In India, citizens are facing horrific realities as hospitals become completely overwhelmed and supplies such as vaccines, oxygen, and beds are in high demand but very short supply during the country’s second wave of coronavirus. 

An outcry for help from many citizens can be seen across social media channels as they have nowhere else to turn. Last Thursday, India reported 314,835 new Covid-19 infections which is the highest daily increase in cases worldwide since the pandemic began.   

The outbreak has resulted in India’s cases alone comprising almost 28 percent of new cases worldwide in the previous week. India is also dealing with a new variant, resulting in a more overwhelming state for the country as scientists attempt to calculate the risks of the new variant. 

Why is this happening?

It’s obvious that actions (or lack thereof) taken by the government have massively contributed to India’s current state of emergency, but not alone. Wealthy western countries are hoarding supplies of the vaccine; less than two weeks ago Vox reported that the limitations to vaccine exportations that both the UK and the US put into place were seriously affecting India.  https://www.vox.com/2021/4/18/22390493/india-vaccine-shortage-export-ban-covid-19 

Rich countries with 14% of the world’s population have secured 53% of the best vaccines. Almost all of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines will go to rich countries. The Moderna vaccine will go to rich countries exclusively; it is not even being offered to the poor. In fact, nine out of 10 people in poor countries may never be vaccinated at all. – Fatima Bhutto for The Guardian

India’s vaccination rollout plan aimed to vaccinate 300 million by September 2021, yet a study by John Hopkins University Data found that only just over one percent have been given full doses. https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/region/india

Whilst events being allowed to continue such as the BJP election rallies contributed to this rise in cases, exportation limitations put in place by the UK, US, and European Union have all been a factor in this with the UK holding enough vaccines to vaccinate its population five times over.

What can I do to help?

Social media is being used as an outpour of cries for help from citizens, many documenting the horrific realities they’re facing in regards to their friends and family members. But social media should not just be used for documenting the emergency state India is operating in, it can be used to help.

Use Your Platforms

Use your social media platforms to spread awareness of the current situation in India to alert your friends, family, and followers who may not keep up to date with the latest news. Just one person learning from your shared posts is enough.

Follow this through with talking to those around you about the situation, discuss, don’t ignore. This horrific situation and the role that western countries have played in it can lead to helpful discussions better informing your choices of who to support in upcoming elections.

Donate 

Give India is taking donations for specific reliefs, such as helping with oxygen supplies, donating food, and providing sanitary products.

Action Aid is taking donations to provide money to those seeking food and healthcare as well as organising vaccination camps that target smaller communities that could potentially be otherwise forgotten.

This Google Document contains a vast amount of links to help in many ways with the ongoing crisis.

Words By Megan Selway

The post India’s Humanitarian Crisis: What’s Happening and How You Can Help appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Its been a year since the first lockdown was put in place and the pandemic changed our daily lives. As the virus continues, government regulations along with it, it’s clearer than ever that COVID-19 has altered more than just our social lives and how much anti-bac we use. Complaints of sleep struggles have become more common in recent months, as anxieties continue and sleep patterns and routines have changed. A new word has been coined to describe the increase in sleep problems in correlation with the pandemic – Coronasomnia.

Because of the rising trend in sleeping issues, narrated by the press, panel shows, and social media platforms, we’ve got in touch with sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo to answer our questions, and yours, on this phenomenon and how to sleep better during Covid.

With several qualifications in medicine and psychology, Olivia Arezzolo has created E-books, coached individuals and teams, and written for many large publications about the science and psychology of sleep, if there was anyone to ask about this subject, trust us, it’d be her.

As a sleep expert who coaches and counsels on sleeping, have you found a rise in such struggles in your practice since the pandemic?

Yes – definitely: new research finds those poor sleepers almost doubled due to COVID19 – rising from 25% to 46%

With a statistic like that there must be a large correlation with isolation, and the Coronavirus in general, what is it about our pandemic-led lifestyle changes that have caused these issues?

A heavier reliance on technology is a primary factor – it emits sleep sabotaging blue light.

While we may have been mindful to limit our usage of phones and laptops in the evening pre-pandemic, during isolation this was often the only way we could connect, so we have been on our screens more frequently than before.

Research shows using a phone in the last hour before bed equates to a 35% higher likelihood of losing 2+ hours of sleep, and a 48% greater likelihood to take over 60 minutes to fall asleep.

In a similar vein, by using a computer in the last hour before bed, you are 52% more likely to take 60+ minutes to fall asleep, and 53% more likely to lose 2+ hours of sleep.

What are other reasons for issues with sleep?

More widespread alcohol use, stress, more flexible lifestyles – including sleep/wake times – lack of routine, all play their part.

That said, light is our primary zeitgeber – factor to control the circadian rhythm – so if there is one reason we haven’t slept well, it’s light.

“Coronasomnia” is a phrase becoming more and more popular as we continue to find patterns in sleep issues, how do you know if you have insomnia?

The signs of insomnia are:

– Struggling to fall asleep within 30 minutes

– Waking frequently through the night

– Excessive daytime fatigue

– Fatigue upon waking

– Falling asleep during the day

– Struggling to concentrate

– Anxiety and depression

– Inability to concentrate

– Memory lapses

And should you contact a doctor or expert if you can feel and see these signs?

Yes – definitely. It’s not something you should simply put up with – it’s a clinical disorder and professionals such as myself have solutions that can help you.

Another issue becoming more common recently are nocturnal panic attacks, or ‘night terrors’, what are these, and what causes them? How can we prevent these? Or cope with them?

They’re typically driven by high stress levels, so stress management is key: cutting down on work if necessary, using exercise as a stress relief tool, minimising alcohol consumption, prioritising wellness – including sleep.

What can a lack of sleep do to your health? Especially during Covid times?

Though I could go provide a catalogue of detriments to your health, the one that resonates with

all of us is stress:

After one night of insufficient sleep, studies show cortisol levels are 37% higher, and after 2 nights, they are 45% higher.

As cortisol is a stress hormone, this makes us feel even more anxious, wired and unable to switch off than we usually do – obviously not ideal for anyone right now, given the pandemic.

What are things we can do at home to promote better sleep and fix these struggles?

I recommend my signature bedtime routine:

Block out blue light, diffuse lavender, have a goodnight phone alarm, have a shower, take magnesium, listen to white noise and practice deep breathing

Specifics on these can be found in my free e-book on my website: www.oliviaarezzolo.com.au

What are some products that could help us if issues are beyond routine changes and sleep-inducing activities?

As in the signature bedtime routine, blue light blocking glasses are extremely helpful; as is lavender and magnesium.

£ 28

Aura Blue Light Glasses

Read article Shop

£ 100

Perfect Night’s Sleep Pod Starter Pack

Read article Shop

£ 23

Sweet Sleep Magnesium Butter

Read article Shop

£ 9

Dr Vegan Magnesium Capsules

Read article Shop

For those seeking a sleep expert who can offer personalised coaching – contact Olivia via enquiries@oliviaarezzolo.com.au, and for any other information, visit her site here.

Words By Daisy Greetham

The post Coronasomnia: Sorting Your Covid Sleep Struggles With Olivia Arezzolo appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Among the maelstrom of negative news, the future seems most daunting for Generation Z (16-24-year-olds), who are having to enter the job market, which has been severely constricted by the Corona Virus. Furlough, redundancy, the soul-sapping work of job hunting – it can be difficult to stay positive in such challenging times. That’s why we spoke to Tomas Svitorka, a professional life coach and award-winning entrepreneur, who offered practical advice on how to reach your career goals despite the difficult circumstances.

When he founded his life-coaching business, Tomas named it after his central philosophy: ‘OK Is NOT Enough’. With this in mind, he coaches professionals on how to raise their standards so that they achieve the lifestyle they desire. His large client base includes industry leaders, wealthy entrepreneurs, and successful influencers who testify to his insightful and empowering coaching style. Tomas has been featured in publications such as GQ and Vice, and has appeared on podcasts such as ‘The Unconventionalists’. He is currently finishing his first book, which aims at helping those who have settled for an ‘OK’ life to escape to something better. It is due for publication later this year.

What tips do you have for increasing self-discipline and reducing procrastination when job hunting, especially while being at home?Tomas is sympathetic about the tedium of job hunting, acknowledging that it is a “stressful” and “overwhelming” task. He recommends “setting daily targets of specific tasks, such as: how many jobs to apply for each day, how many people to reach out to via LinkedIn.” And even if you won’t be seen when seeking employment, it’s important to look the part – dressing professionally will help you get into a “work-like mindset when applying for jobs”. He advises taking your laptop to a café or co-working space, as being in a new environment (and not just in your pyjamas, in bed) may give you more confidence about the jobs you are applying for.

What advice would you give about presenting the most desirable and driven version of yourself to potential employers? Research is key. Before an interview, you should “find out about the history of the company, values, mission, vision, and especially their culture”. LinkedIn can be useful for this – if you have a connection with an employee at the company, “reach out to them” to ask “what the company looks for and values in their employees.” It’s also important to think about your personal brand. Tomas is upfront about the positives – and potential pitfalls – of the internet as a research tool. “Nowadays, with the all-permeating internet and the transparency it brings, all of us are just a quick search away. And employers and recruiters do their research. What would they find if they googled your name?”

This can be an opportunity to stand out from the crowd; having a personal website, published articles, a podcast, a YouTube channel, or even a polished LinkedIn profile can make all the difference when it comes to the job market. It can even do the work for you; Tomas points out that “very often, when one has a high-quality personal brand, they are hunted by employers and offered opportunities, rather than hunting for jobs.”

How do you build confidence and reduce anxiety when speaking to potential employers, especially during a phone interview?The answer is simple: preparation. “Confidence comes from competence,” says Tomas, and “competence comes from preparation and experience. Prepare, prepare, prepare.” You should know your work history and relevant skills inside out – a good way to ensure this is by rehearsing common interview questions with a friend.

Tomas has an exercise he often uses to help his clients boost their self-confidence: to write a list of 50 accomplishments and why you’re proud of them. “This exercise will remind you of your qualities and achievements which we often forget or dismiss. That is a great confidence boost.”

Before the interview, Tomas recommends taking 20 deep breaths to counter anxiety and calm yourself down. It’s important to focus on the positives: “If they want to interview you, they must believe you’re a good match.”

And finally, remember that the job has to be a good fit for you too. Tomas compares an interviewee’s state of mind to be a contestant on the X-Factor: you don’t have to “sing, dance, or juggle”, afraid of Simon Cowell. “It’s an important decision, and it needs to feel right for you as much as for them.”

What would you advise people with Sunday night fever? Do you have any tips for starting the working week as well as possible?

Tomas has no time for the Sunday scaries. If you’re dreading going back to work, “then you’re most likely in the wrong job, role, or industry.” When we spend so much time at work, “we should do something that we love or at least enjoy.”

It can be hard to leave a job when it pays the bills and provides stability – but your work shouldn’t be a “tolerable misery”. If you dislike your job, it’s best to set aside some time each week searching for something better. “Speak to recruiters, apply for a few jobs, go to a few interviews” – interviews, in particular, are even easier now that they’re mostly online.

You’re most likely going to be working for decades to come, but that should spur you on, not put you off: “spending a few months finding something you’d love and enjoy, possibly for decades, is well worth the effort.”

Many people see being made redundant as a form of failure. How can people overcome this? The crucial thing is how you frame your experience. If your company was hit by difficulties resulting from the pandemic, redundancies probably have “very little to do with your performance”. Tomas knows this from industry insiders: “I’ve spoken to business owners who were absolutely devastated because of the redundancies they had to make.”

But you can still choose to look on the positive side. “If you loved the job, at least now you know what you love and what to look for next.” If you didn’t love your job, “now you can look for something better.”

“OK Is NOT Enough”, i.e. never settling for average, is the philosophy you stand by. How do you encourage people not to settle for less when jobs are sparse?“We are drawn to comfort and safety. That’s where life feels OK. OK is comfortable, but rarely happy and fulfilling. I encourage people to not settle for OK but rather try to get the best out of themselves and their situation. It’s not easy, but the growth and results are incomparably more fulfilling.”

Of course, it’s relative to the circumstances. “The job opportunities are different for many people than, say, a year ago. So now, more than ever, ‘OK is NOT enough’ applies.”

Tomas says that this is relevant across all aspects of your career: “Don’t submit just an OK application. Don’t prepare to just an OK level for your interview. Don’t have just an OK online presence. Don’t show that you’re just an OK employee doing an OK job.”

And finally, don’t give up hope: “The reality is, the jobs are out there, and someone’s going to get them.”

Do you have any practical tips for those who find themselves suddenly unemployed? How can people keep positive and stay resilient?Once you start sliding into negativity, it’s much harder to stay motivated. Tomas advises keeping a routine – get up early and “get ready for the day as if you were going to work.”

Try to keep things in perspective: “Realise that this is not the end of the world”, and it was just one job among the many you will have in your lifetime. It’s good to stay busy and “give your mind something positive and productive to think about”, so your thoughts don’t become overrun by negativity. There are even motivational videos on YouTube if you need an external boost to start your day; Tomas recommends Les Brown, Absolute Motivation, and Motiversity. If you need some real inspiration, search for Nick Vujicic.

For those who have recently lost their job, how can they use their time to better themselves and their mindset before applying to new jobs?

If you have the time and the means, it’s sometimes best not to seek out a new job straight away. It can be beneficial to “take some time and ponder where you’d like your career direction to go from here.” Assess whether you need new skills or qualifications to achieve your goals, or see this new stage as an opportunity: “Could this be the time when you take the leap and follow your passion or even start your own business?”

Risks can be scary, but they’re often rewarding. Tomas describes the importance of being daring: “Making decisions from the place of fear and scarcity will make you go for safe, survival options, rather than something more meaningful and fulfilling.”

What is your core advice when overcoming setbacks? How do you turn these setbacks to successes in the long run? Tomas is candid about the ups and downs we all face: “Setbacks are inevitable and failures are part of life.” But these shouldn’t define you; in fact, he argues that “the most successful people have failed more than anyone.” The key is that they “use these failures as an opportunity to improve and grow. They don’t dwell on it. They learn from it and bounce back better and stronger.”

Failure is often tainted with embarrassment – we are afraid of what other people think of us. But more often than not, this is wasted energy: “The reality is, people, think about us way less than we’d think. Most people are busy worrying about what others think about them.”

And after all, the best part of success is knowing that you’ve worked for it. Tomas points out that when people come across an “easy and effortless” path to their goals (such as winning the lottery or being promoted through nepotism), they often suffer from imposter syndrome because they are aware that they haven’t earned their place.

It can be helpful to look at things from another perspective: “Think of anyone who inspires you and ask yourself why they inspire you. I doubt it’s because they had an easy life.” We feel a greater sense of achievement when we’ve had to work hard for our accomplishments.

Job hunting can be overwhelming and time-consuming. What advice can you share to help workaholics detach and take a break?Tomas is all for hard work and concentration: “If someone is working their butt off to find the next awesome job and to maximise their chances of getting it, I would not discourage them from it in any way. Good on you, go get them!”

But obviously “it’s important to keep a healthy balance” so that getting the job doesn’t take over other core areas of life such as health and family. Tomas himself is careful to keep a balance, despite his busy schedule: “Every day I make time to meditate, read, stretch, eat well, and on top of that, I run about 70km a week.”

He recommends taking breaks, meditating, eating well, and exercising to allow yourself to perform at your best and to decompress. Planning your schedule in advance also lends stability and balance – if you get caught up in the moment, “things will go out of balance at the expense of other areas of your life.” Much of Tomas’ advice would be useful in any circumstances: take time to figure out what you want, work hard, and stay focused. But during these particularly troubled times, it seems more important than ever not to get swept up in the swirl of bad news and negativity. Amidst the uncertainty and job losses caused by the pandemic, his can-do approach is a welcome tonic. His advice on setbacks is perhaps the most powerful for the present moment; success and struggle go hand-in-hand, and you’ve got to ride the lows to enjoy the highs.

Words by Jaleh Brazell Graphics by Georgia Walters

The post The Redundancy Comeback with Expert Life Coach Tomas Svitorka: COVID Has Done.Us. Dirty appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Browse our vibe guide to see some of the ways you can say good riddance to 2020!    

VIBE: COSY AND COMFORTABLE

After a year as draining as this, we all need a break. Spend the last day of 2020 by pampering yourself and doing exactly what you want. Wear your fluffy socks, light the scented candles, switch on the fairy lights and snuggle up on the sofa with your favourite chunky blanket. With all the build up to Christmas, come the New Year it’s not hard to feel exhausted or, worse, feeling low and anti-climactic. Dedicate the day to nothing but making yourself feel good. Whether this is eating your heart out with sweet treats or binge watching your favourite series, the only tip here is to simply enjoy yourself.  

VIBE: CULTURED CUISINE

Go out with a bang this New Year’s Eve and pop open the prosecco, a bottle of pop, or your favourite non-alcoholic alternative! No good celebration is complete without lavish food and bubbling drink. On the final day of the year, forget the calorie count, put on your chef’s hat, and eat like a royal. Spend the day baking, making and indulging your senses: brunch, lunch, dinner, supper and everything in-between. If you’re lucky to live in a household of foodies, why not get adventurous and play dish roulette: each person preparing a dish from a different cuisine or course.           

VIBE: THE ROARING TWENTIES

We all hoped that 2020 would be our contemporary Roaring Twenties, and oh how we were disappointed. It’s only fitting, therefore, that we celebrate the end of year with a Gatsby inspired night: grandiose, glam, glitz. Party the night away and dress to impress: dust off your favourite outfit, swap your slippers for dancing shoes, and spend the evening whirling away from all of your problems. Or, for a truly 2020 take, buy some boujee pyjamas and give our new best friend ‘leisurewear’ an ultra-luxe makeover. As with any Gatsby celebration, a steady flow of drink is a must, so why not use the evening to perfect your cocktail making and experiment with taste! Buy some gorgeous Champagne saucers to accompany your drinks and sip the night away in style.

VIBE: RELAXED AND REFLECTIVE

Take a breath. Allow your mind some space, give it some time to catch up and process the year. The next day is a fresh start: a new year, 12 more shiny months to navigate and make your own. Perhaps spend a few moments writing down some goals for the following year; or perhaps don’t. Perhaps spend a few moments writing down your favourite memories and things which have made you happy in the past year; or perhaps don’t. Despite consumerism telling us the New Year is a time for change and improvement, it is not. Remove that pressure from yourself because, in all honesty, it is not worth it. Take the opportunity instead to give yourself some time and attention and connect with your inner peace. 

VIBE: OLD SCHOOL

Turn up the music, turn down the lights and bring out the party food and fizzy pop. Remember when the school disco was the most hyped event on your social calendar? Channel that energy! Let loose just how you used to when you were a child – unapologetically. Once you’ve gotten tired, and the throwback music is giving you a slight headache, sit down, relax and rival your household with classic board games. This year, strip New Year’s Eve back to what it’s all about: partying, fun and celebration.    

VIBE: NOTHING AT ALL…

Beyond a day on the calendar, NYE is just a concept. With the year we have just had, we wouldn’t blame you for not wanting to celebrate. So, forget about NYE, treat it as an ordinary day, and spend it as you normally would. Who cares? It’s only a date!   

Words by Hannah Emery

The post How to Celebrate New Years in a Pandemic (Safely) appeared first on Voir Fashion.

William Diep is a powerhouse. How many sixteen-year-olds do you know who, due to the blasé attitude of their country’s current president, have taken matters into their own hands by creating an online anti-racism movement in the midst of a global pandemic? I now know one – and he’s great.

Following a series of videos that emerged online back at the beginning of the frustratingly long Black Mirror episode that is 2020, showing a number of Asian-American people in incredibly compromising situations involving physical and verbal abuse; William saw a pattern that he couldn’t stand for. In fact, he even saw it at school, when one day in February, a classmate claimed the “Kung-Fu” or “Ling-ling” virus was brought to America by people of Asian descent. “It was completely abusive, derogatory and offensive to the Asian-American community. The fact that I may get attacked because people look at me and think I may have brought the virus here is completely false.” Following this, alongside President Trump’s failure to address these issues; William ultimately felt he had no choice but to launch his student-led Instagram campaign: Virus: Racism.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW

The post The Pandemic Nobody is Talking About appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Today, the fashion industry is changing. The way clothes are shopped, designed, and worn, is constantly adapting and transforming as a result of the push towards sustainability in fashion. People are becoming more aware of the environmental impact and statistics of fast fashion, and particularly clothing that is worn once and then tossed away. As people become more aware, the industry has had to adapt to the demand and need for sustainable fashion, and paving the way towards that change is fashion rental company Hirestreet, who, led by their CEO Isabella West, are changing our attitudes and perceptions towards clothing.

Hirestreet is a refreshing, innovative brand and a trailblazer in sustainable fashion. Offering designer, deluxe, and premium quality fashion rentals at an affordable price point, both Hirestreet and Isabella, are proof that fashion is changing and moving towards something new. Isabella was born in Newcastle, where Hirestreet is now based, and was named one of Forbes’s 30 under 30, a North East Young Business Person of the Year, and a GBEA disruptor of the year. The success of Hirestreet shows just how much good can be done in the fashion industry when young women take the reins. Voir Fashion speaks to Isabella West, the woman behind the brand.

What do’s and don’ts would you give to upcoming entrepreneurs who are starting their own business in the fashion industry today?

DO

Always look ahead – try to give yourself at least one day a week where you are ‘future-focused’ and working ‘on’ the business as opposed to ‘in’ it. Stay as lean as possible, starting a business is exciting and it can be tempting to throw cost/resource in at the beginning. I really recommend taking a Minimum Viable Product approach to everything you do (we still do this now!) Listen to customer feedback as soon as you can! If you are building a product or service, make sure you have as much information as possible from your target audience

Trust your gut. It is there for a reason, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust yourself. Set aside time for yourself, your family and friends. Starting a business is hard, and you will need your support network around you.

DON’T

Don’t focus on competitors. It’s too easy to constantly compare yourself to what others are doing, but it never moves you forward. Focus on your customer, and what you are doing. Of course, you can take inspiration from others, but make sure you understand whether it is going to be right for your business before rushing to implement. Never leave yourself in a position where you only have one option, make sure you have a plan A, B, and C in place. It’s impossible to make the best commercial decision if you don’t potential outcomes to compare.

You have previously said that you were given a lot of support since moving back to Newcastle- how is this support and positivity reflected in the brand and its success?

Newcastle is a big town, but it has a community feel. It’s friendly, affordable, and great fun – a lot of those traits are also embodied in the Hirestreet brand. We want to feel accessible and inclusive, our message to customers is ‘you deserve to feel amazing without having to compromise on cost or sustainability.’ I think this down-to-earth, customer-first approach helps build loyalty & willingness to recommend to a friend.

What are the key entrepreneurial skills that you think are essential to succeed in the dynamic and competitive industry of fashion?

I think grit and resilience are key. If starting a business was easy, everyone would do it. What separates out the best entrepreneurs is purely their ability to keep going. Everyone dreams of launching a business and having instant success, but the reality is very different. I also think the ability to manage and inspire people is incredibly important. If you have a vision that you are passionate about, that others want to help you achieve, then being able to manage that energy effectively will put you in a great position.

You have spoken up about struggling with imposter syndrome as a young female business owner. What advice would you give to women starting out in the fashion industry struggling with imposter syndrome?

Everyone has imposter syndrome to an extent, and the more you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, the more you might come into situations that bring it on. Even the most successful CEOs in the world will have felt imposter syndrome at times, its a natural consequence of ambition, and actually can be an advantage. Feeling like an imposter motivates you to over-prepare, and often you end up being one of the most knowledgable people in the room. My advice for anyone feeling it is to make sure you set aside time to plan & prepare so you go in feeling confident.

In an industry that can be largely dominated by male leaders, how do you remain confident in yourself and successes? What advice would you give?

It’s incredibly important to believe that you are the right person for the job. I started Hirestreet because it was a service that I would have used, I can relate to our customers and what they need from a fashion rental proposition. I have carved out a role that suits my skill set (data and people management), and then filled other key roles with super-smart, talented people (both male and female!). If you are in the right place for you, your gender is irrelevant, and you can take huge amounts of confidence from that fact.

Which setback in your entrepreneurial journey was a defining moment for you that you think has positively impacted your brand?

COVID has been a massive setback in terms of orders and revenue (our warehouse was actually closed for the month of April), but it has also caused us to take a big step back from the business and really question the direction we were going in and what our strategic priorities are. We have since re-focused the business (although I can’t yet say what we are up to) it is an incredibly exciting time, and I feel like I did at the very beginning of our journey – refreshed and inspired to push things forward.

As a female business leader and entrepreneur, how do you manage/balance your work and social life to keep your mental health positive and to keep encouraged in your career?

This has definitely been a work in progress. In the first year of Hirestreet, I was absolutely terrible at this, I was incredibly burnt out, I made myself ill, I was constantly exhausted and emotional. This is something I have spent time working on, and it is actually one area where I can really be proud of my progress. I am now so much better at separating my work life from the rest of my life. Things that might have negatively occupied my mind for weeks in 2018, I don’t focus on at all now. My one trick, that genuinely I employ every single week when something doesn’t quite go to plan, is just reminding myself of the things I am grateful for my family, friends, team etc. Ok, this didn’t work out, but so what? Everything else is still solid, we have learned an important lesson and we will be stronger next week.

Sustainability is a core value to the roots of Hirestreet, how have the conversations about the environment changed since you started in 2018, and are these changes sufficient enough?

Hirestreet focuses on sustainability by taking a circular approach to outfits, we aim to increase the number of times a dress is worn from once to more than 30 times. This is less wasteful than the approach of buying to wear once – all our items give value to lots of different people (helping to justify the resources required to make them!) Whilst it’s great that the general awareness about the environmental impact of fashion has definitely increased over the last 18 months, there is still so much more work to do. Fundamentally, many people are still consuming very low-cost garments, and someone somewhere is paying. We will continue to do what we can to educate our community as much as possible, and if everyone takes this approach I believe we will start to see powerful changes.

You have spoken a lot about wanting to make women feel confident in their clothing- why is this important to you? What sets you apart from other brands who are making the same movements?

Confidence is such a powerful emotion, when you feel good you project positivity, and that has an impact on everyone around you. My favourite stat is that 79% of women feel most confident when wearing something they haven’t worn before! It’s amazing that we can facilitate that feeling, for a really affordable price and in a sustainable way. I think that is why our customers give so much back in terms of being part of the Hirestreet community, they leave reviews and styling advice because they want to help others have the same amazing experience, and its honestly such a lovely thing to be part of. In terms of setting ourselves apart, we are just true to who we are as a brand and why we started this. I think authenticity goes a long way when you are just starting out.

How has the Corona Virus pandemic changed the way your business operates? What challenged have you had to overcome?

Initially, COVID forced us to fully shut down our operations, whilst our warehouse team figured out what would be safe for staff. Fundamentally we provide outfits for events, and the event industry has shifted dramatically. For example, the most popular occasion to hire outfits for in August 2019 was weddings, this year is very different – we are sending out more causal items for things like BBQs and garden parties. There have been many challenges, from editing lead and lag times on bookings, to pivoting the types of items we buy, at the moment we are also constantly assessing the risk of a second wave.

Hirestreet is truly a visionary company – a clear vision about what’s best for the planet has been huge in shaping this brand, as has the emphasis on female confidence and empowerment through clothing. Hirestreet is making fashion – and the world – a better place. Get to know Isabella as more than just a successful entrepreneur but also as a regular young woman, with some facts about this boss babe.

Quick-Fire Questions:

1. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before starting your business, what would it be?

Keep your perspective. Not everything will go right, but that doesn’t mean that everything is going wrong.

2. What top tips do you have when moving away from fast fashion?

Before I buy something new, I have to give something I already have to charity (so I keep a constant number of items in my wardrobe!) – when you take this approach you end up only buying what you really love, then I rent outfits that I know I won’t wear more than once!

3. How do you feel motivated in the morning to get your day going?

I am definitely a morning person, I always naturally wake up early (I have done since I was very young). I love to start with a coffee and a run during which I mentally plan my day.

4. Who is your biggest fashion inspiration and why?

Ohh this is so hard, I wouldn’t say that there is any one person that stands out. I follow lots of different influencers and brands, all from whom I take inspiration from. So much depends on the season, the occasion, the setting!

5. What are the most important and key qualities you look for when dress shopping?

I haven’t actually bought a dress for myself in 2 years – I constantly hire outfits these days which is fab – I have a perfect dress for every different occasion.

Words by Marni Rose Mcfall

Graphics by Frances Scott

The post Rent, Wear, Return: Meet Isabella West, the Entrepreneur Changing the Face of Luxury Rented Fashion appeared first on Voir Fashion.

We have all been impacted by COVID-19. Our sense of normality is shattered, and our life likely no longer exists within its familiar contours. The impact of the pandemic has ricocheted to all corners and crevices of the globe. Subsequently, our mental health exists within new realms. Regardless of the pandemic our mental state naturally fluctuates, our emotions – worry, sadness, happiness, and anger – form the compass which navigates our days. A change in this, following COVID-19s outbreak, is completely normal: according to data from a study by Mental Health Foundation, this panic (generated by the Pandemic’s outbreak) was felt by one in five adults (22%), three in ten (30%) associating this directly to COVID-19. Furthermore, more than six in ten adults (62%) reported feeling anxious or worried.

However, beyond this psychological cause-and-effect development lies the question: is COVID-19 paranoia likely to become the next pandemic?

Paranoia is experienced by up to one-third of people in their life, in varying degrees. In the words of Dr. David Crepaz-Keay, FRSPH, from Mental Health Foundation, Paranoia is ‘the belief that you are being persecuted … a belief that harm will occur and that others intend this harm’. Although an essential trait of humanity – in fact, one that evolved as a survival beneficiary – when excessively present and/or controlling, Paranoia is disabling. The link between Paranoia and the outbreak of the Pandemic is that we are currently living in continuous caution, life is throwing reasons at us to be cautious and concerned.

As explained by Dr. David Crepaz-Keay, ‘the current pandemic has characteristics that make paranoia more likely’. Hand sanitizers are our new best friend, the mask is the new accessory, and what even is care-free socialising? As a result of COVID-19 our lifestyle changed; consequently, so too has our mental disposition.

But this is all relative. Paranoia is a scary, life-changing, and unfathomably difficult experience but a paranoia/fear surrounding safety and dying, an obsession with hygiene and protection is purely a by-product of the provisions we now follow. We are adapting to the times. It is important to remember that, for the most, we are rational beings. Our life has become unpredictably and uncomfortably dystopian, so it goes without saying that our helplessness will create concern. A study by the NatCen Social Research and U. of L, The Department of Health Sciences, found that statistically, paranoid thinking may affect nearly one in five of the UK population (18.6%) in a year, but fewer than one hundred (0.4%-0.7%) will receive a psychiatric diagnosis with paranoia as a symptom over the same time. In this light, our concerns regarding paranoia, the question of if it will become the next pandemic, seems irrational.

Do not panic, it is ok. There is a line between having rational emotional responses and fears and developing Paranoia. Slowly we are heading towards the light, the motors of the world (for the moment) are beginning to turn again and our wonderful minds are getting to grips with adapting to this new way of life. This is shown statistically too, a later study taken by Mental Health Foundation in late May revealing the number of people feeling anxious and panicked had decreased by 9%. Now is an extremely difficult time for everyone and although we may not all be in the same boat, we are certainly in the same storm. Sadly, there is no magic wand to fix this Pandemic, nor a crystal ball to predict the future, but perhaps this is not what we need or want. As a species, our way of coping is so deeply rooted in our way of thinking: to make the best of a situation, we first have to come to terms with it ourselves. Although easier said than done, we must try and search for light.

By no means are we underestimating or oversimplifying mental illness, and if you find yourself struggling more than you deem personally ‘normal’ or expected, it is advisable to seek help from a professional. But beyond this, if you find yourself worrying, if you feel overwhelmed by the vastness of your emotions: it is ok. Try to take a little bit of the pressure off yourself, give yourself some space to think and feel. Everything around us has taken a break, and so should you. There is still hope and freedom in the way you are feeling right now, and just because you don’t feel your normal self does not mean there is reason to worry.

Remember, we may be powerless in the pandemic’s development and its consequences, but we are not powerless in our reaction to it. There are a few things that you can do to help your mental health.

When we asked Dr. David Crepaz-Keay, FRSPH, this is what he said: ‘Start by looking after your sleep, make time to relax and build some exercise into your day. Keep up your social connections with friends and family (either face to face or by phone or online as appropriate). If you have serious concerns about your own mental health or that of someone you’re close to, talk to your GP or a respectable support line (more details of all of these can be found on the Mental Health Foundation’s dedicated coronavirus resource here. Finally, manage your social media intake and make sure you are getting your information from reliable sources’.

Remember, there is always help and guidance available. You are never alone.

Words by Hannah Emery

Image by @sarashakeel

The post How to Cope With Paranoid Thoughts During COVID, According to the Experts appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Lockdown 2.0 is here. Instead of panicking and starting to count the days why not make a list of all the movies and shows you haven’t had time to watch in these past months. Netflix is always there for us and this is the perfect time to take advantage of its wide array of shows, take a break from your remote routine and make your days a bit more entertaining without the necessity of going out.

Maybe you’re not in the mood to navigate its extensive list or watch shows based on its recommendations, which is why we’ve come up with a list of our own. A list with all our favourite latest shows, classic movies, awarded documentaries and much more. Check it out:

1. Ratched

Ratched, Netflix

Ryan Murphy’s latest series that’s got everyone’s attention. The story revolves around the infamous nurse Ratched interpreted by Sarah Paulson and taking inspiration from the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The medical villain was once again immortalized in the mediatic scene by Paulson’s acting and ‘Murphy-esque’ style. An intriguing watch and unpredictable story to add to your list.

2. Enola Holmes

Enola Holmes, Netflix

A fun and engaging spin to the usual Sherlock Holmes stories. Enola Holmes, interpreted by Millie Bobby Brown and directed by Harry Bradbeer, takes us on the journey of a strong and independent girl. A girl who’s willing to do anything to find her mother and prove herself not only to her brothers but the world.Daring, charming and witty are some of the characteristics that will make you love this character and get lost in her anecdotes and adventures.

3. American Murder: The Family Next Door

American Murder: The Family Next Door

The Netflix documentary tells the infuriating and heart-breaking story of the 2018 Watts family murders. It explores the disappearance of Shannan Watts and her children and everything that encompassed the after-math of this tragic event. With the use of social media posts, recordings, messages and even home videos it delves into the lives of the victims and role of the father and husband of the family. It’s worth a watch and will also helps us understand the superficiality of social media and how it can often make us create and believe in false realities…

4. Grand Army

Grand Army, Netflix

Based on the theatre play SLUT, the series created by Katie Cappiello is everything but your typical teenage drama. We live the story of five teenagers from the Grand Army High School and go through their reality of living and studying in Brooklyn in this modern era. Racism, prejudice, religion, inequality and privilege are just a few of the many topics you’ll hear about in the story of their chaotic world.

5. The Last Dance

The Last Dance, Netflix

A docuseries produced by ESPN that chronicles the career of Michael Jordan, considered the best basketball player in history. It focuses on the 1997/98 Chicago Bulls season, Michael Jordan’s last renown season in Chicago, as well as on Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and coach Phil Jackson, the four people behind the strength and fame of the Bulls in the 90s making it one of the strongest teams in the NBA history. NO, you don’t need to be a basketball aficionado in order to watch the series, we can assure you that anyone will enjoy learning about the path and challenges of one of the most acclaimed athletes in the world. So why not give it a try?

6. The Holiday

The Holiday, classic trailers

A classic light-hearted rom-com to brighten up the upcoming cold days. With the incredible cast of Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black and many more you can’t but add it to your must-watch list. It’s ideal to take your mind off the lockdown days that may feel lonely. It focuses on women’s struggles and the challenging interdependence of professional and personal lives. From failed love experiences to workaholic habits and the importance of taking some time off, perfect for this season don’t you think?

7. Chewing Gum

Chewing Gum, Netflix

The comedic story of Tracey, a young black woman living in London in order to accomplish her goals, and honestly, also escaping the reality of her highly religious Christian family. A hilarious and maybe controversial watch that will make you reflect on the different realities that surround us and the importance of following your own dreams. Cheesy, we know, but at times that’s exactly what we need.

8. ‘David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet’

‘David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet’ , Netflix

The acclaimed documentary has been said to be the most important one of the year according to Forbes, and we can’t help but agree. David Attenborough’s latest documentary collects testimonies of experts and helps us understand the fight we’re currently undertaking for our future, or at least the one we should undertake. It may seem discouraging at first, but it’s completely the opposite. It’s an encouraging lesson, through this project the 93 years old naturalist is trying to teach us something and help us re-evaluate our role in this plane through explaining his.

9. Mindhunter

Mindhunter, Netflix

The series is based in the 1970s and tells the story of two FBI agents in their mission to understand the human mind, but any mind, the one of serial killers in order to get through them in a manner that had never been considered before. It’s based on the begging of profiling and the many challenges along the way for the method to be recognised. The perfect series for a lover of psychology and mystery.

10. Explained

Explained, Netflix

A good alternative if you’re looking for something more informative yet entertaining. A docuseries with short episodes focusing on different topics relevant to our contemporary society, from the wealth gap to monogamy. With episodes ranging from 16 to 25 minutes each making it the perfect option for someone with a short attention span, or someone with a busy schedule that wants to take a break without taking their mind completely off ongoing social issues. And if you happen to watch it and love it, there are a few spin-offs that will entertain you just as much, such as The Mind Explained or Sex Explained.

Words by Chiara Ferrari

Graphics by Victoria Zhao

The post Let the Netflix Binge Begin: Series and Movies to Get You Through the Month appeared first on Voir Fashion.

‘Fatima’s next job could be in cyber’ (she just doesn’t know it yet), this was the ad that sparked anger in the UK and disbelief around the world. The ad was part of the ‘Rethink. Reskill. Reboot’ campaign initiated in 2019, by the QA company together with the British Government and NCSC in order to encourage the British population to reconsider their career paths and redirect towards cyber alternatives.

Needless to say that it wasn’t well perceived by the public and simply demonstrated the disregard of Boris Johnson’s current government towards the artistic community. Which according to the Arts Council of England contributes to the UK economy with over £10 billion per year.

The inevitable backlash that resulted on social media included judgment and apologies from the culture minister Oliver Dowden over Twitter, who also announced the extra financial support of £1.57bn for the culture and arts sector. The MP stated that the ad was “crass” and “not something from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sports (DCMS)”

However, even if the images of “helpless dancers and sales workers” have been pulled it won’t be easily forgotten nor forgiven. It is absurd how such a vital industry, that is meant to be supported and promoted, was clearly disrespected and underestimated in a period of uncertainty such as the one we’re currently going through. It is true that remote working became a viable alternative, however, this shouldn’t undermine the relevance of creative jobs and their investment in society. And sadly, yet not surprising, this campaign followed. Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s comments made in the past week: “I can’t pretend that everyone can do exactly the same job that they were doing at the beginning of this crisis. And that’s why we’ve put a lot of our extra resources into trying to create new opportunities for people”.

Even if the intention behind both these comments and ads might have been the one to encourage people to find solutions following the Covid-19 pandemic, they did just the opposite.

Creative careers are as important as any others, and we shouldn’t be discouraged from thinking so simply because they may not conform to the outdated perceptions or social norms. Luckily, the reaction of every single one of us, including known personalities demonstrates that the majority of the population realises this and will continue to defend the Arts and Culture industry no matter the actions taken by the government.

If you’re in the mood for a laugh, view some of our favourite tweets:

Words by Chiara Ferrari

The post Undermining the Arts: The Controversial Campaign of ‘Rethink Reskill Reboot’ appeared first on Voir Fashion.

In the year of COVID-19, it’s clear that our annual award ceremonies are getting creative. The 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards were held and hosted virtually by Jimmy Kimmel and saw a diverse field of nominations and wins, as well as tributes to coronavirus key workers, and half a Friends reunion. The aptly nicknamed ”Pandemmys” didn’t fail to bring glamour to our screens despite being virtual, so here are our 10 favourite looks.

Zendaya

This year Zendaya became the youngest ever winner of the Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Euphoria. When her win was announced she was in a room surrounded by family and friends, wearing this beautiful custom Giorgio Armani Privé dress, embroidered with pearls and crystals and paired with some beautiful Bulgari jewelry.

Regina King

Regina King’s bright blue haute couture Schiaparelli dress is definitely one of the best gowns from this year’s awards, but the statement wasn’t quite as bold as the one she made in her fuschia Schiaparelli suit and Breonna Taylor t-shirt, worn as she accepted her Lead Actress in a Limited Series award for Watchmen.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox’s beautiful custom Kim Kassas Couture jumpsuit was a brilliant look, with sparkling black hieroglyphic detail and flowing sheer pleats. The Orange Is The New Black actress presented the Emmy for Writing for a Dramatic Series.

Catherine O’Hara

Schitt’s Creek’s winning lead actress was practically dressed in character for the Emmys. O’Hara’s beautiful black Valentino dress looked incredibly Moira-esque, working brilliantly in her favour as the Schitt’s Creek cast swept the comedy categories, picking up the first six awards to be announced.

Yvonne Orji

Orji looked stunning in a beautiful crimson red dress by couture house Azzi & Osta, complete with a large frill and a lot of sequins. The Insecure actress also made a political statement but kept it low-key with a BLM logo shaved into her buzzcut.

Billy Porter

As always, Billy Porter DELIVERED at this year’s awards. This time wearing a flared white suit by Ashi Studio, draped with a veil-like feature and polished off with Lorraine Shwartz jewelry. Porter received a Lead Actor nomination for Pose.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi’s custom Prada gown looked gorgeous as she modelled from her own back garden. Bejeweled and Feathered, the grown-ish star looked dazzling as ever.

Shira Haas

Up and coming Unorthodox star dressed in Chanel Haute Couture for her first Emmys, remarking that it was an obvious choice considering her nomination for a show about orthodox Jewish culture. The tiered floral dress reportedly took 1,200 hours to make and looked wonderful on her.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross rocked up to the virtual awards in her typical bold way, looking like a golden goddess in her Alexandre Vauthier gown. The Black-ish star also wore Jimmy Choo heels and some vintage Tiffany & Co jewelry, keeping it glam to the max, as always.

Rachel Brosnahan

The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan took the ‘award ceremony from home’ memo a step further than everyone else as she chilled on the sofa in her chic custom pajamas, matching with her husband and two dogs. The Christy Rilling print was a gorgeous combo of navy and purple with dancing poppies. To top it all off, Brosnahan will be auctioning off the sets to raise money for When We All Vote – an organisation that encourages election participation. Iconic if you ask us.

Words by Daisy Grace Greetham

Graphics by Frances Scott

#2020

The post Still Dreaming About the Emmy’s? Here’s Our Favourite Remote Red Carpet Looks appeared first on Voir Fashion.