Lisa Folawiyo is a force within the Nigerian fashion market. No other designer has spent the higher part of nearly twenty years creating designs that take the essential identity of traditional West African textiles and use them to construct living stories.
Born to a West Indian father and a Nigerian father, Folawiyo describes her beginnings as very creative. Her passion was drawing and sketching. She eventually became a lawyer and practiced for a yr. Folawiyo found solace in fashion since it was a natural calling for her. She credits her mother’s influence because the true source of her fashion journey. She remembers how, as a child, she watched her sew clothes for them and the way she sometimes spent hours in the stitching room.
“She was very special [about] how all four of her children presented themselves to the world in terms of what we wore, and subconsciously I became very aware of what I was wearing, how I wanted to look. Also, my mother is from Trinidad and Tobago and I think so [inspired] my love for colors and prints,” Lisa tells ESSENCE. Folawiyo adds that her late mother was also quite stylish.
Lisa Folawiyo
Lisa’s journey on the planet of fashion has an interesting prologue – characterised by her willingness to talk out in regards to the developing history of fashion in Africa before the mainstream media took notice of her. At the time, emerging designers and their stories were emerging on the continent, and Folawiyo was one of them, launching her brand Jewel by Lisa in 2005. For her, there was a gap to fill, resulting from the necessity to satisfy a taste that she felt was not being met on the time. In her opinion, it provided a youthful and opulent approach to jewelry.
Next, Folawiyo wanted to spotlight Ankara fabrics, which were essentially the most familiar material for her to make use of on this Afrofuturistic situation; and she or he wanted it to look cool and chic, while also being perceived as modern. But it was also because she wanted to attain the revival of textiles – she loves prints and colours – which Ankara allowed her to experiment with. Over the years, she has managed to make this design more modern, reinterpreting the prints as she sees slot in each of her collections.
Lisa Folawiyo
What began as Jewel by Lisa later became the label of the identical name in 2015, but with the identical philosophy of reinvention and celebration. Lisa Folawiyo’s brand aesthetic combines traditional African fabrics with modern clothing construction techniques. She accomplishes this feat by consciously giving women the chance to specific themselves through clothes that deviate from the norms of trends. Since its launch, the brand has been renowned for its approach to exquisite craftsmanship, especially in fluid embellishment and beadwork.
“The hand-decoration of each LF piece is based on the art of detail – hours of dedication and skill have been put into each smallest stitch, turning the material into something extraordinary. It is a labor of love that transforms the work from ordinary to unforgettable,” Folawiyo tells ESSENCE. This increases the worldwide visibility attributed to the brand and in addition makes it the brand of alternative for global celebrities resembling Lupita N’yongo and Solange Knowles who wear this individual label.
In almost twenty years, Folawiyo has produced over 30 collections, and it comes as a shock to her to say this out loud. But it is not nearly having over 30 collections, it’s about knowing that it has developed significantly over time. “With each new collection, each season, I learn new things,” he says. “I try my hand at new things, discover new ways, methods, ideas [tell] our history.” The designer also says she does this to specific loyalty to the brand’s core aesthetic.
Lisa Folawiyo
The idea for her latest collection, “The Starting Line,” got here from a series of thoughts shortly after LF Coll 1 2024 at the tip of last yr. He tells me the way it focused on the thought of winning the race. “We all want to win and that really interested me because that’s the state of existence. Even more so in today’s world where competition is so fierce and the world is getting more difficult every day and we are competing on so many different levels,” he says.
Folawiyo desired to make the previously mentioned collection more comprehensible to the audience, so it combined various games, focusing, nevertheless, on the Nigerian game ayo, which was boldly highlighted in graphics and designs. This was followed by a wonderful show, organized within the affluent atmosphere of Eko Atlantic, during which the artist combined charm with sportsmanship to create a stunning exhibit. The fundamental theme was history, a clash of vivid colours, intricate decorations and strange structures. Ball bust dress, detailed fringe, beaded bags, aso oke corset and fabric footwear.
“The starting line is a reminder that while we may feel the pressure of winning, enjoying the race is just as important,” says ESSENCE. “Life is a sport, and we are all participants in it, lighting up the racetracks, courts and arenas with our unique style.”
Lisa Folawiyo
Lisa believes that fashion might be talked about greater than just the art of sewing. For example, the subject of overconsumption and the way rampant it’s within the industry has been on her mind currently. Addressing this view, she adds that she believes consumers have gotten aware of overconsumption and counting on the worth of clothing, while becoming obsessive about the thought of sustainability. She says this has led to a concentrate on what’s special to them, beyond searching for their favorite brands or falling in love with designer pieces. Folawiyo also notes that that is a result of the shrinking global economy and its impact on the industry, resulting in the decline of fashion brands that usually are not backed by large conglomerates. She admits that designers like her are at all times adapting, finding what works for them while still creating designs which might be noteworthy.
He believes that the long run of Nigerian fashion is strikingly vivid, especially as an increasing number of people gravitate towards what designers say because that’s what fully shapes the history of fashion; As designers, they create these pieces to expand the alternatives of what to wear, in addition to to visualise Nigerian culture, history and its social influences. “Fashion is fun, exciting, fantasy and whimsy, but sometimes we don’t realize it culturally [it] it is a key part of culture, history and marking time and moments,” he explains.
2024 marks the nineteenth yr for Lisa Folawiyo’s brand and Folawiyo herself, who’s grateful for the fervour that keeps her on the clock yr after yr. “I’m so grateful that I have even more passion than when I started and it keeps the wheels turning,” she tells ESSENCE.
“Every day I wake up really excited to come to the studio, design and work with my team. I’m grateful to still be here. It’s nice to know that people are inspired, that they’re really passionate about what we do, the authenticity and the real commitment to the brand, and I think it’s uplifting that we’re here and still have so much to say.” adds Folawiyo.
This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Marketers use AI-powered algorithms to sift through vast amounts of data that reveal individual preferences with unparalleled accuracy. This enables corporations to precisely goal content – ads, emails, social media posts – that feel tailored and help nurture corporations’ relationships with consumers.
Our peer-reviewed study included 290 articles published over the last 10 years in 15 renowned marketing journals. We found that only 33 of them addressed the potential “dark side” of AI marketing.
This matters because the imbalance creates a critical gap in understanding the full impact of AI.
These concerns are high and raise concerns about the potential misuse of this powerful technology. Many people experience these worries, but young women are particularly vulnerable. As AI applications gain acceptance, beauty standards are moving further away from reality.
Our study shows that there is an urgent need to address ethical issues related to artificial intelligence and its potential negative consequences. Our intention is not to discredit artificial intelligence. This is to make sure that AI marketing advantages everyone, not only a few powerful corporations.
I imagine that researchers should consider examining more closely the ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence and how to use it safely and responsibly.
This is essential because artificial intelligence is suddenly getting used in all places – from social media for autonomous cars making health decisions. Understanding its potential negative effects allows society to be conscious consumers and call for responsible use of AI.
This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
How to love family members with whom you disagree this holiday season
Published
8 hours ago
on
November 25, 2024
By
British Barron
Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away and Christmas is approaching. While the vacations are frequently rooted in love, family and togetherness, they may also be a trying time as differences of opinion could cause discord, especially after a vital election season. However, with healthy communication, understanding and lively listening, even essentially the most demanding conversations might be conducted with dignity and respect. Brit Barron, motivational speaker, teacher and storyteller, is here to help us have these difficult conversations while holding on to our deepest beliefs while maintaining our relationships with those we love. In his recently published book titled
Barron draws readers into the strain between relationship and responsibility, highlighting how we navigate relationships with people we love and with whom we disagree. By sharing painful experiences from her own life, reminiscent of her parents’ divorce and belonging to a faith community that sides with forces that dehumanize BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people, she sheds light on the challenges and hopes of those relationships, showing that the most effective research points to humility, self-awareness, openness to learn and do not forget that others can learn too.
Barron and I talked about safely dealing with feelings of disappointment and frustration with people we love but with whom we disagree. Read more of our conversation below.
ESSENCE: So why did you create this book and what was your intention?
Brit Barron: I began working on this project in 2021, and one in every of the questions driving it was: what’s on the opposite side of cancel culture? I saw a world where we were encouraged to cut off anyone who disagreed with us, and I didn’t think that was the easiest way to move forward together.
How can we still love the problematic people in our lives while still having boundaries?
The most significant thing we will do to help us stay in relationships is to reject binary pondering, the concept there are black and white outcomes. You might be completely on one side of the road, and someone can eventually be on the opposite, which is a reminder that multiple thing might be accurate at the identical time. And if we will keep it to ourselves initially, then we will keep it for the people in our lives. The second most significant thing we will do is to reactivate empathy, first for ourselves. If we will empathize with the various versions of ourselves that we’ve got experienced, it’ll be good to have empathy for the people around us.
When should we cut off family members? Or should we ever resort to this?
Yes, so in fact there are occasions after we don’t need contact. There are times when the extent of disrespect, abuse, or toxic environment causes us to do this. And I trust people will find a way to know that. I actually have family members that I actually have connected with. I actually have friends who’ve done this, and it’s hard to do something that we must always approach with plenty of intention, but there is certainly a spot for it.
When it comes to being black women, we feel a certain level of guilt when having difficult conversations with our family members; as we talked recently, we actually feel like we’ve got the burden of responsibility to keep our family together in any respect costs.
We feel this greater than other people and other people in our families, and it reminds us that our work is most significant to ourselves. Therefore, our boundaries, empathy, kindness and every thing we give should come first. When we will empathize with other people, we realize that we is probably not those to get them where they need to be. So, even for the people in my life that I not talk to, I still have hope that there can be someone of their life that they’ll hear from because I actually have recognized that it will not be me. I can let go of that responsibility while still helping with the deliverance which will come their way.
What framework do you provide in this book that will help us have difficult conversations?
Removing binary pondering, empathy, and establishing healthy boundaries are critical, mandatory, and spark curiosity. Let’s assume you don’t need to have these conversations. In that case, I believe being on offense relatively than defensive, trying to set some boundaries ahead of time, to say, “Hey, I’m excited to be with everyone, but I don’t have it for political conversations.” ” And if this starts to occur, an apology will help.
We recently talked about how to feel comfortable with confrontation or direct communication. How necessary is this throughout the holidays spent with family?
It’s mandatory. Our ability to communicate directly, not be afraid of conflict and never be afraid of this stuff, but see them as tools that will help us get to where we’re going, is incredibly helpful. I believe especially as black women, sometimes we’ve got certain ideas about how we’d or won’t want things to come off, or ideas about most of these conversations or other people’s perceptions of them. Still, I spent plenty of time trying to reverse the truth that if something is difficult, it’s terrible. I do not think that is true anymore. The things I value most in life come to mind. They went through a difficult moment, a difficult conversation, an internal conflict, whatever it was. So sometimes after I feel like I actually have to be direct during a conversation, communicating is difficult. I remind myself that this does not imply it’s improper or improper.
How can we safely overcome feelings of disappointment and frustration with people we love but with whom we disagree?
We should allow ourselves to hold multiple truth at a time. So a lot of us, especially Black women, are well-versed in this in so some ways. Most of us understand this after we take into consideration our feelings about America, right? We hate it here. I actually have limitless criticisms of this place, but there are parts of it that I love, and it is not my job to resolve which one will win. The point is that each are true. So after we take a look at our family members after we went on vacation, we’ve got people we love who’ve been there for us, have memories, picked us up from school or helped us prepare for prom. We are deeply upset in the way in which they voted or what they said, and our job will not be to see either of them win; the thought is that each of those elements ought to be accurate and that this will shape the way in which we engage throughout the holidays.
This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Sea moss is the newest “superfood” that influencers are raving about. They claim that sea moss products – often in gel form – have many health advantages. These include supporting brain and immune function or protecting against viruses and other microbes.
But do these health claims overlap? Let’s have a look.
What is sea moss?
Sea moss is made out of a kind of seaweed – particularly red algae – that grows in various places around the globe. There are three major species utilized in sea moss products:
(often known as Irish moss or carrageenan moss)
(seamoss or seabird nest)
(Irish moss or ogonori).
Some products also contain brown algae (commonly often known as bladderwrack, black wrack, rockweed, sea grape, bladderwrack, sea oak, cutweed, dye wrack, red wrack or wrack).
Most sea moss products are sold in gel form, which may be added to recipes, utilized in smoothies, frozen in ice cubes, or consumed by itself. The products are also available in the shape of capsules or you may buy them “raw” and use them to organize your individual gels at home.
Several kinds of red algae are utilized in commercially available sea moss products. Nancy Ann Bowe/Shutterstock
What is the evidence?
Sea moss products have many potential health advantages, from supporting immunity, to promoting skin health and improving mood and focus, and way more.
But is there any evidence to support these claims?
Recent studies have reviewed the biological properties of the major sea moss species (, i).
They suggest that these species may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic and probiotic properties.
However, the overwhelming majority of research related to , and – like all research on – comes from studies conducted in test tubes or using cell and animal models. We shouldn’t assume that the observed health effects will probably be the identical in humans.
In cell and animal studies, researchers typically administer algae within the laboratory and use specific extracts wealthy in bioactive compounds, fairly than commercially available sea moss products.
They also use very different – often relatively larger – amounts in comparison with what someone would typically eat when eating sea moss products.
This implies that existing research cannot tell us in regards to the processes that occur within the human body when eating and digesting sea moss.
Sea moss may have similar effects on humans. However, to this point there could be very little evidence that individuals who eat sea moss will experience any of the claimed health advantages.
Nutritional value
Eating sea moss doesn’t replace the necessity to eat a balanced eating regimen that features a wide range of fruit and veggies.
and, like many seaweeds, they’re a wealthy source of nutrients corresponding to fatty acids, amino acids, vitamin C and minerals. These nutrients are also more likely to be present in sea moss, although some could also be lost during preparation of the product (for instance, soaking may reduce vitamin C content), and people who remain could also be present in relatively small amounts.
There are claims that sea moss could also be harmful to people affected by thyroid problems. This refers back to the relationship between thyroid function and iodine. The algae used to supply sea moss are a major source of iodine, and excessive iodine intake may contribute to thyroid problems, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions. That’s why these products often contain caveats related to iodine sensitivity or thyroid health.
Is it value it?
So you could be wondering if sea moss is value trying. Here are some things to contemplate before you choose whether to begin adding sea moss to your smoothies.
A 375ml jar costs around A$25-30 and can last for around seven to 10 days for those who follow the really helpful dose of two tablespoons a day. This makes it a comparatively expensive source of nutrients.
Sea moss is often sold in gel form that may be eaten on the kitchen table. April Sims/Shutterstock
There is sea moss often overrated since it comprises 92 different minerals. Although there could also be 92 minerals present, the quantity of minerals in algae will probably be differ depending on the place of cultivation and conditions.
The efficiency with which algae minerals may be absorbed and utilized by the body also varies between minerals. For example, sodium absorbs wellalthough only about 50% iodine is absorbed.
But sea moss does it has also been shown to contain lead, mercury and other heavy metals – in addition to radioactive elements (corresponding to radon) that may be harmful to humans. Seaweed is understood for its properties ability to build up minerals from their environment, whether helpful or harmful to human nutrition. Remember that more doesn’t at all times mean higher.
What else do I eat?
While you will not discover a full dietary breakdown on the jar, it is usually sensible to examine what other ingredients you could be consuming. Sea moss products may contain plenty of other ingredients corresponding to lime, monk fruit powder, spirulina and ginger, amongst others.
These ingredients vary by brand and product, so pay attention to your needs and at all times check.
Despite health claims, most sea moss products also contain disclaimers indicating that these products aren’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
If you have any concerns about your health, at all times seek the advice of a healthcare skilled for accurate and personalized medical advice.
This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
