Health and Wellness

In the studio: House Of Aama

Published

5 months ago

June 20, 2024

Isaiah from Texas

In Los Angeles, Akua Shabaka and her mother Rebecca Henry take part in a video call. They are similarly illuminated by light from the window, although they connect from different locations: Henry sits in his studio, while Shabaka appears on screen from a comfy alcove. They have matching sets of warm eyes. The two have been skilled partners in the development of their heritage brand, House of Aama, for nearly 10 years. Beyond their familial bond, the duo shares purposefulness of their sartorial practice – they create materiality for undervalued Americana.

House of Aama is Henry and Shabaka’s lifestyle storytelling brand; her fall/winter 2024 collection was shown in February during New York Fashion Week. During the celebrated show, designers and co-creative directors unveiled greater than 30 recent creations in an intimate presentation at a downtown jazz club honoring their Los Angeles and hometown roots.

“Over the last two collections, we have really entered the world of my paternal heritage,” Shabaka reflects. She is referring to her father and Henry’s late husband, Jamaiel Shabaka – a prolific avant-jazz horn player who died in 2021. This latest period in the history of the House of Aama may be very much rooted in the family heritage of arts and crafts, and even sheds light on the fusionist Pan-African ethos that brought Henry and her husband together.

, released in 1988, is considered one of the elder Shabaka’s most continuously referenced works. The highly improvised album combines traditional woodwind jazz musicality with Yoruba and other Afro-Cuban sounds, transforming an already culturally reflective genre into something much more dynamic. This source music reflects the textiles that inspired mother and daughter to take a cohesive approach to design. “I have always been someone who combined materials – new and vintage, as well as heirlooms with things I made myself,” says Henry, explaining how she continued the cycle of appreciating the family’s artistic heritage through clothes and their construction.

Isaiah from Texas

House of Aama, especially in its earliest collections, drew on the post-war history of the Henry family and mystical tales of the southern United States. “The association with crafts comes from the fact that both of my parents are Southerners,” Henry says. “My father is from South Carolina, my mother is from Louisiana, and I was in those places a lot of the time as a child. My grandfather had a farm in Shreveport, Louisiana, and my cousins from Detroit would meet us there every summer.” During these childhood exchanges, Henry observed her family’s sewing traditions, watching her mother and aunts go to fabric stores and hand-create their summer wardrobes. “It was important that you could express yourself with something you created yourself,” he says.

This practical legacy is tied to Henry’s understanding of southernness and black culture on a visceral level. She carried it together with her as she grew up and later settled in Los Angeles, where she practiced law for a few years and raised her daughter. As the younger Shabaka got here of age, she clung closely to her maternal lineage in Louisiana and coastal Carolina, along together with her father’s Los Angeles and Caribbean roots. Jamaiel Shabaka’s skilled journey as a jazz artist, DJ and educator has been his own cultural memory practice, engaging a variety of African-Cuban musical traditions across multiple instruments. A longtime Los Angeles family, the Shabakas retain their ties to the Compton, Watts and Long Beach communities to this present day.

Isaiah from Texas

Inspired by the creative influence of her parents, Shabaka began her own work, delving into physical and oratorical archives reflecting her heritage. Recently, her family’s participation in the creation of a novel piece of jazz history in Los Angeles became the inspiration from which the House of Aama collection for fall/winter 2024 was born.

Tasked with finding recent ways to attach with heritage, Henry and Shabaka followed the stories that got here to them organically – including the thread of Jamaiel Shabaka’s walking patterns in Leimert Park and Central Avenue. After inheriting and exploring her father’s archives, Shabaka discovered the depth of a neighborhood art movement that has global resonance – not only in the music world, but additionally in her and her mother’s work today. “We landed on the Free Jazz movement,” Henry says. “The Ornette Coleman and Billy Higgins that I knew were the stories that were presented to us, so we really took stock of everything and focused on that particular piece of jazz history in Los Angeles.”

Isaiah from Texas

The Free Jazz movement emerged in the avant-garde Nineteen Fifties and developed right into a dynamic mental revolution at the end of the twentieth century. Closely tied to the anti-war and Black Power consciousness of the time, this musical reframing celebrated collective improvisation and non-traditional forms to push the boundaries of what was considered jazz. Many of the period’s luminaries, who were themselves friends and mentors of the late Mr. Shabaka, formed a community during jam sessions, rehearsals and performances in the historic cultural centers of Black Los Angeles in the Watts and Leimert Park neighborhoods.

“Between the previous collection and the current collection, I spent a lot of time talking to many of my family members who were very active at the time,” Shabaka recalls. She notes how her aunts made her aware of her family’s connections to this prolific movement, and thru the accompanying study of archival photos, she was capable of imagine what this era meant to her parents’ past and her artistic present. “Discovering music and understanding the spirituality of it was really interesting – understanding the desire at the time for Black people to really look at themselves beyond their current situation, and using music as a way to achieve that,” he says. By allowing herself to be guided by history, she inadvertently tapped into the same creative expansion that had guided her paternal family for generations.

Isaiah from Texas

During the fall/winter 2024 presentation, titled “Sun Records,” viewers were treated to quite a lot of shades that reflect the light and heat of this era. Kaftans and semi-sheer maxi dresses moved along the sidewalk, immediately brightening the dimly lit venue. These pieces, in various shades of gold, orange and royal blue, energized everyone present on that dreary February day. For some time, the energy of Nineteen Seventies Los Angeles was in the basement of New York.

House of Aama, as a narrative-oriented label, creates collections based on the consistency of the narrative from previous seasons. The sources of inspiration – family history and the journeys of Black Americans – are vast and at all times ready for a brand new look, as evidenced by subsequent brand launches. The 2017 release “Bloodroot” spawned one other, after which one other, line evoking the poetry of African-American folklore: incl. “Salt Water” for spring/summer 2022 and the “Parable” capsule for 2023. In each version, Henry and Shabaka discover a historical place of kinship and reimagine it with a surreal, contemporary twist. In 2021, the couple arrived at “Camp Aama,” a reimagining of a sun-drenched community gathering place with a classic summer camp aesthetic. It is an ode to Black freedom, set in a mythical resort, that emerges from the latest collection and can likely be visually developed in future clothing releases.

Isaiah from Texas

The work of designers constructing a socio-political narrative through clothing may be in comparison with the work of Black femme visual artists working in other media. Julie Dash’s groundbreaking film similarly uses fashion and adornment as modes of subversive cultural identity, dressing historically inspired characters in their very own specific context of black heritage in the South Carolina Sea Islands. This screen world, much like the one which viewers enter in House of Aama presentations, reconciles multi-layered stories with almost utopian ideals of identity, memory and tradition. Many of the pieces capture the haunting charm and poetic melancholy of a past when generations of black families were often at home and least protected.

In the 2017 “Bloodroot” collection, Edwardian blouses with high, lace-trimmed necklines and delicate satin buttons check with the neo-Gothic image of the black south. It is historical in nature, but thematically current. The collection was released in a 12 months of racial tensions in America, heightened by the inflammatory whistles of the then-president. The same fall that the collection was released, a crowd of white nationalists fearing the lie of the “Great Replacement” gathered at the Confederate monument in Charlottesville, Virginia, singing a version of “Dixie” and chanting “Blood and Soil.” At the same time, the focused mother and daughter created their works with no considered hatred, as a substitute embodying the spirit of cultural triumph that the antagonists feared most.

Isaiah from Texas

In an interview Shabaka gave to the now-defunct British publication for girls and non-binary people of color, she expressed the relevance and thematic focus of the work, which was widely praised for its liberal use of color and seamless mix of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. “Blood root is a rare herb used by ancient magicians and root makers as a powerful guardian of the family,” Niellah Arboine explained to the author.

Like jazz itself, Rebecca Henry, Akua Shabaka, and House of Aama are children of the same meditation on expansive Black connectivity, pursuing a body of labor that may withstand an unknown future. The brand’s pieces offer insight into Shabaka and Henry’s family tree and the designers’ countercultural engagement with African American aesthetic practice and American heritage branding. As for the future, Shabaka and Henry proceed to speak with one another, expressing intentions and vision in a way that only a mother and daughter can truly understand. As designers, each of them follows in the footsteps of a deep family mission, similar to their moms and dads before them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Health and Wellness

Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

Published

1 hour ago

November 22, 2024

We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Health and Wellness

You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2024

IAM

Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

Type 1 diabetes has been defined

Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

Cranberries, a seasonal snack

Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

Cranberries without sugar?

Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice. — Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
klenova/iStock via Getty Images

The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com

Health and Wellness

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

Published

7 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com