Posts made in July 2020

Isabella Laws x Saski QxA

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Isabella Laws, the General Manager of Tammy Hembrow’s Saski Collection, shares her insights, experiences, and aspirations related to working in the fashion industry, and particularly with the up-and-coming Saski brand.

How did you first get involved with the fashion industry?

I’ve actually been working in the fashion industry since my first job when I was 14 years old! I worked in retail for 10 years before Tammy hired me to work at Saski Collection. Ever since I was a kid I have been obsessed with fashion and knew it was where I was going to end up career-wise.

What makes the Saski brand unique as compared to other athleisure clothing brands?

Something that’s different about Saski Collection is that all of our collections are limited edition capsules. Whenever we launch a collection it’s only available for a limited period of time and then we move on to the next – Tammy’s constantly designing new pieces for Saski and we launch new collections almost every month.

It’s incredible that the exclusive Saski Collection sold out within 12 hours and it was only launched around 3 years ago. Which factors led to this success?

When Saski launched back in 2017 we did sell out almost immediately! I think the reason for our initial success was Tammy saw a gap in the market and designed pieces she loved that she couldn’t find anywhere else. She was wearing everything for months before the launch and the demand really built up.

What are some of the most pressing issues within the fashion industry, and how do you work to improve them through Saski?

Sustainability is a huge issue facing the fashion industry and is something that we’ve put a huge focus on at Saski Collection. One of the biggest issues is “fast fashion” – clothes that are made cheaply and in bulk to meet consumer demands. Saski prides itself on offering limited-edition capsule collections that are made ethically with our hand-picked ethical manufacturing partners. All our collections are made in limited quantities to ensure there is no wasted product. As well as this, all of Saski Collections’ packaging and post bags are biodegradable. Of course, there is always room for more and we hope to continue to work on improving our environmental footprint as we grow.

What have been some of the key challenges that come with management?

At Saski Collection we have a really close team. We’re all very collaborative and open with one another which makes for a very comfortable environment for everyone. However, a lot of the team are very close friends (including Tammy and I specifically) – and a challenge I’ve had to work through since becoming General Manager is making sure I can differentiate between work and friendship. In saying this, this is something that my team has been very good at, and we are all very transparent with each other which has resulted in us only growing stronger.

Who has/have been the most supportive person/people in your life that has/have allowed you to reach your achievements?

My dad (Brett), my partner (Morgan), and Tammy. My dad was a single parent, he brought me up all alone, drove me to and from school every day, put me through university, and has just overall been the driving force behind my entire life. I’m so lucky to have him.

I’ve been with my partner Morgan for almost 10 years and he has definitely been one of my biggest supporters since the day we met.

And, of course, Tammy, who hired me back in 2017 when I was fresh out of university with no experience. Her guidance and support have been hugely important to me and I never would be in this role now without her believing in me.

What is your favorite or most rewarding part about helping to run an athleisure brand?

Seeing something go from an idea in Tammy’s mind and watching it come to life. My favorite part of my job role is design meetings with Tammy. We have such a similar taste and it’s so exciting to see what she comes up with and then working through the process of fabrics, colors, and sampling to get the final product.

How have the donations from your proceeds sparked real social change in women and children around the world?

We’re so excited to now be working with i=change, which means that $1.00 from every sale on saskicollection.com will go to a life-changing product. Customers can choose from three sustainable charities to donate to when checking out. This gives us a chance to give back to those who need it most.

The three charities we have partnered with are:

UN WOMEN, to end violence against women
National Breast Cancer Foundation, to prevent women from dying
My Room’s Children Centre, support children, and their families

We’re so passionate about these projects and are excited to be able to give our customers the chance to choose where our donation goes when shopping with us.

How do you and your team plan on expanding the Saski brand, and if so, to which kinds of customers?

Tammy has huge plans for Saski Collection and how she wants to expand upon our existing collections and customer base. I don’t want to give too much away at the moment, but we’ve already moved from athleisure to our first swim range in late 2019, as well as our most recent ‘mini’ and ‘unisex’ collection which sold out in less than 2 minutes. There is definitely lots of room for us to continue on expanding Saski and we’re looking forward to showing more of that in the coming months.

Gaggenau Exhibition

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From 9 July to 22 September, the luxury design brand Gaggenau and Cramum present in Milan the solo exhibition Impossible Skies by Davide Tranchina, curated by Sabino Maria Frassà. The works on display are mostly unpublished and are made with the off-camera technique for which the artist is famous.

The “distance” is the key concept to get closer to understanding the world of Davide Tranchina. Human beings have always been driven to look from the earth to the sky and the horizon. From such contemplation arise unsolvable ontological doubts that move mankind to act for better or for worse. But what the viewer sees, as often in Tranchina’s work, in reality does not exist and has never existed, so what we see today are deliberately “Impossible Skies”. The artist triggers a sensory short-circuit between perceived figuration and recorded reality that provokes a vertigo not only because of the distance between us and the sky, but also because of the ambiguity of the image itself. For Tranchina, art and photography do not record what we perceive, but rather an ontological reality, that is, they provide the elements to see what the human eye – a mere organ – alone cannot grasp.

Exhibition Information

Monday – Friday 10 am – 7pm

Gaggenau Hub, Corso Magenta 2, Milan

Follow Gaggenau: Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube

K Camp – RARE Family

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Friday July 3rd, multi-platinum rapper, entrepreneur, executive, and RARE Sound C.E.O. K Camp presented the brand new RARE Sound compilation album, RARE Family. Get it HERE via RARE Sound. The twelve-track surprise project pops off with verbal fireworks from K Camp as well as RARE Sound artists, including True Story Gee, Lil Bird, and more. Among various highlights, the crew trades rhymes with Yella Beezy on the celebratory and slick “Birthday” before delivering hard-hitting bars all around on “Stack N Pray” alongside West Coast phenomenon Mozzy.

Check out the full tracklisting below. Right out of the gate, HipHopDX wrote “K Camp gives his RARE Sound roster a chance to bask in the spotlight,” and RhymeHipHop claimed, “K delivers and displays a cohesive nature to his entire roster, to which each artist flows seamlessly in a shared sound.” Once again, K Camp quietly affirms himself as one of the most impactful talents and bosses in the game through a combination of dynamic rapping and just as dynamic business moves.

The RARE Family release was celebrated at the “RARE Family Cookout” this 4th of July Weekend at the RARE Sound Studios in Atlanta, GA. Stay tuned for a lot more from K Camp very soon.

About K CAMP

It takes a rare talent to elevate the game from multiple angles all at once. As a rapper, entrepreneur, and executive, K CAMP personifies rarity across the board.

Establishing himself as a titan in the Atlanta scene through a knockout combo of clever rhymes and chantable hooks, the multiplatinum star quietly maintains a position amidst hip-hop’s most influential forces. This status remains evidenced by nearly four-billion cumulative streams as well as four gold singles and three platinum singles— “Cut Her Off,” “Money Baby,” and “Comfortable”—since emerging in 2009. Among many accolades, he holds the endorsement of everyone from BET who nominated him for “Best Club Banger” at the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards and XXL who included him in its 2015 “Freshman Class” as well as Rolling Stone, Spin, and many others. The MC’s discography spans the full-length debut Only Way Is Up and 2018’s RARE Sound, which HotNewHipHop dubbed “16 tracks of precious melodies.” Not to mention, he leads a movement as the C.E.O. of his own RARE SOUND label and RARE Studio, office, and headquarters. He continued to light rap up with Wayy 2 Kritical [2019] and Kiss 5 [2020] with more to come.

Follow K Camp: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Amtrak Roomette

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For those visiting family, friends or looking for an escape, Amtrak customers can travel in the comfort of a private room at a discounted price this summer. Now, when one person purchases a Roomette, one companion can join them for free. A truly unique experience when traveling by train, Roomette accommodations are offered on many routes across the country. Located in the sleeping car, a Roomette is the perfect option for customers seeking privacy and space on a short trip and added comfort and amenities when traveling overnight. Available on Amtrak.com or by using the Amtrak app customers can book between July 7-17, 2020 for travel from July 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020.

Roomettes feature two comfortable seats by day that convert to upper and lower berths by night. Each room includes a big picture window, fresh towels and linens and access to a private restroom and shower in your car. A dedicated sleeping car attendant provides turndown service, assists with meals, helps with luggage and shares great stories of life on the rails. All customers in private rooms receive complimentary lounge access at major stations, priority boarding and complimentary meals onboard. Two passengers can travel together one-way for as low as:

Roomette Pairing Cities

New York, NY – Savannah, GA: $416

Washington, DC – Chicago, IL: $319

Chicago, IL – Denver, CO: $365

Oakland, CA – Seattle, WA: $352

Atlanta, GA – New Orleans, LA: $243

Chicago, IL – Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN: $193

Boston, MA – Chicago, IL: $402

Roomette accommodations are available across the national network on the following trains: California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, Silver Service, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle. To receive this discount, use the Fare Finder from this page or enter code V306 when booking a trip on the Amtrak app. The offer is subject to availability and not available on the Auto Train. An advanced reservation of at least 3 days is required. Other restrictions may apply. As America gradually reopens, Amtrak is leading the way by setting a new standard of travel. In an effort to simplify and safeguard the travel experience, several cleaning, contract-free and convenience measures have been implemented to every part of the customer journey – from time of booking to the moment of arrival. Learn more about all measures at Amtrak.com/coronavirus.

With our state and commuter partners, Amtrak moves people and the nation forward. We are committed to operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business. Book essential travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com.

Follow Amtrak: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Covid Long Haul

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By Mina Tocalini

A report from the BBC addresses the neurological symptoms of Coronavirus, which are believed to be linked to depleted levels of oxygen (hypoxia) or an over engaged immune system (cytokine storm). However, new evidence indicates that the virus is capable of infecting the brain and spinal cord by crossing the blood-brain barrier.

This suggests that the virus could permanently find a home in the central nervous system and reappear in the future, as seen with the development of Shingles in individuals who had Chickenpox. If the virus is capable of infecting the brain, how else could it affect our mental health?

Years after the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic, some patients continued to experience a long lasting depression, among other symptoms, due to neurological damage to dopamine neurons in the brain. Similarly, the Coronavirus experience has demonstrated this “long-hauler” behavior. A Body Politic survey reported that individuals endured mental and physical exhaustion, such as: fatigue, chills, trouble sleeping and loss of appetite for up to 5-7 weeks.

As a result, although some may consider the potentially mild experience to be little to no threat, it is important to acknowledge the complexity of this virus and assume all precautions necessary. Afterall, who knows what future infections could arise from Coronavirus? Or how your body will react to the virus for weeks on end.

Coronavirus has reshaped our lives, yet some are reluctant to adjust. Next time you go out, ask yourself, is my health/ the health of others worth it? Each one of us has the power to stop the spread, don’t be part of the problem. Be vigilant with your behavior, wear a mask, commit to social distancing and help keep your community safe.

Follow World Health Organization: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

DIY

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By Vaughn Lowery × Armon Hayes × Emmet McGeown

“Environment is your incubator to flourish; nurture growth and manifest success.” – 360 Magazine

The design story of interior designer Justin Lowery proves that the environment you’re in is as important as the company you keep. His latest renovation of a Bronx live workspace demonstrates both balance and practicality. According to Lowery, these are necessary components to any multi-functional space that exists to entertain and foster productivity. As working from home becomes more commonplace, many are motivated to effectively utilize the space of their residence. Yet doing so, especially when dealing with limited room sizes and budgets, can be challenging. Thus, many are turning to interior designers or technicians, usually found on AngelList, to inject an aura of panache and pragmatism into their homes.

You ought to begin with a purge; creating a clean slate and space enabling you to establish a clear direction and plan for your environment’s layout and purpose. This spatial cleanse is, perhaps, the most difficult part. But, it is necessary to confront your inner hoarder and to permit the creation of a new space. We all hold on to things that we no longer need which results in clutter that can weigh heavily on the energetic composition of a room.

Following this, liven your environment by making subtle yet effective changes such as swapping out dresser hardware for $5 champagne brass handles for a soft and polished finish. Continue this innovative spirit by purchasing some elegant glass bowls, plates, and wine glasses from Amazon as well as new silverware and a glossy copper pot set.

Accent pillows can be the finishing touch that tie the look of a room together. They offer comfort while incorporating different hues or a fun pattern. Throw pillows like Pillow Pops by Shani Moran serve as an easy way to change the style of your space without breaking the bank. The Pillow Pops come in a variety of designs, shades and textures, so there are options to fit anyone’s taste. These pillows are also versatile, with a hidden zip enclosure to change the pillow cover based on the occasion or season.

When attempting to promote the entertainment aspects of a space, consider the Roku soundbar. It’s dynamic bass and crisp audio allows sound to permeate through a room. This exceptional reverberation is accentuated by the cinematic presence of a Roku 50” Westinghouse TV whose built-in voice assistant allows for an obedient and malleable audio environment. When eager to intensify the sound quality, you ought to contemplate the Altice Amplify speaker by Optimum whose curved and sleek characteristics offer a 360° immersive experience. The addition of a Roku Express streaming player attached to a versatile BENQ 32” monitor will create a smooth and versatile mood available for both entertainment and work.

Another great addition is the Ninja Air Fryer. Getting another appliance may seem unnecessary; however, the Ninja Air Fryer is a must to make meals easier. Whether you’re air frying, air roasting, reheating or dehydrating the Ninja has got you covered.

Additionally, consider practical changes like a new coat of paint or a fresh pop of color on focal areas within your space. Benjamin Moore offers a plethora of ways to refresh things and create the illusion of larger space, making your home office inviting and open. In order to add an exciting new dimension to the room, use contrasting colors. “Black excellence” is a contrasting option to consider if protecting the natural molding details are a concern such as the outline of doors and base boards. If you have pets and young children, then this option is a no brainer.

Adding a tasteful artistic piece or a floral arrangement freshens the décor and will positively impact any space. Consider updating light fixtures and window treatments to bring your full vision to life. If your budget permits, then adding texture with a tile backsplash to your kitchen might facilitate a lighter atmosphere. Repositioning is one of the cheapest manner to renovate your space; finding new areas to move existing furniture will allow new perspectives to manifest. Make this renovation process fun – it’s a great time for bonding with friends, family, or maybe an expert.

Controversy Over Monument Defacings

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By Eamonn Burke

As the reckoning over police brutality and racial injustice in the United States continues, so does the demand for a change in how we view and represent our racist history. One target of such criticism has been statues of American “heroes” who were known to have owned slaves or were part of the Confederacy despite their prominent standing in our nation’s history.

Statues of Thomas Jefferson, Christopher Columbus, Ulysses S. Grant and many more are being torn down and defaced across the nation in the wake of George Floyd’s death, which represented a larger problem of systemic racism in the US. This comes with other reforms that have been under way, such as banning the Confederate flag from NASCAR races and renaming controversial brands like Aunt Jemima, as well as Military Bases.

“When I look at these statues of white supremacists, it is just a constant reminder of the struggle that my ancestors had to face,” said Kerrigan Williams, leader of the activist group Freedom Fighters.

The spray painting and toppling of monuments and statues has also been met with a fair amount of criticism, especially from our President Donald Trump. In an Independence Day speech at Mount Rushmore (as well as on Twitter) Trump denounced the actions, and announced plans for a “National Garden of American Heroes” featuring statues of the founding fathers and other prominent Americans. Although there are much bigger problems at hand, Trump seems to be focusing his campaign on these “radical” protestors who are trying to “destroy America”. Republican senator Mitch McConnell played the good cop and expressed distaste with the protests in a more civil way: “The vast majority of Americans know full well that imperfect heroes are still heroes,” he said.

While some far-right Trump loyalists may rally under this, there is evidence that this is turning away more people than it is uniting for him.

Turkey Cittaslows

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Turkey’s 18 cittaslows offer solace and adventure to travelers

Around the world, towns with under 50,000 citizens and care about the sustainability and local culture of their area are becoming cittaslows. To become a cittaslow, municipalities must fulfill 200 criteria within the framework of their environment, infrastructure, urban life, agriculture, tourism policies as well as hospitality, awareness, education and social cohesion plans. In Turkey, the number of cittaslow cities has been on the rise, now with the hopes of bringing solace during these new travel regulations. 18 cittaslow cities offer the peace sought by those who wish to refresh their souls during the difficult time the world currently goes through.

As the tourism industry needs new criteria worldwide and travelers seek new forms of vacation, Turkey’s cittaslows stand out as excellent alternatives. From east to west, there are 18 cities across Anatolia that have earned the title cittaslow by fulfilling the Cittaslow criteria. Some are holiday resorts while others are open-air museums or natural wonders, but all these cities provide their visitors who wish to heal and rejuvenate exactly with the peace they are looking for. Most recent entries to Turkey’s cittaslows include Ahlat, which is in southeastern Turkey, Köyceğiz in southwest and Güdül –the first cittaslow of the capital, Ankara. Here are some examples of must-see Turkish cittaslows.

Ahlat

A district of the southeastern province of Bitlis, Ahlat is located on the shore of Van Lake. Ahlat also boasts many ruins from the Seljuk era including the headquarters, state tent and yurt of Sultan Alparslan. With 118 tombstones, large tombs, castles, mosques, bridges, caves and temples, Ahlat is virtually an open-air museum.

Köyceğiz

Situated at the confluence of the Mediterranean and the Aegean and on the northern shore of the Lake Köyceğiz, Köyceğiz, Muğla stands out as a calm settlement with its rich natural beauties surrounded by citrus orchards. The acropolis, famous temples, and Harab and Susan Fortresses are among the most notable historic artifacts in the region. Home to waterfalls and hot springs, Köyceğiz is among the few areas in the world where one can engage in safari, trekking, rafting, and surfing in a single place.

Güdül

Güdül is still home to the traditional crafts handed down from father to son such as roasted chickpea and knife making, bringing these ancient cultures to our times. Standing out with regional dishes such as Kapama (Lamb stew with new onions), Tirit (Boiled minced meat sauce poured on diced stale bread), Höşmerim (Unsalted cheese dessert), and Tarhana (Soup made from dried curd, tomato and flour), Güdül also has a rich history. With its bored caves dating back to the ancient times, the city of Mzinos in Çağa, Sorgun Pond and Güdül houses in the urban protected area, Güdül offers an entirely new destination for travelers.

In addition to Köyceğiz, Muğla and Ahlat, Bitlis, other cities selected as “cittaslow” including Akyaka, Muğla; Eğirdir, Isparta; Gökçeada, Çanakkale; Gerze, Sinop; Göynük, Bolu; Halfeti, Şanlıurfa; Mudurnu, Bolu; Perşembe, Ordu; Şavşat, Artvin; Seferihisar, İzmir; Taraklı, Sakarya; Uzundere, Erzurum; Vize, Kırklareli; Yalvaç, Isparta; Yenipazar, Aydın; and most recently, Güdül, Ankara.

For more about Turkey please visit www.goturkey.com.

Denmark’s Eco-Luxury Hotel

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The highly anticipated Villa Copenhagen sets the new standard for sustainable luxury hospitality

One of Europe’s most anticipated launches of 2020, Villa Copenhagen officially opened its doors in the heart of Denmark’s capital city on July 1. Housed in the century-old Danish Post and Telegraph office, the 390-room Villa Copenhagen offers conscious luxury through a commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This combination allows guests to create meaningful experiences that connect visitors to the landscape, culture, and energy of the city.

Villa Copenhagen combines sustainability and luxury seamlessly. For example, rooms like the Earth Suite are fully sustainable and entirely comprised of recycled materials with eco-friendly furniture by Mater Design. Similarly, Executive Chef Tore Gustafsson is responsible for Villa Copenhagen’s sustainable food profile, which focuses on ‘carbon-free’ dining and zero food waste. Another sustainable practice of Villa Copenhagen comes from the uniforms of the employees; the team members’ uniforms are sourced from a local sustainable fashion brand called sur le chemin.

“This project has proven to be a labor of love and, in many ways, is testament to Copenhagen’s resilient spirit. We are delighted to reveal Villa Copenhagen to the public and are confident that the health measures we have in place will put guests at ease in this new era of travel,” said Peter Høgh Pedersen, managing director of Villa Copenhagen. “The vision behind the build was to create an authentic destination – for the many and not the few – that upholds three key pillars: contrast, conscious luxury, and happiness. We believe these values show in the hotel design, guest facilities and amenities, collaborative partnerships, and our approach to service, which recognizes Villa Copenhagen’s connection to the city and our belief that luxury hospitality should focus on conscious choices that benefit the local environment and surrounding communities.”

The hotel features ample outdoor and interior green spaces to go above and beyond current government health and sanitization regulations. Villa Copenhagen appointed Universal Design Studio, an award winning London-based architectural firm, to create several public spaces. The courtyard, boardroom, rooftop pool and bar, and more spaces are beautiful and functional spots at Villa Copenhagen. Some other thoughtful and health-oriented touches include keyless entry and remote check-in, virtual check-out, and an optional white glove service. All in all, Villa Copenhagen offers the luxurious, clean, and healthy experience of your dreams.

To book a room or for additional information, visit www.villacopenhagen.com and follow Villa Copenhagen on Instagram.

Juice WRLD – Legends Never Die

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Juice WRLD’s new album, Legends Never Die, drops on July 10

Grade A and Interscope Records announce that Juice WRLD’s highly anticipated new album, Legends Never Die, will arrive on July 10th. In anticipation for the new album, a trailer was released on Instagram. Today, the latest song from Legends Never Die has been revealed: “Life’s a Mess” by Juice WRLD and Halsey.

Alongside today’s album announcement comes a special commemorative collaboration with gaming organization FaZe Clan. FaZe Adapt and many members of FaZe were close friends with Juice WRLD. Marked by a tribute game of “Team 999 vs Team FaZe Clan” last week, the limited-edition collection is available at www.juicewrldxfazeclan.com.

In other news, in April, Juice’s mother Carmela Wallace announced the establishment of the Live Free 999 Fund. The Live Free 999 Fund will honor the legacy of her son by supporting young people in their battles and to do so with love, joy, and emotional honesty. With new music and caring dedications like these, Juice WRLD’s legacy continues.