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Vans Names SZA as Its First Ever Artistic Director

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Vans is a skateboarding shoe company, known for original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories. The brand announced a multi-year partnership with the Grammy winning singer SZA, naming her as its first-ever artistic director. She’ll be responsible for reimagining campaigns and co-creating exclusive product collections.

SZA expressed gratitude and, in a press release, said “In Vans I feel free, I’ve been wearing Knu Skools and other styles for years, they’ve always had an ethos I connect with”. She went on to say “As Artistic Director, my mission is to show that joy, community, creativity, and fashion are all still intersectional. That humanity, culture, and connection are still the access points. They stand where I stand, and I’m honored to invite a whole bunch of people to stand off the wall with us”.

The first artistic director for Vans

Vans and SZA came together in a campaign to showcase the original brand anthem. In the collaboration, she wears one of her favorite Vans footwear styles, the Knu Skool in Black and White. Originally released in 1997, SZA’s updated version comes with a 3D side stripe, subtle design updates for comfort and style.

The brand film campaign was shot in the Scottish Highlands, blending nature’s beauty with human expression. The choice of location reflects SZA’s artistry, the imagery wasn’t the typical sneaker ad, it was more like a cinematic experience, bringing the brand’s identity into a clearer picture.

Updated version of Knu Skool

Vans chose SZA for this role at a time when the brand is working to stand out again in the busy sneaker market. As Artistic Director, she’ll  help shape how Vans connects with people around the world. They can expect campaigns and creative ideas that feels new and counters the usual sneaker ads.

For SZA, the role offers a platform to merge both her music and fashion on a global scale, expanding her influence beyond music.

Final Thoughts

SZA showcasing the Knu Skool in Black and White

This partnership is beneficial to both SZA and Vans. Together, they have the potential to set better style trends at the same time creating new market strategies for the brand.

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Stanley Nwabali Saves the Day as Super Eagles Beat Egypt on Penalties to Claim AFCON Bronze

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Stanley Nwabali - Instagram

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured the AFCON bronze medal with a 4–2 penalty shootout win over Egypt after a goalless draw at the Stade Mohammed V on Saturday. The victory was defined by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose key saves in the shootout handed Nigeria the medal.

Photo Credit – Instagram

The match was tight from the start, with both teams defending effectively. Nigeria, still recovering from their semi-final loss to Morocco, struggled to break down Egypt’s compact formation. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, had occasional moments of threat but could not convert their chances. Nigeria thought they had scored twice, with Akor Adams heading in and substitute Ademola Lookman finishing in the second half, but both goals were ruled out after VAR and offside decisions. The game ended 0‑0 after 90 minutes.

Photo Credit – Instagram

The bronze medal match went straight to penalties. Salah stepped up first, only for Nwabali to save the shot. Moments later, Omar Marmoush also saw his attempt stopped by the Nigerian goalkeeper. These two saves gave Nigeria the advantage. Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Lookman calmly converted their penalties, securing a 4–2 victory.

Nwabali’s performance combined quick reflexes and calm under pressure, earning him the Man of the Match award. His saves not only prevented goals but also allowed his teammates to take their penalties with confidence.

Stanley Nwabali – Instagram

For Nigeria, this bronze medal marks their ninth in AFCON history, extending their record as one of Africa’s most successful teams. It also allowed the squad to finish the tournament positively after missing the final, showing resilience and determination.

After the match, Nwabali credited preparation and careful study of opponents as key to his performance. His contribution highlights how a goalkeeper can influence a tournament, not just in a single moment, but through consistent, decisive actions.

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Teyana Taylor Wins Her First Golden Globes and Delivers an Emotional Speech

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Photo: Getty images

Teyana Taylor won a Golden Globes Award at the 2026 Golden Globes Awards held on January 11, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. She got the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in One Battle After Another.

Taylor was emotional when her name was called. When asked later about her reasons for being teary, she said she didn’t think she would but was happy about her victory.

Teyana Taylor: Getty images

In her acceptance speech at Global Globes Awards 2026, Taylor thanked those who supported her. She praised her family, and her close friends. She acknowledged director Paul Thomas Anderson for his great vision and for believing in her.

Taylor’s message drew attention across the media and sparked discussions about diversity and visibility. She has shown how talent can make one famous in the entertainment space. Her performance in the movie was praised for standing out against a competitive field of

Teyana Taylor: Instagram

nominees.

Her message to young girls read

“To my brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight, our softness is not a liability. Our depth is not too much. Our light does not need permission to shine. We belong in every room we walk into. Our voices matter and our dreams deserve space.”

Overall, Teyana Taylor’s Golden Globes victory reinforces her message of empowerment, perseverance, and representation. Her win highlighted the importance of diverse voices in Hollywood.

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Wunmi Mosaku Reveals Her Pregnancy at the Golden Globes

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Photo: Getty images

At the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, actress Wunmi Mosaku openly announced her second pregnancy. The moment became memorable because of the way she chose to share the news at one of the film’s biggest nights.

Mosaku arrived at the ceremony celebrating her film Sinners, which received seven nominations. She wore a yellow gown by Matthew Reisman Collection, similar to Mihlali Ndamase Chartereuse gown. The vibrant colour reflected the Yoruba phrase “Iya ni Wúrà,” meaning “mother is golden,” in her culture.

Wunmi Mosaku: Getty images

Mosaku shared her pregnancy news through her red-carpet appearance and a personal essay published in Vogue. In that piece, she explained that in her culture, pregnancy announcements are traditionally kept private.

She acknowledged that speculation about her appearance had already begun during awards season, with people questioning changes in her figure. To address this, she chose the Golden Globes as the moment to stop hiding her bump and “enjoy and embrace the moment. Her decision shows a desire to be real.

Mosaku spoke publicly about broader issues surrounding pregnancy and maternal health, especially for Black women. In her essay, she highlighted the emotional complexity that often accompanies pregnancy for Black mothers. She wrote that peace often comes only after medical reassurance.

Photo: Instagram

Mosaku, who welcomed her first child less than a year ago, also spoke frankly about the challenges of pregnancy. She shared that being visibly pregnant on the red carpet was a huge relief, allowing her the move freely without concealment.

Mosaku is launching a new clothing line called Iyadé, meaning “mother has arrived” in Yoruba. It is inspired by her own experiences and aims to honour the changing bodies of mothers.

Her pregnancy reveal at the Golden Globes was how she wants to show understanding toward motherhood. It brought attention to her success. It also reflects real‑world experiences of Black women.

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