There are bridal collections, and then there are moments that redefine how the world sees African luxury.

Made by Horllard achieved exactly that with its Brides of Africa collection, transforming the runway at Afro Fashion Show UK into a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship and regal elegance.

Rather than following familiar Western bridal traditions, the Nigerian luxury fashion house looked inward, drawing inspiration from symbols that have carried meaning across generations.

The collection’s defining feature is the cowry shell, an object once used as currency across parts of Africa and long associated with prosperity, femininity and royal status. Instead of treating the shells as decorative accents, Made by Horllard integrated them into the very architecture of each design.

Gowns shimmered with painstaking hand-applied detailing, sculptural capes framed the body like ceremonial robes, and dramatic silhouettes turned every model into the image of an African queen.

The collection also reflects a growing movement across the continent’s fashion industry: the desire to tell African stories through luxury design rather than borrowing narratives from elsewhere.

From the label’s studios in Abuja, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom, Made by Horllard has built its reputation on bespoke bridalwear that blends couture techniques with cultural symbolism.

Cowhide textures, structured tailoring and handcrafted embellishments have become signatures of a brand determined to place African artistry at the centre of global fashion conversations.

That approach resonates far beyond the runway. Today’s brides are increasingly seeking garments that express identity as much as beauty, and designers across Africa are responding with collections rooted in history while embracing contemporary sophistication.

Brides of Africa captures that shift perfectly, proving that bridal couture can honour ancestral traditions without sacrificing modern glamour.

As African fashion continues to command international attention, Made by Horllard’s latest showcase stands as a reminder that the continent’s greatest luxury may not be found in imported trends, but in centuries-old symbols reimagined by designers bold enough to let culture lead the design process.

For something most people do every day, using the toilet is surprisingly misunderstood. A growing number of social media videos claim that placing a small stool under your feet can prevent prostate enlargement in men.

It’s an attention-grabbing idea—but while the posture may offer genuine health benefits, the explanation behind the claim doesn’t hold up.

A Better Position for Your Body

The human body wasn’t originally designed for sitting on a modern toilet. For centuries, people relieved themselves in a squatting position, which naturally changes the angle between the rectum and the anus.

When you raise your feet on a low stool while sitting, your knees move closer to your chest. This position helps relax the puborectalis muscle, allowing the rectum to straighten. The result is often a smoother, easier bowel movement with less straining.

Many people who experience occasional constipation say this simple adjustment makes a noticeable difference. It can also help those who spend too long on the toilet pushing to pass stool.

What About the Prostate?

Here’s where fact and fiction part ways.

There is no scientific evidence that stool travels toward the prostate or that using a footstool prevents prostate enlargement.

The prostate sits below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra, while stool passes through the rectum—two separate structures.

Benign prostate enlargement, a common condition in older men, is largely linked to ageing and hormonal changes rather than toilet posture.

That said, avoiding excessive straining during bowel movements is still a good habit. Chronic straining can contribute to haemorrhoids and may place unnecessary pressure on the pelvic floor, even if it does not directly affect prostate size.

Small Habits Can Support Digestive Health

Good bowel health depends on more than posture alone. Eating plenty of fibre from fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains, drinking enough water, and staying physically active all help keep digestion moving smoothly.

For people in Ghana and around the world, these habits can be especially valuable as processed foods become more common and sedentary lifestyles increase.

If constipation becomes persistent or bowel habits change suddenly, it’s important to seek medical advice rather than relying on social media health tips.

The Bottom Line

A footstool in the bathroom isn’t a miracle cure, but it can make bowel movements more comfortable for many people by encouraging a more natural squatting position. The real lesson is simple: everyday habits matter, but they should be guided by evidence rather than viral claims.

Sometimes the smallest changes improve comfort, while good information protects your health.

The fashion industry is always searching for its next breakout star, but few careers have accelerated as quickly as Valentina Castro’s.

In just a few seasons, the Colombian model has gone from being discovered on Instagram to becoming the first Colombian ever to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, a milestone that has cemented her place among fashion’s most sought-after faces.

Born in Tumaco on Colombia’s Pacific coast, Castro carries more than striking looks onto the runway.

She represents a city with deep Afro-Colombian roots, bringing greater visibility to a community that has historically been underrepresented in luxury fashion. Every appearance is a reminder that the industry’s definition of beauty continues to evolve, embracing broader stories of heritage and identity.

Her rise began with a chance discovery on social media before she secured an exclusive debut with Louis Vuitton—a coveted achievement for any emerging model. From there, the momentum was unstoppable.

Luxury houses including Chanel, Dior, Versace, Valentino, Fendi, Elie Saab and Schiaparelli, quickly added Castro to their runway line-ups, recognising a model whose confident walk and refined elegance complement both classic couture and contemporary fashion.

What distinguishes Castro is not simply the list of prestigious brands on her résumé but the quiet confidence she projects.

Whether dressed in sculptural haute couture or appearing in minimalist beauty campaigns, she allows the clothing to speak while bringing an unmistakable presence of her own.

Her luminous complexion, expressive features, and poised runway stride have made her a favourite among designers seeking authenticity as much as glamour.

For audiences across Africa and the global diaspora, Castro’s success carries added significance. Her achievements reflect a growing appreciation for Afro-descendant beauty in international fashion, creating new opportunities for aspiring models from communities that have often remained on the industry’s margins.

As fashion continues to become more globally representative, Valentina Castro’s journey stands as more than a personal success story. It signals an industry slowly expanding its vision of beauty—one runway at a time.