4 Tips For A successful FUE Hair Transplant

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

Hair loss is an issue some people experience as they grow old. It’s characterized by thinning hair on some parts of the scalp or total hair loss. Hair loss is caused by various reasons, ranging from genetics to age, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions.

For most people, hair loss affects self-esteem, and they search for ways to reverse the process but with little luck. So when topical creams and medications just won’t cut it, they resort to a more straightforward approach—hair transplants.

A common type of hair transplant is follicular unit extraction (FUE). It involves removing individual hair follicles from another part of the skin and transplanting them on the scalp.

If you’ve decided on getting an FUE, here are some tips for achieving the best results:

1. Find A Suitable Provider

Like in any other industry, you’ll find many surgeons offering hair transplanting services. With the many options, decision-making is often challenging. It’s best to be wary of the quality of services they offer. Therefore, finding a suitable provider is ideal.

An ideal surgeon is one with the right certification and accreditation. The surgeon needs to have undergone professional training. They should show you proof of the training, such as certificates. Also, ensure the various regulatory bodies have accredited them. 

This surgeon should also have adequate experience in the procedure. Experience helps them to perfect their skills, eliminating room for errors. Here, the more years in the business, the higher the chances of success.

With hair transplants, the major concern is the result of the procedure. How sure are you that you’ll get the results you desire? The surgeon should show you a portfolio of their work; it should include before and after photos. If you like the results, proceed to seek the surgeon’s services. If you don’t, proceed with your search.

Cost is also another aspect to consider. FUE hair transplant cost differs from one surgeon to another. It’d help to compare the costs of several providers. Settle for one you can afford without compromising the quality of services you’ll get.

Lastly, finding a suitable provider requires you to look at their reputation. The reviews of the surgeon will help you gather enough feedback. Ensure your chosen provider has more positive than negative reviews. Also, none of the negative reviews should touch on failed procedures; this aspect is nonnegotiable.

2. Go For A Consultation

The rise in digitization has had most professionals offer their services online, including doctors. A doctor can diagnose you virtually; you can also book procedures online. Although progressive and convenient, some medical procedures, like hair transplants, require in-person visits. 

During the visit, the surgeon will physically inspect your scalp and identify the problem and its causes, including the hair loss pattern. These are things they can’t pinpoint virtually.

After a thorough consultation, the surgeon will know the right way to execute the transplant. A customized treatment plan increases your chances of getting great results since it is tailored to your needs. 

As you head in for a consultation, inspect the facility. Is it clean and well-organized? Do you feel safe being in the environment? You also want to vet the team in the clinic. Are they friendly, and do they make you comfortable? The answers to these questions will help gauge whether the clinic is the best choice for you.

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3. Prepare For The Transplant

One of the contributors to the success of your transplant depends on the state of your body. If you have a healthy constitution, you will probably heal in no time. 

Before the procedure, your doctor will guide you on the dos and don’ts to keep your body in good shape and ready for the procedure. Also, they will ask about the state of your health, especially whether you smoke and are on any medication. This information will help them handle the procedure without harming you.

Most surgeons advise against smoking and taking supplements and medications, especially antidepressants and anti-inflammatories, at least two weeks before the transplant.

4. Practice Proper Aftercare

Once the hair transplant surgeon has performed the procedure, the success of the final stage now depends on you. It’s important to take care of your scalp before it heals; your surgeon will inform you of this. They’ll also guide you on the aftercare of the procedure to prevent future hair loss.

Common aftercare practices include:

  • protecting the area from direct sunlight;
  • taking adequate rest;
  • cleaning, disinfecting, and dressing the area;
  • taking the medication given (these medications are often painkillers and ointment to promote healing and prevent infection); and
  • keeping the scalp dry (it involves no water contact or sweating until it heals fully).

Conclusion

You’ve probably been contemplating an FEU hair transplant for many years. You are not alone. Investing in your self-esteem is always a good decision.

Now that you’re ready to take on the procedure, it’s only natural that you want great results. The discussion above gives tips to ensure the success of the procedure. Consider implementing them; you’re less likely to regret investing in the procedure.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Exploring the luxurious Dubai – three unusual must-see destinations

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Whether you have traveled to Dubai or you are going there for the first time, in our article you will find places that you must visit. Dubai can be visited regardless of the time of year – it is always adorable. There are always a lot of tourists there, so it is most convenient to travel around the UAE in a rented car. Renting a car will allow you to visit many places of interest in one trip. For convenience, you can hire suv cars in uae, because they are well-driven, they can fit the whole family or a group of friends and they are very comfortable. Rental cars can be of different prices depending on the brand, type, and year of manufacture.

Historic Bastakiya

Bastakiya or Al-Fahidi is a restored historical quarter where you can visit the old fort, a mosque, all sorts of museums and art galleriesBastakiya began to be populated by Persian pearl divers. They built houses from inexpensive materials: clay, lime, palm branches, and shell rock. After the oil boom, most of the families from here moved to the city center, and the authorities decided to destroy Bastakiya. It was planned that in the 80s a new business center would be built here. However, the townspeople came out in defense of the area, and they decided to leave it as an architectural monument. The British restored the area, and restaurants, cafes, and hotels appeared on the sites of old houses.

Bastakiya must be visited to see the Arabic-style buildings live. The houses are separated by narrow streets, which are best traveled on foot. Climbing up to the roofs, you can admire the authentic quarter and watch the sunset with a cup of Arabic tea.

Hipster Alserkal

UAE is one of the best countries for children, but there you can also find activities for adults. Alserkal is an art space that appeared on the site of industrial warehouses in 2008. It often hosts contemporary art exhibitions, music and food festivals, and countless master classes. In Alserkal, you can shop in the showrooms of local designers, perform open mics and visit art galleries or gallery cafes. Here the famous Art Dubai fair and the Art Nights festival take place. The place is very similar to Meatpacking in New York.

There are 40 art venues on the territory of the Alserkal Avenue quarter, 20 of which are active expositions, including the Concrete multifunctional center. On the territory of Alserkal, there are galleries of Syrian artists Ayyam Gallery, the Jean-Paul Najar Foundation gallery with European post-minimalists, and the Green Art Gallery with artists from the Middle East.

Anything can be found in the Alserkal Avenue quarter. Chi-KA offers kimono-style abayas, while Ikon House, a Scandinavian design boutique, sells minimalist home furnishings. Vinyl records are available at The FlipSide Music Store, while handmade jewelry is available at Jewel Teller Boutique. By the way, The Fridge agency, which develops the musical culture of Dubai, is also located on the territory of the space.

Alserkal Avenue is open all year round with open-air cafes and restaurants. Gallery A4 has a working cafe and a cozy workspace. Alserkal Avenue art quarter hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. You will certainly want to come back here again.

Theatrical Dubai

For high-quality ballets and operas, you need to go to Dubai Opera, which is located in the center of Dubai. In addition, various concert programs or exhibitions are held in the space. It is better to buy tickets on the website so as not to stand in line and not be left without a ticket. By the way, drinks can be added to the price. This is not only water and juices but also beer, wine, and whiskey.

There are three exciting theaters in the Al Quoz area: Madinat, Courtyard Playhouse, and Junction. Madinat, for example, often stages musicals, while the Courtyard Playhouse and Junction play improvised comedies, playbacks, and new versions of beloved classics. We advise you to visit these places and the most-see architectural wonders to see Dubai from a new perspective.

José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Photo by ZQ Lee on Unsplash.

Bad Study Habits that Negatively Affect Grades

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Reading Time: 6 minutes

College life is not easy. You have to manage your time effectively to attend all classes, work on your assignments, prepare for upcoming tests and participate in extracurricular activities. To get good grades, you have to invest a lot of time and energy into studying. There is a wide range of study habits. You need to discover which ones are good for you and avoid the detrimental ones. Most college students have a hard time keeping up with their professors because they have formed detrimental study habits. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the bad study habits that can negatively affect your grades.

Why do habits matter?

Habits are what you do. They are repeated behaviors that gradually become automatic. You don’t have to spend time thinking about them. Habits have a huge influence on our lives. They determine how we think, feel and behave. And they create a lasting change in our lives. When it comes to studying, you get what you do repeatedly. If your study sessions are inefficient, it doesn’t matter how hard you study. You are going to get poor grades. To change the results, you have to change your study habits. Here are some of the study habits that negatively affect your grades:

1.     Failing to ask for help

As you study, you’ll come across concepts that you don’t understand. Your tutor can also give you assignments that you don’t understand. When this happens, most learners avoid seeking help. They pretend that everything is okay. When you do this, the only person that is going to suffer is you. Your professors are here to help you get good grades. You can pay someone to write my research paper if you have lots of assignments and projects to work on. Apart from working hard, you have to work smart.

2.     Cramming

A research study conducted by Scientific Reports found that college students who sacrifice their sleep and wake up at inconsistent times were more likely to perform poorly compared to their counterparts. To prepare for an upcoming exam, it’s better to study for a couple of weeks before the big day instead of pulling all-nighters. Your body and mind need rest to recover lost energies. Lack of sleep has been linked to a weakened immune system, poor concentration, stress, and fatigue. When you cram, you force your mind to remember concepts that you don’t understand. And this makes it easier for you to forget what you’ve been studying all night. In the end, you get poor grades and sacrifice your health. Without good health, there is nothing much you can do in any area of your life. Studying regularly and having a bedtime routine will help you get good grades and improve your health.

3.     Multitasking

A study conducted by Stanford University found that your productivity levels and performance decline when you focus on multiple tasks. The human brain can only focus on one thing at a time. Therefore, what most people call multitasking involves switching tasks. You cannot study and watch TV at the same time. You are either reading your book or watching your favorite show. Trying to do both at the same time results in average results. You’ll neither have watched the show nor understood the topic that you are reading about. This is a complete waste of time and energy. You should train yourself to focus on one thing at a time. This way, you’ll not only get good grades but also have enough time to enjoy yourself.

4.     Skipping classes

Most college students skip classes whenever they can. While no one will come to ask you why you failed to attend your classes, you should keep in mind that you are losing a lot. When you skip a class, you’ll never know how the professor explained certain concepts or the study materials that they were using in class. All you’ll have is your friends’ notes. Copying other peoples’ notes is not enough. You have to read research paper service essays to understand key concepts because they build on each other in most subjects. By skipping classes, you’ll have to spend a lot of time studying from scratch and getting online help from an online service with top writers to catch up with your colleagues and get good grades.

5.     Failing to study

As we said earlier, most college students waste a lot of time hanging out with friends, going to parties, chatting on social media, and playing video games. While all these activities are good for you, it doesn’t mean that you should sacrifice studying to have time for them. The main aim of going to college is studying and getting good grades. Therefore, you should be spending most of your time studying. One of the easiest ways to ensure that you study regularly is by coming up with a study schedule. A study schedule is like a timetable that helps you figure out what you should be studying at a particular point in time. During your study sessions, consider incorporating active study strategies such as quizzing yourself, reading assignments, and teaching others what you’ve learned.

Conclusion

These are some of the bad study habits that can affect your grades negatively. As we said earlier, a habit is a repeated way of thinking, feeling, and behaving. If you can form bad habits, it means that you can also form good study habits. While forming a good habit takes a lot of time and energy, the payoff will be huge. You should never hesitate to seek help when you need it. Your professors, colleagues, and parents are there to help you whenever you encounter problems. In college, time management is everything. Doing your best to stay on top of tasks will lead to an easier life and better grades. Which habits are you going to form today to improve your performance in college?

Helen Birk

Author’s Bio:

Helen Birk is an award-winning academic writer and proofreader. She spends a lot of time conversing with college students to understand the problems that they are facing and come up with effective solutions. She enjoys writing articles and building her social network during her free time.   

The Curtain has risen: Welcome to the Spectacular World Of Chanel Fragrances

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Reading Time: 7 minutes

CHANEL invites you to live a unique experience in a festive and immersive setting. The curtain rose on December 15, and CHANEL unveils the beginning of this olfactory odyssey. Welcome to Le Grand Numéro de CHANEL exhibition. Let go of everything you think you know during a unique sensory reset and, led by a ringmaster of life and freedom, push open the imposing black-trimmed white doors in front of you and embark on unexpected adventures.

The journey begins in the middle of a colossal square, a hub of possibility. Beneath a sky full of sparkling symbols, the space comes to life, shining briefly but brightly. Take the time to listen to the walls talk and to recognize the shapes of emblematic, larger-than-life bottles, each an entrance to another dimension. You can visit the exhibition official website to see more: https://grand-numero.chanel.com

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Photo Credit: CHANEL

The essence of CHANEL perfumery is a taste for that which cannot be defined, the expression of a style rather than an ingredient. Each CHANEL fragrance is a train of thought, a complex composition in which every raw material is sharpened, resulting in an olfactory kaleidoscope. A living fragrance is like a concentrated form of vital energy that evolves according to each person’s unique skin chemistry.

CHANEL perfumery has an existential aim. LE GRAND NUMÉRO DE CHANEL is an emotional journey, an opportunity to discover every facet of a fragrance and the role it plays”

Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur,
Head of Global Creative Resources for Fragrance & Beauty, Fine Jewelry & Watches

CHANEL N°5 – The Revolutionary Icon

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Photo Credit: CHANEL
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Photo Credit: CHANEL
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Photo Credit: CHANEL

Welcome to 1921. You will be travelling back in time to play the role of Ernest Beaux: a talented perfumer who has been asked by a very popular designer to create a fragrance that is «artificial like a dress.» During this immersive, multi-sensory experience, you will meet Gabrielle Chanel, who is patiently waiting to discover your work. She chooses the 5th sample you present to her and decides to name it after her favourite number. She, who presents her collections on the fifth day of the fifth month of the year, hopes this will bring it luck…

You will not only be participating in a reenactment: through virtual reality, you will be able to truly experience this moving, historic moment, the creation of N°5.

When Ernest Beaux presented her with the fifth sample, it was a striking revelation; Gabrielle Chanel didn’t choose this new fragrance, she recognized it.”

Hélène Fulgence,
Director of Patrimoine de CHANEL

As an icon with a century of legend behind it, did you think you knew everything there was to know about the world’s most famous fragrance? Prepare to travel through space and time on a journey to artistic and olfactory exploration. Lose yourself in its world, absorb its power, experience its revolution…

CHANCE, The Freedom of Following your own path

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Photo Credit: CHANEL
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Photo Credit: CHANEL

Like Gabrielle Chanel, who was determined to create a chance for herself, take your chance and use it to your advantage in the electric backstage atmosphere. Tread the boards of this cabaret, which serves as a reminder that, while singing on stage in Moulins around the year 1901, Gabrielle Chanel became Coco. Spin the wheel of fortune. The prizes are real, and your luck will never run out. Count on the four faces of CHANCE to mirror your own and make you feel incredibly alive.

BLEU: More than a colour, a true statement

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Photo Credit: CHANEL
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Photo Credit: CHANEL

Is it 6 o’clock in the morning or 6 o’clock at night? Is the sun coming up, or is the day drawing to a close? It takes you a moment to acclimate to the blue-hued twilight. Squint, listen, breathe… You are immersed in a multi-sensory world, floating through a city as you would float in the ocean. Peer into the windows of the buildings and skyscrapers as they come to life. What are they trying to tell you? Why does this music sound familiar? The lights in the sky… Where do they lead? Will you get lost or find yourself? Use your senses to experience the world in BLEU. Trust them—they will help you gather clues that will grant you entry to a highly select speakeasy, where you can imbibe to your heart’s content to the sound of jazz and blues.

COCO MADEMOISELLE is about passion and love

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Photo Credit: CHANEL
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Photo Credit: CHANEL

Gabrielle Chanel’s passions were reflected in her creations because she is someone who loved deeply. She loved the romantic heroines of great novels, who experienced intense love without ever allowing it—and certainly never a man—to hinder them.

In this soft new world, you have set off on the heels of a mysterious temptress—but who? Your only compass is a set of clues. A surprisingly fresh amber scent, unexpected for its time, yet essential. A vague memory of a slender silhouette. A warm, sensual voice… This dazzling tunnel overwhelms your senses. Are the lights wavering, or has your own notion of time and space become warped? Finding her is a chess match, where she is the queen, and you are a mere pawn like the rest. Unless… What if a single drop of perfume was all it took to transform you, to prove that it is, in fact, you, the true master of the game?

LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL: Assert your personality

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Photo Credit: CHANEL
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Photo Credit: CHANEL

You are invited to the private view of a collection of 18 moving works of art, characters with strong personalities. Prepare to be amazed, and take a moment to complete the scent version of a Rorschach test in order to find your alter ego among the 18 LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL fragrances.

Evoking an idea, a character, each scent has a unique and unmatched hallmark. Every LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL fragrance is a surprise, one that inspires awe and emotion. Inimitable, they are full of mystery and elegance, luxury and daring.

“Fragrance is a connection to the world around us, a way of displaying ourselves to the world; it expresses our personality just like the clothes we wear or our mannerisms. Fragrance reveals yet another facet, something that cannot be conveyed any other way”

Oliver Polges,
CHANEL In-House Perfumer-Creator

Gabrielle Chanel’s passions were reflected in her creations because she is someone who loved deeply. She loved the romantic heroines of great novels, who experienced intense love without ever allowing it—and certainly never a man—to hinder them.

In this soft new world, you have set off on the heels of a mysterious temptress—but who? Your only compass is a set of clues. A surprisingly fresh amber scent, unexpected for its time, yet essential. A vague memory of a slender silhouette. A warm, sensual voice… This dazzling tunnel overwhelms your senses. Are the lights wavering, or has your own notion of time and space become warped? Finding her is a chess match, where she is the queen, and you are a mere pawn like the rest. Unless… What if a single drop of perfume was all it took to transform you, to prove that it is, in fact, you, the true master of the game?

In the grand opening of this amazing exhibition, many celebrities, friends of CHANEL had the chance to discover the exhibition. From Marion Cottilard, to Carole Bouquet, Keira Knightley, Angèle, Seo-Jun Park, Giveon to Mark Prin, all the CHANEL family joined the grand show the time of a visit.

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Photo Credit: Virgile Guinard for CHANEL

The exhibition started on December 15th 2022 and will last until January 9th 2023 at the Grand Palais ephemere in Paris. More information, please connect to the official website here: https://grand-numero.chanel.com.

José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured image credits: CHANEL.

Sonya Yoncheva is releasing her 5th Solo album. Great news!

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Reading Time: 8 minutes

It was a fantastic surprise to hear from the talented Sonya Yoncheva this week on Instagram about the release of her new solo album. It will be called The Courtesan and should be released next year on February 9th 2023. We were delighted with Rebirth, Cappella Mediterranea conducted by Leonardo García Alarcó (Sony) in 2021, and only two years later, the talented Bulgarian soprano will deliver a new album. Fans will be pleased as the new album gathers passionate roles that only Sonya Yoncheva has the secret of such performances. This new album can be pre-ordered here: https://sy11events.com/store

The idea of a Courtesan as a strong thread across the album.

What history tells us? The court served as the seat of political power and the monarch’s palace in the feudal societies of Europe when social and political life frequently blended seamlessly. Before the Renaissance, courtesans were used to informing distinguished guests when serving staff could not be relied upon. Courtiers were crucial members of an affluent society in Renaissance Europe. Men and women would frequently seek satisfaction and company from others residing in court. It was usual for royal couples to conduct independent lifestyles during this time—commonly marrying simply to protect bloodlines and secure political ties. The word “to court” originally meant “to live or reside at court,” and through time, it evolved to mean “to behave like a courtier,” and finally “to court,” which is to show someone amorous attention. The term “favourite” describes a ruler’s closest companion or courtesan.

“The world of courtesans has always intrigued me. I discovered their universe in my stage incarnations of some of them”

Sonya Yoncheva

Sonya Yoncheva sees in the courtesans, avant-gardists people and those who tried to brave standards to fight for their freedom and their position. Women were true warriors of human rights and women’s conditions in society. Some of them were very powerful and could decide the country’s destiny with thoughtful advice.

Veronica Franco – (1546–1591) was an Italian poet and courtesan in 16th-century Venice. She is known for her notable clientele, feminist advocacy, literary contributions, and philanthropy. 

Sonya Yoncheva was inspired by these people’s lives and paths and decided to dedicate an album to this theme. By aligning some of her most iconic roles, Ms Yoncheva offers a powerful story-telling, a one-in-a-kind.

The Courtesan, a new solo album

In “The Courtesan”, Sonya Yoncheva unites eternal female figures, some of them historical, who highlight particularly the contradictions and tensions that run through a woman’s personality between the different roles and images she is expected to fulfil. The album comprises arias from the soprano’s most notable roles, such as Verdi’s “La Traviata”, Puccini’s “La bohème” and “Manon Lescaut”, Giordano’s “Siberia” and Mascagni’s “Iris”. Other titles such as Leoncavallo’s “La bohème” Saint-Saens’s “Samson et Dalila”, Massenet’s “Manon” and “Thaïs” are not part of the singer’s repertoire or are scheduled as future debut such as Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly”. The bonus track “In Trutina” from Orff’s “Carmina Burana” mirrors the philosophy of the project, the balance between body and mind, pleasure, restraint, doubt, and the competition between sentient and rational nature of the human being.  

Recorded last year in Genoa, Italy, with the Orchestra dell’Opera Carlo Felice Genova led by Marco Armiliato and tenor Charles Castronovo in the duets from “La Traviata” and “Thaïs”, all the operatic female protagonists featured on the album are characters associated with the image of the courtesan. Sonya Yoncheva has organised the recording of her fifth solo album and everything around it by her own company SY11 Events Ltd. Established in 2020 to produce her concerts, the company has now also created the label SY11 Productions, where the album is being released. Remaining an exclusive Sony Classical recording artist, Sonya Yoncheva preferred for this project, which she takes closely to heart, to produce the album fully according to her vision. The album will be available to purchase digitally on all major platforms and physically in select record stores worldwide and on the SY11 Events website https://sy11events.com/store/, where it is available to pre-order.  

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Photo Credit: Sonya Yoncheva
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Photo credit: Sonya Yoncheva
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Photo Credit: Sonya Yoncheva

This new album is a monument to influential female roles in Opera. By seeing the playlist, it is for sure a breathtaking journey that will not go unnoticed. This musical invitation will take us to multiple themes and ambience with a strong common denominator: The courtesan.

Thaïs, From Venus to purity

Thaïs takes place in Egypt under the rule of the Roman Empire, where a Cenobite monk, Athanaël, attempts to convert Thaïs, an Alexandrian courtesan and devotee of Venus, to Christianity, but discovers too late that his obsession with her is rooted in lust; while the courtesan’s true purity of heart is revealed, so is the religious man’s baser nature. A pure soprano role requiring a lot of passion and control.

La Boheme with Musette and Mimi

After Egypt, our journey will take us to the Quartier Latin in Paris at the end of the 19th century. Between a seamstress and a singer, a seductive role play among the artists of that time. This is, for sure, an exciting focus. Sonya Yoncheva’s Mimi is one important role for the Bulgarian soprano. She has embodied this role around the world and it is for sure one of her signature roles.

Manon Lescaut in France mon amour…

Based on the novel The Story of the Chevalier des Grieux and Manon Lescaut. Seventeen-year-old Des Grieux, studying philosophy at Amiens, comes from a noble and landed family but forfeits his hereditary wealth and incurs his father’s disappointment by running away with Manon on her way to a convent. In Paris, the young lovers enjoy a blissful cohabitation while Des Grieux struggles to satisfy Manon’s taste for luxury. He acquires money by borrowing from his unwaveringly loyal friend Tiberge and by cheating gamblers. On several occasions, Des Grieux’s wealth evaporates (by theft, in a house fire, etc.), prompting Manon to leave him for a richer man because she cannot stand the thought of living in poverty. The role was hand-made for a soprano singer. Cesira Ferrani was the leading soprano role in the first premiere cast back in 1893. Sonya Yoncheva is the perfect heiress for this role.

Madame Butterfly is one of the Everest in Opera.

A highly talented singer needs a highly demanding role. Having Sonya Yoncheva in Madame Butterfly means placing two iconic monuments of Opera together. In 1904, a U.S. naval officer named Pinkerton rented a house on a hill in Nagasaki, Japan, for himself and his soon-to-be wife, “Butterfly”. Her real name is Cio-Cio-San (from the Japanese word for “butterfly”). Madam Butterfly (in Italian Madama Butterfly) is one of opera’s most enduring tales of unrequited love. Puccini’s poignant score follows the tragic tale of Cio Cio San, a young Japanese girl who falls in love with American naval officer Pinkerton, with devastating consequences. Having Sonya Yoncheva performing such a story can only give you goosebumps.

Siberia, an extraordinary Stephana

Siberia is an opera in three acts by Umberto Giordano from a libretto by Luigi Illica. It premiered on 19 December 1903 at La Scala in Milan. There is no direct source for the plot of Siberia and it is quite possible that this is an original work by Illica. Stephana is the mistress of Prince Alexis, living in an elegant palace, who was once seduced by Gleby, a scoundrel, who sold her to the Prince and has been living off a pension granted to him by the Prince. Stephana loves Vassili, a lieutenant who corresponds with her but assumes she is a simple working girl because they always meet in disguise outside her house. Sonya Yoncheve, as Stephana, is a true force of nature. Her interpretation of the role is unique, from high notes to long deep tirades.

Iris, an extraordinary history in Japan

Iris is an opera in three acts by Pietro Mascagni to an original Italian libretto by Luigi Illica. It premiered on 22 November 1898 at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome. The story is set in Japan during legendary times. Iris, the young and innocent daughter of a blind older man, Il Cieco, lives happily, enjoying the sun and the simple things of nature. Osaka, a young lord in search of adventures, plans to kidnap her with the help of Kyoto, who keeps a geisha house. Sonya Yoncheva has interpreted a very solar and warm-hearted Iris.

Samson and Delilah, a timeless love story

The opera is based on the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah, found in Chapter 16 of the Book of Judges in the Old Testament. It is the only opera by Saint-Saëns that is regularly performed. The second act love scene in Delilah’s tent is one of the set pieces that define French opera. The perfect for a soprano like Sonya Yoncheva.

La Traviata, a defining role for Sonya Yoncheva

The role of Violetta was made for Sonya Yoncheva. All opera experts worldwide agree to say she is the best Traviata in the world. She interpreted this role several times in her career at the Met, Bayerische Staatsoper or the Opera de Paris. The opera was originally titled Violetta, after the main character. It was first performed on 6 March 1853 at La Fenice opera house in Venice.

Lastly, there is a special bonus track: Carmina Burana – “In Trutina”. It concludes this amazing album that is highly recommended if you want to dive into the amazing creative universe of Sonya Yoncheva. Feel free to visit the artist’s official website:
https://sonyayoncheva.com.

José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

6 Reasons Byte is the Most Popular Clear Aligner

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

There are many aligner treatments out there that promise a perfect smile, however, one aligner company stands out from the rest. Byte is becoming the most popular clear aligner for a multitude of reasons. Not only will you receive great results, Byte provides an overall great experience while you are using their treatment. With their amazing results combined with their customer experience it is no wonder why Byte is becoming the most popular clear aligner on the market. Here are six reasons why you may want to consider Byte. 

1. Access to a Dental Network 

Byte’s system is a Dentist or orthodontist-led treatment, meaning that before you start the treatment you will consult with a dentist or orthodontist within Byte’s network. Not only will you have your impressions analyzed by a professional, but you will receive ongoing monitoring by a professional as well. If you have any questions or concerns Byte has a built-in healthcare system in place to help you along your treatment plan. These dentists and orthodontists are available seven days a week and ready to help you. 

2. See Results faster 

Byte’s program has helped their customers see results faster than Byte’s competitors. Part of this is through Byte’s innovation and introduction of Hyperbyte. Hyperbyte comes in both Byte’s all-day aligner plan as well their all-night aligner plan. Hyperbyte uses High Frequency Vibration (“HFV”) technology that can cut your treatment time in half. This FDA approved medical device uses micropulses that transmit through the roots of the teeth, and results in more accurate teeth movement. Which helps speed up the results of your alignment treatment. 

3. Flexible Plan Options

Unlike other companies, Byte has options based on your preference. If you don’t want to wear an aligner all day when you’re out and about, you can choose to only wear them at night. Byte offers an all-day aligners plan as well as an all-night aligners plan. With the all-day aligners your treatment time will be around three to four months and you are expected to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day. With the all-night plan your treatment will take a bit longer, around six months, but you are only expected to wear the aligners for ten hours at night when you are sleeping. 

Aligner-treatment
Photo Credit: Byte.com

4. Might be covered by insurance and a lifetime guarantee 

Most dental insurance will not directly cover Byte treatment, but Byte will work with you to file a claim with your insurance to receive a reimbursement. Not only will Byte help you with your insurance claim, Byte also comes with a lifetime guarantee. If your teeth move after your treatment, Byte will make sure to get your smile back with no additional costs to you. You really don’t have much to lose if you use Byte’s clear aligners. 

5. Get a whiter smile as you straighten your teeth

Byte is not just dedicated to making your teeth perfectly straight, Byte also will help you brighten your smile throughout your treatment. Byte has introduced Brighterbyte, it is a foam insert you spray into your aligners that helps whiten your teeth. Brighterbyte is a safe and effective treatment that whitens your teeth without causing unnecessary tooth sensitivity. Not only does Brighterbyte effortlessly whiten your teeth, but it will fight against bacteria as you wear your aligners. It kills the bacteria that leads to bad breath and tooth decay. 

6. Convenient 

Byte is one of the most convenient alignment treatment programs on the market. Byte will provide you with an at home impression kit that their dentist network will use to create your aligner treatment. You won’t have to go anywhere to do your initial impressions. With Byte’s network you get access to teledentistry right from your own home seven days a week. Teledentistry is not only convenient but it helps save you time and money. Additionally, Byte has convenient payment plans to help save your wallet. You can start your treatment with as little as $83 a month. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured photo by George Milton on Pexels.com

The Role of Physical Education and Sports in Modern Society

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Physical education and sports are important aspects of modern society. They provide us with a healthy lifestyle, help us socialize, and even develop our skills. So, what is physical education?

Physical education is important for students because it influences the child’s long-term well-being into adulthood. Physical education also helps students develop various skills that are important for success in later life, such as stamina, agility, balance, and muscular strength. All this combined makes physical education one of the most influential things in modern society today.

Physical Education Degree

To be a physical educator or get physical education job, one must first earn a physical education degree, such as those available at universities. Many students prefer physical education to the study of other subjects. For such students, it is very important to check this plagiarism tool, which will help them eliminate plagiarism in their work.These online tools serve as help for students to work without plagiat while earning their degree. The degree will usually include courses on how to use different teaching methods when educating children or youth; how to teach different subjects related to health and fitness; courses on human anatomy and physiology; skills development courses that teach how to plan lessons and activities; as well as other relevant subjects depending on the specific requirements.

Benefits of Physical Health Education in Modern Society

Encourages Physical Growth

Physical education is crucial to a person’s healthy development. Students learn self-care by practicing hygiene, eating right, and working out routinely. To combat obesity, physical education classes include a wide variety of physical exercises.

Develops Sportsmanship

Even very young children show potential for sports success with the right school support and direction. Many kids in our country lack access to adequate sports facilities. Children can reach their full potential if the right structures and resources are in place.

Build Self Confidence

Children can get a lot of self-assurance from achieving success in a sport or other physical activity. Taking part in team sports helps kids imagine themselves as an integral component of a larger unit. Later on, when they are a part of teams, this will serve them well.

Tips For Better Health

Take Daily Exercises

Consistent physical activity lowers all indicators of aging. The health benefits of exercise are numerous, including enhanced vision, normalized blood pressure, increased lean muscle mass, decreased cholesterol levels, and increased bone density. Exercise is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to live a long life. Exercising for as little as 30 minutes a day has been shown to have positive effects.

Get Enough Sleep

Meditation and yoga are stress-reduction methods that help you get a better night’s rest. On average, an adult should sleep for eight hours per night. There is an age-related shift in the average number of hours spent sleeping.

Eat Well And Balanced Diet

Follow a low-fat diet rich in fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Select a diet that is moderate in sugar, salt, and total fat while low in fat and cholesterol.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is crucial to the proper functioning of every system in the body, from the heart and brain to the muscles and organs. Most people regularly consume water and other fluids to ensure they are well-hydrated. Most people can get by on fewer than 8 glasses of water daily, but some may require more.

Avoid Bad Habits

Don’t succumb to temptation and indulge in vices like smoking, drinking, or consuming too much caffeine. Drug use reduces disease resistance and increases susceptibility to infection.

Need for Physical Education

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve your health. Physical activity has been linked to various health advantages, such as weight loss, reduced risk of chronic disease, a longer life span, and improved mental and emotional well-being. Improvements in cognitive function have been linked to increased blood flow to the brain, which is facilitated by aerobic exercise.

Conclusion

Physical education is a form of active learning that teaches children and adolescents the skills they need to lead healthy, active lives. It helps students build teamwork, leadership, character, and life skills in an engaging environment.

Education through physical activity is one of the most powerful tools to address obesity, chronic illnesses, and other challenges that are part of a sedentary lifestyle.

Helen Birk
Information sourced by the author for LuxuryActivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured image by Kenny Eliason in Unsplash

About Author

Helen Birk

Helen Birk is a former sports analyst and a volleyball coach. She has coached many popular teams across different nations.

Design Choices That Elevate Your Kitchen Space

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Reading Time: 6 minutes

The kitchen is an area of your household that sees a lot of wear and tear. From stains to damage brought on by temperature variations and humidity, your kitchen goes through a lot. And while the space exists to fulfil a practical purpose, meal preparation, it’s natural that you’d also want it to look nice. However, starting a renovation project can be daunting. It can be challenging to decide what you want to do with your kitchen and what you want the finished look to be. 

One of the best choices you could make is to opt for designs that elevate your kitchen and provide it with a sense of quiet luxury and elegance. This means that you’ll choose items and styles with a timelessness to them, so you don’t have to worry about constant makeovers that can help you keep up with all the upcoming trends. 

Update the cabinets 

Kitchen cabinets are the central piece of your kitchen. To create a cohesive design, you must choose everything based on your cabinets. Their overall look is also critical. If your cupboards have experienced a lot of wear and tear and they’re peeling or faded, they won’t provide the overall ensemble with any lustre. For this reason, you must be careful when choosing new cabinets for your kitchen. 

Browsing through the available options at Kitchen Warehouse Ltd can provide you with plenty of inspiration. The only problem will be to decide on only one cabinet design, given that all the options are gorgeous and come at an affordable price. Regardless of the colour palette, materials or arrangement you’ve got in mind, you can find something that suits your taste and will become a permanent addition to your kitchen. When you choose quality materials, you ensure that your cabinets will be resistant to cooking steam or stains, harsh cleaning products, creative children who may decide to use the cupboards as an art project, or pets that want to scratch any surface in sight. 

Add texture 

Design isn’t just about shades and layout. The textures you choose are also important. Displaying jars, plates, or pans is one way to achieve this. You can accomplish this by installing shelves in your kitchen, hanging items from displays mounted from the ceiling, or simply placing them on your countertop. Jars are one of the most versatile items you can arrange this way. Filling them with dried spices, pasta or beans provides natural splashes of colour. The choice you make, however, should primarily be dependent on the space you have at your disposal. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, you don’t want to overcrowd it with too many items on display since it can reduce the space even further. 

You can also add texture by choosing the doors of your furnishings in a v-groove or fluted design. Traditionally associated with vintage styles, the look has seen a resurgence in recent years. The colours you choose are also fundamental, and natural variations are a great way to appeal to the visual sense. When you know how to contrast different colours, you can create a focal point, the centre point from which everything else can be observed and compared with its surroundings. 

kitchen and dining area
Photo by Mark McCammon on Pexels.com

Plants, plants, plants 

Houseplants are a great addition to any home. However, you may have yet to consider adding them to your kitchen. However, they’re an obvious choice when you’re looking to elevate your kitchen space. Plants help provide the place with an organic and clean look, all while adding a welcoming touch to the room. Ideally, you’ll want to go for natural plants, but if you have discovered that you have no talent for caring for them, the artificial variety will do as well. Just make sure that they’re as realistic and close to the real deal as possible. 

On the other hand, if you’ve got a natural talent for growing plants, you can take it a step further and look for floral arrangements in vibrant colours. Some of the sturdiest plants that can thrive in the kitchen include the aluminium plant, aloe vera, English Ivy and the cast iron plant. If you’d like to grow something you can use for cooking, basil and rosemary are the most obvious choices. And, of course, all succulents are an obvious choice since they’re low-maintenance plants. They might work even for those who have generally had bad luck growing plants. 

Island seating 

Islands are among the most common makeover choices you could make for your kitchen. You can choose from countless variations, proof of the design’s timeless qualities. Depending on your choice, you can select a setup that fits the rest of your kitchen or opt for the daring alternative and go for something that breaks the mould. For example, if the rest of your kitchen was created on a palette of neutral tones, you can choose an island and chairs in marine blue or burnt orange. This pop of colour will make for an eye-catching statement. 

Flooring 

When it comes to floors, durability should be your priority. Wooden floors are the best option, as they’re sturdy and highly resistant to everything you might bring their way. Moreover, the design is timeless and will always look good. You might even discover that your floors look better a few years after installing them than when they were brand new. This is the charm of natural materials: they tend to only get better with age. 

Stone floors are also ideal for places with heavy floor traffic. They create a naturally elegant look, don’t attract dust and can even increase your home’s value if you decide to sell in the future. The best options are granite, marble and slate. When you make your choice, choose with an eye on your budget, the variety of colours and finishes available, and the level of sophistication you want to achieve. 

Upgrading your kitchen with design choices that can elevate it is always a good decision. Before you embark on a project, sit down and create a definitive plan. You don’t want to lose sight of anything along the way. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured image by Sidekix Media on Unsplash.

la Galerie du 19M Dakar opens its doors on January 12th 2023

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

After a fantastic fashion show of the CHANEL Métiers d’art 2022/23 collection, presented on 6 December 2022 in Dakar, Senegal, le19M is taking a new step by launching its first international programme there. While the influence of Dakaris recognized on the global cultural and creative scene, the entire country of Senegal is replete with artisanal expertise, a heritage to which le19M is particularly sensitive. Thus, from Thursday 12 January 2023 and for several months, le19M is setting up an off-site gallery in Dakar with the help of the Institut fondamental d’Afrique noire (IFAN) on the site of the Musée Théodore-Monod d’art africain.

la Galerie du 19M Dakar: a story of embroidery and weaving crafts

“The opening of la Galerie du 19M Dakar will celebrate the richness of craftsmanship. Entitled” Sur le fil” (On the thread in French), the programme will showcase a beautiful story of embroidery and weaving crafts combined with other artistic disciplines like painting, photography and installations. The main goal is to highlight the creative wealth of Senegal and the humanistic values of its arts and crafts. “The opening of la Galerie du 19M Dakar will celebrate the richness of craftsmanship. Entitled “Sur le fil” (On the thread in French), the programme will showcase a beautiful story of embroidery and weaving crafts combined with other artistic disciplines like painting, photography and installations. The main goal is to highlight the creative wealth of Senegal and the humanistic values of its arts and crafts.

la-galerie-du-19M-Dakar
Image: le19m.fr

During the exhibition, visitors will discover numerous contemporary artists working with textiles, some of which collaborate with le19 M’s Maisons d’art. This exhibition will be presented parallel to heritage pieces from the Musée Théodore-Monod d’Art Africain collections.

Several artisans will be producing and showcasing their Art in front of the audience in live conditions. This will lead to participatory workshops led by guest artists in residence.

la Galerie du 19M Dakar: Showcase priceless artisanal skills

la Galerie du 19M Dakar is the guest of honour of the 11th edition of Partcours. It is an annual cultural event that brings together 30 spaces of both Art and craft in Dakar during the first two weeks of December. Created in 2012 by RAW Material Company and Atelier Céramiques Almadies, Partcours is a synergistic event which brings together gallery owners, artists, and the public, inviting them to discover Dakar’s different districts in a new light.

Image: le19m.fr

The aim of la Galerie du 19M Dakar is to showcase priceless artisanal skills to the broadest possible audience, to reassert the value of handicrafts, to encourage their dissemination, and to spark vocation among the general public, school children, students, families, and lovers of craft. The gallery’s programme was conceived by an editorial committee composed of Senegalese creative figures or experts in its art scene. This committee is also accompanied by artistic contributors.

The launch of la Galerie du 19M Dakar coincides, almost to the day, withthe first anniversary of the inauguration of la Galerie du 19M in Paris /Aubervilliers and its opening to the public. This first international programme speaks to the renewed interest of professionals in fashion savoir-faire—supported for nearly forty years by CHANEL—as well as to a new popular fervour for handicrafts.”

Bruno Pavlovsky, President of CHANEL SAS and President of le19M
  • Cultural programme: Riad Fakhri
  • Curator: Olivia Marsaud, El Hadji Malick Ndiaye
  • Designer & Filmmaker: Selly Raby Kane
  • Graphic Designer: Audrey d’Erneville
  • Designer: Bibi Seck
  • Architect: Mamy Tall

Africa can be entered through Dakar. It is a true gateway to the continent. The Atlantic Ocean encircles it on three sides as it protrudes into it. It is closer to Lisbon than Cape Town and the most westerly point on the continent. Dakar’s creativity is in its genes. Everybody has a particular relationship with Art. It is everywhere, and we can say that Senegal is a fantastic place connecting Art and craftsmanship. With this exciting initiative, le19M opens a new window to creativity. This exhibition is worth visiting if you are travelling to Dakar in the new year.

José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

The “Goth Teen Model” Is Now Here To Stay

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

“The success of the new Netflix series Wednesday” is undeniable. The main character of Wednesday Addams by Tim Burton is the biggest hit of the streaming platform and has become a true phenomenon on all social platforms. Wednesday is an American coming-of-age supernatural comedy horror television series based on the character Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family. Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, it stars Jenna Ortega as the title character, with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Gwendoline Christie, Riki Lindhome, Jamie McShane, Fred Armisen, and Christina Ricci appearing in supporting roles. Four of the eight episodes are directed by Tim Burton, who serves as executive producer. It revolves around the titular character, who attempts to solve a monster mystery at her school.” The success of the new Netflix series Wednesday” is undeniable. The main character of Wednesday Addams by Tim Burton is the biggest hit of the streaming platform and has become a true phenomenon on all social platforms. Wednesday is an American coming-of-age supernatural comedy horror television series based on the character Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family. Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, it stars Jenna Ortega as the title character, with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Gwendoline Christie, Riki Lindhome, Jamie McShane, Fred Armisen, and Christina Ricci appearing in supporting roles. Four of the eight episodes are directed by Tim Burton, who serves as executive producer. It revolves around the titular character, who attempts to solve a monster mystery at her school.

“Wednesday Addams is a girl who is obsessed with death. Wednesday does most of her experiments on her brother Pugsley Addams for” fun” or punishment. Wednesday has tried to kill Pugsley many times. She enjoys raising spiders and researching the Bermuda Triangle. She tends to startle people due to her gothic personality.”Wednesday Addams is a girl who is obsessed with death. Wednesday does most of her experiments on her brother Pugsley Addams for “fun” or punishment. Wednesday has tried to kill Pugsley many times. She enjoys raising spiders and researching the Bermuda Triangle. She tends to startle people due to her gothic personality.

https://youtu.be/Q73UhUTs6y0

According to Netflix, the new series had 341.2 million hours streamed after just seven days. With such a buzz, Wednesday Addams became a true icon for all gothic girls. The intention of Charles Addams at the end of the 30s was to create a living critic of American society at that time. Wednesday’s diabolic smarts make her a force to be reckoned with, and over the years, the fictional character has accumulated a cult following.

I’m not a freak — I’m a force of nature.”

Wednesday Addams – In the 2021 Addams Family Movie
Wednesday-Addams-character

Why is Wednesday Addams such an icon?

Generations of teenage girls could identify themselves with Wednesday Addams because she would dare to showcase her difference. And this is inspiring. She explains to adolescent girls worldwide that being free from historical standards is possible and that it is important to stay loyal to oneself. Wednesday Addams is a powerful character and becomes a true modern inspiration. She is torn between hating or loving her parents. She wants to free herself from everything and, simultaneously, not find herself alone—plenty of equally legitimate paradoxes for teenage girls worldwide. Wednesday, Addams becomes a true icon.

The gothic teenage girl is here to stay!

Photo: https://www.desertcart.in

“In 2022, we have seen the return of goth in fashion shows; from fashion weeks to fashion streets, gothic is now here to stay. All the fashion influencers are getting the gothic looks back to the tabloids. From the Kardashian sisters to Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa or even Rihanna, they all wear “black is the new black” outfits. “In 2022, we have seen the return of goth in fashion shows; from fashion weeks to fashion streets, gothic is now here to stay. All the fashion influencers are getting the gothic looks back to the tabloids. From the Kardashian sisters to Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa or even Rihanna, they all wear the “black is the new black” outfits.

Photo linking to Vogue.fr / Nino
Photo linking to Vogue.fr / Denise Truscello
Photo linking to Vogue.fr / Dimitrios Kambouris

The above picture shows Bella Hadid at the MET GALA event this year. While the central theme was “white tie”, that gothic black look was memorable. Some of you might say gothic never left the scene, and it has been a definite trend for the past years, but to be honest, it was left aside for a while. Since this year, we can see it coming back to mainstream culture. We left the “SM” dark side of gothic in the shadows, and we saw a more hot-glamour girlfriend experience arousing all the pages of magazines and social media. For a while, all things considered, “gothic” would be strange and unusual, but now it is not perceived anymore like that.

Probably the pandemic has stroke people with darker thoughts of death, mortality and illness. Nevertheless, these feelings are expressed in a much more aesthetic way than before. On Pinterest, searches like “Wednesday Addams goes to the office” or “Goth business casual” has become a trend. Well, Netflix and Tim Burton played a tremendous card by bringing back top of minds the little gothic princess. And according to all goth gods, it is here now to stay for good.

José Amorim
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