Victoria’s Secret’s Runway show came back after years. But beyond South Africa’s Candice Swanepoel and Tyla taking to the stage; the show left a lot to be desired:

New York, South Africa (17 October 2024) — Earlier this week, Victoria’s Secret made a ‘splashy’ return to the runway after several years away from its once iconic pink carpet.

Premised to be a new era for the brand that has had a massive influence on the relationship women across the world have with their bodies; hopes were high for the comeback show and all the freshness it might bring. But, VS is nothing if not a tease. And for many critics, if the show was supposed to be a tease for diversity, it unfortunately missed the mark.

As a woman and writer who has long been championing topics of inclusivity and empowerment, I have to admit that the 2024 reveal left much to be desired.

Many of the models were part of the same class who have long worked with VS (the Hadid sisters, Taylor Hill and, of course, the seasoned Angels like Behati Prinsloo and Adriana Lima).

There were new faces part of the show and iconic ones too (Cher, Kate Moss and Tyra Banks to name a few). And all of it was as glossy as it was when I watched it as a teen.

But in the spirit of inclusivity—which is where many suspected the show was heading—it felt a lot like waiting for the drop of a song that never comes. In fact, it was a lot like listening to an old song you haven’t heard for a while again, except with a few barely noticeable remixed notes.

While it’s damn-near impossible to represent every person of every body type, it also feels like tokenism to see only a handful of models who weren’t size 0 (many of whom did multiple walks). There could have been a spectrum of body-positive representation that gave us all a more organic idea of beauty across the board…but there wasn’t.

I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting. A little (a lot) more of a celebration of the idea that healthy bodies can and do look different? Female empowerment of some kind? Wings that actually attempted to uplift women? At the very least, they did break the ageism barrier the beauty industry is known for by featuring models who would’ve been considered well into retirement if this were the early 2000s.

Two moments made the show almost worth the watch, and they were purely because South African women took to the stage like powerhouses. Candice Swanepoel was as gorgeous as ever, while Tyla got to headline the event with the energy she’s won the world over with. I’ll also give a special shout-out to Cher’s performance because that legend is nearly 80 years old and still killing the game.

But beyond their time on stage, the show hardly brought anything new to the table. Perhaps that was exactly the point.

If anything, the show made me thankful that I’m older and wiser than I was when I first gazed up at the angels like superheroes and thought beauty needed to look that way. Thankful that in 2024, we can recognise it’s just a show and not what women need to look like to fit into the world.

And thankful that the younger generation of women do have access to more information on health and well-being to create informed perspectives on what was once deemed ‘the standard’ of beauty.

Sources: GTG

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In big world news, New Zealand has announced a ban on the use of ‘forever chemicals’ in cosmetic products; which will hopefully nudge other countries to do the same for a healthier planet and people:

New Zealand (08 February 2024)—Following increasing awareness around the effects of ‘forever chemicals’ globally, New Zealand has announced that it will be banning its use in cosmetics products by 2027.

This will make New Zealand one of the first countries to instate a ban like this, which will hopefully help make people and the planet healthier. Here’s what you need to know:

‘Forever chemicals’ are (as their name suggests) pretty stubborn, and pretty bad.

PFAS (per– and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), AKA ‘forever chemicals’ are committed. According to Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager, Dr Shaun Presow, they do not easily break down and can build up in our bodies. Some can also be toxic at high levels. It is believed that many of these chemicals take centuries to naturally break down, and some research suggests much longer.

The chemicals are linked to certain types of cancer, thyroid problems, organ damage and other effects. ‘Forever Chemicals’ also impact the environment (and have been found present in South African water and animals before).

They are not solely found in cosmetic products either and have been identified in mattresses, cellphones, paint and even food packaging.

Why does New Zealand’s ban matter?

Ideally, bans mean more scrutiny and bigger consequences. They can also help nudge other global authorities and countries to jump on the bandwagon. Or at the very least, put a matter on the public’s radar so that they can make informed decisions.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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In a big move for anti-ageist mindsets, the Miss Universe Pageant will be changing its age limitations for good!

Global (17 September 2023) — In a big announcement for pageantry inclusivity, the Miss Universe Organisation has announced that from 2024, there will no longer be an ‘age deadline’ for pageant participants.

From next year the pagent’s only age limitations will be that the youngest age a participant can be is 18. Previously, the age restrictions forbade participants older than 28 from entering.

As the biggest pageant (that we know of) in the universe, the jury has long been out on which rules and regulations should be revised for all reasons: socially conscious and inclusive.

The Miss Universe pageant has a big role in influencing how national pageants function (as evident in the changes made to marital status regulations and motherhood restrictions in the past) which in turn, sets mental trends for women across the world—like thinking that being older than 28 is less beautiful, which is 1. ludicrous and 2. restricting in more ways than pageantry dreams.

The announcement was made by the reigning Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel, a sustainable fashion designer and advocate based in the USA who is also the ‘oldest’ Miss Universe’ at 29.

The inclusive change was also a case of Gabriel sticking to her stance on anti-ageism during her 2023 campaign, where she had shared that if she could change the pageant, raising the age limit would be on her agenda, as age should be as simple as a number and not a restriction.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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A spa in Krugersdorp is giving spas around the world a run for their cucumber cuts thanks to big nominations at the World Luxury Spa Awards!

Krugersdorp, South Africa (17 August, 2023) — A Kurgersdorp Spa has scooped an impressive nomination in the international world of spas; another notch on South Africa’s global awards and nominations belt.

Vivari Hotel and Spa, situated near Featherbrooke Estate has been going for a lot less time than many of its nomination counterparts (with some celebrating century-long reigns), however the Krugersdorp hidden gem is a first for Africa for a unique reason: its medical tourism underpinning.

Medical tourism, likened to wellness and surgical procedures against the backdrop of a luxury stay, is a different element of the tourism industry that other countries like Dubai, Spain and Turkey have long integrated.

While beauty is entirely subjective and decisions to have any kind of procedures or treatments are completely personal, having the option to venture this avenue locally while attracting tourists to different parts of SA is positively impactful for many.

Launched by doctors Anushka Reddy and Mahesh Naid, Vivari has already scooped many awards including Best Spa in South Africa as part of the 2022 Luxe 100 Best Awards. 

This year, the spa is in the running to earn global glory thanks to its nomination for the Luxury Hotel Spa and Luxury Spa and Stay categories per the World Luxury Spa Awards.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Flower season across South Africa reminds us that spring is here to relieve us all of winter’s hibernation, and wildflowers have already blanketed parts of South Africa with blooms!

South Africa (15 August, 2023) — After a winter of hibernation for many South Africans who don’t live in KwaZulu-Natal, the recent wildflowers in bloom are here to remind us that spring is hot on our heels and it’s time to get out embrace the flora again.

‘Flower Season’ or ‘Super Bloom Season’ is one of the most colourful highlights on many a South African calendar, where blooms take centre stage, usually from mid to late August until September’s end.

Getting a head start on the season, Namaqua National Park’s flowers are already ready to dazzle with the West Coast National Park following suit.

The wildflowers are the perfect excuse to take a road trip, travel out of our usual routes and explore nature’s finest on home soil. In Parks like the West Coast National Park, you’ll also spot wildlife roaming amid the blooms, while the wildflowers you’ll encounter range from canolas to daisies and bloedbloms.

A few places to see the blooms as spring unfolds:

• West Coast Nature Reserve
• Namaqua National Park and Coastal Route
• Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
• Darling Wild Flower Route
• Paternoster
• Porterville
• Nieuwoudtville

Sources: West Coast National Park; GTG 

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A gorgeous fundraising event for Miss Deaf SA saw a few ladies take to the stage while fashion, beauty and awareness united guests.

Pretoria, South Africa (28 July, 2023) — While the competition is still fierce for the Miss South Africa pageant most already know, another Miss South Africa race to the crown is running parallel — Miss Deaf SA (MDSA).

Miss Deaf South Africa is a take on pageantry that not only breaks glass ceilings for communities that often don’t have their moment in the spotlight in the glossy sense (at least not by mainstream standards) but also encourages the idea that pageants do not need to be synonymous with conventional ableness.

For Miss Deaf SA, a beautiful heart is universally understood. And what is more beautiful than inclusivity?

Recently, Miss Deaf SA hosted a gorgeous fundraising event where fashion, beauty and awareness all joined forces to make it a success.

One of the night’s highlights saw Barbie take centre stage thanks to a themed runway show inspired by the doll that’s quite literally taken over the world in recent times.

Behind the scenes, sponsors like Thisability, Deafinitely and powerhouses in the beauty community helped the magic come to life. However, the real magicians are Jancie Jonker and her management team.

Jonker, who is also deaf, has a mission to “stage a production of the highest calibre, featuring deaf people who are adaptable, flexible and true heroes.”

“We would like the Pageant to become a vehicle which drives awareness and understanding of the Deaf community,” shares Jonker.

The evening’s tally saw R25 000 raised for the event which will help bring the competition’s final gala to life. This finale will be hosted in Cape Town on 9 September 2023, aptly as September is also the National  Month of Deaf People and Deaf Awareness Month.

Sources: Supplied; Janice Jonker 

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The post These Ladies Did Some Good! Miss Deaf SA Sparkles with Support appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A global flower showcase saw a South African Zulu Queen steal the show as the muse of the moment.

Vancouver, Canada (13 June, 2023) — After a South African botanist and horticulturalist duo stole the show at a Chelsea Flower Show in London, South Africa made its mark in the flora world once again—this time for a petal of our culture. At another recent global flower show in Canada, a South African Zulu Queen was the muse of the moment.

With Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden as her court, the breathtaking Zulu Queen floral sculpture stood tall amid other floral queens from around the world. Here, global destinations were honoured through cultural nods, featured as part of the Fleurs de Villes’ world-renowned showcase.

Dressed in South African flora, pin-cushion proteas merged with soft-brushed Mexican wild grass and bright red anthuriums, the Zulu Queen’s dress paid homage to the vibrant colours and patterns synonymous with Zulu dress, even wearing bead-like flora as jewellery.

The Zulu Queen was created by Vancouver’s Folk and Faerie, who chose to represent South Africa for their display.

“She embodies the essence of her nation, intricately captured in the delicate strokes of a floral medium. Like the vibrant sunrise, she exudes a commanding presence that marks the beginning of a new era. Her regalia, adorned with intricate floral patterns, reflects the rich diversity of her land and the traditions passed down through generations.”—Fleurs de Villes.

Other displays honour Santorini, Spain, Hawaii and Egypt, amongst others. Although all the mannequins brought the global garden to bloom, we know who the queen of our hearts is.

Sources: Fleurs de Villes

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A 106-year-old tattoo artist recently rocked magazine stands as Vogue’s oldest cover star, and it’s ignited an important conversation about how ageing should be celebrated instead of hidden.

Global (3 April, 2023) — Move over twenty-somethings, there’s a new Vogue cover star on everyone’s radars. At 106-years old, Apo Whang-Od (also known as Maria Oggay) is the oldest (and potentially coolest) cover star the magazine has ever had.

THE WOMAN. THE MYTH. THE LEGEND https://t.co/RWIhH8Ff1l

— SomeCornPotatoThing (@karenacobs) March 30, 2023

Whang-Od graced Vogue Phillippine’s recent issue in what many are calling a ‘barrier breaking’ showcase.

Beyond her rich age (put in perspective, Whang-Od was born before sliced bread existed), her story is captivating. She’s easily one of the oldest tattoo artists alive, as the last mambatok member of a tribe in the remote Buscalan village, inaccessible for most throughout history. She was the first female mambatok of her time, and the only one at that.

According to Vogue, Buscalan is ‘behind’ in some ways and freeing in others, void of signal and wide-spread WiFi. Here, tattoos are a sacred statement of skin. A place where—years prior— not having tattoos was seen as something incomplete.

“Why not keep tattooing while I can see?… I’ll only stop when I can no longer see, so I can continue to give people the mark of Buscalan, the mark of Kalinga.” — Apo Whang-Od.

Beyond the incredible culture behind her career spanning lifetimes, her place on the cover has ignited important conversations. Some were about the true appreciation of legends from different cultures that aren’t gimmicky or appropriation-based. Others were more universal, touching on ageing as a privilege and celebration.

In a world where women have long had to hide any evidence of ageing and ‘attempt to stop it’ in its tracks, representation like this is a beautiful reminder. Moving past Westernised standards of beauty? We’re here for it!

Here’s What People Shared:

The most beautiful cover of all.

This is the most beautiful cover I have seen. Whang Od is 106 years old and a tattoo artist. The sheer spirit and beauty .
I wish I could sit at her feet and talk with her about Life. @vogueph https://t.co/57AbtlJtWN pic.twitter.com/Txr00iu8SB

— Sarah Thontwa (@sthontwa) April 3, 2023

*THE centenarian

A centenarian featured on the cover of a beauty issue is so refreshing. https://t.co/Lx3XG0hxZf

— Lex (@plannertarian) April 3, 2023

‘You Won’t Look Good With Tattoos When You’re Older’

Apo Whang-Od:

to all those who say they never seen al old person with tattoos here your chance https://t.co/gMrOa5jQh4

— ♤k (@Nedz___) April 3, 2023

Louder for the people in the back!

I’ve never followed the absolutism of youth solely equating to beauty.

— Kirsty Mackenzie (@kirsty_iso) April 3, 2023

“Embrace it.”

What a beauty! Every beautiful line in our faces represents the ups and downs, wisdom, and the lessons we learned along the way. Embrace it.
“Vogue Philippines has revealed 106-year-old tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od as the cover star of its April issue.”https://t.co/QO2284T7Eo pic.twitter.com/kDZEafgwO8

— Razan Ibraheem (رزان) (@RazanIRL) April 1, 2023

Don’t we all?

no cause I wanna know her skincare routine

— (@_badbishdeukiii) April 3, 2023

Of the decision to put Whang-Od on the cover, Vogue Philippines editor-in-chief said (per CNN):

“We believe that the concept of beauty needs to evolve, and include diverse and inclusive faces and forms. What we hope to speak about is the beauty of humanity,” — Bea Valdes. 

More of this!

Source: Vogue Philippines 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post 106 Years Old and a Vogue Cover Star: Ageing is a Privilege  appeared first on Good Things Guy.