Author: Igor

  • Influential African Fashion: Appeal and Globalization

    Fashion is an art form that never ceases to expand or change. As people and societies evolve, trends in terms of style, lines and patterns reflect what affects them. Eco-friendly clothing brands, for example, have been popping up all over the world. But an even greater trend of the past few years is that of South African fashion, especially prints. The country has featured prominently in several industries besides fashion, resulting in its increased visual appeal. Telling productions and figures confirm this exciting development.

    Source: MaxPixel

    General African Spotlight

    What turned more heads towards the beauty and strength of the continent than Marvel’s Black Panther (2018)? In addition to entertaining us with superhero action, the movie flooded our vision with native fashions, patterns and colors. The gaming industry has made its own contributions. These range from The Lion King (1994) platformer to the Diamond Link: Mighty Elephant slot game, featuring a rich African design and symbols such as drums, warriors, elephants that is available at Lucky Pants Bingo online platform, itself combining the themed online slot trend and the African trend. Decades of inspired cinema, video games and other visual productions have bolstered the attractiveness of African styles, their distinctiveness and warmth.

    Growth of African Fashion

    The fashion industry of South Africa really is booming, especially in the apparel sector. According to Statista figures, 2019 saw a revenue equal to $641m, which is only expected to keep growing to a total of $1,123m by 2023. While domestic consumer interest plays an important part in these statistics, international sales and overall recognition have helped increase visibility and its share of the global market. Clothes, bags and jewelry are some of the most popular fashion categories that make use of African styles.

    Source: Pixabay

    Major runways in New York, London, Paris and other fashion centers around the globe have created considerable interest in South African prints. Hello Beautiful discusses exhibits like the 2017 showcase of The Museum at FIT, featuring fashion lines by 60 hugely successful black fashion designers. It included Ann Lowe’s traditional wedding gowns as well as apparel by Madison Maxey using a print based on computer code. The impact of these clothes, sometimes more artistic than fashionable, can be attributed to the originality and cultural significance imbued into each and every piece.

    But their appeal also comes down to the beauty and history of African prints. Their diverse yet interconnecting spirit has spread throughout the fashion industry and beyond. The digital age has helped to strengthen our understanding of just how important fabrics and patterns can be to cultural identities. UCLA’s Fowler Museum published a book version of its own exhibit: African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization, And Style. The whole production combines garments, vintage photography and contemporary art to illustrate the fashion evolution of the whole African continent, from the 19th-century textile trade to prints’ globalization all the way to the 21st century.

    The end of 2019 marks further boosts to the fashionable public’s interest in African styles. In will be fascinating to see what new creations appear on the scene as this phenomenon continues to enrich the patterns of the world. 

  • Exploring the World’s Best Cities for Electric Driving

    Blog Introduction: Are you interested in exploring the world while also taking your electric car on a global tour? The electric car revolution has spread to all major car brands with the recent release of the Hyundai Kona as well as cities across the world, and there are plenty of places for eco-friendly drivers to explore. From stunning coastal drives to electric vehicle-friendly public transportation networks, here is a list of the best cities in the world to drive an electric car. 

    Berlin, Germany

    Berlin is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, and it is also home to an impressive network of charging points. Berlin’s government has made a commitment to reduce emissions from transport by 40% by 2030, and they offer incentives such as free parking and access to low-emission zones for electric cars. With its thriving music scene, iconic architecture, and green spaces galore, Berlin is perfect for eco-friendly drivers who want to explore one of Europe’s most exciting cities. 

    Amsterdam, Netherlands 

    Amsterdam might be small but it packs a punch when it comes to attractions that are perfect for electric car owners. This beautiful city has more than 860 charging points across its metropolitan area and offers generous tax credits for those who own electric vehicles. Amsterdam also boasts some stunning cycle routes alongside canals that make for a truly unique driving experience. 

    Oslo, Norway 

    Oslo is one of the greenest cities in Europe and was recently named as the “greenest city in Europe” by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. As well as having over 1,000 charging points throughout Oslo County, this Norwegian capital also offers generous tax breaks for those who own electric vehicles. It’s no wonder Oslo is one of the most popular destinations in Scandinavia!  

    Electric cars have come a long way since their debut on the roads decades ago. Nowadays, there are plenty of destinations around the world that are friendly towards drivers with electric cars – whether you want to take your car out on a scenic drive or use public transportation while exploring new cities. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience on four wheels while also reducing your carbon footprint then consider visiting any of these wonderful cities!  No matter where you decide to go first, you can be sure that your journey will be both eco-friendly and filled with adventure!

  • A business travel guide to London

    The UK’s capital is a hub of tourist, local and business people; with the population of London swelling to well over 10 million people on average every single day. With this in mind, it can often be a difficult city to navigate, especially if you only visit every so often for business purposes. In this travel guide, we look at some of the best places to hold business meetings, ways to travel, best areas to stay and where the most impressive places are to wine and dine your existing or potential clients!

    Image via Unsplash

    Business meeting locations

    Are you meeting an existing or potential client and need to impress them with a stand-out location? There are a wealth of places you can head too to hold your meeting. Here’s a couple that we love.

    1. The Glasshouse, Kings Cross

    Not only convenient if you’re all travelling into the city, but the Glasshouse is a meeting space like no other! A spectacular glass cube located on the first floor; the premises provides a great alternative to a regular, drab meeting room. 

    1. The Tropical Library, Southwark

    With its brick walls, wooden floors and luxurious furniture, the Tropical Library is a unique space with fully equipped studios. Finished with green palms, banana trees and large wild life prints and nestled between Waterloo and London Bridge, it’s an easily accessible meeting space with a personality of its own. 

    How to get around

    If you or your clients are flying into London, the Heathrow Express is super quick – just 15 minutes from Heathrow to Paddington. If you’re more local or are getting the train into the capital, you can choose from hailing a taxi, booking a private transfer, hopping on a bus or heading down for the tube. Your options really are endless! 

    Best places to get a good night’s sleep

    Why not opt for something a little different when you visit for your business meeting? London corporate apartments, which are serviced during your visit, are becoming much more popular then checking into an expensive hotel. Not only are they often more cost effective, they give you a greater level of flexibility as to when you can come and go, and boast a range of facilities from a kitchenette, lounge area, free internet and are situated throughout accessible areas throughout the city. 

    Where to wine and dine clients

    Choices, choices, choices! Don’t leave it to chance and stumble into somewhere, only to find they’re fully booked for the foreseeable future – make a reservation in advance. Top restaurants like Aqua at The Shard and The Fenchurch restaurant in the Sky Garden are not only incredibly places to wow your guests, but often get booked up quickly. You could also visit one of the many Ivy Brasseries in Soho, Covent Garden and Kensington; all of which are great for business lunches – lovely food, buzzing atmosphere and very reasonably priced.

    No matter what time of the year you are visiting London for business, the city is an incredible and very connected place, ideal for all manner of companies servicing an array of industries. 

  • Fashion And Lockdown: What’s Next For The Industry

    A lot has happened in 2020. Entire industries have been hurt pretty bad by the pandemic. Primarily the travel and hospitality industries, with hotels, restaurants, and airlines taking a huge hit. The truth is, whatever industry you look at has faced change due to the virus and the economic impact which followed it, and will still follow it for some time. Fashion is certainly one of these industries. Even at the high level, fashion has been quite interactive, with widely reported fashion shows and events taking place all over the globe. The global nature of these exhibits is what Covid put a halt to, and many of the smaller fashion houses have taken a hit. But what’s next for fashion and how can it snake its way out of what’s rapidly turning into a new world?

    Home Fashion

    With so many more people working from home, a lot of people aren’t dressing up anymore. They are no longer buying fashion forward items which they’d wear to work. Those who wore suits are sticking to sweats as they work from their coffee table. Sure, you might still put on a pair of mens brown brogue shoes to go grab a sandwich, but it isn’t the same. As such, loungewear has seen a slight surge in popularity. People will invest more in something if they’re wearing it every day. Especially if they’re going on video calls and their colleagues are still seeing them in the flesh. Expect this trend to continue as a lot of companies have realised staff are more productive from home and that it also saves them some money.

    Source

    High Street Fashion Changed

    The issue with these sweeping lockdowns is that high street stores are seeing less and less custom. Even when open, a lot of people are staying home for fear of catching the virus and becoming sick. As a result, online sales are surging. PEople aren’t shopping for fashionable clothing in stores, they’re looking online. This of course suits some of the giants who already had websites in place meaning they can take the hit but those who aren’t selling online and take sales through the store are going to struggle. Think of the costs involved. Website, distribution network, warehousing. Business owners can’t really afford this kind of thing. As a result, certain retail experts have predicted the death of the high street. Shopping for fashion may never be the same again. When and if it does build back up, in all likelihood the high street will be a changed place with some new names to consider buying from when it eventually, if ever, gets back to normal.

    Break Into Sustainability

    People are far more involved with wanting a greener planet and a safer place to live than they used to be. Lockdown and the virus hasn’t changed anything. In fact, people seeing less pollution and clear waters has led to a surge in the climate change movement. How will this impact fashion? People will expect cleaner credentials from those who are creating the garments. They’ll expect fashion providers to use green energy solutions. Whether this be green energy to power their business locations and design shops, or sustainably harvested wool for use in the manufacturing process. Doing so will certainly garner more younger followers and give customers that peace of mind so many crave these days. Before long it will likely be the norm in the fashion industry. A similar parallel is being played out in the makeup industry but perhaps a few years ahead. More and more brands are being shunned if they’re not sustainable, especially by the younger generations. 

    Brands Buy Into New Accessories

    The face mask has really come to the fore this year. Previously used by the vulnerable and those seeking to avoid the bad air in certain cities around the globe, the facemask has quite suddenly been made mandatory for public spaces in many countries This sheer need for face coverings has of course been delved into by some of the more canny fashion houses. Face Masks of all designs have been cast out for consumer consideration. Some as simple as having a little branding in one corner and others which are completely unique in their coloration allow the consumer to show some of their uniqueness with their facemask. Even if the vaccines conquer covid, don’t imagine face coverings to completely disappear for a while yet. People might hang onto a new fashion identity which they’re used to using to help them feel safe. It’s doubtful that this will change.

  • What are the Best Ways to Fund Your Travels Around the World?

    Global tourism is back in a big way, after the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic; so much so that it is outpacing the global economy. You may be putting finishing touches to your own plans for a trip around the globe – but, as ever, the financial side can be tricky. How best to fund your trip? Here are just four ideas.

    Using Your Savings

    If you have the time and ability to do so, saving at least the majority of your travel money in advance can be the most worry-free way to fund your globe-crossing trip. By budgeting your income correctly, canceling unnecessary subscriptions, and taking a second job purely for the purpose of increasing your savings, you can build up a useful repository of money, allowing you to enjoy your trip to the fullest without worrying about earning your keep on the move.

    While saving your own income is an excellent way to fund your travels, there are other methods to maximize your savings for your trip. You could sell unused items around your home, or even consider swapping old or outdated currency. For instance, you can trade old peseta coins (or other accumulated outdated coins) for currency relevant in your current location, adding a little extra to your savings. Every little bit helps, ensuring you’re financially prepared for the exciting adventures ahead.

    Forex Trading

    Trading and investment, particularly Forex trading, has become increasingly popular in recent years, as easy-to-use trading platforms that enable market analysis and intuitive transactions have become more available to retail traders. With the right know-how and a laptop with a wi-fi dongle, you can grow your investments on the move – meaning you can earn while you travel. The beauty of forex trading is that, while national markets have an open and close time, there is always a market open at a given time; no matter the time zone you’re in, you can still manage your own hours and earn in your own time.

    Teaching English

    There are all manner of teaching positions, programs and schemes available, wherein you can earn a full-time wage teaching English in a foreign language country. These schemes can be used in tandem with your travel plans – and some schemes even include flights and accommodation, reducing your overheads when visiting your country of choice. TEFL is a particularly popular organisation to this end, but teaching opportunities are easily found by a natural speaker. You could even advertise yourself in local forums and communities as you travel, picking up ad hoc work wherever you land.

    Finding Work

    Of course, your transferable skills are just as valuable in the countries you are visiting as at home; if you already have some experience in a hospitality setting, you could find yourself a part-time bar job in a local hostel or venue, to cover your costs while staying in that area. Physical labour could also be in high demand, meaning you can find labouring work wherever you find yourself. Keep your ear to the ground about any local opportunities for work, and keep an eye out for ex-pat communities that could help you find work.