Ndima Vusumuzi, who is better known as Bob, is the founder of the Boys of Soweto clothing brandlocated in Braamfontein, a central suburb of Johannesburg in South Africa. It is a unique and vibrant clothing brand that reflects the flavor and spirit of the town of Soweto. It organically combines modern style with the elements of the history and diverse culture of Soweto. Bob says that each piece of cloth from his brand emphasizes individuality, has a history and details that characterize this small town.

The brand name was chosen for a reason. His goal is to show the positive side of the guys living in Soweto, as there used to be rumors that those guys and men who live in Soweto take drugs. "Soweto" is an acronym of South Western Townships. The founder himself can describe the brand in three words: cool, comfortable and very fashionable.

Bob had been dreaming of establishing his own brand since his childhood. Initially, he created caps, T-shirts and other clothes, and then he sold new clothes at a second-hand store in order to attract youngers to his brand. At the same time, he was keeping some money for future use and after a while, he was able to open his own store with the funds saved. Нe was not alone, there were three friends who call themselves "just guys from the city" in a modest way. They create stories that they want to tell people and try to tell these stories in their clothes. They want to show people that Africa can give something new, interesting and unusual to the world. For example, they make socks with ancient hieroglyphs which carry deep meaning printed on them. At first, it seemed to Bob that people wouldn’t understand the message he is trying to deliver with his clothing collection but later he decided that he had to do what was interesting to him. He believes that if you make original, beautiful, high-quality clothes with great inspiration and motivation, not only you but also other people will be interested in your brand.

So, Bob started by selling manually produced clothes at a second-hand store, and later switched to creating suites.He said that his father worked as a cleaner, but he went to work in fitted suits. "He has always been my style icon," says Bob. Creating fitted suits had always been Bob's dream which he was happy to implement when his business started to grow.

Bob is a very religious man, he goes to church every day. For him, it is an opportunity to see and understand what the spiritual world really is. There are many different brands and in order to become famous, you need to be disciplined. He believes that the church gives him discipline and motivation and helps to create original new clothes.

When Bob creates clothes, he primarily makes them so that people feel good in them: "The main thing for me is that the clothes are comfortable." He is inspired by his native country which is The Republic of South Africa: "Now I'm looking for inspiration in my homeland..."

“Don’t be afraid to express yourself through fashion” (Chanel Iman)

Fashion is one of the oldest forms of self-expression. It's a universal way to tell the world who you are. The first thing people judge is your appearance. Everyone is involved in fashion to some degree. Every day, we choose clothes items that match our mood and inner world. We don't just randomly pick that white T-shirt with a heart design or a ripped sweater with torn jeans. Every piece in our wardrobe makes us unique, creating a specific code, a particular set of colors, textures, and items. Such a code can tell a lot about a person; the key is to learn how to interpret it.Each country has its own unique code, distinct from others. You could say that each country possesses its own fashion DNA. In this article, we will discuss the differences in fashion across various parts of the world. In fashion, there are no rules, you just need to follow your beliefs.

“If you want to be original, be ready to be copied” (Coco Chanel)

It is well known that fashion is created by designers. They decide what the collection for the season will be like, which colors will be in vogue, and, overall, what will be fashionable. Designers offer their own perspective on fashion, creating something new and complex from the old and simple. However, all these innovations will only stay in trend for one season. What was fashionable a year ago is now forgotten. Additionally, designers select the items that will be sold both in boutiques and in mass markets.

Each country has its own unique designers. Here are a few of them:

1. Alessandro Michele (Italy): As the creative director of Gucci, Michele has transformed the brand with his eclectic and maximalist style, making it a powerhouse in the fashion industry.
2. Stella McCartney (UK): A pioneer in sustainable fashion, McCartney is celebrated for her eco-friendly designs that combine elegance with ethical practices.
3. Olivier Rousteing (France): As the creative director of Balmain, Rousteing has brought a youthful and glamorous energy to the brand, known for its bold and luxurious style.
4. Jonathan Anderson (UK): Founder of JW Anderson and creative director of Loewe, Anderson is praised for his innovative designs that challenge traditional gender norms.
5. Rei Kawakubo (Japan): Founder of Comme des Garçons, Kawakubo is renowned for her avant-garde and innovative designs that challenge conventional fashion norms.
6. Yohji Yamamoto (Japan): Known for his signature oversized silhouettes and monochromatic palette, Yamamoto is a master of blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern fashion.
7. Guo Pei (China): Famous for her opulent and intricately detailed couture gowns, Guo Pei gained international recognition for designing the stunning yellow gown worn by Rihanna at the Met Gala.
8. Prabal Gurung (Nepal): Based in New York, Gurung is celebrated for his elegant and colorful designs that often incorporate elements of his Nepalese heritage.
9. Han Chong (Malaysia): Founder of the brand Self-Portrait, Chong is known for his contemporary and feminine designs, particularly his use of lace and intricate detailing.
10. Uma Wang (China): Wang is acclaimed for her unique approach to texture and layering, creating sophisticated and timeless pieces that blend Eastern and Western influences.
11. Laduma Ngxokolo (South Africa): Founder of Maxhosa Africa, Ngxokolo is known for his vibrant knitwear inspired by traditional Xhosa beadwork and patterns.
12. Lisa Folawiyo (Nigeria): Celebrated for her brand Jewel by Lisa, Folawiyo combines traditional West African fabrics with modern tailoring and embellishments.

“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life” (Bill Cunningham)

Fashion in different parts of the world will vary from one another.. Each country has its own fashion and cultural code. What is popular and widely available in South Korea, for example, may never reach the peak of popularity in Russia and will remain almost unnoticed. Let's explore the main common features of fashion in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Russia.

Europe. European fashion is known for its blend of classic elegance and contemporary trends, with an emphasis on quality and style. In Europe, fashion varies widely by region, but there are some popular trends and staples that are commonly seen:

• Trench Coats: Timeless and versatile, often seen in neutral colors.
• Tailored Blazers: A staple for both casual and formal settings.
• Striped Shirts: Particularly the Breton stripe, popular in various styles.
• Jeans: A variety of cuts, from skinny to wide-leg, are popular.
• Sneakers: Stylish and comfortable, often from brands like Adidas and Nike.
• Chunky Knit Sweaters: Especially popular in colder months.
• Ankle Boots: Versatile for different seasons and outfits.
• Loafers and Brogues: Classic choices for a smart-casual look.

Asia. Asian fashion is vibrant and constantly evolving, reflecting a mix of cultural heritage and global influences. In Asia, fashion is diverse and influenced by both traditional elements and modern trends. Here are some popular clothing styles:

• Oversized T-Shirts and Hoodies: Often featuring bold graphics and logos.
• Sneakers: High-end brands and limited editions are highly sought after.
• Fusion Wear: Incorporating traditional elements like kimono sleeves or mandarin collars into modern outfits.
• Hanbok, Kimono, and Cheongsam: Traditional garments that are often modernized for contemporary wear.
• Wide-Leg Pants: Comfortable and stylish, often paired with simple tops.
• Layering: Lightweight layers for versatility in changing weather.
• Tailored Suits: Both for men and women, with a focus on sleek, minimal designs.
• Blouses and Skirts: Often featuring delicate patterns or subtle embellishments.

Africa. African fashion is a rich tapestry that celebrates its cultural heritage while embracing contemporary trends. Fashion in Africa is incredibly diverse and reflects a blend of traditional and modern influences. Here are some popular clothing styles:

• Ankara and Kitenge: Vibrant, wax-printed fabrics used for dresses, skirts, and shirts.
• Dashiki: Colorful, loose-fitting shirts often worn by both men and women.
• Boubou: A flowing wide-sleeved robe worn in many West African countries.
• Streetwear: Incorporating bold prints and patterns with contemporary designs.
• Tailored Suits: Often featuring African prints or fabrics for a unique twist.
• Maxi Dresses: Popular for their comfort and style, often in bright colors and patterns.
• Sandals and Slippers: Commonly worn due to the warm climate.
• Headwraps and Turbans: Used both as fashion statements and for cultural significance.
• Beaded Jewelry: Intricate designs that reflect cultural heritage.
• Increasing interest in eco-friendly fashion and supporting local designers.

Russia. Russian fashion combines practicality with style, reflecting both traditional influences and modern trends. In Russia, fashion varies widely depending on the season, but here are some popular styles:

• Puffer Jackets and Coats: Essential for the cold weather often in neutral or dark colors.
• Knitwear: Sweaters and scarves made from wool or cashmere.
• Dresses and Sundresses: Light fabrics and floral patterns are popular.
• Casual T-shirts and Jeans: A staple for everyday wear.
• Tailored Suits: For both men and women, often in classic colors like black, navy, or gray.
• Blouses and Skirts: Common in professional settings for women.
• Sneakers and Trainers: Popular among the younger generation.
• Tracksuits: Often worn for both leisure and casual outings.

“What I find the most interesting in fashion is that it has to reflect our time. You have to witness your own moment” (Nicolas Ghesquiere)

Fashion is always a rapidly changing phenomenon. Every season it changes, and sometimes even more frequently. We never know which trend will be popular next. Therefore, it's not worth constantly chasing trends. Fashion is about what happens here and now, whether it's a runway or a university lecture. Every day, we witness fashion, even if we are not directly involved in the industry. Each country has its own fashion that most people follow. To dress stylishly and fashionably, you need to follow these trends, read fashion magazines, and each season choose items that were showcased at fashion weeks in your region.

In today's interconnected world, one of the biggest challenges that people face is the language barrier. As the global economy continues to expand and technology facilitates communication across borders, the ability to overcome language differences has become increasingly important. Whether for personal or professional reasons, mastering multiple languages or finding effective ways to communicate with those who speak a different language can open up a world of opportunities.

Today, we would like to tell you the story of Angelina, a young girl who overcame the language barrier to become fluent in English. Five years ago, Angelina moved from her home country to California, where she began playing tennis and achieved great success. She made new friends and learned about different cultures. However, before that, she struggled to communicate in English living in a foreign country. Angelina always spoke English well but she feared she had an unpleasant accent and that no one would understand her. She also felt insecure about her language skills and vocabulary. She doubted herself and struggled to express her thoughts in English. But Angelina persevered and continued to improve her communication abilities. She worked hard to understand and speak non-native language clearly and effectively. With time and practice, her accent became less noticeable, and she began to feel more confident in her language skills.

Today, Angelina is a fluent English speaker who has traveled to different parts of the world and has made many friends who appreciate her unique personality and sense of humor. Her story shows that no matter how difficult it may seem at first, with perseverance and hard work, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Daily calls to her parents and correspondence with friends from Russia were a comfort zone for Angelina. one day she realized that she could no longer hide behind this language barrier, because of it she did not live a bright life and it would only get worse, if she did not do anything. She found a psychologist and started working on the problem seriously. As Angelina explains, "At first, there was no progress and I wanted to stop working with the psychologist, because it was difficult to keep in touch with my colleagues. But then, I became a bit more confident and, somehow, gradually, I was able to reconnect with my friends."

Before you ask any questions, dear readers, I would like to say that the process took a long time. Six months working with a psychologist, and only then did the charming Angelina begin to gradually break down the barriers. After all, it's all purely individual, but there are some important lessons that Angelina has learned from working with a specialist.

First and foremost, the ability to overcome the language barrier is essential for fostering understanding and building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Language is not just a means of communication; it is also a reflection of culture, history, and identity. When we make an effort to learn another language or find ways to communicate with someone in their native words, we show respect for their culture and values. This can help bridge the gap between individuals and promote empathy and mutual understanding.

Moreover, overcoming the language barrier is essential for career success. In today's competitive labor market, employers often prefer candidates who can effectively communicate in multiple languages. Being bilingual can open up job opportunities in a diverse range of industries, including international business and tourism, as well as translation and interpretation services.

Fortunately, there are many resources available to help individuals overcome the communication barrier. Language learning apps, online courses, and language exchange programs make it easier to learn a new language or improve language skills. Immersing oneself in a new language and culture through travel or study abroad programs can also be a highly effective way to become a fluent speaker. Additionally, using technology such as translation apps and devices can help facilitate communication in real-time, making it easier to interact with people who speak different languages.

In overcoming the language barrier, it is important to be patient, open-minded, and willing to embrace new challenges. Learning a new language can be a daunting task, but with dedication and perseverance, it is certainly achievable. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process, and being willing to practice and take risks in using a new language is essential for improvement. Finding opportunities to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the target language can help reinforce learning and build confidence.

Hope these small insights can help you in establishing communication in other countries. Perhaps the most important piece of advice is to simply try. Maybe it's easier for some people to start with correspondence, then work towards finding an online friend. Especially now, when there are so many opportunities available, for example, social media or dating sites.

To wrap things up, learning to overcome the language barrier can be a valuable skill that leads to personal growth and professional success. By learning how to communicate effectively in different languages, people can break down cultural barriers and promote mutual understanding. This can help build bridges between individuals from different backgrounds and cultures. The key is not to stop there, but to continue learning and trying new things. Angelina's story is a great example of this. She started by learning a new language, which opened up doors for her in her career and personal life. She did not let the fear of failure stop her from taking the first step. Today, Angelina is a successful businesswoman and language expert who uses her skills to help others.

Austria is an incredibly beautiful country. There are quite a lot of tourist places that are worth visiting because of their beauty which fascinates the spirit. Today I will tell you about the five most interesting and entertaining sites.

Vienna
The Austrian capital is one of the country's attractions, namely the so-called old town. It has preserved the layout and architecture of the past centuries. The old town was founded in the first century (scientists range between 881 and 976), and now there is a unique opportunity to feel the atmosphere of that time: cozy squares, cathedrals, cobbled narrow streets. Vienna's main attractions are located at the main square of the old town. St. Stephen's Cathedral is considered to be the main tourist site. It was founded more than 800 years ago. St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the ten tallest cathedrals in the world, its height is 136 meters. The cathedral has 13 bells located in various towers surrounding. The double-headed eagle of the imperial and royal courts is depicted on its roofs, as well as the coat of arms of Vienna. The remains of the Habsburg emperors (for example, Frederick the Second) are kept here. Entrance to the cathedral is free. The old town is also known by the Hofburg Palace, the Habsburg residence. The Hofburg is now an art and history museum. Another attraction is the Vienna State Opera, the beauty of which is admired to this day. It was built in 1869. The first production was the play “Don Juan” (Mozart). The opera was completely destroyed in 1945, and only by 1956-1957 it was restored. The Vienna Opera is considered to be the guardian of the traditions of the classical school, in particular Mozart.

Salzburg
Salzburg is one of the cities in western Austria. Literally, Salzburg translates as “salt fortress". The second name of the city is Rome of the North. This name was given because of the architecture of the Italian character. The city was founded in 1077. Mozart was born here and nowadays you can visit the famous house. Architecture, history and mountain landscape are intertwined (mountains surround Salzburg). In this city the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located, for example, the oldest restaurant in Europe and a fully preserved fortress, which is more than 900 years old. The symbol of Salzburg is the unique Hohensalzburg fortress, founded in 1077. The princely chambers and the famous “golden hall” is open for public visiting all year round. The fortress opens an incredible view of the Alps.

Helbrunn, the summer residence of the archbishop, is also located near the city. Helbrunn was founded in 1612-1615 by Italian architects. The world's only functioning funny fountains that spray water on passers-by have been saved here. There is a park within the residence with statues of unicorns and other mythical creatures. Another attraction of Helbrunn is two theaters – mechanical and stone. The first one is a theater of toys activated by the water. This theater was created in the middle of the 18th century. More than 250 wooden figures are set in motion to the sounds of a water organ, depicting scenes of a medieval city. The Stone Theatre is the oldest open-air stage in Europe, carved right into the rock.

Graz
Graz is considered to be a student city, as most of the country's universities are located here. Graz differs in many ways from other cities in Austria, in particular with its special atmosphere, energy, and the mixing of new generation buildings with historical architecture. In the old part of the city historical monuments such as the Cathedral of St. Aegidi (Graz Cathedral, made in the late Gothic style), a museum with a huge collection of historical weapons, a mausoleum with the ashes of Emperor Ferdinand II and many others are located. But the town is famous not only for its architecture and monuments, but also for the road to the city. It is an amazing railway with a beautiful view. The train follows the Semmering mountain railway, the oldest in the world. It was built in the middle of the 19th century. Ancient tunnels, arched bridges are still saved here, and the mountain landscapes with Austrian villages opening from the railway are breathtaking.

The Krimml Waterfalls
The Krimml Waterfalls is one of the wonders of Austria. The Krimml Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in Europe. Its height is 380 meters. It is located in the national park “High Tauern". Every second the waterfall drops tons of water, and a rainbow often appears in the spray. There are hiking trails along the waterfall, which leads you to the source of the Krimml Waterfalls. Along the way there is a view of the waterfall, which can be viewed from observation decks, and the trail passes through a forest with pines and ferns.

The bridge in Bad Gastein
The frenzied heartbeat and adrenaline are felt when you first approach the bridge in Bad Gastein. This is a pedestrian bridge located in the Alps. It is located at an altitude of 2,300 meters. Sometimes the bridge swings because of the strong wind. In clear weather, it offers views of the Austrian Alps and the country's highest mountain, Grossglockner, and in cloudy weather, you feel like a tightrope walker walking above the clouds.

The UK is certainly a country with a very rich history. Huge battles, powerful royals and stone castles fascinate lots of people even in the 21st century. However, let's go back in time when Britain didn't look like it does nowadays and people didn't even speak English there!

How it all started…

In 55 BC, the Roman army of 10,000 men invaded Britain. The Celts (tribes who lived in Britain back at that time) saw their ships approaching and rushed to attack the invaders. They actually managed to make a great impression on the Romans, who saw them for the first time in battle. It was quite a view: their hair and mustaches were dyed red and their bodies were painted blue. The Celts fought naked shouting very loudly at the same time. Invincible Roman army under one of the greatest generals of that time Julius Caesar had to return to the continent.

The conquest

In 54 BC, the Romans came to Britain with larger forces. They had better armor and were much better trained. After several battles some of the Celtic Chiefs submitted and promised to pay tribute to Rome.

In 43 AD, the Roman army invaded Britain again. At this time they were confident they wanted to stay on the island. They were unable to conquer the Scottish Highlands, so the Roman province of Britain consisted only of the southern part of the Island. It means that they couldn't conquer the land which belongs to Scotland today!

The spread of the Roman influence

There had been no towns in Britain before the Roman empire conquered it! Once the Romans arrived, they began to build splendid villas, public baths and towns where people continue to live nowadays.

Actually, many towns began as military camps or settlements for former soldiers. London and Colchester were the largest and the most important towns in Britain.

There is a little trick on how you can check whether a city or a town was founded by the Romans. Towns back then were called “castra”, which means “camps”. This word can be recognized in various forms in such names as Winchester, Manchester, Doncaster, Lancaster. Any English town today with the name ending in chester or cester or caster was once a Roman city, the Lincoln comes from the Latin word colonia, which means a colony.

What made Roman towns special?

In the center of any Roman town was an open space called the Forum used as a marketplace. There was also the Basilica used for local government, tax collecting and record keeping. The Roman towns were military stations surrounded by walls for defense and guarded by the Roman warriors.

Other buildings in towns might include one or more temples and occasionally a theater or amphitheater for events such as gladiatorial combats.

Nowadays, there are many things in Britain to remind the people of the Romans. For example, the wells, which the Romans dug, give water today, and Roman roads are forming the highways of modern England. Watling Street, which used to be one of the main roads used by the Roman legions, still runs from London to Chester, and long stretches of Hadrian's Wall, the ruins of public baths and parts of the Roman Bridges have remained to this day.

History of the most popular Roman-founded cities for you to visit

• York
York City Walls were built by the Romans around two thousand years ago. They are the longest town walls in England. York was actually the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior. It is one of the most beautiful cities in England that is definitely worth visiting.

• Colchester
Colchester was known centuries ago as Camulodunum, the first major city in Roman Britain and its first capital. It used to be an important military base for the Romans. Famous Colchester Castle, constructed in the eleventh century, was actually built on earlier Roman foundations.

• Bath
Bath is in fact famous for its baths built by the Romans who found some valuable hot springs there. The city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. In 2012, 30,000 silver Roman coins were found there.

• Doncaster
The city was founded as a Roman fort of the 1st century AD on the River Don. Also, some primary roads of Roman Britain were built there. In Doncaster, some of the roads that are yet to be discovered are still hidden under buildings.

• Lincoln
Lindum Colonia developed from an Iron Age settlement of Britons (the Celtic tribe living there before the invasion). Colonia Domitiana Lindensium, named after Emperor Domitian, was set up as a fortress on the top of the hill. It was a very flourishing settlement.


The Romans’ constant desire to be the best helped to leave a huge footprint on the history of many European countries. Not only did they set a start to the development of modern Italy, but also affected many different countries around Europe. Luckily, Britain was one of them. And you can still find the Roman footprint when you visit the country!

Imagine it is your second day at the university and you are an international student. You just have found the classroom where you are supposed to have your first lesson. You even have managed to make eye contact with someone you had probably talked to the day before. Now, you are coming directly to that group of people. You are a bit excited, but mostly nervous and also a bit unsure. Now, they are right in front of you. So what would you do and what would they expect you to do?

Would you give them a kiss? Would you hug them? Would you just shake hands and say hi?

That is how we find out a bit more about you, or (more exactly) about your mentality.

Mentality is the way people think, their cast of mind, the way they make decisions and communicate with others.

There are many factors that influence a person's way of behavior. However, one of the most significant of them is the place where he was born and raised. Actually, mentality, as well as nation’s traditions and customs is affected by climate, landscape, proximity to the ocean and other geographical characteristics.

The northern climate makes people conserve their energy, while the southern climate makes them spend it.

People who grew up in a colder climate are more reserved and need more personal space than people from a warmer climate. By the way, this does not depend on a person’s nationality at all. Scientists say that cold climates lead to a more isolated lifestyle when people cannot go out together and see each other very often. So they grow up used to being alone, which ultimately affects their character.

The closer to the equator, the more lively nations tend to become. Their national dances become more energetic (for example, Argentine tango and Brazilian sambo). Also, Southern languages are more melodic and sensual according to many people (for example, French, Italian, Spanish). These factors are the reflection of the domination of sanguine and choleric temperaments of the southern nations.

Landscape also has a certain influence on human behavior. If we compare the inhabitants of the plains with the inhabitants of the mountainous areas, then in the first case the world seems united and monotonous to a person, and in the second one - complex, requiring constant attention to a lot of different factors. These contrasts cause differences in worldviews and personality traits too.

Actually, these rules are followed precisely by the parts of the world with contrasting northern and southern regions. For example, the artistic southern states of the USA with carnivals in New Orleans and vibrant Los Angeles, the city of music and cinema, contrast the northern states, where New York, Chicago and Seattle are the cities of business and high skyscrapers.

However, it is important to understand that there are exceptions to all rules. In general, the world would fit into them only if we lived in tribes, without the influence of the Internet, economics, culture and education.

In 2005, the research was conducted by Robert R McCrae. College students from 51 cultures (12,156 students) rated a person from their country whom they knew really well. Surprisingly, Americans and Europeans turned out to be more extroverted than people from Africa. Brazilians and French have indeed become one of the most extroverted nations, but at the same time, Nigerians and Indonesians, despite being the southern nations, turned out to be among the most introverted ones. Additionally, according to a study by David Schmitt held in 2007, people in Africa are much more conscientious than the rest of the world.

However, stereotypes cannot be trusted. Mentality is formed by a huge number of factors that often cannot even be analyzed in any way. In addition, all people in all places of the world are different. We are sure that you will meet both very gloomy and reserved Russians, as well as friendly and hospitable ones.

So, whatever you do to greet your new university friends is really not that important. Just respect each other and have fun. That is why we love to hang out with people.