Red Man of the Moment: Gaddafi’s Garments.

For those of you oblivious to the name, Gaddafi is the President of Libya. Muammar al-Gaddafi AKA Colonel Gaddafi came into power in 1969 when he lead a small group of military officers in a bloodless coup against the former King Idris, abolishing the monarchy and proclaiming the New Libyan Arab Republic. He has been in power for nearly 42 years and is one of the longest standing non royal leaders in history
The self titled ‘King of Kings of Africa’ now faces mass protests by the people of Libya who demand he step down from power. Following the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia over recent months, groups opposed to Gaddafi are calling for ‘the end of the regime’. The protests have been ongoing since the fifteenth of February with police attempted to disperse the opposition using violence. The Human rights watch have estimated that there have been 233 deaths so far in Libya.

On a lighter note, despite the turmoil in Libya Gaddafi always brightens up the atmosphere with his colourful and weird fashion ensembles. He is undoubtedly a fashion leader as well as a state leader. Over his four decades in power his fashion has evolved. Gaddafi’s early yeas showed little eccentricity but as time went on his flamboyancy began to unravel. Gaddafi’s style is diverse with an array of flair. His Fur hats and leather and sheepskin jackets form a chic winter look. The military style suits with gold tassels represent fashionable formal attire. Colourful African robes portray a cultural relaxed look and his silk shirts and linen trousers form a more casual swagger.

It’s refreshing to see a leader like Gaddafi alongside other world leaders as he stands out against the typical boring dark coloured suite and tie attire.

From the G8 summit to visits at the EU Gaddafi takes pride in his appearance and clearly puts a lot of thought into his ensembles in order to both fit the occasion and make a statement.

Gaddafi further adds to his unique style by employing female bodyguards to protect him. Who does that?? Only Gaddafi!

Finally Gaddafi throws up peace signs or ‘Deuces’ perhaps, seeing as he’s so cutting edge. Despite the present turmoil in Libya, It’s always refreshing to see what Gaddafi brings to the table. If it doesn’t work out for him in Libya, with that swagger I’m sure there’s a place for him in one of the fashion capitals of the world……. London, New York or Milan perhaps. ;-)

Red Alert! Bum Injection Death: Cludia Aderotimi.

The tragic death of British Claudia Aderotimi on Tuesday the 8th of February, following silicone bum injections has shocked both the USA and the UK.
Aderotimi’s friends claimed that she believed a bigger bum would help her get more work in music videos. The 20 year old student flew to the USA to have the £1300 back alley bum injections in The Hampton Inn Hotel, South Philadelphia.
Claudia from Hackney, East London and three of her friends took the trip to the states in search of their unique style American dream. Two of them went along for moral support and a holiday while the other two had pre organised their cosmetic operations. This type of procedure wasn’t new to Aderotimi who had previously made the trip in November last year to have the injections. She returned this month for ‘top up’ injections. Aderotimi began to complain about chest pains a day after the surgery and was rushed to a local hospital where she died 90 minutes after she had been admitted. Doctors blamed Aderotimi’s death on a botched silicone injection that was pumped directly into her vascular system, which eventually stopped her heart.

It is not yet known who performed the surgeries and if it was even performed by a registered surgeon. Police insist on finding out if the two women who administered the injections were licensed to do so. Police have searched the homes of two women who allegedly injected the silicone and are investigating whether they are part of an organised gang responsible for luring unsuspecting people over the internet. One woman has been arrested.

"Back alley" surgeries like this are becoming increasingly popular amongst young people who cannot afford to pay for these types of operation. The increasing ‘Barbie doll’ cosmetic images and ideologies created by stars today is undoubtedly having an influence on the self a steam and attitudes of young people. Rapper 'Nicki Minaj' who recently visited the UK is renowned for her large silicone bum implants amongst other alleged modifications. We have to question whether 'role models' like these have an influential impression on young people and whether they hold some responsibility in raising awareness about the perils and risks present in cosmetic surgery.

Minaj is just an example of influential factors that contribute to such tragedies. But on a whole we must look at the bigger picture of society and its representations of beauty and why people feel they have to go to such lengths to be accepted or to be happy.