ROOTED - Issue 3: Love

Enter

A journey to help you find what you seek.

WELCOME ! Love is in the air. Editor's Note

Our February edition is dedicated to Love, the most important force on the planet. From ecstasy to despair, love can take us on an emotional rollercoaster.

That's why I decided to sharpen my creative writing skills and pen my first-ever screenplay. With the help of an incredible team, we brought it to life. Introducing The Four Moods of Love, a visual monologue split into four parts: Heartbreak, Desire, It’s Ccomplicated and Commitment.

I wrote these films as a gift to you and to my younger self. What I love most about this project is the way it spotlights the baggage or “ghosts” that haunt our love lives when we don’t focus our energy on loving ourselves. These “ghosts'' can show up as insecurity, control, anxiety, trauma bonding and much more. Creating a chaotic and unstable environment where no relationship has a true chance to flourish.

But don’t take it from me. In the words of the great RuPaul “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”

I’d like to give a special shout-out to the Rooted team that made this film possible, all in ONE DAY. Thank you for your patience and for working so hard to make this dream a reality. Thanks to Chris Marley for believing in this project with no hesitation, Rebecca Sharp for your incredible dedication and commitment, Jodene Robinson for your brilliant eye for detail, Anisa Gani and Mabinty Taylor-Kamara for being hands-on behind the scenes and in front of the camera, my cousin Monica Siyanga for being so supportive on and off set. And lastly Michael Akuagwu for not only helping design this fabulous issue but being the BEST co-star ever - you really committed to the role, Mike! Shout out to our extras Faika Mumtaz, Daniel Enos, and Steph Poon, who came through with

dancing and vibes. A special welcome to Obehi Ejele who is now part of our wonderful design team, we’re so blessed to have your expertise.

And lastly thank you to our contributing writers Mabinty and Steph. A warm welcome to Jenni Lai and Nnenna Hemeson, thank you for your contribution.

Thanks to Mark Read and WPP for being our first sponsors, we’re so grateful for your support. Hogarth Wenlock studios for providing us with fabulous props, and Hogarth Sea Containers for editing this body of work. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We couldn’t have done it without your support. It’s now time to step into The Four Moods of Love.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

THE TEAM

Meet the amazing people that make Rooted happen!

Yolanta Boti Editor-in-Chief Steph Poon Fashion Journalist

Spirit animal = Squirrel. Budding Screenwriter. Loves learning new things. Obsessed with creative courses. A rookie ceramicist and woodworker. An ideas person, who’s turned into a “let’s make it happen” person. Passionate about equality. Always dreaming a little bigger. Favourite weekend includes an art gallery, bird watching, sharing a delicious meal, and eight hours of sleep. Loves creative writing, hates rules.

Mabinty Taylor-Kamara

Executive Editor

A detail-focused person. Who loves the big picture too. The beauty is in the words. A writer. A reader. An aspiring fitness enthusiast who goes to the gym at 5am (emphasis on the “aspiring”). Reserved sometimes. Always in my creative bag.

Jenni Lai

Cultural contributor

MBTI = Mediator / INFP. Full-time explorer for fresh air and skyline views, part-time cat mum (only up north). Eyes open wide for delicious food from around the world – albeit not for gluten or dairy sadly. Letting my creativity flair either in the kitchen, the art gallery, or in K-Pop dance class. Yes, I have two left feet, but you’ll always find me laughing in the mirror. It’s all about having fun.

So, what do we put here… ‘tell me about yourself’ is one of those questions you think how much, or little do I share? What do you want to know about me? Hmm… I make shoe contact before eye contact. Known for my unique style and sneakers; guess that’s how I qualify to get the title ‘Fashion Journalist’. I must have over 80+ pairs of sneakers (I haven’t done a recent count), two racks of rails full of jackets and let’s not talk about the other garments and accessories haha! There’s more to me… We’ll save it for another time!

Nnenna Hemeson Guest Writer

Spirit animal – Polar Bear. Passionate about people and the planet and do so in my 9-5, my passion project Echiché, and guest lecturing at the British School of Fashion. A solutions person that likes to break down the details of the issue but focuses more on the solution, ‘how can we fix this?!’. Lives to challenge the ‘status quo’ through expressions of creativity in every aspect of my life, as long as I live.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Meet the amazing people that made this Rooted issue happen!

Yeside Williams Photography

Jodene Robinson

Set Design

Sophie Austin

Proof reading

Michael Akuagwu Design

Chris Marley Director of Photography

Anisa Gani

Associate Producer

Rebecca Sharp Producer

Obehi Ejele Design

COMMANDMENTS

Thou shall chop life

Thou shall live fearlessly

Thou shall always join in the fun

Thou shall never dilute, mute or silence your voice

Thou shall always have us to lean on

Thou shall always be authentic

Thou shall take up space in all places

Thou shall live your truth and say it with your chest

Thou shall honour the point of view of others, we’re here to listen, learn and share

Thou shall stay Rooted in who you are

Gong Hei Fat Choy

(can be spelt multiple ways)

• is what Cantonese speakers say to wish you a Happy New Year - and it means “wishing you great happiness and prosperity”.

by Steph Poon and Jenni Lai

Year of the Rabbit

Lunar New Year is the beginning of a calendar year with months as moon cycles, based on the lunar calendar or lunisolar calendar. This means the New Year is a different date every year falling between January 21 and February 20 unlike the Western, Gregorian calendar with New Year being the first day of January.

Lunar New Year as a celebration is observed by numerous cultures.

CHINESE ZODIAC ANIMAL SET THE LUNAR NEW YEAR STORY

The Chinese zodiac is based on the lunar calendar, featuring 12 animal signs in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog & Pig. The 12 Chinese zodiac animals in a cycle are not only used to represent years, but also believed to influence people’s personalities, career, compatibility, marriage, and fortune, just like the Horoscope.

2023 is the Year of the Rabbit – Starting 22

January 2023.

The sign of the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture.

There are varying accounts of the ancient Chinese story behind the zodiac animals, but the most commonly believed story is as follows. The origin of the story

comes from ancient China. The Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven and earth, held a great race among the animals. He declared that the first twelve animals to cross to the other side of the mighty river would have a year named after them and thereby be forever immortalised on the Chinese Zodiac. 12 species turned up at the start line: a Pig, Dog, Rooster, Monkey, Sheep, Horse, Snake, Dragon, Rabbit, Tiger, Ox, and Rat.

1st & 2nd place

The exhausted rat who was one of the swimmers used its cunning nature to navigate across the water by persuading the generous ox to carry it across the river. The rat then jumped off the ox’s back, finishing the race first, followed by the ox in second.

3rd, 4th & 5th place

The tiger came third and ran a good race, but the current in the river sent it a little off course.

A loud thumping sound followed behind; it was the rabbit that jumped from one stone to another until it slipped. Fortunately, there was a log floating by and grabbed onto the log, floating to the finish line earning fourth place in the race.

Coming in fifth was the only mythical creature on the calendar, the dragon. Everyone thought that it would come first because it could fly. The dragon told the Jade Emperor that it had to divert from the race to help some villagers. Once the dragon got back on course, it saw the rabbit struggling and decided to give it a little puff of air to help it get to shore.

Rat

Ox

Snake

6th & 7th place

The horse wasn’t far behind the dragon and came galloping towards the finish line. However, the horse didn’t realise the sneaky snake wrapped itself around the horse’s leg to hitch a ride. With the finish line in sight, the snake uncoiled itself and scared the horse. The snake took advantage of this and slithered into sixth place, leaving its carrier, the horse in seventh.

8th, 9th & 10th place

Soon after, the monkey, the rooster, and the sheep reached the shore. Unlike some of the previous animals, the three used teamwork to get each other to the finish line. The rooster found a raft, and the monkey and sheep hopped

on. Once they reached the other side it was a dash for the finish –The sheep came in eighth place, followed by the monkey in ninth, then the rooster in tenth place.

11th & 12th place

In eleventh place was the dog. Even though the dog was a great swimmer, it was late. It told the emperor that it needed a bath, and the freshwater from the river was too tempting.

Right, when the emperor was going to close the race, an “oink” sound was heard; it was the pig. The pig felt hungry during the race, so stopped, ate, and then fell asleep. After the pig woke up, it finished the race in twelfth place and became the last animal to arrive.

The order of the lunar calendar follows the outcome of the race, where the rat is the first animal to start the sequence, and the pig is the last. After the pig, the sequence then starts over again, creating the Chinese zodiac.

You can see what your Chinese Zodiac is here;

https://www.

travelchinaguide.com/intro/ social_customs/zodiac/

Pig

CUSTOMS, TRADITIONS & RITUALS

Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in China with neighbouring countries and the Asian diaspora around the world celebrating this. Often called Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, the new year begins between January 21st and February 20th - usually occurring on the second new moon between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

In 2023, the Year of the Rabbit began on January 22nd. Considered the luckiest animal amongst the twelve zodiacs, the rabbit signifies longevity, peace, and prosperity.

Whilst countries and communities will celebrate Lunar New Year differently (from playing the Vietnamese gambling game Bâu cua tôm cá, or traditional Korean game Yut nori, to eating pineapple cakes in Taiwan or Yusheng in Malaysia and Singapore), here are some traditions within Chinese culture.

Before the official start of the holiday, Chinese households are thoroughly cleaned. Cleaning symbolises ridding the household of the previous year’s bad luck to allow for a new start.

Tradition notes that the 28th December (of the lunar calendar) should be the last day that households are cleaned ahead of the new year.

Red is considered an auspicious colour. The traditional colour of the Han - the dominant ethnic group in Chinasignifies prosperity, good fortune, luck, celebration and vitality. Wearing red clothing and hanging red lanterns and spring couplets are said to ward off evil spirits and boost prosperity.

For those wanting to scare off evil spirits, red firecrackers also do the trick given the loud noises when lit.

Red envelopes, or “Lai See”, are a traditional gift exchange during Lunar New Year. Filled with cash, the envelopes are given to children, single young adults and employees for good luck and health in the coming year.

Food traditions are very symbolic for the Lunar New Year. Traditions include serving a steamed whole fish which represents wholeness, abundance and that every year, we have more than enough whereas serving dishes such as spring rolls which resemble gold bars and symbolises wealth.

Longevity noodles are considered the key to a long and healthy life whilst nian gao (Chinese New Year Cake) symbolises progress and growth.

Taboos amongst Chinese culture at Lunar New Year include not washing your hair, clean or tidy up during New Year’s Day as this washes away your fortune for the year, using sharp objects such as scissors and knives is forbidden as this symbolises a cut in one’s stream of wealth and success and avoid taking medicines to avoid being ill all year round.

Greetings to wish someone “Happy New year” / Lunar New Year wishes:

• Mandarin Chinese - Xīn nián kuài lè (“Happy New Year”) / Gong xi fa cai (“Wishing you prosperity and wealth.”)

• Cantonese Chinese - Sun nin fai lok (“Happy New Year”) / Gung hay fat choy (“Wishing you prosperity and wealth.”)

• Vietnamese - Chúc mùng năm mói (“Happy New Year”)

• Korean - Saehae bok mani badeuseyo (“May you receive many blessings (or fortunes) in the New Year.”)

Words

by Steph Poon

Lunar New Year Edition

The response to the first edition piece was incredible. From people feedbacking that you now know more about sneakers, to inspiring your next pair and not realising how rich the sneaker history is and how ingrained it is, in pairs to date.

This edition is focused on Asian influences and designers for Lunar New Year. This year Lunar New Year falls on Sunday 22 Jan 2023 and is the Year of the Rabbit, signalling longevity, peace and prosperity. These pairs are to do with the small details, nodding to Asian culture, as well as recognising Asian designers & artists.

If this sparked your next purchase, all these pairs can be copped* on the resell market, such as StockX, Ebay, GOAT etc.

Sneakerheads even have their own lingo. They don’t call them Trainers and Shoes;

Here are just a few different words for ‘Sneakers’ = Kicks, Creps, wof (what’s on feet).

'OG' = Original

'SOTY' = Sneaker of the Year

'Colourway' = One of many various configurations for the colour scheme for shoes

*Cop = Buy/secure a pair

Jordan 1 Low

Year of the Rabbit

Each year Jordan releases sneakers to honour the occasion of Lunar New Year, using various models of Jordans. Some pairs are exclusive to Asian markets. This year they brought out a ‘Year of the Rabbit’ collection. The most popular pair out of this collection is the Jordan 1 Low, Year of the Rabbit with a limit of only 5,000 pairs.

The colourway for this pair is brown/white/cream/ gold/red. The brown and white relates to the colour of rabbits with fluffy white laces coming with it. The back tab is gold, symbolising wealth and riches in Asian culture. The red tongue tab and insole symbolise luck, joy, and happiness. Each pair is individually numbered on the inside of the tongue tab, in red with a golden rabbit.

If you wanted to pick up a pair, they were released in late January before Lunar New Year on SNKRS. (You can get a pair on the resale market).

Adidas UltraBoost 20 Chinese New Year

Year of the Rat

Adidas released a CNY pair using the OG UltraBoost model in 2020 to commemorate the Year of the Rat. The pair has a knitted Primeknit uppers and Boost midsole, like any original pair of UltraBoost.

Gold accents can be found on the Three Stripes logo and tongue tab, and signalling this as a limited-edition sneaker is a large crane across the full back heel. Symbolic of longevity and peace, a crane extends its wings across the entire heel mould on both shoes in this pair. It’s done in such fashion that it resembles traditional Chinese paintings on silk; the feathered-bird dons a red beak and crown, a white body, and goldoutlined blue wings.

The same colour palette decorates the backdrop to create a beautiful scene.

Nike SB Dunk Low Street Hawker

Designed by artist Jason Deng, the pair is focused on six regional dishes from six different cities, as well as referencing key elements of Chinese street cuisine. The left shoe takes cues from four flower-based dishes: green bean soup, woodgrain from chopsticks, plain noodles, pitta bread soaked in mutton soup, and the traditional white and blue porcelain bowls.

The right shoe features hotter colours to represent ingredients spicy to sweet: chengdu hotpots, shaved ice and taro balls, boiling chilli oil, the colour of meat dishes, and yellow outsole representing cooking oil.

The heel tab has Chinese calligraphy for ‘Food’ embroidered on them. As well as the four laces that come with them, the colours represent shallots, ginger, garlic, and black pepper.

Bruce Lee Foundation x BAIT x Asics Onitsuka Tiger

Kill Bill/Game of Death

Bruce Lee was a Hong Kong and American martial artist and actor who paved the way for modern mixed martial arts. His most iconic outfit was the yellow jumpsuit with black stripes down the side. It came from his last must-watch film, ‘Game of Death’, which he unfortunately died during the making of in 1973. On his feet he wore matching yellow and black Asics Onitsuka Tiger.

Many years later, Quentin Tarantino was inspired by Bruce Lee and released the film ‘Kill Bill’ in 2003. Lee’s films influenced Tarantino in various ways, so he decided to pay homage with the main female character wearing a yellow and black tracksuit, a direct reference to Lee’s final project.

10 years after the release of ‘Kill Bill’, BAIT x Bruce Lee Foundation x Asics Onitsuka Tiger all joined together and collaborated to release 100 numbered limited-edition Bruce Lee ‘Game of Death’ sneakers which were the model he and co-star Uma Thurnam wore in ‘Kill Bill’. The limited pair featured Chinese characters, individually numbered with Bruce Lee’s signature and a collector’s shoebox. Re-releases did occur with more pairs, but instead of the Chinese characters it was Bruce Lee’s iconic ‘Flying Kick’.

Maharishi x Steph Poon x Nike

1 of 1 custom

Year of the Tiger

Maharishi is a London-based streetwear label that explores the dualistic nature of the universe – expressed through blending Eastern and Western silhouettes and graphic influence.

Maharishi and Nike did a limited-edition collaboration that allowed people to create a one of one custom pair, designing the sneaker from scratch.I designed this pair with my mother, in homage to our Hong Kong heritage.

The primary colourway of the pair is red, as it’s a lucky colour in Chinese culture to symbolise happiness, success, and good fortune. The midsole, shoelace and inner swoosh is a tanned colourway with a gum outsole to represent ‘Earth’ and being grounded, as I am an ‘Earth Tiger’. The outer swoosh being a gold Tiger, as that is my Chinese zodiac and gold symbolising wealth and prosperity.

This pair might be my favourite pair in the collection, due to its sentimental value.

MEET

Meet Matt Foster. Thought leader and DEI Director. In this month’s spotlight, we deep dive into the successes and the lessons learnt from his journey.

AN INTERVIEW BY MABINTY TAYLOR-KAMARA

what you wanted to focus on?

How then did you take the steps needed to get there?

in the spirit of this month’s theme, what do you love most about what you currently do?

Matt: I think the clue to the answer is in the question. A certain magic happens when you are able to combine who you are with what you love. That’s what I am able to do in my case. Having worked in our industry for 18 years, at

the coal face of client service, it’s an incredible opportunity to now wholly focus on driving organisational and cultural change through diversity, equity and inclusion. My work and my purpose are now aligned. What’s not to love about that?

Rooted: When did you realise that Diversity, Equity & Inclusion was

Matt: In some ways it was always there, due to a combination of my background and early influences. I was fortunate enough to grow up as a multiracial British-Filipino kid in a multicultural environment. I was born in Manila, raised in Hong Kong and spent a lot of time in both Japan and Kenya where my parents lived during my school years. Without realising it I became a cultural mediator, that is, able to translate differences and solve problems between disparate groups. I am also somewhat of a social anthropologist. Add to that growing up queer in a family with a background that valued activism and social justice. So yeah, it was always there, but in practice, my professional work in DEI began eight years ago on top of my day job when I was already a director working in PR. I was determined to contribute to creating more equity in an unequal world, all be it on a small scale in the agency I worked for at the time. Then it all just clicked into place.

Rooted: Since you’ve been at Ogilvy, what’s been the biggest learning?

Left: Matt in a more casual setting with a cultural fan. Photography by Steph Poon

Matt: I have learned that there has been great work in DEI happening all across the business, from the People team, to the creative work, to what the Healthcare folks are doing and of course our amazing networks. And that really is down to our most valuable asset: human capital. Our people and their passion. But this kind of work is what I call soul work. It can take its toll because of how deep emotions around identity can run. I hope in my role I will be able to serve our people by leading, taking accountability, and sheltering them when needed while ensuring I am delivering what the business needs to grow and flourish.

Rooted: What piece of advice have you never forgotten?

Matt: Always make an effort to explore the opposing view, which is advice my father gave me (along with a book by Noam Chomsky). In an increasingly polarised world, where the media help fuel a culture war with provocative rhetoric, it’s easy to shut out views that don’t align with our own values and

live in a social bubble, engaging only with people who share our opinions and political ideology. It isn’t easy to explore the opposing view, especially when you disagree strongly with it. It can be abhorrent and even grotesque, but my own sense of liberal tolerance must also include a tolerance of what I may perceive as others’ illiberal views.

Rooted: Putting work aside now… you’ve got a free day, nothing on the schedule, and no responsibilities to attend to. What do you spend the day doing?

Matt: As a natural introvert, I would probably start by jumping on my bike and cycling to my fave café and bakery by London Fields, Violet. In summer, I’d sit on a park bench that’s just outside and would be munching on a kimchee and cheese toasty while reading a book (probably something by Rachel Cusk). I’d then head to the park for a few hours and listen to a Steven Bartlett podcast in the sun then cycle to Broadway

Market. I’m forever exploring my neighbourhood (I live in East London) and while I do so it also gives me the chance to think deeply about what’s going on in my life and what my next moves will be. I enjoy my own company and the alone time always helps to restore my energy so that I can enjoy being with other people again.

Rooted: How do you usually celebrate the Lunar New Year? Did this year differ from that at all?

Matt: Growing up in Hong Kong, the Lunar New Year has always been important to me and my family. Even though we are all now transplanted to London, we continue to get together for a delicious Chinese meal and partake in traditions to encourage luck and prosperity in the New Year. I’m lucky that my stepmother, who is from Hong Kong, is an amazing cook. For Lunar New Year, she starts preparing a few days in advance and we tend to have a banquet with a dish of every kind, so a fish dish, a meat one, a vegetable and a tofu dish, and last but not least, a noodle dish for long

It isn’t easy to explore the opposing view, especially when you disagree strongly with it.

life. My parents will give out red Lai See packets filled with lucky money for the children in our family. For me it’s all about connecting over food. In Asian culture where words aren’t always used to communicate love, food can be its own language of expressing it in families.

What is something about you that people would be surprised to know?

That I am a Freemason. And no, we don’t secretly control the world, nor did we hide the identity of Jack The Ripper. What we actually do is a lot of charity and service within the community. But yes there are secret handshakes. Everyone is welcome to ask me any questions they like about Masonry but I may not be able to answer all of them (wink wink).

Life doesn’t always go to plan, how did you overcome adversity during hard seasons?

I have always believed in renewal. So much so that I have two large tattoos of phoenixes, one on my chest and one down my torso, representing rebirth and

survival through struggle, both acting as book ends for when my mother was terminally ill. At the same time, two phoenixes together in Chinese culture symbolise eternal love. As we get to the end of this interview, there’s a fitting symmetry in wrapping up on a note related to the theme of this issue. Nothing is possible without love, and through my darkest moments, I am reminded how abundantly I live by being loved and loving others. That’s how I’ve overcome adversity. Last but certainly not least, working with an incredible therapist, who I also have a lot of love for (thank you, Daniel).

And lastly, what do you want your legacy to be?

To have contributed to the representation of visibly queer Filipinos in leadership positions and to have broken stereotypes through the many intersections of my identity. But if I can also leave people with some thoughts about me, it would be that I learned most when I fell the hardest, that it wasn’t as important for me to be right than to have tried to do the right thing, and that I was a kind person. That would be enough.

IN YOUR HOME THAT HOLD THE MOST MEANING TO YOU

TAUSUG WOVEN TEXTILE

From my mother I inherited a deep pride in the diverse cultures of the Philippines and the artisans who keep our indigenous pre-colonial culture alive. This piece of cloth is woven by the Tausug people of the southern Philippines, in the Sulu Archipelago. It hangs in my

living room as a celebration of the richness of Filipino identity. It’s worn traditionally wrapped around the head of the men in the tribe. They are woven without an initial plan (hence why the Tausug are often called the Dream Weavers) so no two pieces are alike. The Tausug follow Islam, as do most Filipinos from the south, and the design

follows what we call Okir motifs: geometric and floral patterns and the absence of human forms. It is also influenced by previous Indian migration and I love that there are also Hindu references to mandala-inspired shapes.

OF MY GRANDPARENTS

When I look at this photo, I see resilience, the ingenuity of the women in my family when facing a crisis and how the generations that followed were enabled to thrive as a result of female endeavour. Let me explain:

This photo is of my grandparents, Ramón and Engracia Oben, taken some time in the 50s. I love this photo as my grandad is beaming with charisma and prosperity, but, not to be upstaged, my grandma, though stood behind him, has a knowing smile that conveys she was always the immutable force behind our family.

To appreciate this photo, you have to remember when it was taken, only a decade after the second World War, when The Philippines

was occupied by the Japanese and my grandparents lost everything. Their house was burnt down while they were hiding in the attic. While Manila was bombed by allied forces and razed to the ground, my grandparents lived with relatives to survive. But my Lola hatched a plan: she started her own bootleg rum business, selling contraband to the American GIs in secret and stashing away her dollars in rolls hidden in empty coffee tins. With this money my grandparents were able to emerge from the war with a future and with the proceeds they bought some land in Quezon City and built three houses on it. That is where my mother would later grow up.

EM FORSTER’S MAURICE

Books played a significant role in my self-discovery. Though this is not the exact copy I read when I was 14, reading EM Forster’s Maurice was part of my coming out journey. Back in 1994, we didn’t have social media. There

were very few out LGBTQ+ role models. There were no mainstream Hollywood films telling stories about people like me. And though Maurice was posthumously published, it was still released at a time when narratives about gay men were either forbidden or tragic. I devoured Maurice and was so thrilled because it had a happy ending. Two men could fall in love and be devoted to each other. And despite all the negative tropes I’d been exposed to, there was hope for me yet. The power of stories is undoubtable. A friend of mine says finding a copy of Oscar Widle’s De Profundis saved his life as a bullied gay teen in the 80s. I have nothing but gratitude for these writers who gave me a sense of community before I was able to reach out and find my own tribe. They made me feel seen.

WRITTEN BY YOLANTA BOTI

SPECIAL THANKS TO: MARK READ, WPP, JOSIE SMART, GEORGE LUCA HOGARTH WORLDWIDE

Are we made to love?

Or is love a tale we have convinced ourselves we need to experience?

Two truths may lie here.

To receive, one must give.

To give; one must be open to the sabotage that comes. When love ultimately slips and shatters. It breaks you.

Each time you glue yourself together again. But as always, you never learn. Enter the four moods of love. A journey to help you find what you seek. Put away the bitterness of heartbreak. Hold on to the sweet taste of desire. Fight for love even when it gets complicated. Take a chance, this time it may end in commitment. Turn a new page and start the journey.

Karma

How have I wronged you?

The feeling of love's warmth has turned into a blaze that burns me crisp from the inside. The silence stains the memories.

Were you an actor sent by the devil himself to destroy the only hope I held on to?

How much longer must the taste of love lay bitter on my tongue?

Let me sleep and sink into the depths of darkness. Suffocated. Trapped. In the lie of us. Of you. A shapeshifter. I’m intertwined with the worst type of soul tie.

Where is the light?

PART ONE

WATCH ON VIMEO

SCREENPLAY BY YOLANTA BOTI. DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS MARLEY. PRODUCER REBECCA SHARP. EDITED BY LEE BAMSEY. SET DESIGN BY JODENE ROBINSON. VISUAL TECHNICIAN YESIDE WILLIAMS. SOUND DESIGN RUSSELL BRADLEY. COLOUR GRADING FAHD HASHMEY. MOVEMENT DIRECTOR MONICA SIYANGA. ASSOCIATE PRODUCER ANISA GANI. ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

MABINTY TAYLOR-KAMARA. DESIGN BY MICHAEL AKUAGWU & OBEHI EJELE

PART TWO

I caught it.

Your eye

Could you be the one to lift this god-awful curse?

I’ll lift it myself and place a blessing on our union

Yes

I could see how fate placed us here

Gone are the dark days that plagued six generations

Finally, my someone

Was it something I said?

That brought you closer

Stay

Sit in that thrown

Whilst I tend to your needs

I kneel at your feet

My mother said

Thorns hide in plane sight

But I surely hope you don’t bite

PART TWO

WATCH ON VIMEO

SCREENPLAY BY YOLANTA BOTI. DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS MARLEY. PRODUCER REBECCA SHARP. EDITED BY JOSH BAULF. SET DESIGN BY JODENE ROBINSON. VISUAL TECHNICIAN YESIDE WILLIAMS. SOUND DESIGN RUSSELL BRADLEY. COLOUR GRADING FAHD HASHMEY. MOVEMENT DIRECTOR MONICA SIYANGA. ASSOCIATE PRODUCER ANISA GANI. ASSOCIATE PRODUCER MABINTY TAYLOR-KAMARA. DESIGN BY MICHAEL AKUAGWU & OBEHI EJELE

DID YOU KNOW?

We’ve stumbled upon some interesting discoveries and because sharing is caring, here are the ones we can’t stop thinking about.

...ABOUT DOWRIES?

A dowry is a gift of significant monetary value from the bride’s (or in some cases the groom’s) family to the family of their soon-to-be spouse.

The value of the dowry can be based on several factors, such as the family’s class or income. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a cash amount, it can be given in the form of furniture, jewellery, property, or even livestock in certain cultures.

Every culture has their different traditions and norms when it comes to dowries and even love and marriage more generally. Here are a few examples we’ve come across.

Great Britain

Dowry in the UK dates back to the early 12th century. In ancient Britain, Dowry was made from the bride’s family to the groom’s family. Its role, which was unique to Britain, was to provide financial security for the wife and potential children in the future (in the event of widowhood for example) as the bride entered into her new family. It often consisted of cash but also could include fine jewellery, household items, and livestock.

Though with time this tradition has died out, in certain settings e.g. in royal circles, a watered-down version of this tradition still remains. When Kate Middleton wedded Prince William in the spring of 2011, Kate’s parents made a financial contribution to the big day. Though much smaller than what would be considered acceptable in the royal weddings of former days, this tradition was still respected.

Nigeria

Nigerian wedding preparations kick off with formal introduction of the family members. Before the first meeting between both families, thorough research is done to ensure the young couple are not blood related to each other. In this first meeting both families exchange gifts. In Igbo tribe, the potential groom’s family receives a dowry list from the bride’s family. According to the traditional Igbo wedding customs, the dowry determines if the groom is ready to marry or not.

The groom must fulfil or commit to the dowry list before they can announce their engagement. The list varies from tribe to tribe or family’s culture. The bride price (dowry) becomes more expensive if she holds a degree or doctorate.

Dowry in Nigeria is expensive; many grooms who cannot afford it have to end the relationship. Wedding planning begins immediately after the full bride price is paid. This still happens in a modern wedding.

China

In China, a similar wedding tradition exists. Pin Jin, the bride’s price, is a practice in which the groom’s family offers the bride’s family an amount of money as a symbol of respect. Similar to other nations and cultures around the world, the Chinese believe that when a daughter is married she leaves her own family and becomes part of the family of her new spouse.

The Pin Jin is given as a symbol of the bride’s value to her groom’s family. There is no set amount that this offering has to be, which can make things harder, however most advise for conversations to happen between both families when this is being decided.

Zambia

A dowry or bride’s price in Zambia is called ‘lobola‘. This is a pre-wedding practice where the groom is asked to pay an appreciation fee to his intended wife’s family for raising her well. This fee is usually in monetary form in urban cities, or in livestock in rural areas. Before the process, a groom must declare his intention to marry the bride by bringing plates filled with money which is called ‘nsalamu‘ to his bride’s relatives.

SOURCES

https://www.eivans.com/nigerian-wedding-traditions/

https://www.herworld.com/weddings/ideas-advice/pin-jin-or-dowry-what-you-should-know-about-chinese-wedding-tradition/ https://theculturetrip.com/africa/zambia/articles/12-traditions-only-zambians-can-understand/

...ABOUT THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES?

The five love languages are ways in which people receive and give love, and they help us understand our partner’s needs as well as our own.

ACTS OF SERVICE RECEIVING GIFTS

For these people, actions speak louder than words.

For some people, receiving a heartfelt gift is what makes them feel most loved.

QUALITY TIME

This language is all about giving the other person your undivided attention.

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION PHYSICAL TOUCH

This language uses words to affirm other people.

ABOUT THE APHANTASIA TEST?

An Aphantasia test allows you to discover the vividness of your visual imagination, we each can see this differently. Take this easy test to see how vividly you can see people, objects or places in your mind’s eye.

Take the full test here:

To this person, nothing speaks more deeply than appropriate physical touch.

Take the test here:

TAKE THE TEST

https://aphantasia.com/ vviq/

Read more about Aphantasia here: https://www. mindbodygreen.com/ articles/aphantasia-test

by Yolanta Boti and Rebecca Sharp

The internet has become our main resource for information, advice and inspiration. That also extends into the sexual realm, helping us figure out our green flags (and red flags) when it comes to the bedroom. Here are some of our favourite finds.

TOP TIPS FROM OLONI

Dami "Oloni" Olonisakin is a British Nigerian sex educator and relationship advisor. She’s sat down with the Evening Standard to talk about the cultural stigma surrounding sex, her passion for empowering women and her provocative podcast. She also gives us her top tips for a healthy sex life.

@OLONI

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW

Nowness: Director Audrey Mascina looks at sex and intimacy as a means of empowerment outside of societal limitations.

In this short film I AM THAT I AM, Audrey Mascina looks to acknowledge the constraints put upon sex, directing an exploration of intimacy, and the empowerment it offers beyond the act itself. Positioning sexuality as a point of resonance between different journeys, the film narrows in on sex as a positive force, looking at the sense of freedom it brings as a catalyst for freedom from judgement, and societal restrictions.

“As a filmmaker, my intention with this project is to say that we should be proud to embrace our sexuality as an essential pillar of our lives, and personal understanding. This film aims to recall the beauty, joy, and emotional intelligence of sex. The beauty of emotions talking through our bodies, people showing their inner skin through their outer skin.”

Warning* This film has nudity and scenes of a sexual nature. Adults only. Watch here

PART THREE

There’s someone in the room

I feel them

Their energy is lusting for what’s mine

You Us Our future

Our future children

Are at stake

In danger

Can we outrun this predator?

Whose sole motivation

Is to take your heart

From mine

Do you like this attention?

To have two souls fighting over yours?

Pathetic

I’ll be the last one standing

I’ll do whatever’s necessary

But

Let this be the last time

You bring someone into our timeline

PART THREE

WATCH ON VIMEO

SCREENPLAY BY YOLANTA BOTI. DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS MARLEY. PRODUCER REBECCA SHARP. EDITED BY LEE BAMSEY. SET DESIGN BY JODENE ROBINSON. VISUAL TECHNICIAN YESIDE WILLIAMS. SOUND DESIGN RUSSELL BRADLEY. COLOUR GRADING FAHD HASHMEY. MOVEMENT DIRECTOR MONICA SIYANGA. ASSOCIATE PRODUCER ANISA GANI. ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

MABINTY TAYLOR-KAMARA. DESIGN BY MICHAEL AKUAGWU & OBEHI EJELE

PODCASTS

We’re all at different stages when it comes to our romantic relationships. Whether single, engaged, married or in a situationship, one of these top podcasts has your name on it.

MODERN LOVE

For 18 years, the Modern Love column has given New York Times readers a glimpse into the complicated love lives of real people. Since its start, the column has evolved into a TV show, three books and a podcast. Each week, host Anna Martin brings you stories and conversations about love in all its glorious permutations, dumb pitfalls and life-changing moments. New episodes every Wednesday.

ON THE LEFT

My

NEARLYWEDS

Getting married? Planning to? Find yourself in a whirlwind of "wedmin" and worry? Or do you just fancy a laugh?

Then join "NearlyWeds" Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo on their own journey to the altar. From venues to vows, rings to reception, wine lists to guest lists, they'll discuss every element of getting married, as they plan their special day.

MILLENIAL LOVE

The Relationships and Relationshits Podcast is the number one resource to help you navigate through the challenging, yet rewarding world of relationships. Relationships are not easy and we are here to help you figure it out.

"This season is a celebration of all things Black Love hosted by Tolly T featuring Indiyah & Dami, Steven Bartlett, Zeze Millz, Toni Tone and more". We’ll be exploring everything from the pressures of when will you marry, the many layers of desirability, how Black Love shows up- it isn’t one size or type fits all, talking stages and we’ll also be hearing from the men to get an understanding of how stereotypes and online discourse affect their dating experience.

HOMO SAPIENS WITH CHRISTOPHER SWEENEY

The world from a Queer perspective: Conversations, Stories, and a good old laugh with LGBTQ+ icons, allies, and of course, our lovely listeners. Come and join the Homo Sapiens family with new episodes every Thursday - the more the merrier!

LAID BARE

For the sex positive and opinionated! Get LAID with @Oloni who discusses sex and relationships.

Love Is... is a podcast from the dating app that puts women in the driver's seat - Bumble!

LITERATURE

Women Who Love Too Much

Robin Norwood

Is your relationship the most important thing in your life? Are you constantly thinking and talking about your partner, or finding excuses for their bad behaviour?

Many women are repeatedly drawn into unhappy and destructive relationships, and then struggle to make these doomed relationships work. In this bestselling psychology book, leading relationship and marriage therapist Robin Norwood reveals why we get into unhealthy relationships and how powerfully addictive they are - and shares her effective framework for finding and sustaining love.

Notes on Heartbreak

Nikki May

Dark, fierce and raw, Notes on Heartbreak is a love story told in reverse, starting with a devastating break-up.

As Annie Lord deals with her broken heart, the book constantly revisits the past, from the moment she first fell in love, to the months that saw the slow erosion of a bond five years in the making. We feel Annie's pain with her, join her as she begins to heal, and cringe or laugh in recognition of our own experience as Annie charts her attempts to move on, from disastrous rebound sex to sending illadvised nudes, stalking your ex's new girlfriend on Instagram and the sharp indignity of being ghosted.

Love in a Headscarf

Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

"At the age of thirteen, I knew I was destined to marry John Travolta. One day he would arrive on my North London doorstep, fall madly in love with me and ask me to marry him. Then he would convert to Islam and become a devoted Muslim."

A memoir with a hilarious twist from one of Britain's leading female Muslim writers, Love in a Headscarf is an entertaining, fresh and unmissable insight into what it means to be a young British Muslim woman.

Get lost in a great love story and discover expert reads to help you heal from trauma and find new healthy ways to love.

Before the Coffee Gets Colds

Toshikazu Kawaguchi

What would you change if you could go back in time?

In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a cafe which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. But this coffee shop offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time.

The Body Keeps the Score

Bessel van der Kolk

The effects of trauma can be devastating for sufferers, their families and future generations. Here one of the world's experts on traumatic stress offers a bold new paradigm for treatment, moving away from standard talking and drug therapies and towards an alternative approach that heals mind, brain and body.

Honey & Spice

Bolu Babalola

The sharp-tongued (and secretly soft-hearted) Kiki Banjo is an expert in relationship-evasion, and likes to keep her feelings close to her chest. As the host of the popular student radio show, Brown Sugar, it is her mission to make sure the women who make up the Afro-Caribbean Society at Whitewell University also do not fall into the mess of 'situationships', players and heartbreak. But when Kiki meets the distressingly

The Midnight Library

Matt Haig

Between life and death there is a library.

When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change.

handsome and charming newcomer Malakai Korede - who she has publicly denounced as 'The Wasteman of Whitewell' - her defences are weakened and her heart is compromised. A clash embroils them in a fake relationship to salvage both their reputations and save their futures, and soon she finds herself in danger of falling for the very man she warned her girls about.

PART FOUR

You chose me

The curse is broken

My enemy has fallen

I spent too many lifetimes roaming the cosmos without a soulmate

Who knew it was yours to break Magnetic forces bind our souls together

Loving you is like watching a sunrise; Midnight calls;

Dancing in our living room;

Crying in the safety of your arms

You Are My miracle I am yours

But for how long?

Will your eyes stay fixed on me

Look at me

Promise you’ll never leave me

PART THREE

WATCH ON VIMEO

SCREENPLAY BY YOLANTA BOTI. DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS MARLEY. PRODUCER REBECCA SHARP. EDITED BY LEE BAMSEY & KLAAS DIERSMANN. SET DESIGN BY JODENE ROBINSON. VISUAL TECHNICIAN YESIDE WILLIAMS. SOUND DESIGN RUSSELL BRADLEY. COLOUR GRADING FAHD HASHMEYMOVEMENT DIRECTOR MONICA SIYANGA. ASSOCIATE PRODUCER ANISA GANI. ASSOCIATE PRODUCER MABINTY TAYLOR-KAMARA. DESIGN BY MICHAEL AKUAGWU & OBEHI EJELE

Those are the four moods of love. A never-ending cycle. We focus on them. And love mirrors our reflection back to us. We are the centre. Learning to love without ego. Without trauma. Without the need to control. Gives. Us. Freedom. Will you let your ghosts haunt you? It’s time to leave them in the past that no longer serves you. And enter a new fertile ground full of unconditional love, only you can give to yourself. You are finally free. Fin.

FILMS ENJOY

our Valentine’s Day movie selection to help you unwind whether solo, with friends, or with your special someone. We have films to fire up the romance and get your adrenaline running - some might make you laugh or cry.

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

In the Mood for Love is a 2000 romantic drama film written, produced and directed by Wong Kar-wai. In 1962, journalist Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) and his wife move into a Hong Kong apartment, but Chow's spouse is often away on business. Before long, the lonely Chow makes the acquaintance of the alluring Su Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung Man-yuk), whose own significant other also seems preoccupied with work. The two have suspicions of their spouses which lead to an interesting development.

Available to watch at Prince Charles Cinema

Everything Everywhere All at Once is a 2022 American absurdist comedy-drama film written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (collectively known as "Daniels"). When an interdimensional rupture unravels reality, an unlikely hero (Michelle Yeoh) must channel her newfound powers to fight bizarre and bewildering dangers from the multiverse as the fate of everything hangs in the balance. Available on Amazon Prime

Moonlight is a 2016 American coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Barry Jenkins, based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's unpublished semi-autobiographical play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue”. The film explores three defining chapters in the life of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami. His epic journey to manhood is guided by the kindness, support and love of the community that helps raise him. Chiron finds guidance in Juan, a drug dealer, who teaches him to carve his own path. As he grows up in Miami, Juan's advice leaves a lasting impression on him.

Available on Amazon Prime

City of God is a 2002 Brazilian epic crime film co-directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. Bráulio Mantovani adapted the story from the 1997 novel of the same name written by Paulo Lins, but the plot is loosely based on real events. The movie chronicles Rocket's life as a young boy as he deals with his law-bending brother and his gang, all the way to his teen years as a pseudohippie. As the crime level soars in brutality, Rocket begins to realize his niche as a photographer is his only means of staying honest.

Available to rent/buy on Apple TV

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE MOONLIGHT CITY OF GOD ROMA

Roma is a 2018 drama film written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, who also produced, shot, and co-edited it. It follows Cleo who is one of two domestic workers who help Antonio and Sofía take care of their four children in 1970s Mexico City. Complications soon arise when Antonio suddenly runs away with his mistress and Cleo finds out that she's pregnant. When Sofía decides to take the kids on vacation, she invites Cleo for a much-needed getaway to clear her mind and bond with the family.

Available to Netflix

Café de Flore is a Canadian drama film, released in 2011. Directed, written, and edited by Jean-Marc Vallée. The movie follows a love story between a man and a woman, plus a mother and her son. A mystical and fantastical odyssey on love, the film chronicles the parallel fates of Jacqueline, a young mother with a disabled son in 1960s Paris, and Antoine, a recently divorced, successful DJ in present-day Montreal.

Available to rent/buy on Youtube

CAFÉ DE FLORE LOVE JONES

Love Jones is a 1997 American romantic drama film written and directed by Theodore Witcher, in his feature film directing debut. Two African-Americans, Darius (Larenz Tate), an aspiring writer, and Nina (Nia Long), an aspiring photographer, share an instant connection after a chance meeting at a Chicago club. The two bond over music, photography and poetry, and eventually begin a torrid romance. However, when Nina decides to move to New York and mend her relationship with her ex-fiancé, Marvin (Khalil Kain), it leaves Darius heartbroken, and the couple's future in jeopardy.

Available to rent/buy on Apple TV

Blue is the warmest colour follows Adèle (Exarchopoulos), a French teenager who discovers desire and freedom as an aspiring painter, Emma (Seydoux), enters her life. It depicts their relationship from Adèle's high school years to her early adult life and career as a schoolteacher.

Available on Netflix

BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOUR THE HANDMAIDEN

The Handmaiden is a 2016 South Korean psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. It is inspired by the 2002 novel Fingersmith by Welsh writer Sarah Waters, with the setting changed from Victorian-era Britain to Korea under Japanese colonial rule. With help from an orphaned pickpocket (Kim Tae-ri), a Korean con man (Ha Jung-woo) devises an elaborate plot to seduce and bilk a Japanese woman (Kim Min-hee) out of her inheritance.

Available on Amazon Prime (through BFI Player)

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Slumdog Millionaire is a 2008 British drama film that is a loose adaptation of the novel Q & A (2005) by Indian author Vikas Swarup. Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Simon Beaufoy, the film follows 18-year-old Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) as he answers questions on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Part of a stable of young thieves after their mother dies, Jamal and his brother, Salim, survive on the streets of Mumbai. Salim finds the life of crime agreeable, but Jamal scrapes by with small jobs until landing a spot on the game show.

Available on Disney Plus

QUEEN & SLIM

While on a forgettable first date together in Ohio, a black man (Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya) and a black woman (Jodie Turner-Smith, in her first starring feature-film role), are pulled over for a minor traffic infraction. The situation escalates, with sudden and tragic results. TW: Police, race, violence.

Available on Amazon Prime

ENTERGALACTIC

Entergalactic is an animated music television special created by American musician and actor Kid Cudi, and is directed by Fletcher Moules. It follows ambitious artist Jabari as he attempts to balance success and love after he moves into his dream Manhattan apartment and falls for his next-door neighbour.

Available on Netflix

S P

BRAND SPOTLIGHT

We’ll be spotlighting Kasia who screen-printed our Rooted t-shirts to find out more about her, her business, and her passion for the environment.

A Q&A WITH CARE WEARS

Kasia is a talented designer and owner of eco-brand Care Wares which also provides a screen printing service - we loved using it to create our Rooted t-shirts.

Tell us who you are, your name, age and background.

My name is Kasia. I'm 33 and I'm based in Hackney, but I'm originally from Poland.

Tell us a bit about how you got into graphic design. Have you always had an interest in art?

I’ve always been interested in all things creative. I wanted to be an artist ever since I was little, but growing up in a small town in Poland in the 90's pursuing a career in the creative industry never seemed like an option. It wasn't till I moved abroad in my 20's that I really started diving into my interests in art and design. I started that journey by studying make-up first, to then by chance attending a screen-

printing workshop a few years later that made me fall in love with the idea of designing my own clothing.

How did you get the courage to start your brand?

Years ago a few of my friends saw my drawings and thought they would make great t-shirt prints. I was very lucky that my employer at the time was very supportive of me pursuing my passion. They kindly offered to pre-order 20 t-shirts for the whole team as soon as they found out I was considering making some! With that I was able to cover the cost of the most basic equipment I needed to start screen-printing. Then I slowly started making more and more t-shirts which I sold on Etsy and my own website.

Your brand is vegan and visibly supports the environment. How do you think fashion can have a positive impact on the climate crisis?

Being vegan and eco-friendly has always been a priority for me. I believe that we have a responsibility to help the environment as much as we can, and at the least cause as little damage as possible! In an ideal world all my clothing would be made from waste materials, and that's also the direction I'd like to see the fashion world go in.

Producing as little virgin materials as possible (especially fossil fuelbased ones) is key to protecting our planet.

In an ideal world all my clothing would be made from waste materials...

Left: Kasia in her studio printing on a garment

Right: Kasia in the Kindness is Cute Organic Cotton T-shirt and Tote Bag

Left: Kasia in the Oat Milk Pastel Lilac T-Shirt

BRAND SPOTLIGHT

Did you have a close relationship with nature growing up?

Yes, I think you can say so. Growing up we always spent a lot of time in nature, foraged, grown our own food, spent a lot of time with animals etc. It wasn't until I moved to London in adulthood that I realised that it's not as common as I thought.

If someone was starting a brand like yours today, what piece of advice would you give them?

I would suggest starting small. What I mean by that is do not order/make hundreds of pieces of stock which you haven't yet had the chance to test with your customers. Have the flexibility to adapt as you go, test different designs. Make small quantities and then increase as the demand grows. Also social media is key. So be prepared to spend a lot of time working on your online presence!

When looking back to when you were younger, could you have envisioned yourself doing what you’re doing now?

Yes and no. I remember very vividly dreaming of having a shop where I would just sell various items I created. I'm not too far off that to be honest, though I never would have thought that I would end up making clothing!

Where do you get your inspiration for pieces?

The inspiration comes from all over,

but one of my biggest influences is definitely the Japanese Kawaii culture, as well as Anime. Is there a piece you love wearing most?

My most worn piece is definitely the 'Kindness is Cute' sweatshirt. I have two of them in my wardrobe so that I can alternate between wash days. It's been keeping me warm all winter. In the summer I also wear the 'Don't Trash The Planet' t-shirt a lot! Oh and I always have my 'Oat Milk' necklace on too.

Do you have a brand or person who inspires your work?

I follow a lot of independent creatives like myself, so the inspiration naturally comes from a various mix of those influences. Though I always make sure to develop my own ideas, as I know that art theft is a huge issue for us

creatives! One brand that I wear a lot myself, and has definitely inspired me to push the envelope in terms of what streetwear can look like is Lazy Oaf though.

What are the top design tools you use every day to create your graphics?

My designs usually start by sketching on paper, which I then scan and send to my iPad where I make digital drawings and develop the design further. I then finish it all off in Photoshop or Illustrator. What's the vibe of your studio?

My studio is pretty minimal and clean, which is different to my vibe at home! There's some pastel colours thrown in there, quite a few plants and some artwork on the walls of course!

What’s one thing you’d do differently if you were starting your business today?

If I was starting from scratch I would definitely try to do it with a partner who's more businessminded than me! Doing it all on your own can be so overwhelming, and as a creative person I would much rather just focus on that aspect of the business than all the boring admin stuff. Having a team where you complete each other's skill sets would be ideal!

Find out more about Care Wears here

Growing up we always spent a lot of time in nature, foraged, grown our own food...

One Tip! KARMA

Save on online purchases this month and beyond with Karma. This app and web extension stores promo codes for your favourite retail stores and adds them automatically at checkout, so you pay the lowest price, every time. And it doesn't stop there you can create a wishlist for items you’re lusting over and Karma will let you know when your items go on sale. Shopping just levelled up.

Wellness Your Way

Wellness is generally viewed by consumers as better health, fitness, nutrition, appearance, sleep, and mindfulness, all contributing to the wellbeing of the body and the mind. A combination of these as a market is estimated to be worth $1.5 trillion, growing by almost 10% every year according to McKinsey. Whether these numbers account for further diversity in a market that is said to lack some, is another discussion entirely.

Nordic Cedar from Maya Njie

In this season of love, why not give to yourself?

In this season of love, why not give to yourself? Self-love is always the first thing that goes out the window when we are crunched for time from the pressures of life, even when our key to survival literally depends on it. Indulge yourself this period with bespoke scents, facial workouts, pole dancing and wellness retreats, to awaken your senses, stimulate your body, and renew your mind.

BESPOKE PERFUME BLENDING WORKSHOP WITH MAYA NJIE

Want to learn how to make your own perfume with an expert who has her own brand sold in Liberty? During this two-hour introductory Bespoke Perfume Workshop, you will get a taster of what it’s like to blend your very own bespoke perfume. Hosted at Maya’s studio at Electra House on Rivington Street, Shoreditch, you’ll have access to a selection of ingredients that span across top, heart, and base notes to use under Maya’s guidance. These highquality ingredients are commonly used in the perfume industry and will be a mixture of natural and synthetic (no animal-derived ingredients). All are compliant with UK, EU, and IFRA regulations.

Buy perfumer Maya Njie perfume here

FACE GYM

Whoever said beauty is only skin deep didn't know about the 40+ forgotten face muscles you need to work out and tone if you want to get truly face fit. Face Gym's non-invasive studio workouts are designed to stimulate blood circulation, collagen production, and cell renewal to lift, contour, and tone and take your facial fitness to the next level. From their Signature Hands treatment for a manual face workout, to their cutting-edge Cryo Medi Lift workout for the ultimate face fitness and tension release, it's time to get physical.

Book a treatment here

POLE DANCING W/ KELECHNEOFF

Try a new skill at this polefitness and twerk studio, created by Kelechi Okafor for women to find their confidence no matter their body shape, ability, or background. Try 60-minute classes such as Spinning Pole Beginners, Spinning Pole Intermediates, and Yoga Flow for £18. Or 90-minute classes such as Beginners Pole, Intermediates Pole, and Sexy Pole Intermediates for £21. Based in Peckham, South London.

Book here

TREATYOURSELF!

Feeling like you might need some R&R? OYA Retreats founded by Dr Stacie CC Graham, offers immersive experiences that enable black women and women of colour to take time out and commit to their healing and wellbeing journey. They are connected with communities across the UK, Europe, South Africa and the USA.

You’re invited to unlock what lies within in a supportive, non-judgmental and compassionate environment surrounded in Sisterhood. This retreat is designed to help you to be real with yourself, accept and celebrate who and where you are now, so that you may trust your ability to navigate your next step.

Find out more

Beauty Tips from the other side

Beauty is skin deep but every little helps in keeping your skin looking just as it did the day you were born. We’re sharing beauty secrets from around the globe - get ready to upgrade your routine and see serious results.

SOMAILA LOVES QASIL

Beauty of Horn says: Qasil Powder is one of East Africa's best-kept skincare secrets. Qasil is a fine powder ground from the leaves of the Gob tree native to Somalia and is used amongst women in Somalia. This fine powder is full of nutrients that detoxify the skin and hair. In mask form, it brings impurities from underneath the skin to the surface, aids in the healing of stubborn breakouts, and drastically minimises the appearance of pores and dark spots.

Beauty Tip - Always perform a patch test before applying new products to your face.

INDIA PRAISES UBTAN

Ubtan is an age-old tradition which has been followed in India to achieve beautiful skin. It is essentially a therapeutic mixture of dried and ground Ayurvedic healing powders. These help achieve glowing skin by giving protection against various skin problems including acne, pimples, blemishes, blackheads and more.

Ubtan is traditionally used for brides before their wedding day to prepare their skin for the special day as it gives a natural glow to your skin and deeply cleanses and nourishes your skin clearing any spots and acne.

Mix 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder, 1 tablespoon oatmeal, 3 tablespoons chickpea flour (aka “besan”), half a tablespoon of neem powder and half a tablespoon of turmeric together with enough rose water to make a paste. Substitute the rose water with milk or yogurt if you have very dry skin.

Apply evenly on the face and let it dry.

Available on Etsy - Click here

Facial Gua Sha

If you haven’t tried this ancient Chinese beauty practice, this is your sign. Gua Sha is said to have come about 700 years ago during the era of the Ming Dynasty and has lots of benefits if done the right way. It’s typically done by massaging your skin with a piece of jade or rose quartz in upward strokes. This stimulates the dermis layer of the skin improving

elasticity and releasing tension to relax your facial muscles (any jaw clenchers in the house?). It doesn’t stop thereyou can use it to de-puff the face with a lymphatic drainage massage.

And lastly, you can give yourself a full body massage to ease any aches and pains (be gentle).

Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool £26

Catch these Tutorials!

LEARN FACIAL GUA SHA FROM A CHINESE MEDICAL SKINCARE PROFESSIONAL....

Give your face some love with one of my favourite massages by acupuncturist and herbalist, Sandra Lanshin Chiu. Happy Gua Sha(ing).

FACIAL MASSAGE

HOME FACE MASSAGE LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE....

And if you don’t want to use a tool, why not use your hands? Here’s another of my favourite lymphatic drainage massages by a lovely lady called Lily.

WATCH FULL WATCH FULL

Rose Quartz De-puffing Eye Massage Tool £25

The De-Puffing Amethyst Facial Roller £40

ROOTED RECOMMENDATIONS

Add some creativity to your quality time - with yourself or someone special - by checking out our top exhibitions you need to see this month.

WHAT’S THE MOTIVE

WHAT’S THE MOTIVE Art This February

a solo exhibition by Kansas City based artist Mikey Yates. If Mikey Yates’ first solo exhibit at Taymour Grahne Projects expressed lockdown sentiments in the form of Love Letters, then Boomerang is an extended diary entry."

EVE DE HAAN AND SARA POPE: ADDICTED TO LOVE

Exhibition

Quantus Gallery, London

Free Ends 18 February 2023

art and graffiti exhibition to open in the UK with the international blockbuster arrival of BEYOND THE STREETS LONDON this February. Marking the first time in eight years a show has occupied the entirety of Saatchi Gallery, the exhibition will feature original art, rare ephemera, photography, immersive and site-specific installations, archival fashion, and surprises from over 150 artists, icons, rule-breakers and mark-makers."

BEYOND THE STREETS

LONDON pays homage to the monumental moments from the worlds of graffiti, street art, hiphop and punk rock as well as the artists who immortalised them. From painting trains to social activism, to the clothes we wear and the perception of underground art and culture.

Tickets from £15 17 February - 9 May 2023

Addicted to love is a joint exhibition showcasing the work of contemporary artists Sara Pope, largely known for her voluptuous lip paintings, and Eve de Haan, best known for her provoking neon installations. This exhibition will coincide with Valentine's day, London Fashion Week, and International Women’s Day. This exhibition delves into meanings and perceptions of love and generosity through feminine lenses - it’ll make a cute Valentine’s/Galentines motive!

Free

Ends 11 March 2023

THE EY EXHIBITION CEZANNE

Exhibition

Tate Modern, London

Tate Modern syas: "With an apple, I will astonish Paris’, Cezanne once claimed. Leaving his native Aix-en-Provence for the French capital in his 20s, this is precisely what he did. Cezanne’s still lifes, landscapes and paintings of bathers were to give licence to generations of artists to break the rule book. The history of painting was never to be the same again."

Tickets from £22

12 March 2023

THE EY EXHIBITION CEZANNE

Exhibition

Tate Modern

Tate Modern syas: :"With an apple, I will astonish Paris’, Cezanne once claimed. Leaving his native Aix-en-Provence for the French capital in his 20s, this is precisely what he did. Cezanne’s still lifes, landscapes and paintings of bathers were to give licence to generations of artists to break the rule book." Changing the history of painting forever.

Tickets from £22

12 March 2023

EXHIBITION KUMIHIMO: JAPANESE SILK BRAIDING BY DOMYO

Exhibition

Japan House, London Japan House says: "Discover the past, present and possible futures of kumihimo, an intricate, decorative braided cord from Japan, in the first major UK exhibition exploring this ancient yet contemporary Japanese art.

Literally translating as ‘joining threads together’, kumihimo is characterized by its vivid colours and intricate patterns, and is created by expert craftspeople who combine up to 140 handdyed threads, often made of silk."

Free

23 February – 11 June 2023

NIGHT

Exhibition

Tate Britain, London

Tate Britain says: “Lynette Yiadom-Boakye is a British artist and writer acclaimed for her enigmatic portraits of fictitious people. They invite viewers to project their own interpretations, and raise important questions of identity and representation."

The 70 works to see so you're in for a treat.

Tickets from £16

Ends 26 February 2023

MAGDALENA ABAKANOWICZ - EVERY TANGLE OF THREAD AND ROPE

Exhibition

Tate Modern says: “Explore a forest of towering woven sculptures. In the 1960s and

Exhibition

Taymour Grahne Projects, London Hayward Gallery says: “The first major survey of work by internationally acclaimed British artist Mike Nelson features his psychologically charged and atmospheric installations. Nelson’s installations take the viewer on enthralling journeys into fictive worlds that eerily echo our own. Weaving references to science fiction, failed political movements, dark histories and countercultures, they touch on alternative ways of living and thinking: lost belief systems, interrupted histories and cultures that resist inclusion in an increasingly homogenised and globalised world.”

Tickets from £15

22 February - 7 May 2023

70s, the Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz created radical sculptures from woven fibre. They were soft not hard; ambiguous and organic; towering works that hung from the ceiling and pioneered a new form of installation. They became known as the Abakans. This exhibition presents a rare opportunity to explore this extraordinary body of work. Many of the most significant Abakans will be brought together in a forest-like display in the 64-metre long gallery space of the Blavatnik Building at Tate Modern.”

London, W1

Tickets are £16

Ends 21 May 2023

ROOTED RECOMMENDATIONS

ON THE PULSE

Need some ideas on where to eat this month?

Here are our top favourites that are perfect for date night or a casual catchup.

Chotto Matte, London

Chotto Matte London

Experience the best of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine in an electric atmosphere, at Chotto Matte. A Japanese restaurant, grill and sushi bar fusing traditional clean lines with a grungy Tokyo style.

11, 13 Frith St, London W1D 4RB

Dishoom Shoreditch

Dishoom Shoreditch in Hackney serves a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food and first-class drinks all day, every day.

7 Boundary St, London, E2 7JE

My Neighbours the Dumplings - Clapton

Quirky restaurant specialising in meat & veggie dumplings, plus sake, wine & unique cocktails.

165 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 8EQ

Brilliant Corners

Low-lit bar/restaurant for cocktails, Japanese small plates and DJ sessions on an audiophile system.

470 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AE

Mallow (Vegan)

Eco-friendly, bohemian eatery serving plant-based global dishes made from area-sourced ingredients.

1 Cathedral St, London SE1 9DE

Kiln

Casual open kitchen cooking noodles & Thai-inspired dishes using woodburning ovens and grills.

58 Brewer St, London W1F 9TL

A round of applause to the team

For another great issue