KatsEye Gap Better In Denim Campaign

Move over BTS – all-girl Korean band KATSEYE have taken over the planet.

Each of the six KATSEYE members come from different countries and ethnic backgrounds, with dance and singing experience. They came together as a part of K-pop HYBE’s competition show Dream Academy, where international contestants train in dance and vocals to earn one of six spots in the final group. They have had a string of massive hits, and ask any millennial or Gen Z who they are and guaranteed, you’ll get an essay in return.

Now Gap has jumped on the bandwagon, entering its EYEKONS era. This week, the brand unveiled its fall 2025 campaign, “Better in Denim,” starring KATSEYE’s Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae. It features the stars wearing Gap denim that speaks to their personal styles, with dance choreographed by Robbie Blue and photos shot by Bjorn Iooss.

The campaign uses Y2K nostalgia, specifically Kelis’s song “Milkshake,” to promote Gap’s denim, and is praised for its authenticity, cultural relevance, and celebration of individuality, especially with Gen Z audiences. Kellis has re-recorded the song for legal reasons.

Key Aspects of the Campaign

  • Target Audience:

The campaign directly targets Gen Z, connecting with their music-driven style and desire for self-expression.

  • Music and Nostalgia:

The use of the 2003 hit “Milkshake” by Kelis creates a Y2K aesthetic, tapping into a popular cultural trend.

  • Authenticity & Individuality:

The campaign features each Katseye member’s distinct personality and style within the denim line, emphasizing self-expression and diversity.

  • Viral Success:

The ad went viral across social media platforms, garnering positive reception from consumers and establishing a new standard for PR strategy, particularly after other campaigns faced backlash.

  • Brand Alignment:

The collaboration is considered a natural fit for Gap, a brand with a history of music-focused campaigns, allowing them to stay current while honouring their core identity.

  • Product Focus:

The campaign highlights Gap’s low-rise denim, a signature style from the early 2000s, bringing it back into fashion.

The campaign successfully combines music, dance, and fashion with a formula Gap knows works, adding modern celebrity and a contemporary twist.

The NTAs 2025 Best Dressed

Love it or loathe it, the National Television Awards happened at the O2 this week and all your fave TV stars were trying to outdo each other on the red carpet. Here’s a little round-up of my favourite frocks – even if they’re not my favourite people.

OLIVIA Attwood was a showstopper on the NTAs red carpet this week, turning heads in a stunning white gown.

The This Morning and Loose Women star dressed to impress having recovered from her wild trip to Ibiza.

Maura Higgins showcased her toned figure in a daring burgundy dress

Maura Higgins showcased her toned frame in a daring halter-neck burgundy dress.

She accessorised her stunning look with Bohomoon’s Ellie Ear Cuff and Chunky Hoop Earrings.

Vogue Williams stunned in a plunging black dress

Vogue Williams cut a classy figure in a plunging black dress at a rain-soaked O2 Arena in London.

The Irish beauty was first out on the red carpet, wearing her hair tied back and chunk jewellery on her arms.

Maya Jama looked elegant in a feathered number

Tasha Ghouri opted for a racy corseted number

Davina McCall wowed in a couture mini dress

Molly Smith showed off her engagement ring

The blog returns next Weds 17th September and on Mi-Soul Radio LIVE from 5pm.

Amanda Zips It Up & The Worst VMA ’25 Red Carpet Outfits

Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up

Hello everyone. It’s the 10th of September and London is currently crippled by a tube strike, meaning I’m unable to get into the Mi-Soul Radio studios to present my mi-week fashion fix with Ronnie Herel.

So I shall be carrying over the normal blog to next week.

In the meantime, I thought I’d post a few shocks and horrors seen on this years’ MTV VMA red carpet across the pond.

Ariana Grande

Everyone adores her, but after a break from the MTV VMAs, Ariana Grande made her grand return with four different looks throughout the night.

This look is so basic.

Perhaps one of her most disappointing look of the night was this black custom Fendi dress, with white polka dots.

Some people commented online: “I’ve seen halloween costumes with more effort than this fit,”.

“Take a look closely, there’s nothing special here,” another said. It’s a shame because she’s a beautiful girl. This look is totally Joan Collins’ Dynasty era and not to be seen in 2025.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga didn’t show up on the red carpet, but she quietly made it into the show and reportedly sat next to Ariana Grande.

The 39-year-old singer received the coveted Artist of the Year Award before heading to Madison Square Garden for her Mayhem Ball concert.

She was dressed in a voluminous black gown by Marc Jacobs from the designer’s fall 2025 collection, featuring big sleeves and floral lace embroidery. The look was topped off with a red floral headpiece and dramatic makeup.

I love GaGa but this is simply too Halloween… and it’s only September.

Doja Cat

Doja Cat’s red carpet moment went from daring to bizarre when she pulled out ‘something’ from her clutch and proceeded to chomp it down like a Mars Bar. Maybe she was hungry?

The 29-year-old rapper wore a pastel minidress by Balmain and had her voluminous blonde curls cascading down.

Still hungry I’m guessing, she was seen putting some red lipstick on.

She then bit straight into the lipstick and said “It was delicious.”

“I saw @DojaCat eating lipstick, so now I’m going to start eating lipstick,” MTV later wrote on X.

One fan on X called her “gorgeous like an 80s Barbie doll,” while another asked, “Red carpet or strip Club?”

Another commented, “Cute but kinda boring.”

“Dolly Parton called. She wants her wardrobe back,” another person wrote on X.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin showed off his tattoo while wearing a silky, light blue shirt and black pants. While he did look dazzling, his outfit may have been too plain for the red carpet.

The Livin’ La Vida Loca singer made history by being winning the first Latin Singer award at the MTV VMAs.

I don’t have a problem with the shirt… but it’s a wrap and it’s too low. Just the pecs is all we need to see.

Paris Hilton

What is this?

Paris Hilton posed for the cameras in a fiery-shaped minidress, accessorized with a leather choker and gloves. She had her beach-blonde ponytail falling all the way to her waist.

Please get a new hairstyle Paris. Again, she’s a beautiful girl, I’d like to see her looking more natural.

But again, this is too Halloween. Perhaps that was the theme on the memo?

Not her best moment.

Later, we’ll check out all the outfits to come out of London’s O2. It’s The National Television Awards (NTAs) and we’ll discuss which soap star rocked or not.

A xx

Welcome To September and Amanda Zips It Up

It’s your Mi-Week Fashion Fix with Ronnie & Amanda on Mi-Soul Radio

Welcome to September and the (kind of) start to Autumn. In this issue we’ll touch on a bit of Men’s autumnal fashion, as it’s feeling nippier in the UK right now, plus M&S is nailing it yet again with another great collaboration, this time with eBay’s pre-loved re-sale team, and we’ll also explore the new ‘tacky’ ways couples are claiming back their wedding funds.

But starting with a big rumour, leaked this week.

Pamela Anderson, who started the makeup-free movement, looks like being the face of MAC’s invisible line ‘Barely There’ – already selling out worldwide.

She has been explaining what make-up free means to her, saying “The world has been trying to see me without makeup for decades, now they can – thanks to BARELY THERE”.

While Pammy has embraced a more natural, makeup-free look recently, this has previously been presented as a personal choice rather than being connected to a marketing campaign. Not anymore it seems – but why not make something out it? I would.

Pammy has gained attention for her embrace of a more natural, makeup-free look since 2023, which she has described as liberating – and a way to show her freckles. Her decision to appear without makeup at events such as the 2025 Met Gala has been interpreted as a positive challenge to traditional beauty norms.

Although I haven’t seen the range as yet, it’s rumoured to include products to accentuate your natural features, like light foundations, nude lip glosses and lip pencil shades.

I’m waiting for a formal announcement from MAC Cosmetics for definitive information about the partnership with Pamela Anderson. When it happens, I’ll be all over it, because I’m loving the natural look.

Men’s Autumn Fashion

1. Trousers with a literal twist

What could possibly be in store in the big pants agenda in 2025? Instead of worrying about fit, you should think about construction. And if there’s one thing to keep a close eye on, it’s trousers with twisted seams. Weird seams – whether curling around the front or back of the leg – have all the makings of enjoying a breakout year: they’re an approachable touch of roughed-up freak with a healthy dose of Y2K nostalgia. 

2. Clasps on fire

I’m seeing classic styles – peacoats, truckers, waxed jackets – get updated with clasps reminiscent of vintage fireman jackets. The simple change gives a workwear edge to more formal pieces, meaning you can still enjoy the classic style’s functionality, but without the associations that come with a big Barbour zip, or some giant rounded peacoat buttons. 

3. Bulked-up boat shoes

Boat shoes are hideous but have come back in the past couple of years. But within this time, they’re bulkier, more sturdy, more structural ones are infinitely more interesting — and more utilitarian. I’m seeing them everywhere, worn with everything, in every context. Maybe this one is less of a trend and more of a mainstreaming, but either way it’s happening. 

4. Plucky pinstripes

You don’t have to be an accountant or Lawyer to pull off this cold-weather pattern today. I love chilled-out suit  but the most righteous way to flex your suit this year is a little more severe: brash lapels, strong shoulders, nipped waist, and a healthy dose of swaggering PINSTRIPES. Navy & white is the way to go.

5. Rough rings

Shiny silver has been getting more and more scuffed up. I don’t see the trend stopping. So the rougher, the better, basically.

6. Crewneck cardis

There’s plenty of knitwear moves you can make right now but the best one this season is the most simple. The rise of the crewneck cardigan is here, and like the demure assurance of a grandmother, it can support your fits like no other sweater can. The simple tweak of the neckline gives you more occasions to wear them than your standard cardi.

7. Tiny Watches

I’m not feeling this one as I like a big watch on a man, but apparently it’s all about the women’s watcj model (even though I wear a men’s size). I have dainty wrists – and most men don’t, but a classic 70s teeny women’s watch seems to be a big trend for men this Autumn 2025.

M&S & ebay Pre-Loved Re-Sale

M&S have nailed yet another awesome (and very “now”) collaboration, this time with a dedicated resale partnership with eBay, creating an official M&S x eBay store to sell pre-loved clothing and accessories. 

Powered by Reskinned, the initiative allows customers to return unwanted M&S items.

How the partnership works:

  • Trading in clothes: Customers can return their used M&S clothes and accessories to M&S.
  • Vouchers for returns: In exchange for their returned items, customers receive M&S vouchers.
  • Resale on eBay: The returned clothing is then resold through the dedicated M&S x eBay store.
  • Support for Oxfam: 15% of the profits from the eBay sales are donated to M&S’s charity partner, Oxfam.
  • Sustainability: The partnership helps to reduce fashion waste and supports M&S’s sustainability goals by giving clothes “Another Life” and promoting a circular economy.

Resale is a growing market. In recent years, I‘ve seen a number of brands dabbling in the resale space, from Gucci to Lululemon. 

Customers will be able to send in their pre-loved items via a free local courier service. For every return that includes an M&S-labelled item, shoppers will receive £5 off a £35 spend for fashion, home and beauty products online at the high street retailer, in a bid to incentivise people to trade in the pieces they no longer wear. 

The Tacky Way To Refund Your Wedding Funds

The ‘tacky’ way brides and grooms are trying to earn their wedding fund back

We talk a lot about ‘tacky’ wedding guest etiquette. Like wearing a white dress (of course, you shouldn’t outshine the bride), not RSVPing on time, or using your phone during the ceremony.

But it seems as if the (wedding) tables have turned. It’s now the newlyweds themselves who have been called out instead for ‘tacky’ and cavalier behaviour.

On X, people have shared how newly wedded friends held a ‘plate auction’ at their reception to raise cash for their honeymoon, with the winning guest donating £1,113 for the privilege of being served the wedding reception meal before anyone else.

Although there were some who saw the funny side, the backlash was intense, with some writing: ‘Sucks that weddings are just a money grab. Selling a plate of banquet food, that has already been paid for, at your wedding to your close friends and family, is shameful behaviour.’

It’s not the only way brides and grooms are trying to recoup costs. Some couples are asking attendees for donations for tracks being played at the reception, at between £19 to £75 per song request. 

Another ‘ploy’ is sending out ‘You Were Missed’ cards to those who couldn’t attend the wedding, with a note at the end directing them towards the gift registry.

In the US – a new sideline is to ‘sell tickets to strangers’ for up to £150. Truly appalling. The film ‘Wedding Crashers’ comes to mind.

To be fair, weddings put everyone out of pocket. Given the average wedding now comes in at £23,250, it’s (somewhat) understandable that couples are looking for creative ways to manage their budgets, but surely striking the right balance between making the day unique and ensuring guests feel welcome and valued is paramount.

While some guests might find these approaches fun and light-hearted, others could feel uncomfortable about being asked to pay to participate in the celebration – especially when they have probably already laid out quite a bit to be able to attend  itself. Think hotels, transportation and the the wedding outfit… etc.

I’d suggest that the most delicate and elegant way to have guests contribute to wedding costs, is requesting honeymoon funds instead of gifts, a request that is becoming increasingly popular.

Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up and 2 New Gen Z Trends

Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up and your mid-week fashion fix, as featured on Mi-Soul Radio with Ronnie Herel LIVE at 5pm every Wednesday

Here we are – mid-August already… and tomorrow I’m off on my summer holidays for a couple of weeks, so this is the last instalment of Zips It Upuntil September.

We all know that a good holiday works wonders for your mental health, sometimes making you look and feel 10 years younger, but here’s a guy who has an alternative method to achieving the same goals – without the holiday. Someone who drinks his own urine every day, claiming it has ‘cured’ his depression and saying it makes him look 10 years younger. Meet Harry Matadeen, from Hampshire.

The 34-year-old first started drinking his own pee in 2016. He noted in an online interview: ‘It was beyond my wildest imaginations how powerful it was when I drank it.

“From the moment I drank the urine, it woke up my brain and removed my depression. I felt a new sense of peace, calm and determination. I thought – wow I can produce it for free and always keep myself in this happy state”. He drinks a 200ml cup of pee each day, some of it nearly a month old.

Harry described the fluid as an ‘acquired taste’ and added that his more-aged urine tends to have a more ‘refined’ taste.

He added: ‘Fresh urine is never as bad as you imagine – it is neutral smelling and not a bad taste unless you are really toxic. But the aged urine is always smelly and the taste is a refined and acquired one.’

A doctor explains that urine is made up of water, ammonia and salts, bacteria and other waste products.

He says  “Urine is a waste product that contains about 90% water. There are no known reported health benefits from either drinking or rubbing your own urine onto your body (or anyone else’s urine for that matter). Orally, it is much worse though – it can actually speed up the dehydration process and potentially introduce bacteria. Waste products are waste for a reason.”

When he’s not drinking his own pee, Harry can also be found rubbing it on his face. He says it leaves his skin “young, soft and glowing”. He added: “Aged urine is the best food for the skin that I have found to date. When you rub it on, it softens the skin and keeps it youthful and elastic.”

If you think that’s nuts, here’s the latest Gen Z craze trending on Tik Tok. Something with the potential to cause lifelong harm. Youngsters are risking permanent disability  by dropping miscellaneous items onto their feet.

It is as absurd as it sounds, Gen Z’ers wince online as they drop everything from computer chairs to air fryers onto their toes. They then rate the pain felt on a scale of 1 to 10 in the hope that their videos garner millions of views – despite the risks.

19-year-old Nathan Bolingbroke has 19,000 followers on TikTok, and when he recently got involved in the trend, he generated 3.8 million views and 350,000 likes. He described the experience:

“Part one started with me dropping a teddy bear onto my foot, which scored zero on the pain scale. Then I dropped a hardback book and rated it 3/10. Next was a laptop, which scored a six, and finally, a toaster, both of which were old and lying around the house. The toaster scored an eight and was much closer to the unimaginable pain level.”

Nathan, who lives in Brighton, says it remains his most-viewed video, with over 11,000 people commenting. “I’d estimate 75% found it hilarious, 20% were concerned and calling me stupid, and 5% were just the usual bots you get under every post”, he recalls.

“In hindsight, it seems quite bad, but with the attention and views the trend was gaining, it seemed like a no-brainer in helping to grow my account, which was my ultimate goal.”

And on that weird thought, I’ll leave you to ponder on that and go and catch my plane OUTTA HERE!

In this week’s instalment we look at Mia Regan (Romeo Beckham’s It Girl-Friend) for H&M, Rave Fans and how to style them, plus Boxing Fashion for men.

Happy summer holidays everyone, see you on the other side.

Boxing Fashion For Men

FROM THE RING TO THE RUNWAY

From underground gyms to luxury looks, boxing isn’t just a sport, it transcends the genre as a cultural force, and fashion is stepping into the ring like never before.

Chito Vera walks the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week

BOXING is influencing some of the most happening luxury and ‘street’ menswear that’s out there. Think tough silhouettes, utilitarian layering, and the kind of swagger you only get from stepping into the ring.

Boxing and fashion have long shared a visual language — from Jack Johnsons Cut Down Boots in the early 1900’s to Muhammad Ali’s iconic style in the ‘70s and even Mike Tyson’s street-luxury crossover in the ’90s. But today’s connection runs deeper.

It’s not just about athletes as fashion icons — it’s about how fashion is absorbing boxing’s spirit, using its symbols and stories to shape a more intense, grounded aesthetic.

STONE ISLAND X OLEKSANDR USYK

When Oleksandr Usyk, one of boxing’s most cerebral and composed champions, steps out in Stone Island, it’s a natural fit. The collections blend of technical innovation and militant cool mirrors Usyk’s calculated style inside the ring. Stone Island doesn’t chase trends — it builds uniformity, purpose, and quiet dominance. Usyk wears it like armour.

AMIRI X CANELO ÁLVAREZ

Then there’s Canelo, the pound-for-pound fashion killer. His link-up with Amiri channels the crossover energy between LA streetwear and luxury edge. Amiri’s elevated denim, leather bombers, and crystal-studded takes on athletic wear feel tailor-made for Canelo’s bold, star-power persona. He’s as comfortable front row at Paris Fashion Week as he is ringside — and so is Amiri.

ADIDAS X WILLY CHAVARRIA

No brand is using boxing imagery more effectively right now than Adidas x Willy Chavarria. Their campaigns feature gritty gym backdrops, wrapped fists, and sweat-slicked bodies — raw, emotional, and real. Chavarria’s vision reclaims boxing’s symbolism, infusing it that working-class identity and the cultural heritage & dominance from the region  — pushing the sport’s aesthetic into radical new territory. 

MARLON “CHITO” VERA

UFC’s Marlon Vera may be MMA by trade, but his boxing-heavy fighting style — and sharp, rebellious image — align perfectly with ZOO Fashions’ most gritty-luxury brands. You’ll see Vera in labels like Stone Island, Amiri, and Palm Angels, capturing that tough-but-polished energy today’s menswear craves.

Rave Fans: What They Are, Why You Need One, and How to Style It

It’s officially HOT right now. If you’re off to any festivals this weekend (Funky Dory, hello!) or any outdoor events or garden parties, you’ll need one important accessory.

From thumping basslines to glittery outfits and al fresco dancing, festivals are all about high energy self-expression. And between the heat and the crowds, staying cool becomes essential. Enter the RAVE FAN—an iconic accessory blending style, function, and undeniable vibe.

More than more cooling tools, rave hand fans have become a staple in festival fashion.

What Are Rave Hand Fans?

Rave fans—also called festival hand fans, EDM fans, or rave folding fans—are large, dramatic hand fans designed to make a statement. Often lightweight and foldable, they’re perfect for both flair and function.

History of Hand Fans in Culture and Raving

Hand fans have deep roots in history—from Ancient China and Egypt to 18th-century Europe, where they symbolized elegance, status, and subtle communication.

Why Fans Belong in Your Festival Bag

Let’s be real—raves and music festivals aren’t just high-energy; they’re also high-heat. Between nonstop dancing, packed crowds, and direct sun, temperatures rise fast. That’s where a festival fan goes from fun accessory to absolute essential.

  • Lightweight & portable: Compact enough to fit in your small bag or clip onto a strap
  • Instant cooling: Just a flick of the wrist brings a refreshing breeze
  • Made for the moment: Whether you’re dancing, posing, or cooling down, fans bring both style and function
  • Energy-efficient: No batteries or charging required—just your vibe and a little movement
  • Match your festival aesthetic: Whether you’re channelling the neon vibes of the rave scene or the laid-back boho energy of the beach, your fan will complement your style seamlessly
  • Add flair to your dance moves: A fan in hand is more than just an accessory; it becomes an extension of your rhythm, adding movement and excitement to every twirl and wave.

How to Choose the Right Fan

Size

Go for large rave fans (13″) for drama and better airflow. Smaller versions work for minimalists.

Material

Look for sturdy bamboo, cherry wood, or FSC-certified wood for eco-friendly vibes.

Design

Whether you like animal print, holographic designs, or text-based slogans, your fan should match your personality.

When and Where to Use Your Rave Fan

Peak Sun Hours

Use your fan to shield yourself from harsh midday rays while waiting in line or scoping out your next stage. A fan isn’t just dramatic flair—it’s portable shade.

Crowd Surges

When things get tight, snap that fan open to create personal space and airflow. It’s your cooling system and social buffer all in one.

Grand Entrances

Walking into a new stage? Reuniting with friends? That single, satisfying snap adds drama, announces your presence, and sets the tone.

Fans at AMAZON