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Equestrian Clothing Essentials: What Every Rider Needs in Their Wardrobe

Equestrian sports require not only skill and a deep connection with the horse but also the right clothing to ensure comfort, safety, and performance. A rider’s wardrobe is essential in enhancing their experience, whether they are competing, trail riding, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride. From head to toe, each piece of equestrian clothing plays a crucial role. This guide will outline the key essentials every rider should have in their wardrobe to stay stylish, safe, and comfortable.

The Importance of Equestrian Clothing for Every Rider

Equestrian clothing is designed with both style and function in mind, ensuring riders are equipped for safety, comfort, and performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced equestrian, having the right horse riding clothes can make all the difference in your overall experience. From protective helmets to durable boots, every piece serves a purpose. Riding apparel is crafted to provide flexibility, breathability, and grip, making sure riders can focus on their technique without distractions. By investing in high-quality clothing, riders not only enhance their comfort but also ensure their safety while on horseback.

Riding Helmet: Safety First

One of the most important pieces of equestrian clothing is the riding helmet. Safety should always be a priority when engaging in any equestrian activity, as falls or accidents can happen unexpectedly. A certified riding helmet is designed to protect your head from serious injury and should be a non-negotiable part of every rider’s wardrobe. It’s essential to ensure the helmet fits snugly without being uncomfortable, as a poorly fitting helmet can compromise protection. Look for helmets that meet international safety standards and have good ventilation to keep you cool during rides.

Riding Breeches: Comfort and Flexibility

Riding breeches are another must-have item in any rider’s wardrobe. These specialized pants are designed to offer comfort, flexibility, and grip when riding. Traditional jeans or leggings simply won’t provide the same level of performance, as they can rub or bunch up, leading to discomfort. Breeches are made from stretchy, breathable fabric that allows for ease of movement and typically feature reinforced knee patches or full-seat grips for better stability in the saddle. They come in various styles and cuts, so riders can choose between classic high-waisted options or more modern, mid-rise designs depending on their preference.

Riding Boots: Protection and Performance

Footwear is a critical component of equestrian clothing, and riding boots are specifically designed to provide both protection and control. There are two main types of riding boots: tall boots and paddock boots. Tall boots, like dressage or field boots, cover the rider’s calf and offer additional leg support, often required in competitive riding. Paddock boots, on the other hand, are ankle-length and are often paired with half chaps for casual riding. Both types of boots offer a sturdy heel to prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrup and are made from durable materials like leather or synthetic alternatives. Comfortable, well-fitting boots can make a significant difference in both safety and overall riding experience.

Equestrian Gloves: Grip and Comfort

Riding gloves may seem like an optional accessory, but they are, in fact, essential for maintaining a secure grip on the reins while also protecting the hands from blisters and chafing. During long rides, the reins can cause friction, especially when dealing with difficult or excitable horses. Equestrian gloves are designed to offer both grip and dexterity, allowing riders to maintain control without sacrificing comfort. In colder weather, they also provide warmth, making them a year-round necessity. Look for gloves with reinforced areas between the fingers where the reins sit, as this is where wear and tear occurs most frequently.

Riding Jackets and Vests: Weather-Appropriate Layering

Weather conditions can greatly impact a rider’s experience, making appropriate outerwear a crucial part of equestrian clothing. A good riding jacket or vest offers protection against the elements while allowing freedom of movement. Jackets specifically designed for equestrian activities are often lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant, ensuring that riders can stay dry and comfortable in various weather conditions. Vests, particularly body protector vests, can also offer additional safety in case of a fall. For colder months, layering is key, so opt for thermal riding jackets or fleece-lined vests to maintain warmth without bulkiness.

Equestrian Shirts: Style and Functionality

Equestrian shirts are designed with both style and functionality in mind. Whether it’s a casual day at the barn or a competition event, riders need shirts that allow for movement, wick away sweat, and look polished. Many riders opt for moisture-wicking performance shirts in breathable fabrics to stay cool in warmer weather. For more formal events, riders may need a collared show shirt that pairs well with competition jackets. The key is to find shirts that offer flexibility and comfort without compromising on aesthetics.

Half Chaps: Extra Leg Support

Half chaps are a great addition to paddock boots and offer extra protection for the lower leg while riding. They are worn over the breeches and paddock boots, extending from the ankle to just below the knee. Half chaps help prevent chafing and provide additional grip, making them especially useful for beginner riders or those engaging in long rides. They come in various materials, such as leather or synthetic options, and are a more casual alternative to full-length riding boots.

Riding Socks: Cushion and Support

Although often overlooked, riding socks are an essential part of a rider’s wardrobe. Proper riding socks provide extra cushioning in the foot and ankle areas, ensuring comfort during long hours spent in boots. Many equestrian socks are designed with moisture-wicking properties to keep feet dry, and some even offer compression support to improve circulation. Look for socks that are tall enough to cover the calf and prevent rubbing against boots, as well as those made from breathable, durable fabrics.

Equestrian clothing is much more than just a stylish outfit—it plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, comfort, and performance of riders. From helmets to riding boots, each piece is carefully designed to meet the unique demands of horseback riding. A well-rounded wardrobe equipped with these essentials allows riders to focus on their connection with the horse and fully enjoy the experience, whether they are beginners or seasoned equestrians. Investing in high-quality, functional equestrian clothing is an investment in both safety and success on horseback.

Adeline Hotel Releases New Song ‘I Will Let Your Flowers Grow’

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Adeline Hotel has unveiled a new song, ‘I Will Let Your Flowers Grow’, from the upcoming album Whodunnit. Featuring Jackie West on backing vocals, the track follows the previously released title track and ‘Grief’, the latter of which made our Best New Songs segment. Give it a listen below.

Whodunnit is set for release on September 27 via Ruination Record Co.

Fashion Club Shares New Single ‘Confusion’

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Fashion Club – the moniker of Los Angeles-based artist Pascal Stevenson – has released a new song called ‘Confusion’. It’s the third single from her forthcoming album A Love You Cannot Shake – due October 25 via Felte Records – following the Perfume Genius-assisted ‘Forget’ and ‘Rotten Mind’ featuring Julie Byrne. Check out a video for it below.

“You have to read into it quite a bit, but I think it’s about these feelings of self-doubt and low self-worth that come from the crushing capitalism inherent in American society,” Stevenson said of the new track. “It’s about trying to make yourself feel useful and feel worth something in a society that says, ‘If you’re not functioning a certain way, you’re not worth anything.’”

Kendrick Lamar Shares First New Song Since ‘Not Like Us’

Kendrick Lamar has dropped a surprise song on his Instagram page. The rapper’s first new song since ‘Not Like Us’ was posted without a caption or title, but people are unofficially calling it ‘Watch the Party Die’. Featuring references to his collaborator Terrace Martin and the Christian rapper Lecrae, the track arrives just days after it was announced that Lamar will be headlining the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. Check it out below.

 

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MTV VMAs 2024: Watch All of the Performances

The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Wednesday night (September 11) at UBS Arena in Long Island, NY. The show was hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, who was also among the night’s many performers. Sabrina Carpenter, Katy Perry, Chappell Roan, Eminem, Halsey, Camila Cabello, Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, and Glorilla also took the stage. Check out all of the performances from this year’s VMAs below, and find the full list of winners here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

League of Legends Boosting: Is it Safe?

League of Legends boosting is a controversial practice where a highly skilled player takes control of a lower-ranked player’s account to increase their rank. While it might seem like a quick way to climb the ladder, it comes with significant risks and ethical concerns. 

This guide will explore the concept of LoL boosting, its potential consequences, and why it’s generally considered unsafe and detrimental to the game’s integrity.

What is LoL Boosting?

LoL boosting typically involves one of the following methods:

  1. Account boosting: A high-skilled player logs into a lower-ranked account and plays matches to increase its rank.
  2. Duo boosting: A high-ranked player pairs up with a lower-ranked player to help them win games and climb ranks.

Is LoL Boosting Safe?

The short answer is no, LoL boosting is not safe. Here’s why:

1. Violation of Riot Games’ Terms of Service

Boosting explicitly violates Riot Games’ Terms of Service. If caught, players can face severe penalties, including:

  • Account suspension
  • Permanent account bans
  • Removal of season rewards
  • Rank reset

2. Account Security Risks

When you give your account information to a booster, you’re exposing yourself to several risks:

  • Account theft
  • Personal information compromise
  • Potential financial fraud if payment information is stored

3. Skill Discrepancy and Game Quality

After boosting, players often find themselves in matches beyond their skill level, leading to:

  • Poor game experience for the boosted player
  • Frustration for teammates who expect higher performance
  • Unfair matches that ruin the competitive integrity of the game

4. Psychological Impact

Boosting can have negative psychological effects:

  • Decreased sense of achievement
  • Imposter syndrome in higher ranks
  • Frustration when unable to maintain the boosted rank

5. Community Impact

Boosting harms the LoL community in several ways:

  • Disrupts the ranking system’s integrity
  • Creates unfair and imbalanced matches
  • Diminishes the value of legitimate rank achievements

Legal and Ethical Considerations

While boosting itself isn’t illegal, it’s considered highly unethical in the gaming community. Some countries have begun to treat boosting services as a legal issue:

  • In South Korea, game boosting can result in fines and even jail time.
  • Other countries are considering similar legislation to protect the integrity of esports.

Alternatives to Boosting

Instead of resorting to boosting, consider these safer alternatives for improvement:

  • Practice and self-improvement:
      • Focus on mastering a small champion pool
      • Study game mechanics and macro strategy
      • Analyze your replays to identify areas for improvement
  • Coaching:
      • Hire a legitimate coach to help improve your skills
      • Participate in community coaching sessions
  • Playing with higher-ranked friends:
      • Learn from better players in normal games
      • Remember, duo boosting in ranked is still against the rules
  • Watching educational content:
    • Follow high-elo streamers and learn from their gameplay
    • Study champion guides and strategy videos

Consequences of Getting Caught Getting Boosted

If Riot Games detects boosting activity on your account, you may face:

  1. Immediate account suspension
  2. Removal of all season rewards
  3. MMR and rank reset
  4. Potential permanent ban for repeat offenses

How Riot Detects Boosting?

Riot employs various methods to identify boosted accounts:

  1. Sudden changes in play patterns or performance
  2. Unusual login locations
  3. Drastic improvement in win rates or KDA
  4. Reports from other player

LoL Boosting – FAQs 

Q: Can I get banned for playing on my friend’s account?

 A: Yes, playing on someone else’s account is a form of boosting and can result in penalties for both accounts involved.

Q: What if I buy an account that’s already high-ranked? 

A: Buying and selling accounts is against Riot’s Terms of Service and can result in the account being banned.

Q: Is it okay to have a high-ranked friend play a few games on my account? 

A: No, this is still considered boosting and is against the rules, regardless of who is doing the boosting.

Q: How can I report suspected boosting? 

A: You can report suspicious activity through the post-game reporting system or by submitting a ticket to Riot Support.

Conclusion

While the promise of a quick rank increase might be tempting, LoL boosting is neither safe nor ethical. It violates game rules, puts your account at risk, and ultimately detracts from the satisfaction of genuine improvement. Instead, focus on developing your skills through practice, learning, and legitimate means of improvement. Remember, the journey of improving at LoL is as important as the destination of a higher rank.

Caring for a Family Member With Alzheimer’s: Tips for Caregivers

Alzheimer’s disease not only affects those diagnosed but also casts a profound impact on family and caregivers. As the condition progresses, the level of care required intensifies, often leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. It’s essential to learn and implement caregiving strategies that prioritize both the patient’s well-being and the caregiver’s health. In this article, we’ll share vital information and tips that can alleviate some of the stress associated with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Below you’ll find guidance that will help you navigate this challenging journey.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: A Caregiver’s Guide

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that causes brain cells to deteriorate, leading to a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and social skills. Understanding Alzheimer’s disease is vital for caregivers, as it helps in recognizing the stages of the illness—from mild forgetfulness to severe cognitive impairments. This awareness enables them to adapt their care strategies effectively and address both the emotional and physical challenges of the disease.

Managing Alzheimer’s involves not just handling symptoms but also preparing for financial, legal, and long-term care needs. Early planning can alleviate future stress and allow caregivers to focus on their loved ones’ immediate needs. Staying informed about the latest research and treatment options, and engaging in support groups or forums, can provide valuable guidance and support. Combining primary and specialty care approaches can be particularly beneficial in navigating this complex journey.

Establishing Effective Communication Strategies for Alzheimer’s Patients

Communication with Alzheimer’s patients requires patience, understanding, and tact. As language skills deteriorate, caregivers must adapt their language expressions, simplifying sentences, speaking slowly, and using non-verbal cues. Maintaining eye contact, limiting distractions, and using familiar phrases can help maintain a connection. Active listening and expressing feelings without correcting mistakes are also essential.

Repetition may become necessary as memory lapses increase, so caregivers should remain calm and patient, repeating information as needed and avoiding open-ended questions. Recognizing when verbal communication becomes too strenuous can help convey security and affection. In such cases, gentle touches, warm smiles, or the presence of a familiar person can effectively convey these messages.

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment

To ensure safety and independence for Alzheimer’s patients, their living environment must be adapted. This may involve securing hazardous objects, adding locks to cabinets, and clearing pathways to prevent falls. Orienting aids like labels on doors can help patients navigate their living spaces and maintain independence. Consistent routines and arrangement of furniture and personal items can make the environment less confusing for individuals with memory loss.

Safety measures like grab bars, alarms, and cameras can also be installed. A calm and soothing home environment can reduce agitation and restlessness common in Alzheimer’s patients. Caregivers can reduce stress and provide a more manageable caregiving experience by creating a home environment that prioritizes safety and comfort.

Managing Daily Care and Routine for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

A structured daily routine is crucial for Alzheimer’s patients to minimize confusion and anxiety. Caregivers should establish regular times for activities like meals, baths, and bedtime to create a stable environment. Flexibility is essential, especially during the “sundowning” period when tasks become challenging.

Offering choices to the individual can promote control and dignity, even as cognitive abilities decline. Cooperating with primary and specialty care providers who are experienced with Alzheimer’s patients can provide guidance on managing medications, nutrition, and other health-related nuances specific to the individual’s conditions. Providing a sense of structure and familiarity to Alzheimer’s patients is essential for their mental well-being.

Seeking Support and Self-Care for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

The high demand for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients can lead to burnout. To maintain their health and well-being, caregivers should seek support from family, friends, or professional services. Support groups can provide practical advice and emotional support from others navigating similar challenges.

Self-care is also crucial, with caregivers prioritizing physical health, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising, and getting adequate sleep. Mental health can be enhanced through counseling, meditation, or leisure activities. Although it may be challenging to set aside time for oneself, it is a necessary investment, as a healthy and rested caregiver is better equipped to provide compassionate care.

Altogether, caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a deeply personal task that requires patience, knowledge, and support. By understanding the progression of the disease, maintaining effective communication, creating a safe home environment, managing a structured routine, and ensuring self-care, caregivers can find fulfilment in the challenging yet essential role they play in their loved one’s life.

MTV VMAs 2024: See the Complete Winners List

The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards took place last night (September 11) at Long Island’s UBS Arena. Taylor Swift led the nominees with a total of 12 nods, and she won seven of them, including Video of the Year for ‘Fortnight’ featuring Post Malone – becoming the first artist to win the award five times – as well as Artist of the Year, Best Pop, Best Editing, and more. Chappell Roan was named Best New Artist at the show, while Katy Perry took home this year’s Video Vanguard Award. See the full list of winners below.

Video of the Year, Presented by Burger King®

Ariana Grande – We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)
Billie Eilish – Lunch
Doja Cat – Pain the Town Red
Eminem – Houdini
SZA – Snooze
WINNER: Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone – Fortnight

Artist of the Year

Ariana Grande
Bad Bunny
Eminem
Sabrina Carpenter
SZA
WINNER: Taylor Swift

Song of the Year

Beyoncé – Texas Hold ’Em
Jack Harlow – Lovin on Me
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
WINNER: Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone – Fortnight
Teddy Swims – Lose Control

Best New Artist

Benson Boone
WINNER: Chappell Roan
Gracie Abrams
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Tyla

MTV Push Performance of the Year

August 2023: Kaliii – Area Codes
September 2023: Glorilla – Lick or Sum
October 2023: Benson Boone – In the Stars
November 2023: Coco Jones – ICU
December 2023: Victoria Monét – On My Mama
January 2024: Jessie Murph – Wild Ones
February 2024: Teddy Swims – Lose Control
March 2024: Chappell Roan – Red Wine Supernova
April 2024: Flyana Boss – Yeaaa
May 2024: Laufey – Goddess
WINNER: June 2024: Le Sserafim – Easy
July 2024: The Warning – Automatic Sun

Best Collaboration

Drake Featuring Sexyy Red & SZA – Rich Baby Daddy
Glorilla & Megan Thee Stallion – Wanna Be
Jessie Murph Featuring Jelly Roll – Wild Ones
Jung Kook Featuring Latto – Seven
Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen – I Had Some Help
WINNER: Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone – Fortnight

Best Pop

Camila Cabello
Dua Lipa
Olivia Rodrigo
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
WINNER: Taylor Swift

Best Hip-Hop

Drake Featuring Sexyy Red & SZA – Rich Baby Daddy
WINNER: Eminem – Houdini
Glorilla – Yeah Glo!
Gunna – Fukumean
Megan Thee Stallion – Boa
Travis Scott Featuring Playboi Carti – Fe!n

Best R&B

Alicia Keys – Lifeline
Muni Long – Made for Me
WINNER: SZA – Snooze
Tyla – Water
Usha, Summer Walker & 21 Savage – Good Good
Victoria Monét – On My Mama

Best Alternative

WINNER: Benson Boone – Beautiful Things
Bleachers – Tiny Moves
Hozier – Too Sweet
Imagine Dragons – Eyes Closed
Linkin Park – Friendly Fire
Teddy Swims – Lose Control (Live)

Best Rock

Bon Jovi – Legendary
Coldplay – Feelslikeimfallinginlove
Green Day – Dilemma
Kings of Leon – Mustang
WINNER: Lenny Kravitz – Human
U2 – Atomic City

Best Latin

WINNER: Anitta – Mil Veces
Bad Bunny – Monaco
Karol G – Mi Ex Tenía Razón
Myke Towers – Lala
Peso Pluma & Anitta – Bellakeo
Rauw Alejandro – Touching the Sky
Shakira & Cardi B – Puntería

Best Afrobeats

WINNER: Ayra Starr Featuring Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song
Burna Boy – City Boys
Chris Brown Featuring Davido and Lojay – Sensational
Tems – Love Me JeJe
Tyla – Water
Usher & Pheelz – Ruin

Best K-Pop

Jung Kook Featuring Latto – Seven
WINNER: Lisa – Rockstar
NCT Dream – Smoothie
NewJeans – Super Shy
Stray Kids – Lalalala
Tomorrow X Together – Deja Vu

Video for Good

Alexander Stewart – If You Only Knew
WINNER: Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For? (From the Motion Picture “Barbie”)
Coldplay – Felslikeimfallinginlove
Joyner Lucas & Jelly Roll – Best for Me
Raye – Genesis
Tyler Childers – In Your Love

Best Direction

Ariana Grande – We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)
Bleachers – Tiny Moves
Eminem – Houdini
Megan Thee Stallion – Boa
Sabrina Carpenter – Please Please Please
WINNER: Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone – Fortnight

Best Cinematography

WINNER: Ariana Grande – We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)
Charli XCX – Von Dutch
Dua Lipa – Illusion
Olivia Rodrigo – Obsessed
Rauw Alejandro – Touching the Sky
Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone – Fortnight

Best Editing

Anitta – Mil Veces
Ariana Grande – We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)
Eminem – Houdini
Lisa – Rockstar
Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
WINNER: Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone – Fortnight

Best Choreography

Bleachers – Tiny Moves
WINNER: Dua Lipa – Houdini
Lisa – Rockstar
Rauw Alejandro – Touching the Sky
Tate McRae – Greedy
Troye Sivan – Rush

Best Visual Effects

Ariana Grande – The Boy Is Mine
WINNER: Eminem – Houdini
Justin Timberlake – Selfish
Megan Thee Stallion – Boa
Olivia Rodrigo – Get Him Back!
Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone – Fortnight

Best Art Direction

Charli XCX – 360
Lisa – Rockstar
WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion – Boa
Olivia Rodrigo – Bad Idea Right?
Sabrina Carpenter – Please Please Please
Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone – Fortnight

Best Trending Video

Beyoncé – Texas Hold ’Em
Camila Cabello Featuring Playboi Carti – I Luv It
Chappell Roan – Hot to Go!
Charli XCX – Apple
WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Yuki Chiba – Mamushi
Tinashe – Nasty

Best Group

Coldplay
Imagine Dragons
NCT Dream
NewJeans
*NSync
WINNER: Seventeen
Tomorrow X Together
Twenty One Pilots

Song of the Summer, Presented by Hilton

Ariana Grande – We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)
Benson Boone – Beautiful Things
Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather
Chappell Roan – Good Luck Babe!
Charli XCX & Billie Eilish – Guess Featuring Billie Eilish
Eminem – Houdini
Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar – Like That
Glorilla & Megan Thee Stallion – Wanna Be
Hozier – Too Sweet
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen – I Had Some Help
Sabrina Carpenter – Please Please Please
Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy)
SZA – Saturn
WINNER: Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone – Fortnight
Tommy Richman – Million Dollar Baby

VMAs Most Iconic Performance

Beyoncé – Love on Top
Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Madonna & Missy Elliot – Like a Virgin / Hollywood
Eminem – The Real Slim Shady / The Way I Am
WINNER: Katy Perry – Roar
Lady Gaga – Paparazzi
Madonna – Like a Virgin
Taylor Swift – You Belong With Me

Fashions Finest to Host Their SS25 Collective Runway Show at The Steel Yard

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In the heart of East London, The Steel Yard will host Fashions Finest’s SS25 Collective runway show on Sunday, 15th September 2024. For over 15 years, Fashions Finest has been hosting biannual catwalk shows featuring dynamic and inclusive collections from emerging designers during London Fashion Week. Whether you’re a fashion fan or a fashion enthusiast, Fashions Finest provides access to London Fashion Week with tickets to attend the show, as well as a front row seat among international fashion buyers, top influencers, and famous faces from the fashion industry.

In February and September, when London Fashion Week draws the attention of the fashion world, Fashions Finest provides a platform for underrepresented and diverse designers. The Fashions Finest SS25 runway show will take place in the grand and industrial location ‘The Steel Yard’ known for its gritty charm, exposed brick walls, vaulted ceilings, steel beams, and arched spaces for the first time this season.

The SS25 edition of Fashions Finest features sustainable and ethical brands from the UK, Caribbean, Middle East, African, and Dutch regions.

There are a number of UK brands participating, including South Wales-based Ysbryd Tawel Couture, known for her darkly enchanting and magical creations. MODE London presents impeccable formalwear intertwined with Asian couture influences. This season, Fashions Finest will feature a host of African designers, including ABVee Fashion by Racheal Adeleke, who will bring her unique and vibrant creations influenced by African design to bring vibrancy to the catwalk. Also showing is Elizabeth Tobi, a luxury ethical fashion brand focusing on vibrant African prints with upcycled denim and hand-woven fabrics. Budding Blue RTWBYFIOLAKEMI is another Lagos-based label. With their commitment to sustainability, zero waste philosophy, and Nigerian heritage, the brand will present the “Owu Ayo (Threads of Joy) Waste to Wealth Collection,” a collection that celebrates Nigeria’s beloved garments and craftsmanship with vibrant and culturally rich designs. Nikieo Couture, a sustainable Nigerian label with African roots and modern aesthetics, will also present at Fashions Finest this season.

The Saudi Arabian brand Asbar.g has recently been featured at Fashions Finest, founded in 2019 by a 15-year-old designer, Ghadah AlGhufaili, and has quickly gained international recognition. Assil Skaiky, the founder of Moustadaam, will also be showcasing gowns that blend vintage charms from the 50s and 60s with modern sophistication. Through elegant, bespoke designs inspired by her Lebanese-Palestinian heritage, Moustadaam will present the “Malika” collection to celebrate women’s empowerment. DEYDA’S Apparel will present her latest collection, “Arewa,” which has already captured the audience’s attention with its Afro-centric flair. In English, Arewa means “beautiful.” This collection celebrates the beauty of a woman in all her splendour. The collection brilliantly fuses traditional African prints, colours, motifs, and fabrics with modern aesthetics, creating a vibrant celebration of African heritage. With the use of African fabrics ‘Aso oke’she defines the sophistication and uniqueness of every woman.

Finally, designer Nila ter Beek from The Netherlands known for her sustainable, sculptural knitwear at Vanihila, will showcase a free-spirited collection at Fashions Finest SS25 that explores femininity through tactile, body-inspired designs.

Fashions Finest SS25 Collections show takes place at 1pm on Sunday 15th September 2024 at The Steel Yard, London.


Standard tickets are available for £52 and VIP entry tickets start at £74.99 at www.FashionsFinest.com.

The Evolution of Keer Zhang’s Artistic Journey

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Through the lens of Taoist philosophy, Keer Zhang’s final project at Central Saint Martins reflects both her artistic development and her dedication to animal welfare. With a focus on ancient Chinese culture and today’s pressing environmental issues, Zhang’s work offers a thoughtful commentary on both myth and reality when it comes to animals. It’s also a snapshot of her evolution as an artist, as she moves from traditional methods to more modern approaches like large-scale installations and animation.

Back in Unit 1, Zhang’s focus was on marine life—particularly the endangered sea turtle. Her animation dove into the stark contrast between the reverence ancient China held for animals, especially the turtle god ‘Xuanwu,’ and the damage caused by modern environmental neglect. The narrative is haunting: a character, after taking sleeping pills, finds themselves transported back to ancient China, where the mistreatment of sea creatures mirrors the cruelty they still face today. Zhang paired this animation with a symbolic installation—plastic balls representing turtle eggs and a harpoon to signify the violence against marine life—pulling the viewer deep into her message of environmental urgency.

It is striking how Zhang, despite being a new animator, chose to leap into the unknown in this early work. Her bold decision speaks volumes about her courage and determination to find new ways to convey her messages. She emphasizes the delicate nature of marine ecosystems through symbols like the sand and plastic eggs in her installation. By producing these works, she calls for human responsibility to protect the planet’s most vulnerable species. She even integrated a black-and-white book she created during a CSM publishing workshop, showcasing her knack for blending different forms of art into a cohesive, multidimensional message.

For her final project, Zhang took a turn from animation and delved into large-scale installations, creating four animal figures: a deer, a goose, a turtle, and a rabbit. These animals weren’t chosen randomly; they’re loaded with Taoist symbolism and represent her deeper dive into Chinese mythology, religion, and environmental themes. Each animal holds a specific place in Taoist beliefs. The deer, a symbol of longevity and good fortune, represents the Taoist ideals of living in harmony with nature, while the rabbit, tied to the moon and immortality, reflects her ongoing fascination with the spiritual connection between humans and animals.
Through these installations, Zhang not only brings these Taoist myths to life but also sheds light on the current crisis facing wildlife. Her sculptures, rich with religious and cultural meaning, extend the conversation to the spiritual and ecological importance of animals today. The turtle, a prominent figure in her earlier work, reappears in her final project, symbolizing the continuous thread of her artistic journey and her unwavering commitment to environmental causes.

In her thesis, Zhang delves into the Taoist portrayal of animals in art, arguing that anthropomorphism is key to understanding their spiritual and cultural roles. In Taoism, animals aren’t just creatures; they’re seen as divine beings with whom humans share a spiritual connection. Zhang connects this idea with modern environmental movements, suggesting that protecting animals is not only a moral responsibility but also a spiritual one. By exploring the symbolic meanings of animals like the dragon and phoenix, she taps into the richness of Chinese heritage while also advocating for real-world conservation.

Zhang’s shift from animation to large-scale installations was a daring move, one that highlights her versatility as an artist. Unlike animation, installations dominate physical space and invite a more immersive, hands-on experience for the viewer. Zhang herself mentions that these installations pushed her to face new technical and material challenges, ultimately leading to personal breakthroughs. The ambitious scale of her final project, which is her largest to date, speaks to this growth.
While Zhang has expressed concerns that her health may prevent her from continuing to create such large-scale works in the future, she remains committed to exploring her core themes: animal protection and Taoist philosophy. She plans to revisit animation and painting, continuing to investigate the intersection between animals, nature, and spirituality. Her constant drive to experiment with new media reflects a restless curiosity that will surely fuel her artistic journey for years to come.

Zhang’s work isn’t just about artistic expression; it’s a passionate call to action. Her projects remind us that art has the power to raise awareness about urgent environmental issues, and her innovative use of multiple mediums brings that message to a broader audience. Whether through animation, books, or large installations, Zhang consistently highlights the need for a balanced relationship with the natural world, blending her love for ancient Chinese culture with her concern for the future of the planet’s wildlife.

In the end, Keer Zhang’s final project represents the culmination of years of artistic exploration and personal growth. By combining traditional Taoist beliefs with modern environmental concerns, she has created a body of work that is not only visually captivating but also deeply thought-provoking. Her ability to seamlessly transition between mediums and engage with complex cultural and ecological themes marks her as an artist whose influence will resonate far beyond her time at Central Saint Martins.