Asian Woman Magazine

The 50th Issue - a letter from the Editor in Chief

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:39:42 -0400

I remember it distinctly. It was a dozen years ago, I was at a friend’s house when I first came across a copy of Asian Woman magazine. It stirred me. As someone who’d always felt British first and Asian a close second, I think I was ill-equipped for the feelings of familiarity and cultural pride that swelled within me as I thumbed the pages of the ‘brown and proud’ glossy. Six years later, fully converted I was overjoyed to be accepted into the inner sanctum as Features Writer at Asian Woman. Six years after that, today I am honoured to be in the position to lead this magnificent, trailblazing phenomenon as she celebrates her 50th edition.

Over the past 12 years the magazine has evolved with society and what was once a magazine by Asians for Asians is now compiled with loving diligence by a mix of both Asians and non for an audience of wide and varied backgrounds all sharing in common one thing, an admiration for the beauty and wealth of Asian culture.

The 50th issue pays tribute to Asian Woman magazine’s humble, yet ambitious origins with extra indulgent lashings of fashion, as per the original recipe. From our Sari Special showcasing the same kind of nine yards of simple exotic elegance that’s had Asian Woman flying off the shelves since issue one, to one of our modern day USPs - cutting-edge designer couture, hot off the catwalks of India and Pakistan. This was also the motivation behind our 50th issue cover. Despite having garnered a popular, sometimes controversial, but always talked about reputation for celebrity covers in recent years we thought it a fitting homage to what made Asian Woman great by reverting to the traditional template. Beautiful model, wearing spectacular Asian fashion. Granted, it’s five beautiful models but we wouldn’t be Asian Woman if we didn’t keep striving to outdo ourselves.

Lest we not forget the driving inspiration behind the founding of this ground-breaking title - the subversion of stereotypes of Asian women was honed to a fine art by my predecessors and today in 2012 we’re continuing to carry the torch, in this issue we highlight women around the world who have fought against male-dominated societal and cultural adversity, while closer to home in another feature we explore the varied and very real sexual fantasies of Asian women today.

Had you been anywhere other than under a rock when our TOWIE issue hit the shelves last December you’d know that we’re never afraid to push the odd boundary. So as deeply upsetting as it was- we refused to shy away when we learned of the horrific experiences of a young Muslim girl sexually abused by her religious teacher. If you hadn’t already gathered, dwelling idly and blissfully unaware in the realm of the comfortable is, for us, actually quite uncomfortable. The founders of Asian Woman wanted their magazine to have some bite, it did, and still does.

Meanwhile, with Asian beauty being recognised and envied the world over it stands to reason that our magazine has always been replete with beauty content. So as well as our regular essential skin and haircare features, in this issue we’ve also added a special beauty look book showcasing the most ontrend looks of the season and we’ve compiled our recommendations of the Top 50 beauty buys under £50 - because quite frankly the current economic climate is no excuse to leave the house looking like your face is in recession.

In keeping with the Top 50 theme, we also feature the must-see sights and destinations around the globe, (50 of them), that you must see before the end of the world - which according to some, is this year. It’s supposed to be December so you have a bit of time, though probably best to book early to get the best deal.

The biggest 50, in the pages of the new edition, is the aptly-named Big 50. Following hours of research, discussion, heated debate and hysterical giggles (standard practice at Asian Woman HQ) - the Asian Woman team together with some close friends of the magazine compiled our official list of the 50 greatest Asian women of our time, doing us proud in their various pursuits. Whittling down to 50 was no mean feat it was even suggested that we wait till our 100th issue to get more of them in. I can’t say I didn’t consider it. But considering the exponential rate at which Asian women are spreading and succeeding in every corner of society I thought it best to chart some of these women while we still had a fighting chance.

My favourite and proudest feature this issue is without question our special retrospective section. It was always going to be a monumental task looking back and summarising 12 years of Asian fashion, celebrity, events and achievements.

There was only one man up to the job.

Maybe it’s because the one thing Asians do best, other than insanely good food is family - the prodigal son returned. We are very privileged this issue to be joined by original mastermind behind Asian Woman, my predecessor and long-time idol, Shihab Salim who guest edited this milestone edition of Asian Woman magazine and compiled the retrospective section, a fascinating and nostalgic inventory of Asian success to date - entirely from memory I might add!

The Asian Woman magazine story so far is a reflection of how far we as a society have come. You, the reader, have achieved and will continue to reach new heights and we at Asian Woman magazine will continue to shine a light and celebrate your greatness. In the face of all this, I am humbled.

I am also rather exhausted, because after months of hard work and long hours with my spectacular team, the 50th edition of Asian Woman magazine has arrived. I hope you enjoy it

JW x

Style chameleon Alesha Dixon look stunning at the iLL Manors...

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:30:38 -0400

Style chameleon Alesha Dixon look stunning at the iLL Manors premiere this week. Check out the massive contrast between how she looked on our front cover last year and her red carpet look. Totally different. Equally HOT!

The Special K!

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:09:00 -0400

Let’s just face it. We’re all keeping up the with the Kardashians (whether we like it or not) and the fact that the word ‘Kardashians’ has been added to my spell check dictionary - is even more frightening. All that aside, there seems to be a new follower of Kim, literally. Of course has to be the ‘ball so hard mother f*ckers wanna kind me’, Kanye West. Kanye reveals his love for on his new song ‘Theraflu,’

The track, ‘Theraflu’ was originally meant for DJ Khaled’s new album tilted ‘Kiss The Right’ (you can find out more in the next issue of Asian Woman #50 about that…) - Kim who has been subject to a lot of questions about from the press politely tried to brush off the question, but did acknowledge that the two have been spending time together (she told NBC’s Today Show).

Kim said, “I completely respect and understand that you have to ask these questions, but as I’ve said before, Kanye and I have been friends for years,” said the reality star before adding, “You never know what the future holds or where my life will take me. So … I like the song!”. Over the weekend both Kim Kardashian and Kanye West made tabloid covers - in essence it’s nothing old nor new.

It was also rumoured that the Kardashians are planning on brining their clothing line here to the UK; although we’re waiting on confirmation on that - I ask the question, what is taking them so long? I have no doubts that this love story will develop over the coming weeks and I suppose we’re going to have to plug the fact that a brand new episode of Khloe and Lamar airs sunday night on the E! network.

@MoQazalbash, Entertainment Writer

Preeya Kalidas returns with love between us

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:56:00 -0400

It was only a matter of weeks ago when Preeya Kalidas walked into the BBC 1xtra on DJ Target’s show to give an exclusive first play of her much awaited follow up single titled ‘Love Between Us’. Preeya who covered our dark issue, #48 of Asian Woman has told us that since the beginning it was all about her music. This year we saw the songstress leave EastEnders for a second time to continue to peruse her musical dream.

It was only in 2010 when Preeya pushed out a radio single titled ‘Shimmy’, unfortunately the summer track didn’t perform as expected and she later released from her record deal. She then graced the feature vocal on Skepta’s ‘Cross My Heart’ which landed Preeya a place on the MOBO tour as well as contributing to her winning the UK AMA for best female. Last year Preeya coupled with Scorcher put out ‘It’s a Problem’ - the track got lukewarm reviews and failed to garnish much for Preeya.

That said, Preeya notably took some time off to work on her music in the states and hinted that a new record was being developed. It’s safe to say that ‘Love Between Us’ is the material we’ve been waiting form Preeya. The record which was produced Davinche clearly displays Preeya’s underrated vocal ability. The track samples an old bollywood classic which a contemporary R&B finish. Tied up with cameo with Noel Clarke; i’m glad to see Preeya takiing her music in the direction that she wants to. I’m not one to start rumours, but we’re only just scratching the surface of what Preeya Kalidas has got coming for her new as yet untitled album.

Preeya Kalidas ‘Love Between Us’ is available to pre-order on iTunes.

@MoQazalbash, Entertainment Writer

Why the Jewish community hasn't welcomed Drake's new video

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:33:00 -0400

Drake who recently graced the cover of Gentlemen’s Quarterly in the US has ran into some unexpected trouble with his native community during the promotion of his second album, Take Care. Drake known to many as ‘Drizzy’ kicked off the weekend with the arrival to two musics videos from the album. The first being his landmark collaboration with Rihanna titled ‘Take Care’, which returned the favour of the ‘What’s My Name’ feature. The video to ‘Take Care’ is carefully finished with stunning motion pictures and overall good cinematography.

What caused a stir, was the second video. ‘HYFR’ (which is acting as the current urban radio single) which stands for ‘Hell Yeah, F*cking Right!’, opens with a young Drake dancing and saying “Mazel Tov.” After a dose of baby Drake and brief stop by temple, the party really kicks off. Although in terms of creative direction, both of the videos have been a huge improvement for Drake when creating a visual art form for his music. Notably members of the Jewish community slammed the video which shows Drake getting drunk at synagogue and throwing a wild bar mitzvah party - whilst the lyrics roll over discussing the rapper having open sexual relationships with several women.

Moments after the video had circulated on the internet, people took to twitter to express their opinion ’creativity aside, scenes as such at a temple of worship is fowl mannered’. Although Drake states that he is Jewish, it’s understandable why so many people have disapproved the ‘HYFR’ video. Lady Gaga ran into similar trouble through her use of religious props in the video to ‘Judas’, but was later dismissed as tasteful art. Critically I suggest that maybe the need for such a controversial music video is their to support the weak track, ‘HYFR’. In all honestly ‘HYFR’ which features Lil Wayne isn’t the most impressive cut off the sophomore album - I’m still waiting for the videos to the more victorious tracks such as ‘Crew Love’ and ‘Make Me Proud’.

What are your thoughts on Drake’s ‘HYFR’ video - should people be getting offended?

@MoQazalbash, Entertainment Writer

Introducing: Tara Priya

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:49:13 -0400

Here stands a girl who carries the sound of Motown coupled with classic style in ample supply. Already being compared to the likes of Amy Whinehouse and Paloma Faith - it’s not very often we find ourselves an Asian artist who carries this style of music. The great-niece of the famed Middle Eastern poet, Sohrab Sepehri, Tara has art in her blood. Piano and poetry began at 4, drums at 9; opera training commenced at 11, jazz voice added in high school. Of course over the years Tara Priya has managed to graft her skill and now plays intimate shows across the US.

After winning an award with Billboard her six-track EP was licensed to MTV and E! And we can expect an album from the songstress very soon. What Tara brings is fresh sound for many in a industry which is currently overcrowded with heavy dance beats. There is no doubt that Tara is expected to excel in both her domestic market and internationally too. Some of her less notable records like ‘Expectation’ hails amazing vocals as well as tidy band. Without forgetting some of the story telling that is done in ‘For Love’ where Tara takes on a Joss Stone/Estelle style to deliver the record.

‘Rollin” is one of her most well know songs, although it carries little display of Tara’s song writing ability; we credit her for producing lyrics that do in fact stay in our head. That said, Tara herself is expected to embark on a more R&B contemporary root with her next release, which is as yet untitled. And here I was saw thinking long goes the days where we hear about the girl next door chasing the love of her life; Tara Priya is what she says on the can. Classic, Talented and Powerful.

Not to forget Tara Priya’s effortless style. She’s definitely becoming one of the most marketable to emerge from Asian descent in the music industry. I’m liking the fact that she hasn’t gone down a predicable root and used this vital opportunity to display her pallet of talent.

Today where the ballad divas Adele, Lana Del Rey and others a like are being welcomed back for their musical direction (which is far from the dance floor) and there seems to be more appreciation for music with a deeper meaning. It’s instantly recognisable with Tara’s music, all her qualities shine through. For an album that’s been in production for almost three years, I for one, cannot wait to hear the finished project. I hope Tara gets the critical reception she deserves!

Asian Woman Magazine recommends: ‘Expectation’

Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, album review.

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:44:00 -0400

‘I always thought I could write pop songs for someone else or I could write R&B records for someone else, but I didn’t think that people would accept me writing those type of songs and me singing them and just being who I am,’ is definitely the attitude that shines through Nicki Minaj’s sophomore LP, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. I remember receiving a CD in the winter of 2010 titled Pink Friday, and slowly fell in love with what was then the ‘feature’ on the record who is now the ‘headliner’ on the world tour! Our formulated Nicki Minaj has risen quickly to her commercial success through embracing a different creative direction that her predecessors failed to do so; thus leading to their careers grinding to a halt.

That said, Nicki fused both a rap and pop record together. Roman who is a fictional alter-ego of Nicki’s hails to first of the twenty-two track album (that’s if you purchased the deluxe edition of course). The first half of this body of work is dominated by victory rap tracks back to back; it wouldn’t be a Minaj album with a guest features from the likes of Drake, Rick Ross and 2 Chainz. Unlike her first effort, Pink Friday which had a pallet of track finishes, production on the Hip-Hop side of the album is unbelievably neat. ‘Beez In The Trap’ reminiscent of Nicki’s mixtape days has definitely become one of the many standout tracks off the album. That of course being another thing we often forget to credit Nicki for, the ability to take a loop and a piece of sang rap, then deliver it is as a master piece. The narrative of ‘Roman’s Revenge’ is almost as deadly as Minaj’s star role on Kanye West’s ‘Monster’ – coupled with her mentor, Lil Wayne she tells us that she’s staying in rap! ‘Champion’ which acts as the ‘Moment 4 Life’ of the LP discusses the journey that Nicki had embarked on to success. Complimented with verses off hip-hop heavyweights Nas, Young Jeezy and Drake lifts ‘Champion’ to a more masculine realm where Nicki sits high on her throne. Comparisons aside we see Nicki Minaj has clearly grown as an artist and through that so have her fans.

Midway through the record we begin to see this transition of music that Nicki delivers. ‘Right By My Side’ which owes co-vocals to Chris Brown, hits a segment of her fan-base much like cupid’s arrow. Undoubtedly this track will become loved by those who are in love, and is expected perform on radio extremely well. It may owe several chords to Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown’s ‘No Air’; it’s nice to see Nicki let her guard down for this duet because it simply worked. ‘Starships’ needs little introduction, the first single created buzz in all the right arenas for Minaj and allowed her to continue to break records for female rap artists. As our journey continues with Roman, we enter what I call the ‘Eurovision’ part of the record. ‘Pound The Alarm’ and ‘Whip It’ (which is built on the base of Three of a Kind’s ‘Babycakes’) both belong on the dance floor and defiantly hits a new crowd for Nicki Minaj. The record takes an emotional turn with the Jojo’s ‘Disaster’-like ‘Marylyn Monroe’. The introspective ballad is one of the best story tellers of the album, and we scratch the surface of Nicki’s singing vocal ability. ‘Fire Burns’ sonically reminds me of ‘Save Me’, and it’s okay because both these expose raw emotion that Nicki can carry of a record that is trying to tell several stories at once. For ‘Fire Burns’ especially we can almost picture Nicki in the studio with this song, a boasts a vibe of freshness.

Thus far on the record, I’ve found it hard to place it into a genre. I guess, when you don’t stick to particular genre for a LP, there is little red tape on what you can or cannot do. This is part of the explanation for Nicki Minaj’s direction on this project and the album has a lot to give. Nicki shows homage to her culture with garnishing a track with Beenie Man titled ‘Gun Shots’. The title doesn’t leave much for the imagination but the contempory track is glossed with a smooth beat and sweet lyrics. ‘Stupid Hoe’ didn’t receive such a warm welcome, but then Nicki did say that Roman was one to cause trouble. The fiery track throws ample supply of shade to particular person, need I say more? I’m sure by now you’ve gathered that Nicki has distanced herself from her niche, and embarking on tracks like ‘Turn Me On’ has given her stability (ensuring that all important radio play). The female fatality rate in the industry has been at an all time high, and I believe that what she has done is presented a record that has a long life time. Durability is key today when it takes a few trending topics for the hype to be over, this highlights the fact that thus far we haven’t got bored of the record.

‘Va Va Voom’ is a typical bubblegum pop/rap track, surprisingly the song is very ‘Katy Perry’ – and it has become my favourite track off the entire record. What ‘Va Va Voom’ hints to us is the development of her live performance skill. The track clearly deserves a live band and a slightly less over-dressed performance from Minaj. The album closes with ‘Masquerade’ the Disney soundtrack-like track ends the performance of Roman and his reloaded self. Many people are quick to dismiss the record and say that Nicki is investing far too much time in experimenting with different musical identities rather than tying the bows on the one she’s been gifted in. Despite production for Roman Reloaded only began in quarter three of 2011 – I very much doubt she entered the recording studio in search for the seal of approval off music critics. Nicki Minaj hasn’t missed a single fan out on this record, and that’s why I’ve become so attached to it. It fascinates me how so many different people will be picking up Roman Reloaded, and it’s down to it is layers of narrative and experimentation that proved its worth. That said, she pushed for a lot of respect. It takes some artists years and even new record deals all together to have control on their musical direction. Roman Reloaded is a cohesion of Pink Friday – but they watered the plant and watch it grow.

Nicki Minaj could have put out another eleven track rap record which would have floated around for a few weeks or so, but she didn’t. Although at times you can feel the record feeling a little bloated it shows character to put out such a bold body of work. In essence, what Minaj has done (which many fail to do) is to extend their musical appeal, and with widening your boundaries and having a record with can go out to vast amounts of people can secure a commercial success. This has pushed Nicki into iconic status and potentially making her one of the most influential women in pop culture to date. What amazes me most with the record is that from the guy at the Barber shop, to the girl who lives next door will each take a piece of Roman Reloaded.

Asian Woman Magazine recommends: ’Champion’ featuring Drake, Nas & Young Jeezy / ’Right By My Side’ featuring Chris Brown / ’Marilyn Monroe’ / ’Va Va Voom’

Buy Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

@MoQazalbash - I believe that this is the first time in Asian Woman Magazine’s history that we’ve ever awarded an album five stars. I couldn’t think of a more deserving person or album to give it to!

www.asianwomanmag.com about us: The first issue of Asian Woman & Bride Magazine, released in 2000, caused something of a revolution in Asian media. The first title of its kind, the magazine gained an instant following, prompting the creation of two separate titles: Asian Woman magazine and Asian Bride magazine as they are known today. With a unique mix of high-quality editorial, cutting-edge fashion, beauty and entertainment presented in a vibrant glossy format, the titles garnered an international readership that continues to grow ten years on.

Since its creation, flagship title Asian Woman has featured an elite selection of celebrities on its coveted cover including Aishwarya Rai, Frieda Pinto, Alesha Dixon and Jay Sean, building a solid reputation for quality and exclusivity.

In 2010, Asian Woman and its stable of sister titles – Asian Bride, Asian Groom & Man, Asian Fashion, and Asian Home & Style – were bought by Jayson Emerald Media Corporation Ltd. Today the publishing empire is owned by Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief J Wimal who, together with her highly-skilled and deeply passionate team, has brought the brand into the mainstream consciousness, attracting a wide range of luxury brands while expanding the readership beyond its core Asian audience.

Asian Bride Magazine Issue #33

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:32:22 -0400

It’s here, ladies. The new and much-anticipated issue of Asian Bride has hits the shelves all across the UK, inspiring a single question on everyone’s lips: where do I get that dress? Featuring a stunning design by Rohit Verma on the cover (available from biblondon.com), the issue is packed full of catwalk couture, must-know beauty essentials and insider tips to planning the perfect wedding. Grab your copy now.

online sampler: http://www.asianwomanmag.com/asianbride/

Asian Woman Magazine Issue #49

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:27:47 -0400

In our latest issue we give a unique Asian Woman makeover to the stars of the hit reality show The Only Way is Essex. See the results in our winter issue the special Fashion Edition on shelves now.

Top features include; Why Men Love B*tches, Get Fit in Five, Sales Survival & Dawn of the New Racist.

online sampler: http://www.asianwomanmag.com/magazine/

Forever 21 arrives in London

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 13:56:00 -0400

Well, it’s official, the renown US fashion retailer and LA sun-kissed, Forever 21 has finally secured a spot on London’s Oxford Circus, and in adherence to the brand’s expansion strategy, it is set to open an amazing flagship store there this Autumn. This isn’t however the label’s first time in the UK fashion market as Birmingham was lucky enough to welcome the arrival of a store last November.

The UK fashion market is a notoriously difficult market to break and succeed within and as Forever 21 offers affordable fast fashion items which mainly target fashion-conscious youths, it means that it is has an even bigger task as it is battling for market share against strong competitors in the form of Zara, H&M, River Island, and Topshop.

Question is, who will be the face of Forever 21 in the UK? Surely an appropriate British style icon is needed to promote the brand further! Who do you think would be the best fit? * Forever 21 was also responsible to bring E!’s Keeping Up With The Kardashians star Kendall Jenner to fame as she served as the face of the brand in the US for spring. See more online http://www.forever21.com

Jennifer Lopez divorces for a third time

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 07:52:00 -0400

This season Jennifer Lopez has been full of “Big Announcements” and this one sure shocked us all! It was later confirmed by Jennifer Lopez’s official website and twitter @JLo that she had filed for a divorce with her husband and father of their twins, Marc Anthony.

The statement read “We have decided to end our marriage. This was a very difficult decision. We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters. It is a painful time for all involved and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time.”. I’m sure Jennifer Lopez will enjoy a rise in sales to her album Love? consequent to this.

The making of Kanye West & Jay-Z's "Watch The Throne"

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 07:46:08 -0400

If you weren’t already excited for Jay-Z and Kanye West’s collaborative album Watch the Throne, then maybe these photos will do the trick. Jay-Z’s website Life + Times has revealed behind-the-scenes images from the making of the much-anticipated project, expected to drop August 2.

With the success of newly managed Beyonce’s album #4 still in circulation, high expectations are the least to say about this project! A tracklisting was finally revealed this week featuring appearances from Frank Ocean, Mr Hudson, and Beyoncé, who is featured on the single “Lift Off.”

The candid pics show ‘Ye and a long-haired Jay in album-making mode, dining with Mrs. Carter, reviewing lyrics, and getting a visit from Pharrell in the studio. Witness history in the making.

Leona Lewis "Collide"

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:46:00 -0400

Leona Lewis’s new record “Collide”, serves as the lead single from her as yet untitled third album, due this November. Penned by Autumn Rowe (Alexis Jordan’s “Happiness”) and produced by Sandy Vee (“Firework,” “S&M”), the piano-driven number builds into a dance floor anthem, with the iron-piped diva belting about feeling an instant chemistry.

“It is a summer song that has a really good vibe,” explained Leona. “I just feel like dancing around to it. I love the energy and happiness I feel when I listen to it”, to go along with the new record is a new image. I think Leona has finally got the re-vamp she is long needed, with her talent in ample supply it didn’t fit into the “current” moment of the music industry.

I’m sure Sony Music executives are celebrating for getting it all right at once with Leona, who’s set to garnish an number #1 in the UK and US with the single “Collide”. Being released by Simco Records in the UK and J Records in the US; the single is set to see a release date of the 4th of September - so we’re just going to have to wait to get our hands on it!

tumblr issue #001

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:24:00 -0400

We’ve embraced the digital revolution from all corners this season, and much like the summer anthem; Beyonce’s “Run The World (Girls)”, we have certainly put that in motion. Don’t forget to follow us on twitter @AsianWomanMag where you’ll find us tweeting about all sorts! AND our 47th issue is available everywhere; it’s the return of “The Man Issue” here at Asian Woman Magazine!