Giggs turns 40: Celebrating the life and career of one of the UK’s most successful rappers

Today, we celebrate the 40th birthday of one of the UK's most successful and influential rappers, Nathaniel Thompson, better known as Giggs/Hollowman. Born in Peckham, London, Giggs has been active in the music industry since the mid-2000s, when he released one of his most notable mixtapes, "Hollowman Meets Blade".

Giggs' debut studio album, "Walk in the Park", was released in 2008 and was met with critical acclaim. Since then, he has released several successful albums and mixtapes, including "Landlord" in 2016, which charted at no. 2 in the UK albums chart, the highest charting album of his career.

Although he has dabbled in grime, Giggs primarily makes road rap, and his music is often praised for its raw emotion and honesty which has earned him a loyal fanbase over the years. His most successful song is 2007's "Talkin' The Hardest", often referred to as the unofficial national anthem of the UK. 

Giggs' stage name is derived from his childhood nickname of Giggler, which is a testament to his fun-loving personality. Over the years, he has won several awards, including a MOBO and a BET award, which is a testament to his talent and hard work.

As Giggs turns 40 today, we celebrate his talent and his contributions to the music industry and the impact he has had on the UK scene. His unique sound and style have inspired many artists and young people such as myself, and his music continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Happy birthday, Giggs! Here's to many more years of success and great music.

Sustainability meets Sportswear: Ding Yun Zhang x adidas

Dingyun Zhang, the fashion designer known for his innovative and sustainable designs, recently took to Instagram to tease a collaboration with sportswear giant adidas. The designer, who previously worked with Ye at YEEZY and helped design the YEEZY 700 Wave Runner, posted an Instagram story featuring an adidas shoebox with his eponymous label's branding alongside the adidas trefoil logo.

The collaboration with adidas is not entirely unexpected, as both Dingyun Zhang and adidas have previously collaborated with Moncler Genius. The Moncler Genius collaborations have resulted in some of the most innovative and exciting fashion designs in recent years and the collaboration between Dingyun Zhang and adidas has the potential to do just the same.

Zhang is a graduate of Central Saint Martins, one of the best fashion universities in the world. He has been making waves in the fashion industry with sustainable and functional designs prioritising long-term comfort and functionality. His manifesto is "a theoretical bond of sustainable ideas about long-term comfort, materials, and functionality."

Fashionlover4, my favourite YouTuber, has an excellent video that explores Dingyun Zhang's approach to fashion design which you can find here.

As one of the biggest players in the sportswear industry, adidas has a long history of collaborating with designers to create cutting-edge designs that push the boundaries of fashion and function. The collaboration with Zhang has the potential to be something truly exciting, and fans of the designer are eagerly anticipating its release.

Dingyun Zhang's collaboration with Adidas is sure to be one of the most talked-about fashion collaborations of the year. With the designer's focus on sustainability and functionality and Adidas' reputation for pushing the boundaries of sportswear design, this collaboration is sure to result in some truly innovative and exciting products. I can't wait to see what Zhang and Adidas have in store for us!

5 Visionary Designers You Need to Know

 As someone interested in fashion, design, and art, it’s always exciting to come across new talents and inspiring individuals whose work stands out. In this post, I want to share with you my 5 current favourite designers, from interdisciplinary artists to patch makers to futuristic fashion designers.

Yaz Exall

Yaz Exall is an interdisciplinary artist based between East Sussex and London. She explores themes such as nature, life, death, and artificiality through her work in sculpture, fashion, and prosthetics. Yaz graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2022 and has worked with well-known artists such as FKA Twigs, Bjork, and even Craig Green. Her work is stocked at Fantastic Toiles @fantastictoiles, a space that houses some of the finest talents in the world spanning across various mediums. What I love about Yaz’s work is how she blends different mediums and disciplines to create thought-provoking and captivating pieces.

Bailey N/A

Bailey N/A is another artist whose work is stocked at Fantastic Toiles. Bailey is a sculptor and fashion designer whose work explores themes of family, queer identity, and more. Bailey grew up in Portsmouth and graduated from Chelsea College of Art. Their work is deeply personal, and I find myself relating to it in a way that is hard to put into words. Bailey lost contact with their family after prolonged abuse, and their work reflects the complex emotions that come with such experiences.

Patch Futures

Patch Futures, also known as Ellis, is a patch maker and designer from Brighton but based in Lewisham who is also stocked at Fantastic Toiles. Ellis graduated from Fine Art at Goldsmiths University and works in photography, music, fashion, and more. What drew me to Ellis’ work is how unique it is. He has a distinct style that sets him apart from other designers, and his work in music is also worth checking out. I especially enjoyed his Turning Silver album under the Sirius moniker with his partner artist and musician Katie Mess.

Adam Poulter

Adam Poulter is a designer who explores themes of family and technology. His graduate collection effortlessly explored and blended masculinity and sensuality. His designs have caught my attention for their seamless blend of contrasting themes and elements. I find myself drawn to his use of fabrics and colours that evoke a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.

Charlie Constantinou

Charlie Constantinou is a Cypriot designer whose work is inventive and subversive. He was a semi-finalist in this year’s LVMH prize, and his designs look like they're straight out of a sci-fi movie. His use of futuristic elements and bold textures make his work stand out from the crowd. What’s even more impressive is that Charlie is only 24 years old but he has already collaborated with brands such as 66 North, and I can’t wait to see what else he has in store.

These are my 5 current favourite designers whose work spans different mediums and themes. From Yaz’s interdisciplinary approach to Bailey’s deeply personal work to Elliot’s unique style to Adam’s exploration of contrasting themes, to Charlie’s futuristic designs, each of these designers brings something unique to the table. I look forward to seeing how their work evolves and grows as they do in the future.

Ahluwalia FW23

 Ahluwalia, the London-based label founded by Nigerian-Indian designer Priya Ahluwalia, has gained a reputation for blending cultural and social influences with contemporary design aesthetics. The brand, launched in 2018, is known for its bold prints, vibrant colours, and sportswear-inspired pieces. The recently unveiled Ahluwalia FW23 collection, entitled ‘Symphony’, marks a departure from the brand’s past sportswear leanings, instead embracing a more formal and sophisticated approach.

Drawing inspiration from the music she grew up listening to, including 1990s hip-hop, Bollywood soundtracks, and artists such as Sade, Fela Kuti, Luther Vandross, and Lauryn Hill, the Symphony collection is a celebration of cultural diversity and music. As a fellow Indian, I can personally connect with the collection, as many of the designs incorporate traditional Indian elements, such as the shapes of ancient Indian guitars and traditional bead embroidery techniques.

The collection’s use of colour and print is incredible, with rich tones and bold patterns dominating many of the pieces. The collection’s first venture into footwear is also worth noting, as Ahluwalia has created a range of formal footwear for everyone, from heels and boots to lace-ups and loafers.

Album covers are also a recurring theme in the Symphony collection, with designs that feature musical graphics worked into the garments themselves. This gives the collection an almost nostalgic feel as if it’s paying homage to a bygone era of music and culture. The use of music and album covers is particularly striking in the context of a fashion collection, as it shows how different forms of art can blend together to create something entirely new and exciting.

Overall, the Ahluwalia FW23 Symphony collection is a stunning celebration of cultural diversity, music, and fashion. The collection’s fusion of Indian, Nigerian and Western styles, along with its use of colour, print, and music, creates a truly unique and memorable aesthetic. As an Ahluwalia enthusiast, I can’t wait to see what they have in store for future collections.

Chet Lo FW23

Fashion prodigy Chet Lo has presented his second collection after graduating from Fashion East. The young designer has impressed me once again with his unique vision, this time exploring the world of textures and materials to create a collection that is raw and seductive.

This collection has a significant difference from his previous work as it relies heavily on textures and materials rather than bright colours. Chet Lo played with denim and leather, venturing away from the spiky knits he is known for, showcasing his versatility.

What caught my attention was the lack of colour in the collection, which is a significant departure from his previous work. The colour palette was inspired by Chet Lo's recent depression diagnosis. The designer himself has stated that the collection is a personal exploration of his emotions, and the lack of colour in his work reflects this.

The collection is a journey of exploration, which highlights the designer's growth and transformation. It shows that even in the darkest moments of one's life, one can find inspiration and creativity, especially in nature. The collection's pieces are thought-provoking and show a sense of maturity in the designer's work.

As a fan of Chet Lo, it was hard not to have favourites, and mine were looks 6, and 10: 

Chet Lo's FW2023 collection is a unique and captivating journey through depression. The lack of colour and the use of textures show the designer's growth and transformation, making it a collection that is both personal and thought-provoking. Chet Lo has a talent for making menswear that is almost seductive and shows skin without taking away from the subject's masculinity, similar to Kiko Kostadinov in a way. I am certainly excited to see where his journey takes him next.

Discover Ambush's Latest Fall/Winter Collection Inspired by Japanese Uniforms

In 2008, YOON and Verbal founded Ambush, and they quickly made a name for themselves with collaborations with popular brands like BAPE and Reebok. Over the years, they have expanded their offerings, and in 2015, they started making clothes.

Fast forward to 2023, Ambush is back with its Fall/Winter ready-to-wear collection. The brand's latest offering draws inspiration from Japanese uniforms, which is evident in the collection's heavy use of belts.

Another thing that stands out about the collection is the wide range of styles it offers. From tactical to formal, there is something for everyone. The collection features beanies, fur coats, blazers, and even dresses.

The use of New Rocks footwear adds an edgy touch to the collection. New Rocks is a British brand that has previously worked with brands like Balenciaga and Vetements. The footwear adds to the overall aesthetic of the collection and is a perfect addition to the clothing.

Ambush's latest collection is a must-see and certainly one of my favourites from LFW so far.

Simone Rocha FW23: Harvesting Creativity

I am excited to discuss the latest collection from Simone Rocha, which was showcased at London Fashion Week. Simone Rocha, the creative director, and founder of her namesake label is from Dublin but is based in East London. Her penchant for fashion dates back to her teenage years when she worked at her father's fashion studio. Rocha then went on to train at the National College of Art and Design and Central Saint Martins, which led to her establishing her brand.

The FW23 collection is the brand's second menswear collection, and it is nothing short of intricate and elegant. It evokes a sense of fantasy and magic, reminiscent of a novel such as Picnic at Hanging Rock. The brand has always been inclusive and gender-neutral, and this is even more evident with the inclusion of menswear in their latest collections.

This collection was inspired by Lughnasadh, an ancient Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season. The incorporation of this theme is a testament to Rocha's cultural heritage and serves as a nod to her roots.

As someone who has been a fan of Simone Rocha for some time now, I am delighted to see her continue to evolve. Dover Street Market, my favourite shop, was the first to stock her brand, and they continue to do so to this day.

This collection has left me in awe, and I am hoping to save up for one of her pieces soon. With intricate designs and a unique perspective, Simone Rocha has once again created a collection that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Overall, the FW23 collection is a work of art that showcases Rocha's talent and creativity, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next.