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ZLC Team
GRAB YOUR BALLS GUYS
GRAB YOUR BALLS GUYS
A STORY BY MIKAEL H
“… IT MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE. I SAY THIS BECAUSE I MYSELF WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH TESTICULAR CANCER”
A few weeks back I found something that threw me into weeks in hell of going back and forth to hospital, doctor and tests. Last week the exhausting uncertainty was replaced by the message:
YOU GOT CANCER
It was a Tuesday, only two weeks after my first visit to the doctor, when I had my first surgery. The surgeons say they have successfully removed cancer. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the upcoming tests and last biopsy will confirm this, so I can avoid radiation therapy and the aftermath of my illness will be short.
I have always said that I would keep it to myself if I got cancer, however now after I have been through it I have chosen to speak out. The reason why I initially wanted to keep my medical history to myself is, that I don’t want people to act differently around me or regard me as being sick. I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. Or treat me any different. Or change anything because of this. I want everyone around me to celebrate life with me. To go on having fun. I made a post on Instagram and Facebook to give all my friends and acquaintances the same story, to avoid misconceived stories and disturbing rumors. That was the main reason.
POSITIVE AND JOYFUL
Another argument for openness was to not have to lie making up bad excuses for not being available. Last but not least by coming publicly out with my story I wouldn’t have to tell the same tough story over and over when asked. I’d rather use my time with friends to talk about something more interesting, positive, and joyful.
At the moment I am at home recovering. Painkillers help me to deal with the physical injury I have suffered. I am still waiting for my mind to fully comprehend the events of the last few weeks. It has been one crazy fast rollercoaster ride of emotions and thoughts. And tears. I don’t know how I would have managed without my nearest and dearest right beside me, being strong for me when I wasn’t. My boyfriend, my family and a couple of close friends. I’ll be forever grateful for the love and support they have provided during this. Another team I owe a big thank to is the healthcare system. Doctors, surgeons, and nurses have been caring and professional all the way through and have shown how efficient the system can be when somebody is in need.
I consider myself a hedonist and aim to live life to its fullest all the time. I love life and everything it gives me. I live by the rule that I’d rather regret the things I have done, than regret what I have not done. It gives me so many great and memorable experiences. Every day I do my best to be impulsive, avoid overthinking in order to catch the moments, that make me happy. I want to surround myself with the people, that inspire me to be a better person.
STORY BY MIKAEL H.
At 32 I have already experienced more than I could ever dream of. Still, though I have many marking needles to add to my personal world map, there are countless ‘first times’ I want to do, I have a master thesis to finish, many ideas and goals I want to accomplish, and many amazing friends I want to spend time and share adventures with. Not least I have a boyfriend to grow old with. Hungry for life as I am, I could not put mine on hold during these last weeks. I have been to the gym, been out partying and done photoshoots. I have even been working on my thesis. Life must and will go on. I will beat this shit and come back even stronger. As soon as my body allows it I’ll be back as the active and energetic young man I was just a few weeks back. Now maybe even more motivated. And again, I cannot stress this enough..
CHECK YOURSELF AND GET CHECKED BY PROFESSIONALS
The text above was written a few days after the surgery. At the first consultation after the surgery, there were still no signs that cancer had spread. But due to the results from the last biopsy, the doctors found it necessary to give radiation therapy, after all, to prevent cancer from coming back.
Model Mikael H. Photo by Johan Rastenberger
Testicular Cancer Self-Exam Guide
We care about your well-being inside and out. Regular self-exams are not just about protecting against testicular cancer but also embracing your complete self, ensuring you stay handsome and healthy.
- Set aside time: Prioritize yourself. Take a moment to care for your well-being.
- Warm up: Treat yourself to a warm shower, enhancing relaxation and promoting a positive mindset.
- Stand or sit comfortably: Find a relaxed position, allowing you to connect with your body comfortably.
- Examine each testicle: With care, explore your testicles for any changes. Embrace the beauty of self-awareness.
- Check for pain or tenderness: Your body’s messages matter. Be attentive to any discomfort during the exam.
- Examine the epididymis: Acknowledge the natural aspects of your body. A slightly tender lump is part of your uniqueness.
- Repeat on the other testicle: Extend the self-love to your other testicle, ensuring a comprehensive self-exam.
- Be aware of changes: The beauty of early detection is empowerment. Consult us or a healthcare professional if you notice any changes.
- Regular self-exams: Make self-exams part of your beauty routine, affirming your commitment to overall well-being.
At ZLCOPENHAGEN we believe that true beauty comes from a harmonious blend of inner and outer care. Embrace your unique self, stay handsome, and prioritize your health. If you have any concerns, our team is here for you. Beauty, after all, is a reflection of your well-cared-for self.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
In our exploration of testicular cancer, immerse yourself in Mikael’s victorious journey through a series of captivating images. Each photo narrates a story of triumph, resilience, and style, as Mikael proudly dons our exclusive SWIMWEAR and SUNGLASSES collections available in the shop. Explore the images below and connect with Mikael’s inspiring narrative.
In memory of our dear model, Vladimir, who battled cancer and passed away, we’ve created two special products to raise awareness. The ‘VLADIMIR CANCER‘ bracelet and ‘VLADIMIR RED BLACK‘ parachute bracelets pay tribute to his legacy. Additionally, we commemorate our model Vladimir and my dear mother (RIP), who lost her battle to breast cancer in December 2021.
To further support cancer awareness, we are planning to introduce a special bracelet in baby pink color, named ‘FAIZ’ after my mother, Faiz, as a dedication to her. This bracelet aims to raise awareness for all women to prioritize their health. Stay tuned for the release of the ‘FAIZ’ bracelet and join us in supporting cancer awareness initiatives.
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ZLC Team
WHAT IS PASHMINA?
WHAT IS PASHMINA?
A subtle variant of spun Cashmere, pashmina, a perfect piece of art adorned in intricate needlework, is the cultural heritage of Kashmir.
Accessories made of pashm are known for their softness and warmth. The pure pashmina cannot tolerate high tension while weaving. It’s a rather gauzy or open weave. Pashmina shawls also shahmina in the Kashmiri Language, Their demand rapidly increased in the 1990s.
HISTORY OF PASHMINA & CASHMERE
Pashm history has been mentioned differently in different ways in different places. The word is popularly known as Cashmere in the western world. . Pashmina used to be the synonymous word of Cashmere until 2013 and is still not considered the same now as this has been given a significant indication mark.
Every cashmere wool is not pashmina. The original fine wool comes from the Himalayan goat’s undercoat, lives in high Himalayan regions of Kashmir, and some Tibetan plateau parts above 2000 feet from sea level where the temperature goes -40 degrees. The valley is situated in the north of India, East of Pakistan, and west of China.
THE ORIGIN OF PASHMINA
Pashmina shawls are handwoven in Kashmir, and it was also popular in Nepal. Still, with time, Nepal has lost its industry because of the Industrial Revolution. A pure form of hand-spun wool is not available in the market, one of the indications given to the Kashmir valley, which detonates its purity. For over a thousand years, this wool is for making shawls and blankets priced by royalty and ordinary people like its softness and warmth and long life.
For centuries, Kashmir has been the only place for it. According to the treaties that gave the maharaja of Kashmir exclusive rights to Tibet.
It is not only the coldness that matters in making this wool from the goat, but the altitude also provides the soften and delicacy. The best climatic conditions belong to the excellent climate of the Ladakh region of Kashmir. This wool has been admired for decades in the East.
The Western world has been reluctant to discover pashminas’ unique qualities. Today most of the pashm shawls are woven on the traditional looms in the Kashmir valley. One must not get confused about the traditional looms. When it comes to the weaving of pure wool shawls, these traditional looms are different from the handlooms.
Kashmir is the only place globally recognized for its products with geographical indication certification because Kashmir people use only traditional ways to make the original products.
HISTORY OF PASHMINA FROM MUGHAL EMPERORS TO HOLLYWOOD STARS
In recent years the silk and pashmina blend has become a western favorite, but that is considered not pure.
Pashmina is the most original and authentic fiber that originated in Kashmir hundreds of years ago. The art of pashmina making in the valley of Kashmir is believed to be as old as 3000 years. This pashmina art was admired and loved by the royal patronage. Pashmina was known by the king’s queens, royal families, and nobles all over the world. Not only Mughals were swooned by the mere look of pashmina, but the french monarch Napolean Bonaparte gifted a pashmina shawl to his wife, Josephine.
She is believed to have a collection at that time. Later in Rulers in Iran not only wear them but gifted them as apolitical practice. In India, maharaja Ranjit Singh was fascinated by pashmina so much that he decorated his court with hand-embroidered Art pieces and fabric.
CHANGTHANGI GOATS FROM THE LAND OF CHANGTHANG
The animal hair fiber of the Changthangi goat is a source of this handmade delicacy. In the Persian language, pushm means “wool,” but in Kashmir, pushm refers to the raw wool of Chanthangi goats.
This high need resulted in high demand for more raw material, so demand exceeded supply. Every spring, these domesticated Changthangi Goats shed their winter coat for a pashmina. In the molting season of spring, these tamed goats are trained to shed their undercoat naturally.
“Changpa” are famous people in the Ladakh region of the Himalayas as the traditional pashmina wool producer.
THE PROCESS & ORIGIN OF PASHMINA
From combing to the making of pashmina, the process is not only sophisticated but very delicate.
All steps start with combing the goat by removing impurities, aligning, spinning, and weaving to finishing; everything is carried out by specialized hands. Later, this raw material is exported to Kashmir. Srinagar, the old district city, has become the major center of pashmina fabric production.
This requires the weaver’s hard work because he carefully weaves the yarn on his traditional wooden handloom with his hand and foot. It takes 3 weeks of concentration to complete one pashmina scarf or shawl.
KASHMIRI HAND EMBROIDERY
By preserving the cultural prophecy of Kashmir, swoon-worthy edit features of slow-made Kani Jamawar shawls in breath-taking silhouettes is the epitome of elegance. Serendipitous collections of these handmade shawls ara depicting the long-lost art of Kani shawls, these heirlooms were passed down from generation to generation to preserve their cultural heritage. These Pashminas are punctuated with stately designs of flowers and underwater life, and sozni embroidery holds many secrets between the wrinkles.
Kalamkari, a talent for creating a traditional masterpiece. An amalgamation of colors, a brush, a pen, and a needle made of the most delicate luxurious shawl on earth. This form of artwork has been going on for centuries. Indeed becomes a Timeless beauty!
Kashmiri hand embroidery is like a symphony weaved in Art and Design.
Luxury Sozini Stoles from Kashmir take months in the making. These most delicate hand-embroidered stoles are the taste of ultimate luxury. The finesse thread intricacies manifest the depth of art and richness of culture. Each piece celebrates this age-old craft’s heritage and the mastery of the skilled artisans who carry on this tradition even today.
The art of weaving transforms the cashmere fiber into the finest pashmina products. These pashmina shawls, stoles, scarves, and apparels are delicacies that the human eye has ever seen.
We sell pashmina shawls made of 100% Cashmere in collaboration with Pashminawear.
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ZLC Team
5 RULES OF SUMMER
5 RULES OF SUMMER By Hamza Naeem, 15 July, 2019 Yes, Summer is finally here and it is time of the year when your…
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ZLC Team
DIET TIPS BY DIMITAR H.
DIET TIPS – THERE IS A REASON
…why ZLC love to work with models, with a great physique. Because it’s all about take care of your self, and your body, that’s the only thing you got rest of your life. Today we got a great athlete on our blog, describing how to get Abs in a natural way with some simple diet tips,.. here are some few words from our athlete, who is 20 years old, and lives in Bulgaria. Follow him on https://instagram.com/dhlifestyle
DIET TIPS BY DIMITAR HRISTOV
Your abdomen muscles comprise a crucial part of your body’s core, helping to keep your total posture stable and strong. Besides their health effects, great abs are also often viewed as cosmetically attractive. Traditional ab-working exercises like crunches combined with a weight-reducing diet that helps get rid of the excess fat that hides your abs can help reveal the toned six-pack you want. Several diet tips may help you get results even faster.BREAKFAST
Breakfast is one of the most important meals in the day and shouldn’t be skipped no matter how rushed you feel in the mornings. After sleeping through what is essentially an eight-hour fast, your body’s metabolism needs to be started again. For example, I eat several spoonfuls of yogurt with a scoop of whey protein and fruit like strawberries or bananas.
REDUCE THE CALORIES
Although dozens of diets on the market purport to help with abs, the basic principles of calorie reduction still hold true. You should simply aim to burn more calories than you eat. This can come by either decreasing your calorie intake or exercising more. Simple lifestyle modifications can also help you burn extra carbs. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator into your office, and park at the far end of the parking lot when you go shopping.
EAT PROTEIN
For a “sizzling summer six-pack I advise eating protein at each meal. They say that eating more protein than fat or carbs can improve your metabolism. Examples of healthy sources of protein include lean beef and skinless chicken.Text by Dimitar Hristov Model Christian Bladt Photo by Joakim Palm Karlsson
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