How AI is Revolutionising The Fashion Industry in 2025
MRS. HELEN PREST AJAYI & MR. AYODELE SUBAIR
EDITOR’S NOTE
WPhoto: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
ith the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) today, it has become a tool that various industries use. For instance, in the medical field, it has been known to diagnose diseases in people. AI allows financial organisations to swiftly and efficiently examine big datasets and reach well-informed conclusions. You can access any information you want through AI.
The fashion industry isn’t left out, as AI is now a crucial component of the industry’s progress, having transformed everything from design to consumer experience. AI allows fashion houses to remain ahead of the rapidly evolving industry by examining data from social media, fashion shows, and customer behaviour to forecast future trends. Thanks to AI, consumers can preview how clothes will fit without trying them on. In the past, mostly celebrities could afford to hire a personal stylist, but now, AI-powered platforms and apps have democratised this service by serving as virtual stylists that can be tailored to each client’s demands. It’s really interesting what AI can do with the fashion industry; read more on pages 8 to 10.
Last week Sunday, we made an error in publishing a story implying a romantic relationship between two parties without verifying the facts. We have come to understand that the story is completely inaccurate and is against our culture and principles at THEWILL DOWNTOWN.
We sincerely apologise for this misinformation and any harm or embarrassment caused to the parties reported.
To our dear readers, thank you for your continued trust in THEWILL DOWNTOWN Magazine. We remain dedicated to providing you with wellresearched and responsible journalism.
The Future of Fashion How AI is Revolutionising The Fashion Industry in 2025
11 5 Simple Tips For Organising Any Space
DÉCOR
Dishes to Elevate Your Late Morning Feast
Trapped in The Life I Chose
Wolf-Man
Cover & Cover Story Images From Google
Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity - Contributing Editor
Odunayo Ogunbiyi is an ex pharmacist with a passion for food and pampering. Writing about her exploits wherever in the world she may find herself is just her way of staying sane in this zany world.
Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.
Dorcas Akintoye @mila_dfa_ - Contributing Writer
Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty. She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.
Sally Chiwuzie @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
- Contributing Writer
Sally Chiwuzie is a non-practising barrister who owns the brand #Unshakable. She is the author of Silent Symphonies, a fictional love story, and the creator of the podcast Chronicles of #Unshakable Truths.
COUPLES
How to Choose THE PERFECT FASHION MEN’S SHOES For an Occasion
1. UNDERSTAND THE OCCASION
Understanding the occasion you’re attending is the first step in selecting the appropriate shoes. Different shoe styles are applicable depending on the occasion. Classic leather shoes like Oxfords or Derbies are a good choice for formal occasions like weddings or black-tie dinners. These classic choices go well with tuxedos and suits. Monk straps or loafers give your outfit a polished look for business meetings. Conversely, comfortable and fashionable footwear like sneakers, moccasins, or boat shoes are appropriate for informal occasions like a laid-back date or a day out with friends. You can choose shoes that look fantastic and adequately fit the setting by being mindful of the type of occasion.
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Any ensemble is defined by its shoes. A man’s entire appearance can be made or broken by his choice of shoes. The right shoes are essential whether you’re dressing up for a formal occasion, going out on a casual date, or something in between. But how do you decide which pair to pick? Here are six simple tips for choosing men’s shoes for any occasion.
2. MATCH THE SHOE STYLE TO YOUR OUTFIT
Your shoes should always go well with what you’re wearing. Since they bring everything together, consider your shoes the cornerstone of your ensemble. Shoes made of polished leather are ideal if you’re wearing a formal suit. For jeans, casual sneakers, boots, or loafers provide a chic yet relaxed look. For a look that’s between casual and dressy, chinos look great with loafers or brogues. Your appearance will be unified and well-coordinated if you match the style of your shoes to your ensemble, making you appear effortlessly fashionable.
3.
The colour of your shoes can significantly influence your entire appearance. Choosing a shade that either goes well with your ensemble or contrasts gracefully with it is crucial. For formal events, black shoes are the best option. They go nicely with dark suits like charcoal grey, navy, or black. Conversely, brown shoes are more adaptable and appropriate for semi-formal or informal settings, particularly when paired with lighter hues like cream, tan, or beige. White sneakers go well with jeans or smart casual ensembles and are ideal for informal occasions. Paying attention to colour ensures that your shoes complement your outfit and enhance your overall appearance.
5. 4. 6. CONSIDER THE COLOUR PAY ATTENTION TO MATERIAL AND QUALITY
The longevity and appearance of your shoes are determined mainly by their material and quality. Leather shoes are an excellent option for formal and corporate settings because they provide a polished and professional look. Suede shoes are perfect for semi-formal or casual gatherings because of their smooth and opulent feel, but they need special maintenance. Although synthetic materials can be less expensive than leather, they are more appropriate for informal situations. Purchasing high-quality shoes not only prolongs their lifespan but also elevates your overall fashion sense.
PRIORITISE COMFORT
An uncomfortable pair of shoes is not worth the money, regardless of how fashionable they are. Shoes that don’t fit well might make an event less enjoyable. Ensure your shoes fit correctly; they shouldn’t come off your feet, pinch your toes, or feel excessively tight. For extra comfort, look for features like arch support, breathable fabrics, and cushioned insoles. Walk around in the shoes to make sure they feel comfortable before purchasing. Never compromise on this aspect because it will help you move with confidence and remain at ease throughout the event.
CONCLUSION
Selecting appropriate footwear for an event doesn’t have to be complicated. The ideal pair of shoes can enhance your ensemble and showcase your sense of style and attention to detail. If you follow these suggestions the next time you choose shoes, you’ll always have the perfect pair.
CONSIDER THE WEATHER
The weather greatly influences your choice of footwear. It might cause discomfort and harm to your shoes if you wear shoes that are inappropriate for the weather. To keep your feet dry on rainy days, wear waterproof or water-resistant shoes, such as boots with rubber soles. Lightweight footwear, such as sneakers or loafers, keeps your feet cool on sunny days. Insulated boots offer protection and warmth in colder weather. You can choose functional and fashionable shoes by considering the weather and ensuring you’re ready for anything.
SALLY CHIWUZIE
@unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind
Y IS FOR YEARNING
Today,
let’s dabble in a bit of literary prose.
Yetunde and I met at Twirling Spoon, a cosy creperie bathed in golden light. The scent of caramel and butter clung to the air, wrapping itself around us as we picked at our desserts, weighed down by the ache of disappointment.
She had always been the fearless one — the serial adventurer in love. She had thrived in the excitement of dating, revelling in the chase, the possibility, the thrill of what if? But then, she chose stability. She chose him. She chose to believe in forever.
And yet, forever had unravelled.
One morning, her partner had simply woken up and decided that monogamy wasn’t for him. Just like that. As if love were something he could slip off like an ill-fitting coat.
I watched her stir her coffee, her voice hollow. “Maybe love just isn’t for us,” she murmured, and something inside me clenched.
Because I had spent years navigating love’s battlefield, emerging each time with fresh wounds, new scars. It had almost always been me doing the crying — he didn’t love me back, he was gay, he was emotionally unavailable, he was a philanderer. The list was exhaustive.
And yet, despite the heartache sitting in front of me, despite my own catalogue of failed romances, I knew exactly what I would do.
I would go home. I would press powder to my cheeks, paint my lips red, slip into a dress that whispered elegance, and step into the night. Because somewhere, a man was waiting to meet me.
He greeted me with a look that lingered just a second too long.
“You look beautiful,” he said, his voice smooth, practiced.
I smiled. We danced through the usual pleasantries, both playing our parts. Then, after a sip of his drink, he leaned in slightly, his voice dipping lower.
“So… what are you looking for?”
I exhaled and let the question settle. And then, with quiet certainty, I spoke. I yearn.
I yearn for a love that sees me — not just as a beautiful distraction, not as an option, but as a woman with depth, with substance, with an #unshakable spirit.
I yearn for hands that trace the calluses of my own, pressing soft kisses into each hardened ridge, whispering, does it hurt? Does it feel better when I do this? Because I, too, will kiss his calluses, every single one.
I yearn for a love that catches me midfall, that steadies me, that says I got you; a love that does not turn affection into currency; a love that chooses me, over and over again, not because
I am convenient, but because I am everything. I yearn for a love that is easy. That does not make me question my worth; that does not feel like a battle I must keep winning just to be kept.
I yearn for the kind of love that is simple and ordinary in the most beautiful way; a love that feels like home; a love that does not exhaust me.
I yearn for a time when I no longer settle just to fill voids; a time when my pleasure isn’t just a momentary high, but a full-bodied, soulquenching experience.
I yearn for something real. And yet — perhaps my hunger is too vast. Perhaps this yearning is an ache that will never be soothed. Perhaps true romance is only meant for fairy tales. Perhaps the ones who find it don’t actually have it all — they just learn how to make do. And if they do have it all, well — they won the lottery. And we both know what the odds of that are. So perhaps one day, the love I deserve will find me. And until then, I will sip my whiskey, paint my white roses red, and pretend sometimes. Perhaps one day, my yearnings will return something worthy of all I have to give. Until then... We just yearn.
I looked at him then, waiting. Hoping. He exhaled.
A slow, quiet sigh. And then—
“It’s not you. It’s me,” he said, his voice measured, rehearsed.
A small, almost imperceptible laugh bubbled up inside me.
Of course, it was. Of course.
Comments? ‘See’ you next week.
THE FUTURE OF FASHION
HOW AI IS REVOLUTIONISING THE FASHION INDUSTRY IN 2025
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Fashion is a multi-billion dollar business; more people work in the buying, selling, and production of clothing than in any other industry in the world. Millions of workers design, sew, glue, dye, and transport clothing to stores every day.
Advertisements on buses, billboards, and magazines give us ideas about what to wear subconsciously or consciously, and even people who claim they don’t care what they wear choose clothes every morning that say a lot about them and how they feel that day.
One characteristic that sets the fashion industry apart from other manufacturing sectors is that the same goal primarily drives it as its final product: change.
The roles of the people who make up the fashion industry: designers, retailers, factory workers, tailors, technically skilled embroiderers, the press, publicists, salespeople, fit models, runway models, couture models, textile manufacturers, pattern makers, and sketch artists, largely determine what the industry is all about. The fashion sector may be summed up as clothing production, but it would fail to recognise the crucial difference between clothing and fashion. Even though apparel serves a functional purpose and is one of humanity’s fundamental needs, fashion adds its prejudices to personal preference, style, and cultural development, which is why fashion is often seen as a reflection of society’s shifting values, identities, and artistic expressions.
On the other hand, The term artificial intelligence (AI) describes the replication of human intelligence in computers programmed to think, learn, and make decisions. These machines carry out problem-solving, pattern recognition, language comprehension, and even creative endeavours like designing that normally demand human intelligence.
AI is now a crucial component of the fashion industry’s progress, transforming everything from design to the consumer experience. To help firms remain ahead of the rapidly evolving fashion industry, AI examines data from social media, fashion shows, and customer behaviour to forecast future trends. E-commerce systems utilise AI to make product recommendations based on user preferences, browsing history, and previous purchases, resulting in a customised shopping experience. Customers can preview how clothing will fit them virtually without physically trying it on, thanks to AI-powered
virtual fitting rooms, which improve the convenience of online purchasing by providing tailored outfit recommendations based on individual tastes, body types, and even weather conditions.
AI plays a big part in fashion styling. AI-powered digital stylists can curate complete outfits, increasing accessibility and personalising fashion to suit individual preferences.
AI helps designers by automatically generating patterns, suggesting colour schemes, and even creating entire designs based on customer data and current trends. All things considered, AI is more than simply a new technology; it is a revolutionary instrument that improves productivity, innovation, and consumer interaction, influencing the fashion industry and beyond.
We will explore ways AI will revolutionise the styling and fashion industry in 2025.
1. PERSONALISED STYLING LIKE NEVER BEFORE
AI has made customised style possible to a degree that has never been possible. The affluent and celebrities were the only ones who could afford to hire a personal stylist in the past. AIpowered platforms and apps have democratised this service in the modern day by serving as virtual stylists that can be tailored to each client’s demands. These tools create customised outfit recommendations by examining a user’s browser history, body measurements, previous purchases, and even social media activity. Advanced algorithms take into account variables like skin tone, body shape, and lifestyle choices to suggest looks that boost a user’s confidence and appearance. AI can recommend whole ensembles based on your preferences, whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway casual ensemble or a formal event dress. This makes fashion accessible and pleasurable for everyone.
2. VIRTUAL FITTING ROOMS FOR A BETTER EXPERIENCE
The anxiety associated with online purchasing and the annoyance of long lineups at fitting rooms is gradually disappearing thanks to AI-powered virtual fitting rooms. Thanks to these cutting-edge tools, customers may use their laptops or smartphones to try on clothing virtually. AI generates a lifelike virtual representation of the user’s physique by using a phone camera or uploading measurements, showing how various clothing would fit. Both customers and retailers save time and money thanks to this technology, which also greatly lowers the percentage of returns while improving the online shopping experience. Brands like Zara, ASOS, and H&M are already using this technology to enhance consumer satisfaction by providing a smooth and easy shopping experience.
4. SUSTAINABLE FASHION THROUGH AI
The fashion industry has prioritised sustainability, and artificial intelligence is helping advance environmentally friendly methods. AI helps fashion brands save waste and enable more accurate inventory management by precisely forecasting which products will be popular. This lessens overproduction, which is a major cause of environmental deterioration. AI also streamlines supply chains by guaranteeing that resources are sourced and used effectively, reducing carbon emissions. Some businesses are pushing the limits of environmentally responsible fashion by using AI to create eco-friendly designs and sustainable textiles. Brands that put sustainability first are attracting more and more customers, and artificial intelligence is assisting these companies in satisfying the rising demand for morally and environmentally conscious clothing.
3. SMARTER TREND FORECASTING
It has always been difficult for designers and brands to stay ahead of fashion trends, but artificial intelligence is changing this. Artificial intelligence can accurately forecast new trends by analysing enormous amounts of data from blogs, fashion shows, social media platforms, and street fashion. Using these data, designers may lower the risk of making unsaleable products and produce collections that appeal to today’s consumer preferences. Furthermore, brands can quickly adjust to shifting market demands by using AI’s predictive abilities to predict changes in consumer behaviour. While manufacturers can keep a competitive advantage in the quick-paced fashion sector, customers will always have access to trends they adore, thanks to this data-driven strategy.
5. ENHANCED CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH AI CHATBOTS
AI-powered chatbots are transforming the fashion industry’s customer service. From product recommendations to styling guidance, these clever virtual assistants are on hand around the clock to help clients with various questions. In contrast to human customer support agents, AI chatbots can manage several queries at once, offering prompt answers and tailored support. In addition to making purchasing more enjoyable, this also lessens the workload for customer support representatives. AI chatbots are being included in the websites and social media accounts of numerous fashion stores to guarantee that clients receive timely and effective assistance throughout their buying experience.
6. AI IN FASHION DESIGN AND CREATIVITY
Beyond data analysis and customer support, artificial intelligence is also changing the fashion design industry’s creative process. Designers are increasingly using AI tools to produce innovative patterns, recommend colour schemes, and even produce whole collections. To generate original and creative designs, these tools examine past fashion data, customer preferences, and current trends. Many designers see AI as a useful tool that expands their creative potential, even though some people are concerned that it would limit their creativity. AI speeds up the creative process, giving designers more time to try out novel concepts and push the limits of fashion innovation.
7. AI-DRIVEN VIRTUAL FASHION SHOWS AND RUNWAYS
Virtual fashion shows powered by artificial intelligence are revolutionising the traditional fashion show, complete with glitzy runways and VIP audiences. With the advent of 3D models and internet runways, designers can now present their collections to a worldwide audience. Artificial intelligence technology allows the creation of realistic and captivating virtual fashion shows, eliminating the need for travel and physical venues. In addition to saving money, this also encourages sustainability by reducing the negative environmental effects of conventional fashion presentations. Without the limitations of physical locations, virtual fashion events allow smaller firms to reach new consumers and obtain global exposure.
8
. AI IN CUSTOMISATION AND MADE-TOORDER FASHION
AI is revolutionising customisation and made-to-order fashion, which enables fashion brands to provide individualised apparel based on consumer preferences. AI helps develop unique products that fit and represent individual interests by evaluating client data, such as body measurements, stylistic preferences, and shopping activity. This method minimises waste from overstock and bulk production because products are only made upon request. Customisation fits the growing desire for ethical and sustainable fashion methods while improving the client experience. Customers can use bespoke designs to showcase their unique style while supporting ecofriendly fashion.
9. AI AND INFLUENCER MARKETING IN FASHION
In the fashion sector, influencer marketing has become a potent tool, and artificial intelligence is making it even more effective. AI algorithms examine interaction data, audience demographics, and content performance to find the best influencers for a brand’s target market. Marketing initiatives are guaranteed to target the proper audience and produce the best results thanks to this datadriven approach. Additionally, AI can forecast the kinds of content audiences will find engaging, assisting marketers in forming powerful influencer alliances. Fashion brands can maximise their return on investment and forge closer ties with customers by using AI to inform their marketing strategy decisions.
CONCLUSION
In 2025, AI will be more than just a catchphrase in the fashion sector; it’s a potent instrument that’s changing the way we shop, dress, and think about style. Thanks to AI, fashion is becoming more inventive, efficient, and accessible, from virtual fitting rooms and individualised styling to sustainable practices and creative design. As technology advances, the fashion industry will continue to discover new methods to use AI, making fashion smarter and more exciting for all.
10. AI IN FABRIC INNOVATION AND SMART TEXTILES
AI is propelling the creation of smart textiles and advances in fabric innovation. Through analysing material qualities and performance, AI assists researchers in developing more ecologically friendly, comfortable, and long-lasting textiles. Examples of these innovations are temperatureregulating materials, self-cleaning textiles, and textiles incorporating wearable technology like fitness trackers and health monitors. These smart textiles give customers fresh and intriguing solutions that go beyond conventional apparel by fusing fashion and utility. AI’s contribution to fabric innovation is expanding the realm of what is conceivable in the fashion sector by incorporating cutting-edge technology with fashion.
RETRACTION
At THEWILL DOWNTOWN Magazine, we take great pride in delivering accurate and credible stories to our readers. However, in a recent publication dated February 02, 2025, we made an error of reporting incorrectly, for the first time, a story implying a romantic relationship between Mrs. Helen Prest Ajayi and Mr. Ayodele Subair without verifying the facts.
We now understand that the story was completely inaccurate, which is against the principles and culture of THEWILL DOWNTOWN, as we always report accurately and correctly.
We sincerely apologise to these distinguished citizens and their families for any distress this report may have caused. We deeply regret this oversight. It was never our intention to spread misinformation or cause embarrassment. In light of this, we have removed all references to the parties from that publication.
We hold both parties in very high esteem as respected members of society, and we look forward to working with them in the future.
Moving forward, we are committed to strengthening our editorial review process to ensure such mistakes do not reoccur.
Sincerely,
Editor
5 Simple Tips For Organising Any Space
1. DECLUTTER FIRST
The first step in organising any area is getting rid of unnecessary items. Clutter makes it more challenging to keep things neat and consumes valuable space. Examine every object in the room and determine what you wish to donate, keep, or discard. Remember, it’s probably time to part with everything you haven’t used in six to twelve months. Decluttering frees up space for the things you love and need most.
2.USE STORAGE SOLUTIONS
The secret to maintaining any space’s organisation is storage. After decluttering, you must locate appropriate space for the items you are preserving. You can keep similar goods from scattering everywhere by grouping them using baskets, bins, shelves, and containers. Additionally, labelling your storage boxes will help you locate items more quickly.
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Whetheryou’re organising your office, kitchen, bedroom, or even your car, it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. But with the correct strategy, you can create an orderly, functional, and pleasurable space without experiencing stress. We’ll break down five basic and straightforward tips to help you turn any room into an orderly one.
4. CREATE ZONES
Creating zones in your area makes organising easier. For instance, you can have a TV area, a gaming area, and a reading corner in your living room. Keep your kitchen’s cooking utensils close to the stove and the dining area clutter-free. Maintaining the space and keeping items in their proper places is easier when each area has its own zone.
3.MAXIMISE VERTICAL SPACE
Concentrating on floor space when arranging is simple, but don’t overlook the walls. A vertical space is ideal for storage, particularly in tiny spaces. Install shelves or hooks to store or showcase everything from books and decorations to office supplies and kitchenware. Pegboards, wall-mounted racks, and over-the-door organisers can be useful for keeping items off the floor and within reach.
CONCLUSION
5.USE MULTIFUNCTIONAL FURNITURE
You can save time and space by utilising furniture that serves many purposes when organising a small space. Look for storagefriendly furniture, like coffee tables that can hold books and magazines, beds with drawers underneath, or ottomans with spaces inside. In this manner, you can optimise storage and functionality without creating a cluttered place.
Regardless of its size or function, these five easy tips can help you design an orderly place that suits you. After you start small and gradually progress, you’ll discover that organising isn’t as difficult as it initially seems. Keep in mind that the objective is to create a space that is stress-free, practical, and easy to use—not just aesthetically pleasing.
BEAUTY
1. CLEANSE YOUR FACE THE RIGHT WAY
After a restful night, your skin needs to be revitalised every morning. Your skin produces oils and sheds dead cells throughout the night, which can clog pores if left unchecked. Make use of a mild cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Use a moisturising cleanser if your skin is dry and for oily skin, the best cleanser to use is one that is gel-based. By clearing away debris, oil, and pollutants, cleansing prepares your skin to absorb the benefits of the products you’ll use later. Hot water can remove your skin from its natural oils, so avoid using it. Lukewarm water is perfect.
2.HYDRATE YOUR SKIN WITH A TONER
Toners are often overlooked, yet they are crucial for maintaining your skin’s pH balance and giving it a moisturised appearance. After cleansing, use a cotton pad to apply the toner, or use your hands to massage it into your skin gently. Go for toner with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, or rose water. Toners prime your skin for greater absorption of serums and moisturisers. Additionally, they aid in skin renewal and pore reduction. Toners that contain a lot of alcohol should be avoided because they can cause skin dryness.
CONCLUSION
5 Perfect Morning Rituals
For Radiant And Glowing Skin
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Beautiful and glowing skin takes time. It reflects regular maintenance, good habits, and a regimen tailored to your skin’s needs. Beginning your morning with the appropriate routine can set the tone for the best-looking skin throughout the day. Let us look at five ideal morning routines that will leave your skin beautiful and glowing.
3. MOISTURISE TO LOCK IN HYDRATION
Hydration is the secret to glowing skin, and a good moisturiser keeps your skin smooth and soft all day. Choose a moisturiser that works for your skin type; for oily skin, use lightweight, gel-based formulas; for dry skin, use a rich, creamy moisturiser and apply it evenly to your face and neck. Moisturisers help to lock in moisture, protect your skin’s barrier, and give your skin a dewy, healthy look. Don’t forget your neck, which is frequently exposed and can exhibit signs of ageing if ignored.
4. INCORPORATE MINDFUL MOVEMENT
Engaging in physical activity in the morning, whether it be yoga, a quick jog, or basic stretching, increases circulation and releases endorphins, which not only give you energy but also help maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.
5. NOURISH YOUR BODY WITH A BALANCED DIET
Give your body the nourishment it needs with a balanced meal that contains complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. Think oatmeal with nuts and seeds on top, a smoothie full of fruits and greens, or avocado toast with a poached egg. A balanced meal keeps you full and alert throughout the morning.
There is no need to complicate your morning skincare routine. Following these simple yet effective rituals, every morning will make your skin look more radiant over time. Consistency is crucial, so take advantage of these practices to start your day well and let your skin speak for itself.
STRESS AND ANXIETY NATURE’S REMEDY FOR
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
In a world filled with screens, deadlines, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Stress and anxiety are no longer occasional visitors but frequent companions for many. However, there’s an antidote that’s often overlooked—nature.
The outdoors offers a wealth of natural remedies to calm your mind and rejuvenate your spirit. From the rustling of leaves to the warmth of the sun, nature has an innate ability to heal. Let’s explore powerful ways the great outdoors can help you relieve stress and anxiety.
The Soothing Soundscapes of Nature
Nature’s soundtrack—whether it’s the gentle rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, or the rhythmic crashing of ocean waves—has a deeply relaxing effect on the brain. These natural sounds can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and create a sense of inner peace. Even if you can’t physically be outdoors, listening to recordings of these sounds can transport your mind to a tranquil place and help ease tension.
The Calming Effect of Green Spaces
There’s a reason we feel refreshed after spending time in a park or garden. Green spaces are scientifically proven to reduce cortisol levels—the stress hormone—and enhance overall well-being. Whether it’s a stroll through a local park or sitting under the shade of a tree, immersing yourself in greenery has a calming effect on the mind. The sights, smells, and textures of nature pull our attention away from daily worries and into the present moment.
Sunlight: Nature’s Mood Booster
Natural sunlight is a powerful mood enhancer. Exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s serotonin production, which promotes happiness and calmness. Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” is also essential for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Take a walk during daylight hours, enjoy a cup of coffee on your balcony, or simply bask in the warmth of the sun for an instant emotional lift.
Gardening: A Therapeutic Escape
Gardening offers more than just a chance to grow plants; it’s a handson form of therapy. Digging, planting, and tending to your garden connects you with the earth and provides a sense of purpose. Studies have shown that gardening reduces cortisol levels and boosts serotonin, leaving you with a calm and uplifted mood. Plus, watching your plants flourish is a rewarding reminder of growth and patience.
The Power of Movement in Nature
Exercise is a well-known stress reliever, but moving outdoors amplifies its benefits. Walking, jogging, or practising yoga in a natural setting provides double the rewards by combining physical activity with the calming effects of the environment. The fresh air invigorates your body, while the changing scenery keeps your mind engaged and present.
Nature offers an abundance of ways to combat stress and anxiety. These natural remedies don’t require expensive equipment or complicated routines—just an open mind and a willingness to step outside. So, the next time life feels overwhelming, take a moment to embrace the outdoors. You might just find that the world around you holds the key to inner peace.
Brunch Bliss
Dishes to Elevate Your Late Morning Feast
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Noteveryone is an early breakfast person, thus resorting to brunch. Besides, what’s not to love about brunch? It’s the ultimate sweet spot between breakfast and lunch—a laid-back, mid-morning gathering where flavours meet creativity. Whether it’s a cosy weekend at home or an elegant spread with friends, brunch has earned its spot as a modern-day culinary ritual. But why settle for the usual toast and eggs when you can elevate your brunch game? Let’s take your late morning feast to the next level with yummy dishes that blend taste, creativity, and flair.
Avocado Toast With a Twist
Avocado toast is a classic, but adding some flair can make it the star of your brunch table. Start with a hearty slice of sourdough, topped with creamy smashed avocado. Sprinkle on feta cheese, drizzle some chilli oil, and finish with a poached egg for extra richness. Add a handful of pomegranate seeds or a squeeze of lime for a fun, zesty kick. This dish is equal parts Instagram-worthy and deliciously satisfying.
Savoury Pancakes With Bacon and Spinach
Pancakes don’t have to be sweet. Opt for savoury versions made with cheddar cheese and finely chopped spinach. Serve with crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup for the perfect balance of salty and sweet. These pancakes are a brunch upgrade that packs a punch of flavour and a dose of veggies—who could resist?
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Nothing screams “fancy brunch” like eggs benedict. Take it up a notch by replacing the traditional ham with smoked salmon. Layer your English muffin with creamy hollandaise sauce, a perfectly poached egg, and slices of silky salmon. Garnish with fresh dill and capers for an added touch of sophistication. This dish is indulgent yet light, perfect for a mid-morning feast.
Shakshuka: The One-Pan Wonder Fruit Parfait With Granola And Honey
Shakshuka is a hearty and vibrant Middle Eastern classic. It’s made by simmering eggs in a rich tomato and bell pepper sauce spiced with cumin, paprika, and a hint of chilli. Serve it straight from the pan with crusty bread for dipping, and watch as your guests fall in love with the bold, comforting flavours. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
A parfait is the way to go for a lighter, refreshing option. Layer your favourite seasonal fruits with creamy Greek yoghurt and crunchy granola. Drizzle honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. This dish is not only a visual delight but also brings a healthy balance to your indulgent brunch spread.
Brunch is the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and indulge in flavours that bring joy to your late morning hours. These dishes are guaranteed to elevate your brunch experience. So gather your loved ones, set the table, and savour the bliss of a truly unforgettable feast.
DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL
Trapped in The Life I Chose Trapped in The Life I Chose
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Sometimes,I look at Alfred and wonder how I came to love such a man. But it was all my fault. When we met, I didn’t care about his background or beliefs. All I knew was that marriage was my escape from the chaos of my polygamous home, where I had no mother and no sense of belonging. I desperately wanted to leave. Now, I can’t help but feel like I made the biggest mistake of my life by getting married at 22. Maybe it wasn’t just about the age; maybe things turned out this way because I married Alfred and not someone else. What if I had just found a job and figured out my life instead of rushing into marriage? But I had no guidance, no mother figure, to tell me otherwise.
I had dreams as a child. I had a vision. But no one listened to me. My father had too many other responsibilities: other wives and other children. When my mother disappeared when I was four, I was left to be raised by his girlfriends until he finally chose three to settle with.
Growing up was lonely, and failing at school made things worse. After writing WAEC five times and still not making the cut, my father gave up on me. He refused to waste more money on my education. I started working to fend for myself and even began learning tailoring. That was when I met Alfred. If one thing attracted me to him, it was his certainty. He knew what he wanted. He didn’t waste time expressing his intentions toward me; honestly, I found it cute. He was 10 years older, had a job, and—despite not making much—he appeared to have a bright future. And yes, he was handsome. So, why not? When I told my father about my plans to marry Alfred, he warned me: “If anything goes wrong, don’t come running back.” I wasn’t scared of his threat. I was ready to do life with Alfred. I finally had someone to lean on and share my burdens with.
We got married five months after his proposal. Looking back, we never really did the things couples do. Our relationship was too serious, and I was too understanding. I accepted his lack of romance and convinced myself he was just a man focused on survival. Even his bossy nature didn’t bother me, I saw it as normal for someone older. I thought things would change after marriage but then, one night made me believe I had made the right choice. One night made me overlook all his red flags. It happened in his apartment. We had been talking about our dream jobs when his hand brushed against mine. It was unintentional at first, but he didn’t move away. Instead, he traced his fingers up my arm, sending shivers down my spine. My body stiffened, and my breath hitched. I had never been touched like that before.
He leaned in, his lips hovering over mine. When they finally met, it wasn’t a soft, hesitant kiss—it was deep, urgent, hungry. My heart pounded as he pulled me closer, his hands roaming, exploring, claiming. Before I knew it, we were tangled in his sheets, bodies pressed against each other. I surrendered to him completely, and the pleasure that coursed through me was unlike anything I had ever known. It was my first time, and at that moment, I believed I had experienced magic. He made me feel wanted and desired. For the first time, I felt like I belonged to someone. But everything changed after we got married. The bossiness I had once overlooked now ruled every aspect of our lives, including the bedroom.
Yes, Alfred sent me to the university, and I was grateful for that, but after graduation, I couldn’t get a job. The weight of providing for our home, including our four children, fell entirely on him. I tried my hand at business, but nothing seemed to work. And just like that, I became a full-time housewife, something I never imagined for myself. The shift was gradual but undeniable. At first, it was the small things—the way he would sigh heavily whenever I asked for money, the irritation in his voice when I tried to discuss our future. Then, it escalated. He
stopped hiding his resentment and openly disrespected me in front of the children. He would hurl insults at me, belittling my efforts and making me feel like a burden. The man I once thought I could lean on had become a cruel and distant stranger. There were nights I cried myself to sleep, wondering how my life had turned out this way. I had married Alfred, thinking he was my escape from a broken home, but instead, I had walked straight into another kind of prison—a prison of regret, loneliness, and unfulfilled dreams. And now, I was stuck, watching my life slip away, wondering if I would ever find a way out.
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA
In the latest remake to tear into a classic from the Universal Monster franchise, Wolf Man can’t find its tail. It has its head. It eventually grows some teeth, but its back end is suspiciously cut short. For that matter, its belly is also a little empty, a product of a meatless plot that certainly wouldn’t sustain the beast for the one short night over which the film is set. Attempting to distinguish itself in a genre within a genre that has a long and illustrious history, Wolf Man doesn’t care about abiding by any werewolf lore. Don’t expect shots of clouds grazing past a full moon or an immediate transformation that rips the clothing right off the unsuspecting newly-bitten.
There is intention behind this new iteration, and that’s completely due to writer-director Leigh Whannell. He’s written some of the most memorable horror franchises of the past 20 years, like the sadistic horror film Saw and mind-bending supernatural thriller Insidious. Five years ago, Whannell wrote and directed The Invisible Man, a modern adaptation of the 1897 science fiction novel written by H.G. Wells. (It was also adapted into a classic film by Universal in 1933.) Whannell’s version, which had the unfortunate luck to release in February 2020, told a scary story, but it also coursed through modern audiences with a horrific, though timely undercurrent. It used the genre to illustrate how gaslighting and domestic violence can destroy a woman when the monster, her partner, is in control of what people see of him and what they don’t.
Like The Invisible Man from 2020, Wolf Man is better when the story’s underlying metaphor shines through. Whannell tackles another form of abuse in this film: generational trauma. He is particularly interested in how we pass on the curse from parent to child and how it takes incredible strength and fortitude to break it for the incoming generation. Christopher Abbott stars as Blake, an unemployed writer who’s at home full-time with his young daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth). His wife Charlotte (Julia Garner) is a busy journalist, and their life together has become mechanical.
That is why when Blake receives a letter from the state of Oregon that his missing father has been deemed legally deceased,
the opportunity to reconnect and change up their routine is too good to resist. They pack up and take off to a remote part of the state where Blake was raised. His was a difficult upbringing; one in which his father (Sam Jaeger) prepared him for life off the grid. In their part of Oregon, heavily forested and teeming with wildlife, there are rumours of a hiker who went missing and gained the “face of a wolf.”
Don’t expect more backstory than that. There is no creation history or origin story. Whannell doesn’t even bother to give viewers a sly hypothesis as to where the disease could have originated, a point that is both mysterious and coy, as well as frustratingly opaque. The film also doesn’t fit nicely into our long-imagined beliefs on werewolves. These beasts don’t transform on a full moon; in fact, once you’ve transformed, it appears that is your only state of being. You’ve been changed, and there is no going back.
To return to that theory that’s been proposed here, generational trauma is certainly something that, likewise, never leaves you. You can work on yourself. You can only fight the urge to allow it to rule your way of life. And that is what happens to Blake. The family doesn’t make it to his childhood home before their truck crashes, and they are fighting for their lives against a strong, fearsome opponent who, like the shark in Jaws, is teased endlessly but who gets very little dedicated screen time. The idea of it circling the house, honing in on its prey, all the while a new shark is threatening to emerge - is what will have most hooked at least enough to wonder what will happen next. Nursing a bloody, injured arm, Blake begins to notice changes immediately upon entering the house that raised him, and one that likely left him with unresolved emotional turmoil.
Like most of Whannell’s work, there is some blood and guts, though don’t expect anywhere near the level of grotesque depravity that became a tentpole in the Saw series. Blake’s transformation is not quick, but the gross factor is almost worse in its suspended state. The demarcations from one stage to the next are heartbreakingly identifiable by the new teeth that squeeze into his mouth or the padding that appears on his cheeks. The majority of the film takes place in this one night that feels too long to be just a few hours from crash to resolution, though there are very few moments of stillness. Viewers wanting jump scares and foreboding music will have enough in Wolf Man, but those who are expecting a repeat of Whannell’s smart script and sophisticated handling of The Invisible Man will find that the satisfying think piece has been eaten up by a different beast altogether.
Rating:5/10
It’s a bold time to reintroduce pop culture’s most infamous extrajudicial killer, but Dexter has returned with an origin story, Original Sin. The series, however, is framed by the “resurrection” of present-day Dexter (Michael C. Hall), left for dead at the end of the sequel series New Blood two years ago. Now, he’s been brought back (for Summer 2025’s Dexter: Resurrection) and is recounting the life that flashed before his eyes after his son, Harrison, attempted to kill him.
The timeline jumps to Miami circa 2000, where a young Dexter (Patrick Gibson) is about to graduate college and begin medical school. He’s the top pre-med student in his class but also a loner with urges only his father, Harry (Christian Slater), understands. Harry, a cop, works in a department led by Captain Spencer (a moustachioed Patrick Dempsey with a grey streak) and blood-spatter expert Tanya Martin (Sarah Michelle Gellar), investigating a string of connected grisly murders.
Dexter hasn’t yet decided on his future in bloodspatter analysis, but during a campus job fair, he impresses Masuka (Alex Shimizu) with a quick deduction based on spatter patterns in two photographs. This moment sets him on a path toward an internship with the department by the episode’s end. Meanwhile, Dexter grapples with his foul-mouthed sister, Deb (Molly Brown), and his father’s sudden heart attack. What should have been a minor incident turns deadly, thanks to a nurse with her own dark inclinations. What transpires over the course of the episode marks the birth of the Dexter we’ve come to know.
Narrated by Michael C. Hall, the pilot doesn’t establish what will likely become a season-long arc (or the big bad, who I guess will either be Dempsey or Sarah Michelle Gellar) but effectively reintroduces the character while fleshing out his backstory. Clyde Phillips, the showrunner of the first four uneven yet memorable seasons of the original, returns with the lighter tone and cheeky dark humour that defined early Dexter. Michael Lehman, who directed Christian Slater in Heathers, helms the pilot, giving it a distinct late-’80s/early-’90s vibe.
For fans who’ve endured the highs and lows of Dexter, the pilot mostly works. Some characters, particularly Masuka and Angel, feel a bit too Muppet Babies-ish, and Dexter’s wig throughout the episode is downright laughable. Still, it’s entertaining, even if it leans heavily on fan service early on. There are no surprises or revelations here, just the comfort of the familiar. It’s enjoyable, but I do hope the series pushes beyond nostalgia as it progresses through the season and builds toward next summer’s Resurrection
