His latest effort dissects the ways we live online for good, bad, and strange. He's given his take on Pokémon Go ("When two persons in search of a pokémon clash at the corner of Sunset and San Vicente is there violence? Is there murder?") and rescued Joaquin Phoenix from lighting a deadly cigarette.
Here's just a small sample of Herzog's commentary.
“Now is that real Donald Trump or is it fake Donald Trump?" Herzog narrates. "That's an interesting thing that the internet can create doppelgangers easily. The most interesting thing for me as a storyteller is, something that I always keep saying: In a movie, yes, you do have a story and you develop a story, but at the same time you have to be very careful and think about and organise a parallel story. A separate independent story that only occurs in the collective mind of the audience."
Herzog says Kanye's rap is key to creating that story.
"When you hear the rap, which is very well done, all of a sudden it gives him more time than anything else just to reflect on it. This video gives you space for creating your separate parallel story and you keep thinking. Are these people for real? Are they doppelgangers? What could be the story of them? What are they doing? How have they partied? What brought them together?"
As a young woman living in the UK right now, I spend a lot of time confused about my finances.... To the extent that, often, I just avoid dealing with them all together. And apparently I’m not alone; recent study found that 83% of women would like to become more engaged with their finances, but 8/10 are uncomfortable discussing it with even their close friends and family.
Worryingly, we're also saving less than men – typically, 38% less – and a woman’s average retirement income is likely to be around £5,000 a year lower than a man’s. With women living around four years longer, we actually need to find an additional £100,000 for a retirement income of £25,000 a year.
So, how can we swot up on planning for the future, on interest rates and the benefits of ISAs?
Sarah Pennells, founder of money tips website SavvyWoman, believes that the financial services industry just isn’t providing for women properly as is. “When I was launching SavvyWoman I was told by more than one investment company that ‘women don’t invest’ and that their customers were men,” Pennells told Refinery29. “That, to me, speaks volumes about their lack of success in engaging with women, not women’s lack of interest in investing.”
As a result, the CMA have proposed what they call an ‘Open Banking Programme’ – a central feature of which is an app that will show customers which banks can offer them the best accounts, based on their borrowing patterns.
The CMA hopes these moves will make the industry more competitive. But Boring Money founder Holly Mackay echoes popular opinion when she says it just doesn’t go far enough. “Unfortunately, the banking sector too often gives off the impression of being one great big cartel, acting exclusively in its own interests rather than those of its customers” says Mackay. “I'm not sure the results of this enquiry will necessarily change that very much."
But while fans of the reforms are praising the CMA’s call for a ‘banking revolution', the real revolution is happening elsewhere – outside the heavily regulated, giant conglomerates that are the high street banks. Enter the ‘challenger’ banks.
Before 2013, no bank had been granted a licence in the UK for a hundred years. But thanks to the loosening of regulatory requirements, fourteen start-ups have obtained licences in the last three years. One of these newbies is Starling Bank who, like their fellow contenders, are promising to transform banking as we know it.
In doing this, they’re aiming to tackle the country-wide problem of disengagement. “Our research tells us that people of all genders, age ranges and backgrounds want to be more engaged with their finances,” says Starling’s CEO Anne Boden.
“What our research has shown though is that in households, between couples or even flat-mates, women are most often in charge of managing the budget,” she continues. “And for that reason, you could extrapolate that trying to manage your own personal financial health, alongside a household’s, would involve added pressure.”
Mackay touches on another reason why women might be banking differently to men. “I think women want to get more on top of their finances because – typically – we take more career breaks and earn less,” she says. “So we’re starting from behind when it comes to investing. And I think we get that moment in our 40s where we’re old enough to be “doing something” but also old enough to feel a sense of shame that we haven’t done it sooner. So we stick our heads in the sand and hope that it will go away!”
Caroline Evans, Content Marketing Manager at Money Farm, has a similar point of view, but is firm that the responsibility still lies with us as individuals. “People will argue that the industry should do more for the consumer. But ultimately it’s your wealth, it's your financial well being, and you should take control of that,” she says, while acknowledging that, "historically, it hasn’t been very easy to do that.” Which is where the challenger banks come back in, along with the multiple other fintech startups like Money Farm who are attempting to humanise banking.
And beyond the opportunity for fintech to transform our relationship with money? Well, there are much wider social implications of these transformations both at home and abroad. Economists say financial services like savings accounts, insurance or loans are just as important to escaping poverty as improved agriculture and education. Fintech could help women all over the world find their own independence. In some places it’s already starting to happen. "The World Bank has a financial inclusion strategy designed to improve women's access to financial services,” offers Mackay.
“It has found that in countries such as Pakistan, access to loans often have to be signed off by a male relative,” she elaborates. “It has helped women across the world gain independent access to financial services. This is vitally important: UN Women has found that giving women control of a greater share of household income, changes spending in ways that benefit children."
From making expert financial advice available to everyone, to giving women living in poverty direct access to savings accounts through their mobile phones, we are on the brink of a revolution that will improve women’s lives everywhere.
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You know how very often the book is better than the blockbuster franchise, but no one will listen – because who's got time for a slow-burner when you can have all the fireworks of the IMAX cinema and, well, no one can hear you over the surround-sound system anyway? The same could be said of the cultural snobbery that the handjob so often receives. Why, when at its core, it's just as skilful a practice as fellatio, does the "handjob" find itself so far down on the menu of sexual favours?
Fellatio has been comparatively celebrated in pop culture, from Ray Liotta's kitchen-head in Goodfellas via D'angelo's thinly veiled ode to the blowie in the sensational "How Does It Feel?" music video, we've been conditioned to consider dirty knees a sexier other-option to, well, sticky-fingers. But unlike the BJ, a handjob is a particularly stealthy and dare we say it, potentially more erotic an act. You can kiss someone whilst performing one. They can be dished out, in conjunction with the starters underneath the dining table, in the back of a cab, and enjoyed during a movie.
The thing with handjobs though, is that, much like ""fingering", it's a practice that's been renounced to the back-of-the-bike-shed of nefarious activities, reserved for those navigating puberty, along with other adolescent activities like spot-picking and Queen's chairs. Why? Well, so often it's the first of the bases that we all triumphantly reach before we take a big deep breath and go for home run. For some reason we cannot unpick the association between handjobs and our first forays into the world of sex; clunky, misguided, a little bit dry and really quite nervous. Handjobs seem unable to lose their puppy-fat. They're still understood as a synonym of inexperience.
Handjobs at their worst are rudimentary but at their best can be a one-way speeding ticket to an almighty orgasm. Not to mention the fact that a blowjob with no hands – is a no-job – am I right? One rule of thumb (and all other four fingers) is that HJs should never be a rough and ready procedure, but as sensual as a blow job can be and as erotic as full blown, knees behind your ears s-e-x ought to be too. And in order to verify this, we spoke to several men who agree that life is better when you take it by the hands...
My friend Tom who's 36 and works in advertising agrees that they're too often thought of as a teenage pastime – but, ironically, that's what he suspects arouses him when he's receiving one. "During the entirety of my first teenage relationship I subsisted on a diet of nothing but handjobs and sexual frustration. Now, I rate them very highly. In comparison to its more famous and celebrated older brother the humble handjob is all about control and domination. Every boy's been tugging away at his junk since before he can remember, it's nice handing the reigns over to someone else for a few minutes (seconds?)"
Calvin, who is 32 and works for a charity agreed with Tom. "When my girlfriend wakes me up with one it is – for whatever reason – the most exciting thing." And when I ask him why, he again goes back to the sauciness of a school frisson: "I think it's because it always takes me back to being at school and the kind of excitement of those times when you're first hooking up with girls. I'm an advocate."
Jordan who is 20 and a student enlightened me as to their stress-relieving properties: "I'm obviously more than happy to take what I'm given but, yeah, like all good things they're simple and effective and actually, weirdly, so relaxing."
According to our resident columnist on sex work, Audrey More, who has frequent clients who request a hand shandy, she thinks they're popular because "it's a more familiar and reliable way to come than a blow job." She continues: "I think everyone thinks BJs are the best thing because of their popularisation in the '90s when they became a POV porn staple."
I asked her if she had any tips (in the name of research) and she diplomatically suggested it's different for everyone, but that she would recommend "always using lube" and suggested: "Don't just go up and down, but twist your hand as you go, tapering it on the tip of their dick. The motion is like easing a cork out of a champagne bottle. Keep the pace slow and steady; most people prefer a slower, firmer one than anything too frantic and kinetic. And pay attention to the balls with your other hand if feasible; use your mouth on the tip whilst using your hands on the shaft, edging them up, so they're nearly coming. Then slow down to a normal pace. Also, if they're game, get some of your fingers around their butt. "
She continues: "Generally, eye contact, chat and exhibitionism, any of the above, while you're at it, helps. Also give them something visually interesting in terms of positions; so maybe try it in reverse cowgirl with your genitals nearer their face, or sitting back with your feet in their face if they're a foot guy. This is of course, all subjective."
Then she tells me something I wasn't expecting. "Most guys have foot fetishes in my experience, so if you can jimmy in a footjob, do." Come again? Yes, a handjob, but using your feet. "They're a fun alternative and can help strengthen your core muscles." But that's a story for another article...
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There is a hashtag currently trending on Twitter that, as so often happens, is bringing out the best and worst in people. It's not clear why #FeministAMovie began trending on Thursday, but it's growing increasingly popular. The idea is to change the title of the movie into a feminist statement by replacing words or making a pun.
It's a great idea. And people have been coming up with some truly awesome ones — funny, incisive, and right on the nose. Like You've Got Male Oppression or James Bond: The Spy Who Sexually Objectified Me. So please, take a moment to enjoy these gems before we address the problem at hand.
Harry Potter and the Problematic Phallic Shaped Wand. #FeministAMovie
But this is Twitter. And we all know Twitter can't have nice things without some misogynistic trolls breaking them. So, as first brought to our attention by The A.V. Club, there's a lot of sexist BS happening as well. The tweets are gross and insulting. And no, they're not even clever. We've got stuff like The Whining and When Hairy Met Sally. Women being shrill and unshaven are common themes, you'll notice.
Of course, the irony here is that the above jerks are proving the very point the hashtag intends to make. How disappointing. Just keep feministing, ladies.
Most recently, she had led the fight to stop major dam projects on the Río Gualcarque, a river that is a source of water, food, medicine, and spiritual identity for the Lenca people. But in the country, which has one of the highest murder rates per capita in the world, such work made her a target for violence. She was careful to warn her children about that, too, repeating that message to them right up until the day before she was murdered in her home.
"The last thing my mum said to me was: 'Look, mamita, if something were to happen to me, don't be afraid. You know that in this country, they can do anything to you. But you shouldn't be afraid,'" Laura Zuñiga Cáceres, the activist's youngest daughter, recently told Refinery29. "Those words were her last words to me. Now they're like my banner to continue the fight for justice that she deserves."
On the 3rd of March, after she organised a major conference of indigenous and environmental activists, gunmen stormed into Berta Cáceres' home in La Esperanza, Honduras. She was hit by at least four bullets,The Guardian reported. And although five people were arrested in her murder, Cáceres' family and colleagues are still fighting to hold accountable the powerful people they believe ordered her to be killed.
Which is why, Cáceres said, she needed to fight for justice for her mother far beyond the borders of Honduras. She joined other activists on the It Takes Roots People's Caravan last month, speaking outside of the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention. Cáceres shared her story with Refinery29 in Philadelphia.
This is a violent country; it has been shaken by violence, and it has the highest levels of femicides, the highest levels of poverty... The only strong institutions in Honduras are the structures of repression.
What is it like for you as a young woman to lose your mother?
"It’s really hard. I believe that for everyone, but especially for me — who had a mum who was so strong, so enormous for me, such a big person in my life — we think that people are forever, that they’re never going to die. We think that mums are never going to pass away. Even if you think about death or the idea of death, you don’t really believe it is true.
"Even though we grew up knowing that my mum was threatened because of her work, even though we knew that after the coup the threats increased, and even though we live the country for that reason — we still didn’t believe it would be possible. So, first of all, it’s really hard surviving this.
"On the other hand, having such a strong mother who symbolises every fighter in Honduras, every fighter in the world that has been murdered, every woman who has been killed, makes us feel that we have a commitment to fighting for justice. So from our place as the daughters of Berta Cáceres, we support the movements in Honduras and also the movements that are in a similar situation to my mum’s group, COPINH, or groups in other fights. It’s a mix of pain and energy."
Cáceres traveled in a caravan from Cleveland, Ohio, to Philadelphia last month to speak out at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Photographed By Nathaniel Welch/Redux.
What was the situation that led to your mother's murder?
"My mum was fighting against different mega-projects and against the massive concession of rivers in the Lenca indigenous territory.
"She was fighting and started to be threatened at her workplace, which didn’t stop her. Besides that, the company also started threatening the community, poisoning the crops, and there were hit men working for the company terrorising people. Meanwhile, my mum kept fighting against this. She was threatened and eventually jailed. My mum kept working even in jail...because she had been doing it for years, my mum's work had some international resonance. So they weren't able to keep her in jail because international organisations had issued cautionary measures that forced the government to protect her.
"After that fight, even though she had international support, my mum was murdered on the 3rd of March when hit men came into her home in La Esperanza. My mum’s fight was not only against these mega-projects, but she was also looking to create alternatives. The morning of the 3rd of March, before she was killed in the evening, a forum on alternative energies she had been planning finally came together. [She wanted people] to start thinking about energy and its development from the indigenous communities. So many people had come together for that. And I believe that’s pretty symbolic. The day that various communities came together to think [about this issue] was the day she was murdered."
The last thing my mum said to me was: 'Look, mamita, if something were to happen to me, don't be afraid. You know that in this country, they can do anything to you. But you shouldn't be afraid.'
Has there been justice after her murder?
"No, there’s no justice for many reasons. First, we think about justice in a complete way. Justice means judging and putting in prison those people who planned and executed the murder.
"Today, five men have been captured for their involvement in the murder. This happened due to national and international pressure, because at first they tried to blame my mum’s organisation for her murder. But after international pressure, we were able to push so that they would investigate beyond my mum’s organisation... So these five people are in jail, but we still have to go to trial. The main defendant trained the military police in Honduras. There’s also an ex-military man and two other people related to the army. We’re worried that they’re related to the military itself.
Cáceres holds a photo of her mother, who was buried on what would have been her 45th birthday. Photographed By Nathaniel Welch/Redux.
"We’re waiting for the trial, but we’re also putting pressure so that the intellectual authors of this murder are investigated. They were the ones who devised this murder and who paid for this murder. But they’re also thinking of and paying for other murders as well. So we want to set a precedent and get justice. We’ve asked to have an international commission lead the investigation, because we don’t believe in the Honduran government — it has proven to be incapable, it has violated our right to participate in the investigation, which is something that’s in the law but hasn’t been fulfilled."
What is the current situation in Honduras when it comes to human rights?
"We’re sort of living in a state of emergency when it comes to human rights. We have on the one hand an institution — the government of Honduras — that is constantly violating these rights, [our] basic rights. And on the other hand, we have a lot of companies that do the same to a sector of the population that’s suffering through a really hard socioeconomic crisis.
"This is a violent country. It has been shaken by violence, and it has the highest levels of femicides, the highest levels of poverty, and really strong military structures. The only strong institutions in Honduras are the structures of repression."
You’re here in Philadelphia at the same time as Hillary Clinton, who was the U.S. Secretary of State when the coup d’état happened [in 2009]. What’s your message for her about your mum’s death and the fight for human rights in Honduras?
"I think the support of the United States, of the Secretary of State, during the 2009 coup d’état in Honduras was very important. We’re talking about one of the most powerful countries of the world supporting these type of things. [That support] was important for the coup to be carried out. So I believe there’s some serious responsibility, because thanks to that coup, we’re living in a violent situation in Honduras, a situation where the military apparatus prepares hit men and killers to murder people. Not only those in social movements but others, too.
"It also has to do with the current situation of violence. I believe that it’s necessary — after so much violence, so many deaths — to at least cut off U.S. financing of the military, cut down on that help that has led to so much violence since 2009.
"Now we have an opportunity to cut those funds [the military gets] through the Berta Cáceres Human Rights in Honduras Act, which is currently before Congress. As long as my mother’s murder is not investigated, and the murders of over 100 people in the north of Honduras related to the military [are not investigated], the U.S. will cut the funding. That’s normal and logical, and the American people must know this — that their money is going directly to Honduras, helping the militarisation and the violation of human rights. "
We think that mums are never going to pass away. Even if you think about death or the idea of death, you don’t really believe it is true.
Do you have a message for Hillary Clinton if she’s elected president?
"Yes, not only for her but for anyone who governs in the United States. There has to be accountability, serious accountability for how the United States’ policies affect countries such as Honduras. Even thinking that this violence, this militarisation, this repression only leads to a future where everything is violence, where there’s no other answer, which leads to forced migration. Many people don’t want to leave their country, but they’re forced to, like I did. [Ed. note: Laura now lives in Argentina.] That’s also why I came to both conventions. To hold accountable whoever becomes the next president."
What do you want other young women to know about the young women fighting for human rights in Honduras?
"I think it’s necessary to know that any woman in Honduras, especially who is a woman and an activist, is at risk. We’re not only trying to protect ourselves or our communities, we’re trying to protect life in general through our defense of the environment, of the earth, of our bodies.
"We think that it’s necessary to create examples of solidarity and hope as well. Despite death, despite pain, despite violence, we don’t stop dreaming of a better world. And that’s one of the biggest legacies my mum left us: In everything, be joyful. Feel joy in living and taking charge of our lives. And that’s why we’re going through the world and betting on freedom."
We’re not only trying to protect ourselves or our communities, we’re trying to protect life in general through our defense of the environment, of the earth, of our bodies.
Your mother was one of those women fighting for human rights for years. What is one of your favourite memories of her?
"I always tell others that my mum always encouraged people to do things, even if they were scared. I remember once she asked me to help her with a report. And I told her, 'Mum, but I can’t do a report. I don’t know how to do it and I’m studying to be a midwife and I don’t know if I can write it properly.' She just looked at me and told me, 'There’s people who can barely read or write or barely went to school and can write a report. You are in college, and you can do it.' She made me write it. And that challenge — that’s who she was, saying: Just do it.
"My mum was like that with everyone. She looked at your potential and said: Bam!, knowing that you could do it....so you were always on your feet, trying to do things well."
What is your advice for other young women?
"I think it's something that my mum told me: We can’t be apathetic to society, to reality. That will make us into stronger women. We need hope, dreams, and the desire to change the world, to give birth to a new world."
Editor's note: This interview has been translated from Spanish and edited for length and clarity. Refinery29 wishes to thank Andrea González-Ramírez for her help in translating this interview.
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Drinking soup is in. And we're not talking about your average cup o' noodles: these are freshly made drinkable soups that you can take on the go.
Served hot or chilled (for optimal sipping), these savoury drinks are perfect for a quick, healthy, and portable meal. If you're looking to give the new trend a try, we've rounded up the top pinned drinkable soup recipes on Pinterest, below. So, get blending and say goodbye to spoons.
Pitch Perfect star Anna Kendrick isn't just one of Hollywood's most talented young actresses; she's also among the most candid. In a new interview with The Daily Telegraph, the Oscar-nominated actress reveals that she and Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza were only cast in their new movie, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, after their male co-stars Zac Efron and Adam Devine had locked in their deals.
"You have to go through the process. We had to wait until the boys were cast. Then we got the parts we knew we would," Kendrick recalls, before coolly adding, "We knew we had it in the bag. Besides, I like letting men think they’re in control."
Kendrick goes on to argue, very sensibly, that any discussion of gender inequality in Hollywood needs to be used to spread awareness of the wider issue. "Sexism exists and it's a f**king problem,’ she tells The Daily Telegraph. "But pinpointing it to Hollywood isn’t helpful. Women everywhere deal with this s**t; it’s a global problem. Resisting diversity is bizarre but it’s good that [some stars] are bringing that issue to light. Hopefully that will trickle through all areas of the workforce."
During the interview Kendrick also hails the work of "great comediennes" like Amy Schumer and Tina Fey who "take issues like sexism that you feel strongly about and pinpoint them in such a way that you completely agree."
After explaining that funny women like Bette Midler, Janeane Garofalo and Britain's own Catherine Tate have long been an influence on her, Kendrick adds encouragingly, "But now men are noticing and going, 'Wow, women in comedy, this is a thing.' And we’re saying, 'Yeah, we’ve always been here. Had you not noticed?'"
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Police are dealing with a significant increase in the number of violent and sex crimes on the London Underground and DLR network, according to newly-released figures.
British Transport Police statistics obtained by the Evening Standard show 1,961 violent sex crimes were recorded across the network in the first six months of this year - a rise of 41% from the same six-month period in 2015.
Of the 1,961 crimes reported, 460 were sex crimes, a rise of 40% from the same period in 2015, when there were 328 sex crimes reported across the network.
The increase comes as London Underground prepares to roll out its long-awaited Night Tube service on certain lines from next weekend, but a senior British Transport Police official said the figures should be measured against the ever-growing popularity of the network.
"It is disappointing see that after 11 years of reductions in crime that there was an increase last year," Chief Superintendent Martin Fry told the Evening Standard. " However, this must be seen in the context that during 2015/16, passenger journeys increased by more than two million, bringing the total number of passenger journeys up to more than 11 million per day."
"In 2005/2006, there were more than 18 crimes per million customer journeys in 2005/6 and that is now down to just 7.3 – meaning the chances of becoming a victim of crime on London’s rail network are extremely low," he added. "This does not mean we are complacent, each crime is one crime too many."
Though the figures show that certain London Underground lines are comparatively safer than others, it goes without saying that we all should all be vigilant when travelling on any part of the network, from Zone 1 to Zone 9. To report a crime or incident, call the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or send a text to 61016. In an emergency, always call 999.
Last year, the British Transport Police launched the "report it to stop it" campaign to tackle unwanted sexual behaviour on London's public transport. Find out more about the campaign on its Tumblr.
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A Polish hacker is scheduled to present one of the more frightening apps in recent memory this week at the Defcon conference in Las Vegas. Przemek Jaroszewski, who heads the Polish Computer Emergency Readiness Team, showed a basic way to bypass security checkpoints at airports using just an Android app that generates fake boarding passes.
“With a set of easily available tools, boarding pass hacking is easier than ever, and the checks are mostly a security theatre,” Jaroszewski wrote in the event description. “I will demonstrate how easy it is to craft own boarding pass that works perfectly at most checkpoints (and explain why it doesn't work at other ones).”
Jaroszewski has apparently only used the app to access elite boarding lounges for airlines like his favourite, Turkish Airlines, according to reporting by Wired. Though the app can nominally let travellers in anywhere, Jaroszewski claims he’s only used it to go places he’s already allowed. He also claims, however, that it could be used to bypass no-fly lists.
That’s because security checks are mostly automated, with very little human verification.
“Effectively, we’re dealing with simple unencrypted strings of characters,” he writes, “Containing all the information needed to decide on our eligibility for fast lane access, duty-free shopping, and more…”
The International Air Travel Association says that airlines bear the responsibility for securing their lounges, and that airport security would prevent people from entering restricted areas using the app, according to Travel & Leisure. They say that Jaroszewski was able to use the app because lounges are often guarded by automated processes.
Watch the app in action below.
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I have always held fast to the notion that velvet is for life, not just for Christmas, and this season the big brands seem to finally share my proclivity for the fanciest of fabrics.
As seen in all its glamorous glory at Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino (a mustard yellow maxi, yes please!), velvet has also made its way into modern daywear options – perfectly cinched trenches at Vetements and a slick trouser suit at Haider Ackermann, as worn impeccably by Tilda Swinton last month at Comic-Con in San Diego. Sweltering.
However, we can’t all be as endlessly cool as Tilda Swinton in August and for us lesser mortals, there are always accessories. Here are 10 ways to dip your toe into this trend, feet first...
For the ultimate treat, march to Miu Miu immediately and buy these forest green beauties. Five inches tall and with a sizeable platform, best worn in an uber or lying down.
A pointed boot in the palest of pinks, kind of like the interior of your nan’s bathroom but all the more spectacular for it. Wear to Sketch and immerse yourself in your surroundings.
Velvet looks best when rendered in a jewel tone, and these burgundy babes are no exception. With a thick white contrast sole, these sneakers are the epitome of sports luxe.
One part pilgrim, one part gentleman dandy, these loafers from hot new London brand Dorateymur are the answer to all your footwear prayers. The perfect back to school shoe.
Mary-Janes are the cutest update for your wardrobe; make yours doubly sweet in Sam Edelman’s plum numbers. Best worn with an A-line mini and vampy lip to counteract feeling too sweet
Highly recommended for summer weddings! A nod to the eclectic ‘raid your grandmother’s jewellery box’ aesthetic as seen at Gucci, these pearl-encrusted block heels will see you through wedding season and beyond.
Introducing the olive green boots of your dreams with a heel low enough to wear all day and plush enough for any occasion. The kind of boot Virginia Woolf would wear.
In the hierarchy of skin-care priorities, tending to our armpits falls pretty low. Of course, if you asked us, we'd say that we like our underarms to be free of sweat, smell, bumps, and maybe stubble (if you choose to remove hair there), but then we'd have to admit that we don't spend very much energy on getting them there. Instead, we rough them up with razors, swipe a bit of deodorant or anti-perspirant across them, and will them to cooperate whenever we're hot, active, or stressed.
The problem with that plan? It turns out our underarms are a lot more delicate (read: needy) than we've been led to believe. So, if you want to get rid of pesky bumps, discolouration, and odour, you’re going to have to give them a little more of the same TLC you bestow upon your face.
Before we get into that, though, a brief lesson on the anatomy of an armpit: As dermatologist Jessica Weiser, MD, of New York Dermatology Group, explains, the surface of the underarm has two kinds of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are the ones you have all over your body that regulate your temperature. They produce clear, odour-free sweat when you’re doing things like walking down the street on a hot summer day, or doing circuits at Barry's Bootcamp. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are only found in areas with a lot of hair growth. They secrete fluid when the body is under emotional or psychological stress, and that fluid gets broken down by your skin’s bacteria to create what Dr. Weiser refers to as “an unpleasant odour,” and what the rest of us call BO.
But that’s not all. The hair follicles in the underarm can also get clogged with dead skin cells or residue from your deodorant. The most annoying part? Simply shaving the delicate area on the regular is enough to throw your armpits out of wack. Shaving is, yes, exfoliation — but it's a very aggressive form of it, and it makes it easier for dirt, bacteria, and irritants, like alcohol-based deodorants, to build up in the follicles. Not only that, it leads to ingrowns, which darken the area over time. And while there are plenty of creams that promise to lighten your underarms, Dr. Weiser says they often don’t actually get to the root of the issue.
It turns out our underarms are a lot more delicate (read: needy) than we've been led to believe.
The good news, according to Dr. Weiser, is that a healthy armpit will look and smell pretty good — and you only have to add a few simple steps to your routine to get it there. It's important to remember, says Dr. Weiser, that “above all, underarms should be treated gently, as the skin in that area is very sensitive and easily irritated."
You don’t have to actually give them a facial (phew, because holding our arms above our heads while a mud mask dries isn't exactly our idea of a good time), but she does suggest using a soft washcloth or a gentle scrub to lightly exfoliate in the shower two to three times per week. Most of us can get away with using a body scrub or a bit of plain sugar, but if your skin is especially sensitive, use your facial exfoliator. “For more severe congestion, try a glycolic- or lactic-acid cleanser to help chemically break down dead skin cells,” Dr. Weiser advises.
In her professional opinion, if you choose to remove hair, laser is your best bet to avoid irritation and discolouration, but she recognises that it can be expensive and impossible for some skin types. “If you are going to shave, do it in the shower with warm water and a shaving gel or cream to soften the hair,” she says. “Change your razor blade every five shaves for best results, and keep your razor dry in-between uses to prevent bacterial and fungal growth on the blades. And don’t forget to shave in the direction of hair growth!”
Ideally, you should shave at night to allow your skin to heal and take a break from gels and creams, says Dr. Weiser. Then, consider the deodorant or anti-perspirant you've been using. If you suffer from uneven skin tone and dark patches, some brands, like Dove, make formulations designed to help soothe irritation and prevent future discolouration.
However, it's often alcohol, the primary ingredient in many traditional deodorants, that causes irritation in the first place, so Dr. Weiser suggests trying a natural crystal or mineral deodorant instead. Another option: an activated-charcoal deodorant, like the one from Kaia Naturals, which can help to absorb sweat, bacteria, and pollutants from the skin’s surface. Note that these products haven’t been studied enough to show consistent efficacy, but they’re worth considering if you want to make the switch from traditional aluminum-based anti-perspirants.
The most important thing you can do to maintain the health of your armpits is also the most important thing you can do for your face (aside from wearing sunscreen): Wash them every single day. You wouldn’t leave makeup, dirt, and grime on your face at the end of the day and expect it to remain clear and breakout-free, now would you?
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Now the 24-year-old former Victoria's Secret Angel has shared her approach towards health and fitness in a new interview, outlining an attitude that sounds super-dedicated yet still sensible.
"Even if I’m not an Olympian in Rio right now, I treat myself as an athlete in my daily life," she tells The Sunday Times. "I challenge myself, try new things in my strength training and cardio. I try to be the best I can, whether it’s my fitness routine or how I think about food and nutrition."
"I want to feel strong," Kloss adds. "That's when I feel best."
Asked how many hours a week she spends actually breaking into a sweat, Kloss tells The Sunday Times. "I’d say five to seven hours. Which is totally doable. I always say the hardest part is putting your gym clothes on. But no matter how long and exhausting your travel or your work was, if you can get yourself there and give it whatever you’ve got, it will be worth it. You will feel better afterwards."
Though many of us may struggle to find five to seven hours a week for exercise, there's no denying that the fundamentals of Kloss's approach make a lot of sense: Keep challenging yourself, try to get into your gym kit when you can, and you will feel better for it.
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Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Love, lust, and libidinous exchanges: Intensity is in the air this week as magnetic and seductive Pluto sends a naughty snap to romantic Venus. What starts as an innocent flirtation could quickly evolve into nights of unbridled passion. With both planets parked in earth signs, there's a good chance that feelings will linger for longer than a mere 24 hours. Hey, who says true love can't start with a bang? (Er...sorry.) But with that in mind, steer clear of any complicated entanglements. If there's a tan line on that ring finger, run (don't walk!) in the opposite direction.
On Thursday, 2016's only full moon in Aquarius electrifies the skies and makes the weird just plain wondrous. (Is that a unicorn flying by, or are you just happy to see us?) Originality is the order of the day, so feel free to let your freak flag fly proudly this week. Aquarius is the governess of technology and community. If you and your friends keep peppering conversations with, "That would make an amazing app!" consider the possibility of actually developing those digital dreams. No, you don't have to invent the next Pokémon Go, just something practical that makes people feel more connected. Or simply pick up the entertainment director's baton IRL. The community spirit is alive under these moonbeams, reminding us that the more we get together, the happier we'll be.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Turn on your love light, Leo. Thursday's full moon in Aquarius rocks your relationship house, helping you lock things down in a legit way. No more pretending you're only half-interested or waiting for your crush to 'fess up first. Lean in to your innate courage and let your feelings be known. No harm can come of it! If you find out that the attraction isn't reciprocal, you'll be free to move on. But odds are high that the chemistry is mutual. Already attached? Nudge your relationship to the next level or join forces on a collaborative venture. Two is your magic number in all realms of life. A business partnership could go platinum over the coming two weeks.
Has your inner pilot light been a little dim? On Wednesday, radiant Venus and transformational Pluto sync up in your wellness sectors, sounding the call for self-care. Replace the curly fries with clean, green fare and make sure you're getting ample shut-eye. Moving your body immediately improves your posture and makes you look (and feel) like the confident badass you were born to be, Leo. Try this 30-day shoulder challenge to get Mobama fierce.
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Ready, set, organize! Thursday's full moon in Aquarius puts you in your efficiency-loving element. You've had a social summer and we wouldn't be surprised if life's gotten a wee bit, uh, scattered. And with your collector's eye, you’re as much of a pack rat as you are a neat freak. It's time to downsize and sort. News about a work situation could come near this full moon, too. Circulate your résumé, ping people on LinkedIn, and find out what growth opportunities exist at your current place of employment. Within two weeks of the full moon, you could have happy news to share.
Romantically, there's plenty bubbling this week, too. On Wednesday, celestial seducer Pluto sends a sexy snap to amorous Venus in Virgo. Let your passionate side out to play and be bold! Fess up to an attraction — it could turn out favorably. That said, don't be surprised if you find out that someone's been harboring a more-than-just-friends feeling towards you. Coupled Virgos, push the envelope with some sultry experimentation and even a dash of "yes, we're together" PDA.
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Ta-da! With Thursday’s full moon in your theatrical fifth house, the performer in you is ready to take center stage. Maybe you'd rather let your work speak for itself? Either way, the time has come for your big reveal. With all eyes on you, make sure to leave the house "camera-ready" this week. These glamorous moonbeams can help you refresh your style profile, even if you're just dressing up a pair of high-waisted jeans. Romantically, this full moon will bring a generous dash of passion. Take the lead in love, Libra, fearlessly baring your soul and spelling out your desires to you S.O. Proposals, pregnancies, and other propositions could be on the table this week. If you're ready to take the next step with bae, luna helps you leap.
Your heartstrings get a tug midweek, too, when your cosmic ruler, compassionate Venus, gets a love note from soulful Pluto. Nothing wrong with letting people see your softer side, Libra. If you've been hanging on to a grudge, you may be moved to extend the olive branch. Resentment only winds up hurting you in the end, so if nothing else, take that painful subject off the table — and remove the toxic person from your feed — so you can focus on happier times.
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Does Chez Scorpio feel like a sacred oasis — or just a pit stop between work life and social functions? This Thursday's full moon in Aquarius lights up your domestic zone and helps you make your house feel more like a home. Aquarius energy is both spiritual and social: You need your space to feel like a hybrid of a meditative retreat center and an adorable, artsy gathering spot for your squad. Family matters fall under this full moon's spell, too. If you've been butting heads with a relative or a female friend who feels like kin, you could hash it out (and hopefully hug it out) before the weekend.
Difficult conversations will be easier to have this week, thanks to a cooperative alignment between diplomatic Venus and your ruler, piercing Pluto. This is especially potent on Wednesday, so circle hump day for having those healing heart-to-hearts. This planetary pair can help you build a stronger bond with a casual acquaintance. Make plans for a one-on-one hang before the week is through. Then, see what happens when you integrate this new pal into your friend group — or tag along with their crew for a day. You never know until you try, Scorpio.
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Friends, foes, or frenemies? Wonder no more where to categorize people, Sagittarius. Thursday’s full moon helps you sort it out. Ponder this passage from poet Hafez: "After a million years of shining / The sun doesn't say to the Earth / 'You owe me.' / Imagine a love like this." If scorekeeping has snuck into your social relationships, put a stop to it immediately. How? By checking to see where you've given too much, too soon. Friendships can be simple, Sagittarius, based on a common connection instead of constant IOUs. This freedom-oriented full moon reminds that you are enough "as-is" and don't have to go any extra miles to prove it. Let yourself off the hook and you'll start seeing legit friends everywhere you turn. They aren't narcissists, Sagittarius; they are just living their lives.
Keep your power suit pressed and ready this week, too. With charming Venus and potent Pluto lining up in your career houses midweek, there could be some rapid professional developments. All the work you've been doing behind-the-scenes — from toiling away on your laptop to nurturing important relationships — could start to pay off. An influential woman may open doors for you, so keep your focus on the powerful ladies at the office. If you see a chance to lend them support, jump right in and earn those loyalty points.
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Ready to make it rain, Capricorn? Finances start to flow this week, thanks to Thursday's full moon in your money zone. Ask not what your boss can do for you; instead, pick up the reins and take initiative. You'll peg yourself as the office up-and-comer — or, like every Capricorn, the future CEO. If you're not making the bank you want to, get strategic. What steps can you take to bump yourself to a higher pay grade? Sign up for webinars and specialized trainings that bring profitable skills and certifications. If you’ve been saving up, this full moon green-lights a luxe and practical upgrade. Invest in quality, Capricorn: You can think of this purchase as “building a collection” rather than wasting on replacements.
Midweek, there will be a moment of truth in your personal life. Venus in your candid ninth house sidles up to secret-keeper Pluto in Capricorn. You cannot tell a lie under this cosmic coupling; nor can you hold your honest feelings inside. The coast is clear for real talk, but remember that timing and atmosphere are everything. A change of scenery could be the perfect backdrop for conversations like this. Go for a nature hike or road trip to a more secluded spot where you can hash it all out without the nosy neighbors listening in.
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Pump up the volume on your amazing personality, Aquarius. This Thursday marks 2016's only full moon in your sign — a day that was made for full-on celebrations of your unique and original vibes. Groupthink has never been your thing — although you can attract quite a following. Post a few shameless selfies, but think about the important message you want to share with the world. All your dabbling and cutting-edge explorations don't have to be kept in the vault; in fact, your POV is one that people need to hear. Debut your latest discoveries and you'll position yourself as an influencer. There's so much the world can learn from you!
Feel like you've been pigeonholed? This full moon helps you break free and do you. Before the week is through, cross one daring item off the old bucket list. This could even be something that falls in the metaphysical category, thanks to an esoteric alignment of Venus and Pluto midweek. The yoga handstand workshop, the Tarot 101 class, the session with the energy healer: Embrace the woo and tap into new dimensions of yourself. This cosmic coupling will break down romantic barriers, too. Gulp down the cup of courage and get vulnerable. Copping to your feelings — the tender ones — will bring back the love.
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
It ain't over till it's over, Pisces. But this Thursday's full moon in Aquarius ignites your 12th house of transitions, helping you get a clear read on situations. All the effort you've been putting forth has got to start yielding results — otherwise, what's the point? You'll only exhaust yourself if you keep on pushing with little reward. Give it one last push if you feel there's hope. Then, let the chips fall where they may. Already know it's done and dusted? Listen to the doctors: A clean break heals the fastest. Start detoxing this week by cutting negativity out of your life. P.S.: If you really want closure, having one last dramatic conversation won't bring it. Engage your willpower and put your focus on the future.
Besides, there are plenty of fish in the sea! And a sultry connection between Venus and Pluto will remind you of that midweek. New friends pour in, so get out and circulate. A group hang could rouse a romantic connection, too — and with playing-for-keeps Pluto in the frame, this one could go the distance. Already attached? Group gatherings will bring out the best in you both, so get into power couple mode and spend the week socializing as a pair.
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
There's strength in numbers this week, Aries! Thursday’s full moon in your collaborative 11th house can bring a huge win for your squad. Celebrate the win, then get real with yourself: Can you envision a new chapter with this group or is it honestly time to move on? Don't hang on out of habit. Prioritize your own growth, even if it means saying a difficult goodbye. Been flying solo for too long? You could finally find your tribe this week — not an easy feat for your selective sign. This full moon lights up your technology sector: Double-tap, like, swipe, and ye shall find.
In affairs of the heart, you'll be feeling a bit more goal-oriented, especially midweek, when romantic Venus and playing-for-keeps Pluto sync up in the most stable parts of your chart. Talks about the future aren't your favorite thing, but free-floating without any direction will bring even greater anxiety. Schedule a hump day heart-to-heart, Ram, and try to keep your worries out of it. Instead, focus on the ideal vision you see for a partnership. Single Aries, clue your pals in on who you're looking for. They might just play Cupid for you right there on the spot.
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Time to elevate! Thursday’s full moon in Aquarius electrifies your ambitious 10th house. When it comes to your career, you will totally crush it — especially if you've been putting in tons of elbow grease since early 2016. Step into a leadership role or write out a job description to present to the higher-ups. The squeaking wheel gets the oil! Like self-made Taurus tycoons Sophia Amoruso and Lena Dunham, you could be inspired to start your own business, too. An influential man could help open doors now, so don't be shy about asking the great guys you know to put in a good word on your behalf.
The BPM of your heart will definitely increase this week, too! On Wednesday, your ruling planet Venus gets a charge from seductive Pluto, waking up your romantic nature. Planning a long weekend trip with your S.O. could be the perfect way to wrap the summer. Single? Pluto's placement in your worldly ninth house could stoke the embers with someone from a different cultural background. If you're vacationing, sparks could fly with a sexy local. Pack your good undies!
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Roll the dice, Gemini! Thursday’s full moon in your happy-go-lucky ninth house gives you the green light to take a gamble. Taking the road less traveled by will definitely pay off this week — even if it simply reminds you that there's a bigger world out there than you've previously realized. An opportunity could flow in from afar — one that might even involve travel. Geography doesn't have to be a limitation in the digital age, so see what the kids are doing on other continents. Your gifts could be totally in-demand there! Cross-cultural connections could heat up under these moonbeams, whether for romance, business, or a creative collaboration. Branch out!
There's also lots happening within your own four walls this week, Gemini. Decor-loving Venus and alchemical Pluto sync up, bringing makeover inspiration. Give your space a soulful update and use this as an opportunity to flex your own creative muscles. (DIY Shibori hand towels, anyone?) Playing house with your summer love will be utterly enchanting now, too. Who knows? After a few marathon days of cuddling, you might be ready to hand over a spare key or even think about being roommates. Single? Give the nice guys or girls a legit chance to woo you.
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Ready, set, transform! This Thursday’s full moon in Aquarius and your alchemical eighth house brings a gust of extreme makeover energy your way. The winds of change are a-blowing, Cancer. But in order to benefit from this, you'll have to stop gripping on to the past with your crab claws. Giving up something sub-par creates the space for something better to flow in.
This sultry full moon will also bring sexy back, big time. Attraction that’s been bubbling in the background could evolve into a bona fide bodice-ripper. And that urge to merge gets doubly intensified this week, thanks to a heart-opening alignment between amorous Venus and playing-for-keeps Pluto. A casual connection could become exclusive before the weekend or you could make a fateful right swipe. Coupled Cancers could feel ready to take the next step together, exchanging keys or even shopping for a love nest. Before you break your lease, read this!
Illustrated by John Lisle. Photographed by Christine Hahn.
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Beyoncé doesn’t spend her time on Snapchat trying the latest filters or face-swapping with her family. Or does she?
Tina Knowles Lawson, Queen Bey’s mother, might have slipped up and shared too much on her own social media accounts. Lawson shared a face-swap video on her Instagram. In the caption, she wrote, “My Baby Beyonce sent me this.” Lawson loves the video and says, “I have to learn to do this!”
What’s that song that Beyoncé is singing in the video? It’s “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash. Lawson quotes the lyrics in her caption: “It’s like a jungle sometimes / It makes me wonder how I keep from going under.”
Does this mean that there is a secret Snapchat account out there that the world doesn't know about?
Lawson is also quick to add, “No Shapchat!! Seriously!!”
Is this a case where the lady doth protest too much? She did use double exclamation points, after all.
Snapchat is the home of all things face-swap, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Beyoncé is secretly snapping. If she is, good for her. Living life in the spotlight has to be tough, even if you’re Beyoncé. Having a private space might just help her keep from going under when things get stressful.
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41-year-old Betsy Davis, who suffered from ALS, knew that she was going to die soon. But instead of making her death a sad event, she decided to celebrate her life before it ended.
She was able to plan her death because of a law in California known as the "end of life" act, The Guardian reported. The new legislation, which went into effect in June, allows terminally ill people to take lethal drugs. California is the fifth state to allow assisted suicide.
Davis, an artist, held a party during the weekend of July 23 in Ojai, CA. Over 30 of her friends came from all over the country.
"We ate pizza and tamales," Davis's sister Kelly described the party in Voice of San Diego. "There was music, booze, and lots of photos. Under her guidance, I’d put sticky notes next to items around the house, explaining their significance. She invited everyone to 'take a Betsy souvenir' to remember her."
After they left, Davis died on a nearby hillside.
While it was hard for her friends and family to think about her death, Davis' sister wrote that they understood her decision. Davis wasn't able to work or perform everyday tasks and her speech had to be translated.
Niels Alpert, another guest, agreed: “What Betsy did gave her the most beautiful death that any person could ever wish for.”
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If you are looking for your next vacation to include one very terrifying experience, we suggest heading to China to check out its new skywalk, which has you hanging off the side of a mountain.
As AOL reported earlier this month, China opened a 100-meter-long, 1.6-meter-wide glass walkway that runs along the side of Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
The Coiling Dragon Cliff skywalk, which certainly seems like a fitting name for this beast of a walk, allows you to look down at from 4,600 feet in the air. What do you see? Views include everything down to to the bottom of the cliff.
This walkway, located in the southern province of Hunan, overlooks Tongtian Avenue, which includes a total of 99 turns. Clearly, this is not for the faint of heart — or anyone who experiences vertigo.
Check out more photo of China's newest attraction. That is, if you dare.
You could just hold onto the railing and never look down on your walk around Tianmen Mountain — or you could take the most adventurous selfie of your life. This photo definitely deserves all the Likes.
Photo: VCG/Getty Images.
To look down or not to look down, that is the question when walking around the Coiling Dragon Cliff skywalk, which is 4,600 feet in the air.
Photo: VCG/Getty Images.
Tourists who are brave enough to take this walk are asked to wear foot covers so they don't get the glass dirty.
Photo: VCG/Getty Images.
An aerial view of the Coiling Dragon Cliff skywalk that will either get your heart pounding with excitement or sheer horror.
Photo: VCG/Getty Images.
The skywalk is 1.6 meters wide, which means it's is just over 5 feet, 2 inches. To put that in prospective, it's approximately one Amy Poehler.
Photo: VCG/Getty Images.
Finished this death-defying walk and still feel like you need more excitement in your life? Don't worry, this is actually the third glass skywalk on Tianmen Mountain.
Photo: VCG/Getty Images.
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Married or cohabiting couples are likelier than their single friends to say "I don't" when it comes to frequent and heavy drinking, according to a new study published in the Journal of Family Psychology. But even if romance hits the skids, we're still inclined to hit the bottle less often post-breakup.
Previous research had already established a reliable correlation between long-term relationships and a drop in boozing. But this study is the closest we've come to identifying coupling up as the cause behind the pattern, rather than other variables, such as people's predispositions to abstain, limited budgets or lack of time.
"It seems that intimate relationships may provide a real benefit in terms of drinking behaviour, maybe through mechanisms such as a monitoring effect that partners have on each other," lead study author Diana Dinescu said in a press release published on Science Daily.
In other words, couples may subconsciously keep each other's wine consumption in check. Not to mention, time previously spent going to bars in the hopes of hooking up likely gets swapped out for less intoxicating activities.
Dinescu, who's studying clinical psychology at UVA, along with colleagues at the University of Southern California and Washington State University, combed through the Washington State Twin Registry to compare twins' relationship statuses and their self-reported drinking habits. Investigating twins instead of random, unrelated people eliminated any genetic explanations for post-marital alcohol adjustments.
In doing so, Dinescu and her team found twins married or living with a significant other consistently drank less and less often than their respective single, divorced, or widowed twins. Cohabiting folks drank less than their married counterparts, but more than singles, although cohabiting and married women tended to share identical drinking habits.
Aside from the health benefits of cutting back on cocktails, this finding also bodes well for couples' budgets. Though settling down is stereotyped as more boring, it might leave us with more cash on hand to have a good time.
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The Duchess of Cambridge released a statement and Kensington Palace posted a photo to Instagram in conjunction with the launch of a new podcast that will discuss child and family mental health. The podcast, Child In Mind, is a project of the Anna Freud National Centre For Children and Families (NCFF). The goal of the podcast is to "help parents understand and manage family and child mental health problems." Each episode will feature an expert and a parent or child dealing with a mental health concern. The first will focus on anxiety.
Kate Middleton is a Patron of the Anna Freud NCCF and she hopes that the new series can help open up a dialogue for parents. "One in three adults still say they would be embarrassed to seek help for their child's mental health," she said in her statement. "No parent would fail to call the doctor if their child developed a fever, yet some children are tackling tough times without the support that can help them, because the adults in their life are scared to ask. It doesn’t need to be like this."
She emphasises the importance of getting early support. Middleton also made it clear that she would seek appropriate help for her own children, because that support can be one of the best things a parent can do for a child. "Knowing this, both William and I feel very strongly that we wouldn’t hesitate to get expert support for George and Charlotte if they need it," she says.
Kate's statement echoes the thoughts behind other initiatives designed to get people talking about mental health issues, like the Let's Talk About Mental Health Instagram project we reported on earlier this year.
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We first noticed these lovely, gleaming, golden vagina pendants on Instagram about a year ago. Then, all our favourite Instagram babes were onto them. And who can blame them? From a distance, Suzzan Atala's heavier-than-they-look golden genitalia looks like the Virgin Mary and if you squint it looks like a rose. It's only when you get close that you realise, it's well, labia.
We're down for anything that celebrates the female form, especially if you can wear it around your neck with pride. However, it's not just Suz's vags that caught our magpie-eye. Her jewellery line, Tuza, is inspired by her formative years in Mexico, her current life in Manhattan and her faithful little pooch Lola, and is the internet's best kept secret. Chunky curb chains, flaming hearts and the prettiest hoops: Tuza's captured our heart. We sat down with the 29-year-old artist to find out her craft secrets, what makes her tick, and how she got to gold-plating mini vaginas.
When and why did you start Tuza?
I used to make kitschy sculpted earrings covered in glitter for my friends when I was at uni, then post-graduation I stumbled into a jewellery internship: it was at that point I realised making jewellery was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I had studied technical sculpture but I took courses to learn the technical side of jewellery design where I learned how to translate my ideas into actual tangible things.
It was my nickname when I was younger. There's an old Mexican film with a little girl called Tuzita whose father is a badass villain but he can't help but be soft and compassionate towards his daughter. He is a single dad and my dad was too, so when my step mum met me she used to call me Tuzita and it evolved into Tuza.
What do you love about jewellery?
I love that jewellery has longevity; it holds sentimental value and can be kept forever. The permanence of metal allows for jewellery to last such a long time which makes it more than just a fashionable item, and more like a piece of wearable art. I love that jewellery can be gifted and passed on from one generation to another and hardly loses its value or beauty.
What’s your cult piece?
Definitely the Vagina Charm Necklace. It's a piece from a collaboration with my dear friend Maia Ruth Lee, a super talented NY-based artist. We made a whole collection of charms, with each trinket representing modern life. With the VG we wanted to evoke thoughts of the Virgin Mary. We had no idea that people would react so positively to it!
Our first ever sale was to Scout Willis who I met at Capsule, (a New York Fashion Week trade show) when we were launching the brand for the first time. That was such a stroke of luck as she told her friends about us; like mega-babes, Chelsea Leyland and Adwoa Aboah who also now wear our jewellery.
What’s your favourite piece you’ve ever designed and why?
I love all the pieces (oh god that sounds so arrogant!) but I genuinely do. My favourites change according to my mood and the season but the piece I currently love the most is yet to come out. It’s a part of the SS17 collection “RIO” and captures the light so beautifully and flatters the shape of a face. My all-time favourite is the Three-stone Choker because it looks so classy yet it’s so distinctive.
Where do you make your jewels?
We make all of our pieces in our workshop in Mexico City. Everything is made from scratch except for one necklace that requires a special vintage machine that has been discontinued. We also outsource our Lapidary as that is a whole different craft! Everything else is made with all the love and care in our workshop by my amazing and talented jewellers.
Where do you buy jewellery?
Mainly when I travel. I love to see things that I would never find on Instagram so most of them tend to be vintage pieces. I also buy jewellery from other talented jewellers that happen to be my friends like Hannah DeBruyn and Shalah Karimi.
What is inspiring your next collection?
In this collection I’ve been inspired by rivers; their strength, the colours, and their constant movement and flow. I wanted the collection to inspire liveliness, strength and to give a sense of endlessness or eternity.
Where do you start when you are planning a new line?
I usually find a title from a song or book or something I have seen and then conceptualise the idea. I make myself a brief to develop the new pieces around that concept; they all have to tell a story together.
A photo posted by Chelsea Leyland 👁🔮👁 (@chelsealeyland) on
Gold or silver, or both and why?
Definitely both (and rose gold too!) I think if you manage to wear it well both metals complement and contrast each other beautifully.
Do you have any rules when it comes to wearing jewellery well?
Yes, for sure! I think that when it comes to rings and statement earrings you have to give them space. A beautiful ring is a sculpture and your finger is the plinth so if you saturate it too much then it won’t have the same appeal and statement.
What’s next for Tuza?
2016 is going to bring so many new and exciting opportunities for Tuza especially in Mexico and NYC!
"If Las Vegas were a person, it would be male,” 28-year-old Austrian photographer Stefanie Moshammer says. “The roles of men and women are clearly defined within the world of Vegas strip clubs, and male desire is understood to be the thing that keeps the wheels turning. But it’s not just the clubs, Vegas itself is overflowing with testosterone. The whole city is like a constructed space built on fantasy and illusion.”
One week is all it took for Moshammer to be seduced by Sin City and the irresistible myths that surround it. Shortly after an initial trip, she returned to live there. The city, shimmering like a mirage in the middle of the Nevada desert, caters to any vice. All of the old clichés can be found unchanged: the strip clubs, the casinos, the shotgun wedding chapels and the seedy motels. It’s a writhing pleasure land, saturated with a dizzying cacophony of dollar bills and neon signs.
The Vegas that Moshammer presents to us in her project 'Vegas and She', however, is markedly different. The Vegas that she presents us with, is female. Though not initially setting out to make a project about the women of Vegas, Moshammer found it unavoidable; they were a constant, unfaltering presence, the lifeblood of the place. “In the machinery of adult entertainment in Las Vegas, the women are everything. They are the insides that keep the outside moving,” she explains. “During my time there, I confronted myself with that male Vegas, in the same way as getting to know somebody. I thought of ‘She’ as the other pole, the antithesis. ‘She’ is me, and all of the other women that appear in the project.”
Moshammer’s interactions with female strippers and escorts working in the city unfold slowly, in quiet corners, and away from the dazzling lights of the strip. “I met all of the women I photographed while living in Vegas. Some I got to know really well, and others I only had passing interactions with on the street. As a female photographer, they trusted my work and so they opened up to me. I became curious about them and their stories”.
“I always wondered what was behind the dream of sophistication and opulence that people search for in Las Vegas,” Moshammer says. And it’s true that Vegas is a place where one can become anybody – it’s a city full of characters.
When you’ve been there for some time, the place has a deep effect on you, Moshammer alludes. As if it crawls into your soul. “Vegas, what is it? And why are you eating all of her?” she writes simply. And with that notion, her images offer us subtle, heartbreaking glimpses into the realities of life as a girl in Las Vegas. Click on...
“I got to know one stripper through a friend of mine who was born and raised in Las Vegas. Her name is Shannon. She was my first connection to the stripper scene and she was also the one who introduced me to some of the other women she worked with. All together I photographed seven women – the youngest one was 19, the oldest was 50. They worked in clubs all over the city.”
Photographed by StefanieMoshammer.
“I saw this pink Cadillac parked right in front of a wedding chapel. You can rent it to get a ride after a shotgun wedding in Vegas. The way it was covered felt like such a perfect example of how things work in Vegas and the whole clichéd process of marriage in the city: such a beautiful car, but no proper appreciation.”
Photographed by StefanieMoshammer.
“I spotted her a few times, out hustling on Fremont Street. She always looked different; each time a new incarnation. Some time later, I came across her again in jail in Las Vegas. She sat next to me at a long prison dining table and we ate the worst food I’ve ever had in my life. I suppose that’s one way to meet people in Vegas again.”
Photographed by StefanieMoshammer.
“When I met Tiania she was 21 years old. “You never tell your real name to people in the club,” she told me. That’s why the girls have stage names. Tiania calls herself Toni. “I just got twins,” she said, directing my attention to her new set of breasts. When I met Tiania it was her first time in Vegas. A big boxing fight was happening and people from all over the world has travelled in to see it.”
Photographed by StefanieMoshammer.
“I met Natalie in a barber shop on Fremont Street while she waited to get her hair done. She was 50 and had lived in Las Vegas for over 20 years. She came all those years ago to dance and never left, because it’s a good way to make money.”
Photographed by StefanieMoshammer.
“Erika’s stage name is Cory. She had a big scar on her neck when we met, from her ex boyfriend she told me. ‘I’ve dated rock stars who came into the club and wanted to meet me again’, she explained.”
Photographed by StefanieMoshammer.
“All of the women I met had a different take on the city, but when it comes down to it, the overriding motivation for being there is always to make money. And Las Vegas is the perfect place for that, it’s all about money.”
Photographed by StefanieMoshammer.
“At some point I began to feel exhausted of Vegas. If I were to paint the city, it would be a beast with many heads. Pain and pleasure entwine there. This photographs depicts me, in the house I lived in. I pair this image with one of a letter that landed in my mailbox one day. After I received it, my relationship with the city changed...”
Photographed by StefanieMoshammer.
“‘To the Austrian Girl’, the envelope said, along with the address of the place I lived. The letter came from a man called Troy. All I knew about him was written in that letter and I had only ever seen him once. The week previously, he had knocked on my door and when I opened it, we had talked briefly. Troy’s delusions were palpable. After receiving the letter I became paranoid, thinking that Troy could be just around any corner, watching me.
Suddenly, 'Vegas and She' had all the more relevance. It led to a new, more personal project called 'I Can Be Her' that I worked on afterwards. I began to see the city in a new light; I was experiencing the machine from the inside.
Troy’s words represent my understanding of Las Vegas so well. It’s a heady mix of reality and fiction, something charming and terrifying in equal measure.
I never saw him again.”
Photographed by StefanieMoshammer.
“When you drive out and leave Vegas, you’ll find yourself deep within the landscape of the Mojave Desert, surrounded by pink-tinged mountains. There, the so-called Sin City fades away.”
