• All images courtesy of HUGO

    HUGO Introduces HUGO BLUE

    Written by Fashion Tales

    For Summer 2024, HUGO is excited to launch the global campaign for its two brand lines, the HUGO main line and new arrival HUGO BLUE. As announced in May 2023, HUGO BLUE will make its debut this season with a relaxed offering – with denim at the core, along with streetwear and a variety of genderneutral styles – while the main line will continue to focus on elevated casual wear and contemporary tailoring. The HUGO brand and its #HUGOYourWay campaign platform offer more room to experiment, with the ambition to be the premium brand of choice for the social generation of changemakers who consider creative ways of dressing as expressions of their individuality.

    Talents from across the creative industries – Reezy, Jasmine Jobson, Teezo Touchdown, Rikimaru, Cara Taylor, and Vinnie Hacker – make up the cast of the new campaign, bringing together the two brand lines’ stories while also representing HUGO’s position as a growing global force in fashion and culture.
    In the campaign content, shot by Stuart Winecoff, the brand’s color codes – iconic red and the new blue – visually embody the two sides of HUGO. In a world of red, a door opens to reveal a world of blue, putting forward a new perspective and a fresh space to explore.

    The new HUGO universe delivers more fashion, more attitude – and, with the arrival of HUGO BLUE, more denim. The Summer 2024 collections showcase the depth of the brand’s offering, from tailoring and streetwear with the HUGO main line, to denim and casual wear with HUGO BLUE.

    The HUGO main-line collection is defined by modern takes on suiting, delivered in soft pastel hues and a mix of sharply tailored and more fluid, oversized silhouettes. Metallic pieces, logo-print separates, cropped tops and statement accessories round off the selection in typically trailblazing style. Over at HUGO BLUE, denim is at the heart of the offering, showcased in different ways – in the form of jeans, skirts, jackets, trench coats, shirts, shorts, and more. Slouchy, printed jersey staples and bold logo details amplify the effortless vibe of the new brand line. Its color palette is fittingly themed in various shades of blue, along with black and white.

    The Summer 2024 collections from the HUGO main line and HUGO BLUE will be available to shop in-store and online at hugo.com today.

  • Jaz Karis on her musical journey

    Written by Alicia Hurst by Emelie Bodén

    Jaz Karis is a British singer-songwriter known for her soulful vocals and introspective lyrics. She developed a love for music from a young age, initially through dance before transitioning to singing. Influenced by a diverse range of artists Karis has cultivated a unique blend of R&B, soul, and jazz in her music.
    She gained attention with her debut EP, “Into the Wilderness,” released in 2019, which showcased her emotive storytelling and rich vocal delivery. Since then, she has continued to release music independently, garnering praise for her authenticity and artistry.
    With a growing fanbase and critical acclaim, Jaz Karis remains a rising star in the music industry, admired for her captivating performances and genuine approach to her craft. In this interview we dug into Jaz Karis path to becoming a musician, what inspires her and what we can expect about her new single “MET YOU AT A BAR”.

    Can you share how you got into music? From church choirs to sold-out shows, was there a moment that shaped your approach to music?
    I’ve always loved music since I was little & at first it was actually dance that I think sparked my love for it. I studied tap, ballet and street dance before I developed my love for singing. I do think however the most defining moment for me was when I left Brit, I knew I had to start really approaching music more like a career than something I just loved to do.

    Who are your musical influences? Your parents played different genres at home. How do these influences come together when you create songs, like your new single “MET YOU AT A BAR”?
    Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, Destiny’s Child, SWV, Chris Brown, D’angelo, Frank Ocean…the list goes on! From the music to the melodies and stacked harmonies, I think what I loved most with music was the storytelling and how these artists in particular approached saying certain things differently.

    How did you create your new single “MET YOU AT A BAR”? What inspired the collaboration with Tone Stith and the song's creation process?
    Like always I tend to draw a little inspiration from real life experiences & I did in fact meet a guy in a bar that matches the description in the song(minus the girl)lol. I think then just jamming with Prodigal sons(producers) brought out all the other elements and inspired me to go down a different route with the storytelling. Also, I realised once I hit the chorus that I would love a male P.O.V when you’re out and meet someone & I immediately heard Tone on the song. I played it to him in New York and he loved it - I was so happy when I got his verse the next week!

    Any dream artists you'd like to work with? You've collaborated with various artists; if you could choose anyone, living or deceased, who would it be and why?*
    Oooo such a tough question but I do think my dream collaboration has always been Frank Ocean or Chris Brown. I was a die hard Chris Brown fan when I was younger, he was my first concert and I still love his music to this day. And then Frank Ocean to me is one of the best songwriters we’ve ever had, I love his approach to music.

    What's your favourite song you've written? Is there a track that means a lot to you, and what's the story behind it?
    ‌Another tough one, but I think it’s a toss up between ‘Come outside’ and ‘Side of you’. ‘Come outside’ is really my heart on my sleeve, vulnerable apology and just asking to be seen as what we are - imperfect humans. So that song really has a soft spot with me. And then on the contrary, ‘Side of you’ I really think I was in my bag haha! I was really angry writing that song and I think from the first line I was talking some real stuff. I love how direct it is and actually have practised being that real in my everyday life since.

    Growing up with Gospel, Soca, and Soul playing at home, how do these genres influence your unique blend of R&B, Soul, Amapiano, and Afropop in your music today?
    I think the music I grew up on just developed my love for soul. I think anything with feeling & chords/melodies/words that moved me were installed in me from a young age because of this.

    From primary school talent shows to your sold-out headline show at Lafayette, can you share a memorable moment or performance that stands out as a defining experience in your musical journey?
    I am so blessed and grateful to already have so many moments to choose from but I will say that I left my last headline show feeling so elated. To hear the biggest room, full of people yet, singing back my songs word for word was a high I will always be chasing again and again.

    Your love for nostalgia and fiction, citing influences from D'Angelo to Enid Blyton, adds a unique touch to your perspective. How does this influence translate into your songwriting and the stories you want to tell through your music?
    I like to think I have a ‘Disneyesque’ outlook on a lot of things. This definitely helps me to romanticize storytelling through music and words but also can get me into trouble sometimes in the real world lol. But hey who wants to live in the real world all the time?

    As a fiercely independent artist, how do you navigate the evolving music scene, and what advice do you have for aspiring musicians looking to maintain authenticity in their craft?
    I think one thing that I have learnt on my journey so far is to remain consistent & develop deeper into your sound. It’s all good and well trying out new things that you love but I would say to always stay focused on what works for you and not to jump on the latest sound or trend. I would look at staying true to yourself & staying independent as taking the stairs instead of the lift/elevator. It’s a longer way up but can pay off better for you in the long run. And finally, everyone’s journey is different so don’t compare yours to another’s.

    With your fourth EP, 'Dear Jaz,' released in November 2022, can you shed light on the themes and inspirations behind the tracks? Is there a specific song that holds a special place for you, and what's the story behind it?
    ‌‘Dear Jaz’ was almost like a letter to myself. From the opening track to the end, I feel like I travel through a turbulent time of growth & not knowing what is to come but trusting myself that I’ve done the work to overcome the obstacles I’m faced with. I think ‘Home’ is a nice place to end for me as it re affirms the whole message behind the project which is to give yourself grace & always remember to create home within yourself instead of attaching it to someone else.

  • Creative Headz launches its own product range

    Written by Fashion Tales

    Pump up the volume! Creative Headz salon chain is launching a product line for both men and women, developed by expert hairdressers. The initial release includes essentials like texture spray and dry shampoo, with more to come soon!

    Everyone wants to be their best self, their most stylish ever! With nearly 20 years in the industry, Creative Headz is cranking up the volume, refreshing tired hairstyles and keeping them in place! Their unisex products are meticulously crafted by experienced hairdressers who live and breathe hair. The aim is to give customers the right conditions to succeed with salon-worthy styling - at home.

    Based in Stockholm, Creative Headz is one of Sweden's largest salon chains and the only one owned and operated by women. Behind the ten salons are sisters Nathalie Akgün, founder and creative director, and Joceline Akgün, CEO. The dream of their own product line has long been in the works, but gained traction when the hairdressing industry was hit hard by the pandemic. From the outset, it has been important for the sisters to create a creative environment where everyone feels welcome and comfortable. That spirit also permeates the products, which are high quality, easy to use, made in Sweden, and priced affordably at £22 each.

    “We want more people to afford really good hair products. In a few years, we hope that hair styling will have the same status as skincare,” says Joceline Akgün.

    The first product release is available at Creative Headz salons now, and soon will be in the company's new online store. More future styling favorites will be launched in 2024. The new webshop will be available from the beginning of march

    Image courtesy of Carl Thorborg and Creative Headz

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