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The Best Television Cooking Shows of All Time

One of the most popular staples of television programming since the earliest days of broadcast TV has been cooking shows. In their earliest and most simple form, these programs are cheap to produce which made them one of the most economical ways for TV stations to fill their daytime schedules.

The earliest known example of a TV cooking show was “Cook’s Night Out” which aired on the British Broadcasting Corporations marquee station BBC1 all the way back on 21st January 1937. Featuring Marcel Boulestin as the show’s host, he went on to become a celebrity in Great Britain and later, throughout the English-speaking world thanks to his compelling style and cookery books on French Cuisine.

It wasn’t long before other countries got in on the act, with “Sunday Evening Supper” first broadcast on NBC in the United States in 1940. In 1946 a live television series “I Love to Eat”, also broadcast on NBC, made James Beard a household name.

The advent of the reality television craze towards the end of the 1990s breathed fresh new life into the genre. Celebrity chefs such as Gordan Ramsay, Paul Hollywood, and Jamie Oliver owe much of their success to the new breed of cooking shows which were borne from this new wave of television cooking shows. Let’s take a look at some of the best cooking shows of all time, as voted on in several independent polls conducted throughout the past two decades.

The Great British Bake Off

From the same production studio that first came up with “Big Brother”, each episode of The Great British Bake Off sees a small group of amateur bakers compete in several preset challenges. In each episode, hopefuls attempt to impress a group of celebrity judges with their baking prowess, with one competitor eliminated at the culmination of each challenge.

The format has proved unbelievably popular, with 26 international versions currently airing and another seven that, whilst no longer being produced, have often been replaced in their respective countries by a better performing version from another region that is either produced in the same language as the host country or dubbed.

The program has been credited with reinvigorating interest in baking throughout numerous countries, and the viewing figures for some versions have been so high as to cause major battles between television stations to secure the rights for the next season when contracts have expired. Whilst we haven’t seen an online slot version of The Great British Bake Off just yet, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility in the future!

Hell’s Kitchen

Not quite the first TV cooking show to be hosted by the inimitable Gordon Ramsay, but probably the first to be made into a series of online slots games, Hell’s Kitchen sees two teams of chefs compete for a job as a head chef at a top restaurant.

There have been both British and US versions of the show, both of which follow similar formats with slight changes to reflect the unique tastes of audiences on either side of the Atlantic. Whilst the British version fizzled out after only four seasons, American viewers simply can’t get enough of the dramatic action of Hell’s Kitchen and the show has currently been showing for over 15 years in that region. With over 24 seasons produced in total, Hell’s Kitchen could well feature more episodes than any other television cooking show.

Kitchen Nightmares

Another of Gordon Ramsay’s smash hit television cooking shows first premiered in 2004 in the United Kingdom, before quickly making its way over to the United States. Each episode sees Ramsay visit a failing restaurant, offering his advice on why the establishment is failing to make a profit, and helping the proprietors by refreshing the décor, updating their menu, and making whatever other changes he sees fit.

Some of the most popular episodes have seen Ramsay return to restaurants that followed his advice carefully and managed to turn around their fortunes dramatically as a result. The episode “Amy’s Baking Company” is the most popular of all time, and I suggest everyone gives it a watch to find out why!

MasterChef

This competitive cooking show has been popular with audiences all around the world since first originating in the UK in 1990. Such is its appeal, MasterChef Australia is the most watched television series of all time in that country, beating out all other genres including drama and reality TV. That’s impressive!

It seems wherever popular cooking shows are found, Gordon Ramsay isn’t lurking far away. This time he is joined by a variety of other celebrity chefs in the primar UK and US editions, with locally popular alternatives filling the positions in the international versions. Over 40 international versions have been shown at some point in history, with over 20 of those still on air today.

What To Know About CBD Gummies

CBD may be used to treat several diseases and conditions, both psychological and physical. This particular product is known for having therapeutic properties, but it is also an acquired taste if taken in the form of oil or tinctures. You can get past the taste easily because, in the end, reaping the benefits is what matters the most.

Pure CBD seems to have an earthier flavor that some people simply want to avoid while some absolutely love. However, this is not a valid enough reason for you to stop using the product. Pills don’t taste nice, yet we still need them. If you simply can’t handle the earthy flavor, you should try other CBD products that might convince you to use them.

One of those products is CBD gummies. If you haven’t tried them, make sure to order them as quickly as possible.  Check out the link for more details https://usa.inquirer.net/38659/cbd-gummies-101.

If you haven’t heard of them before, there’s a lot you should know about. Finding out more information about a product you want to use can convince you to buy it sooner rather than later. When it comes to CBD gummies, there’s hardly a person that can resist them. Here’s what you need to know:

What exactly are CBD gummies?

CBD oil gummies look a lot like regular gummies, but only with CBD inside. They are sweet, fruity gums enriched with CBD oil. They disguise the earthy flavor of CBD and make it rather delicious. But, you need to pay attention to the dosage you use, especially if you have a sweet tooth.

The amount of CBD in a single gummy can vary from retailer to retailer at times. However, the typical dosage is 5 mg. Why are they such a popular product? Well, for starters, they are easy to digest, and they taste amazing. Taking CBD in liquid form is not everyone’s first choice and it shouldn’t be.

Although cannabidiol is usually considered safe to use, certain side effects can arise, so it is often a better option to start with a lighter dose and then work your way to bigger ones. You will steadily increase the dosage over time until you have the desired result. Fortunately, a lot of people have benefited from using CBD products. There’s no reason that you would be an exception.

It can be challenging to find the correct dose since the product impacts everybody in a different manner. Your genetics, age, body weight, and other different factors play a significant role in how the gummies can actually affect you. If you have doubts about using them, you should talk to a medical professional to find out what they think about the matter.

Generally, medicinal CBD and medical marijuana have a high therapeutic benefit. They can be effective in battling disorders such as depression, arthritis, anxiety, MS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, among many others. Click on this page to find out more.

Can CBD gummies get a person high?

Since CBD is obtained from a cannabis plant, many consumers are worried about its psychoactive effects. You should set such fears to rest when CBD gums don’t get you high if the CBD comes from marijuana, cannabis, or, most typically, a hemp plant.

Cannabis consists of a number of active compounds, the most common being THC and CBD. Even if THC and CBD are classified as cannabinoids, they are hardly the same. THC is famous for its psychoactive properties, and it will surely get a person high if they decide to consume it. Smoking marijuana leads to psychoactive episodes.

On the other hand, the CBD will not get you high. In fact, it has been discovered that CBD can combat some of the adverse effects of THC. The bottom line is that you can consume CBD gummies without worrying that they will alter your mind. Even if you do a drug test, the test will show no traces of THC whatsoever. Make sure to check out Cheef Botanicals, among other options, to find out more.

This is not the case, though, if you’re using gummy bears laced with cannabis. These types of products include both cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, which are naturally present in hemp. This means that they also contain THC metabolites. Therefore, if you decide to consume them, you might get high. If you don’t want that happening to you, make sure to avoid them.

What are the benefits of using them?

As you already know by now, cannabidiol comes with a lot of benefits. More precisely, people are searching for the right CBD gummies to reduce inflammation. Patients diagnosed with chronic pain or inflammation require these products in order to feel comfortable and at ease. Sometimes taking only pills is not such a great option because drugs can cause many adverse side effects.

What’s so good, the gummies? They are safe to use, as mentioned above, and they don’t cause side-effects. If you are experiencing pain due to a chronic condition or an injury, make sure to try the gummies.

Early studies also indicate that this product is also beneficial against anxiety. Studies have shown that CBD is effective in increasing serotonin levels inside the body. And you know what this leads to? It leads to a minimized feeling of anxiety. With the correct dosage, they will help reduce the effects of anxiety and alleviate discomfort. How amazing is that?

Album Review: BROCKHAMPTON, ‘ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE’

There’s something unsettling about the cover art for BROCKHAMPTON’s ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW ROAD: not the image, itself more abstract and impressionistic than their previous releases, but the way it’s framed as a reminder that – even in the age of streaming, and regardless of the group’s intentions – this is ultimately a product meant for consumption. The Texas crew have grappled with the trappings of success in the past, expressing dissatisfaction and stress over their deal with RCA, and here that context serves as a stark backdrop to their intensely personal confessions. In the lead-up to the release of the album, frontman Kevin Abstract said this is the first BROCKHAMPTON record where he felt “tired of the boyband thing,” explaining that they’d set out to redefine the term and now “just want to make music and let people call it whatever they want.” When asked what he would call the group now, he avoided commercial terms entirely: “A community. Friends. Homies.”

Musically, BROCKHAMPTON have never been one thing. One might be able to chart a clear artistic progression from the SATURATION trilogy to 2019’s GINGER, but the group’s success lies in their ability to lean into the different corners of their sound without diluting it, creating a space where infectious energy and emotional vulnerability can coexist semi-harmoniously. One of the most endearing things about their latest record is that they seem both happy to accommodate and oblivious to outside expectations, keen to embrace the messy contradictions that have always defined their music with a newfound confidence and sharper focus. “False dreams stripped by silence/ Deals they had us sign, for years it had me blind/ Think I had to hit rewind and think about why I do shine,” Abstract raps on the lead single and opener ‘BUZZCUT’; he we might be missing from that final line, but the group as a whole have evidently put quite a bit of thought into ROADRUNNER.

Though a certain level of disjointedness that has characterized their past couple of releases is still present here, the album plays to the group’s strengths while exploring new territory. For one thing, there’s more notable guest spots – Danny Brown delivers a typically frenetic performance on ‘BUZZCUT’, while JPEGMAFIA’s verse on ‘CHAIN ON’ manages to rhyme Duolingo with previous collaborator Dua Lipa; the rest of the features, unfortunately, are less memorable. A more significant shift is the greater use of live instrumentation underpinned by touches of psychedelia, as on the melodic, despondent ‘WHAT’S THE OCCASION’, which closes out with an epic guitar solo. The album’s weakest cuts lack that sort of weight, with ‘COUNT ON ME’ and ‘I’LL TAKE YOU ON’ relying on safe R&B and pop formulas that tend to slip into the background.

ROADRUNNER’s tight production means that one could enjoy the album on a purely surface level, taking in even its most striking moments – like the guitar-driven instrumental on ‘THE LIGHT’ or the G-funk-inspired ‘DON’T SHOOT UP THE PARTY’ – while ignoring their dark subject matter (suicide, gun violence). But both Abstract and Joba’s work throughout the album and especially on ‘THE LIGHT’ is nothing short of outstanding, their lyrics as painfully revealing as their delivery is resonant: Joba reckons with his father’s death and the implications it’s had for not only his mental health but also his self-perception, while Abstract delves into sexuality, religion, and his complicated relationship with his own mother.

Yet for an album that largely revolves around family, it’s disappointing to see BROCKHAMPTON failing to reflect on their own unity as a collective, especially considering their obvious chemistry on record. The LP does offer hope in its final moments of introspection as Abstract and Joba return on ‘THE LIGHT PT. II’, but we’re left with a nagging sense that the group have more to say before each member follows their own individual paths. ROADRUNNER is billed as BROCKHAMPTON’s penultimate record, with another one arriving later this year, which feels somewhat fitting even if it ends up not being true: There’s enough spark here that makes it worth the wait, but the album still acts mostly as a promise. You’re left wondering what the light is really like, or if it will ever come.

Watch the Trailer for New Dave Grohl Documentary ‘What Drives Us’, Featuring St. Vincent, Ringo Starr, and More

The first trailer for Dave Grohl‘s upcoming documentary about touring and vans, What Drives Us, has been released. The film, directed by Grohl and co-produced by Foo Fighters, features interviews with St. Vincent, Slash and Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, the Edge, Flea, Steven Tyler, Lars Ulrich, and more. Watch the trailer below.

“This film is my love letter to every musician that has ever jumped in an old van with their friends and left it all behind for the simple reward of playing music,” Grohl explained in a statement. “What started as a project to pull back the curtain on the DIY logistics of stuffing all of your friends and equipment into a small space for months on end eventually turned into an exploration of ‘why?’ What drives us?’”

What Drives Us will be released through The Coda Collection in the US and Amazon Prime Video overseas on April 30. Previously, Dave Grohl directed the 2013 documentary Sound City, about the LA studio of the same name, as well as the HBO series Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways. He recently announced a memoir titled The Storyteller, which is set to come out in October.

Roopa Pemmaraju Launches a Swimwear Collaboration with Beth Richards

Roopa Pemmaraju announced its first foray into swimwear and resort wear with its collaboration with Canadian swimwear designer Beth Richards. Both brands take pride in their ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices – Beth in Canada and Roopa in India – and their empowerment ethos. Together, the collection brings women a consciously crafted swimwear line that’s unique, sophisticated, and flattering.

For the first time, women’s swimwear designer Beth Richards highlighted vibrant hues and globally inspired prints of Roopa Pemmaraju. Lightweight kaftans, wraps, robes, and separated in a radiant palette of Indian prints were ethically crafted in the Roopa Pemmaraju atelier in Bengaluru, India, by highly skilled artisans earning a living wage.

Inspiration for the prints came from Roopa’s native India. Textiles were digitally printed to eliminate the use of dyes, and each couture quality piece displayed feminine detailing in lightweight recycled cotton (60% naturally farmed cotton, 40% recycled cotton) for breathability and ease.

“I was so happy to connect with Beth last year. We met in a community group for female entrepreneurs in the sustainable fashion industry.  We quickly bonded and had this idea to create a collaboration that highlighted both of our cultures and aesthetics,” Roopa Pemmaraju explained.

Beth Richards commented, “This wonderful collaboration was born in a dark time out of sheer hope and optimism we both had for the world and for our tradespeople. Roopa’s joyful prints were exactly what we needed in 2021 as the notion of re-emerging into the world became real for travel and beyond.  Her vibrant prints have brought my silhouettes to life in ways I had not imagined before and I’m thrilled to share it with everyone!”

Vacation Fashion Rules For The Adventurous

Going on vacation is about more than just checking out the sites and visiting beautiful restaurants. It’s also about putting your best foot forward and doing it in style. With lockdowns ending and people taking breaks, now is the time to start thinking about your vacay wardrobe. In this post, we take a look at the clothes you should take with you. So what rules should you be following this season? Let’s take a look. 

Opt For Modesty

If you live in a Western country, you can pretty much bare it all, especially if you’re traveling to places like southern Europe. Here the culture is incredibly liberal. 

But if you’re going to a more conservative part of the world, you’ll want to opt for modesty. You don’t want to find yourself in a foreign country, accosted by police, just because you happen to be wearing something the authorities define as a little “too skimpy.”

If you want to go swimming, opt for a full bathing suit. And try to cover up as much of your arms, legs, and chest as you can. If your destination is a little on the warmer side, wear opaque white linen to reflect the heat. 

Avoid Flashy Jewelry

Wearing beautiful jewelry on vacation is so tempting. If not while abroad, then when? 

Unfortunately, a $30,000 diamond-encrusted bracelet makes you a high-value target for pickpockets. It could be their biggest haul of the year. 

Usually, there is nothing whatsoever with wearing jewelry on vacation, so long as it isn’t expensive, and doesn’t look it. Save your spending for things that pickpockets can’t easily steal, like a beautiful dress. 

Wear Practical Shoes

If you think your vacation will just be walking between taxis and top venues, then you’re sadly mistaken. Breaks have an uncanny habit of getting you off the beaten track and involved in entirely different experiences. You think you’re just walking across town, but you wind up traversing a boggy track or a dry, dusty mountain pass, surrounded by goats. 

The good news is that shoes can be both practical and stylish. You’ll want to pack a pair of trainers, walking boots and flip-flops at the very least. But think ahead about the kinds of activities you’ll do while you’re away. If you’re going to a country famous for bad weather and muddy conditions, then boots are your best friend. 

Wear Neutral Colors

Wearing bright colors is like a big sign that says, “I’m a tourist and I have no idea what I’m doing.” Try to avoid this if you can. Where possible, copy the colors of the local dress code, imitating whoever lives there. This way, you can stand out less and blend into the natural environment. Avoid bright greens, oranges, purples, and reds, unless you know the area well. 

If you’re planning on wearing sandals, you’ll need to prep your feet first. The Clarins Beauty FAQ page has some more information about the best pre-vacay foot scrub. You don’t want a giant wart wrecking your look!

Pack The Right Pants

Packing jeans for your vacation might seem like a total no-brainer. After all, they always come in handy, right? Well, not necessarily. It turns out that jeans are a total nightmare in some hot countries. You wind up feeling super sweaty and chafing on your inner thighs – not what you want when you’re trying to enjoy yourself. 

If you’re planning an outdoor itinerary in a hot country (or even a cold one for that matter), then ditch the jeans for something a little more practical, like sweatpants or shorts. As before, just be careful that your fashion choices aren’t going to draw unwanted attention.

Avoid Controversial Images And Symbols

While wearing religious or military attire might be perfectly acceptable back home, the culture might be entirely different abroad. For instance, you don’t want to wear cargo trousers in a country that went through a military coup. People could view this type of clothing as being a little insensitive. 

Clearly, certain forms of religious attire could draw unwanted attention and get you into trouble in parts of the world. China, for instance, has strict laws prohibiting certain types of religious expression. Walking around certain parts of the middle east wearing Jewish clothing is also probably a bad idea. If you have to wear certain types of clothes for religious reasons, you may want to reconsider your vacation destination. 

Avoid Large Backpacks

Large backpacks aren’t particularly fashionable. What’s more, they’re a big sign that says “pickpockets and thieves, come over here. Valuable camera equipment and cash inside.”

If you’re doing a day of sightseeing, keep your bag as small as possible – large enough for some water and your phone. Better yet, keep your valuables in your pockets and blend in a little more with the locals. Make it look as though you’re not carrying anything at all. 

Choose Comfortable Fabrics

When you go on vacation, you are likely to do more walking than while at home. You’re not following a routine, so inefficiencies naturally creep in (and that’s not a bad thing). 

But knowing that this is likely going to happen, you’ll want to pack comfortable, fabrics. 

For instance, wearing jeans seems like a great idea until you’re five hours into your flight and you can feel them cutting off the blood supply to your feet. Likewise, wearing a nylon skirt might seem like a great idea for a night of clubbing. But in a hot country, you can soon wind up feeling super sweaty. 

Where possible, avoid wearing silk, leather, rubber, and nylon abroad. Try to stick with natural materials, or, if you’re going on an expedition, performance synthetics (with sweat-wicking technology). Also, allow yourself to wear loose clothing. It’ll make you feel more relaxed. 

Wear A Regular-Sized Jacket

It can be tempting to take a massive jacket with you on vacation. But it will take up an enormous amount of space in your luggage. Avoid this by packing your waist-length outers instead. Only pack a big, heavy jacket if you need it!

Artist Spotlight: YAS

With more than a few tricks under her belt, longtime collaborative artist, songwriter, producer, classically trained violinist and composer Yasmeen Al-Mazeedi has shifted focus back to her solo work.  Releasing under the moniker YAS, her first single ‘Poison’ dropped back in 2018 and introduced us to her brand of sizzling, expansive R&B melded with electronic pop and understated yet gravitational string work. Having taken up violin at the tender age of six, YAS has toured extensively, performing with symphony orchestras since the age of 16. Now LA-based, the Japanese-Egyptian-Kuwaiti artist has played strings sections on tracks by Lil Nas X, Travis Barker, San Holo and Kanye West – to name a few – as well as performing live with Miley Cyrus and Shawn Mendes at the Grammys. Yet early 2021 saw YAS drop two scorching singles of her own, announcing the two-track EP RED, the first of several mini EPs that will come together to form her debut LP COLORS, an exploration of mood, music, colour and the relationship between the three. Her next EP in the series, BLUE, out this Thursday and featuring singles ‘for free’ and the stunning piano-led track ‘worth it’, gives listeners a more melancholy, ruminative side to YAS, while also serving as a gentle reminder that she is a multifaceted artist who refuses to be defined by genre.

We caught up with YAS for the latest edition of our Artist Spotlight Q&A series, where we showcase up-and-coming artists and give them a chance to talk about their music.


First off a big hello and how are you? Times can be trying without a global pandemic, so what’s been your saving grace throughout this time?

I am OK. My saving graces have been my dogs, The Marvel Cinematic Universe, cigarettes, and Mezcal. Can you tell I am ok? Don’t I sound ok?

You’re currently releasing EPs that will form your debut LP COLORS. The first was RED and your most recent is BLUE, the idea being that each EP will explore the associations between colour, mood and sound. What’s the colour that you’d use to describe yourself if you had to pick one and why?

To be honest, I don’t think that I can pick any one color to represent me as an artist or an individual. I think the whole point of the concept behind COLORS is that none of us are just one color. We are always growing, changing even from minute to minute. 5pm we can be sad, 8pm we can be excited, it really depends on so many different factors that go into your daily life. If you had to ask me right at this very moment at 9:19PM on Tuesday I would say that I am feeling kinda yellow. Wavy from the mezcal.

You’ve worked with some incredible artists, from Jay-Z to Anderson .Paak and seemingly everyone in between! What sparked the decision to step back into making your own music?

Even though it’s really cool to say that I have worked with these people, I think ultimately the fact is that I get no creative input on other people’s records. Sure, I can play someone else’s arrangement. Sure, I can write strings to fit someone else’s song. It is an important role, but quite often the string portion comes after the song is mostly done, so I am really just trying to mold into what already is. I enjoy starting an idea from inception and being in creative control of where it goes.

How did the idea of your LP come into fruition? Did you always plan to release several EPs to form your LP?

This particular rollout was crafted as a response to the industry A&R’s and managers who thought my product could not be packaged in a cohesive way. Many of them told me to pick one genre and stick to it. This is my rebellion against having to be genre specific in any way. This is the representation of my creative freedom. I am an artist and I should not have to hinder my creativity for branding and packaging purposes. My job is to just make what I make.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned working as a collaborative artist that you’ll take forward into your solo career?

Always always treat everyone that is part of the operation with the utmost respect and appreciation. I’ve gone into so many gigs where the artist didn’t even acknowledge me and it put a bad taste in my mouth even though I may have enjoyed their music. Conversely, I have also experienced some of the biggest artists in the world making sure I was taken care of, and it felt good to know that my role, although minute in the grand scheme of things, was appreciated.

If you could retrospectively give yourself one piece of advice when starting your career, what would you say?

It’s not going to happen right away. So stop waiting for the overnight moment. You’re going to have to work your fucking ass off, and it will still feel out of reach. Stop looking for a handout or being upset at others that were born with a silver spoon or had a tinge of luck. Look forward, not around.

‘Worth It’ is your latest track from your forthcoming debut album. Taken from the EP BLUE, it’s fittingly melancholy, gorgeously stripped back and a delightful contrast from RED. Has switching between tones and moods proven challenging for you or is it something that’s come naturally?

Honestly it comes super naturally. Switching from genre to genre has been super easy for me. When I sit down to write, I’m never really sure of what’s going to be the end result. Every time I sit it’s almost always something different from the last. And I am cool with that, because I am staying true to myself and my process.

If you could’ve written one track by another artist, what would it be and why?

‘Doomed’ by Moses Sumney. It’s so minimal, but so transcendent. Moses was actually an acquaintance friend back in college. I sang backup for him for a show once. His artistry is inspiring, especially because I knew him before all the glam. It makes me hopeful for my future and my creative evolution and I am excited for what’s to come and what I will be capable of in a few years.


YAS’ BLUE EP is out April 15.

This Week’s Best New Songs: Taylor Swift, Tkay Maidza, cupcakKe, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this segment.

Before Taylor Swift released the rerecorded version of her 2008 album Fearless on Friday, she unveiled a ‘From the Vault’ track one might be tempted to call a “perfectly fine” pop song – more than that, though, it’s a perfect snapshot of that era of Swift’s career, with cheeky wordplay and a soaring, irresistibly catchy chorus. ‘Mr. Perfectly Fine’ is not the only catchy song on this week’s playlist: there’s also ‘DON’T SHOOT UP THE PARTY’, a hard-hitting banger and a highlight from BROCKHAMPTON’s new album, Tkay Maidza’s short but infectious ‘Syrup’, cupcakKe’s aggressively wild ‘Mickey’, and perhaps more surprisingly, a propulsive new single from Irish poet and songwriter Sinead O’Brien called ‘Kid Stuff’. On the more experimental side, two exciting collaborative projects shared new singles: Darkside detailed their new album and shared the hypnotic ‘The Limit’, while Hildegard’s Helena Deland and Ouri dropped the eerie yet enchanting ‘Jour 1’. Finally, we got another exciting teaser from Japanese Breakfast’s upcoming album, the ambitious and layered ‘Posing in Bondage’.

Best New Songs: April 12, 2021

Japanese Breakfast, ‘Posing in Bondage’

Song of the Week: Taylor Swift, ‘Mr. Perfectly Fine’

Hildegard, ‘Jour 1’

BROCKHAMPTON, ‘DON’T SHOOT UP THE PARTY’

cupcakKe, ‘Mickey’

Tkay Maidza, ‘Syrup’

DARKSIDE, ‘The Limit’

Sinead O’Brien, ‘Kid Stuff’

Sustainable Fashion: Things to Consider Before You Shop Around for Sustainable Fashion

With the rising trend to adapt to a more sustainable and ethical lifestyle, it’s key to know what to look for when you shop around. Brands on the highstreet have been accused of greenwashing, and fast fashion companies are constantly developing ways to deflect the negative attention from their unethical methods. To help out with sustainable shopping, we have made a shortlist of things to look at before you decide to buy something new.

Company Values

While searching for your new wardrobe, it is always essential to understand what brand you are buying from. 

Many fast fashion brands put on a mask for sustainable and ethical fashion by greenwashing their way into the press by giving out false promises. Other brands simply don’t care and utilise last-minute sales to sway the modern consumer by pressuring them into thinking that their product is scarce.

To evaluate company values, it’s worth looking at few things:

  • Press attention surrounding sustainability.
  • Proof of actions taken to become more sustainable.
  • Recent history with controversies surrounding workers.

Company History

Like above, company history is vital to understand to see the bigger picture of sustainable fashion. It’s essential to know that whilst companies may have a sustainable image now, not long ago, they might have had a very dark and polluting presence in the world of fashion. Of course, this escapes new brands as they tend not to have much of their history documented through press, academic papers or research.

Production

Where and by who is it made? This question always comes up when buying sustainable fashion. From experience, clothing made in Europe tends to primarily made in places where minimum wage is paid, and a safe working environment is provided to the workforce. On the other hand, a few investigations demonstrated otherwise, unsurprisingly connected to fast fashion brands.

When navigating the production history, it is imperative to see how transparent a brand is about the factory that produces its garments.

Price

This point may seem off-putting to agree with, but the price sets the tone for sustainable fashion. For a company to research, manufacture, and then promote their clothing whilst maintaining a solid margin for their company directors usually requires a lot of trimming. Due to this reason, fast fashion brands can get away with selling a £5 top that is made in low-cost conditions where workers are underpaid and work conditions are poorly maintained.

Higher prices, whilst not always, can mean that the company is re-investing money into their workers, charities, and their production to ensure a sustainable business model that caters for the consumer, worker, and director.

Do you need it?

Arguably this question should be asked even before you consider shopping anywhere. Do you need it? At the moment, COVID-19 has put people into lockdown, meaning we don’t spend much going out, which in return made people overspend online to compensate. This shift has resulted in wasteful shopping, which completely disregards the question and dissolves the effort needed to acquire a product.

So, if you’ve answered yes, even after you’ve slept on it, think about buying second hand. Platforms like Depop will likely have it, and if not, have a look at your local charity shop.

It is also important to consider the clothing you wear while working out. There are some great sources online for buying sustainable gym clothing which many are skin friendly and comfortable.

RAINMAKER Ready-To-Wear Autumn/Winter 2021

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RAINMAKER, a Kyoto based brand, presented their digital autumn-winter 2021 runway at Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo. Designers Kohichi Watanabe and Ryutaro Kishi created a clean and crisp look within this collection with white, beiges and neutral colourways. The collection reveals outfits with a relaxed fit and a sleek appearance for workwear and everyday style. Key tailored looks have a belt tightened around the waist, either on top or below the coat. A layering look is another fundamental stylised look, starting with a turtleneck, a wrap top, and a coat.

Watch the runway here.