UPDATE

New posts will be coming soon, the blog is on a process of planning

The wave of equality increasing ?

Previously, I did a blog post specifically for International Women's Day. All the interviews highlighted positive aspects of natural beauty. There was also the negative aspects, which was beauty being presented in the media; many representations of this 'beauty' that society sees is exaggerated. 
For this years post, I have asked many different individuals on their thoughts about International Women's Day.

International Women's Day, should not just be celebrated, once every year. In fact, we should be celebrating it every day, there are women all over the world doing great things. The event, should remind us the reason how it all started, we should be learning this everywhere, about the first women who started fighting for women's equality. 

"Feminism is not about women overpowering men. Instead, it is about empowering women, it's about equality for all."
                                                                    Angelica Ourri

"I find myself in surrender to what a woman can offer. Something so unexplainable."
                         
                                                                   Joshua Igbo

"International Women's Day, for me means a celebration for the equality of sexes."
                                                                                                        

                                                               Emma Elkington

"An event only celebrated once every 365 days, the media and public overlook the injustice towards women within society. I believe society should be equal."

                                               
                                                    Joshowan Bhattacharjee

"International Women's Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women get bypassed by mainstream media, which tends to subordinate our professional success to appearance and among other things."

Alice Kemp- Habib

"On International Women's Day, we should remember how it all started, the history behind it. That is what should be celebrated."                                                                            
Saori Watanabe

"I believe that it is necessary to recognize the achievements of those who came before us."
                                                                                                                             
                                                             Hamza Sikandary

"Be confident and you'll be able to face any obstacle ahead"
                                                                                           
                                     Angelica Castor

"It's a brilliant occasion to celebrate and appreciate the plight and achievement of all women."
                                                                                                                                       
                                                                    Laith Al-Ajeel 

"It's a good way of acknowledging women in general, and not just Mother's Day."
                                                                                                                     
                                                         Chevonne Willis

"Women play a huge role in the world."
                                                                       

                Ongart Pongsri

Thank you for those who were involved, meant a lot.

*"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful; committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
                                                           Margaret Mead

Part 1

                                                Josh Igbo

          Up and coming artist Josh Igbo answers his opinion on beauty       

1.) In Society now, there is a constant pressure from the media for girls to look, or dress in a certain way, as a guy do you feel the same way?

As a guy who is extremely into fashion, I say it's the lack of confidence that force people to dress in a certain way. The fact that girls are able to buy the kind of clothes and wear it everyday, may seem like there is no pressure on a girl. However, I do understand that some girls have to "reveal" a bit of skin, because that is the way the media perceives to be confident. When a lady shows their skin, yes it shows confidence in their sexuality. However, it also depicts lack of confidence in one's self, as they feel they have to reveal themselves to draw the attention they want. No one is there to put pressure onto you if you keep away from the worldly desires to be fair.

2.) What are your views of beauty?

My view of beauty is clearly on what makes my heart melt. I'm not one to believe in make-up or nice clothes; what I find beautiful is the overpowering confidence a person emits into the world. A person who walks through with such a fierce and presence is beautiful. One that applies a smile on their face, or speak what their heart wants to express, or speak what their heart wants to express is like the heavens giving us that one hour in a day to watch the sun set. 

  

3.) Do you feel that more people should be aware of men feeling this kind of pressure to look 'good'?

Yes I repeat, yes! One thing that brings my confidence down is my height, I'm 5'8". When I speak to a girl, they would tell me, "you are what a woman looks for, but you're short."- Ladies, there is nothing we can do about our height. If a man says to woman, "you're fat", yes I find that extremely rude, but at least you can do something about it. However, when you tell a man he's "too short", what can we do? You want us to stretch our bones? There are pressures placed upon both men and women, and sometimes it would be grateful if we encourage change rather than expressing a thought that a person can never change.

4.)In terms of beauty, do you feel that it is seen as more of a feminine concept?

No, it is seen in both genders. I'm sure ladies would sit down with their friends and gossip about a hot guy they saw on the bus, this is exactly the same with us men. We are humans divided by gender, our passion and desires will always be similar, just expressed differently. A man/or a women's surrounding affects our views, and opinion on what beauty is. It depends on who your friends are, or what kind of TV shows you watch, or the books you read. Whatever your soul consumes creates a unique idea of what you precieve beauty to be. Yes, there is a difference between looking at a women's physical appearance, and a man's emotional appearance, but at the end of the day, both men and women look at something such a way that is defined as beauty. Beauty to each person may have different meanings, but what pulls your heart strings is beauty, it be physical or emotional desire. Overall it is similar to both genders.

Check out Josh Igbo's music covers on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrJoshuaacoustic

Reflection

Looking back at this year, there has been a drastic change. Change is either a good, or bad thing, overall nothing is the same. Most of us aren't used to change,it makes you realise on a lot of things.

Nothing stays the same, you won't forever be in the same place, friends change, of course no one stays the same, but you will always share the great memories you experienced with them. 
In my view, change is good, it shows how much strength you have, to move on to bigger things, your are following a different direction than your friends. I am thankful for the people I have met, these people have taught me a lot of things.

So many good things have happened, and of course there are the bad things. I always look forward to the future, of course the past will always try to squeeze into the present time, but I can't wait for what the next year holds.

Have a Happy New Year!!

Interview with designers of Anna Seven

Young generations changing the fashion industry

Twin sisters Susanna and Joanna Olasoji  19 years old (pictured above)

Young entrepreneurs rising in the fashion world- at the same time helping to raise awareness. Everything right that the Olasoji sisters are doing to create a unique fashion brand.

What is Anna Seven? 

Anna seven is a London-based fashion and clothing brand

How is Anna Seven different to other types of fashion labels?

Well, usually fashion designers focus their next collections on colour, trends or shapes that are relevant at that moment, but with us; we kinda do things our way and go with what we like or what we want to bring to life; instead of listening to what's going to sell out big! We work better this way; which makes things more easy-going. And we also base our brand around ethics and morality, so we support campaigns by giving a percentage to our chosen charity.So we give a fair amount to ethical fashion.

Who inspired you to begin creating this fashion label?

It's crazy, because a band actually inspired us to start, it sounds way off but it's true! To us, They filled in the gap of being well-established ethical-based musicians; and someone needed to do that in the fashion industry, fast; so fashion can be seen differently in the public eye, not just for being superficial and self-centered! And we also wanted to do what we could to give to the A21 campaign; which touched us when we found out what it was all about, so we wasted no time and just began.

How did both of your interests in fashion suddenly turn into a fashion label?

The interests of fashion and having a label occurred at quite a very close time. So as soon our attention was drawn towards it, we knew that a fashion label would be the end result, so if you know what you're aspiration is, why wait? There's no time like the present!

How do you both define fashion?

As fashion is in everything we do, fashion is who you are. Think about it! What someone is wearing can say a million words about them without them even opening their mouth. Fashion defines who you are. It's about having your own individual style. Fashion nowadays is seen to be like a set of rules; we have to follow these trends, we have to buy those shoes, but really and truly fashion is what you like and an expression. It should also not be taken too seriously; materialistic things never last; for example £800 louboutin. It's about what you love to wear and what you feel the most comfortable, that's all that matters.

What are both of your favourite items of clothing right now?

Susanna: I'm not going to lie I'm absolutely obsessed with my black Nike Benassi slippers for £16 from JD sports. They are the most comfortable things ever! It's so bad I literally wear them everywhere I go- to fashion shoots, to college and I even wore them to fashion week which was kind of a dumb idea. We looked like outcasts but loads of people started taking picture of us so I guessed they looked alright. Sometimes I wear them with socks which is like being at home but I do get a lot of looks from it, but I laugh it off considering that I am wearing black slippers with white socks, I don't make it easier for myself but I love it so I don't care what others think, it's what I like that matters.

Joanna: Definitely my Cashmere jacket. It's a real blue and green Cashmere jacket that I got for £1 from the charity shop round my area...I Know Right! It's my favorite buy ever! You can almost wear it with anything! And also my white scully platforms, they are a dream! They hurt like crazy when you wear them too long, but they are so worth it!

Both of your styles are unique and a new range of a fashion you have both created. Where do you get your inspirations from?

Susanna: Well, I get my inspiration from different places, to be honest. I read a lot of magazines like vogue, company and I love the ASOS magazines so I get inspiration from there. I also adore tumblr which I feel gives me the most inspiration, but my style varies from time to time. I love going old school/ vintage/retro most of the time, because that's what I feel most comfortable in,it suits me best and also looks great on me. I love shopping in charity shops because it's affordable, fun and you won't see anyone else wearing the exact same thing as you, so its practically one of a kind. Funny enough I've never clashed with anyone which I feel is an achievement. 

Yay me!

Joanna: Well I think I subconsciously take little snippets of peoples outfits and put it on myself haha! I kind of mix clothes and accessories up and just go for it, people notice things more when it looks odd. I would like to say I'm a chameleon so I can rock urban, chic, vintage at different times and not look like I'm trying so much; You need to rock the whole head-to-toe look to pull this off. 

I also experiment with things a lot, like if I see an accessory that has potential, I work with it, you need to be open with things and try it out, not thinking too much about it. Also not caring about what others think about it, but also you have to be comfortable at the same time. But also going on Tumblr and Pinterest on my iPhone while I'm on my way somewhere is such an advantage, I get a most of my inspiration from there.

Some news

Due to exams, I will be busy- blog will resume after my June exams.

VIII

Alice

1.) How do you feel about natural beauty?

I think it's fab! If someone feels comfortable enough to go without make up then I respect that. I've never felt inclined to wear make up, and I'm completely happy that way. But the notion that natural beauty is inherently tied in with make-up, needs to be challenged slightly I think- natural beauty should also refer to ones character, because what is on the inside is essentially real beauty.

2.) How does it make you feel when you wear make up?

If a professional does it, definitely gives me a confidence boost, but I try to put on makeup myself, cause I have no idea how to go about it. 

3.)In terms of the media, do you feel that they have pressured our generation into this whole idealistic view of 'beauty'?

Yes of course, we are all aware of the use of Photoshop and editing in advertisements, and what not but inevitably it still affects us. We are presented with these perfect images that we're supposed to aspire to, but it's just so unrealistic. They select the most beautiful people to advertise products, but even that's not good enough so they manipulate the image to make them look even more flawless. It's not only unrealistic therefore it's just unachievable, a normal girl isn't going to be able to reach those levels of perfection on a day to day basis because not even the models themselves look like that naturally!


4.) Especially between girls, do you feel instead of all girls uniting together,  we seem to be criticising each other? An example of this would be a television programme called 'Fashion police'.

I haven't seen the programme but I definitely agree that there's a lack of unity amongst gals, particularly because of the whole 'team' mentality on a social media. Team thick, team thin, team light skin, and team natural- that kind of thing. When we use those hash tags we're implying that those attributes elevate us above other women- like to have curves is more feminine  or to have lighter skin is more desirable. It's great to be confident in what you've got but we need to move away from the team idea and towards accepting beauty in all its forms. Teams compete against each other, and I question what we're competing for as women, through the use of the terms light skin or whatever.
At the end of the day if you join a 'team' you isolate yourself from a whole group who don't share that feature with you; those who aren't light skinned, who use synthetic hair, who wear make-up or who aren't thick set. It seems like an anti-female bias in society pitting women against each other by highlighting their minor differences instead of celebrating their many similarities. It's crazy, we don't need to be oppressed by men telling us we're not equal 'cause we buy into the patriarchy ourselves, creating disparity amongst ourselves- any movement that lacks unity isn't going to be as strong.

5.) Do you think the real definition of 'beauty' has been overshadowed by this fake meaning of 'beauty'?

Let me just quickly highlight that I don't think the use of makeup is fake, it's a woman's choice if she wants to wear it and if it makes her feel more self-assured than great, go ahead. The implication that wearing make-up makes women less real is silly- the external does not affect the internal in this case. However I do believe the focus on exterior beauty has overshadowed the importance of inner beauty. We're human's and have always praised things that are aesthetically pleasing whether art, nature or whatever. The difference though is that humans in general are not objects- like a piece of art or a flower, therefore deriving their value solely from their appearance is flawed, because obviously there is so much more to them. Appreciating external beauty is great but championing it as the be all and end all for a person isn't- inner beauty is so important. I don't think most people will get far in life if they're absolutely stunning, but have an ugly spirit and heart. Though I'm sure many people would dispute that.