Hey guys, long time now speak.
I have moved all of my content onto one website- Victoryforu.co.uk
You can find out everything Victoryforu there. Please go and subscribe to it.
This blog will still be active for my older posts but you can go to my website to find new content and videos.
I hope you like it!
Victoryforu
Victorious Everyday
Let’s be real, representation in previous years has taken little steps toward where it should be but this summer, we have seen a HUGE revolution in representation. From the Fashion industry to the big screen, there is no questioning that representation is finally coming to the forefront of our minds! From Crazy Rich Asians (I can’t wait to see this) to the blackout on the Fashion magazine’s September issues (I am obsessed!), we have witnessed some truly iconic moments for people of colour and people of different abilities. I wanted to write something that celebrates all of this greatness!
The reason why September issues are the most iconic and important of the year is that it is the kingpin for the fashion world. Also, fashion month begins in September which is why most of your favourite magazines will do a Fashion edition as their September issue. It sets the mood for the season ahead!
Because of their prestige, Septemeber issues take the longest to plan and have the most effort put into them. So the facts that we were graced with so many women of colour on the covers is a monumental move! The myth that Black women don’t sell magazines is one the fashion industry has maintained for decades but it is finally being broken as more than half of the September issues were covered by women of colour… Just let that sink in! I am still shook.
From Beyonce, Rihanna & Zendaya to Yara Shahidi, Constance Wu & Issa Rae, it was a beautiful array of colour and diversity. Even though this is a huge step, there is still a long way to go in regard to the representation of Asian women & men. But with all the love for Crazy Rich Asians, To all the boys I’ve loved before and Searching, I hope that this won’t be a problem for much longer!
Both Beyonce and Rihanna made history. Beyonce had full creative control of Vogue magazine and had her cover shot by Tyler Mitchell, a 23-year-old African American photographer who has become the first ever black photographer to shoot a Vogue magazine cover shoot. Whether you’re a Beyonce fan or not, I would highly recommend reading what she has written. It’s very eye-opening and empowering! Rihanna also made history as she is the first black women to ever cover British Vogue’s September issue. Under the new direction of Edward Enninful, British Vogue is doing some new, wonderful and empowering things!
Our young queens, Zendaya and Yara Shahidi – both women who I admire – are the new game shakers who are here to disrupt what we knew before and create what needs to be in place. Long let this love for people of colour last – and not just be a trend! #NotYourTrend
Constance Wu was already a hard hitter when it came to the acting world but with Crazy Rich Asians under her belt, it has put her into a new stratosphere. Her Fashion Canada cover above is as exquisite as her work in Crazy Rich Asians and I am so excited to see it when it comes to the UK. Let’s just put this into perspective: Crazy Rich Asians in the first mainstream film in 25 years that has had an all Asian cast! 25 long years without our Asian brothers and sisters being able to show who they really are in the spotlight. I am filled with the same excitement that I felt for Black Panther and A wrinkle in time, (Which I am still yet to see, if anyone wants to buy it for me on DVD… lol) this is just as monumental for the Asian community and we need to be there to support it. In the same way that we bought out cinemas so young kids can see themselves on screen, the same ethos needs to be carried forward.
The whole cast of Crazy Rich Asians are full of love, light and charisma. Henry Golding is now a new poster boy for hot Asian men, the days are over when Asian men are relinquished to the nerdy type that never gets the girl, the corner shop owner or the ninja, Asian Men are so much more brilliant, diverse and vibrant than that. Big up to all of my Asian brothers and sisters who are killing the game. A lot of my favourite bloggers and influencers are Asian.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmRuiSfHP4e/?hl=en&taken-by=edwardzo
Let’s be real, I gush about Edward Zo every other day, he’s an actor, influencer, entrepreneur and all round gem of a human being who is looking to push for more diversity in the acting industry. There are a load more people who you should definitely check out – they are all on my Instagram! Anyway back to Films!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmjHeaAFg1Y/?hl=en&taken-by=constancewu
Gemma Chan, Kris Aquino, Harry Shum Jr, Akwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Ken Jeong are just some of the cast and to top it all off, Jon M Chu directed this excellent screen adaptation of the Kevin Kwan novels. Who said that films with people of colour wouldn’t sell? Whoever said it must be kicking themselves now as business is BOOMING! Book adaptations really seem to be doing well on Netflix as well especially To all the boys I’ve loved before.
If you have been browsing Netflix lately, you probably come across To all the boys I’ve loved before. If for some unknown reason you haven’t watched it, this is your sign – WATCH IT! Not only does it focus on a 3 dimensional Asian American teenage girl, it’s a story written by Jenny Han that can beautifully transcend to whatever situation as it deals with everyone’s favourite topic – Love! Lana Condor’s portrayal of Lara-Jean Covey was inspired and it was such a relatable performance. I am sure we all know what unrequited love feels like. I would highly recommend giving this a watch!
Now usually when you cite something as ‘that’ campaign it’s usually a bad thing like that HM monkey T-shirt. But this campaign was truly exquisite. It featured one of my favourite people, Kelly Knox – who was front and centre.
Firstly, I am immensely proud of her and all the amazing things she has accomplished with Milk model management. Secondly, I am so excited to see more images like this where disability, size, skin colour etc isn’t a problem but a superpower. We should all be proud of our differences and others differences. We still have a LONG way to go in regard to representation but a small step in the right direction is still a step! Big up to all who were involved in this campaign, I am simply just highlighting Kelly as I have spoken to her. There are so many other models who are so unique, talented and beautiful that do not get the credit that they deserve. Kelly is definitely one of them.
Here are some other brilliant and unique models that you just need to check out:
Hamad –
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm8h-12hsbY/?taken-by=freckledlightskin
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmqiPl7gxVT/?taken-by=msbeaux
All of the new models signed to Brenda’s new Modelling agency, Ciel –
There are probably so many more but these are the ones you need to know about right now!
This Olay campaign is – in the words of my favourite YouTuber, Lilly Singh – Bomb! 9 awesome, phenomenal and transformative women are heading up this campaign. Some I’ll admit, I didn’t know before this campaign but I am so intrigued to learn more about them.
In a celebration of all women, this is a beautiful video and campaign that represents so many. This was seen in Times Square and also in Beyonce’s Iconic September Vogue issue. But that’s not the end, Olay will be taking over NYFW with their Face Anything challenge. Lilly Singh, Mama Cax and the rest of the fearless 9 amongst others such as the brilliant Jackie Aina will be walking at New York Fashion Week… Barefaced! It’s about to get super really up in here.
Last but by no means least, it’s time to talk about TV. The BBC premiered some spectacular TV shows all to do with British Asians and their culture and I have never learned so much about our Asian brothers and sisters. I believe I have some Indian in my heritage so it is always interesting for me to learn more as it’s part of my family history that I know nothing about.
The bright and vibrant talent that I saw from Asian comedians (That I could deeply relate to) who made me belly laugh to informative shows about how Bollywood movies are made and how Riz Ahmed feels about being a British Asian actor.
It’s so insightful and better yet, it is all still on BBC Iplayer, I urge you to go and watch something from this amazing series!
As I have said, we have come so far but we still have so far to go! I am so proud of the progression that I have seen in the last few months!
Stay Blessed.
Victoryforu
Victorious Everyday
The last day of Summer usually means autumnal leaves, hot chocolates and warm jumpers… but to me, it means FASHION MONTH!
(To be honest, it means all of those things to me as well!)
September means it’s time for New York, London, Milan and Paris to come alive- it’s going to be a brilliant season.
So excited to be back with my friends at Oxford Fashion Studio and I’m also excited to try to explore some other shows this season!
Just take a look at some of the insane collections coming from OFS:
Get ready for an awesome season and some next level content from me.
Can’t wait!
Victoryforu
Victorious Everyday
(Disclaimer: All images found on Vogue Runway)
With Mr Kim Jones (Dior) and Virgil Abloh (Louis Vuitton) both had their debuts as Menswear directors, Naomi Campbell slayed the Dolce & Gabbana DGDNA runway, Balmain’s ode to MJ and other fashion greats such as Versace, Dsquared2, Les Hommes, Frankie Morello, Christopher Raeburn, What we wear, Fendi and the list goes on and on!
Beautiful pastels and prints from the one and only Mr Kim Jones! A brilliant Debut.
There was a consistent romantic theme throughout the show with the lighter tones and floral arrangements around. I can’t wait to see what Jones comes up with in the future.
Olivier’s brilliant ode to the icon Michael Jackson. I’m still shook by this collection. Has to be one of his best yet! I feel like I say this a lot but Olivier Rousteing is such an amazing designer. Just the sheer detail in every single piece blows my mind. Did you know Rousteing was a black child of white adoptive parents in Bordeaux and then he came up as the only black creative director at a legacy Paris fashion house? You know before Virgil Abloh. His ode to MJ was classy, fierce, regal, detailed, breath-taking and artistic just like Michael Jackson. His music and his memory continue to live on with us all and he’ll never be forgotten!
Even though Stefano Gabbana has been in the news for some pretty bad reasons, I am deciding to look over this. I in no way condone bullying in any form, I am simply looking at the art created and not at the actions he has chosen to take against Selena Gomez. I hope that whatever is happening in his life that is causing him to lash out in this way ceases.
Despite other drama, the whole show was amazing consisting of flawless and ornate looks, Naomi Campbell looking like a boss… As always, and some fabulous design. the DNA show really embodied what D&G is all about. Their other secret show… The naked show was – quite frankly – almost naked. Just imagine muscular guys in underwear wearing excess jewellery and other accessories and you have the show. This is not my favourite from them, however, the DNA show was definitely worth talking about.
My favourite looks were worn by Naomi Campbell, (Was that even a question?) D&G poster boy and Youtube Prince, Cameron Dallas, What we wear designer and phenomenal rap artist, Tinie Tempah, Jhona Burjack and anyone else wearing anything that was ornate and brightly coloured!
So My best friend, Ryan, and I were completely gassed about this show because it was just so cool, so lit and so brilliant. I am just waiting for them to send me the whole collection… Brb 😂
Fendi made me like bucket hats again, and I haven’t liked them since 2012. The deep blacks and reds, light browns and Fendi motifs come together harmoniously to make the perfect high-fashion Streetwear combination. Sadly, I don’t have my Fendi money yet…
…Can we just appreciate all of the Melanin Poppin, Black Men Smiling, Wakandan King brilliance? If you’re offended by highly melaninated fashion shows, stop reading now!
Just like Fenty Beauty, Virgil Abloh intentionally picked models to reflect the beauty and brilliance of Afro-culture. Abloh really made a statement not only with the clothing but with the rainbow runway. The whole show was a real celebration of life through the medium of fashion and design. I believe this will be a moment that will go down in fashion history just like Rousteing with Balmain. Black people are so much more than what you see on TV, we are multi-faceted beautiful and creative human beings and I am so proud to see what we are all creating.
Abloh continues to inspire from his clothing to his IG. “you can do it too…” is a message that we all need. (I can’t help it, I love to inspire and find the inspiration and beauty in things!)
I have kind of decided that I need some of these looks too. I’ll add it to my birthday wishlist!
Sustainable fashion just turned up the heat!
The days of sustainable fashion looking like something out of the bin are very far in the past, drop those stereotypes and look at the brilliance of sustainable fashion. In a recent video when I talk about Prom Fashion, I also talk about sustainability. It is so important that we take this seriously.
One of my favourite collaborations this season was the Cano Water and Christopher Raeburn collaboration.
In the future, I’d love to see more brands be intentional with their sustainability. I really want to work with more sustainable brands like Cano Water and other sustainable fashion brands.
There is so much brilliance I could talk about with this season but these are my main highlights.
I’ll be sharing more of my favourites over on my Instagram – Go and give it a follow!
I really hope you have enjoyed my ramblings about fashion. Stay blessed and have a great day my beautiful people.
Victoryforu
Victorious Everyday
Ladies, it’s time for your prom inspiration and I really hope it helps you.
Completely inspired by the likes of Lilly Singh (IISuperwomanII) and Victoria Mcgrath (InTheFrow), the power suit could be your serious power play this prom season. Not only will it make you stand out, you can also reuse it for job interviews, weddings etc.
Again, inspired by Victoria – You should really go and follow her – finding a nice flowy dress, that doesn’t look like a cupcake dress, can really help you to feel amazing.
These Pretty Little Thing Playsuits are a perfect way to slay prom without wearing a dress.
You can’t go wrong with a red dress!
The most important rule is to have fun with your style.
I hope you guys enjoy Prom!
Victoryforu
Victorious Everyday
(Disclaimer: All images used are linked to their original sources!)
Usually, for guys, Prom is the place where guys go to party in carbon copy suits… We’re in 2018! It’s time to adopt some real individuality with your prom looks!
It’s time to set some new rules – Like Dua Lipa – for prom style with individuality:
1. Add some colour
2. Stand out
3. Have fun!
Blue is a brilliant alternative to black especially if you’re not confident with bright colours.
You could stick to a safe navy or be more adventurous with a cobalt or turquoise. The possibilities are endless.
This inspo picture comes from a brilliant creative called Marques. Make sure you go and check him out on the gram, this image was from his recent Moss Bros campaign… He’s just -casually – killing the game!
VFU STYLE TIP
Don’t buy for the singular event, buy for longevity. This way, you’ll have a piece that you can wear time and time again which will help to combat fast fashion and will help you to do your bit for the planet!
Another alternative to black, can keep you classy and cool on the big night. It will also double as a great wedding or graduation suit. The addition of some red is always a good look too. A red tie, pocket hanky or a red rose… Or a dozen like Liam Boswell from down under!
Before you jump to conclusions, this isn’t about going to prom topless – most schools frown upon that- this is about adding some street style to your prom look. Inspired by Gallucks, add a roll neck or track top under your blazer to put an urban touch to your look.
Asos, Topman and Moss Bros are treasure troves when it comes to Harry Styles-esque suits. These are for the guys who aren’t afraid to draw attention to themselves. Whether it’s block colour, patterned or metallic, the secret to rocking these suits is confidence!
Pastels and neutrals are subtle ways to add some colour into your prom wardrobe and they will also see you through for summer weddings or parties.
If you’ve been stuck for Prom inspo, I hope this blog post has helped you. More money saving tips and prom style to come over the next few days.
God bless
Victoryforu
Victorious everyday
When I woke up and saw the sun blazing outside of my window, I knew that it was going to be a great day. Even though I was stuck at my desk at work, the sun enveloped the room. This post is dedicated to my friend, Ella, who asked about sunglasses shapes for different faces so this is me trying to help you all to get the perfect sunnies for you.
(I wrote this first bit when it was sunny. I’m hoping it comes back!)
Before I go into my favourites, let’s talk about finding the right ones that work with your face. I did some research on a site called Evo which would be very helpful for anyone but I am just going to summarise it for you.
I would also suggest finding the style that works for you. You typically suit what you prefer so don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles.
Sunglasses are definitely my favourite accessory, right next to hats! For me, they really accentuate my face and I love experimenting with different shapes. Here are just a few styles that you need to get your hands on and some amazing places to get them from:
These circular frames have been all over my Instagram lately. I really love these shades from Classy Men Collection. From Classy Men Collection, you can get yourself some amazing shades and accessories without breaking the bank when you use my code VICTORYFORU20 for 20% off!
And better yet they have a women’s department so ladies, you can get in on the great styles too.
I think circular shades are a brilliant way to make a nod to the recent tiny sunnies trend without looking too odd. In honesty, on some people, they look great, but it was never made for the masses like circular shade.
High shine shades can make an outfit look expensive. My biggest style secret is buying things affordably and making them look expensive. You can do this by buying strong statement pieces and adding them to simple looks. Take my Hashtag Sunglasses, for example, my #Unique shades were only $52 (Approximately £37) and they have lasted me such a long time. It’s a great place to do a one-off purchase or a sunglasses haul. I’d say that they are up there with some of the other good sunglasses makers. Obviously, they are not designer but they will make you look like you’ve spent some designer money!
If you do this, I would make sure that you either choose the colour to match your outfit or to contrast it. For example, my red Primark shades work really well with a plain and simple outfit or a red outfit like you see above. Picking the right rims for the right outfit is a talent that can take a little while to master so sticking to primary colours like blue and red would be advised as they go with almost anything. And also, just raid Primark for them as they are so cheap!
I love the whole metallic trend from clothing to accessories. Contrasting my silver top from Asos and my Gold shades from H&M was a brilliant choice for me but if you are someone who is more reserved, sticking with silver shades would be your best bet.
For me, sunglasses give me a beautiful confidence in the same way that watches, make-up and shoes do for other people. I hope you have enjoyed this post and that this has given you some insight into how to pick the perfect shades for you.
A blog post will be coming to you soon about the real reason I never leave home without a pair of sunglasses.
Thank you all for your time, God bless you and stay blessed.
Victoryforu
Victorious Everyday
Everyone in this list is someone who I look up to and think they’re amazing. Not all of them are on here, it would have been 12 pages long if they were all on here. God bless every single one of them.
Here is an extended list of all of the beautiful people I mentioned in my video:
The Parents:
My Friends:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeQyniihvt5/?taken-by=gdnicholls.photography
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUMY-wkBt8g/?taken-by=emw_illustrate
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd519XYDs-Q/?taken-by=blackveganpoetx
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd5sl3GgJr4/?taken-by=abbycharlottehook
https://www.instagram.com/p/BelgkotAfCM9Yf2Jx-KDFLEi5fMFh8tJNejB_E0/?taken-by=yvo_mash
https://www.instagram.com/p/BelgkotAfCM9Yf2Jx-KDFLEi5fMFh8tJNejB_E0/?taken-by=yvo_mash
Models:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeO2Hlzlw1N/?taken-by=msbeaux
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeiV1tcnDqo/?taken-by=joshuatrusler
Entertainment:
Designers:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfBcibnDo_i/?taken-by=reecewabara
Bloggers:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be_Ic2eH8Yi/?taken-by=justauniform
Youtubers:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bet2tcTn8o0/?taken-by=edwardzo
https://www.instagram.com/p/BesU7HmnGYh/?taken-by=shanicecelest_
Inspiration:
Make sure you go and follow them all. I do plan to add more to this list. If you are following me on Instagram, you’l be able to keep up with my #IAmACheerleader Highlight. https://www.instagram.com/victoriousdarius/
Move forward in love, be confident and become someone’s cheerleader today.
Victoryforu
Victorious Everyday
This will not be paid but travel will be provided!
If you know anyone who’d be interested in this, please e-mail me on victoryforu@virginmedia.com with your CV and evidence. The event will be held at Devonshire square in London. Timings will be further discussed on application.
I want to work with other young people who are trying to work hard and make it big in the industry. Let’s start the conversation, message me over on Instagram!
Thanks guys and I can’t wait to work, as I said previously, please e-mail me but if you are really interested, shoot me a message on Instagram ( @victoriousdarius ) and let’s get this ball rolling!
Victoryforu
Victorious Everyday
I know I have been slacking a bit but I have a good reason. I have been working on some crazy content for you all and here’s the first that I am happy to bring to you all… I cooked and filmed it and here’s the recipe for how to create the same.
Because I am literally useless at wrapping tortillas, Here’s a video to help you assemble the perfect one:
Whip up a nice salad, add the condiments you want and then you’ll have the perfect Mexican feast for your friends and family.
I hope you have enjoyed this. Make sure you check out the video I filmed with my friends making this.
Victoryforu
Victorious Everyday
Victoryforu Fashion 