rising floor eventually elevating him to the top of the cage. Although so simple, this act of being within the crowd surrounded by his incredibly vocal fans is a gesture. It shows that he is grateful for his fans and wants to be surrounded by them.

The concert itself went off without a

hitch, bar one instance. There seemed to be mic difficulties during ‘PRIDE.’ Kendrick was performing a type of levitation illusion during the song where he appeared to be propping himself up on one arm on his side.

While the performance was excellent and you could still hear waves of the lyrics, the low volume meant you could hear more of the crowd rather than Kendrick himself.

Despite this stumble, it was overshadowed by his performance of ‘HUMBLE.’, or should I say the crowd’s rendition of it.

Although Kenny began the song it was quickly hijacked by the crowd, one voice in unison taking over.

This led to Kendrick stopping the music and letting the crowd continue,

nodding in appreciation while guiding them. He then restarted the song where he stopped, the crowd only happy to perform alongside him.

Kendrick performs to and with the crowd. He produces and feeds off energy present to create an atmosphere you will never forget.

It was a fantastic experience for fans and for Kendrick. Though in the moment of stopping the music and listening to the crowd singing his lyrics almost impeccably in a deafening chorus, it must have been hard to be humble.

The Academic schools the Irish music scene

Emer Handly reviews the debut album of the Irish band that are talking the music world by storm

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he Academic are no strangers to the Irish music scene. The band formed in 2013 and consists of Craig Fitzgerald (lead vocals and guitar), Dean Gavin (drums), Stephen Murtagh (bass) and Matt Murtagh (guitar).

The Westmeath boys have gained significant media attention over the past few years. In January, they finally released their debut album.

Tales from The Backseat contains ten indie rock tracks with a hint of pop punk. The songs create an energetic air of youth, much like The Strokes and The Kooks.

They are a collection of upbeat tunes that will have you singing along to the nearly too relatable lyrics.

‘Bear Claws’ is without a doubt the best song on the album. Its buoyant rhythm and catchy lyrics will have you listening to it on repeat for days.

There’s something quite satisfying about listening to this song and knowing everyone goes through a heartbreak at some stage in their lives.

“Just a late-night girl, calling through a phone 2 She never really loved you so just

leave her alone” ‘Different’ is another standout song. The simple, minimalistic lyrics work really well with the lively background music: “She said I want you I want you I want you I know that you’re different” ‘Why C a n ’ t We Be Friends?” is an outlier in the album as, contrary to what the title would have you believe, it is not about romantic relationships. It is a testimony to all peoples of all kinds about living in ‘global peace and harmony’, with a message that feels

meaningful, relevant and timeless.

“The colour of your skin don’t matter to me As long as we can live in harmony” ‘Bite my tongue’ is a song about

knowing when to refrain from fighting with a friend and just letting it go. It has the same peppy indie sound as the rest of the album but lyrically it

resonates with the listener.

“Before I go bite my tongue What have you done?

I wanna drink lemonade And never rain on your parade My dear, what have we become?”

‘Northern Boy’ is the only slow song on the record. It is both uplifting and moving. Craig’s vocals complement the tune beautifully. This song definitely sends the most touching message on the album.

“Don’t be afraid to love And this ain’t a game of love And don’t be afraid to love And love again” ‘I feel it too’, ‘Fake ID’, ‘Television’ and ‘Girlfriends’ are the remaining up-tempo beats that don’t vary much in the way of sound.

While Tales from the Backseat is not a ground-breaking album, it is certainly very enjoyable and will have you bopping along to its indie beats.

Outing the ticket touting

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With resale tickets becoming outrageously expensive, Amy Rohu discusses the controversial issue

e’ve all been there, you’re sitting at your laptop at 8:59 am, credit card in hand and you’re refreshing the page with baited breath as you wait for the hour to hit. Your favourite musician is playing their first gig in years and you’ve already got your outfit planned when all of a sudden as you finally get online, Ticketmaster informs you the tickets are all sold out. Sadly this has become a running theme over the last few years and in the last year in particular we have seen an influx in this occurring, so what exactly is happening here and how do we put a stop to it?

A decade ago, the term ‘ticket touting’ referred to someone buying tickets for a concert and then selling them outside the gig to desperate fans for a small profit. However in 2018, ticket touting has become an epidemic with actual fans missing out more and more and some fans claiming they wouldn’t even try and get tickets for concerts anymore because there just isn’t any point. Joanne who is a 23-year-old student in DCU is one of these fans, “I was going to try and get tickets to the Britney Spears concert

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Music

and the night before I just decided it wasn’t worth the stress and I’m glad I didn’t, all my friends tried and none of them got their tickets and they were so disappointed. I was too but I felt better about making my own choice rather than some scammer making it for me”.

High profile concerts, in particular, attract the most touting with the recent Britney Spears concert announcement causing lots of controversy. Tickets for Spears’ gig were sold out in a matter of minutes and then were back up for sale on Ticketmaster’s resale site Seatwave for insane amounts of money. One of the most ludicrous offerings currently on the site is for six standing tickets priced at €325 each with a booking fee of €347.94 making the grand total for this sale €2,297.94.

These tickets were originally priced at €78 so this seller is trying to make an unbelievable profit and this is just one example, there are over 150 tickets currently for sale and not one of them is selling at face value.

Another shocking example is eight front row tickets for Andrea Bocelli which were originally €155 each, are now selling for an unbelievable €499 each with another huge booking fee

slapped on. It also makes you wonder how this seller managed to get their hands on eight front row seats for such an in demand event.

Seatwave is a great option for someone who has concert tickets and is unable to attend the event anymore due to unforeseen circumstances or a change of mind, however, the site is being abused by professional ticket scammers who are exploiting fans to make a huge profit and Ticketmaster don’t seem to be doing anything about it.

Last year there was proposed legislation that would impose large fines on those who resold tickets for more than a 10 per cent profit but this was met with disagreement from Ticketmaster and Seatwave with Seatwave claiming that it would be a ‘detrimental’ move for Irish fans. However, one of the most popular promoters in Ireland, Aiken promotions, responded to this proposal by saying “We would like to see the resale of tickets by third parties criminalised, this would give the public opportunity to purchase a ticket on a fair and equal footing for all.”

The situation on this matter now

is the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission are currently investigating the ticketing industry and ticket touting claims in Ireland and have stated that they can’t give any further information at his time on their investigation, just that it is ongoing.

Fine Gael TD Noel Rock and Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan have been two of the most vocal TDs on this issue and they are still advocating for anti-ticket touting legislation to come into effect here in Ireland, but for now, it doesn’t seem to be happening in the near future.

The only thing we can do as citizens is to put pressure on the government and show that this issue needs to be resolved sooner rather than later, if it’s something you feel passionate about then raise the issue with your local TD, all of their details are easily found online and as it is their job to represent us and fight for the issues that we feel matter.

Ticket touting is an epidemic where profit hungry vultures are depriving real fans of the opportunity of seeing their favourite musicians live and it needs to stop before any more people are left disappointed over someone else’s greed.

Ticket touting is an epidemic where profit hungry vultures are depriving real fans of the opportunity of seeing their favourite musicians live

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Film Cáit Caden

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The Troubles of being a Derry Girl

ever before has there been a more hilarious yet endearing portrayal of the juxtaposition between the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the average lives of five teenagers until Lisa McGee’s series, ‘Derry Girls’, was aired on Channel 4.

The programme stars Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Erin Quinn, an ambitious social climber, and her on screen cousin Orla, played by Louisa Harland, whose interests range from melting things to step aerobics. Nicola Coughlan joins the cast by playing Clare, Derry’s answer to a social justice warrior in the 1990s, along with Jamie-Lee O’Donnell who plays Michelle, the alcoholic hero we all need on our screens right now.

These four friends who make up The Derry Girls also befriend James, Michelle’s cousin, portrayed

by Dylan Llewellyn. James is British by birth as his mother went over to England to get an abortion which she did not get in the end, “lucky for James”, according to Michelle. The emphasis on James’s nationality in addition to the backdrop of religious and political conflict, all of which is penetrated by trademark Irish dark humour is what makes this show a success.

Although with some exceptions, such as fancying your local priest, it is not hard to relate to the lives portrayed in this quintessentially Irish programme.

Exam stress, the inner battle between you and newfound hormones and the average siege that takes place in the local chipper at the weekend are occur-

by Aine

Conaty

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rences depicted in the show that are all too familiar in modern life.

“I always wanted to tell a sort of very real teenage story in the mix of it all,” said McGee. The comedy ended its season on its 6th episode with an emotional note as it showed Erin’s family gathered together to watch news coverage of a bombing reminiscent of infamous attacks like the one in Omagh. In this poignant scene we see Erin’s father, played by Tommy Tiernan, being embraced by his father-in-law who up until then showed nothing but contempt for him. We also see Erin’s mother holding her baby sister for fear she would have to grow up in a world where this violence would still be endured. This moment was all the more palpable as Dreams by The Cranberries played in the background, paying homage to the late Dolores

O’Riordan.

The current political climate in the North is as uncertain as it has been in years with the death of Martin McGuinness, the DUP going into government with the British Conservative party and Gerry Adams stepping down as President of Sinn Féin after 35 years at the helm. But the humanity, humour, melancholy and nostalgia provided in Derry Girls aids the prevention of us falling back into that kind of violence.

Derry Girls was given the go ahead to create a second season just after the first episode was aired.

Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle, who is a self-proclaimed fan of the show, is rumoured to make a cameo appearance in the next series. Derry Girls was an absolute triumph but may not suitable for those who would refer to the county as ‘Londonderry.’

The Good Place is heavenly to watch

any people think about death. How will I die? Will I get to live a long, fun-filled life? Will I make it to heaven? But what most people don’t think about is what would you do if you wound up in the afterlife and you’ve been mistaken for someone else.

That is the very dilemma that the main character of The Good Place, Eleanor Shellstrop, faces.

Shellstrop was run over by an advertising billboard truck and when she wakes up she is in the afterlife.

She is surprised she has made it into the Good Place. She was never known to be nice and caring when she was alive. The truth begins to emerge eventually though when Shellstrop realises she has been mistaken for somebody else. She must decide whether she should come forward and tell the truth or whether she should accept the mistake and enjoy the luxury of The Good Place.

The Good Place was first aired September 19, 2016 on NBC. Michael Schur, the producer of Brooklyn nine-nine and Parks and Recreation, was also the producer for this show and he does not disappoint. He maintains his traditional tone of slapstick comedy while revivifying the humour to prevent it from becoming stale. The omnipresent humour is somewhat similar to the tone of the adored Gilmore Girls.

4 The world created by architect Michael is

idyllic. It’s always sunny, everybody is always happy and stress is non-existent. The buoyant residents sit at cafes and enjoy the company of their beloved soulmates, while eating coloured frozen yoghurt and congratulating themselves on their arrival in paradise.

As well as presenting the viewer with lovable characters and their engaging relationships, the

show deals with somewhat serious topics such as religion, morality and the afterlife. However, it does so in such a light-hearted way that you find yourself smiling the entire time. It goes from cracking a joke to dealing with serious ethical and moral issues. That’s part of what makes this completely unrealistic idea of a scintillating, white, perfect afterlife very relatable to the viewer. It reminds the people watching it that while there are always serious issues to be dealt with, there is so much more happiness and elation that can be focused on instead.

The cast is just to die for (pardon the pun).

Eleanor is played by the hilarious Kristen Bell, who voiced Anna in Frozen. Bell’s character is quite disparate from anything she has played before and really emphasised just how talented she is. Michael, the creator of ‘The Good Place’, is played by the brilliant Ted Danson, of Fargo. He completely embodies a father figure in his portrayal.

Jameela Jamil does a phenomenal job playing the beautiful and elegant Tahani, capturing the character’s ‘spoilt rich child’ attitude perfectly. Jameela, formerly a TV and radio presenter, showcases her limitless talent in the hit show.

The Good Place is an easy watch. The esteemed cast take a simple plot line and enhance it by tenfold. It should definitely be on the to-watch list for anybody who enjoys a good Netflix binge.

Irish talent hits award season

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Film

Fionnuala Walsh discusses the best of the best in the Irish film industry

ll eyes were on Saoirse Ronan after her latest film LadyBird earned her another oscar nomination, making 3 by the age of twenty three. Daniel Day Lewis and Martin McDonagh also got nods from the Academy, as well as animated film The Breadwinner. Irish talent has dominated the states in recent years, but the Irish Film and Television Awards also showcase excellence in the growing Irish film industry.

A film that has been recognised in Ireland and abroad is Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri. The story of a mother’s unconventional approach to solving her daughter’s brutal murder is a showcase for the lead actors Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson. The London-Irish director was nominated in both the Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture categories in the 90th Academy Awards, as well as the film racking up 5 IFTA nominations and 3 wins.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is also nominated for 4 IFTA’s, due to its two lead Irish actors and landing a win for Barry Keoghan. The haunting film follows a renowned surgeon and his family whose idyllic life becomes the obsession of an unsettling boy. This is Farrell’s second time working with director Yorgos Lanthimos after appearing in the equally off-kilter thriller The Lobster. He and Keoghan deliver the tense dialogue in a cold manner that leaves a shiver on your skin even after the credits roll.

The Breadwinner, an animated film created by Kilkennybased Cartoon Saloon and executive produced by Angelina Jolie was nominated in the best animated feature

film category at the Academy Awards. The film tells the unflinching story of 11-year-old Parvana who lives in Afghanistan under Taliban rule in 2001.

This is the third Oscar nod for Cartoon Saloon who made their name with Irish fantasy films such as The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. Their unique 2D style first came to international attention with their feature film The Secret of Kells, and the company has gone on to produce short films and television series such as Puffin Rock that was adopted by Nick Jr. and Netflix.

Saoirse Ronan received her third Oscar nomination for her part in Greta Gerwig’s coming of age film LadyBird. Ronan plays LadyBird, a headstrong, outspoken teenager navigating her senior year in a strict catholic high school.

The greatest strength of the film is the central mother-daughter relationship which captures the warmth and vulnerability of growing up in a low income family. Laurie Metcalf plays her sometimes judgemental, but well-meaning mother, and elevates Ronan’s performance in every scene they share.

Daniel Day Lewis made headlines recently with his decision to leave acting, a realisation that came to him after he finished filming his latest movie Phantom Thread. The Wicklow-based actor plays a fashion designer whose life is changed when his artistic muse falls in love with him.

It is no surprise that Day Lewis was nominated in the Best Actor in a leading role category, having won the award three times previously for My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood and Lincoln.

Handsome Devil is a sweet-natured story of two boys, a star athlete and a loner, who become unlikely friends at their rugby-obsessed

boarding school. Sherlock’s Andrew Scott plays the typical kindly teacher who gets involved in the lives of the boys, and earns an IFTA nomination for his role along with newcomer Fionn O’Shea. Although the coming-of-age story can feel formulaic and on the nose at times, there is a sweet and earnest message of acceptance in the film that Hollywood productions can sometimes lack.

“Maudie”, a film starring Shape of Water’s Sally Hawkins received 6 nominations at the IFTAS, including best feature film and best director for Aisling Walsh. Drug-fuelled crime drama Cardboard Gangsters and Irish space documentary The Farthest earned 5 nominations each.

The IFTAs also celebrate Irish achievement in television, and Irish-based Vikings received the highest number of 6 nominations, with Game of Thrones and Peaky Blinders just behind at 5.

Some controversy arose when the IFTA nominations list was initially announced, as users on twitter immediately noticed that there were only three nominees for Actress in a Leading Role, in contrast the five nominees in the equivalent male category.

IFTA executives responded saying that there just weren’t enough roles written for females this year. “More work needs to be done from an industry perspective and obviously the Film Board will continue to deal with and address those issues in terms of encouraging more development in areas that need development,” chief executive of the IFTAs Áine Moriarty told EVOKE.ie.

Saoirse Ronan won the category for Lady Bird, and Sarah Bolger and Ann Skelly were nominated.

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Poetry

Is poetry a dying art?

Emer Handly and Shauna Bowers explore whether poetry is decaying or flourishing

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nce upon a time, poetry was thought of as one of the most beautiful and most important art forms in existence.

Nowadays it could be questioned as to whether it is as widely appreciated. If you tell someone you read or write poetry, you are just as likely to be met with a judging laugh as you are with admiration. After all, we are living in a time where Fifty Shades of Grey is a literary best seller.

The question many are starting to wonder about is whether poetry is dying. “What pretends to be poetry now is either New Age blather or vague nonsense or gibberish. It’s zombie poetry,” said playwright Gwydion Suilebhan in a tweet.

Like him, the cynics and the sceptics will say that it is dying. They are wrong. Poetry is not dying, it is merely changing. Poetry is essential to human life.

It allows us to convey our thoughts and emotions through beautiful, sometimes horrible, words.

We turn to poetry to express the inexpressible.

Evolution is a wonderful thing and as technology has evolved, so has poetry.

“It allows us to convey our thoughts and emotions through beautiful, sometimes horrible, words”

I think it is the age-old tradition of an older generation begrudging the differences of the new generation. However, poetry is defined as a literary work in which the expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature. To say that just because poems are no longer strictly from a poetry book means that the art from is dead could not be further from the truth.

The emergence of Instagram poets is proof that things are changing, they’re not dying off. Rudy Francisco was originally a spoken word poet who created thought-provoking poems. The American man attracted recognition and praise when he began posting his work on Instagram. The creation of this platform was like a megaphone so that he could amplify his poetry. He reached a wider audience due to this evolution while the integrity of traditional poetry remained intact.

His poem ‘Don’t Burn Bridges’ is an excellent example of this. This stanza in particular highlights the beauty that is still prevalent in modern poetry.

“I say, if necessary let the kerosene kiss it on the lips, and watch it turn to ash.”

The actual structure of poetry has also changed.

Poems used to be paragraph after paragraph of ornate and metaphorical language. Sylvia Plath was one of the most admired poets of the 20th 6 Century and her work illustrates this perfectly.

She utilised long stanzas, convoluted descriptions and raw emotion.

“My thoughts are crabbed and sallow, My tears like vinegar, Or the bitter blinking yellow Of an acetic star.”

- Jilted William Butler Yeats is another great example of the style of 20th century poetry. He has been praised for creating some of the most beautiful poetry ever written. As he was from the modernist era, his style was revolutionary at the time. Even back in the 20th century, poetry was evolving.

“Upon the star that marks the hidden pole; Fix every wandering thought upon That quarter where all thought is done: Who can distinguish darkness from the soul? “ - A Dialogue of Self and Soul The 21st Century has not killed poetry, in fact it has given it a new lease of life. Poems are simpler and shorter, yet still relatable and moving. Instead of having almost 7 stanzas of 4 to 6 lines, some poets now prefer to have a poem comprise of only 8 to 10 lines. This idea of it being short and sweet works extraordinarily well. Michael Fraudet encapsulates this style very well. His poem Chasing Love is 8 lines long, uses simple descriptors but paints a potent image.

“When chasing love at any cost– The pathways meet but seldom cross.”

Poetry certainly has become less visible on the shelves of libraries and bookstores. It has to compete with things like TV programmes, films, books and music. However, it has certainly not been eradicated. As an art form, poetry puts us back in touch with our humanity. It can help you see yourself in someone else’s struggle and thus you begin to understand and appreciate their strength more.

Writing poetry has become a therapeutic way to express inner thoughts and feelings. It is used as a way to improve mental health and inspire positive thoughts. Those who read or write poetry say the art form helps them make sense of their lives.

Poetry has never been and will never be one definitive way. Just like humanity, it is constantly changing, constantly learning, constantly growing.

However, some elements of poetry will never change. The raw emotion it evokes, the beautiful pictures it creates and the long-standing societal impacts it can cause will be around forevermore.

For as long as we have emotions and thoughts, we will have poetry.

Books & Art

Oh my God, What A Complete Aisling

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Rachel Farrell reviews the exceptional novel written by two Irish authors

oads of the girls in work are like her. Real sensible types, all from down the country.

One of them wears her county jersey every casual Friday and then throws on a pair of earrings for going to the pub afterwards.”

According to authors Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen, that’s one of many descriptions of what an ‘Aisling’ is.

Described as a ‘small town girl living in a notions world’, Aisling is a heart-warming girl from the country that moves up to ‘the big smoke’. We all know one, whether from college or work or even one of your own friends.

Based on the popular Facebook group with the same name, Oh My God What A Complete Aisling is akin to the Irish version of Bridget Jones.

She works a 9-5 job at PensionsPlus and goes out every Saturday at home with her best friend Majella, who’s lost more phones than she can count. It’s

double vodkas and diet coke while she’s in the local at home, or a Coors Light in McGowans of Phibsboro if she stays up for the weekend.

After seeing all her friends and half the town of ‘Ballygobbard’ get engaged or married, Aisling has had enough.

She’s been with her boyfriend John for as long as she can remember, and there’s no sign of a ring on the cards.

A trip to Tenerife with John turns out to be the holiday from hell, so she flees to Dublin in search of something to turn her life around.

All of a sudden, her life has turned upside down. She decides to move up to Dublin for good (“because that N7 would have your heart broken”) and finds herself living with Sadhbh from HR and her friend Elaine. Aisling is thrown into the deep end of oversized smock dresses and vegans, a world she’s never seen before.

She heads to Berlin with her new housemates, exploring underground

bars and the life of hipsters.

She couldn’t be further from Tuesdays at Coppers, but she gives it her all and embraces her newfound life.

The number one bestselling book isn’t just a humorous tale of Aisling’s trials and tribulations, but one that can only be described as wonderful and scarily relatable. A death in the family throws Aisling off course, and her broken heart is one she has trouble mending.

T h e Facebook group the book is based on has over 48,000

members to date. Since the book was released last August, the authors have signed a twobook deal to continue Aisling’s tale, showing that readers want more of Aisling’s life.

Breen and McLysaght are right- we all have an Aisling in our life. Maybe we’re the Aisling in our group. It’s a book that will have you rolling on the floor, but might make you shed a tear. Because while we’re laughing, we’re laughing with Aisling, not at her. She’s the kind of girl you wish you had as your best friend.

Behind the artist: Malcom T. Liepke

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Aoibhín Bryant analyses a profound artist known for his unusual style

alcom T. Liepke, a self taught artist from Minneaopolis, has captivated the world with his beautiful and expressive oil paintings. A painter all his life, the inspiration he finds in the Impressionist painters such as Edgar Degas and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec is clearly visible in his works aligned with his own signature style.

Originally an illustrator, Liepke turned to fine art after feeling constrained in the illustration business. “I left illustration because I was tired of the compromise, of being a square peg in a round hole,” he said in an interview, “I would know a painting was finished, but the art director would decide what was right or wrong with it. It was too much of a fight, and I knew I was in the wrong profession.”

Liepke usually layers on the paint with heavy and wide brushstrokes that anchors his subject into the painting.

Usually paying very little attention to the background, Liepke’s works solely focus on his subject, usually a female painted with vivid colours as she stares boldly at the viewer.

The subjects always look fluid and

the paint never looks like its completely dried. If one were to touch it, it would almost seem like paint would stay on their hands. This technique is named

by Liepke as ‘oiling up’ as he works on a wet canvas. This aids Liepke in ensuring that his subject does not look stoic, the painterly brushstrokes captures his subject in the middle of an action and it’s as if they can freely move.

Despite influence from painters of centuries past, Liepke vows to paint contemporary figures of today. He explores the themes of loneliness and uncertainty that are universally attractive to all generations, past and future. The setting is usually the interior of a bar, a nightclub or a house party as Liepke explores the nightlife scenes and the people who participate. Perhaps it’s a message that one can feel lonely despite being surrounded by people.

The backgrounds are usually more so “negative space” as Liepke hopes that your attention is solely grabbed by his subject, but this furthers the isolation the figures appear to feel.

The brushstrokes on the background are thick and unmoveable in contrast to the flighty and liquid strokes of the

subject, locking them in place.

In Liepke’s own words, he “sees a girl with her head a certain way, and I find it telling, emotional, and I want to communicate that certain truth…That truth or emotion makes us feel less alone, more human. Everyone goes through life with their own problems, but we live in a pretty universal world. I’ve found that the more personal the piece, the more people connect with it.”

Malcom T. Liepke is an incredibly successful contemporary artist, having many of his works featured in both

public and private collections, including the National Academy of Design. His vivid paintings that explore the universal themes of isolation will captivate the hearts of many for years and decades to come.

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Health & Beauty

Determining the difference between dry scalp and dandruff

While winter weather can cause many issues with drying our skin and scalp, sometimes there can be more a serious problem causing the discomfort.

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Katie Gallagher

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ost people experience some extent of dryness during colder months in many areas of their skin, but for some this often includes dry scalp issues too. Even though it’s common in winter to experience such dryness, it’s beneficial to be aware that there is a difference in having a little bit of dandruff or some seasonal dry scalp and having a more serious scalp issue.

It’s one of those annoying things that we all get but presume that it’s ‘just’ another hindrance of the never ending winter blues. However, if you suffer with dry, flaking scalp and usually just assume that it’s dandruff or dry scalp, it is important to know that while they have very similar symptoms, these are two very different conditions.

“People generally do not know the difference between scalp conditions and quite often self-diagnose incorrectly,” said Niamh Hogan, CEO and owner of Holos Skincare.

According to the holistic health therapist, dry scalp is a lack of moisture which can be caused by various everyday things such as soaps, unsuitable products, the change in the seasons, cold weather as well as other many other things.

She explained that in cases of dry scalp, the pH of the scalp changes, 8 the skin gets irritated and causes

dry flakes of skin to fall easily from the scalp. These symptoms are easily treatable and more of a nuisance rather than a more serious issue.

“It can be treated by using plant oils like coconut, sweet almond or Argan as a mask on the scalp. Rinsing in Apple cider vinegar to balance the PH can also help. It usually disappears with the correct treatment,” Niamh said.

However, while commonly thought to be the same problem, dry scalp is not the same as dandruff and is caused by completely opposite things.

Dandruff usually occurs in oilier hair as a result of ‘seborrheic dermatitis’ so it is definitely not a dry scalp condition.

Experts explain that this can occur anywhere you have oil glands including your eyebrows, armpits and sides of your nose. Niamh stated that there is no known cure for dandruff but revealed that there are many medicated shampoos to treat it to keep it at bay.

She also continued said some of the main causes can include poor health, dietary issues and a hormonal imbalance.

While it is often misconceived that dirty hair causes dandruff, again this is not necessarily the case. However, Niamh recommends regular washing to keep the hair clean and prevent the buildup of yeast.

“Dandruff is often caused by an over production of yeast,” she said.

“The yeast can start to feed off the dead skin cells on the scalp and cause them to shed more often than usual.

The dead skin can clump into flakes known as dandruff,” she continued.

As mentioned, in many cases you can treat the dandruff or dryness yourself with over the counter medicated shampoos.

Typically, shampoos such as Nizoral, Selsun, or some of the ones from La Roche Posay, Bioderma or Uriage ‘should do the trick’ according to Dr. Rosemary Coleman, a dermatologist from Blackrock Clinic.

However, if after a certain period of time the condition doesn’t improve or begins to worsen, Dr. Coleman recommends making an appointment with your doctor to determine whether it could be a more serious scalp or skin condition.

“If you have itch, discomfort, it’s very symptomatic, and it bothers you then you need to go to the doctor to see if you have a more serious cause to your dry scalp. The commons ones are eczema and psoriasis but there are lots of others,” she said.

Aromatherapist Niamh further explained that scalp conditions such a psoriasis will appear in patches of raised, often red areas.

“They can spread all over the head and onto the forehead.”

She said that the cause is unknown

but it can often be affected by poor diet, stress and alcohol.

“It is much harder to treat and incurable. It is usually managed by eliminating certain foods, alcohol, avoiding stress and products that may irritate it,” she concluded.

So, if you are having any dryness, or flaking scalp, spot the symptoms and differentiate between dandruff and dry scalp. Although it may just be the cold weather or stress from exam pressure and assignments causing some seasonal dryness, there could be a more serious problem that requires the recommendations from a specialist or a doctor.

Additionally, even though dandruff is incurable, there are ways to prevent it and limit any itchiness or discomfort in the meantime.

Washing your hair with anti-dandruff shampoos, rinsing it out properly and avoiding any harsh chemical products can prevent drying out the scalp. Similarly, stay clear of oily hair care products to prevent any oil build up which can cause dandruff.

And, of course, while it’s easier said than done, try limit any stress or irritation that can cause a flare up and try maintain a healthy diet. Not only is this the key to healthier hair and scalp, it’s always the key to a healthier body and mind.

Health & Beauty

The rise of students and sunbeds

Rachel Farrell explores the increase in students hitting the tanning beds and the issues arising from it.

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t the start of February, an English model shared graphic images of the results of using sunbeds twice a week. The 20-year-old model from Manchester was left with scars on various parts of her body after the removal of dangerous moles.

Ella Ravenscroft had been using sunbeds once or twice a week over a two-year period. She took to Facebook to share her experience and warned others of the dangers of sunbeds, describing her ordeal as a “horrific experience”.

Although sunbeds were banned for under 18-year-olds in 2014, it appears that the youth of Ireland are still taking to sunbeds to get their glow.

Last July, a survey was carried out on 616 students in schools across Sligo and Dublin. Conducted by Dr. Dermot McKenna at Sligo University Hospital, the survey revealed that under-18s are still illegally using sunbeds.

Usage had risen from 7.4 per cent to 8.8 per cent since the ban was introduced in 2014. Dublin saw the largest increase, from 11.2 to 13.8 per cent.

A survey carried out by The College

View on 180 students across Ireland, the UK and the US saw 26 students admitting they had used sunbeds before, while 154 said they had not.

When asked if they’d ever consider doing sunbeds, 114 students voted ‘never’ and 33 said they couldn’t say no for sure.

One DCU student admitted to using sunbeds occasionally. The student, who preferred to remain anonymous, said “I don’t usually do sunbeds but when I do, it’s before a big party or something along those lines. Sometimes I’ve done it to reduce eczema that I get in the winter.

“I do know the risks of it and wouldn’t do it more than a couple of times a year. My parents don’t know that I still do it occasionally, they would just tell me I’m an idiot.”

Another student admitted to visiting tanning salons before going away on a sun holiday.

“It just means when I get there I don’t spend as much time trying to bake myself to get a colour. They aren’t something I religiously do and wouldn’t be upset if I didn’t get to do them before I went away but if it’s convenient I’ll do a few.”

According to the Irish Cancer Society, there are a number of myths about sunbeds that people should be aware of. One of them is that they can clear

“

Sunbed use is strongly linked to melanoma skin cancer. A better way to deal with acne is to talk to your doctor about it.

“

skin problems, like the DCU student above described.

“UV radiation has been used to treat a number of diseases, including rickets, psoriasis, eczema and jaundice. However, doses are tightly controlled by a dermatologist”, explained cancer prevention manager Kevin O’Hagan.

“This therapeutic use cannot elimi-

nate the negative side-effects of UV radiation, but treatment takes place under medical supervision to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.”

In this year’s budget, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohue announced an increase in VAT on sunbed services from 13.5 per cent to 23 per cent. The Irish Cancer Society called on ministers to support the raise, concerned with young people’s increasing interest in sunbeds.

“Avoiding excessive sun exposure and sunbeds is important at all ages. However, the earlier in life your skin is exposed, the more time the damage will have to accumulate.

Moreover, stem cells in the upper layer of the skin of young people (which are those cells that might be responsible for skin cancer) are closer to the skin surface compared with those in adults, making children and young people more sensitive to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation,” O’Hagan said.

“Also, during childhood and adolescence, body tissues are growing and developing rapidly. Because of this rapid growth, cells in young people are even more vulnerable to damage from the sun and sunbeds.

9

Food

Grub Guide: Taste of Toscana

Michelle Townsend tried and tested Italian restaurant Toscana rating it on price, service and atmosphere, location and value for money.

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espite the fact there are so many restaurants in Dublin’s city centre to choose from, it can still be hard to select the right one to fit the occasion you wish to celebrate. However, Italian restaurant Toscana covers all bases and is the ideal spot to pick for birthdays, date nights, or a catch up with friends.

If you’re looking for a good meal and a good time, this lavish restaurant could be exactly what you are looking for.

Location Located on Dame Street, Toscana is easily accessible by public transport services such as Dublin Bus and the Luas or on foot if you happen to be walking around the city centre beforehand. It’s also a short walk from Grafton Street and O’Connell Street, making it the perfect spot if you wish to hit the shops beforehand or even go for a drink afterwards. Dame Street is always busy which adds to the bustling atmosphere, so be sure to book a table beforehand to avoid disappointment.

Venue The interior of Toscana is absolutely gorgeous and really sets the scene for your meal. The walls are painted dark red, chandeliers hang from the ceiling and the polished oak furniture is complete with dimly lit candles. This definitely adds to the experience of your meal, be it a romantic setting with your partner or warm and cosy vibes with your family or friends. I found this

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sense of cosiness allowed me to reService & Atmosphere ally sit back, relax and enjoy my meal.

Due to the high quality of food and Comfort is key and paired with lavish the stunningly decorated interior, it is decor, Toscana certainly hits the mark fair to say that Toscana is quite a fancy with this aspect. restaurant. This fancy atmosphere can only be heightened by the excellent Food service provided by the waiting staff, The food is delicious, albeit quite fill- who go above and beyond to help give ing and the extensive menu suits ev- you an authentic Italian dining experieryone’s food preferences. If you’re a ence. The waiting staff are hands-on fan of Italian cuisine, this is definitely to ensure each dish is satisfactory but the restaurant for you as there’s a in a helpful manner, not at all intrusive. wide range of indulgent pizzas and pasta dishes to choose from. I had the spaghetti and meatballs and even Although Toscana isn’t though this isn’t exactly a unique dish earth-shatteringly to see on any menu, I have yet to find expensive, the prices one better than Toscana’s. The pizza are not what would be looked fantastic too. If you’re not a fan of traditional Italian dishes don’t worry considered particularly there is a wide choice of steak, chicken student friendly either and fish dishes as well as vegetarian options too meaning all preferences are covered.

The desserts and starters are nothing short of perfect either, again with a They’re also more than happy to help wide variety to cater everyone’s tastes. with recommendations and my waiter I tried the “suppli” (think fancy moz- actually convinced me to try suppli as zarella sticks stuffed with rice) which I a starter as opposed to the safe option thought was divine and the profiteroles of garlic bread. They’re quite quick to for dessert went down a treat too. clear away empty dishes too, someToscana have a variety of menus to thing which if not done promptly, I find choose from, meaning depending on to be quite annoying when I’m out for when you decide to go, various dishes food. will be on offer. They have midweek deals, early bird options, lunch menus, Value for money group specials and dinner for two ofAlthough Toscana isn’t earth-shatfers which again attests to the fact Tos- teringly expensive, the prices are not cana cover all tastes for all occasions. what would be considered particularly

“

“

student-friendly either. If you’re looking to have a two or three course meal, expect to spend between €30 and €40.

That being said, the fact it’s a little bit more expensive than other restaurants makes Toscana the ideal place to splash out and treat yourself for a special occasion. You can also guarantee that it is money well spent on exquisite food and fabulous service, which makes it completely justifiable.

Overall, I would give Toscana a 4/5 rating. The location, venue, food and service all blend really well together in order to give customers an excellent impression of a classic Italian dining experience. I have been to Toscana more than once and it’s because of the amazing attention to detail and the enjoyable time I have that I’m happy to go again. It does fall short when it comes to price, but if you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate an occasion of any kind, this restaurant will give you an

Ratings Location: 8/10 Venue: 9/10 Food: 10/10 Atmosphere: 9/10 Value for money: 8/10 Overall: 8/10

Tasty or just trendy?

Food

Food trends come and go like the seasons but acai bowls and cauliflower have been gaining more and more popularity in recent years.

By Laura O’Mahony

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f you follow any of the popular fitness or travel accounts on Instagram, there’s no doubt you will have seen numerous pictures of vibrant purple smoothie bowls scattered throughout your newsfeed in recent times. These colourful bowls always look like pieces of art, decorated with star shaped berries, delicious granola and rows of carefully positioned banana slices. How come whenever we try and recreate these smoothie bowls, they seem to lack the bright, colourful goodness?

The secret ingredient, which is a rare find in our corner of the world, is the acai berry (pronounced ah-SIGHee). Grown on acai palms in Brazil, these berries are a dietary staple in South America and have been used medicinally by Amazonian tribes.

When acai was originally introduced to the Western world, it was marketed as ‘purple gold’, a magic fruit that would cleanse your body of ‘toxins’, a new cure for losing weight and removing wrinkles. Naturally, these claims have been taken to the extreme. Like any other fruit, it is full of antioxidants, fibre and healthy fats and is a great addition to a balanced diet. With its main advantage being it makes beautiful insta-worthy smoothie bowls.

Acai cannot be found in your typical supermarket due to their rapid degeneration once harvested. However, the good news is that thanks to flash freezing developments in recent years, it can be frozen immediately, retaining all its nutrients and shipped around the world. Countries like Australia and Bali are massive con-

sumers of acai. The trend is slowly beginning to trickle into Europe, with a number of cafés in Dublin beginning to sell acai bowls.

Pog, a health food café situated right beside O’Connell bridge prides itself on selling produce with the aim to show people that “living a healthy lifestyle wasn’t just 6am hill sprints and tasteless rabbit food”.

Often acai bowls are made with frozen banana and coconut milk, with the addition of the frozen acai of course. The Pog acai bowl is a beautiful bright pink and tastes similar to raspberry sorbet, which suggests it was possibly made with frozen mixed berries instead of banana, another popular combo with the “purple gold”.

Eathos, a café on Baggot St, provides a similar kind of acai bowl, however their toppings earn them some extra brownie points. Covered in a layer of hearty granola, passionfruit, coconut and drizzled with honey, it’s almost too pretty to eat.

Finally, new to the foodie scene in Dublin, Klaw Poke is “bringin’ crabshack style dining to the city” and have squeezed an acai bowl onto their predominantly ‘fishy’ food menu.

If you’re in the city and fancy an acai bowl, definitely consider popping in there. Their acai bowls are even available in a small takeaway bowl so you can bring yours with you en route to your next shopping spot, or just strolling the streets of Temple Bar. Once the sun comes out in a few months, an acai bowl will make the perfect lunchtime treat, who needs to go to Hawaii for those tropical vibes anyway.

Cauliflower is often found in the big bowl of veg at family roast dinners, which is passed around and around until abandoned, not even empty.

Sometimes it is served covered in a creamy white sauce or copious amounts of cheese. It’s pretty taste-

“

When acai was originally introduced to the Western world, it was marketed as “purple gold”

“

less and looks equally as unappetising.

However, cauliflower is coming back into fashion. Many of the leading foodies like the Happy Pear are getting more creative with food, offering countless vegetarian and vegan recipes that won’t bore your socks off and don’t involve drowning the dish in mozzarella. Veering away from many of the carbohydrate dense products like rice, noodles and bread, those looking to lose weight or even just incorporate nutrient-rich foods into their diet are turning to plant-based alternatives. Spiralised courgette and sweet potato can now be found lining the vegetable aisles in many supermarkets across the country. It is even possible to buy apparatus to spiralise

these veggies yourself, providing a delicious alternative to rice noodles for those looking to lower their carb intake.

Cauliflower rice is another trend following closely behind that of spiralized sweet potato. A quick Google search will display countless recipes on how to whizz this steamed vegetable up in a blender to produce fluffy “cauliflower rice”, which can be served with your usual curry, stir-fry or whatever tickles your fancy. It is not only a fantastic source of vitamin C, but also a source of anti-inflammatory nutrients. Replacing a portion of starchy rice with this veggie alternative can only improve your diet.

Cauliflower is also being used for its texture and to add bulk to baking recipes. Yes, cauliflower brownies are now a thing. Other vegetables such as beetroot and avocado are also being used in baking to add moisture without having to throw in half a tub of butter. Even in smoothie bowls, frozen cauliflower can be added to replace banana or mango, in order to thicken a recipe. Berries, honey and protein powders can then be added to mask the flavour and make this pale vegetable a bright blue, or vivid pink.

Some people may turn their nose up at the idea, for there’s nothing wrong with indulging in some baked goods that don’t contain half the contents of your grocery shop - let’s be honest, who really wants cauliflower for breakfast? On the other hand, for people looking to enjoy a sweet treat without their daily calorie intake skyrocketing, a slice of dairy-free raspberry cauliflower cheesecake may just be the way to go.

11

Travel

How to visit Manchester on a student budget

Aine Conaty shares her top tips for planning a weekend getaway to Manchester on the cheap.

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hen planning to go anywhere the best advice is to plan way ahead. I recently booked a holiday for myself and my boyfriend to Manchester for his birthday. Between the two of us, flights and accommodation for three full days cost €140 altogether. Our hotel was in the city centre and was a decent place to stay in. If you book further in advance, you would be able to get even cheaper than that.

When planning a holiday, organising it months in advance is the real money saver. I booked my holiday in November for the start of January and even that would be late enough.

It obviously depends on the occasion, when you actually want to go and where you want to go but this is something that has helped me out whenever I have to book a trip away.

If you are looking for a short trip away, make sure that your flights are strategically booked. When flying over book flights for early in the morning, but not too early, you might regret not having that lie in. And again, when planning flights home book them for 12 late in the night so that you get

the full day to do any further exploring that you may want to do. This gives you them extra hours to squeeze in any last minute activities that you may want to do. If you had a place or some shops that you wanted to check it gives you that extra time.

I booked my tickets so that it meant we would arrive at 9am. This was a bit too early as hotel check-ins are usually not until later on in the day. On the last day, w e didn’t leave until 10pm which meant we weren’t back until 11. This left us with a full day to do anything that we liked. This was the best plan of action, it meant we had the rest of the day to do what we wanted.

In Manchester that are loads of things to do. Some of those things are free, such as the Museum of Science and Industry. In the museum they have a new robot exhibit and only costs a small fee if you want to go in there to look at some creepy

realistic robots. There are also things like the typical tour of Old Trafford.

While I may have not be the most enthusiastic about soccer, let alone the Manchester team, my boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed it and the tour guide was hilarious and enthusiastic, you could tell he really loves his job.

There is also a Lego World outside of Manchester city with a Sea Life attached to it (one of my highlights o f the trip I must admit).

You can pay into one attraction and have admission into the other attraction. The place where Sea Life and Lego World was situated was beautiful, it was like something out of a movie. There were large stone pillars and a huge fountain in the middle of the plaza. It really felt like I was in a movie.

These are only some of the attractions that you can see while you stay there and the majority of them are free or reasonably priced. They have

a huge library and a fantastic cathedral which is definitely Instagram worthy.

Before actually going on your holiday you should look up to see if you can get tickets any cheaper online to these places, that’s what we did and it was a God send.

The places to eat out here are endless. You turn a corner and there is somewhere new that you want to try.

The Slug and Lettuce was one place we went to and it was cheap and delicious. Another place you should try if you are feeling like splurging is Tattu, which is a Chinese style restaurant.

There are endless amounts of place to dine out every evening. There is also a great nightlife in Manchester, while I didn’t get to experience it due to the fact that I was on more of a couples holiday, but the nightlife is meant to be brilliant there.

Manchester is one of those cities that you can travel to on a budget but still have the best time of your life. With trams and trains that will bring you to very part of the city there’s nothing stopping you from booking a quick getaway either with a significant other or a group of friends.

American fun without the J1

Travel

Heading on a J1 is often thought of as the American dream for Irish students but Rachael Martin tells how she had the experience without the actual visa.

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or most students, travelling to America on a J-1 has become somewhat of a rite of passage, with up to 7,000 Irish students heading across to the USA each summer. At times it may not be the most glamorous, but if you ask any student who has been on a J1 they will more than likely tell you that it was one of the best experiences of their lives.

The independence that comes from living away from both your family and friends as well as being selfsufficient is something that helps you grow as a person. Emerging yourself in a different country, with a different culture and way of life is another huge pull towards the J1, as is the great American road trip that traditionally ends the summer. As amazing as all of this sounds, a J1 is not for everyone.

To have the J1 experience you don’t necessarily need to go on a J1.

Last summer I travelled to San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas without spending an

exasperate amount of money on embassy fees or visa fees. I began to hear everyone excitedly talk about the ways they were spending their summer and I couldn’t get rid of the sinking feeling of ‘fomo’. A lot of my friends wanted to stay at home and work for the summer which meant

“One of the greatest benefits of going to America for just a few weeks on a holiday ESTA visa instead of a J1 visa is the cost.” that jetting off to Canada or the US on a J1 wasn’t an option. Despite this all I wanted to do was go get out of the country and make my summer a memorable one.

A friends of mine was heading to San Francisco on a J1 for the Summer,

and one late Friday afternoon in April while I was moaning about how I had no Summer plans she said “why don’t you come visit me and come travelling with us at the end?” That is exactly what I did. Over the summer I worked almost full-time in retail saving every last cent for what ended up being the holiday of a lifetime. I flew over to the US and spent the last three weeks in August traveling across America.

Living at home and working while my friends were away paying for their own food and rent meant that when I actually did go traveling I was in a much better position financially than I would have been otherwise.

One of the greatest benefits of going to America for just a few weeks on a holiday ESTA visa instead of a J1 visa is the cost. Living comfortably at home in Ireland as opposed to being crammed into a single room with four or five people is definitely a pro, but living at home also means you save money on rent. The cost of living in America all summer means that approximately 30 per cent of your income goes towards rent depending on how many people you’re sharing with. If you are living at home, you’re also saving on the cost of food which is also a big help. Embassy appointments, insurance and the visa itself can cost between €700- €900 and flights are likely to cost an

additional €1000. An ESTA only costs $14 which is the equivalent to €11.32 The traditional, stereotypical J1 is of course not the only option.

Working in an American summer camp through ‘Camp USA’ or ‘Camp leaders’ means that all your meals are paid for, as is your accommodation. It is a totally different type of experience but again you will still have the opportunity to travel at the end.

If you are thinking about going to America this summer, don’t forget to look at your options. You can still go and enjoy the sandy beaches of California, whether you are surfing on Vennis beach in LA or Pacific Beach in San Diego. You can cycle the enormous 1.6 km golden gate bridge, look over the Grand Canyon which took 6 million years to form and go to a pool party in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Although you may not get to live in the country without a J1, you can still experience a lot of what a J1, and America has to offer.

13

Fashion

Religion in fashion: wholly necessary or holy vanity?

With the release of Macy’s new line for Muslim women and The Met Gala’s Catholic theme for 2018, Gabija Gataveckaite looks at the issues stemming from mixing fashion with religion.

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ashion and religion have more in common than most may think: they’re both globally recognised and are expressions of our creativity and spirituality.

The two interlink often- we recognise Muslim women through their hijab, the Pope wears elaborate headdresses and Indian Hindu weddings are renowned for their colourful, eccentric garments.

Fashion brands are now utilising religious motifs in their designs-the most well-known example is of course Dolce and Gabbana’s Fall 2013 line, based solely on Sicily’s Cathedral of Montreale, with Madonna and Child paintings printed on dresses and heavenly romantic designs.

Macy’s has now released a line especially for Muslim women and the Met Gala’s dress code for 2018 is Catholicism and fashion.The two seem to be intertwining now more than ever.

High end fashion designers take divine inspiration from our sacred beliefs- Christian Dior saw a corseted male model take to the runway in 2000 dressed as a priest, complete with a headdress and dispensing incense.

These creations haven’t always been received well.

Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld received death threats after he printed a verse of the Qur’an on the breastplate of a gown modelled by Claudia Schiffer in 1994.

The legendary Alexander McQueen also had his say on

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the topic in his S/S line in 2000, which featured sequined burkas.

All is well and good in the world of fashion, where the reasoning of self-expression and art deems all, but what about in the world of religion?

Could religious allusions in clothing, mostly designed to be poured over for its beauty, kind of miss the point for their original purpose?

Zaidat Olawale is a Tarbiyah officer in DCU’s Islamic Society, where she provides Islamic teachings.

She explains that the use of Islam in fashion, although with good intentions, may be misconstrued.

“In my opinion, it’s slightly positive because [fashion brands] are being inclusive of Muslim women and our requirements of modest clothing which is something today’s society lacks,” she explains. “It’s also negative in the sense that the purpose of a hijab isn’t to be interpreted as a fashion statement.”

Speaking of Macy’s new line which features different styles of hijab, she says that the fashion brand does not always cater to modesty. “I don’t think

it is entirely disrespectful because their intentions are good, but rather a misjudgement of the real meaning of a hijab- as opposed to fashion-based.”

“Muslim girls like to be fashionable and trendy like everyone else, but the main difference is that elements of modesty should always be present,” she adds.

Although many fashion brands have received huge backlash after using religious imagery in their work. This year’s Met Gala will see the theme of ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’ worn by its prestigious attendees.

Julia Brucculieri of The Huffington Post noted that “Right off the bat, outlets noted the theme could become the museum’s most controversial and provocative yet, Catholicism’s dogged history of sexual abuse aside.

“It’s worth noting the Vatican is on board with the exhibit, which will feature religious items — papal robes, accessories and the like — alongside 20th-century fashions from major design houses,” she added.

Could religious allusions in clothing, mostly designed to be poured over for its beauty, kind of miss the point for their original purpose?

Religion is a part of many cultures, so it’s no wonder that its influencing fashion. The Jenner-Kardashian clan has been under fire many times for cultural appropriation, including Khloe wearing a Niqab during her time in Dubai. Fashion designers also source a lot of their inspiration from musicsingers like Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga have often made religious allusions in their work.

However, Mark Caffrey, part of DCU’s Camino Society, believes that the fashion industry doesn’t understand the true meaning of religious symbols. “Early Christians began using [the cross] as a symbol of their faith and as a jest and boast to the Caesars of this world. They knew the power of the symbol. We don’t,” he said on the subject.

“Yet, we’ve trivialised it and I’d argue it’s the symptom of a culture that is religiously illiterate.

I’m not sure if we really understand the gravity of the claim represented by the cross.

It’s unlikely that most people would use articles of clothing with a cross on it as a triumphant exclamation o the historicity Resurrection,” he added.

Although fashion and religion will probably always cross ways, it seems like its often a touchy subject.

Fashion sees itself as an art form and art normally likes to dip its toe in every part of society and culture- including our religious beliefs.

However, as the Met Gala rolls around in May, it will be interesting to see the pieces that will hit the red carpet as the two worlds collide again.

Inside Glitz N’ Pieces

Fashion

Following the success of what began as a college project, girl bosses Grace O’Sullivan and Ellen Weber launched their jewellery range, Glitz N’ Pieces. Amy Rohu discusses how the company became one of Ireland’s most exciting young businesses

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hat started out as a college project is now becoming one of Ireland’s most exciting young businesses and if you haven’t heard of Glitz N’ Pieces before, then prepare for your accessories to get a whole lot prettier.

Founded by Grace O’Sullivan and Ellen Weber in their first year studying entrepreneurship in 2013, the brand started out as an assignment for one of their classes after the two friends saw a gap in the market for affordable women’s fashion accessories.

After the success of the project for college, the girls decided to stick with it and invested a small amount of money into creating their site and their logo, ‘From there we worked extremely hard to build our business to where it is today’.

They worked simultaneously on their college work and nurturing their growing business, and although this was difficult at times for the pair, it payed off after they graduated. Glitz n’ Pieces stock everything from pretty jewellery to stunning handbags and perfect gift ideas like initial mugs and personalised key rings, however one of the most exciting new ranges to hit the site in recent months is the ‘G collection’.

“The inspiration for our G Collection was that we

wanted good quality jewellery for everyday wear but at an affordable price.

Each piece of jewellery in the collection is either rose gold, gold or platinum plated,” they explained.

This high quality is something that the brand

stunning collection available online already.

“Our desire to create our own handbag designs came from us wanting to have our own range which was bespoke to Glitz N’ Pieces and two of our favourite designers would include

own ranges on their site but that’s not all, they also aim “to be one of Ireland’s & the U.K’s largest accessory companies and to have our brand available in store across the U.K and Ireland,” said the designers.

The constant input into

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They worked simultaneously on their college work and nurturing their growing business, and although this was difficult at times for the pair, it payed off after they graduated.

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has become synonymous with and is why we’ve seen the likes of Rosanna Davison and Marissa Carter wearing their pieces and rocking their handbags.

The girl bosses are now turning their attention to design as they get set to introduce their very own handbags to add to the

Louis Vuitton and Lulu Guinness.”

It is no surprise that a handbag was in the pipeline as they feel this is the ultimate accessory and can give the same outfit different styles.

The girls hope to eventually only stock their

their business allowed the girls to graduate college into full-time jobs they had created for themselves, but it wasn’t always easy during the stress of getting a degree. “Trying to run our full-time business when we were studying for our degree in college was a major challenge but we stayed extremely focused

and achieved it and also received two honour degrees in entrepreneurship which was very rewarding,” O’Sullivan and Weber said.

So what’s the secret to being so successful? What’s their advice for anyone who is looking to start their own business at such a young age?

“Make sure you know the industry which you want to create your business and ensure it’s a lucrative sector.

Re-invest your money to build your business, stay focused on the goals for the business and work extremely hard to get your business up and running.”

Their business is growing so fast that the girls have just set up a brand new office which includes a showroom for potential buyers to check out their products. They have also just introduced a click and collect service so you can get your order almost immediately.

All of these new stages in the business are documented across their social media channels as they take their loyal fan base along with them every step of the way.

In 2016 Glitz N’ Pieces won best online boutique in the Frock Advisor/Xposé Awards and their star is still rising. They have over 40,000 Instagram followers and with plans of expansion and design on the horizon and the pure passion and drive these girls have, Glitz N’ Pieces will no doubt take over the Irish accessories industry in no time.

15

EXPOSURE

Maine Attraction: “This time I’ll stay strong - keep my head high and sing along”.

Credit: Shauna Bowers

Serge: “You’re in love with a pyscho and there’s nothing you can do about it” - Serge Pizzorno of Kasabian at Dublin’s 3Arena. Credit Mark Carroll

Fashion: We are the goon squad and we’re coming to town. BEEP BEEP. Credit: Kyle Ewald

Buses: Ten minutes wait for three together. Image Credit: Amy Donohoe

Looking forward: Leaving New York for the next adventure. Credit: Fionnuala Walsh

Image Credit:

Page 1: Malcom T Liepke; Page 2: gettyimages, TheAcademic.com; Page 3: Photostock; Page 4: RadioTimes, Netflix; Page 5: RadioTimes, Golden Globes; Page 6: Roise McGagh; Page 7: Nintendo, Roise McGagh; Page 8: Waterstones, Malcom T.Liepke; Page 9: Pinterest, ; Page 10: Getty Images; Page 11:Mark Carroll; Page 12:ShutterStock; Page 13: iStockPhoto; Page 14: Dior; Page 15: Pexels

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