The video for ‘Special’ sees Lizzo living a classic superhero secret double life – by day she’s a hard-done-by waitress but at night she shines as a not-to-be-messed-with super. She saves little girls from being hit by traffic, stops thieves from snatching purses, and prevents robbers from stealing from cash registers all whilst in a lycra purple suit and matching mask. As always Lizzo brings her jubilant humour to the video. She unintentionally sneaks a peek at construction workers with her x-ray vision and catches spitballs directed at her whilst she waitresses. The highlight of the video is the ending in which the little girl she saved comes into Lizzo’s diner dressed in her purple costume and with a figure of the hero. Both as a fictional superhero and as a singer in IRL she’s an inspiration to the next generation bringing much-needed representation for plus-size black women.

The video matches motivational message of the song perfectly. In the lyrics, Lizzo discusses the constant stream of criticism she receives from the media and the internet with the opening lyric, “Woke up this mornin’ to somebody in a video/Talkin’ about somethin’ I posted in a video”. She asks if the hate she receives is because “I’m black and heavy?” but doesn’t dwell on it since she says, “I’m so in love with me”. She reassures her listeners who also receive hate that they aren’t alone as well as reminding them they are special. In this way, Lizzo really is a superhero.

Lizzo has been riding high for quite some time now. Last year, her album Special charted around the world and achieved the number two spot on the Billboard 200. She is just about to start the second leg of her world tour in Europe, which will see her come to the UK in early March before she returns to Canada and the US where it will finish in June. Earlier this month Lizzo won ‘Record of the Year’ at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards with her song ‘About Damn Time’ and gave a moving speech in which she thanked Prince and Beyoncé. Most recently Lizzo delivered a glitzy glittertastic medley of ‘Special’, ‘2 Be Loved’, and ‘About Damn Time’ at the BRITS in a fabulous light pink corset with huge over-the-top fluffy boning that extended over the singer’s head, a bit like a furry clam. The singer never fails to entertain.

The ultimate team-up we didn’t know we needed was gifted to us on the 9^th February with a remix of ‘Special’ featuring SZA’s stunning voice adding background vocals. This dream collab will uplift you even more than the original.

Words By: Molly Sutherland

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Beyoncé – ‘I’M THAT GIRL’

Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE is jam-packed with empowering songs that celebrate girlbosses thriving. ‘I’M THAT GIRL’ is a crucial addition to the soundtrack to your evening with Queen Bee singing “From the top of the morning, I shine/Right through the blinds”. Celebrate your glowing self and each other with this pounding anthem that highlights the importance of self-respect.

Doja Cat – ‘Woman’

Celebrating the divine femininity in women, Doja Cat’s ‘Woman’ is an absolute essential in your Galentine’s Day playlist. Doja praises all women “princess or queen, tomboy or king” and shouts out fellow baddie Rihanna. She frowns upon the societal pressures that pit women against each other singing, “They wanna see us end up like we Regina on Mean Girls”, and instead raises up the ladies around her. Stick this on and groove with the girls.

Saweetie – ‘P.U.S.S.Y. (Powerful, Utopia, Supreme, Sacred, Yummy)’

Saweetie celebrates the power of the pussy that “makes the world go round”. Sensual, silly, and saucy – you and your girlies will love getting down to this track that samples Mtume’s ‘Juicy Fruit’ just like The Notorious B.I.G.’s iconic track ‘Juicy’.

Shygirl – ‘Coochie (a bedtime story)’

Shygirl’s cute and sexy ‘Coochie (a bedtime story)’ is another song that’s a love letter to the pussy. This track isn’t only so fun to dance to but also brings the queer community much-needed representation of sapphic relationships in music. Such a slay from Shygirl and perfect for your playlist.

FKA Twigs – ‘darjeeling’

FKA Twigs is definitely an inclusion that your friends will appreciate. ‘darjeeling’’s dreamy chorus, that takes lyrics from Olive’s iconic ‘You’re Not Alone’, is ideal for reminding your babes that you will always be there for them. With gorgeous vocals from Jorja Smith this track features two amazing female artists we adore.

Tove Lo – ‘No One Dies From Love’

This one’s for all you heartbroken babies out there. It’s a reminder that it’s ok to feel heartbroken but there’s happiness around the corner. Pour your heart out to this electropop banger with your mates and try and get over them girl.

Charli XCX – Vroom Vroom

A bit of an oldie but we couldn’t not include this bad bitch banger in the playlist. With the lyrics, “Bitches on the beaches, lookin’ super cute and freaky/All my friends are princesses, we keep it whipped and creamy”, Charli clearly adores her sexy friends just like we adore ours. This song is all about giving yourself up to hedonism and being naughty and free with your friends. So, “Beep-beep let’s ride”!

Ariana Grande – ‘7 Rings’

Ariana’s an inspiration in ‘7 Rings’ bragging happily about all her riches and lack of need for a partner. Instead of troubling over men she spoils her besties telling us, “Bought matching diamonds for six of my bitches/I’d rather spoil all my friends with my riches”. Girls take note – Galentine’s Day gifts could be a cute idea to show your girlies how much you appreciate them.

Miley Cyrus – ‘Flowers’

Miley knows that no man can treat her as well as she can herself. Her latest single is all about self-care and is absolutely the energy you and the ladies should be practicing this holiday. Buy yourself some flowers (and maybe some chocolates whilst you’re at it), stick this tune on, sing along and you’ll be guaranteed a fun night.

FLO – ‘Cardboard Box’

The modern version of TLC’s ‘No Scrubs’ (also a good contender to soundtrack girl’s night btw). Girl group FLO shine with girl power there’s no question. With an absolute banger of a chorus, you and your mates will want to choreograph your own Y2k-inspired dance routine to this number in the living.

Words By: Molly Sutherland

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The post Beyonce, Saweetie, Charli XCX Are Just A Few Queens To Start Off Your Galentine’s Playlist appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Charitha Chandran

The Bridgerton star was awarded the Samsung Rising Star Award for utilising her voice to challenge racism and represent her South Asian community. We praise Chandra for what she has achieved and are excited for her future in the film industry as well as her continuation to challenge the status quo.

Charitha Chandran certainly kept up her ‘diamond of the season’ status as she dazzled in a long black Rokh dress. The corseted gown featured bejewelled panelling and a sparkling halter neck.

Amelia Dimoldenberg

Known for her unconventional comedy style on her YouTube series –Chicken Shop Dates– we are not shocked to announce that Amelia Dimoldenberg received GLAMOUR’s Creator of the Year Award 2022.

As she proudly accepted her well-earned award, Dimoldenberg slayed in a stunning black Miu Miu suit. We think the androgynous, boxy silhouette partnered with the mini bandeau style top captured the comedian’s style perfectly.

Nicola Coughlan

We are lucky to not just have one, but two Bridgerton stars in our fashion midst. Nicola Coughlan is known for her roles as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton, as well as Clare Devlin in Derry Girls. However, on Tuesday evening she was receiving recognition for her involvement in protests on women’s rights to abortion, as well as campaigning for equal marriage.

The Actress/ Activist wore a gorgeous custom piece by Emilia Wickstead as she received her TV Actor Award. Differing from her Bridgerton work wardrobe of yellows and oranges, the Wickstead two-piece showed Coughlan in a much more glamorous style. The black embroidered two-piece -taken from Wickstead’s A/W 22 collection- was inspired by the films of Michelangelo Antonioni, and we must say Coughlan looked inspiring in it.

Rita Ora

Rita Ora is no stranger to standing up and speaking out on important issues. Being an Ambassador for UNICEF as well as supporting campaigns for refugees, Ora rightfully earned her Entertainer Award. The singer also continues to create female-empowering anthems which empower women daily- thank you, Rita Ora.

All eyes were on Ora as she stunned in a full-length, sheer black, figure-hugging gown. The partially off-shoulder strappy dress showed off Ora’s black underwear as well as her gorgeous figure.

Munroe Bergdorf

Making great strides for inclusivity in the beauty industry, Munroe Bergdorf uses her platform to create positive change by encouraging higher levels of diversity. As one of the UK’s first mainstream transgender models, she knows the industry first-hand and believes there is still a lot of work to be done. February 2023 will welcome the release of her debut book, which we are sure will be a success. Therefore, a big congratulations to Munroe Bergford for winning GLAMOUR’s Beauty-Changemaker Award.

Wearing a hyper-feminine, lilac gown from Sophie Couture’s S/S 23 collection, Bergdorf looked simply stunning. The dress featured delicate feathers and chiffon appliques, which were complemented by a matching set of heels.

Dina Asher-Smith

Now although Dina Asher-Smith presented an award as opposed to winning one, we couldn’t help but feature her in our mix. As she wore a custom Nensi Dojaka, she awarded the very designer the winner of GLAMOUR’s Fashion Designer of the Year. The sprinter’s red-carpet moment will be remembered for years to come as she elegantly sported the sheer brown, floor-length gown. True to a Nensi Dojaka, the dress featured delicate cut-outs and a breathtaking slit down the skirt’s left side.

Words By Erin Wilson

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The post The Fierce Change-Makers Of This Years GLAMOUR Women Awards appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Founder Emaan Abbass experienced the benefits of the oil during periods of menstrual discomfort and says:

“As someone with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), my periods were constantly fluctuating. I would go months without a period, and when I did have one, the pains were unbearable,” explains Abbass. “I was tired of popping pain killers. I wanted to find a natural remedy that would help calm and soothe my body during my monthly cycle. The Potion, when massaged onto areas of tension, did just that. It not only helped with my discomfort but it smells incredible, too.”

The Potion that comes as a topical ointment boasts of 100% natural ingredients like hemp seed oil, lavender oil, clary sage oil, bergamot oil, eucalyptus oil, and arnica. The soothing army of the aforementioned oils offers calming aromatherapeutic properties that aim to soothe and comfort on contact. The topical product creates a multipurpose formula, to be applied at specific pressure points that soothe muscle tension and ease the harrowing period gremlins.

Directions for use

For obtaining the targeted soothing effect, gently massage a few drops onto your abdomen, lower back, wrists, and temples. To use for all-over massage, apply a liberal amount (1–2 droppers full) on larger areas of the body for head-to-toe aromatherapeutic TLC*. 

_{*Consult a physician before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.}

To get the best out of The Potion, Ketish recommends a soothing ritual, pre-application:

Throw the kettle on and prepare a tea fusion inspired by the product—peppermint leaves, lavender, and bergamot flowers. While your tea brews, gently massage the soothing oil all over your body, using firm but loving circular movements. Gently rub small drops on the temples, before sitting back and enjoying your herbal tea. The aromas will transport you into a blissful haven. You deserve it, after all.

Huda Kattan, chairwoman of HB Investments and Founder of Huda Beauty said:

“The Potion is a great addition to the KETISH collection of feel-good products for women. It is the perfect product to soothe, comfort, and give your body a little extra TLC when you need it most. Definitely an essential for any beauty cabinet.”

The solution to your period cramps is priced at $32 and was long overdue and. It comes as another prized addition in Ketish’s determination to replace the shame and the stigma that entails every woman’s body image. At the heart of the brand is to champion sensuality and self-love through education and empowerment.

Shop The Product Here*

£ 24.14

Ketish The Potion -Soothing Oil

Read article Shop

_{*the product rate here has been featured in pounds, rates are subject to change as per currency rates.}

Words by Manica Pathak

_{Header Image Credit: Emaan Abbass; Courtesy of Ketish}

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Set to hit theatres today, Hustlers is one of the most talked-about movies of 2019. It is catching attention for its all-female cast with big names such as Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B and Lizzo, as well as its controversial context: working in a strip club. Loosely based on the New York Magazine article ‘The Hustlers at Scores’ by Jessica Prissier, the film follows a group of strippers who decide to scam unlawful Wall Street clients. Judging from the trailer and the storyline, the movie provides an interesting approach to feminism.

There is female empowerment in how these characters reclaim their sexuality when pole dancing—and that’s exactly how they successfully exploit the clients. This idea comes directly from Pressier’s article which describes Roselyn Keo’s experience of being mistreated by her clients; from the married men coming to cheat on their wives, to the belittling ones who groped or judged her for stripping: “did your father abuse you?” Her case was far from being an exception, and that’s why Hustlers is so important for giving a voice to strip club employees; the stigma around stripping and pole dancing needs to be addressed and changed.

It is not just for stripping and pole dancing either, but for any form of sexual expression that women continue to be shamed and criticised. Cardi B herself has faced backlash— as many other female celebrities have—for exposing her body and twerking in music videos. The internet argues that this behaviour only further incites men to objectify women and sexualise their bodies, but as Cardi B’s clapped back, this mentality perpetuates rape culture. Rape culture designates the normalising of sexual assault and abuse and is an issue that feminism seeks to destroy. Because if a woman chooses to be sexual, it does not entitle men to touch her.

For this reason, Hustlers denies male viewers the pleasure of watching sexualised female bodies, which they usually obtain through a concept known as the male gaze. Rather common in art, such as cinema, the male gaze is the depiction of women for the male audience, through a masculine point of view. When J-Lo’s character Ramona is pole dancing; she appears sexy and powerful because she is doing what she wants with her own body. With pole dancing, the women in the movie can use their sexual side to trap the very men that shame them for showing it.

That is not to say that the women’s revenge is devoid of any complication. To call the strippers’ collective crime an act of feminism would be to ignore the problematic nature of their drugging of men. Despite Hustlers’ spot-on representation of female empowerment through women of all backgrounds, races, sizes and gender identities, the comical and light-hearted tone could lead us to believe that the movie misses crucial aspects to its portrayal of life as a stripper. Working in a strip club entails enduring invasive comments and inappropriate behaviour from clients which, as Roselyn’s story exemplifies, can lead one to grow dangerously distrustful and vengeful.

Perhaps then, Hustlers is more feminist in the moral of the story rather than in the story itself. Because while the female characters well deserve their revenge, the means do not justify the ends, and how take advantage of men is undeniably dubious. On the surface, however, the movie provides a powerful and inspiring image of a diverse group of women working together to take down—as represented by the Wall Street clients—the patriarchy.

Words by Carla Pelosoff

Graphics by Aamir Potrick

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