The Independent portfolio
All of my articles with The Independent are available here.
Mia Raja
Journalist
Daily Express portfolio
All of my articles with the Daily Express are available here.
From Archetype To Avant-Garde: Victor Hart Rewrites Workwear
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Victor Hart writes in light of his latest collection Defiant, unveiled at Milan Fashion Week.
This September, Milan saw light layers, bold colour mixes and wild coats as well as an emotional and bittersweet farewell to Armani. But one rising designer offered a bold counterpoint to the multicoloured excitement of the catwalk with his celebration of rebellion against the uniformity of societal archety...
This September, Milan saw light layers, bold colour mixes and wild coats as well as an emotional and bittersweet farewell to Armani. But one rising designer offered a bold counterpoint to the multicoloured excitement of the catwalk with his celebration of rebellion against the uniformity of societal archety...
Beyond Virality: How Raye Is Rewriting Her Own Story
One artist in the spotlight isn’t just staging a comeback — she’s rewriting the rules of stardom.
Raye, once boxed in as a hit-making machine for the charts, is now breaking that glass ceiling, armed with music that is raw, versatile and unapologetically honest. Her independent debut album My 21st Century Blues (2023) doesn’t just mark a new chapter — it announces her as an artist impossible to ignore.
Raye grew up loving music fiercely a...
Raye, once boxed in as a hit-making machine for the charts, is now breaking that glass ceiling, armed with music that is raw, versatile and unapologetically honest. Her independent debut album My 21st Century Blues (2023) doesn’t just mark a new chapter — it announces her as an artist impossible to ignore.
Raye grew up loving music fiercely a...
Soundtracks to Vulnerability: How Lyrics Unlock Confessions
For years, music has invited us to be vulnerable. Certain melodies have a unique power to stir emotions and draw hidden feelings to the surface. But it is lyrics, in particular, that often give voice to feelings we struggle to articulate ourselves. Whether you grew up blasting rock and roll lyrics about being misunderstood through bedroom walls or healing through break ups with a Best of Taylor Swift playlist, lyrics have likely, in some way or an...
SUMMER IN MONTANEJOS
The history of Montanejos begins with the significance of water in Muslim culture. It was this importance of water in Muslim religion that inspired the Arabs to build the thermal baths here (the ‘Arab baths’). These waters were then declared a public utility in 1863 leading to the baths we have today, popular amongst both locals and tourists.
There is parking next to the thermal springs where many go to swim or sit by the side (the water remains 25 degrees Celsius whole year round). However, man...
There is parking next to the thermal springs where many go to swim or sit by the side (the water remains 25 degrees Celsius whole year round). However, man...
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MUSICIANS AT ‘BLACK NOTE CLUB’
24/7 Valencia: Thank you for taking the time to speak to us. Firstly, can you tell us a bit about yourselves?
Alex: “Yes, so I’m originally from Brazil and I’ve been a professional musician since I was 20. My family didn’t support my music career so I completed a degree while still focusing on my music. Since then I’ve played on cruise ships, moved to London for a while and played in places like the Caribbean, Dubai etc. I’ve always been a nomad, which is why it’s quite weird that when I came to...
Alex: “Yes, so I’m originally from Brazil and I’ve been a professional musician since I was 20. My family didn’t support my music career so I completed a degree while still focusing on my music. Since then I’ve played on cruise ships, moved to London for a while and played in places like the Caribbean, Dubai etc. I’ve always been a nomad, which is why it’s quite weird that when I came to...
SUNSETS AT ALBUFERA
Whether with a partner or with friends, this ride around the lagoon offers the best photo opportunities and a relaxing day trip or evening trip, depending on the time at which you visit. The 40-minute trip, accompanied by a tour guide and explanation sheet (if Spanish isn’t your first language) takes you along the lake, passing local wildlife and greenery.
For the sunset rides, the tour guide will stop the boat once you reach open water allowing for a pause to enjoy the Valencian sunset with no...
For the sunset rides, the tour guide will stop the boat once you reach open water allowing for a pause to enjoy the Valencian sunset with no...
DESIGN, CULTURE AND VALENCIAN FASHION IN CELEBRATION OF MEDITERRÁNEA FASHION WEEK VALENCIA
When we talk about fashion, dresses, catwalks and models come to mind. However, ACUMOVA and CLC Art Gallery at Mediterránea Fashion Week Valencia hope to take this one step further by linking fashion and culture to the concept of art itself. Thanks to a long-established list of Valencian designers, a selection of haute couture dresses have travelled from the catwalk to the CLC Arte Gallery.
The creations of these artists have left an indelible mark on the local, national and international fashio...
The creations of these artists have left an indelible mark on the local, national and international fashio...