Glamsquad Magazine June 2022
The AMVCA Dress: The Celebrity, The Designer And The Controversy
The AMVCA Dress: The Celebrity, The Designer And The Controversy
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Glamsquadjune 2022
Special
Gift Ideas
For Father’s
Day
5 Small &
Medium
Scale
Business
Ideas for
Women
20
fashion
moments
From AMVCA
2022 Award
Night
The Best
Looks from
London
Fashion
Week Fall
2022
THE AMVCA
DRESS:
The Celebrity, The Designer
& The Controversy
10
Health &
Wellness Tips
for Every
Woman
www.glamsquadmagazine.com 1
Inside
Glamsquad
Magazine
June 2022
HEALTH
50
48
10 Health &
Wellness Tips for
Every Woman
5 Small &
Medium
Scale
Business
Ideas for
Women
6
THE AMVCA
DRESS:
The Celebrity, The Designer
& The Controversy
glamsquadtv glamsquad3 glamsquadTV glamsquadtvmag
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12
20 Fashion Moments from
AMVCA 2022 Award Night
H
ello there, it is such a
great honour to bring you
another exciting edition of
Glamsquad Magazine.
As you would notice, we didn’t
bring you an edition for the
month of April. We decided to
take the time to put the structure
together for a more robust and
rewarding package for our
esteemed readers.
In the next couple of months,
you will notice all the significant
improvements we have made
for your pleasures. So let’s talk
about this edition, shall we?
As usual, we have another
bumper package for this edition
and promise that it will blow
your mind. The stories were
carefully selected and expertly
executed to give you that great
Glamsquad uniqueness you
have grown to enjoy.
Our cover story – The AMVCA
Dress, is special to us in many
ways. From being a victim of
an armed robbery incident,
where my amiable Managing
Editor, members of my team,
and myself lost our valuables, to
being friends with the designer
of the dress in question – this
feature is special and unique.
There is a lot to be
excited about. We have
set up an exciting team
of fashion influencers,
designers, and stakeholders
who would begin our
Glamsquad Fashion Police
segment from our July
edition.
Also, we will soon be
announcing our new
international partnership,
which will put Glamsquad
at the top of the world –
watch out!
Let me allow you to enjoy
this special edition. As
usual, please send us your
letters and comments, and
we promise to feature five
random letters in our next
edition.
Love,
A .
Ameena Dayo
Editor
Editor-In-chief /
Publisher
Remi Diagbare
Editor
Amenna Dayo
Managing Editor
Sebastianne Ebathemi
Deputy editor
Chioma Esui
Stand-By/Ad-Hoc
Praise David
Grace Effiong
Oyindamola
Staff Writers
Sasha Bokamoso
Glory Uyi
Contributors
Dr. Nkechi Omoson
Chef Amaka Obiefuna
Social Media
Yewande Falana
graphics / Web Manager
Layi Success
MARKETING Director
Tega Diagbare
Atinuke Bankole
Head Office:
Suite B70/71, Ikota Shopping Complex,
By VGC, Lekki , Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: +234 803 844 4955, +44 7404 990166
For advert enquiries, please contact the marketing
Director 08115933500 or email,
info@glamsquadmagazine.com,
glamsquad.magazine.tv@gmail.com
We pay for exclusive celebrity stories.
Special Gift Ideas
for Father’s Day
(June 19)
4
Disclaimer:
Please note that all photos used in this special
digital edition of Glamsquad Magazine were
sourced freely online.
Glamsquad maintains no rights over the
images/photos, while we have tried to give
appropriate credit where due, we are aware
some artistes were not credited.
We remain committed to supporting
intellectual property and creativity.
© 2022 Tegali Communications
www.glamsquadmagazine.com 3
LIFESTYLE
Special Gift
Ideas for Father’s
Day (June 19th)
By Chioma Esuibom
Travel Mug
Fit for long road trips or his work
commute, help Dad keep his
coffee or tea hot in a practical
personalized tumbler that he can
bring with him anywhere. Choose
some cute photos of his favorite
activity to remind him of good
times during a boring commute or
slow work meeting.
Coming up with gift ideas
for Father’s Day is never an
easy task — what do you
get the man who has everything
and doesn’t even know what he
wants?
Whoever fulfills the father figure
role in your life, they deserve only
the best present you can find. Your
ideal Father’s Day gift has to be
fun yet practical; something that’ll
put a smile on his face every time
he uses it.
Check out our compilation of
special gift ideas for Father’s for
more inspiration on what to give
your dad this Father’s Day.
Don’t hesitate to show your
appreciation and love for dad
with something truly special this
June. Coming up with unique
Father’s Day gifts for the most
important man in your life doesn’t
have to take you hours or cost you
thousands — it can be as simple
as checking out our list below.
One-Of-A-Kind
Hoodie
Although it can be hard to buy
clothes for people other than
yourself, you can never go wrong
with a hoodie. Personalize a
hoodie with a fun photo of the
family or a cool quote he loves.
Custom Socks
Help Dad stay warm with a fun and
useful addition to his wardrobe.
Choose between adding a small
photo or just his initials, or even
having a family photo showcased
on the pair of custom socks to make
this dad’s new favorite pair. He’ll think
of you whenever he puts them on.
Photo Bottle Opener
Give your dad a practical gift
that he’ll surely put to good use.
Customize a photo bottle opener by
monogramming it or featuring some
photos of his loved ones on it to make it
all the more special, and include it in a
gift set with some of his bar favorites.
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LIFESTYLE
Father’s Day Photo Book
Give your dad a classic Father’s
Day gift in the form of a sweet
photo book. Compile all the best
photos from vacations, family
gatherings, and holidays to
remind your father of all the best
memories you’ve made together.
Adorable Photo Mug
Whether he prefers tea or
coffee, Dad will finally be
able to enjoy his favorite
drink in a custom photo
mug made just for him.
Compile a collage of
memorable photos,
write out his favorite
quote, or stick one big
family photo on a ceramic
mug that’ll make him smile
every morning.
Custom Mouse Pad
Remind your dad of his loving family
while he’s at work with a custom
mouse pad that’ll get him through
even the toughest assignments. Write
a fun quote like “Don’t work too hard”
and include some cute photos to
give Dad a little boost every time he
sees it.
One-Of-A-Kind
Keychain
Add a little charm to
Dad’s keychain with a
monogrammed or photo
gallery custom keychain. Now,
wherever he goes, he can
always see the faces of his
loved ones and be reminded
of what’s waiting for him at
home.
Special Phone Case
Whether he has a smartphone
or he hasn’t upgraded his phone
in years, Dad needs a phone
case to keep his documents and
photos safe. A custom phone
case with a cute family photo will
help save his phone and might
remind him to call you a little
more often.
Monogrammed
Business Card Holder
Help your dad keep track
of all his business cards
and look extra snazzy
when networking with a
personalized business
card holder. He’ll love
something that helps
him stay organized and
makes him look extra
professional around new
work acquaintances.
www.glamsquadmagazine.com 5
REPORTAGE
THE AMVCA
DRESS:
The Celebrity, The Designer
& The Controversy
By Ameena Daayo
The famous American fashion
designer, Rachel Zoe once said,
“you don’t have to be famous to live
out – and own the red carpet.” The
real essence of these words played to
the gallery at the just concluded Africa
Magic Viewer’s Choice Award (AMVCA)
2022.
Indeed, contrary to what many
people thought, you do not have to be
the most famous in the room to own the
red carpet!
At the AMVCA’s this year, there was
a certain dress that got more attention
than the event itself! Guess what! It wasn’t
even worn by the most famous or sortafter
celebrity in the room! Now, that’s the
power of a fashion stylist who was born for
the headlines.
Coupled with a celebrity who isn’t
scared to stir controversy, we had the
biggest fashion controversy in Nigeria
since Nigerian fashion designer, Maryam
Elisha, who was dragged for giving out a
bride’s wedding dress to actress Mercy
Aigbe for her birthday photos in 2018.
It’s true that not every red carpet dress
is worth a second look, but there are
often so many great outfits deserving of
their own Wikipedia page. There are those
that do linger in the cultural zeitgeist
for decades, and stay long enough
to influence trends and conversations
across the fashion sphere. If there is a
dress that stands out and is still making
the headlines weeks after the event, then
that designer deserves a crown!
For 2022’s highly anticipated return
to the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites,
the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award
(AMVCA) attendees were expected to
dress to kill, following a grim, pandemicera
ceremony last year.
As anticipated, the stars didn’t
disappoint - they dialed up the glamour.
While Denola Grey stunned in a burgundy
velvet beaded tuxedo by Mai Atafo,
BisolaAiyeola makes a statement in a
perfectly fitted Somo gown with tulle
shoulders. Toke Makinwa dripped in a
sexy outfit that perfectly blended royalty
and sultry. BonangMatheba stepped out
in a rose pink gown with sheer-feather,
lined dramatic sleeves. The list is endless.
But one dress would go on to become
‘the dress’, and be talked about for weeks
after the event. It was none other than
the ‘skull-dress’ designed by controversial
celebrity designer, ToyinLawani, and
modeled by former Big Brother Naija
housemate, IfuEnnada.
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REPORTAGE
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REPORTAGE
It is true what they say that it
takes a colossal personality to
bring some outfits to life. The irony
of this outfit is that it is black and
full of skulls – representing death!
But it needed someone who
is full of life and controversy to
handle its drama. In Ifu Ennada,
Toyin Lawani found the perfect
muse – and she was right!
Toyin Lawani herself was
present at the AMVCA. She wore
a dress which she said was ‘a
dress from hell.’ It was a pitchblack
dress with a bull’s horn
fitted at the front. Although this
was a lovely dress, a member of
our Glamsquad Fashion Police
team, however, pointed out that
the dress failed to highlight Toyin’s
great figure, which we all love
and admire.
After photos of Ifu Ennada
in the skull dress hit the internet,
it got millions of views and
comments within the first hour.
Basking in the attention she was
getting, Ennada lived up to her
controversial billing by making
a post that her outfit cost one
hundred thousand U.S. Dollars.
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REPORTAGE
The post was greeted with
huge criticism and a media
backlash from critics who
claimed that the dress did not
worth that much.
After much media backlash
and perhaps a back-channel
intervention from Toyin Lawani
herself, Ifu Enada would finally
spill the truth about her AMVCA
skull dress.
In a different post, she cleared
the air, saying that the designer,
Toyin Lawani, had created a
dress worth more than one
hundred thousand dollars, and
she was honoured to model it.
Her new post proves that she
didn’t buy or own the dress, and
that Toyin Lawani may have
called her to order – perhaps not
to overprice her outfits and scare
potential clients. But whatever
it is, the truth is that AMVCA
dress would remain the topic of
discussion for a long time.
In your books, rate the
AMVCA skull dress on a scale of
1 to 10.
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REPORTAGE
Ennada
lived up to her
controversial billing
by making a post that
her outfit cost one
hundred thousand
U.S. Dollars.
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REPORTAGE
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FASHION
20 Fashion
Moments from
AMVCA 2022
Award Night
This year’s AMVCA showered us
with beautiful fashion moments
to feed our eyes. Celebrities
went to extra lengths to look
glamorous for the award night.
While many battled for the best
dressed award, unfortunately, it
can only go home to one person
per gender.
The African Magic Viewers Choice
Awards shortened for AMVCA is
an annual accolade organized
by Multi Choice to recognize
outstanding achievements in
television and film. The 8 days
event holds in Lagos with the
award night rounding up the event
on the final day. The Award night
is one of the most anticipated
fashion events which usually
witness glamorous celebrities
dressing and designers showing
off their creativity.
For this year’s award night,
celebrities pulled up in style
and a lot of them left us
mesmerized. Nigerian Actress
OsasIghodaro and Nigerian
model Denola Grey took home
the award for the best dressed
celebrities in their respective
genders.
From Mercy Aigbe’s beautiful
dress to Erica Nweledim serving
us with royal looks at the event,
we decided to bring you 20
awesome fashion moments
from the AMVCA 2022 Award
night.
1
Osas Ighodaro
Class, elegance, and beauty were some of the
highlights of OsasIghodaro’s dress for the African
Magic Viewers Choice Awards. Her silver and
gold lace dress looked so gorgeous it bagged
the best dressed female celebrity award. Her
award-winning dress is designed by Nigerian
designer
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Veekee James.
FASHION
Nini Singh
Just when we
thought the
fashion moments
were over, Nini
appeared like
Cinderella in a
beautiful bold
colored ball dress.
She wore a kharvia
woman collection
and is styled by
Swazzi. Nini was
our princess for the
night.
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Female Celebrities
4
2
Nonye Udeogu
We cannot talk about the beautiful fashion
moments from the AMVCA night without
mentioning the ball gown worn by NonyeUdeogu.
Popular for exploring creative looks, Nonye
attended the event in an English gown. From her
gloves to the styling of the ball gown, all we have
to say is to commend how prepared she was for
the event. Her ball gown is designed by Mofari, a
clothing brand.
Idia Aisen
When Fashionistas
grace a fashion
event, they will always
serve up more than
beyond expectation.
IdiaAisen left us
amazed by her outfit
to the AMVCA. She
attended the event
wearing a purple dress
designed by one of
the popular Nigerian
designers Ceoluminee
and styled by popular
Nigerian stylist Swanky
Jerry.
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FASHION
Natacha
Akide:
Tacha has always
been creative with her
outfits and we aren’t
disappointed by her
outfit for the award.
Matching the elegant
theme of the fashion
event, Tacha appeared
in a dress designed
by Nigerian fashion
designer Xtrabrides
and is styled by one of
the most sought-after
celebrity stylists Medlin
Boss. Tacha’s outfit
dazzles as she graced
the AMVCA in style.
5
Female Celebrities
FunkeAkindele
Having been a regular AMVCA attendee, Nigerian
actress FunkeAkindele took it upon herself to style
her outfit for the event. FunkeAkindele attended the
event wearing a green silk dress designed with slits.
The result we got is pretty captivating.
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FASHION
Carolyna
Hutchings
Nigerian Actress
Carolyna Hutchings
attended the
award night
wearing a custom
dress designed
by Magnetic
elegance. Her
outfit highlighted
creativity and
colorful fashion.
From the color
to the fabric, the
Creativity, and
vibes, she graced
the award night in
style.
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7
Bonang
Matheba
South African Multi-Award
Winning Radio Host and
the host of the event night
BonangMatheba left us
mesmerized with her outfit.
Glitz and Glamour were a
highlight of her gorgeous
dress.
Wearing a dress designed
by SheyeOladejo and
styled by Dahmola,
Bonang turned heads
on the red carpet. She
has always been known
for being a style icon
and she delivered up to
expectations.
Bukunmi
Oluwasina
One of the interesting
things about the
award night is getting
to see creative
outfits and dressing.
BukunmiOluwasina left
us in glitters with her
silver dress designed by
Ceoluminee. Her outfit
shows she understood
the assignment well.
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FASHION
10
Ifu Ennada
Ex BBNaija housemate
IfuEnnada sparks loads of
controversy with her outfit to
the AMVCA. For the event,
IfuEnnada rocked an Avant-
Garde designed and styled
by popular Fashion Goddess
ToyinLawani. The black ball
dress is designed with face
masks and the cost of the
dress was highly disputed
by Nigerians. IfuEnnada had
referred to the cost of her
look to be 100k USD and
a lot of Nigerians were in
disagreement. She however
clarified the amount to be the
cost of her entire look.
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12
Rebecca
Nengi
Hampson
Nengi attended the
AMVCA wearing a dress
designed by Xtrabrides
and styled by Medlin
Boss. Nengi’s rocked
the latest fashion trends
in style to the award
night. Her sleeve style,
fabric color, and quality
highlighted the beauty
of her outfit. Her outfit
can be referred to as
statement worthy.
Erica Nweledim
Reality Tv Star and actress Erica
Nweledim arrived at the award
show wearing a dress designed by
Poland Designer PatrycjaKujawa.
Her dress speaks so much of
elegance and creativity. Erica’s
dress set a new standard for the
fashion event almost stealing all
attention. From the styling of her
dress to the cape, the butterflies,
the make-up, and the hair, not only
was her outfit captivating but the
worth of the dress also got a lot of
fans curious. Some fans called the
dress “Met Gala worthy” and we
couldn’t dispute that.
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FASHION
13
14
Iyabo Ojo
Having been a highlight of
the previously held AMVCA
award night, IyaboOjo
decided to change to a
more colorful and comfy
outfit. From previously
wearing a black ball gown
to appearing in a stunning
pink dress this year, we are
always looking forward to
her appearance. Her dress
for the event is designed
by Erica Moore and her
creative sleeve design
left us amazed. IyaboOjo
mixed trends with glam to
give us a memory-lasting
fashion moment.
Chioma Akpotha
Wearing a dress designed and styled by
Becca Needle and stitches, ChiomaAkpotha
attended the award night in a gorgeous dress.
Her outfit proves that fashion does not have
to be uncomfortable. Her dress is designed
simple and yet she looks so stunning.
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Mercy Aigbe
Talking about one of the
best fashion moments
of the AMVCA 2022,
Mercy Aigbe served all
categories. From her
unique dress and color to
spicing up her outfit with
a feather headpiece,
mercy Aigbe made
the award might more
interesting. The recently
married actress arrived
at the event wearing an
Orange dress designed
by Becca Needle and
stitches and styled by
Gabriel Anthony.
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FASHION
16
Tope Tedela
Award-Winning actor
Tope Tedela graced
the AMVCA in style.
Wearing a three
pieces suit designed
by TaryorGabriels,
Tope Served glam,
looks, vibes, and
creativity with his outfit.
The dazzling look of
the blazer made it
quite memorable.
Male Celebrities
Denola Grey
We all know Denola Grey to be
a fashion model but his outfit to
the AMVCA was a little beyond
expectation. Wearing a three-piece
beaded suit designed by Mail
Atafo, Denola Grey bagged the
best dressed male celebrity award
for the night.
From his outfit to the cool vibes, and
classy look, we cannot argue the
fact that he deserved the award.
His beaded suit set a standard for
the AMVCA.
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Steve Chuks
Nigerian actor Steve
Chuks attended the
Award night wearing
a three-piece
suit designed by
EmiolaL’Afrique and
styled by Ila bespoke.
His three-piece suit was
a highlight of the night
serving us with cool and
rich man vibes.
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FASHION
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Etim Effiong
When you have the
honor to be one of the
hosts for the night, it
means you have to wear
something remarkable.
Well, EtimEffiong sure did
a good job with his suit
designed by Deji and
Kola and styled by Swanky
Jerry.
Timini
Nigerian actor Timini
walked the red
carpet in style and
fans literally couldn’t
stop drooling
at the looks. His
outfit designed by
SevonDejana and
styled by Swanky
Jerry served both
Vibes and class.
We almost mistook
him for a prince
because he looked
very charming.
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FEATURE
Glam Model
The
Queen
Of
Dark
South Sudan’s
Nyakim Gatwech
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FEATURE
BIOGRAPHY
Nyakim Gatwech
is an Ethiopian-born
American model
of South Sudanese
descent. She has
attracted attention for
her dark skin color and
has achieved significant
popularity on Instagram.
General Information
Age: 29
Birthday: 1993-01-27
Birth Sign: Aquarius
Physical Info
Height: 185cm / 6.1ft
Weight: 65kg / 143lbs
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LIFESTYLE
5
Top Hollywood
Entertainment
News Round-Up
By Glory Uyi
Hollywood is never short
of news, gossip, and
controversies. But come
to think of it, isn’t that what
the media and entertainment
world is all about?
Below, we have provided the
most recent updates on the
Hollywood entertainment news
making the rounds.
Check them out, and don’t be
left out!
1
Jennifer Lopez Spends Quality
Time with Daughter Emme, 14,
on Mother’s Day
J.Lo had such a special Mother’s
Day this year, enjoying a lunch in
Malibu with her teenage daughter
Emme and her sister Leslie Lopez.
Jennifer Lopez, 52, spent time with
her 14-year-old daughter Emme
on Mother’s Day. The multi-talented
star was spotted walking into Soho
House in Malibu, California on
Sunday, May 8 with her daughter
and a friend.
The trio was joined for the meal
by J.Lo’s older sister, Leslie Lopez.
For whatever reason, Emme’s
twin brother Max, also 14, wasn’t
on the lunch date, which meant
J.Lo’s Mother’s Day was a girls-only
celebration.
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LIFESTYLE
Kylie Jenner Gives Glimpse Of
Newborn Son’s Hand In Video
Honoring Mother’s Day
In a Mother’s Day tribute video,
Kylie Jenner snuggled up to her
daughter, Stormi, while reflecting
on pregnancy. She also shared
another small glimpse of her
son, who was born in February.
Kylie Jenner was in her feels
this Mother’s Day. Even one
day after the holiday, she took
to Instagram to share some
video clips that represented her
journey as a mom. Most of the
footage is from when Kylie is
pregnant, with her baby bump
on full display.
She poses for photos during
various photo shoots, and even
lifts daughter, Stormi Webster, in
her arms for some of the shots.
At the end, there’s a quick clip
of the beauty mogul holding
onto her tiny, newborn son’s
hand, as well.
2
The Death of Kailia Posey and the
Heartbreaking Side of Young Fame
3
Toddlers and Tiaras
star Kailia Posey’s
death by suicide at
only 16 years old is a sad
reminder that outward success
is no assurance that everything’s fine on the
inside.
Celebrities opening up about their mental
health struggles has undoubtedly been
one of the more positive developments
in our public discourse in recent years, the
reassurance that a person isn’t alone at any
given moment sometimes making all the
difference.
Yet still too often, those who’ve spent
time in the spotlight have also ended up
becoming reminders that, no matter the
resources at hand or how big and loving
the support system, a person’s pain can be
unknowable until it’s too late.
The family of former Toddlers and Tiaras
star Kailia Posey were left reeling after
the 16-year-old died by suicide on May
2, sharing in a statement two days later,
“Although she was an accomplished
teenager with a bright future ahead of her,
unfortunately in one impetuous moment,
she made the rash decision to end her
earthly life.”
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LIFESTYLE
Pregnant Rihanna Rocks Tiny Mini
Skirt & Crop Top For Mother’s Day
Outing With A$AP Rocky
Even though she’s not a mom
just yet, Rihanna still celebrated
Mother’s Day with a romantic
dinner in Santa Monica with dadto-be
A$AP Rocky.
Santa Monica, CA - Parents-to-be
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky take
advantage of their last moments
before their child is born as they
step out for a dinner at Giorgio
Baldi in Santa Monica. The two are
seen arriving for their baby shower
dinner with friends and family.
Ahead of the arrival of her first
child, Rihanna enjoyed a Mother’s
Day dinner with her boyfriend
A$AP Rocky on Sunday, May 8.
The power couple were pictured
walking into Giorgio Baldi in Santa
Monica, Calif., and like always, RiRi,
34, was glowing.
How Johnny Depp Feels 4 Weeks into
Amber Heard Trial after Support From
Fans & His Famous Exes
Johnny Depp, 58, is feeling
the love from his fans amid his
$50 million defamation lawsuit
against ex-wife Amber Heard,
36, who wrote an op-ed piece
in The Washington Post in 2019
that claimed she was a victim of
domestic violence.
A source close to Johnny told the
media that he is “feeling their love
now almost everywhere that he
goes.”
As the trial, which started on April
11 in a Virginia courthouse, enters
week five, the insider added,
“Johnny is extremely grateful for
his fans being so vocal on social
media and in-person throughout
this entire case. It has given him a
renewed energy to keep fighting
for what he feels is right.”
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FEATURE
Glamsquad
Exclusive
Enter In The Legend -
Alain
Zirah
GLAMSQUAD : Alain Zirah, you
are known as an French artist,
photographer and writer. Did you
always live in that universe of
creations and Arts?
Alain Zirah: Not totally yes. I began
my career in real estate and business
for more than twenty years before I took
the plunge in 2005, choosing to devote
my life fully to Art and Culture. In fact, I
have been writing and drawing for as
long as I can remember. In high school,
I wrote fantasy and science fiction
stories and draw comics.Then, my very
atypical formation led me to the Fine
Arts School of Marseilles, in 1981, where
I learned the various techniques of
drawing. We had live models to study
the nude. It is also at that time I began
to practice photography in studio with
Sud Images. We had 200 models that
we were 20 photographers to shoot
them. With a first collective exhibition in
1983.Flowers of Men Evil.At the same
time, my father was a real estate
developer and he introduced me in the
exciting world of business.
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FEATURE
GLAMSQUAD: What were
the important moments which
marked your education?
Alain Zirah: In 1973, I took
part in a month-long school trip
between England and Scotland
: The Franco-Scottish Encounter.
For the 15years old teenager I
was, it was a great opportunity
to discover the world, to speak
English… and to have my first
love stories. With several boys,
we lined up to have our farewell
kisstoo, with the beautiful sports
teacher on the last day. With
my friends, we discovered the
Rock and Pop music, the Rolling
Stones, Lou Reed, Andy Warhol,
Roxy Music and I watched David
Bowie at Top of the Pop. I went
back to Scotland the following
year with my little brother Patrick.
He was shocked to see me kissing
a young English girl, Mahry. Four
years later,my art teacher,Alain
Hontanx, appreciated my
drawings of women and the
comics I submitted to him. He
corrected and gave me tips for
improving perspectives.
In 1977, our teacher, Ferdinand
Lallemand, introduced himself
by explaining that before being our
professor of philosophy, he was an
adventurer who went in search of
Atlantis with Commander Cousteau
and a writer. After reading my
essay on the subject “Is it better to
know everything about nothing or
nothing about everything?”,told to
me in front of the students: “Alain
Zirah, you are the spiritual son of
Nietzsche”. So, I have been the
Saturday in a bookshop buying the
books So spoke Zaratustra and By
the Good and Evil. I was so surprised
to recognize my own universe in
these books written quite a century
before. Twenty years later, in 1997, I
dedicated my book ROCK FICTIONS
to Ferdinand Lallemand and
devoted a program 20/20 CULTURE
to him, in 2020.
GLAMSQUAD:That’s incredible.
This shows how important
education is and how essential is
the role of teachers for teenagers
to open them to curiosity. You are
now a complete artist and your
writing is especially dedicated to
women. How do you know usso
well? It’s a kind of fascination for
all kind of women?
Alain Zirah: My father was very
busy and often away. I was raised
by women. There were often four
women in the house. I watched
and listened to them. My aunt often
spoke with my mother, grandmother
and cousin in a language that I
couldn’t understand. They were
mysterious and fascinating. Women
have always been the source of
my inspiration, my driving force,
my energy. I have published six
books, to date, with a form of writing
specifically for women, from God
created Women at Her Image
to my latest book is Forbidden
to Men.(Éditions Thierry Sajat).My
unpublished texts from 1976 to 2016
were collected in the book ROCK
FICTIONS (Society of writers). When I
am asked, during book signings, how
long it takes to write a book, I explain
that it goes from 3 months (Glitter &
Glam) to 40 years.
Women have always been at
the center of my texts, illustrations
and photos. I like the paradox.
I appreciate femininity, fragility
and power of the women. With
photography, I am very directive, but
more contemplative with writing. The
sentences come out by themselves,
without erasures. I like the Girl Power
and introduce it in all my kind of art.
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GLAMSQUAD: You are now
a complete artist and also a
recognize painter with a very
colorful and innovative abstract
universe and who received an
Awards as 2020 Best Artist. ?
Alain Zirah: In 2015, I received
from Los Angeles a Who’s
Who Worldwide Awards. It was
complemented in 2020 by two
World Of Winners Awards including
that famous Best Artist presented
to me by the artist and business
woman Rachanaa Jain from
London. I amveryhonored andvery
grateful to this team that organizes
the WOW Pageant every year. My
activities have always brought me in
contact with personalities from the
film, music and fashion industries.
I had the chance to be on stage
two meters away from David Bowie
and was very lucky to meet Elton
John several times. He proposed
me to reduce my name to two
letters: AZ. “All Americans are able to
remember two letters he told me. AZ
it’s easy. Since then, I completed my
education at the Fine Arts School of
Marseilles with a training in New York,
in 1998. I express myself by making
the colors vibrate between them.
This allows everyone to discover
their own emotions in my abstract
expressionist paintings. And since
the lockdown of 2020, I animate my
works. I make hypnotic painting. I
listened to Elton John and I sign my
works AZ for the Anglo-Saxons and
Azed for the French-speaker
GLAMSQUAD:What projects are
you working on?
Alain Zirah: The principle of Total
Art is to create universes from words,
illustrations, photos and colors to
tell feelings, emotions, bring new
sensations. It’s quite paradoxical,
but I love solitude, being alone with
a text to write or a painting to make,
which will lead me in a direction
that I am totally unaware of at the
beginning, and I also love every
time I can gather a whole team of
actors and technicians to shoot a
film, like for my film Forbidden Visions
co-directed with Anne Gomis. Finally,
the stories I used to tell, in the form
of comics or short stories I wrote on
cards at the beach, gave way to
the production of films. Some of
them can be found on my YouTube
channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/
AlainZirah/videos
Finally, the stories I was telling,
in the form of comics or short
stories, gave way to films. Writing,
directing and producing films
allow me to escape from an
often anxiety-provoking world to
create surrealistic universes. The
Kat Ladies are women who don’t
let themselves be pushed around.
But I also go back to the basics
with a comic book with a spirit
between manga and comics.
The Kat Ladizare teenagers
who have decided to become
superheroines, masterfully drawn
by Lionel Demai. It takes place
in the future between Cannes
and Marseille. For the moment.
I’m also finishing a book about
Rock music. A non-chronological
essay, in which I tell the influence
of music on specific moments of
our lives. How Rockstars became
legends. We’ll talk about it soon.
More information about Alain
Zirah can be found on his website
at :https://www.alainzirah.com
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FEATURE
Meet Erin
Jackson:
The Black American Athlete Who
Touched Hearts at the Winter
Olympics 2022
By Ameena Daayo
The 2022 Winter
Olympics, which was
officially termed the XXIV
Olympic Winter Games,
was the 2022 edition of the
international winter multi-sport
event held in China.
This year, the event took
place between 4 and 20
February 2022 in Beijing,
China. Some of the events
which required outdoor facilities
were also held in surrounding
areas.
A total of 91 nations
took part in the 2022 Winter
Olympics, which was held at
the National Stadium in Beijing,
China, under the theme –
Together for a Shared Future.
Due to the COVID 19
pandemic, athletes, coaches,
staff, and journalists were
required to stay in enclosed
cubicles – separate from the
few spectators at the games.
The athletes performed before
live cameras and a handful of
spectators.
This year’s edition witnessed
a lot of highlights, but notable
among them was the story of
Erin Jackson. The American
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athlete won a gold medal
despite almost missing the
games.
Erin Jackson of Team USA
skates to victory to win the gold
medal during the women’s
500-meter on Feb. 13. She
became the first Black woman
to medal in speedskating at a
Winter Olympics.
American Erin Jackson
won gold in the women’s
500-meter speedskating
competition — becoming the
first Black woman to medal
in speedskating at a Winter
Olympics.
The last time an American
woman took the top spot in
this event was in 1994. The
whole feat was made even
more incredible given that
Jackson almost missed
out on the chance to
compete in Beijing
entirely.
Jackson was
top-ranked in
the 500-meter
speedskating event
leading up to the
qualifying trials. But
a shocking stumble
in her race at the U.S. trials
pushed her to third place,
thereby disqualifying her from
a spot in the Winter Games.
That’s when her teammate
and friend Brittany Bowe gave
up her spot in the 500-meter
race so Jackson could
compete in Beijing.
“This medal means so
much,” Jackson said after
she won gold. “It has been a
tough couple of years and a
tough beginning for this year.
For this to come around like
this, I am so happy.”
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FEATURE
Women, We Are
Beautiful, and
Stronger – Together
Word By Anonymous Guest Contributor
Dear strong woman,
see the pain behind your smile.
I know the tears you cry every
night in the comfort of your bed.
I know how difficult it is to get
up in the morning and hide it all
behind a smile. I know what goes
on in this beautiful mind of yours.
There are people who need you
and you can’t let them down. I
see you putting yourself at the
end of the line because you
don’t want people to hurt like you
do. I see you fighting your own
demons to be there for them.
Being strong isn’t really a choice,
is it? You become it because of
circumstances.
You have endured unspeakable
pain and despite your scars, you
surpass every obstacle. You rise
with strength and power that
radiates off of you with brilliance.
Each foot you place on the
ground is with purpose and
intention. When your feet lift off the
ground you dance with every part
of your soul. With every spin and
every jump you feel invincible.
There is nothing you can’t do.
Sometimes being strong is the
only choice you have, and the
world thanks you for making this
choice. Because you’re strong,
the world is changing for the
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better.
With every breath, fire escapes
your mouth and ignites the
ears of those around you. Your
words are powerful and honest.
You radiate with light and you
influence every person you meet.
You are unwavering in your beliefs
and you are mature enough to
respect others’ opinions. Loud or
soft, your voice is a sound wave
that never fluctuates.
People are drawn to you with a
force stronger than gravity. You
are loved, feared, liked, and even
hated, but your head remains
high and your shoulders strong.
People would love to see you
fall. You ignore these people and
focus on the ones who are there
for you when you hold the power
of the world within your clutch.
Most importantly, you are okay
with yourself. Being alone does not
mean you’re lonely. You indulge
in time that you have to be with
yourself. You do not need a man
or woman by your side to feel
complete. You love who you are.
You own it. Finding a significant
other who respects your power
and is not threatened by your
strength is rare, and that’s okay
with you. You know that whether
or not you find this person you will
be fine because you have your
strength to fall back on.
You don’t show your pain because
you heard that to be vulnerable is
to be weak, that crying is a flaw,
and that you need to get back up
as soon as you fall. Yet you don’t.
I’m here to tell you that it’s okay if
you can’t. It’s okay. It takes time to
unlearn these things — you were
trained to be someone you aren’t.
Hear me out. Strength isn’t about
being able to hold in your tears
when you feel sad. Strength isn’t
about keeping your feelings inside
when they’re too intense.Strength
isn’t about pretending that
everything is okay when your soul
is hurting. Strength is the opposite.
Strength is allowing yourself to feel
whatever it is that you need to feel
in the moment.
Strength is feeling deep when
the world expects you to hide
your sensitivity. Strength is finding
the courage to speak up in a
world that has been cruel to you.
Strength is letting people in, no
matter how many times you’ve
been hurt before. Strength is being
able to say, “I’m not okay right
now. I need you.”
Never feel ashamed of the power
and strength that you embody.
Strut down every sidewalk and
smile at every person who glares
towards your direction. You are
more than the judgments society
creates about you. You believe in
controversial topics like feminism
and you are not afraid to speak
your mind. You are brilliant and
unstoppable.
Just remember, it’s okay to need
someone. It’s okay to need a
shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen
to you, a hand to hold. We all
need someone to remind us that
we’re not invincible — that we are
not alone.
Stay strong. Stay true to you.
Change the world.Women, We
Are Beautiful, and Stronger –
Together
Love,
A strong woman with a message
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FASHION
The Best Looks
from London
Fashion Week
Fall 2022
Words by - Amenna Daayo
London Fashion Week is a
prestigious fashion and clothing
trade show that takes place in
London twice every year, in the
months of February and September.
The show showcases over 250
designers to a global audience of
collectors, media agencies, retailers,
and the general public.
Fashion and lifestyle experts rank it as
one of the ’Big Four’ fashion weeks in
the world today, putting it in the same
class as the New York Fashion Week,
Milan Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion
Week.
The London Fashion Week, February
2022 edition took place from 18 Feb
2022 to 22 Feb 2022, and it was all we
expected and more! Indeed, London
is making its mark on the global
fashion stage.
This season, industry darling
Harris Reed kicked things off
with a presentation featuring
a live performance from Sam
Smith. Conner Ives presented
his second-ever collection with
supermodel Jourdan Dunn in
the front row.
Meanwhile, Irina Shayk, fresh
off the Michael Kors runway in
New York, hopped the pond to
close out Matty Bovan’s show.
From Molly Goddard’s tulle
visions to Simone Rocha’s
idiosyncratic designs, see all
the standout looks from the
fashion showcase below.
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FASHION ESCAPE
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The Style
Evolution Of
Queen
Elizabeth,
& Her Regal Rainbow
Fashion Statements
Words by - Amenna Daayo
As the world is set to
stand still – again, for
one of the most iconic
moments in history
to celebrate the 96th birthday
and platinum Jubilee of Queen
Elizabeth, there are many things
to look forward to.
Over the years, the Queen
has become a symbol of royalty,
peace, happiness, unity – and
fashion! The Queen of the
Rainbow – as the Glamsquad
fashion team often refers to her,
is indeed a beauty and fashion
icon - among many things.
Her style evolution over the
years is worthy of note – and is
nothing short of impressive.
Whenever the Queen steps
out, jaws drop at her beautiful
dresses, fabulous hats, and
minimalist jewelry. Not to forget
her lovely smile and signature
wave - which is bound to melt
every heart.
As we prepare to celebrate
the Queen’s official birthday on
June 11, what better time than
now to take a retrospective look
at her most memorable and
colourful fashion moments over
the years.
Despite sticking to her
signature fashion uniform of a
coat dress, with a matching hat,
hand gloves, and accessories,
the Queen has never failed to
impress.
One way she has impressively
kept her signature look fresh and
new, is her uniqueness and
creativity with the colours of
the rainbow. See why we
call her the Queen of the
Rainbow?
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With the Queen, there is never
a dull look! She is always a breath
of fresh air – of hope. The Queen
says so much with her outfits,
and no matter the dignitaries
and flamboyance in a room, the
Queen always stands out.
As a young princess who
came into prominence during
World War II, the Queen’s fashion
style has always reflected the
state of the nation.
An early example that comes
to mind is her wedding gown
which Norman Hartnell designed.
It was designed using Duchesse
satin purchased with ration
vouchers.
Many decades after, she
has continued to use her
fashion as a symbolic means
of communication with an
underlying meaning. It is beautiful
how she is able to fuse history,
communication, and fashion
relevance into one simple outfit.
The Queen’s wardrobe is
packed full of historical fashion
statements that document her
seven decades on the throne
as the world’s most powerful
individual.
Her Majesty’s love of bold
colours – not to mention her
statement millinery – ensures one
of the world’s most influential and
recognizable women always
stands out in a crowd.
The Queen’s style revolution is
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spot on – from her early choice
of court dressers by Norman
Hartnell and Hardy Amies, to her
more modern choices. She has
trusted her senior dresser – and
close confidante – Angela Kelly,
to advise on her outfits.
Needless to say that Angela
Kelly has never disappointed.
Who can forget in a hurry that
Lime-green ensemble the Queen
sported for Prince Harry and
Meghan Markle’s wedding in
2018?
Despite all the attention on
Meghan’s dress and fashion
flamboyance of international
dignitaries, many fashion critics
still named the Queen as the best
dressed at the event.
We can go on and on, and
we can assure you that the
Queen of the Rainbow has never
had a bad outfit!
Below, to celebrate the
Queen’s birthday, we have
shared our best style moments
served by her Majesty over the
years. The team had a hard time
selecting these photos from the
large pile; enjoy them – just as we
have!
Happy birthday and
many more years,
may you reign,
our Queen of the
Rainbow!
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HEALTH
5
Small &
Medium Scale
Business Ideas
for Women
By Candice Helfand-Rogers
Online Retail/
Wholesale
The power of technology meets the
desire to sell a physical product.
We’ve spoken with women who
run websites selling bras, high-end
watches, eco-friendly clothing,
baby supplies for parents of multiple
children, and much more.
And many of them are thriving
doing so — especially in the case
of immigrant entrepreneur Anna
Metselitsa, a chance to thrive in
a new country. She launched her
online boutique, Haute Rogue, not
long after arriving in the United States
with just $300 in her pocket.
Today, she sells thousands of
garments each month.
Thinking of starting up? Check out our shortlist of business
ideas for inspiration.
Women business owners are on the rise. That’s according
to the 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses report, which
finds that female entrepreneurship has increased by an
impressive 3,000 percent since 1972. And between 2017 and
2018, women started an average ofof 1,821 new ventures per
day.
What kind of businesses are all of these women starting?
According to our own research effort, 1,000 Stories, personal and
professional services — think dog walking, law and beauty — are
frequent choices, as is selling goods online.
There are ample reasons to start up — seeking work/life
balance or financial stability, or wanting to be your own boss
— and milestones to work toward, like expanding from a homebased
business to having a brick-and-mortar location.
Whatever your reasons or goals, here are some industries you
can look to launch in.
Life
Coaching
Are you the person people
turn to for advice? Why not
turn that clarity of thought
and ability to guide others
into a business?
Plenty of women have.
Whether you’re best suited
to counsel clients on their
careers, health, businesses
or mental well-being, there
are opportunities to start
and grow a venture based
on your talents.
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Cooking, Catering and
Restaurant Management
Like tech, the food industry can be tough for women to
navigate — just ask chefs Jody Adams and Ana Sortun.
They run successful Boston-area eateries, but had to rise up
through sexist work atmospheres. But if you have a knack for
cooking, or baking, you can turn that idea into a profitable
venture.
Just turn your best pound cake, health food, quiche or truffle
recipe — or whatever else you can whip up — into a product
to sell. (You can also turn your love of food into an app, if that’s
more your speed.)
Beauty and Skincare
This is a booming industry, with lots of ways to
break in. Whether you start an app like Melody
McClosky of salon-booking app StyleSeat, craft
skincare product like Daisy Jing of Banish and
FunlayoAlabi of Shea Radiance, sell perfumes
like Carina Chaz of DedCool, or do hair and
makeup for special events like Takia Ross of
Accessmatized, you can find a lovely future for
yourself in this sector.
Agriculture and Farming
For nature lovers, this could be the perfect startup area.
Kristy Allen certainly made it work. Her business,
The BeezKneez, sells freshly made honey and teaches
paid beekeeping classes to Minneapolis residents, and
makes hundreds of thousands of dollars every year doing
so.
The Piggery’s Heather Sandford is also thriving — her
humane pig farm makes millions every year selling
bacon, sausage and other pork products
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HEALTH
Health & Wellness
10 Tips for Every
Woman
Credit: Dr. Priyanka Marakini (BNYS), Alpa Momaya
(B.Sc., PGD, RNC), Swati Shukla(PhD)
Build a support circle
Several research studies show that social circles of
friends and family increase your likelihood of surviving
health problems, increase your level of happiness and
even help you live longer. The best way to build a support
circle is to be a part of someone else’s support circle.
That way you can be there for each other. You can also
build a support circle by volunteering. This way you get to
meet new people and also make new friends. Helping can
mean as simple as picking up a friend’s child from school
or even visiting your elderly neighbor for coffee.
Balancing the demands of
career, family, significant
other, and sometimes
even coping with societal
pressures to look good or
conduct oneself in a certain
way can be quite draining for
women. As she passes through
several milestones in her life, it
is necessary that every woman
out there makes sure to put her
health above everything else.
Although ‘taking care of yourself’
doesn’t rank #1 in the priority list
of most women out there, this
year ‘It’s Time for You’ to take
care of your health, your fitness,
and prioritize yourself among
other things. After all, all the
people who do depend on you
can only do so, if you are at the
top of the pyramid in terms of
health and wellness.
To help women in their quest to
take better care of themselves,
we have compiled 10 health and
fitness tips that will come use to
women from all walks of life.
These tips are based on
information gathered from
several sources and personal
experiences. So, no matter
what your age or overall health
status is, these tips will help you
increase your chances of better
health and fitness all through
your life.
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Exercise
Did you know heart disease
is the leading cause of death
among women? However, this
disease can be kept at bay with
exercise. Women must make
sure to get at least 30 minutes of
exercise every single day to keep
the heart functioning properly.
Aerobic exercise which includes
walking, jogging, bicycling and
dancing are good for women’s
health. In fact, any form of
physical exercise, even the usual
running around to the grocery
store is better than nothing.
Ultimately, it’s all
about you!
One of the best health and
fitness tips for women is to
make time for “just you”. A
happy and healthy woman
is way more driven than a
stressed-out one. The time
you take out for yourself
should be filled with what
you want and the things you
want to do, and you get to
decide and dictate. A daily
dose of just 10 minutes for
yourself is one of the many
healthy habits you can do
every day that will keep you
feeling you’re very best.
Ladies, it’s called
the most important
meal of the day
for a reason
We, women, love reading up
on health and fitness tips, but
always feel we do not have
the time to honor them. Well,
it’s time we change that.
Having breakfast not only
provides you energy for the
rest of the day but also kick
starts your metabolism. So, it is
very essential you keep aside
15 minutes in the morning to
make something healthy and
set yourself up for a productive
rest of the day.
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HEALTH
Regular checkups
This is one point that we cannot
emphasize enough on! Health
screenings are an important
way to help recognize problems
in the body – sometimes even
before you show any signs or
symptoms. Even if you feel well,
early health checkups and
screening tests can not only spot
signs of serious diseases and
conditions but also have a better
chance of successfully curing or
effectively treating them. Thus, we
recommend that you schedule a
checkup every year with a primary
care doctor to stay on the safer
side of things.
Two most important
minerals every woman
needs
Apart from calcium, Zinc and Magnesium
are two other minerals that are most needed
by women’s bodies. Consume Zinc, because
a deficiency in this mineral impairs the
immune system, which results in thinning of
hair and acne. Magnesium, on the other
hand, is most essential as it helps with sleep,
bone health, and may also help in relieving
premenstrual symptoms, anxiety, and
migraines.
Keep calm and hydrate
This tip may seem basic, but it is one of the most crucial steps to a
healthy life. Staying hydrated leads to healthy physical and mental
functioning. Drinking lots of water during the day is also key to keeping
yourself fit from the inside out. To avoid dehydration, it is best to carry a
water bottle as a reminder. Hydrating yourself is also crucial to weight loss
or maintenance because it not only reduces the feeling of hunger but
also helps you eat less during meal times.
Sleep solves
everything
Sleep is one of the best things
women can get with all the busy
schedules, cooking, and running
around they do. For a productive
day at home, or at work, or even
at the gym, it is imperative that
you get a good night’s sleep.
Insufficient sleep not only brings
down your productivity but also
affects the mental and physical
state of your body and overall
well being. While 8 hours can be
a luxury, a minimum of 6-7 hours
is vital. So, do make sure to clock
in those hours.
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HEALTH
Eat well, live well, be well
As women, many of us are prone to
neglecting our own dietary needs. You may feel
you need to put your family’s needs first or you
are too busy to adhere to a set diet. However,
you must ensure that you get all the nutrients
you need from the foods you eat. You want to
eat as close to a natural food diet as possible.
That means a variety of fresh vegetables,
fruits, whole grains, meat, fish, poultry, low-fat
dairy products, and lots of nuts. Among other
things, women, in general, need lots of calcium
to build healthy bones and teeth to keep them
strong as you age. Good sources of calcium
include dairy products, grains, leafy green
vegetables, tofu, and cabbage.
Maintain a healthy weight
Weight loss is a subject that runs in the minds of
most women. Although quite distressing, reaching and
maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall
well-being. Being overweight can significantly increase
the risk of several chronic diseases and can reduce the
quality of your life. Therefore, the best way to maintain a
healthy weight is to have a good relationship with your
food, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
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FOOD
Green
Smoothie
vs
Green Juice:
Know the Difference
Dr. Juliet Omoson
reen smoothies or green juices, which one should you pick? This
G
is one of the most commonly asked questions as more and more
people are opting for healthy eating habits.
To help make the correct choices, nutritionist Farzanah
Nasser took to Instagram to explain what to pick based on one’s
individual needs and preferences. “I like both smoothie and juices and will have
them for different reasons,” said Nasser.
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FOOD
What are Smoothies?
According to the expert, smoothies are the
whole fruit/vegetables blended together with a
liquid. They are full of fibre and hence, support
blood sugar balancing and act as a meal
replacement as the fibres slow down the release
of sugars into the blood stream and keep one
feeling fuller for longer.
“It also helps you meet your daily fibre
requirement that most of us fall short of, and
also feeds the microbes in the gut – which are
responsible for immune and overall good health,”
she explained.
What are Juices?
Juicing is extracting the fibre and drinking just
the juice. “A study had showed that you get 30-
40 per cent more of the nutrients when it’s not
buffered by fibre. However it can cause blood
sugar issues if you are having mainly fruit, and
it’s also not a meal replacement. You do lose a
lot of the fibre but you can save that and make
overnight oats or crackers, or add them to
pancakes. Juicing is also great when you want
to give your digestive system a break or feel you
need the hit of nutrients. Just make sure you use
more veggies/greens than fruits to avoid spiking
your blood sugar,” she mentioned.
What should you pick?
“When I am sick and need a pick
me up, I will always opt for juice. I will
also have a juice when I need some
nutrients; I will have it 30 minutes
before a meal. That way it can get
absorbed before I have the meal,”
said Nasser.
However, Nasser mentioned that
she would opt for smoothies as a
“meal replacement or substantial
snack”. “I also use them as a way
to get more vegetables into me
and something I can carry with
me if I know I’m going to have a
long day,” she noted.
However, when making green smoothies, do
note:
• The blending process breaks the fiber down
in a smoothie, but you still need to chew it
to activate the digestive enzyme in saliva,
amylase. Amylase begins the digestive
process.
• Choose combinations like leafy greens with
less starchy fruits like berries, green apples,
pears, peaches and plums to ensure
healthy digestion, healthy elimination and
reduce the risk of fermentation or gas.
• Use only fresh produce. Disregard recipes
that suggest using frozen kale, for example.
Fresh fruits and vegetables deliver the live,
vital, electricity your cells need to activate!
• A smoothie cannot take the place of green
juice.
Green juice is made by extracting the
vegetable and fruit water from the whole foods
used, and discarding the fiber, unlike with
smoothies.
This is what many do not understand. They ask,
why would you separate the fiber from the water in
the vegetables and throw it away?
In a nutshell, when you drink juice, no digestive
fire is required. Your digestive system doesn’t have
to do anything to take in the nutrients provided
from the foods you juiced.
Green juice offers the most easily accessible
and assimilable form of live, vital nutrition. But do
consider this, juice is concentrated because fiber
was removed, so you want to limit sweet fruits, or
it will blast your system with sugar. Sweet fruits are
best in smoothies, rather than juices.
www.glamsquadmagazine.com 59
FOOD
Kung Pao
Chicken:
The Delicious Chinese cuisines
You Should Try Out This Weekend
By Chef Amaka Obiefuna
W
ith a long history, unique features, numerous styles, and exquisite cooking, Chinese cuisine is
one of the essential constituent parts of Chinese culture. Chinese traditional dishes are famous
for their color, aroma, taste, meanings, and appearance.
Chinese cuisines are one of the most significant exports from the Asian giants, and today,
we will be highlighting a simple but delicious meal you should try out this weekend.
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FOOD
What is Kung
Pao Chicken
Kung Pao chicken is a type of
spicy Chinese chicken prepared by
stir-frying. Preparations vary widely, but
some version of this dish has existed
since at least the late 19th century.
Kung Pao chicken is a simple dish
of chicken breast, cut up and stir-fried
in “Kung Pao sauce,” primarily flavored
with soy sauce, vinegar, and a bit of
sugar.
Ingredients
• Boneless Skinless Chicken
Breast
• Soy sauce (or Tamari)
• Vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Granulated Sugar
• Toasted Sesame Oil
• Red & Green Bell Peppers
• Onions
• Cashew Nuts
• Dried Red Chili Peppers
• Fresh Garlic & Ginger
How to Make
Kung Pao
Chicken
Make the Kung Pao sauce: Mix the
soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar in a
bowl.
Prep the chicken! Cut the boneless,
skinless chicken breast into uniform
strips. This is a little easier to do if your
chicken is slightly frozen. Then, toss it in
a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch to
coat.
Cook the chicken until crispy!
Working in batches so as not to
overcrowd the pan, stir-fry the chicken
pieces in sesame oil until they’re
cooked through and gorgeously
crispy.
Stir-fry! Stir-fry the bell peppers
until they’re a little soft. Then add the
scallions, cashews, ginger, garlic, and
dried chili peppers. Stir fry all of that for
a minute or two, and then stir in the
Kung Pao sauce and cooked chicken.
Simmer. Let all of the flavors meld
over the heat for a few more minutes.
The Kung Pao sauce will thicken slightly
and really coat the veggies and
chicken, which is what you want.
Serve! We love to serve this over
steaming bowls of white or brown rice.
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Glamsquad Magazine 2.0 is a Women’s Fashion, Culture and Lifestyle Magazine.
Targeted at an upwardly mobile segment of the Nigerian and African market,
Glamsquad seeks to provide inspirational yet attainable fashion, entertainment, and
lifestyle culturing to Women.
Contributing to conversations on contemporary fashion, dining, beauty, wellness, music,
and movies; our goal is to positively shape the conversation on these topics in a way that
Informs, inspires, empowers and ultimately entertains Nigerian and African women.
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