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Yearly Archives: 2018

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By Kate Brayden 

Let’s all take a quick moment to look at what we are wearing. Check the label, and don’t just look at the brand. Really look, and see what country your clothing was made in, what material it is made of, and whether or not it gives details of the gives any detail at all about the people who it could be affecting.

It’s becoming more obvious by the day that women are pivotal in the climate change sustainability movement, and we have decided to find the ladies who are showing love to our planet through reusable clothing and ethical fashion.

Fast fashion (Zara, I love you but I’m side-eyeing you so hard right now) has proven itself to be a massive issue.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nu. (@thenuwardrobe) on

 Oxfam has also released statistics that show that in four days, top fashion CEO’s earn a garment worker’s lifetime pay, and 80% of garment workers are women. New research shows that the world is consuming 80 billion pieces of clothing each year, an over 400% increase since 1998.

In terms of the working conditions of factory employees who create the garments which eventually sell mostly in Western countries, consumers fail to see the wastefulness of throwing out clothes constantly and buying brand new outfits, which are barely ever worn.

The value of knowing where your clothes are manufactured and that they are made in a safe environment by employers that pay fairly is not to be underestimated. Fast fashion is also unbelievably complicit in the duplicitous exploitation of women, another reason to educate yourself about the problem.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nu. (@thenuwardrobe) on

Do you want to play your part in ethical Irish fashion?

Have a look at these gals who do their part, and get involved. 

The Nu. Wardrobe, founded by Aisling Byrne and Ali Kelly who met during their time at Trinity College Dublin, were both searching for ways to dress in ways which allowed them to look good and feel ethical, and realised that borrowing clothes was a formula for success.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nu. (@thenuwardrobe) on

They began running swap-shops in university, gradually garnering a following. This led them further to create the Nu. Wardrobe, a female-led startup website based on the concept of renting out clothes for a small amount of time in order to drastically reduce waste and to encourage consumerism which doesn’t harm the planet.

Members of the Nu. Community can upload images of their clothes, and swap with other members online with their own Nu. profile. The items are affordable and the fashion is accessible, and by sharing clothes with more than just your friends, the life-cycle of our clothes is extended hugely.

The duo expanded their brand into a team of gal pals ‘in the non-gender-specific sense’, who are all empowered to change the fashion industry for the better. Their goal is to raise awareness of the negative impact of the fashion industry, and to build a revolutionised community of chic changemakers.

Women deserve to feel confident and represented without harming the planet. The ladies are steadily redefining what it means to wear something ‘new’. Sign us up!

Check out their website or send them an email at info@nuwardrobe.com

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We all recognise a part of ourselves in fictional female characters, whether that’s Bridget Jones and her goofy personality or Katniss Everdeen and her loyalty to her family and friends.

However, I don’t think us Irish women relate to anyone as much as Aisling, the protagonist in the best-selling book Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling.

Aisling’s story continues in the sequel The Importance of Being Aisling and reading the second instalment felt like I was reuniting with an old friend.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gill Books (@gillbooks) on

Her obsession with The Corrs, her lunchtime trip to Dunnes Stores to find a new ‘shumper’ and her determination to never miss a free hotel brekkie makes Aisling one of the most real female fictional characters.

After quite the emotional year things seem to be getting back on track for Aisling. She’s been enjoying many a glass of Pinot Greej with Sadhbh and co., she’s become accustomed to Dublin’s brunch addiction and she's even rekindled her romance with John.

However, she is still struggling to deal with the loss of her dear Daddy as Aisling, Mammy and her brother Paul are facing their first Christmas without him.

Anyone who has lost a family member knows just how hard that first Christmas is. Ever the positive person, Aisling seeks joy in the little things like Auntie Shelia’s famous stuffing and doing the ‘Big Shop’ in the new Aldi with Mammy, but that heartache is still there, which makes this book that little bit more personable.

Us Irish aren’t known for expressing our feelings and this is perfectly portrayed in the way Aisling and her family deal with Christmas without Daddy. The secret tears and unfulfilled traditions are oh so relatable for many readers.

What I adore most about Aisling is her ability to see the light in even the darkest of moments. Her “Ah sure, it’ll be grand” attitude is infectious in this tale and part of me felt proud of her for continuing on despite the hurdles life throws at her.

When things at PensionsPlus go awry, Aisling has no choice but to abandon her life in Dublin. She returns home to Mammy and That Bloody Cat, but before she knows it she's planning an escape route when life in Ballygobbard is too much to handle.

Aisling jets off to Las Vegas with Majella and Sadhbh in tow and the trip gives her the confidence boost that shows Aisling she’s capable of a hell of a lot more than she ever gave herself credit for.

The Importance of Being Aisling is full or warmth and that unique Irish wit. It'll be a comfort to you on those dreary Autumn evenings and your best companion on your commute to work

The Importance Of Being Aisling: Country Roads, Take Her Home by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen is published by Gill Books.

You can pick up your very own copy here.

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There are few women in this world who don’t genuinely care about what they look like, and usually that begins with their skin. Whether they have suffered from acne as a youth or are experiencing the premature signs of aging, they want to look their best (and youngest of course!) because that makes them feel better.

Sometimes it isn’t even about the way others perceive them but rather how they want to see themselves. Unfortunately, too few of us truly understand what it takes to have that radiant skin we see on models and our favorite celebs, but believe it or not, you can have that beautiful skin you want but it might take some work and a few well-chosen, anti-aging skincare products.

What Makes a Histotechnician Expert in Skincare?

This is a question you might well ask! To many of us outside the medical arena, this is a term we’ve probably never heard. However, you have heard of a pathology lab and a pathologist, haven’t you? Actually, it is the histotechnician who prepares slices of tissue (biopsies) to be analyzed by a pathologist to determine whether or not it is diseased, and if it is, what the nature of that disease is.

So, while a histotechnician doesn’t actually diagnose diseased tissue, they do spend hours behind a microscope and have learned to identify the leading markers of diseased tissue. So, having said that Svetlana Wickstrom is an experienced histotechnician, you can understand why it’s a big deal that the skincare she prefers and uses is from a small new company called Birdie and Peppers, featuring all-natural products for the entire body.

Leading Causes of Problem Skin

Bringing her knowledge of histotechnology with her to the cosmetics arena, Svetlana knows how to identify damaged skin and is better able to identify the root causes than even the leading estheticians. This is how she knows that many of the problems we experience today are the direct result of unhealthy chemicals and additives to the products we have been using for so many years. Included in this list of taboo ingredients are such things as parabens, fragrance and oils.

Each has its own set of problems but suffice it to say that each of those sets of ingredients can do more damage than good. However, fragrance is something which is altogether too often misunderstood. Not all products that have a fragrance are unhealthy, but those which include the words ‘fragrance’ or ‘scent’ on the label are probably formulated with chemicals mimicking natural scents. Parabens have been linked to breast cancer and oils, well, everyone knows how some oils clog the pores leading to everything from acne to ugly red splotches that become inflamed.

Learning Where to Place Your Trust

So then, who would you entrust with your skincare regimen? Would you rather give your skin over to a member of an $84 billion dollar industry or someone with a medical background who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is? Yes, Svetlana Wickstrom is a member of the cosmetics industry, but she is outspokenly vocal about the dangers of cosmetics as they stand today. Where do you place your trust?

 

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It’s the perfect time of the year to switch up your skincare regime, and we’ve looked far and wide to find the best possible products to give our skin a much needed pick-me-up!

Since starting in 2004, e.l.f. cosmetics have become one of the fastest growing American companies in the world, and for a good reason.

Their skincare range has gone from strength to strength, and these three new items have given us the five star treatment for our tired skin.

 

e.l.f. Moisturising Sleeping Mask (€13.80)

This fabulous Moisturising Sleeping Mask gives your skin hydration overnight so you can wake up to soft, comforted skin.

During your nightly regimen, apply an even, thin layer on your face, neck and chest, and don’t forget to let it dry in before you head to bed for roughly ten minutes. Leave the mask on the skin overnight, and cleanse your face in the morning.

If you use this every night, it delivers deep hydration to your skin, so you can leave your dehydration worries behind.

The mask is also infused with purified water, aloe, vitamin E and jojoba to give you the ultimate nourishment.

Go on, treat your skin, you deserves it!

e.l.f. Illuminating Eye Cream (€13.25)          

We all have our struggles with hiding the bags under eyes some days, and it can be so difficult to find the right product to give your face a glowing lift.

Lucky for us, this e.l.f. nourishing cream helps to hydrate and minimise the appearance of dark circles and puffiness for radiant and rejuvenated skin that won’t show the traces of tiredness.

The eye cream is made with cruelty-free, natural ingredients which are infused with Purified Water and skin nourishing jojoba, Vitamin E, and cucumber.

Help soothe and protect the delicate skin area around the eye by using it in the morning and evening after your cleanse.

Rich in antioxidants, Shea Butter and Green Tea and totally free from parabens, sulphate and phthalates, you’ll know for sure that your eye cream is ethical and healthy.

Gently dab around the under eye, forehead and along the brow bone to illuminate your tired eyes, the difference is such a boost!

e.l.f. Prep & Hydrate Balm (€10.35)

The new e.l.f. prep & hydrate balm is a convenient, versatile water-based primer stick that immediately hydrates your skin, smooths uneven lines and prepare it for any make-up you want to utilise.

The two-in-one formula and stick shape makes it so easy to carry around with you, whether you’re going to work, the gym or a night out.

You can simply twist up to apply to the face in a circular motion before starting your make-up application regime.

Blend in if you need to, perfect for dry, chapped hands, elbows and knees.

The ingredients include shea butter, cocoa, aloe and grape for effective moisturising, you’ll be feeling, smelling and looking great in seconds. The embodiment of practicality, sign us up!

All e.l.f. products are cruelty free, and pride themselves on being completely free from parabens, sulphate and phthalates.

Using natural goodness to get illuminated skin? Sounds good to us!

Pick up some e.l.f. cosmetic skincare goodies in pharmacies nationwide and in select Penneys stores.

Check out their website for more information on the rising star brand!

www.elfcosmetics.com
 

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Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen are officially the first ever Love Island couple to tie the knot. 

The couple said I do on September 15, after meeting on Love Island back in 2016.

In an additional exciting opportunity for the newly weds, they  announced that they will have their very own reality show on TLC, documenting the wedding planning. 

Taking to Twitter to share the news with fans back in May, Alex wrote: ‘So it’s an exciting day me and @OliviaDBuck have our own show coming “Alex and Olivia said YES!'

Fans of the couple can expect to get a personal insight into the lead up to the big day from Alex and Olivia Said Yes. 

'It will show all the planning, including picking the dress, the cake, the food and the venue,' Olivia wrote in her New! Magazine column. 

‘It will also show some of the wedding.'

‘It’s all very real, honest and open and features some drama and bridezilla moments.'

The one-off special is set to air on TLC this Friday, at 9pm. 

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When two people come together to merge as a new family, it's an emotional time, especially if one person has children who need to adapt to a new parental role model in their life.

It's never easy; a mix of impressionable personalities trying to adjust to a new family dynamic. 

Someone who knows all about this is TV presenter Jeff Brazier and his sons, Bobby and Freddie. They've all had to adjust as they heartbreakingly lost their partner and mum nine years ago.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by JeffBrazier (@jeffbrazier) on

Jade passed away from cervical cancer back in 2009, and Jeff has always worked to keep the reality star’s memory alive for his beloved boys, and tried to do everything he could to give them a stable and happy family life. 

The boys celebrated a wonderful milestone as Jeff married Kate Dwyer. She has shared the first photos of the happy day, and she said how thrilled she was that they were all a family. Jeff's two sons, thirteen and seventeen, also thanked Kate for making their father so happy. 

"Dad always said, 'I want to get married one day – I want to find a nice girl.' And he’s found that girl who he’s going to live with for the rest of his life," thirteen-year-old Bobby said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by JeffBrazier (@jeffbrazier) on

"Jeff is the most amazing man I have ever met and I could not wait to be able to call him my husband," Kate told Hello in an exclusive interview. She adorably said that walking towards Jeff and his sons was a "once in a lifetime moment."

Jeff beamingly said he was thrilled to marry his now-wife, and thanked Kate for making their beautiful wedding "a really special one."

"I’m so happy to marry Kate, who has brought so much stability to my life,’ Jeff said. ‘This isn’t just any wedding, this is a really special one. It doesn’t just represent Kate and I putting rings on each other’s fingers. It represents the fact that we won at something really tricky. We won at becoming a family."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by JeffBrazier (@jeffbrazier) on

He paid tribute to his wife and said she completed the family and gave his sons a real sense of belonging. 

"Before it was just three boys rattling around in a house on our own, trying to get through life. Then Kate came along and worked so hard at making us complete. She hasn’t just completed one person, she’s completed a family and given three boys a real sense of belonging," he added.

Congratulations to the family on their gorgeous day! 

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Having Ed Sheeran on your team can never be a bad thing.

Which is exactly what Westlife thought when they decided to reunite.

The band, who are gearing up for a massive comeback, have drafted in Ed Sheeran to co-write their latest single.

The boyband reportedly want to reach younger fans with their music and who better than multi-award-winning superstar Ed Sheeran?

It was revealed that the band, who split six years ago, were getting back together albeit with one less member, Brian McFadden. 

It has been said that the group were desperate to have the 27-year-old pen the track.

“It took quite some time to pull together and has been done totally behind closed doors, but he has finally given them the right record to make it happen.”

“Having Ed involved is a huge coup. They think he will give them a contemporary edge for their reunion.''

“They have already recorded the song and are delighted with the results. They’re just pulling together the final promo details including a video before they unveil it. It’s going to be huge.''

Westlife went their separate ways in October 2011, after selling more than 44 million of records worldwide as well as having 26 UK Top 10 hits, 14 UK Number One Singles and seven chart-topping albums.

With Ed on board, we're sure their next single is guaranteed to be a hit too. 

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Trigger Warning: This article contains descriptions of rape and sexual assault. 

Earlier this week, Donald Trump tweeted something inflammatory. This is not unusual, however this time, it was a step too far for victims and survivors of sexual assault. 

The US President tweeted that if an alleged sexual assault against Dr. Christine Blasey Ford was as bad as she has said, then surely she reported it at the time of occurrence. 

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford told the Washington Post that Supreme Court of the United States nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were both in high school. 

Dr Ford didn't tell anyone about the incident until 2012, when she told a therapist.

Trump has added his opinion to the conversation, sparking outrage.

In response, people have been sharing their stories under the #WhyIDidntReport hashtag to explain to the president wht some assaults go unreported:

Whether an assault occurred 24 hours or 24 years ago, victims should not be disbelieved based on the length of time it takes them to report a crime. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with the aftermath of a sexual assault, please contact the Rape Crisis Centre on  1800-778888 for support. 

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Kylie Jenner's pregnancy was deffo the best-kept secret in the celeb world last year.

And now, finally, the topic is being given the spotlight on Keeping Up with the Kardashians – and boy, are we finding out all the deets. 

The latest KUWTK episode shows the youngest Jenner welcome her gorge baby girl Stormi, with her rapper boyfTravis Scott on February 1st. 

We find out that momager Kris was in the delivery room when the baby arrived, alongside Travis.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Baby on the way! See Stormi’s #KUWTK debut Sunday at 9|8c, only on E!

A post shared by Kardashians on E! (@kuwtk) on

The fact that the pregnancy was kept hidden did take it's toll on Kylie's sisters, with Kourtney saying, ''it’s pretty crazy that it really hasn't been confirmed. So I don’t want to be the one with the info, or getting blamed for someone finding out the secret.”

The 21-year-old didn't publicly address it until after she gave birth to Stormi. 

Kim was also shocked that the secret was never spilled to the media.

She said, “can you believe that Kylie got out of the hospital with not one report? Now Caitlyn [Jenner] can never say we have big mouths and we leak everything.”

Kris did divulge that the whole thing gave her a lot of anxiety but overall, she was so happy for her youngest daughter.

The 62-year-old said, ''people were saying, ‘we're going to post, we’re going to announce,’ and I’m like, ‘no!’ But she did it perfectly and it was such a positive experience for her.”

Perhaps the biggest surprise to come from KUWTK was that Kris actually delivered Stormi herself.

Yes, the family matriarch was responsible for bringing her grandchild into the world – pretty cool, huh? 

She gushed, “I can already tell that Kylie is going to be the most amazing mom and is so in love with her baby.'' 

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Let's be honest all women are excellent multitaskers. You just never know when you'll need to do the makeup on the train while prepping for that early-morning meeting, grab lunch while doing two conference calls or WhatsApp while binge-watching Netflix (it's harder than it looks tbh) – you constantly need to be adaptable and as we know, be prepared for the unexpectedness that a hectic life brings.. 

Katie Piper, author, advocate and now Strictly star, is a woman who knows all about this.

The mum-of-two took to Instagram to reveal that she had been up since 5am with her youngest daughter Penelope.

In the utterly adorable post, in which she lovingly cradles her second child, she wrote: "After a 5am start someone has fallen back to sleep, my little Pea."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by K A T I E P I P E R (@katiepiper_) on

Despite the fact that she managed to get her to nod off in her arms, Piper lamented that she was still wearing her Strictly tan from Saturday night's first live show but said she'd no time to worry as she had to go to Sainsbury's anyhow.

"On a side note I wonder if this spray tan is going to look out of place when I go to Sainsbury’s later!" she added. 

How many of us have not even thought about a mirror before the weekly shop? Hungry kids (or, hangry feelings, generally) = priorities.  

Piper is no doubt, still on a high after the first Strictly show of its 16th season kicked off on Saturday – she performed a beautiful waltz with partner Gorka – but many fans thought that she had been under-marked, with judge Bruno advising her to relax more as he felt nerves may have impacted her performance. 

She penned an emotive post, thanking fans for their support, and her dancing partner for his patience.  

How STUNNING did she look on the night?

"You did it my darling, you did all the steps, you got to the end and it looked good. Now relax and don't overthink it. Don't worry about it too much, let him guide you because you can dance," Bruno said. 

This is one mum who should feel immensely proud – spray tan and all! 

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A huge congratulations is in order for Irish writer, academic, and all round fashion icon Sinéad Burke. 

The digital influencer and accessible fashion advocate was awarded the Leaders Award at The Green Carpet Fashion Awards in Milan last night. 

The Awards work to honour those who are blazing a trail in sustainable fashion, and this year's gala celebrated just that. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sinéad Burke (@thesineadburke) on

Sinéad Burke was presented with the accolade by Gucci’s chief executive, Marco Bizzarri.

Sinéad has worked tirelessly to raise awareness for inclusively in high fashion and design, which led to her nomination. 

Taking to Instagram, the influencer, who has 37.6 thousand followers, wrote: 'Last night was special. I was so honoured to receive The Leaders Award – for changing the fashion conversation for good.'

Opting for a red, open-backed Rochas Paris gúna, Sinéad thanked those who had helped to make her advocacy more visible over the past year. 

'What can and will you do to use your power, position and privilege to make this beautiful, exclusive industry more inclusive and accessible to the many, who like me, have spent decades dreaming of a moment like this?' she put to the audience in her speech. 

Sinéad  accepted her award in front of a crowd containing the likes of Anna Wintour, Cate Balnchett and Donatella Versace.

Sinéad has previously featured on the cover of Business of Fashion for her contribution to fashion accessibility, striking an iconic image in a chopped up Burberry trench coat. 

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By Kate Brayden 

I went to see the first movie with an all-Asian cast to be viewed in Hollywood since 1993’s ‘The Joy Luck Club’, and it blew me away.

It perfectly brought the rom-com genre back to life with diversity, and had huge implications for Asian-American actors and film-makers in all genres.

Representation shows itself to be a vital aspect of the industry, with the movie smashing box office expectations.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Crazy Rich Asians (@crazyrichasians) on

John M. Chu directs the film, and the cast truly lives up to the hype. The glitz, the glamour, the acting, and of course the breathtaking beauty of every aspect had me swooning in the cinema. Perfect for the big screen, each scene brought colours, dazzling cinematography, sumptuous settings and of course, the ‘over the top’ Great Gatsby vibes.

Set in Singapore, the movie follows the 2013 novel by Kevin Kwan, which portrays the romance between a Chinese-American NYU economics professor Rachel Chu and the heir to the famous Young family.

Chu has zero clue about the ridiculously wealthy family she is visiting in their mansion of Singapore, and it soon becomes clear that Rachel must navigate their world with extreme caution, as it is presumed that she is the gold digger who wants to steal Nick’s family fortune.

Constance Wu and Henry Golding have sizzling chemistry throughout, and the female antagonist Michelle Yeoh plays the part Nick’s Chinese mother as if she embodies the character IRL. She’s terrifying, but the woman demands respect.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Costumes Of Crazy Rich Asians (@crazyrichasianswardrobe) on

The gorgeous diamond ring which features is also belonging to the actress, and boy is it stunning. Astrid (Gemma Chan)acts out the role of Nick’s gorgeous and intelligent sister, and deserves a shoutout also. Both generous and clever, she adds a female friendship and connection with Rachel to the storyline and provides a much needed layer to the rom-com flick.

The persistently strong female presence is such a breath of fresh air – the girl power is strong in this one.

The cast has seen its share of controversy, with the male lead Henry Golding being criticised for not being ‘Asian enough’.

For the record, he’s British Malaysian, and plays the protagonist male character Nick Young in the perfectly charming and dashing way necessary for the female lead to shine.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Henry Golding (@henrygolding) on

Nick Young: played by potential Crazy Rich (Bae)sian Henry Golding’ Constance Wu as Rachel nails the balance between vulnerability and strength throughout the flick, persistently gaining the audience’s trust with her charm and integrity.

We root for her, cry for her and laugh with her as she goes head to head with Nick’s scary as hell mother. Wu composed an email to the director asking him to push production back in order to cast her, and it worked.

She is open about the fact that she always pushes to get the lead role, never number two or three. Even superb actresses like Sandra Oh in Hollywood rarely get the lead role, and Wu’s determination is badass in itself. We, for one, are happy that email worked.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Crazy Rich Asians (@crazyrichasians) on

The Eastern symbolism which is layered throughout is also not to be ignored, specifically in the colours which the female cast wear, and the mahjong game scene between Rachel and Nick’s mother.

Awkafina stole the comedic scenes as Peik Lin, Rachel’s best friend. With her perfect delivery of the wittiest lines in her trademark husky, down to earth tone of voice. She gained fame previously as one of the stars of Oceans 8.

Ken Jeong (of course) makes a cameo appearance as Awkafina’s dad, and provides some of the funniest scenes in the whole film.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AWKWAFINA (@awkwafina) on

We don’t doubt that tourism for Singapore is going to go through the roof with all those stunning scenes, and the stars of the movie are steadily on the rise.

Also, Kwan’s book series is a trilogy, so let’s all pray for more films. Let’s also pray that we miraculously get the wardrobe of any cast member – literally any of them.

Crazy Rich Asians is breaking records as well as glass ceilings for more Asian roles in Hollywood. The film successfully proves that romantic comedies, and more diverse casts, are not to be sidelined.

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