Spice up your life

The highlight of my month/year/decade: The Spice Girl's reuniting for the London2012 Closing Ceremony. Happiness.

I may have lost some of you with my opening line, but for those that also share the obsession of my youth, The Spice Girls played a pivotal role in my development of identity all the way through to my current career.

I grew up without television or internet and so relied heavily on my cd player, magazines and Thursday nights at my best friend Hilary's house, where I got to indulge in pop culture. The first time I saw the video clip for Wannabe in July 2006, I was 11. I don't think im exaggerating when i say that it sparked a revolution inside me. Floor to ceiling posters and pictures of each flavour of spice (Baby was, and is, my favourite!) decorated my room. Union Jack, Peace signs and Girl Power were my anthem. All this was to the horror of my mother, who had chosen to raise her 9 children in an alternative environment, free from the mass consumerism and pop of the spiralling main stream!

I didnt have money to buy Spice Girl's merchandise, so I made my own. All of my barbies got make overs, and every picture or word related to the group was clipped out of magazines and newspapers and collaged. I think I even asked my mum to buy me a playboy magazine that had a nude feature on Geri Halliwell! But the only spice girl I saw stripped was Mel B in Las Vegas 2009 when she was in The Peepshow at Planet Hollywood!

I admit the reunion for the Olympics brought a tear to my eye. And if blogs existed back in 1996, mine would show the full extent of my not-so-youthful obsession...

no more about Spice Girls from me here

But you can follow me on instagram: @RadaPriya

MSFW is fast approaching, and tickets are selling out - get yours here at Ticketek, and I'll see you there!
xx

Designing My 2025/2026 Grad Collection

Rada Priya 25/26' Concept board Fashion has always been a part of my creative soul, but after stepping away for years, returning through my studies has reignited a passion I thought I'd left behind. Now, deep in the concept phase of my 2025/2026 diploma graduation collection, I'm drawing inspiration from the opulence of Paris Couture Fashion Week SS25, particularly the breathtaking craftsmanship of Armani Privé. This collection is about honoring my roots in intricate beadwork while embracing sustainable practices and modern elegance. My design process starts with textiles, and my palette has evolved into a rich tapestry of verdant hues—lush greens, earth tones, metallic blues, and soft greys. Sustainability remains at the forefront, with natural fibres, ethically sourced Thai silk from my travels last year, and upcycled fabrics from local op shops. Faux fur, a treasure from my decade-old fabric collection, adds a layer of texture and nostalgia. Embellishments will include...

The Man I Was Taught to Fear

There are people we grieve twice in a lifetime. Once for who they were. And once for who we were never allowed to know. My father is one of them. When I was a child, my mother told me he was a paedophile. She didn’t whisper it. She didn’t hesitate. She said it plainly, as fact. As warning. As control. When we misbehaved, she would drop us at the greyhound station and force us to spend sleepless weekends with him. I remember the noise of the station. The way my stomach would knot. The terror that would sit in my chest at night when the lights went out. I was absolutely terrified to sleep. He was a workaholic. Twelve-hour days. Long hours. Absence disguised as provision. He would leave cash on the bench, stockpiles of food in the fridge, and the television on - a wild luxury I couldn’t enjoy because fear had already moved in. At home with my mother, we weren’t allowed a TV at all. Looking back now, my father was unemotional, but never unkind. He didn’t ask questions. He didn’t offer hims...

Shorts for amusement

I’ve recently started giving some love and attention to my YouTube channel where I’ve been posting Shorts about sewing hacks, upcycling fashion, trending clips, and styling tips. If you’re interested in these topics or just want to explore some new ideas, I’d love for you to check it out. Feel free to follow along and join me in exploring some practical and creative fashion tips. RadaPriya

Rada Priya

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