MUSE Magazine Issue 8

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ISSUE VIII

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dear readers, Let’s be friends. Not just your run-of-the-mill, “hey how are you,” “good, you?” kind of friends who courteously bypass each other on the street to avoid getting caught up in an inconvenient conversation. Not just a friend that adds you on Facebook or the sort who ‘likes’ all your posts on Instagram but a true friend. The type of friend who challenges you and teaches you the nuances of life while making you laugh your ass off at the same time. A friend who isn’t scared to tell you their opinions and is equal parts honest and supportive when you tell them yours. A friend who is there for you during the best of times and by your side when it seems that everything has taken a turn for the worst. Just call our name, and we’ll be there because MUSE is a collective composed of your most badass friends. Your BFF, your bestie, and your number one bromance—you name it, we’ve got it, along with a passion for uncovering creativity right here at Queen’s U. This semester, we’ve curated a selection of articles and editorials that emphasize MUSE’s mandate to showcase your talent, your stories, and your experiences in our magazine. It’s been a challenge but, like any good friend, we’ve come through with the clutch to bring you content that is undeniably fresh. So whether you’ve just began to create new friendships or are making bittersweet memories on the verge of graduation, we hope you’ll consider MUSE one of your friends for years to come—group hug optional.

yours creatively, Emma Hoffman & The MUSE Team

EDITOR IN CHIEF Emma Hoffman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jenna Demchuk

BUSINESS DIRECTOR Hemani Kamdar

ONLINE DIRECTOR Abigail Conners

PHOTOGRAPHY Patrick RoDee Emilie Nolan ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Jennifer Shamie FASHION EDITOR Veronica Saroli ARTS EDITOR Claire Pierce LIFESTYLE EDITOR Matt Turano LAYOUT TEAM Rebecca Lasagna Johanna Azis Brittany Oates Isabelle Chui Ashley Tse MARKETING Kelly MacPherson Katherine Kim Lulu Tong VIDEOGRAPHERS Kat Pearce Rachel Wong SOCIAL MEDIA Tiffany Tang Avery Hoffman Sharon Zhang SPONSORSHIP Ivana Grahovac Ashley Moraca Rachel Adams EVENTS Danielle Cummings PUBLIC RELATIONS Andrea So FROSH REP Erika Streisfield

LAYOUT EDITOR Claudia Pettigrew

MUSE | 4

Young and Hopeful: the Will Hunter Band w Brace yourself ladies and gentlemen because I have a feeling these guys are about to take off… The Will Hunter Band is a born-andbred Kingston ensemble consisting of four of Queen’s very own: Will Hunter, Cameron Wyatt, Boris Baker and Don ‘Pineapple’. I sat down with front man Will to find out what WHB is all about.

How did the Will Hunter Band come together?

I have always wanted to be in a band. It’s just something I had always imagined. I had been writing songs and playing acoustic shows around Kingston and Toronto, but I knew that the songs had more potential than just my voice and guitar could provide. I posted in the “Queen’s Music Club” Facebook group that I was looking for a bass player and drummer and that’s how I met Don. Don was friends with Boris, and brought him into the band. I had played with Cameron in the past and invited him to jam with us one practice and he just never stopped coming back.

No band likes to describe what genre they are, but I have to ask, what is your sound?

At live shows, people have told us we sound like a few different bands. I’m most proud of being compared to The Arkells, Local Natives and Arctic Monkeys.

What inspires you the most when you write songs?

Generally, when it comes to lyrics, I tend to get a melody stuck in my head and let the words for that phrase come organically. Much

5 | ENTERTAINMENT

to the dismay of my roommates, I just play and sing new ideas over and over. These ideas tend to become our choruses, and once there are lyrics to the chorus, I get a feel for what direction the song is going; what it’s about. Most of our songs are about things that I have gone through or am going through.

What is the key to success?

Well, I wish I knew! But if I had to guess, it would be persistence and reckless ambition.

What’s next? You’re graduating this year but the rest of the band is staying in Kingston. What is the fate of WHB? We have a lot of big things happening before I graduate and ‘real life’ inevitably begins. We did some recording in February and will be playing shows pretty consistently as the year goes on. We’ve gotten some radio play with our song “Young and Hopeless” which is really exciting. I guess I’d say our fate is undecided, but it looks promising.

What is the dream?

The dream for me would be to be able to write music and perform for the rest of my life. As for the band, we have been pleasantly surprised by the response we have received from the Kingston community. We hope that this success follows us as we evolve. So I guess the dream is to go as far as our fans will take us.

an article and photography by CHRISSY ROEBUCK Left to right: Cameron Wyatt Don “Pineapple’ Will Hunter Boris Baker

MUSE | 6

10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Learn A Musical Instrumentt 1. They’re boredom busters. If you’re bored and have nothing to do, you can always pick up your guitar, ukulele, or violin, and play those boredom blues away.

2. It’s never a bad thing to learn an instrument.

Like learning another language, being able to play an instrument is a very cool skill. Have you ever seen someone bust out an instrument and play a song on the spot and think that they’re anything less than awesome? No, that’s right.

3. You can express yourself in ways you couldn’t before. The more you play an instrument, the more notes you will know. The more songs you learn, the more combinations you’ll understand. When you want to express yourself in a traditional way, you’ll have a musical vocabulary large enough to put something together.

4. You can create your own songs. Although most of us aren’t backed by Universal or have the songwriting skills of Taylor Swift (yet), we do have smartphones. It’s a satisfying feeling to listen to a song that you have created, even if it’s not top quality. Plus, the more songs you make, the more you will start to develop your own sound.

5. You can serenade your loves. Now that Snapchat exists, there is no need to worry about your love serenades coming back to haunt you in the future. For the mere seconds of a Snapchat, impress your crush with your musical abilities and wait for love to blossom.

6. It’s not necessarily an expensive hobby. You can easily pick up an instrument for under $100. Though you may want to upgrade your instrument once you’re no longer a beginner, it will take time to learn this skill and to find the instrument that is just right for you.

7. It can turn into a passion. Music can lead to the exploration of new thoughts and ideas. It can encourage a new level of understanding and appreciation of various genres and styles.

8. It’s therapeutic. Sometimes it’s hard to find the right words to convey how you feel but music can be your creative outlet. Besides, it’s just nice to play an instrument and not worry about what it sounds like.

9. You can’t go wrong. On a piano, every note you play is a note and therefore, you’re always playing it right. If you want to roll with your mood, you can play notes that sound right to you, but if you want to learn songs then YouTube is a wonderful resource. Either way, you can still be musical without really “knowing” how to play an instrument.

10. It’s fun. You know the saying “the journey is the reward?” It cannot be truer with a musical instrument. Though you may improve your instrumental skills, there is always more you can learn with music. You will never have enough time to listen and learn all of the songs that exist and therefore you will always be able to create something that is unique.

an article by MADISON ZARNETT

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d e g g u l unp W

e live in an age characterized by our use (or abuse) of technology. I don’t remember a time before the Internet and am perplexed that communication existed before cell phones. I am completely dependent on technology, so much that the thought of ‘unplugging’ myself for an extended period of time gave me anxiety. Could I exist comfortably after disconnecting myself and not texting my friends or checking social media sites every hour? As a result, I made the decision to impose a restriction on my technological usage for 48 hours to examine my technoconsumption habits and take a break from addictive social mediums. For 48 hours I was not to communicate using digital forms such as texting, calling, social media, or Snapchat. Only mentioning my objective to a few close friends, my techno-purge remained largely unknown to my greater social circle in hopes to examine the consequences of completely going off the grid.

I awoke the first morning of my techno-fast feling excited to test out life without my phone or laptop. In order to resist the temptation of caving, I replaced Microsoft word with paper for note taking and listened to music on an iPod without Wi-Fi. I was shocked at how easy and refreshing it was to carry on with my daily routine without communicative technologies. However, it was not until I was physically alone that evening that I felt the all too familiar pang of social anxiety and the need to reconnect myself digitally. I eventually turned on my phone and was greeted with a bombardment of messages; many of which were from friends/family who

were concerned with my lack of response and therefore tried multiple times to connect with me. I am not happy that I caved, but I learnt more from this moment of weakness than I would have if I had remained true to my objective. I now see that I am not dependent on technology itself; I am addicted to the social safekeeping it offers me.

My experience without communicative technology has allowed me to see that we not only want to be connected 24/7, but we’ve convinced ourselves that we need to be.

We have lost the ability to be alone and enjoy our own company, making us dependent on social safety nets provided by our digital communities. These communities provide us with the ease of breaking isolation, therefore even when we are in the physical presence of friends we continue to seek meaningless technological contact with others.

Only once I abandoned these social technologies did I see an improvement in social skills, as I was engaged in more conversations. Even my focus and interest in class improved insurmountably without access to any distractions.

photography by REBECCA LASAGNA

an article by KELLY MACPHERSON

Although my parents thought I had died and many friends assumed my lack of response as indicative of anger towards them, I actually felt happier and more confident with my relationships and with myself. I have since continued to take notes on paper in class and no longer fear the isolation that comes without having your phone by your side day and night. I feel free from the binds of technology, and I encourage you to try the same.

MUSE | 8

Young,Wild & Free: The Perks of Being Single Many people meet their significant other at college or university, which is all well and good. However, the benefits of being single during this pivotal time are often overlooked. A lot of people see singlehood as a (hopefully brief) transition period between relationships, but I see it as a vital part of living life to its fullest. Here are some of my main reasons for flying solo: You don’t have to care what you look like on a daily basis.

It’s always fun to doll yourself up and go out with friends, but we all know how much Queen’s students love to go to class in sweats!

Without a boyfriend or girlfriend in the picture, there is less pressure to look good.

You can focus on friends.

University is the place where many people meet their life-long best friends. Going to Tumbleweed Tuesdays at Ale or joining an intramural team is practically a rite-of-passage for Queen’s students. Sure, a boyfriend or girlfriend could come along too, but university is the perfect time and place to build a solid network of friends.

You can relax and focus on quality me-time.

Being a student is pretty much a full time job. Between classes, assignments, studying, extra-curricular activities, work, partying, and sleeping, who has time for a significant other? When you finally get a break, it’s nice to just relax and catch up on some me-time without having someone else’s feelings to consider. You can stay home and chill without having to explain that sometimes you just need to be by yourself with The Notebook and a tub of cookie dough.

You can experiment all you want.

When in a relationship, we naturally don’t notice other potential hookups. But right now we are in a community of thousands of students, and it’s a whole new playing field. So play it! Now is the time to experiment, have fun, and learn what you like (while being safe of course).

Why tether yourself down when you have legions of men and women to have fun with?

You don’t have to worry about getting hurt.

Ever had your heart broken? If you have, you know that it’s next to impossible to get out of bed, eat, shower, and interact with people; let alone do well in school! I once got 50 % on a paper during a break up. Students can’t really afford to have a meltdown during the school year.

Learning how much you love YOU! University is a time of self-discovery. Sure, it’s a cliché, but what better time to learn about YOU? You’re young and free, so take advantage! Do what interests you as a person. Spend time with people who make you the best you can be. Build your resumé and your confidence. Now is the time to focus on you, and nobody else!

So why not throw a party for all the fun loving, single Queen’s students out there and focus on how amazing you can be on your own?

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an article by MICHELE GARDNER

an article by EMILY PILE and SHANNON MCCABE

The

50ofShades Carrie Bradshaw Sexcapades, BFFs, and boys you wish you could wake up next to. Who knows if it was the eccentric fashion, the promiscuous affairs, or the cliquey friendships, but something about the show made us wish we would one day be Carrie Bradshaw. In case you have no idea what we’re talking about, it’s Sex and the City, and if you don’t know whom Carrie is, you better start watching Netflix before finishing this article. Although Sex and the City premiered while we were still in diapers, twenty years later we’ve managed to see every episode.

When we heard of the CW’s prequel to Sex and the City, The Carrie Diaries, we watched in hopes of seeing bits of ourselves in young Carrie. We were able to relate to Carrie’s close circle of friends, helping her through her many breakups, makeups and make outs. Thinking with her emotions rather than her logic, Carrie often causes moments of “I cannot believe you just said that.” Like her constant internal struggles leading to embarrassing breakdowns in front of many lovers—chill Carrie. However, beyond these moments, Carrie has proven herself to be the ultimate friend; housing her gay best friend way before it was socially acceptable (we’re talking early 80’s), and walking another best friend through chemotherapy years later in SatC. Although the CW and HBO insist that the shows’ correlation is merely an inspiration, we can’t help but compare the two and acknowledge their differences. The main difference: sex. Foreplay,

threesomes, and sex-toys all have a part in the Sex and the City series, with Carrie readily and excitedly dishing all the details of her sexual adventures. Apparently, the younger Carrie isn’t so eager to share, as she struggles to elaborate on how her V-card was swiped to anyone but her diary. We get maturity comes with age, but really Carrie, we’d expect a more interesting game of “never have I ever” by grade twelve.

SatC’s Carrie Bradshaw is both single and scandalous. Yet The Carrie Diaries gives the character a somewhat boring suburban background that is unsatisfying for SatC viewers. Young Carrie is portrayed as overly responsible: shutting down house parties, acting as a mother figure for her little sister, and always being preoccupied by her worries. Flash forward twenty years and the older Carrie is the farthest from domesticated. She’s wary when asked to watch her friend’s children, always down for a GNO, and would never say no to throwing back a cosmopolitan—but hey, maybe it was the cosmo’s that loosened Carrie up.

In the end, it seems Sex and the City and The Carrie Diaries are catered to different audiences and comparing the two devalues both storylines, and the authenticity of Carrie Bradshaw herself.

Our advice to you: watch them both, watch them separately, appreciate Carrie, and remember: “Dreams change, trends come and go but [Carrie Bradshaw] will never go out of style.”

MUSE | 10

R E D N A

X E AL

LYN

by CAIT e l c i t r an a

P M A R T

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MCTAVIS

W

hen Chris McCandless graduated from Emory University in 1990, he had only one goal: to go on a great Alaskan adventure.

While he had the grades to pursue law school, Chris wanted to make a radical change in his life.

Although Chris’ original journey happened over twenty years ago, and film adaptions were made ten years later, his story still remains relevant to the students of today.

the best grad schools. Not one Chris McCandless in the group.

Chris McCandless believed that, “careers are a 20th century invention,” so he set out into the wild for a greater learning experience. Chris had no map, no agenda, and no responsibilities, just the freedom to travel and the spirit of adventure.

The great outdoors was his new classroom, and throughout his journey Chris learned a lot about life. While I don’t disregard the university as an institution that fosters a valuable educational experience, I do believe that learning happens beyond an academic setting.

True learning can happen when we take risks and are put in uncomfortable situations.

“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure.”

The future looms over all of us, whether we are froshies worried about getting good enough grades to continue in the studies of our choice, or graduating students desperately searching for jobs. It doesn’t surprise me that my fellow students have such predetermined goals and plans for the future. Everywhere you look people are planning, scheduling, and preparing. We are taught these basic skills from a young age and we learn to equip ourselves for our future endeavours. In the documentary about McCandless, The Call of the Wild, the director attends the graduation ceremony at Chris’ alma mater, and asks students what their plans are post-graduation. The director was looking for the next Chris McCandless—an adventurous wanderer—but instead found students with impressive job offers and acceptance letters to

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In the film, Chris states, “The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure.

The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”

This summer, I encourage Queen’s students to forget about the pressure and stress of their looming future and to delve deep “into the wild.”

A Tale of Controversy Sitting in front of the television on a Sunday night never fails to cure the common end-of-week blues. Accompanied by an exceptional film or two, it actually becomes quite a grand evening.

This is the artistic medicine cinematic directors contribute to society.

But what qualifies a certain film as exceptional? Some argue it’s the celebrity strength of the cast chosen, and others argue it’s the authenticity of the plot. While both of these factors may fuel a film’s performance, there’s something else that affects all viewers’ opinions. Whether it’s reviews from acclaimed critics or the audience’s reaction in theatres, individual subjectivity, not a list of criteria, is what makes a film’s true impact so controversial.

This notion of controversial film reviewing came to a boil when a friend of mine watched Spring Breakers for the first time on Netflix. She absolutely hated it. She was not the only one; Spring Breakers had earned a meager 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from viewers. Truth be told, I had been waiting for the film’s release in theatres (in late-2012) and had high expectations regarding its performance. However, the constant film bashing I heard from well, everyone, ultimately deterred me from seeing it. The audience generally found Spring Breakers to be an abnormal excuse for a party movie—without any sense of deeper meaning or artistic portrayal.

The odd part is that critics rated this same film at an approving 65%. If any of you failed high school math, that’s a 26% opinion difference regarding audience versus critic likings. How could there be such a gap in film reception? It turns out that the “kids gone wild” movie isn’t so daft after all; its satirical edge actually implies some important insights for this generation. The underlying melancholic imagery matched with scenes of extreme partying intrigued movie critics, meanwhile leaving the average viewer lost in thought.

While some critics might think a film is phenomenal, the audience could think it’s garbage, and this difference in opinion flows both ways. Take the range of differing taste in music. You might think your best friend is incredibly “mainstream” for enjoying Katy Perry, but she probably thinks you’re weird as hell for listening to Disclosure. People are simply different, with diverse personalities, and varying interpretations.

Ignore the push to adopt a common opinion and decide on the deserved stature of a director’s production for yourself. A green splat on Rotten Tomatoes can be just as deceiving as a radio station’s Top Ten set list. So bid adieu to online reviews next Sunday night, dare to pick a flick at random, and leave all external opinions aside.

an aritcle by JACLYN SANSCARTIER MUSE | 12

Queen's Own Gossip Girl

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Following a recent return to the Queen’s campus, your favourite fourth-year socialites are back. Ready for their last semester, they’re here to reign as the Kings and Queen bee’s of the place they’ve come to know these past four years. Don’t believe me?

Come out and see for yourselves.

yoncé, and had the sad revelation that I knew more about a beer’s IBU and my preference towards Hops than most of the guys there.

Feeling pretty intoxicated at this point, I found my Blair equivalent and a group of friends who promised us a “wild time” if we followed them to Fluid Nightclub. The rave music and flashing lights gave us enough energy to consume one last Vodka soda before hitting the dance floor. We soon realized however, that everyone else seemed to be on another level than we were. Accepting that my only drug of choice that night was going to be Nate Archibald, I decided Fluid wasn’t the best place for me, but I still wasn’t done having fun.

As a fourth-year student taking only three courses this semester, it’s no surprise I have a lot of free time on my hands. Thankfully, my sister’s Netflix account is always there to keep me company and fuel my latest addiction: reliving every glamorous moment of Gossip Girl one scandal at a time. However, there is a serious issue with spending so much time watching one TV show on repeat—you start to believe it’s real. The characters become your friends, the Before I continue, there are a few things you should understand ridiculous things they do become your daydreams, and the boys, about fourth year Queen Bee’s—we rarely pay cover and never well they become your boyfriends. wait in lines. Heading deeper into the Hub of downtown, we saw a bouncer we knew at Stages, said hi and then ran inside. Posting up During a recent night of drinking and partying, I must have taken on a riser, I began screening the crowd for some sort of equivalent one shot too many, when all of a sudden my life started to appear to the bad boys from the Manhattan’s Elites. To be more specific, a lot more fascinating. The countless hours I had spent hanging my Blair and I were looking for attractive varsity athletes. Sadly, I’ve out with my virtual Manhattan friends combined with the exces- acknowledged that the selection of Queen’s guys considerably desive amount of alcohol in my body seemed to result in a chemical clines as I get older, but a ridiculous night out with my best friends reaction where my mind began processing things as if I truly was seemed to satisfy my Serena alter-ego—not to mention the fact Serena van der Woodsen. that I knew my Nate was waiting for me in bed when I got home.

Still throwing back cocktails and engaging with the company who had come to my Lower West Side apartment (south of Princess St, west of University Avenue that is), I began to feel the itch of another uneventful night at Ale. Starting to think like Serena, I took my hair out of a messy bun allowing long blonde waves to cradle my face, and embodied the mentality of “I don’t give a fuck,” because this was my graduating year and we were going to celebrate.

I left Stages, and like any socialite who leaves a bar with her best friend instead of a guy, headed to get a nice healthy dose of drunkfood joy. On our way to the greasy establishment, I had one last Serena moment: having to call 9-1-1 for an uncontrollably drunk man.

The next morning I woke up—surprisingly, not too hungover—and was pleased with my eventful night. That was until I rolled over, saw Before I knew it, the Blair’s and Jenny’s at the pre were ready to go. the empty pizza box sitting on my floor, and realized that the real I began my night at The Brooklyn, which just like one of Chuck’s Serena probably hasn’t eaten a carb since middle school. secret clubs in hotel cellars, is a backdoor kind of hangout only the “cool” kids know about. I was impressed with the decor and layout of the place, but was quickly tired of the DJ’s refusal to play Be- Until next time little ones.

xoxo an anonymous article

MUSE | 14

denimocracy

The display of a new pair of jeans commenced with knees bent far beyond the acceptability of a 90° angle, contorting and lunging exuberantly at the newfangled ease afforded by 92% denim and 8% spandex. It took me about five years to realize that this was so beyond unnecessary. Did I really need to know that, if needed, I could do yoga in my jeans in order to truly be comfortable in them?

I don’t think this is what Mr. Strauss had in mind when in 1873 the first pair of workpants was fashioned combining rivets and the toughest fabric -denim- to provide utmost utility for workers during the Gold Rush.

Since that day 141 years ago, denim jeans have blazed a revolutionary path continuously evolving and continuously being woven into the rich tapestry of human history. During the Second World War soldiers would wear their 501’s (a white tee and a leather jacket) while on leave. Following the war, this ensemble frightened American citizens who desperately wanted to move away from reminders of wartime atrocities, and led to the classic ‘rebel’ imagery that is still prevalent today. Half a century later, denim was literally revolutionary; watching footage of the fall of the Berlin Wall, there is a lotta denim present, and in the former USSR black-market Levi’s were highly coveted.

Now is the time to draw upon the revolutionary élan spun into the very fibre of denim, and force a figurative coup against the reign of the current denim regime.

an article by VERONICA SAROLI 15 | FASHION

Mainly, my plight lies with jeggings; but realistically, who doesn’t have a hate-hate relationship with the portmanteau from hell that is the ‘jean-legging’? Does a material that is simultaneously skintight and yet “forgiving” really feel right?

But I digress, as many ideologues tend to do so; back to the coup.

Over the past year or two we have started to see cracks in the system—‘the boyfriend’ jean: nice and slouchy, relaxed, comfortable. When recruiting new followers broaching this subject with my fellow comrades friends, there was a lot of trepidation. People clutched onto the comfort of skinny jeans containing a healthy dose of stretch and style. But let it be known that this is a coup in the democratic spirit – everyone’s voice will be heard and all jean styles will be represented. The most I can do is campaign for a new future for denim with hopes of this vision outperforming that of its incumbents.

So ladies and gentlemen, I resign with only my platform; the distillation of a revolution in as many words as I have left: Every decade or so the tide changes, bringing in the new, whilst the past ebbs so that it is never gone, just a little farther out at sea. What would we be if society never adapted? One dressed in bell-bottoms or acid wash? I’m not calling for the obsolescence of denim as we know it, just for something new. That’s not so radical now, is it?

Today’s young men conform to a strict set of rules when it comes to the way they style themselves. There seems to exist a tendency to practice common habits when it comes to dressing, and seldom do they deviate from this norm.

Tokyo Calling

Take, for example, the men of Queen’s: If it’s above ten degrees, one mustn’t leave the house without a pair of Top-Siders, a worn-in tank top, and the snapback of a sports team that hasn’t existed for at least twenty years. And if it’s colder out, some clean Timberlands and a sweater layered under a pea coat seem to do the trick.

All over the world, young men desperately follow these asinine trends, often going to great lengths to pull off the newest look. But this raises the question: What is style if it’s not one’s own?

It is high time for a change in mentality and no sooner should we look to Japan, where oddity and eccentricity triumph, to answer this question.

In Tokyo, style truly is one’s own. Being fashionable is about inclusivity, and the value of an item isn’t determined by price, but rather the lengths one must go to acquire it.

This mentality, which has grown vastly in the past decade, has given rise to a population of impeccably styled men, young and old, that pride themselves on the uniqueness of their tastes.

But what exactly is it that defines this superhuman style? To begin, throw any and all rules out the window—the experts go wild in layering mismatched patterns—and as long as loud colours are avoided, scarcely ever do they end up looking like Willy Wonka.

Tailoring is also key. Most of these sartorialists buy their clothes with pocket change, but pay a premium to have them altered to their body. And it shows. Just think of tailoring as the fine line that separates Sean Connery from the average man on the street.

The final and most important factor lies in the detail.

Half the fun in pursuing this level of personal style is the hunt for rare trinkets and accessories that set one apart from the crowd. Whether it be a vintage watch or a handmade pair of oxfords, such modest peculiarities are what define one’s individual creative genius.

As cliché as it may sound, adopting this Japanese style boils down to embracing who you are down to the last quirk. So lose the fake Rolex and meditated flow, actuate the quest for personalized paraphernalia, and maybe even call someone to get your jeans hemmed.

But above all: Be weird.

an article by NICHOLAS PERRY MUSE | 16

EENIE MEANIE BEANIE BO an article by ANNIE EUN Let’s be real, I appreciate a solid Canada Goose Jacket and a pair of UGG Boots just as much as the next North American, but if I had to state one fashion trend that currently stands out, it would definitely have to be those head-hugging brimless caps, most of you guys might refer to as beanies. Such a simple piece of attire is striking enough to change the entire atmosphere of your look.

Historically speaking, beanies started off as a cap usually worn by male, blue-collar workers in the early 20th century. Worn for the protection of their heads, this essential headgear eventually became a fashion must-have—especially useful and most present in our outfits during the cold-weather season.

Thanks to fashion magazines, street style, and hip-hop music videos, there are endless ways one could wear beanies that are appropriate for every occasion.

Beanie Profile: Beanie Profile:

While it is too much to go head to toe neon, dark colours such as black could give the solid backdrop needed to sport a neon beanie, making a bright statement to your overall outfit. With such bright, eye-catching colours, I personally think that neon scares people off.

Neon could, however, be the first step to take, if you feel bold enough to take chances with your style. Just maybe not at the library.

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neon beanie

Slouchy beanies have been an increasingly popular trend, especially amongst men. Giving off a lazy and laid-back vibe, the over-sized beanie is perfect for short hair, or bad hair days. Slouchy beanies are widely worn in knit or crochet patterns—very appropriate for the cold weather. From outdoor walks to lecture halls, I’d say this beanie is fitted for most occasions.

slouchy beanies

Containing anything from a club or team logo to vulgar sayings, I’ve noticed that slogan beanies are what students mostly wear on campus. To the logo wearers: is it a way to represent your crew and feel a sense of inclusion? To the vulgar-beanie wearers: could it be a way of expressing your true feelings without actually saying those words? There might not even be any actual meaning to wearing the slogan beanie except for the sole fact that it is trendy, fashionable, and liberating at the same time.

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slogan bean

It’s interesting just how quickly the beanie phenomenon came to enter the zeitgeist. Whether we wear beanies because they’re trendy and we like what’s emblazoned across them, because there’s another polar vortex going on, or because of a bad hair day, beanies are here to stay. Perhaps in this increasingly fast paced world we need indicators like beanies to pick up clues about a person’s identity, literally at the drop of a hat. In this day and age, let the beanie do the talking.

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ANDROGYNOUS CHIC

men’s fashion labels blur gender lines

an article by RICHARD GREENWALD

On the Fall 2014 fashion week runways it wasn’t the women who rocked high heels and skirts, but rather the men. Amongst renowned menswear designers, the most notable trend was androgyny. Male models strutted the catwalk in styles drifting from the usual norm of masculine-centric clothing—further bridging the gap between menswear and womenswear.

J.W. Anderson has been ignoring gender boundaries for the past few seasons and the results have led to stunning unisex fashion.

In January, Anderson unveiled his Fall 2014 menswear collection.

With perfect poise, his models walked down the runway in high heels, halter necks, and handbags. In 2013, his men’s collections sported lace tops, dresses, and asymmetrical jackets in rich pastels. His pieces accentuate petite and curvy figures, and predominantly feminine features, rather than broad shoulders and bold shapes. “It’s not gender, for me it’s just clothing” says Anderson. His unique perspective on both fashion and gender has led to amazing work. By not allowing the confines of gender to limit his creative ability, Anderson has developed some of the most risqué yet brilliant collections the fashion world has ever seen. Although gender-bending apparel exists in both men’s and women’s wear, there is a stronger stigma attached to men dressed in effeminate clothing. Luckily, J.W. Anderson has set a

new standard, leading to innovation in numerous other fashion labels. From Givenchy to Saint Laurent, designers are breaking the barrier of social boundaries for the sake of great design, creating pieces that are increasingly more epicene. This past season, these designers transformed their male models from boldly macho to strikingly effeminate. Gender-bending apparel isn’t only found on the runways. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to spot Kanye West in a Givenchy skirt or Justin Bieber in ‘meggings.’

Male celebrities have simply hit the tip of the iceberg in androgynous menswear. As more hits the runway, we can expect to see more high-profile celebrities dressing in it as well.

So, if societies’ most notable fashion trendsetters, celebrities, and designers, are sporting androgynous apparel, can we expect it to it to trickle down to us? Will skirts and heels become necessities in the modern man’s wardrobe? Perhaps only time will tell. With each passing year, the line between menswear and womenswear continues to fade. I, for one, am looking forward to the day that the average university-age male heads to class in their favorite pair of heels. Granted, not everyone may be so open-minded. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to take a glance at the opposite gender’s section of the store; who knows, you may become the newest trendsetter around town.

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chop talk

an article by ASHLEY LARAMIE photography by PATRICK RODEE styled by JENNA DEMCHUK

My flirtation with snipping off my locks coincided with the onset of winter’s dreaded first snowfall. The weather was harsh and so were the split ends that accompanied it. Inspired by the bob that catapulted Anna Wintour to the top of fashion’s ivory tower, I decided that I wanted change. With mixed emotions, I hopped into my hairdresser’s chair and, an anxious bout of small talk and a few gooey hair products later, out emerged a Whole New Girl. Now I know, you think this claim is a tad dramatic, but severing off ten inches of hair really evokes a strong reaction from both the outside world and the human psyche. Suddenly, even basic grey t-shirts had an added pizzazz and the unique mane on my head began to influence all other elements of my style and personality. A signature haircut is the best accessory in my arsenal, and I’m advocating that it is a must-have beauty staple. Signature hair is dynamic, built-in, and by far the most effective and cost-efficient catalyst for a style upgrade.

I define a signature haircut as a unique hairstyle that simultaneously stands out from the crowd and is suited to the individual’s aesthetic and personality. Think Grace Coddington’s wildfire mane, Michelle Williams’ platinum pixie, or Alexa Chung’s boyish bedhead. A signature haircut is instantly recognizable, due to elements such as texture, angle, colour, or length. They operate to enhance an individual’s sense of style, pushing the envelope and allowing them to fill a personalized fashion niche. If you haven’t figured out what direction you’d like to take your hairstyle in, starting with celebrities is a great reference point. Collect images of your hair muses on a Pinterest board, noting which aspects of the look stand out to you as bold and different. Then, figure out what works for you, keeping things like upkeep, face shape, and natural texture in mind.

My top picks for celebrities with signature hair all rock iconic looks that exude cool and personality. Jared Leto first debuted his “man-bun” at the 2014 Golden Globes awards, inducing swooning of a magnitude not seen since his early days as Jordan Catalano on My So-Called Life. This, combined with a “hombre” dye-job, resulted in a look that was memorable and entirely his own, perfect for his image as both a serious actor and an edgy musician.

Wonderland editor Julia Sarr-Jamois embraces her natural hair texture by rocking an explosively voluminous Afro that brings her colourful ensembles to the next level. Her hair is synonymous with her name on the fashion circuit, and is partly responsible for her elevation from magazine fixture to “It Girl”. Kate Laphear’s asymmetric whiteblonde crop is androgyny at it’s best, adding extra intensity and contrast to her all-black, rebellious aesthetic. It gives her the air of mystery and cool required for her post as Style Director at Elle, and is the perfect example of the transformative power of a signature haircut at play.

sabrina parker

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april qiu

jessica whitton

stephanie haberer

kelly macpherson

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scents and sensibility an article by NINA GRICE

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s far back as I can remember I’ve always associated perfume with an idealized concept of elegant femininity. Like lipstick, drop-pearl earrings, and high heels, perfume was one of those wonderful trappings of adulthood that tiny Nina just couldn’t wait to achieve.

Fast-forward to 2014, and I haven’t exactly become the Grace Kelly-esque young woman I’d once planned on growing into; too many oversized sweaters and a penchant for black nail polish got in the way of that hope. Nonetheless, a couple of months ago I decided that with the adult world of real employment fast approaching, the least I could do is try to face it with style. And so my search for the right perfume began.

I knew that I was looking for something more mature than the vanilla-based scents I’d worn as an awkward fourteen-year-old. At the same time, I didn’t want to age myself too much. Coco by Chanel, it turns out, is much better suited to my low-voiced, dark-haired mother than it is to a tiny, fair-haired, twenty-one year-old me. Trying on the perfume favoured by my mother, I felt like a little girl playing dress-up again.

As I tested different perfumes, I realized pretty quickly that I prefer scents that are light, sweet, and faintly floral. (Notes of citrus, peony, jasmine, and rose all made me especially happy). After a busy week of trips to Sephora, The Bay, and Shopper’s, I’d narrowed my choices down to three scents: Tory Burch, Dior J’adore, and Flora by Gucci. I had tiny sample vials of all three in Eau de Parfum form.

Over the next month, I alternated which perfume I wore every week, so that I could learn how all three reacted with my own personal chemistry. Every perfume changes a little for each wearer, and with top notes, middle notes, and base notes (the different components of a single perfume) all coming to prominence at different points throughout the day, it’s important to see how a perfume takes shape on your own skin over time. First impressions can be deceptive.

In the end, I did buy a 1oz bottle of one of my three selections—the one that seemed to work best on my skin without fading too quickly, and without being too overpowering. I’ve found what I think is the perfect compromise between the classical and grown-up quality I was looking for with the Chanel, and something light and feminine that still feels comfortable for me.

It’s true that I do feel a little more elegant and pulled together now. Which perfume I chose in the end, though, I’d prefer not to say—at least, not directly. The sense of mystery every perfume gives its wearer is a part of the allure that interested me in the first place. Besides, to paraphrase a wellknown designer: a woman’s perfume tells more about her than her writing.

21 | FASHION

so bad its good: the clothes of girls

GIRLS

an article by VERONICA SAROLI After watching Season Two’s Brownstone episode of Girls, a dear friend of mine told me: “You remind me of Hannah, eh?” To this day I still don’t quite know what she meant by that. Nonetheless, one of the things that I love about Girls is that no one wants to be told that they’re just like one of the characters. While the show has been lauded repeatedly for its raw and clever writing, and crystalline voice of a generation, tell someone they’re a Marnie and they’ll be pissed. One thing that has not received similar adulatory treatment is the clothes—or at least it has, but not for typical reasons. Unlike Sex and the City before it; and the two have often been compared; people are not going to go run out cash in hand to go and buy the latest item Hannah happens to be wearing.

This is understandable. Lena Dunham has created a cast of characters that no one actually wants to be, just ones that we want to watch. Yes, we can relate to them, and yes, there might be some shared character traits, but no matter what, no one wants to be told they’re a Marnie, Hannah, Shoshanna, or Jessa. (Actually, deep down most people wish they were a Jessa. And most people who wish they were a Jessa are actually a Marnie.)

The costume design headed Rogien is an understated tour and largely figures into this enon. The synchronization character and costume is so commonplace that you don’t

by Jenn de force, phenombetween cunningly even re-

alize its impact until later on. And when you realize it, you’ll notice it everywhere.

This epiphanic moment happened to me during the second episode of Season Three, though undoubtedly there were clues along the way (i.e. Shoshanna’s fascinator and Robin’s egg blue dress).

When Hannah, Adam, and Shoshanna sprung Jessa from rehab, all were in perfect garb for that moment of time with their character. The particular scene I reflect on is when Hannah stays behind while Adam and Shoshanna go for an impromptu hike. Laying there in the woods, decked out in a quintessentially quirky, vintage-y Hannah dress and jacket, so short that pale upper thighs were exposed: I understood. “That’s sooooo Hannah to wear that,” I commented.

The way clothing is employed in Girls is highly sagacious and methodical: rarely does an item of clothing seem to be out of step with the character without prescient purpose. This indicates a hyper-awareness of the gestaltist way in which we reflect ourselves in the items that we wear.

Lets face it, the characters are all annoying, and they don’t have that cool factor with their outfits. They’re normal and we can relate to their issues, and the thing most notable about being normal is not being trendy or cool. In this way, Girls excels far beyond competitor TV shows, and armed with this knowledge, it will continue to be at the top of the game.

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23 | FASHION

how fashion met fitness an article by JENNIFER SHAMIE I hate to admit it, but I would rather splurge at Lululemon or Nike over Aritzia and Club Monaco any day. Workout attire is my guilty pleasure and I have a proud collection to prove it. Rising up in the ranks of men’s and women’s fashion, fitness clothes are now dominating the retail market with sky high sales and a loyal customer following. They not only promote a healthy lifestyle for hopeful consumers, but they create a recognizable culture of fitness fanatics.

Walk into the Queen’s gym on any given day and I promise that you will find yourself surrounded by Lululemon racer-back tanks and vibrant Nike Frees. As a fitness instructor, I’ve seen it all—from colour coordinated gym outfits to custom made running shoes; we can no longer deny that fitness attire has collided with the fashion world in a powerful way. Women’s fashion labels such as Victoria Secret, The Gap, and even Gucci are capitalizing on this new trend and offering their own workout collections in stores and online. And this trend is making it all the way to the top tier: luxe couture Chanel running shoes will run up a cost of about €3,000, and sneakers were also shown at the Christian Dior Spring 2014 Couture show.

So how did this fusion of fitness and fashion come about? Any fitness magazine will answer that feeling confident in one’s workout outfit will lead to longer hours spent on the treadmill and in the weight room.

But does our choice of gym attire really lead to more productive workouts? I argue that it does. Just as we choose certain everyday clothes based on shape, comfort, and style, workout clothes function the same way. If we shop for our specific body type, I believe anybody can pull off flattering gym wear. There is nothing worse than feeling self-conscious at the gym, so comfort should always be a first consideration, but style and a pop of colour can definitely brighten a workout and make you more motivated to start moving. The next time you are out shopping for a new pair of jeans or browsing the latest jewelry counter, try treating yourself to some colourful running shorts or a flattering workout tank instead. I promise it will be a fashion investment that your body will thank you for later.

photography by PATRICK RODEE directed by JENNIFER SHAMIE modeling by BREANNA BURTON, JENNA DEMCHUK STORM PATTERSON, NICHOLAS DOWD & CHRISTOPHER HOUSTON MUSE | 24

ghetto GLAMOUR The Queen’s student ghetto just got a little more glamorous, mixing grunge and glamour never looked so chic Directed by Jenna Demchuk Photographed by Emilie Nolan Modeling by Jennifer Shamie, Chris Callahan, Taylor MacPhail & Matt Heideman

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31 | ART

an article by BRENT MOORE photography by PREMAL RAVAL

Welcome to Ragasthan For the festivalgoer looking for something new and crazy, Ragasthan should be on your radar. Held in the desert dunes outside of Jaisalmer, India, the inaugural event attracted travelers and performers from around the world. A zany, disorganized celebration of music and culture, it deserves a reputation as one of the premier international music festivals.

Last year, a group of adventurous Queen’s students volunteered to help set up and run the maiden event, and got a behind-the-scenes look at the weekend’s festivities. This is their story.

It’s nearly midnight by the time we roll into the festival grounds in a three-wheeled rickshaw, hoping that someone will still be awake. Despite our fears, preparations are in full swing under the football stadium floodlights and after being given a quick meal we’re sent straight to work alongside a crew of fellow volunteers and

hired hands. The volunteers— mostly young, English-speaking locals—brandish blueprints and bark orders at the workers who are mostly adolescent boys from the area. Three hours of construction later, the steam whistle blows, signaling the end of our first short, strange shift. Tired from travel but keen on the weekend to come, we collapse next to a campfire for some late night snacks with the festival’s organizers.

India has always attracted curious individuals. The mountains of Kashmir and the yogis of Rishikesh have inspired everyone from The Beatles, to Steve Jobs, to UFC fighter Jonathan Brookins. India is a place of contrast: between rich and poor, old and new. And from this fantastic land sprang four friends with dreams of a festival in the desert.

Ragasthan was conceived by four childhood friends from In-

dia. One of them, Keith Menon, visited the city of Jaisalmer and its surrounding desert while on a family trip and was immediately mesmerized with its beauty.

“We always wanted to do something there. What better than a music festival?” he said.

The walled city of Jaisalmer rises up from the surrounding desert. Lounging on one of the city’s many rooftop restaurants surveying the expansive scene below, it is not hard to understand Jaisalmer’s appeal. In the distance, a series of wind turbines dot the desert horizon and at night, their blinking lights remind lonesome Canadian travelers of Wolfe Island.

It was off in that desert landscape the group decided to realize their dream, setting up a rock stage along the flats and marking out a tent village for campers. They would use the natural cut and curve of

the sand dunes for the electronic and open-mic stages. The slopes of the dunes would create a bowl, and they would use camels to transport supplies and musicians to these sandy amphitheatres.

The open-mic stage is sheltered at the bottom of a series of dunes and swathed by strips of pink fabric strung up on poles. We assemble at the bottom on the dunes a half hour before sunset, under the flowing pink streamers.

Blankets are handed out and it appears that maybe half of the group is performers here to cheer on their comrades.

The sun drifts off, and a series of India’s young unsigned musicians take turns sharing their work. For some, this is the first time they’ve done so in such a public manner. The result is an outpouring of love from those in attendance and the formation of a community, miles away from home.

Some of our favourite performances from Ragasthan included... Like the Rain or Natural Woman by Alisha Pais, Get Up and Go by Shantanu Pandit, Naïve by Pragnya Wakhlu, and Paagal by Winit Tikoo Want more info? Go to: http://www.ragasthan.com/

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KINGSTON: FILTERED 35 | ART

an article and photography EMMA HOFFMAN editor in chief

As a self-proclaimed technophobe, I’ve always been amazed at what contemporary innovation is able to produce—namely, the iPhone. The combination of horror and awe that I ascribe to technology is exemplified within this collection of photos. Taken with an iPhone 5S, I experimented with various filters and apps to transform the dreary Kingstonian winter into a fantastical figment of my imagination.

This is Kingston: Filtered.

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BUT IS IT ART?

an article by CARLING SPINNEY 37 | ART

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uch of contemporary art is dismissed on the grounds of a disparaging “I could do that.” And maybe you could. But, more likely, maybe you couldn’t. Here’s why: Art is no longer mere visual content, it’s so much more. But all too often the average gallerygoer is unaware of the ideology a work of art represents. Some artists’ message is simply pointing out the pointlessness of art. Ironically and paradoxically, saying nothing is still saying something.

I get so much more out of an exhibition when I’ve familiarized myself with the artist or the art movement they are associated with. Most art has one objective: to make you think. Current art shows ask more of the viewer than ever before. I encourage you to rise to the challenge, which often exercises your mind more than your eyes. Just imagine how incredibly repetitive art would be had it remained within the confines of tradition.

No one wants to be spoon-fed bland and tired art theories. Instead, contemporary art challenges the viewer in often-groundbreaking ways.

Whether you leave an exhibition with a new thought or you experience a changed outlook, you’ve successfully encountered “art.” Does it really matter if you’ve received the artist’s intended message, if the artwork conforms to traditional artistic techniques, or if the art was literally an empty gallery entitled Void? That actually happened by the way. Another curator responded by exhibiting a gallery filled with garbage, entitled Full. The art world is a funny place.

Traditional art forms (for example, Italian Renaissance paintings) are praised for their verisimilitude, their beautiful lines, and expert colouring.

But you can find the same qualities in contemporary art. It isn’t a valid argument to say only traditional art forms can be considered art. If, say, several metal blocks were attached to a wall and exhibited as art, I would expect many viewers to dismiss the work as either pretentious or overly simple (the two always seem to accompany each other). This work in question is Donald Judd’s Untitled.

The clean lines of the blocks, the absolute perfection of form, the purity of material, and the precision of the installation can be appreciated much in the same way a painting is. Before you brush off an artwork as senseless or worthless, really think about the piece for more than just a few seconds. You might surprise yourself. Certainly not everything will appeal to you, but if you shut out the possibility of enjoying art, you’re totally missing out.

Another common complaint regarding contemporary art is that the artist doesn’t actually make the work himself. In fact, it may have sold for millions of dollars and he never even laid a finger on it. For example, Andy Warhol produced artworks in The Factory: a studio in New York where employees created art under Warhol’s direction. This may seem outrageous, but allow me to explain why it’s not.

There’s actually a long tradition of artist workshops where apprentices worked under a successful master artist. Maybe you’ve heard of the Dutch artist Rembrandt? The students in his workshop signed Rembrandt’s name and not their own. This tradition continues today.

So while some may demand the artist’s individual hand and talent as a marker of “art,” you were never really getting that in the first place.

The biggest mistake you can make is attacking or denigrating an artwork simply because you don’t understand it. Keep in mind that when you walk away from ‘art,’ the image/form is never changed, but sometimes you are.

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the art of mala

an article by ZOE STARK

Setting an intention Every morning I wake up to either the Wine Rack’s morning delivery or the incessant beep of my phone’s alarm. Not the most peaceful awakening. So how do I gain my calmness, energy, and confidence for the day? After reaching to turn off my alarm, the next thing I reach for is a long strand of 108 beads—my mala beads.

Rudraksha Encompassed peace and love

White Crystals Clears obstacles, allows for new beginnings, brings clearity to thoughts and actions.

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How do I use my mala?

You do not have to subscribe to any religion to have and use mala beads—I’m a case in point. My mala use stems from a combination of different traditional ideas, including but not exclusive to yogic philosophy. Every morning I use my beads as a reminder to set an intention—something I want to achieve during the day (whether to be kind to those around me, or to let go of something that has been on my mind), what I am capable of and the way in which I want to live my life. The physicality of the mala against my chest and stomach keep me grounded and aware of my goals in all aspects of my day including being in class, writing an exam, when I’m out with friends, or during my yoga practice.

The specifics—Why 108?

Most mala bead necklaces are composed of 108 beads commonly made from Bodhi Tree wood, Rudraksha seeds, or an ivory-like material. There are many reasons why 108 is the selected number. One explanation I quite enjoy is there are 18 human feelings that are derived from the interaction between reactive states (positivity, negativity, and indifference) and the six senses (3 x 6 =18). These feelings each have the potential to be pleasurable or not (18 x 2 = 36). Finally, these 36 combinations can occur in the future, the past, or in the present (36 x 3 =108). In total 108 possible relationships emerge. As well, there is a generous stone that hangs in the middle of the mala, called a guru bead, which holds one’s mantra and is made from different stones and rocks that are said to possess different healing qualities.

Agate Cleansing and stability, protects from negativity. Helps with analytical thought, clarity, and concentration.

Amazonite Universal love, alleviates fear and anxiety, realizes power and control in life.

What are mala beads?

Mala beads are essentially prayer beads. Common across many world religions, they serve as a reminder of faith, as a grounding tool and as a palliative aid in healing processes. Mala beads originated in Buddhist, Hindu and yogic traditions and are used during meditation practices. People repetitively recite personal, positive word combinations called mantras or intentions while stringing the beads through their fingers. This malleable practice has evolved over time, and has been applied differently across cultures and religions.

Steps to finding/making your own mala 1. Get a cup of tea, coffee, light a candle, put on some music, snuggle under the covers; whatever makes you comfortable.

2. Sit down and think about what colours you like, what intentions you hold, what your desires, needs, hopes and ambitions are.

Think of what stands in the way of your achieving these goals.

3. Look into the meanings different stones possess, they can act as reminders of your many qualities.

4. You can either make your own mala or search for one online that fits you. Some of my favorite websites are http://www. lovetinydevotions.com, and http://www.malacollective.com/ pages/what-are-mala-beads.

A mala is personal, reflecting an individual’s personality, fears, ambitions, and hopes. It reminds you to live in the present with intention. I highly recommend one to everyone. Namaste.

home chic home an article by CLAIRE PIERCE

OBJECTS NO. 4 BEAR

ALEXANDER WANG

P EA AT R R FI SH TH ICI BO QU A NE AK UR E W 5.9 QU AL C L I O IO NL LL L AY EC A TI ON

If home is where the heart is mine must be made of stone, or rather, marble.

It’s no surprise that whatever catches the eye of Alexander Wang: the King of downtown cool turned American-in-Paris; should undoubtedly obsess us all, but this particular fixation takes it one step further. Over four issues of his Objects collection, he has proved that whatever cooler-than-cool iteration of a household staple he can dream up, you will lust over. Black vinyl inner tube? Which way to the piscine? Black snakeskin coasters?

It would probably make your mom happy to know you were using one.

Black leather teddy bear? You wish you could get your hands on one of these. For his latest collection, Wang re-imagined essential household items—from candlesticks to junk bowls—in marble. The collection is a perfect way to bring small touches of luxury to your everyday spaces, and with marble as Wang’s go-to, why not bring that beloved material of art museums home?

Beyond numerous black-and-white veined iterations from the Objects collection, several other contemporary designers are using the ancient medium in new ways. Safe House USA has created a photorealistic duvet cover that literally puts you on a pedestal, while the juxtaposition of stone and comfort lends a chic edge to any space. Alternatively, if the Rihannahelmed Balmain ads are more your style, Safe House has you covered too.

More traditional designers are also looking for new and environmentally friendly ways to reinvent marble. In the summer of 2012, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, damaging historical sites as well as the warehouses of the most famous marble quarries in the world. The earthquake shattered thousands of slabs of marble that had been cut and quarried for the creation of bars and countertops that they were now unable to fulfill. Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola saw the ruined slabs as an opportunity for innovation and created the Earthquake 5.9 Collection which paired reclaimed fragments in novel ways. The success of the collection has inspired designers across price points to revisit the ways in which marble is used, and to show that it has design merit beyond a countertop.

Marble is not the only medium that Alexander Wang is making young again.

As anyone who has visited his Soho flagship can attest, the crowning feature of the store (after the wall of Roccos) is without a doubt the black fur hammock. According to Wang’s go-to designer Ryan Korban, fur adds “Layers of texture, volume, and depth,” and is the perfect way to dress up any space. Fur hammocks may be wishful thinking in a student house, but affordable and faux options abound. Restoration Hardware offers throws in a number of sizes and faux-fur varieties, and Etsy has an alarming number of imitation animal rugs complete with mock taxidermy heads for the mobster in all of us. If you truly want to take things to the next level, Restoration Hardware carries an assortment of faux fur beanbags.

They’re probably impossible to clean, but think about it: Fur. Bean. Bags.

Just because you live in a student house, doesn’t mean it can’t be one Kanye is jealous of.

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k a e p S k a k e a p e S p ea S k p a e S p k S pea k a e S p S k a k a e e p p S S k a e p k S a e k p a e S 41 | EDITORIAL

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speak your mmmmmuse photography by PATRICK RODEE graphic design by JENNA DEMCHUK modeling by IVANA GRAHOVAC MUSE | 42

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sk a pint-sized kid what they want to do in the future, and out will come a verbal fountain of aspirations and dreams. Ask a fourth-year what their plans are for the future and they’ll ask you for a double vodka-water and an extra-strength Advil. This phenomenon, known colloquially as the “quarter-life crisis,” has become rampant amongst university undergrads, and results in a sense of apprehension towards the future, apathy in the present, and a generally unwillingness to further advance into the terrifying territory of adulthood. It’s Grade 10 angst all over again, except now you’re finally well dressed, pimple-free, and quasi-articulate. But don’t be fooled. No amount of attractiveness, your orthodontist-certified smile included, can mask true self-pity, which even Hollywood can’t make cool (they’ve tried).

The fact is we’ve outgrown the laws that used to organize our life into tiny neat time slots. These days, we’re left with rather ambiguous chunks of time, and yet no instruction manual on how to use them. The easiest (and most common) mistake is to live passively, going to lectures out of obligation, studying to meet deadlines, and falling asleep only to wake up the next day in a mechanic fashion.

While routine may provide comfort for some, a daily routine with no imminent rewards can pull a monochromatic veil over life. Before you know it, your life has become a cynical filmnoir. With this outlook, it’s easy to feel as though each day were merely a repetition of the one before, and getting stressed over post-graduation job/internship prospects becomes all the easier. The good news is a few simple changes to your mindset can restore a drained perspective back to one of wholeness, in vivid color.

Physiologically, keeping your reward pathway (ie. the mesolimbic dopamine system) stimulated is an important part of maintaining motivation as well as intrinsic drive. Little things such as taking pleasure in good food, social interaction, and acts of generosity help release dopamine into your system, which enforces repetition of those feel-good actions.

But I’m sure you’ve heard this before. While small and semi-frequent rewards are good, it is far more important to find reward in the everyday, mundane activities you keep finding yourself (reluctantly) rolling out of bed for. Ask yourself, what is the dream? The act of visualizing who you want to be, and what perfect job you should be working toward can be a strong reminder that these four years are simply the stepping-stones to turning your fantasy into reality.

Dear Mr. Fantasy play us a tune something to make us all happy - “Dear Mr. Fantasy” Traffic

In many ways, children embody the notion of living in the present.

They are also, however, antagonists of the doctrine “think before you do”. They see what they want, and act on impulsivity and immediate gratification to snatch it, possibly (probably) knocking over a glass of juice in the process. As adults-in-training, it wouldn't hurt to embrace a bit of this child-like mentality. The only difference is, targeting what you want and working relentlessly to achieve it is the farthest thing from instant gratification, and the reward will be all-the-sweeter. Plus making a huge mess while you’re at it is totally cool.

an article by CALISTA KIM 43 | LIFESTYLE

IS THIS THE REAL LIFE, IS IT JUST FANTASY? Music did its job on us. Like Penny Lane, it’s “in our ears and in our eyes.” Some children got lost in Disney movies, but not us. We got lost in the lyrics of James Taylor, Neil Young, Simon & Garfunkel, Led Zeppelin...you get the picture. With their words we’ve built a utopia of love, colour, freedom, and protest. We understand that this world is a figment of our imaginations, and that we view it through the lens of art, not reality. But it’s ours to escape to.

This place we crave is comprised of a composite of songs with which we’ve envisioned the dreamlike fantasy of a subjective past. Each evokes a different feeling, whether it is love, sadness, hope, or excitement. All evoke a sense of longing.

We feel that the prolific poetry of the time may be attributable to the lack of other outlets of expression. But who knows? We weren’t there.

I have my books and poetry to protect me.

- “I am a Rock” Simon and Garfunkel Artists recognized the power of song for protest. Their words help us build an understanding of the turbulence of their time.

As it is now, life was difficult for the Baby Boomers. War and injustice permeated society, leading to the rise of social movements sparked by music. Though at the time these events must have filled people with fear, rage, and stress, we are now lucky to view them through the aesthetic beauty of music.

Find the cost of freedom, buried in the ground Mother earth will swallow you, lay your body down.

- “Find the Cost of Freedom” Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young There’s battle lines being drawn Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong Young people speaking’ their minds Getting so much resistance from behind It’s time we stop Hey, what’s that sound?

Everybody look - what’s going down?

- “For What its Worth” Buffalo Springfield The setting for our escape is illustrated by these songs that describe a lifestyle of creativity, spirituality, kindness and free love.

They conjure up images of smiling faces,

Dear Mr. Fantasy play us a tune something to make us all happy - “Dear Mr. Fantasy” Traffic

wild fashion, and ribbons of colour. Needless to say, we dream of a world in which Woodstock never ended, and where the Altamont Free Concert never succeeded it. We join Joni Mitchell (a fellow Canadian) in saying “we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden.”

Run through the fields and houses Because there’s something in the air We’ve got to get together sooner or later Because the revolution’s here And you know it’s right And you know that it’s right “Something in the Air” Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Slow down you move too fast, you gotta make the moment last just kickin down the cobblestones lookin for fun and feeling groovy.

“The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” Simon & Garfunkel Oh the summer of love! Someone told Robert Plant that, “there’s a girl out there with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair,” to which we reply, “It’s us!” The amount of love at the time is what seduces us the most. We don’t know what it was actually like, but in our image of it, the love was so palpable you could see it.

Give a little bit I’ll give a little bit of my love to you There’s so much that we need to share Send a smile and show you care - “Give a Little Bit” Supertramp

dreams may never actually come to fruition. But maybe that’s okay. Our vantage point is full of pleasure and we are free to put on our rose-colored specs as we please. We will find encouragement to move with the times by the very people who helped us create our Utopia in the first place.

We’re captive on the carousel of time, We can’t return we can only look behind - “The Circle Game” Joni Mitchell Don’t stop, thinking about tomorrow, Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here, It’ll be, better than before, Yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone.

- “Don’t Stop” Fleetwood Mac

an article by ALEXA SALSBERG & SAMMY BINDER

Just shower the people you love with love Show them the way that you feel Things are gonna work out fine if you only will - “Shower the People” James Taylor Though we will forever be infatuated by the ideas incited by these songs, we have come to terms with the reality that these

MUSE | 44

the 45 | LIFESTYLE

an article by ANDREW BURROWS He was confronted bluntly with the notion that this wasn’t all there was, that there was probably, maybe, millions of other ways that things could have been, or are. Right now. And also right now. He woke from rest after the brain had been munching around, tickling itself, fueled by uncertainty, to a photograph of a black screen. Light from the sun momentarily interrupted his line of vision of the photo, which formed what to him looked like the All: the origin of This. Little traces of all colours; like pieces of whispers, entities, everywhere. Stillness and silence both joined him as his heart fell heavy through to his feet, as friends of sorts, as companions for the moment. His fraction of all this, his view, his angle, was both entirely useless and yet everything but insignificant. He couldn’t make sense.

Everything was everything. And there existed no direction to take to return to anything familiar, for the past is just a perpetuated pretense. Everything is updating, always, like calm tectonic plates.

He found himself in the backyard in the pool with a friend, with his pup along the deck, experiencing the water— the trillion little pieces that make up this liquid that he is allowing himself to be submerged in, the trillion little pieces of this experience. He noticed the intricacy of the moment. The perfection. The sharp exactitude of all things. The dampness. He recognized that there are no mistakes, for there is only wonder. Fractals. And his world changed, for he awoke to a new corner of his brain. A sort of closet within his consciousness. And through it he entered into confusingly surreal layers of human experience. One cannot imagine, for one can only feel. The colours, the smells, the sounds. For themselves, as themselves.

A blur washed in and through, uprooting everything that was ever planted. All seeds that had begun budding began to swirl in some curious kind of cosmic soup, or sea. Creatures were everywhere. Kind of like those little pieces of dust you’d see in the sunlight if you spent a slow Saturday indoors, noticing them float across and along the beam of light, in through the window, effortlessly. He felt movement. He discovered that most things were invisible.

He felt his body fall apart. He felt the space between all beings, all parts of himself. The perimeter of his being was called into question. He felt as though he could sneeze and crumble, as though he could wipe himself away with a swift movement of his hand. He wanted to try to get hit by a moving vehicle, only to be swept up and put together in new ways, with a new soul making him up. He thought he’d transform a little. He thought it’d be a neat thing to try.

He laid on his back on his bed, blue, after a conversation with a new, but close friend of his. He told her about it all. He tried. He was self-conscious of sounding or feeling otherworldly to her. He didn’t want to stir anything. All he could do was lay. His mind felt blurred with the mind, which felt blurred with everything else. There were so many things. So many individual things to call into consciousness. There existed a new kind of weight to this. It truly felt like the weight of all possible worlds atop his back bones. He let gravity do its work. He had no choice but to. Opportunities.

And so he called upon the dusts. He went to the library, and looked up. There were skylights, opportunities in disguise. He felt a lightness in the weight. He sat, and surrendered. He let everything unfold. By watching the dust fly, circulate in the light of the skies, by letting the dust be, he remembered. He and the dust, they are not much different. They are free and flying. He remembered to trust. He remembered that it makes as much sense as it doesn’t. He remembered that stillness is an option, and also that it exists simultaneously with movement, for all things are both fluid and static, both in flux and in rest.

It’s about choices, he thought, quietly. What you look for you will find, he remembered. What you want to see, you will see. He felt the freedom in this illusion. Autonomous, and yet determinate. He asks for help, and it is given. He is among angels, among other things, among other pieces of dust. He allows comfort to come.

MUSE | 46

INTO THE LOO an article by MATT TURANO

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47 | LIFESTYLE

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MUSE | 48

I’m walking down University Avenue and familiar faces rush past me, all in a hurry, with their pace dictating they have somewhere important to be. I try to catch a glimpse of the people that pass by me. I want to see what they look like, but I only make out their clothes. I start to recognize familiar signs and symbols that these people brandish around. Their parka jackets are fur-trimmed and proudly bear a circular logo on the sleeve. People trudge through the snow in black rubber rain boots, and again, a mark identifies the shoe at the top. Students carry their heavy books in canvas bags that display ‘Herschel’ on the right corner. I start to familiarize myself with these items. It’s as if everyone here has bought their clothing from the same place.

Observing the way of dress, I realize there seems to be an unspoken rule about their uniform. Conformity is something that everyone seems to adhere to here. It doesn’t seem to bother these individuals that they look identical to each other, and that the way they present themselves makes it hard to differentiate between them.

I ask myself, would it not be better to set yourself apart? To garner looks when walking by, solely because you’ve put yourself out there. Of course, there is a definitive difference between doing it for positive attention versus pulling a Bjork at the Oscars. Her message was simply to mock fashion.

Adopting each other’s style is easier said than done. It exemplifies how powerful influence is in shaping our decisions, especially when it comes to dress. This adherence to one another’s tastes should come as no surprise. Knowing that you have the approval of the people around you can help take away some of the guesswork out of dressing. With that said, there must be no greater feeling than when you buy something risqué, something that friends and family scoff at for being too outrageous, but proudly owning that look anyway. It’s the unwavering ability to look past people’s disapproval because you feel so strongly about an article of clothing. Now that’s true confidence.

Keeping Up With The Kingstonians Further delving into this phenomenon of dressing alike, I begin to come to a realization. While purchasing the same outfits might be seen as staying within your comfort zone, it’s about something bigger than that. You are buying into a way of life; of dressing your age, and of stating exactly where you are in your life. The same way the 60’s were defined by pinstraight hair and well-fitting mod clothes, and the 70’s by cut off tops and bell-bottom jeans, this is our generation’s method of distinction.

Students all over campus have invested in this notion, and it has become a powerful way of belonging to the collective. Your clothing helps foster the feeling of community that is emphasized here at Queen’s. Finally, it all makes sense.

Fashion at this campus has a lot to do with fitting in, uniting us all in a way that is much more symbolic than the mere logos stitched onto our clothing.

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an article by ENDRITA ISAJ

Find Your Zen

You’re in a chaotic panic about how you’re going to find a job that makes you the most money possible at the largest, most well known company. The most ideal job is working for the corporation with the most prestigious name. Most important of all is the title. Who cares what you’re doing as long as you’re stacking that cash. Money = happiness. Luxury also = happiness. The right road is the one that everyone else is trying to take. We are all competing for the same jobs and positions, and whoever gets the best one ‘wins.’ Whoever makes the most money ‘wins.’

You want to ‘win.’ You have to ‘win.’

It is put into our minds that certainty equals success and happiness. If you are certain that you will always be well off, in a steady relationship, and employed, what else could possibly be missing in your life? Certainty does not entail meaning, excitement, or surprise. Nor does certainty entail growth, exploration, or ecstasy. When did everyone become so obsessed with certainty?

What happened to adventure? To the desire for the unknown?

Contrary to popular belief, the path of certainty is not the only path.

Have you ever considered taking the road less travelled? The mysterious world of not knowing where your next turn will be or your next adventure will begin. The first thing you must do is detach yourself from your ego. This will remove the anxiety associated with following the “travelled” path that society has carved for you. Success is not simply being in a comfortable position, and it certainly isn’t certainty.

Success is finding meaning in the relationships you create with others, as well as from the experiences that help shape who you are. Succeeding in life is following your soul’s true desires and standing proudly behind them, whatever they may be.

“The mind is everything.

What you think, you become.”

For me, taking the road less travelled meant majoring in religious studies for my undergrad here at Queen’s. I chose this major because World Religions was my favorite class in first year (seriously, that was my reasoning). I still have no idea where this will lead me, but my journey so far has been incredibly fulfilling and mind opening. I’ve learned of other ways to live, apart from than the standard Western consumerist notion of getting rich and eventually retiring. This has allowed me to find comfort and peace in the uncertainty of where my degree will lead me. There are an endless number of paths that one can take, and each contains its own unique meaning and value. There is no one “right path”.

Learning about different cultures has helped me to better understand and appreciate different perspectives on what is truly valuable and meaningful in life.

One of my favorite quotes from Buddhism is: “The mind is everything. What you think, you become.” If you worry, or regret, or waste time trying to impress others, your life will be full of anxiety and judgment. If you see the positive in everything, you will lead a happy and meaningful life with confidence in anything you choose to do. If you master the mind, your positivity will even spread to others.

Embrace the uncertainty of life. Find your zen.

an article by LAURA NEAL

MUSE | 50

The Life Unwritten

an article by EMMA HOFFMAN editor in chief It was a day like any other. In the constant state of procrastination that is my life, I was lying in bed, blissfully be-Snuggied, and rifling through a plethora of blogs, Tumblrs, and inspirational websites. To clarify, I’m not the stereotypical person who is enraptured by inspirational quotations. You know what kind of person I’m talking about; one of those girls who trolls Pinterest for her wedding-inspiration board and uses social media to share some trite passage accompanied by a photo of Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe.

Insults aside, I often embody the personality of a sassy old woman so it’s only natural that I am annoyed by the Taylor Swifts of the world. Getting back to my story, there I was, basking in the apparent superiority that was my innate inability to be fazed by the profusion of clichés on my computer screen, when I came across an illustration of a book, opened to a page that read: “I want to live a life worth writing about.”

At that moment, I felt—dare I say—inspired, yet simultaneously permeated with a sense of self-loathing for succumbing to the very convention that I had previously deemed unacceptable. I badly wanted to live a life that was interesting enough to deserve, or furthermore, necessitate permanent documentation. I instantaneously felt dissatisfied with my almost-22 trips around the sun. If only I was an illiterate hooker with a heart of gold who finds love in a hopeless place and turns her life around to become a multi-millionaire, best-selling author, and co-owner of a line of personalized coffee sleeves (Note to self: this would be a great plot for a movie). “If only my writing wasn’t hindered by my comfortable and privileged lifestyle,” I obnoxiously whined during this inner monologue, “If only I could find a way to be less freaking boring. F.M.L.” After several very unsuccessful attempts to find similarities between my life and Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire, I realized I had been so intent on making my life story appeal to others, that the once-inspiring quotation had become a mere afterthought. Wanting to live a life worth writing about didn’t exclusively mean that my life narrative had to be valued as entertainment by others. As a writer, any experience—even one as boring as surfing the Internet—can trigger one’s imagination. It’s not necessarily the breadth or variety of your experiences that make them engaging, but how you construct and present them to yourself and your audience. Now that I’ve finally considered the value of my own experiences, I live a life worth writing about...in fact, I’ve just written about it in this very article.

51 | MUSEINGS

)

(IE F L E S R U O Y EXPRESS an article by BETHANY OPLER

“Selfie: a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website.”

– Oxford English Dictionary

That’s right, the social phenomenon of the selfie has become so explosive that it was named Oxford English Dictionary’s Word of the Year in 2013. Your Instagram newsfeed is probably littered with them, because what better way is there to update your friends on your daily endeavors than with a carefully filtered self-portrait? “Selfie” is a broad term that encompasses an array of self-inflicted photographs, so let’s review some do’s and don’ts and finally establish some selfie etiquette lessons.

DO: Take a “tourist” selfie.

One of the best parts of travelling is taking photos of your fascinating surroundings, and selfies grant us the power to include ourselves in these photos. Why not take a shameless touristy selfie in front of the Mona Lisa? Beside the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Riding the London Eye? You might make your friends back home mighty jealous, but you’ll be thankful to have these goofy pictures as a memento of your travels. Eminem knows what’s up.

DON’T: Take a selfie at the gym.

Ah, the infamous post-workout selfie. I firmly support healthy living, but for the love of god do not, I repeat, DO NOT post a photo of yourself in sweaty workout clothes under the unflattering fluorescent lighting of the gym. You may have burned off the calories from last night’s vodka shots, but a visual of your efforts is not necessary. Also, kindly refrain from using hashtags such as #fitness, #thinspo, #cleaneats etc., or I will be forced to unfollow you.

DON’T: Take a selfie in with a dead body DO: Take a selfie while doing something crazy

You would think that this is common sense, but apparently not. Recently, a student from Alabama took a smiling selfie with a cadaver during a field trip to a university biology lab, and posted it to Instagram.

Besides the fact that this is profoundly inappropriate, students weren’t even allowed to bring cell phones on this field trip in the first place! Clearly the quest for Instagram likes outweighs the moral compass.

Someone call the selfie police!

DO: Take a selfie if you are an Obama.

Barack Obama’s daughters took a pretty gangsta selfie at their father’s second inauguration ceremony. And it’s totally acceptable because they are Obamas.

DON’T: Take a duck face selfie.

As implausible as it sounds, a man in Texas actually took a selfie while he was being chased by a (presumably angry) stampeding bull during the annual Great Bull Run and lived to tell the tale. Some may call him crazy, but you might as well capture such an epic moment selfie-style.

No explanation needed. Yes, Kim Kardashian, I’m talking to you.

As you can see, selfies have the potential to entertain viewers. However, they also have the unfortunate potential to make the inventor of the forward-facing camera rue the day he ever contrived such an idea. So before you take your next selfie, please take a minute to famliarize yourself with some selfie etiquette.

Practice safe selfie-ing!

MUSE | 52

©jnc

d n a l i a h t taking photography by Jesse Cranin

I took these photos in Bangkok, Thailand. Most were taken near Yaowarat Road in the heart of the city’s Chinatown.

My friend and I spent two days exploring the city without a map, a plan, or a destination. Our only purpose was to use photography to encapsulate the fine details of such a complex place. Despite the overwhelming immensity of the city, we escaped to back alleys with our SLR’s as our compasses.

In an attempt to capture a complex context within a single frame, I sought out the smallest spaces, the most intricate patterns, and the narrowest entryways. I embraced the dilapidated and welcomed the mundane. In doing so, I captured subjects perhaps otherwise overlooked.

All photos taken with a Canon AE-1 and Kodak Portra 400.

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MUSE | 56

stripped I always felt like I had a secret; like I had something that I needed to hide from the world. But it wasn’t a secret that was easy to keep, or something that was easy to hide. It was written on me, permanently. Written with uneven lines, making me disfigured and discolored. My personal demons were exposed on my own body, for everyone to see and know and judge. An imperfection. A flaw. A scar.

This scar had the power to make feel uncomfortable in my own skin, like I was constantly vulnerable. It made me susceptible to the harsh eyes of society that were staring at me because I looked “different.” It made me think twice about letting anyone close enough to get to know the girl behind the scar because the lines between the girl and the scar felt blurred.

It took me a while to figure out what a scar actually is. To realize that it isn’t necessarily physical, and that it isn’t something to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s something to be proud of. It is the most human thing about me and the most relatable thing about me. It is a symbol that I have struggled, fought, and overcome my greatest obstacle. We are all facing battles, even if we aren’t wearing them on our skin.

Looking at my scar, I am reminded of these things. I have learned from myself and from my own courage and strength. I feel that I am lucky to have survived; to have this experience carved on me for the rest of my life like a distinct piece of art that only I will ever understand. I’m lucky to be haunted in all the right ways, by the best kind of flaw.

It is this scar that reminds me how fragile life is; how things can change in an instant. It reminds me that beauty is not on the outside; it’s more than skin deep; and that everything happens for a reason. Proof that our reactions are more important than our circumstances, because it is our reactions that define us as human beings: where we will end up and who we will become. The scar reminds me that “misfortune” can always equate to “opportunity.”

Although this may seem personal, it’s anything but. Because you are flawed and you are scarred. You have imperfections that make you feel like you’ve been stripped down and exposed. But your perceived flaws aren’t there to break you or make you. They’re simply a part of you; inherent to the person you are and the person you are becoming. Your imperfections have enormous power over you—they can confine you, define you and conflict you…but only if you let them.

You choose.

yours creatively, ABIGAIL CONNERS online director

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photography by PATRICK RODEE

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Biz Team Hemani Kamdar Kelly MacPherson Lulu Tong Katherine Kim Kat Pearce Sharon Zhang Tiffany Tang Ashley Moraca Danielle Cummings Erika Streisfield

directed by JENNA DEMCHUK photography by PATRICK RODEE & KAT PEARCE

the muse team Editorial Team Emma Hoffman Jenna Demchuk Abi Conners Patrick RoDee Claudia Pettigrew Jennifer Shamie Veronica Saroli Matt Turano Johanna Azis Rebecca Lasagna Brittany Oates Isabelle Chui Ashley Tse

59 | MUSE’INGS

by JENNA DEMCHUK & EMMA HOFFMAN

“But actually doe...”

Jared Leto’s “Hombre” Beyoncé’s “WOB” (wet bob) All White Everythang “But Actually Doe...”

Grocery Shopping At Chanel Cara Delevingne’s Brow Game Kendall Jenner On The Runway Drunk In Love

HOT OR NOT

Christian Bale’s Toupeé Miley Cyrus’s Pixie Cut Céline Furkenstocks “I Literally CAN’T” Breaking The Bank At Chanel Tacky Nail Art Sliding Down Kingston Streets Drunk And Desperate

“i literally can’t”

MUSE | 60

Our Mission is to expose underground talent and help build a creative community at Queen’s University. Creativity knows no bounds: photography, fashion, dance, music, design, travel, visual art, freestyle, videography, drama, spoken word, literature...

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in the spirit of tricolor... illustration by AVESTA RASTAN

yours creatively,