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Twenty Things I Learnt Before I Turned Twenty

They say as you get older, wisdom follows suit. I’m not entirely sure this has been true in my case. But as my 20th birthday fast approaches, I’ve found myself reflecting on my teenage years, from the soaring highs to the deepest lows. For the sake of poetic flair, I’ve summarised my realisations in twenty points. Twenty lessons learnt before I turned twenty, dedicated to my teenage self.

1.       You’ll change your mind, and you’ll change it again- and that’s okay. You can be an actor, turned nurse, turned chef… the bottom line is that right now you don’t need to make hard and fast decisions. You can explore new things, make mistakes, enjoy not having a clear direction and in following whatever peaks your interest. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts in figuring out what you want; you just have to go through the motions.

2.       While you might look at university students and think they’ve got their lives together, you’ll soon realise that this is little more than an institutional veil. Beneath the excitable talk of graduate jobs and future plans, those students are equally overwhelmed by panic and self-doubt, with some still calling mum to ask if their new top is safe to go in the dryer. We all learn different things at the time we’re meant to -the variation in our experiences is what makes us unique. So, there’s little use in comparing yourself to others.

3.       BREATHE. You will pass your exams, you will get into university, you will make friends and you will be fine living on your own. BE PRESENT. Try not to fixate so much on the future that your days (which seem slow-going now) will pass you by. You’ll learn to have faith in the process and trust that what is meant for you, will happen for you.

4.       You might roll your eyes now, but as you get older you’ll realise that the cure for most things is time, which will bring resilience. You’ll be surprised by how much hurt you can bare, even if sometimes it will feel as though you’re drowning in it. Some days, you’ll gulp in air and it’ll be unsatisfying, others you’ll feel like a weight has settled in the pit of your stomach, willing you to retreat to the safety of your bedsheets. And yet somehow, you’ll find yourself getting up in the mornings, getting ready for the day, and getting on with it. The weeks will pass by so quickly that sometimes you stop and wonder if it all really happened. Minutes will turn into hours of reverie, where you just forget. And slowly, the weight of those worries will become lighter, and you’ll find new ways to fill feelings of emptiness. You’ll go on, and while each day may present new challenges, you’ll realise how your limitations have expanded. You don’t end, you just change -that’s one thing you can always count on.

5.       You’ll realise you should have ignored when adults told you that he picks on you because he likes you. Those words are damaging; they will root themselves deep inside of you. As the years go by, thinly veiled insults will flush your cheeks, being ignored will make you curious and harsh tones will caress your skin. Do not confuse attention for admiration. These are not signs of affection. It’ll take time, but it’ll be the most important thing you realise about relationships and your self-worth.  

6.       You might not be beautiful like them, but you are beautiful like you. Never compare yourself to others -just work on being your best self. People will see the light you bring into a room and treat you in such a way that you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less. You will be loved just for authentically being you. It seemed unlikely when you were 16 with a Zac Efron look-alike and surrounded by shallow expectations, but I can promise you it’ll be best thing you ever learn.

7.       Despite what you’ve been told all these years, you won’t meet your other half. Now, don’t panic, although it is yet to happen, you will meet someone. They just won’t be your other half. This is because you are not a puzzle piece but were born whole, to be complete all on your own. Let someone complement and bring out the best in you; completion is up to you.

8.       Always be kind to people, no matter what they can give you in return. Even when you feel a storm raging inside of you. Even if the day has been long and the world has been making you bitter. You will learn to be kinder than you feel and revel in knowing you’ve put a smile on someone else’s face - even when you think nothing can put a smile on yours.

9.       There is no shame in putting yourself first. You’ll find yourself striking a match off your spine just to warm people complaining of a draught. But as the temperature begins to drop, you will realise you are burning out. You’ll witness the time and energy you invest in others while your own resources are drained. In time, you’ll learn not to feel selfish or guilty for taking control of your own self-care. Nurture your own capabilities before assuming responsibility for those around you.

10.   It’s not your job to convince others of your value. Shine without need for validation. The way you perceive yourself is one thing that does not change with age; your value must be realised. You have value, you matter, you are enough. You are not measurable by the clearness of your skin, nor the circumference of your thighs nor the resources you can provide others with. You have value simply in being.

11.   Be yourself unapologetically, even if you’re still not entirely sure who that is. Truthfully, you may never have an ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ moment of enlightenment, where you stand atop a mountain, waves crashing below you, taking in the vast expanse of the universe when suddenly everything just clicks into place. It’s a gradual process: you’ll make mistakes, you’ll stumble through most of your teenage years, but along the way you’ll find little pieces of yourself become affirmed. You’ll discover your passions, come to terms with your quirks, develop opinions, and so much more. You’ll learn that you are constantly evolving and may never completely understand who you are - but that’s okay. Life would be pretty boring without all its change and uncertainty.

12.   Strive for excellence, but not at the expense of your sanity. You’re a hard worker, but you hold yourself to such high expectations that falling short of them is inevitable from time to time. Be gentle with yourself when this happens, allow time to rest. You can always try again tomorrow.

13.   You’ll realise that judging other people says more about you than it does them. You’ll face enough adversity in this world without creating more of it. So, compliment people whenever you have the chance, not simply on their appearances - appreciate what makes their minds tick, or when their voices rise an octave as they share the things that excite them with you.

14.   Self-care is not all about face masks and ‘guilty pleasure’ evenings watching Netflix. Especially not when that ever-increasing pile of work on your desk is staring at you from across the room. Plan your time without using avoidance tactics. You’ll learn to recognise your limits and become more self-aware, and a large part of this is managing your responsibilities in a way that creates room for enjoying yourself too.

15.   Chase every opportunity to experience the things you love. Sometimes this will mean doing things by yourself, and you should never let this hold you back. I promise you there is nothing sad about going to that concert alone, but actually something oddly freeing in holding your head up high and being in your element, entirely of your own volition.

16.   You’ll learn to stop confusing the feeling of flying with jumping off cliffs. You’ll go through a phase of taking unnecessary risks, ones that put your heart, health and happiness on the line for the sake of having “teenage” experiences. You’ll have stories to tell of hazy nights and head-pounding mornings, and sure, you’ll seem cool. Taking great leaps without having a safe place to land can be exhilarating. You can become addicted to the uncertainty and sustained by the adrenaline pumping through your system. This also becomes a deliberate form of self-sabotage. You’ll realise the impact of hitting the ground is unavoidable, and that you are not as invincible as you once thought. You can have fun without damaging yourself.

17.   People will disappoint you, this is inevitable. You tend to build people up, place them on pedestals, and at times, even depend on them to make you happy. This creates a pattern of self-deprecation, feeding others’ growth while stunting your own. You will soon realise that just like you, they’re only human.

18.   The only thing you can control in life is how you see it -this includes what you choose to let go of. Whether it’s a job, a person or a mistake that’s getting you down, sometimes gripping onto what ought to be instead of what is will only sustain the growing pains. Letting go allows peace in moving on.

19.   You’ll realise that it’s exhausting trying to be the best version of yourself all the time. You can laugh off pain, avoid talking about your problems, adopt a seamless persona for the sake of saving face, but so much constant effort cannot be appreciated by others - and it hurts you in the process. Diluting yourself for the comfort of others is a disservice to yourself. Running from your emotions is the surest way for them to catch up with you. Acknowledge and accept when you’re having a bad day, so that you can move on. Perfection is overrated.

20.   You know that feeling you get when you touch pen to paper? Like your heart has grown five sizes too big, building pressure in your chest until the words are pouring out? That won’t go away. It’ll get more intense over the years as you face new challenges, but the practice of writing will also become like controlling your breathing, as articulating your thoughts start to help you make sense of them. So, start as soon as you can, find your voice and let it be heard, both because and in spite of your fear and self-doubt.

Words by Rosie Mahoney

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How To Maintain Long Distance Relationships

Social media and globalisation have opened up a brand-new facet of relationships that has previously been unavailable: long distance relationships. Chances are, someone in your life will end up being a long distance relationship that you will maintain. Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat, Snapchat, and even Instagram are platforms that allow us to keep in touch with loved ones no matter where they are in the world. But even with the invention of these communications methods, being far from a loved one whether they are your significant other, friend, or family member can still be painstaking. Here are my top five tips to make the best of your long-distance relationships.

1.              Make the effort

Having the distance between you and your loved one makes it easy to slack off on spending time with each other, resulting in hardly speaking to someone you used to see frequently. Making an effort to carve out time to spend with your loved one is even more important when you are separated by geography. Despite your busy schedules, taking the step to FaceTime or phone them (even if it’s just half an hour) can be the gesture that shows you are serious and dedicated to this relationship. It can even be making a small effort to send them a ‘good morning’ text message or simply saying “how are you?”.

2.              Routine is key

If your schedule is hectic and you find yourself wishing you could tear yourself into two sometimes just to complete all the tasks on your to-do list, allocating a set time each week or every couple of days to catch up with your loved one is not only a great way to maintain your relationship, but also to de-stress. This might also be the solution if you and your loved one are juggling the difficulties of working with a time difference. Setting up a routine to talk when you are both awake could ensure that you talk frequently.

3.              Be present

Setting aside your phone and shutting off your computer when you are spending time with your loved ones is great practise on being present and spending quality time together. This should also be applied to maintaining long distance relationships. When distance makes opportunities to chat and see other a rarity, it is all the more important to be present and make the most of spending time with your loved one.

4.              Small is big

Never underestimate the power of small gestures. Even just snapping them a picture of your lunch or letting them know that the reason that you won’t be replying very much today because of your jam-packed day is important. Sending a simple “I miss you” or “thinking of you” can be all you need to make the other person feel remembered and valued. 

5.              Travel when possible

Make the gesture to travel to see your long distanced loved one. Whether you both take a trip somewhere new together or you visit your loved one, it will make for some quality time with them in person. Although this can be expensive, hard-work, and involve large amounts of planning, it is worthwhile to make especially if you have not seen them in a long time. Spending time together physically can refresh your relationship and make up for a lack of face-to-face contact.

Words by Sandra Leung

Image by Garon Piceli

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Starting out your fitness journey?

Fitness and healthy eating are currently taking the world by storm. Working out and clean eating are a growing concern for the modern population, and has become a widespread lifestyle that many are adopting. This health trend has introduced a number of trends and fads, but it is crucial to select the right one that is best suited for your goals.

Fitness trainer and entrepreneur Kayla Itsines introduced a 12-week workout guide in 2016 called the Bikini Body Guide (or BBG for short) that has changed the fitness world. With the success of this e-book fitness guide, a strong BBG community of like-minded individuals all across the world have banded together from their shared love for Kayla Itsines’ workout regime and ideals. The Bikini Body Guide itself features a combination of 28 minute workouts including HIIT (high intensity interval training), LISS (low intensity steady state), and resistance training in the form of circuits over the course of 12 weeks. The concise workouts are tailored to be done in a gym or anywhere else, and for the busy woman. Kayla Itsines’ mission statement is “I want to help as many women as possible achieve their ideal body, their confidence and their happiness!” These core values of happiness, health, and confidence that Kayla’s campaign is based upon has spurred a fitness revolution that focuses on self-fulfilment, health, and empowering women instead of purely on weight loss. Her incredible worldwide success also brought on BBG 2.0, and the Sweat app. A quick scroll through the transformation photos on Kayla’s Instagram account will show just how effective her program is. Be sure to check out her e-books here.

YouTuber Sarahs Day is an Australian based lifestyle and fitness guru. She has built a YouTube channel dedicated to healthy eating, fitness, holistic living, and natural healing. Started with the intention of sharing her experiences with hormonal acne in 2013, the evolution of Sarah’s Day led to her success today with the release of her own fitness e-book called Sweat It To Shred It. Designed to be “eight full weeks of custom workouts that can be integrated into your personal schedule in a flexible and maintainable way.” With the motto and philosophy of “listen to your body” Sarah spreads the importance of holistic and natural living and eating that is sustainable. Her bubbly personality and openness featured on her channel has attracted an increasing number of viewers. She has also completed multiple collaborations to create products that reflect her standard of living and her ideals. The creation of her vegan, gluten free, and paleo cocoa salted caramel protein balls in partnership with Health Lab in 2017 spreads her beliefs on healthy and enjoyable snacking. Her most recent collaboration with White Fox Boutique in creating a fitness clothing collection intends to combine quality fitness wear with style and comfort. Give Sarah Day’s eight week challenge a try here.

The growing popularity of fit and healthy lifestyles have also given a platform to fitness gurus and bloggers. Instagram influencer and blogger account rrayyme started by American Japanese Remi Ishizuka showcases her health and wellness lifestyle. Sharing clean recipes, beauty favourites, training regimes, and travels, she has built a successful career in creating content on health and fitness. Her success on social media has also provided her with the role of Adidas Ambassador as well as partnering with many other brands such as Chobani, Popchips, and Dannon to spread values of nourishing the body correctly and living in a healthy manner. Remi’s blog provides a more in depth glimpse into the lifestyle she showcases. Featuring recipes, guru tips, beauty articles, she covers it all for us. Check out her blog here.

The proliferation of health and fitness trends means an overwhelming number of options on the road to living clean and healthy. It is key to select trends and influencers that focus not only on the outside but also the inside (cheesy I know, but it’s true!). Influencers that promote a healthy, confident, and happy lifestyle are revolutionising the idea of staying fit and eating healthy. Showing us all that it can be sustainable and fun. Fitness should be a step taken to improve wellbeing, health, and mentality and not a burden to lose weight in unsustainable ways.

Words by Sandra Leung

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Achieving the Italian Lifestyle

Italians are well-known for their laid-back lifestyle, but how do they do it?

Start your day with a good coffee

The best way to start your day is with a superfood: coffee. In Italy coffee is one of the most important part of the day. Italians love to enjoy their coffee break and they usually sit down and chat about their day while drinking it: it is for this reason that in Italy the idea of take away coffee is completely absent, you will find no bar with cups to go.

Enjoy your meals with a good company

Italians are genuinely all about food and thus they make the best of every occasion where food is involved. It is a moment of joy when Italians eat all together and the main part is food itself. Dinner time is particularly important for Italians as it is the moment of the day when the family reunites and get to talk about everyone’s day. In a time where people are so caught up at work that they forget to take time for themselves it is important to just relax and share the good or bad experiences of your day with friends or family and dinner time is usually the best time to do that. Italians love to prepare different types of food for one meal and usually prepare many different appetizers.

Spend a lot of time with your family

Italian people are deeply attached to the family, if you ask an Italian person ‘how many times did your mum call today?’, he/she will reply at least 10 times. Italians really love to spend time with their family and they try to visit their parents at least twice a week. This is because Italian people are raised knowing that family is the most important thing in your life.

Take Time to Talk to People

Italians don’t rush thing as it is probably clear by now, they enjoy talking to the breadman, asking how the cashier’s children are, etc. They like to engage in conversation with people they never met, or they regularly see just to buy food, because they believe that conversations can make your day brighter. This type of small talk is very common in Italy and it usually happens in small towns where everyone knows each other.

Finish your day with some with limoncello

Finally, Italians end their day with a bit of ‘limoncello’: a sweet lemon liqueur. Limoncello is originally from the south of Italy, more precisely Sicily, and, served after dinner, is used to help digestion. This is particularly useful as many Italian meals are abundant and consistent, and thus particularly hard to digest. Limoncello, according to many reliable Italian grandmothers, is the best way to have a good night sleep.

Words by Beatrice Baldiraghi

Image by The Blonde Abroad

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Sexism in Sport

Women have always played football, the first official match taking place in 1895. Although because of the aggressive nature it was deemed unladylike. In 1921 the Football Association (FA) banned women from playing on their grounds. This ban was later overturned in 1971, 2 years after the Women’s Football Association (WFA) was formed in 1969 with 44 member clubs.

Women’s football has risen to prominence in recent years. The women’s world cup had more press coverage than ever before, one of the stars of the world cup Alex Morgan even featured on the cover of FIFA 16 video game making her the first woman to feature. Although the coverage of the women's 2015 world cup still heavily featured male pundits. The first female commentator for Match of the Day on BBC made her debut in 2007. Jacqui Oatley was the first women to commentate in the 43-year history of the programme. Since then there has been more women involved in football coverage, although progress is slow.

Female fans are not taken as seriously as men even tough 25% of attendees at premier league football games are women. This figure has increased in recent years with more and more women attending games. More women are likely to attend home games as they find away games too dangerous due to the large numbers of men drinking and travelling back at late times. 10% of women surveyed by Fans for diversity (Commissioned by Football Supporters’ Federation and Kick It Out) said that sexism was the main reason they did not attend more games. They also felt that they had to be tested before people believed that they were fans, often being asked to explain the rules of the game.

In recent years’ women have become more visible in football and all sports. However, there are still improvements that need to be made.

3 ways that will help to end sexism in sport:

1. Pressure teams to stop sexist chants, there’s no place for them in 2018. The clubs rely on fans to buy tickets and merchandise. By organising boycotts and applying pressure they will be forced to change. A major reason keeping women from attending games was the isolation they feel when chants are being said. Also looking out for each other and reporting incidents. 8.5% of women have received unwanted physical attention at matches (Fans For Diversity).

2.   Tweet or show appreciation for female commentators. Social media is a big way to show support. Channels often monitor social media to see who is popular. So if you think someone is good you should applaud them. This will increase the chances of more women appearing in sports coverage.

3.   Avoid commenting on looks. Often people fixate on female presenter’s clothes when they would not do the same for their male counterparts. The women are doing their job so it’s best to not comment on how nice her appearance is. When female sports presenter is searched one of the top links is ‘hottest women sports presenters’. This is very problematic and we need to ensure that their talent is at the forefront of any compliments.

Words by Ruweyda Hussan

Image by Arsenal Ladies, Getty Images

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Job Rejection: How to stay afloat when the answer’s always ‘no’.

So, you didn’t get the job. You spent so much time tweaking your CV, writing a cover letter and researching the company, only to check your emails and be deemed ‘unsuccessful’ a week later. And it sucks. If you’re someone like me, a fresh-faced graduate, with big dreams of a delightful looking salary and a great job, facing repeated rejection emails time and time again is quite disheartening. Competition for jobs is roaring and an employer’s list of requirements is growing. However, if you’re someone who’s been opening your inbox to a constant batch of no no and no emails, it’s time to take a step back, gain some perspective and stay positive. 

Staying motivated in this situation is difficult, but it’s possible. Firstly, it may be easier said than done, but don’t let rejection hinder you. These big, bad employers have a tendency to chuck around the terms successful and unsuccessful, which unfortunately connote win and fail. Take a glance at this from a new angle. ‘Unsuccessful’ doesn’t mean failure, it means you weren’t a fit - and there’s a big difference. Here’s some insight on this: if you’re not a fit, then do you really want to work for them? A friend of mine once told me that she had never looked at any CV or covering letter advice, because if they didn’t like how she wrote and what she had to say, then she didn’t want to work for them anyway. This simple idea changed my outlook on rejection emails altogether. 

 If you’re someone who’s current full time job is searching for a job, then it’s time to review the situation. Propel yourself forward by keeping some side projects on the go to break up the time between applying. Volunteering is a great way to boost your CV and can give you something to split your time between. On the other hand submitting work to magazines or emailing companies and asking if you can shadow them are great ways to keep yourself occupied. Having these will help you set yourself deadlines and keep your head above water, especially if applying is something that’s been bogging you down. And bonus: you’ll have way more to talk about when it comes to your next job interview. 

 Try to keep a log of vacancies on the back burner. There are thousands of websites that advertise all types of jobs for so many companies you didn’t even know existed. If you focus all your time and energy on one particular job, it’s going to be even more disappointing to hear you’re not the chosen one. Instead, make a list of all the things that you like the look of. Keep note of their deadlines, what they're asking of an applicant and prioritise them. Then you know that if one thing doesn’t work out, there are still a whole bunch of other routes you can go down. Having this reminds you that your options are still open and just because one didn’t work out, doesn’t mean another won’t.  Think of it like this: you don’t just swipe right to only one person on Tinder. You’ve got to keep swiping to find the perfect match. 

Remember, practice makes perfect. With all the advice available on the do’s and don’t of applying, knowing what’s right is a riddle. Try to think view your applications as something of an experience. Maybe this is some cliché advice, but always try to get some feedback from recruiters and use what you know to help you out. The only way is up!

Finally, be realistic. If you’re a fresh faced graduate or you’re changing your goals altogether, you’re probably always going to be idealising your dream job. However, it’s unlikely that you’re going to land your dream role first time round. I’m a firm believer in starting at the bottom and working your way up. Keep your options open search around for all roles. If you believe having a career is your purpose in life, then don’t pick a title and stick to it. Experiment different roles. Try an internship in something you haven’t considered before. And remember, it’s never permanent. If you don’t like it, you can change it, and you will land that dream job before you know it. 

Words by Alice Williams 

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Exploring Mt Bromo, Indonesia

When people think of Indonesia, usually what comes to mind is the image of a wonderful white sand beach in Bali. However, Indonesia has much more to offer than its beaches. Let me introduce you to The Spectacular Mount Bromo which is located in Surabaya, Indonesia. This particular mountain is the perfect place to wait for the sunrise and is a spectacular place where travellers can both appreciate the beauty of nature and relax. 

The first thing to know before going to Mount Bromo is to find a hotel that is near to it as it will take approximately more than an hour to reach the top. Additionally, it is recommended that you find a jeep driver that will take you to the mountain peak due to its rocky terrain. However, all of those suffering of waking up very early in the morning and a long time wait in the car are worth it. Well, for me worth it actually is an understatement for the scenery that will be unfold to the traveler’s eyes when they reach and see the stunning scenery of Mount Bromo. The feeling of floating among the clouds is definitely one not to be missed out on, especialy if you’re new to the climbing experience. I waited for almost 2 hours for the sky to eventually turned from dark to red to orange and gradually all of the surrounding became sunny clear. 

Afterwards, finish enjoying the sunrise view tourists can continue their journey to the feet of Mount Bromo. Where many ride horses to enjoy the view of Bromo Mountain which all covered by sea of black sand.  Another activity that can we do is to visit a temple in the middle the sea of sand which called Luhur Poten Temple. This temple until today is still being used by the locals for traditional rituals and prayer. Mount Bromo is a visit for holiday destination, especially for individuals who adore adventure and the great outdoors. Lastly, to spend the rest of the day we can travel around the downtown to eat local foods and buy some souvenirs.  

Words by Devina Elisabeth

Image by Wikipedia Commons

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10 Places You Must Add to Your Bucket list Now!

Someone once said that ‘life is not meant to be lived in one place,’ but, more than just a quote to repost on Twitter, they cracked the code to a happy life. Travel is an adventure that can give you experiences that you never thought possible, and these experiences are heightened when you find yourself in places most travellers overlook. That’s why we are sharing ten destinations you must add to your ‘bucket list’ immediately. If you don’t have a bucket list, what are you doing? And if you do have one, don’t miss out on these remarkable places.

A E R O  I S L A N D, Denmark

Location: Egeskov Castle

When thinking of Denmark, Copenhagen usually springs to mind, but once you visit Aero Island that will all change. This little mythical island is quietly scenic and filled with sleepy villages. You can expect to see beautiful sea views from every angle, as you stroll through cobbled streets and long rows of crooked fairy-tale houses – a sight which prompted travel writer Rick Steves to label Aero as “Denmark’s ship-in-a-bottle island.” Make sure to visit the charming Egeskov Castle to complete your magical Danish experience.

B E R G E N, Norway

Location: Old Wharf

Norway is another country that is often overlooked when it comes to travelling but, there is more to this Scandinavian land than just the Northern Lights. Take a trip to Bergen, a city in the southwest surrounded by mountains and creeks. The rows of picturesque colourful wooden houses near the wharf are just one of the splendours of the city. To make things even more exciting, you can take the funicular up towards the peak of Fløyen Mountain to reveal scenic views of the city and the surrounding sea. The picture above should be enough to sell this stunning little city.

C H E F C H A O U E N, Morocco

Chefchaouen is known as the ‘Blue Pearl’ of Morocco and, as you can see from the picture, it is a fitting name. The city is nestled in the Rif Mountains in northwest Morocco and is comprised of blue-washed buildings – once painted by Jewish Refugees in the 1930’s. Its striking blue tones coupled with its steep cobbled paths are making Chefchaouen increasingly popular with bloggers and travellers alike and we can see why.

K Y O T O, Japan

Location: Philosopher’s Path

Kim Kardashian may have misspelt it as Keyoto but, Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Tokyo is already a hit with travellers in its own right, but Kyoto is perfect for those seeking a slower pace. It's famous for its many gardens, traditional wooden houses, and Buddhist Temples. A must-see point-of-interest is the Philosopher’s Path in the Higashiyama district. The path surrounds a canal that is beautifully lined by countless cherry blossom trees – which will be in full bloom by early April.

J A I P U R, India

Palace of the Winds 

Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’, is one of India’s quietest cities – now that is by India’s standards, so don’t expect a tranquil haven. However, you will definitely be impressed by the array of pink buildings, the unique architecture, colourful fabric markets, and the regal painted elephants that sleepily wander through the roads. A visit to Jaipur would not be complete without a trip to the opulent Palace of the Winds – a travel blogger’s delight.

T B L I S I, Georgia

We don’t hear of Georgia much when discussing travel destinations, but the country has a lot to offer. Tblisi, with its cobblestoned old town, its diverse mixture of Eastern Orthodox and Soviet Modernist architecture, is its capital city that is sure to steal your heart. A visit to Tblisi should include taking a stroll through the old town to admire the run-down wooden houses, visiting the Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, and trying one of their delicious delicacies – Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread).

C A R T A G E N A, Colombia

Location: Plaza de los Coches 

Colombia has many amazing cities to visit, but one of our favourites is Cartagena – named after its namesake in Spain. It is a beautifully cultured port city on the country’s Caribbean coast. Its tropical climate makes it a perfect destination for beach lovers, and the many plazas, cobblestone streets, and strikingly colourful buildings make it perfect for all travel enthusiasts. Cartagena is a beautiful spot in Colombia that should not be overlooked.

P E T R A, Jordan

Location: Al Khazneh 

Petra, or the ‘Rose City,’ is a famous archaeological site in Jordan that dates back to roughly 300 B.C. Its popularity with travellers stems from the magnificence of the tombs and temples that are carved into the pink sandstone cliffs. The architecture is half-built, half-carved, and is surrounded by stoic mountains and encompassed by narrow passages through rock walls. A visit to Petra would not only be visually pleasing to the eye but an unforgettable travel experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

M I L F O R D  S O U N D, New Zealand

New Zealand is a country famous for its picturesque landscapes and you can get the full view of it at Milford Sound. Its grand mountains, lush rainforest, and waterfalls that plunge gracefully are a recipe for a fusion of spectacular natural features. To get the best of this natural beauty, take a boat tour and capture the extraordinary visuals around every corner.

B U E N O S  A I R E S, Argentina

Location: La Boca

Argentina is our second South American country on the list, and it’s no secret that it is a continent filled with travel gems that are often overlooked. Buenos Aires is the country’s cosmopolitan capital city that gives you a fusion different to that in Milford Sound. Here, you will be experiencing Latin American charm mingled with European poise – it’s a city as colourful and as cultural as its brightly painted buildings.  Visit the Plaza de Mayo, catch a show at the grand Teatro Colón; and for art lovers, the MALBA museum features unique art that has attracted admirers far and wide.

Can you feel the wanderlust yet?

Words by Ava Amien

Images by Wikipedia Commons, Andrew Harper, Heart My Backpack, Wendy Wu Tours, The Conversation, Lonely Planet, Venue Lust, Vogue, Klook and Pinterest.

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The Flavour of Paris

Picture a wide and bustling street in a central district of the most stylish city in Europe: Paris. Attracting over 82 million tourists a year, the pavements here are awash with excitement, culture and most importantly flavour. Whether your planning to loose yourself in winding alleys to find hidden cafes frequented by the Parisienne on her lunch hour, or stick to the well-trodden tourist favourites, chefs here ensure all taste buds experience the culinary journey of a lifetime. On my own trip to this home of fine cuisine, I discovered a few gems worth visiting for a bite to eat, and trust me several plats later you’ll thank me for the tips.

Farine & O Recommended for: Breakfast   Price: € €

No food travel guide to Paris would be complete without a boulangerie recommendation and this is mine. Nestled in the Bastille quarter, Farine & O is an attempt to rethink the traditional French bakery. Gone are the classic rustic brown interiors and wicker detailing of the usual bread shops, here the walls are a muted blue-grey and products are displayed simply with all the attention focused on the perfection of the patisserie. This establishment is legendary within the neighbourhood and queues often develop for their croissants and baguettes, but the brioche is my personal recommendation.

District 80MM Recommended for: Lunch Price: €

If you're looking for a simple but authentic French lunch then here is the restaurant for you. There are a million cafes just like this one, with coloured fabric awnings extended over their tables in the street, they’re a great option for a satisfying meal which won’t break the bank. Good service is guaranteed on Rue du Fauborg Saint-Antoine and the grilled salmon served with a mountain of buttery green beans is the perfect pick-me-up on a cold day of sightseeing.

L’Escargot Montorgueil Recommended for: Dinner Price: € € €

Dine here for an experience for all the senses. An opulent red velvet restaurant, featuring double height mirrored walls, l’Escargot Montorgueil is home to the French cuisine you’ve always wanted to try. Famed for its snails which come in seven different ways, one of which involves gold leaf, a visit to the restaurant is the perfect moment to tuck into the dishes which have made France famous. From frogs legs to Foie Gras, don’t be afraid to indulge your tourist curiosity and remember to complete your meal with their brilliant creme brûlée to get the full French experience.

Words by Cressida O’Kelly

Images by Hiromi S, Maxine Debat, Caroline Mignot, Emilie B, Gilles Tombeur, Pauline BB, Emilie Schram, Napasorn Ekpankul, Olya Arkharova, Anina Kostecki and Diana Ramazanova (in order).

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Black Panther - Review

It is probably common knowledge by now, but it bears repeating and stressing that Black Panther has hit a lot of firsts as a representative film. It is the first Marvel film with a predominantly black cast, the highest grossing film of the year and also the biggest debut by an African American director. And Marvel were not ignorant about the hype that would come with this film, their efforts in filmography, scoring, acting and storytelling have been noticed by many critics. It is a Marvel film that pushes a healthier discourse for diversity and good film making, but there is still one problem: it is a Marvel film.

While standing out as one of the more artistically successful films made by Marvel, Black Panther does not lack its share of the faulty tropes that accompany its fellow super-hero films and that perpetually condemn Marvel movies to being one of those things you need to ‘switch your brain off’ for, unlike the countless great mainstream films that are not necessarily complex but also do not fall under this sub-category of not being a ‘real effort’.

For starters its plot is heavily flawed, which ‘for a Marvel movie’ is not necessarily an issue, but for anyone that wants to walk in and genuinely be entertained it is slightly frustrating. Many plot points of Black Panther are essentially tropes the average moviegoer is way too accustomed to and will predict the outcome of within a minute of its introduction. The film is not terribly concerned with whether the audience will see something coming from miles away or if later demonstrations of the Black Panther’s (played by Chadwick Boseman) powers will make no sense in hindsight to earlier scenes. The writing does not necessarily stand out or facilitate its problematic plot either. Much of it is the same bland and recycled discourse about taking control of your own life that every Marvel film has been espousing since the days of Tobey Maguire’s Spiderman, without any real quotes standing out other than a stellar statement performed by the villain Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) in the third act. Of course a super-hero film will have to discuss super-hero themes, but the issue is nearly every scene that incorporates these kinds of dialogues could be mistaken for any other Marvel movie ever made.

 Many aspects that surround the crucial pillar that is the movie dialogue are also uncomfortable Marvel signature moves, like having predictable music for each scene and mood accompany almost every single second of the film, or some of the great cinematography suffering at the expense of not so great CGI. Despite these ‘Marvelisms’, all of the performances were solid, particularly in moments showing the Black Panther’s relationship with his sister Shuri (played by Letitia Wright), or when following Killmonger’s unique and war-driven philosophy. It is a fun film with as many flaws as every other fun film with that famous red label on it. It is a legitimate good time but sadly nothing that will be short of irritating unless one switches off their brain for it.

Words by Thomas Rososchansky

Image by Marvel

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Stand Up for Gender Equality

Maya Angelou once said: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women”; in 2017 and in the current 2018 many women have stood up for their rights and for those of women who still do not have a voice. I would like to dedicate this piece to inspiring events that are leading to gender equality. I believe this is just the beginning of many changes for parity between women and men. As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explains in her talk “We Should All Be Feminists”: the disparity and denigration of women has been normalized in our society and this is the first aspect to revolutionize.

In honour of Women’s month and Women’s day I would like to share major events that are the true example of women’s strength for what is right:

·         On January 21 2017 women from at least 58 countries worldwide marched through their cities in support of human rights policies. The trigger was the election of Donald Trump on January 20 2017. Many women crossed the streets to show that they did not approve of his presidency, which expressed discrimination for women, LGBTQ community and racial rights.

 ·         On the occasion, of Women’s day in March people gathered again in the streets to march for gender equality. Representing through slogans raised by little girls saying: “Girls Count” or “A Girls Should be What She Wants”.

 ·         UN Women started the #stoptherobbery Campaign; dealing with unequal pay between men and women. Iceland on March 8 2017 introduced a legislation which requires companies to prove that they establish equal payment between their male and female workers.

 ·         Patty Jenkins is the first female director to lead a superhero film, completely made female. The main character is Wonder Woman played by Gal Godot. This is to show that girls have their own incredible and strong hero to look up to.

 ·         On September 22 2017, the beauty pageant of Miss Peru took place and it stunned the world. The participants, instead of giving their body measurements, spoke out on the violence against women that takes place in their country. They exposed numbers and facts and the laws for sexual harassments from that moment changed. Miss Peru of 2017 gave her measurements as: “3,114 female victims of trafficking have been registered since 2014”.

 ·         Saudi Arabia on September 26 2017 issued a decree finally giving the wheel to women. The law should be granted in June 2018, so all women can obtain driver’s license and prove once more their independence from the patriarchal system.

 ·         The activist for civil rights Tarana Burke started using the hashtag METOO in 2006 to fight violence against women in her community; especially, young women of colour who had been sexually abused. After the events and the accusations against American film producer Weinstein and many more men of power, women decided to take action and stop the submission of females. Alyssa Milano chose the #METOO to help women share their stories and to let them know they are not alone.  It has become a silence breaker and women from all over the world are sharing their stories and are raising their voice for women who still today cannot speak up.

 ·         “Safe Bus Journey” is part of the activism which took place from November 25 to December 10 2017 around the world. It is a motion to stop sexual harassment on public transport in Indonesia. It is the beginning to create safe public spaces for women and girls. It is a way to instruct everyone on helping establish a safe environment for all daughters, mothers and sisters. It is the right of every women to walk or take public transport without being harassed. Unfortunately, the objectification of women still exists today. Although, activism worldwide is making it clear that the fight for gender equality will be won.  

Words by Eleonora Tucci

Image by Occasional Planet

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Mens Sana in Corpore Sano: Take Care of Your Body

All over the world people deal with intolerances, health issues like failures of the immune system, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric reflux and many other health problems that have been proven to be related to our diet.

More and more people nowadays rely in fact on the elimination diet. This diet was specifically built to make our body get used to basic aliments to subsequently understand which one are triggering our symptoms. It is important to remember that the diet itself will not cure the medical issue but can significantly improve it.

The elimination diet consists in fact in eliminating foods containing dairy, eggs, soya, processed sugar, red meat, nightshades and gluten, while relying on simple foods like vegetables, fruits, white meat and fish. According to the diet the triggering food must be eliminated for at least 6 months and then gradually reintroduced into the diet while annotating any significant reaction they may cause. This diet then is very similar in many aspects to the vegan diet but, as a daily amount of proteins is needed, fish and white meat (like chicken) are inserted in the diet to provide proteins.

People with health issues are most likely to have some kind of imbalance and for this reason it is important to see a GP and run some blood tests to see if the levels of different minerals and vitamins are optimal. In the case we are missing some, food supplements will also be needed.

A great natural food supplement is turmeric. This spice is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and according to many doctors it is good practice to consume it on a daily basis. It is very common, in fact, to find turmeric shots that can be added to water in shops like Pret-a-manger and Waitrose.

Following a diet, however, is never as easy as it seems. I myself started the elimination diet in January and I must admit that the thing I miss the most is dairy. However, seeing a significant improvement in my condition gives me the strength to keep going.

Here are some tips on how to follow your diet:

-          Keep a food diary (Knowing exactly what you have eaten makes it easier for you to understand what food may have had a negative effect on your body).

-          Read the labels! (Food labels are vital while following the elimination diet as things like gluten and dairy are so commonly used that they can be found in the most unsuspected foods).

-          Sushi is your friend, but not soy sauce (I am a sushi lover and one thing I was happy to find out was that I could still eat sashimi and nigiri as long as I did not dip them in soy sauce).

-          Stay away from temptation (Try to find shops where they sell vegan foods so you will be allowed to eat those foods and absolutely do not buy junk food!)

-          Find recipes you like (This diet is going to stick around for 6 months so you should definitely find out what recipes and food you enjoy. It is also important to experiment, make the most of the ingredients you are allowed!)

Being on this journey myself I discovered many yummy recipes which are allowed with this diet. One of them is the ‘Coconut Chicken Curry’ (serves 4):

-          2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or organic coconut oil

-          ½ cup of chopped onion

-          2 cloves of minced garlic

-          2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes

-          1 pound of boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips

-          1 tablespoon of curry powder

-          ½ cup of coconut cream

-          1/3 cup of water

-          1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

-          5 fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish

-          ½ teaspoon of salt

-          ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper

How to prepare it:

-          Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add onions and cook, stirring until softened. Add garlic and sauté for one more minute.

-          Add tomatoes, chicken strips and curry powder. Cook over low heat, stirring, for about 10-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked and the mixture is thick.

-          Add coconut cream and water, cook for 5 more minutes.

-          Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and garnish with basil.

-          Serve immediately with basmati rice.

This diet is really going to improve your situation if you give it a try and follow it with patience and perseverance and, as the Latin saying affirms, you can only have a healthy mind in a healthy body: so quit the junk food and try the elimination diet!

Words by Beatrice Baldiraghi

Image by Lisa Bryan, Downshiftology

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Brexit and the Return of the Great British Holiday

With Britain’s imminent severance from Europe, a lot of things are left uncertain, including the future of our European holidays. As well as the strength of the pound predicted to weaken, the Open Skies regime, which has allowed freer flowing air traffic between British and European airports is threatened also. All of this means there is likely to be a rise in airfares, or in other words, the return of the Great British holiday.

It doesn’t have to be bleak though, it turns out there are some amazing places to travel to in the UK without a Butlins chalet in site…

1 – The Outer Hebrides

The collection of over 100 islands off the West coast of Scotland can feel like a million miles away from the typical British country scenes. The Hebrides boasts a rugged charm that marks it one of the most beautiful places not just in the UK, but also in the world.

The islands are the perfect destination for an active holiday with amazing walking, surfing, diving and an abundance of wild animals. And if you want to feel really in touch with nature, there is a huge range of ‘alternative’ accommodation such as Shepherd’s huts, yurts and eco-cabins that guarantee you to be right in the thick of it.

2 – Glasgow

Celebrating Scotland further, it’s time for Edinburgh’s cooler brother to step into the limelight. Glasgow is a hub of art, food and culture that is long overdue some credit for what it has to offer.

If it’s history you want, you can check out the Necropolis cemetery in the Gothic East End and the Pollock Country Park also has an impressive museum, extensive art gallery and gardens. Next, be sure to visit the Hug and Pint for a plethora of local craft beer and delicious vegan food – because nothing washes tofu down better than a nice IPA! Finally, you can’t visit Glasgow without letting your hair down at Sub Club, the world’s longest running underground nightclub with the likes of Louis Armstrong having graced the basement in its early years.

3 – The Pig Hotel

The Pig Hotels are a chain of hotels across the UK that are mostly situated in large, secluded and extravagant old country homes. It’s true there is no shortage of country retreats in the UK, however what makes The Pig standout is their primary focus on producing quality food. The hotels may not be cheap, but the quirky style, stunning buildings and idyllic locations are worth saving up the pennies for.

Words by Lucy Bruton

Images by Graham Chalmers, Simon Butterworth and James Merrell.

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5 symptoms that you broke a man's heart

Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, we are all familiar with having our hearts broken, the indications are often the same; there's anguish, disappointment, anger, heartache, humiliation and pain. However, with men it can often be far more difficult to discern these signals because of societal pressure for a man to be strong and to never betray signs of weakness and yet there are still present if you care to take a closer look.

1) He breaks off all contact

This is one of the most recognisable signs that a man is broken as where he once was seemingly invariably close to you, either physically or by means of calling, texting or social media; he has now disappeared from your life completely as if you had never even met, your number and social media accounts may also have been deleted. He refuses to see you and is avoiding you at all costs. This is a clear hint that he is a broken man, his pride has been wounded, his self-esteem has been destroyed and his heart has been shattered.

2) He is withdrawn and distant around you

He has stopped socialising and whenever you run into him or are initiating conversation, he's like ice. The reason for his coldness which may border on ruthlessness is because you have crossed a line that he deems unacceptable and therefore unforgivable, he is either really pissed off or entirely broken, or possibly both.

3) He has sworn of all women, or has become a man about town

Both of these signs are an indication of low self-esteem. If he has sworn of all women, he may believe that they are unworthy of trust or respect. Likewise, if he has suddenly morphed into a 'Jack the lad', this is an unhealthy indication that he feels women are fair game and it is acceptable to use them.

4) He drinks and smokes too much

This is classic escapism where when we feel we can't cope, we turn to the bottle to drown our sorrows. If he indulges in smoking cigarettes or cannabis, there may be an escalation of these activities.

5) He has become obsessive about fitness

He has discovered a recent passion in keeping fit and a new best friend in the gym. The pain felt in the gym whilst working out serves to take his mind off the pain of being without you. It's not easy fooling ourselves like this all the time.

Words by Ali Abbasi

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How to know that you’re the one: An open letter of self-love.

Dearest self,

Why do we always end up in this place? Staring up at the ceiling, the coldness setting in, realising we’ve become perfect strangers yet again.

I am writing this because I want to document this moment, I want to make it clear that things need to change. Although this feels like an incredibly hard pill to swallow, I need you to understand why I’ve been pushing you away, and how I’ve finally come to realise just how you much you mean to me.

I want us to start again.

The day I lost you, I’ll admit I hardly noticed it at first. But, it was like a slow burning, a numbness that spread through my limbs…and I knew I had pushed you too far.

The day he slammed his door for the last time, and as I turned to seek comfort in your consistency I realised I had made a mistake. Below the usual anxiety that set in every time he walked away, something began gnawing deep in the pit of my stomach. And then it dawned on me, I had let you slip away alongside him. I had stored you in his pocket, traded you for his attention and now I would have to fight to win you back. Now I would have to fight for us, something you have been doing since I had taken my first breath.

You are too full of vivacity to be half bound, half claimed. So, here I am, this is my apology and my promise to change.

I am sorry for smothering you within in an inch of your life, ashamed of your flaws, not allowing you to feel the warmth of the sun nor the refreshment of the rain on your skin. I am sorry I have plucked, tugged and ripped at your hair, willing you into submission when you were meant to live freely. I am sorry I have pulled, pawed and jabbed at the outer layer you so lovingly created as my protective cocoon, sorry for devoiding you of nourishment, pushing too hard, to the brink and back and being frustrated when you needed rest.

I am sorry for the harsh words I have said, and worse still for those that I have thought. I can’t even say that I didn’t mean them.

I am sorry for the empty pits I have created from reckless nights and regrettable mornings, sorry for choking you with smoke filled lungs and drowning you in poison. For testing your limits and slamming fists when the cracks began to show.

More than anything I am sorry for ignoring your warning signs, your screams of anguish as I walked back into his arms for the hundredth time, wiping sweaty palms and holding back the tears you so desperately needed to fall.

I am sorry for holding my tongue, swallowing the words that would have set us free, choking you with each muffled sob, each forced idea of romanticism, each minute I projected distorted images in our minds over and over and over again. I am sorry that I gave an outsider access to every secret we’ve held just between us, for allowing us to be sampled, tasted, reduced to a product of mere curiosity, of convenience.

I am sorry I have let you be rented and leased at someone else’s leisure, put you in the hands of those with no intention of keeping you.

I am sorry for forcing you to bloom flowers for those hardly worth the seeds, and for blaming you when they were left to rot on the street.

Don’t I know how hard you’ve worked just to get me here? How you’ve routed for me from the very start, sponsored every step, lent me your shoulder to lean on.

Why don’t I understand that you have gotten me through every one of my worst days?

Why do I still underestimate you?

How can I expect others to keep you close to their hearts, when I have shattered yours in the process?

I cannot apologise enough for putting anyone, everyone over you when you have never taken a day of rest, nor left me at a loss.

Oh my dear, you are perfect in your imperfection, unique in your predictability, and irreplaceable in your reliability.

And I am sorry that it has taken me this long to realise it.

But I know of your resilience, you may be bruised but you are not beaten.

And that is your beauty.

All of my love, admiration and repentance,

You.

Words by Rosie Mahoney Image by Bruno Glätsch

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5 Reasons Why Indie Magazines are Better than Books

Books vs magazines, who wins this on going debate? The two are very different in nature, yet are very often put to comparison.  

Books have always been perceived as something slightly more intellectual. No matter what book you’re reading, you will be identified in a certain way. This, however, doesn’t really happen with magazines. They have always been considered an easy read, or something you quickly flick through whilst you’re waiting for your doctor’s appointment. Nevertheless, indie publishing has been growing over the past few years and has flourished in a creative market serving a wide selection of publications that are worthy of your time, to say the least. Sadly, they are considered to be a rather niche thing which is why not many people are aware of their unique beauty. If I haven’t triggered your interest enough here is a short list which sums up why Indie magazines are better than books.

1)      If you tend to be a picky reader indie magazines are what you’re looking for. There is one for literally any topic you can think of and the task of finding the perfect read won’t be as arduous as finding the perfect book might be.

2)      The aesthetic component has significant importance and this is what makes every publication so unique and distinctive. You’re not simply buying a magazine, you’re buying a collectable object.

3)      Magazines are produced over a period of time. This means that if you’re particularly into a publication you won’t have to wait for a year, or maybe more to purchase the next issue!  

4)      Unlike a book, a magazine offers a variety of narratives and types of content. If you’re not particularly interested in one article you can simply flick through the pages until you find something that is more of you’re liking.

5)      Behind every indie magazines lays a community of avid readers. A community who impatiently waits for the next issue to come out and makes a special note on their busy agenda to remind themselves of the special day.

Words by Rebecca Ricci

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LFW: Nicopanda F/W 2018

So what do you get when you cross Nirvana's Nevermind and Lil Kim's Hardcoreyou? 

Well, the inspiration for Nicopanda's Fall/Winter 2018 collection of course. Minimalists should certainly shield their eyes now as this collection was certainly a memorable, colourful fiesta for those who witnessed it. 

Nicopanda did an amazing job in cramming almost every reference to the 90s possible, into their show and designs; whether it was the gold chains, the three-quarter length denims or mini-skirts (still waiting for mini skirts to come back around!).

Snippets from RuPaul’s eponymous program introduced the show, tying together its multiple references, from the clothes emblazoned with “QUEENS” to the partnership with record label Tommy Boy, responsible for launching the greats such as Afrika Bambaataa and De La Soul, as well as RuPaul.

Words by Sabrina Jumalieva Images by Vogue