Coulture Spring/Summer 2017

Spring/Summer 2017

COULTURE

D R E A M L A N D

135 e franklin st.

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919.942.4563 |

defining carolina style for 75 years julianstyle.com

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@julianschapelhill

Cyberspace | C | 3

COULTURE Issue 4

Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Hehlen Managing Editor Remington Remmel ART Creative Art Director // Macy Abernethy Co-Graphic Design Editor // Wyatt Wilt PHOTOGRAPHY Photo Editors // Alexis Fairbanks Elise Holsonback FASHION & BEAUTY Style Editor // Copelyn Bengel Assistant Style Editor // Jordan Townsend Beauty Editor // Sara Rich Assistant Beauty Editor // Kimberly Baudhuin Fashion News Editor // Niki Wasserman Assistant Fashion News Editor // Brianna Kusilek Modeling Directors // Hannah Lee Adeyemi Olatunde Morgan Pratt FEATURES Features Editor // Brianna Crane Assistant Features Editor // Julia Faulkner Health Editor // Katie Plampton Arts Editor // Paige Connelly Assistant Arts Editor // Micah Stubbs DIGITAL Social Media Editor // Ashlyn Siske Assistant Social Media Editor // Hannah Lee Blogging Editor // Zackary Green Assistant Blogging Editor // Anna Sale MARKETING Marketing Director // Lauren Tarpley Assistant Marketing Director // Kelsey Jackson FINANCIAL Financial Director // Ian Muriuki Assistant Financial Director // Juliana Sirois DESIGNERS Macy Abernethy Parrish Alto Aja Bailey Isabella Courtenay-Morris Brianna Hales Eliza Harrison Joseph Held Adrianna Stallworth Maddie Stevens Shephard Sullivan Alicia Taylor Riley Turner Wyatt Wilt Julia Zanzot FACULTY ADVISORS Dana McMahan Chris Roush

cyberspace The blog is poppin’! Right now our blogging team is cranking out amazing articles on topics ranging from thrifting tips to first-lady fashion to an inside look at Frida Kahlo’s life.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT...

Blogging Editor Anna Sale’s personal music blog at coulture.org, which she whips up every so often with the best songs to listen to and artists to check out for the current moment. This spring be sure to check out Kendrick Lamar’s new song!

FASHIONMASH NEWS Coulture is thankful to be supported by UNC-Chapel Hill’s “Workroom: FashionMash” program, which this semester crafted a line of must-have totes.

We’re also a part of the new FashionMash club, which is a great opportunity to gain industry-relevant experience, create portfolio projects, plan events, attend networking trips and connect with UNC alumni working in the industry. Keep up with FashionMash happenings on Instagram @uncworkroom.

WHAT MAKES YOU DREAM? Love what you see in this issue? Tag us in any post that makes you dream (your go-to outfit, favorite pic with a role model or best vacation snapshot). We will repost our favorites and tag you!

Instagram: @coulturemag Snapchat: @coulturemag Twitter: @coulturemag Facebook: facebook.com/coulturemagazine

4 | C | Contents

table of contents CHILDREN 10 FLOWER Spring lip colors brought to life with what gives this season true vitality: flowers and foliage CITY CHIC

14 Coulture fans from all over the world share their favorite street style outfit pictures 18 ZOOTOPIA Current trends, distilled to doable yet statement-making outfits, shot amongst the flora and fauna of a petting zoo

24 CREISSEN Alexander Julian wasn’t the only UNC student to start a fashion-line – uncover the story of James Creissen and his novel take on the power of clothing

CENTURY OF THE MIDI: THE MID-CALF CONTROVERSY 26 AExperience the evolution of the midi skirt, from its demise to its recent resurgence SNOOZE, OR YOU LOSE 28 YOU Dive into an oft-overlooked issue plaguing many college students: sleep deprivation

30 If you are tired of your flavorless diet and wondering if there is a better way, this look at the FRIENDS, FAMILY AND FOOD: THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

benefits of a mediterranean diet might just be your saving grace

IN THE WINGS 34 DANCING Dedicated UNC-Chapel Hill students band together to pursue their passion for dance, despite the many obstacles they face

I WAS A KID...

38 WHEN Reviving the dreams from the springtime of our lives is child’s play BEST OF BARCA 46 THE What to eat, see and visit in the summer-soaked city of Barcelona DREAMS 48 AEGEAN Step onto the paper-white cliffs of Santorini or take a dip in the sun-glazed Aegean Sea as this piece transports you to dazzling Greece

WEAR THE PANTS 52 WE Inspiring female leaders at UNC-Chapel Hill are turning dreams into realities for themselves and others – and wear their favorite power-woman pants to match

UP A FUTURE 62 MAKING North Carolina native Katy Albright moved to the Big Apple with an uncertain future – but her passion for makeup propelled her to prominence

DREAMS 68 WILDEST Explore a land blanketed in sand and shrouded by sapphire skies, a place where everything flows free from everyday mundanities

79 The women’s marches across the world were a call to arms; this opinion piece reminds us to THE MARCH HEART ‘ROUND THE WORLD

oppose injustice and fight for a country that embraces diversity

HEART BEHIND THE ART 82 THE An inside look at what motivates artists to keep creating, no matter the circumstances

Contents | C | 5

6 | C | Creating the Issue

living the

Every night, we lay in bed and drift off into a dream. We may not always remember it, but our neurons are constantly firing, creating a new world, all our own. These worlds may be fantastic, or not so far off from our everyday lives, but either way, they constitute the amazing human ability to craft imaginary worlds in our minds.

While some dreams are nightmares, we chose not to focus on those in this issue. Instead, we looked at dreams as a vehicle for hope, the ability that humans have to imagine a world better than that which is in front of them and to strive for that possibility.

Some people dream of a world at peace, while others dream for good grades or a successful career. Some dream for themselves; some dream for others. Some dream for conservation, while some dream for change. Everyone dreams; everyone hopes. Whether these dreams are for ourselves or for the world, together we can turn these dreams into realities that shape our society and drive progress. In this issue we explore this fundamental part of human existence.

Deep within fashion’s collective unconscious this season is a secret world, one that offers reprieve from reality and politics. This imaginary land differs from designer to designer and person to person, yet couturiers and creators also see collective similarities in this place. They see a land bathed in Technicolor (ahem, “La La Land”) or washed in pale, Wes Anderson style hues.

They see free-flowing forms that flounce through a dreamy landscape with elegant carelessness. They see quietly blooming flowers and resilient sunshine.

This collective unconscious is a dream from which streams this season’s trends: gowns dusted with lilac and blush hues, skirts pleated to the hilt, ankle boots crafted with decadent velvet, and silky blouses bedecked in ruffles. The runways this season offer an escape from reality, but also confront it. Frills are anything but feeble, and silk is supple; designers are tackling reality with graceful flexibility, with fabrics that delight in their sense of self and together create an effortless rebellion. Light pink this season is the color of the powerwoman, and ruffles are a symbol of loud defiance.

With that in mind, this issue follows suit. We crafted our own version of this imaginary world, traveling out to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in North Carolina to shoot on the area’s massive, sandy dunes. The largest in the eastern United States, the dunes are close to the place the Wright brothers made their dream a reality and flew their first plane.

Coaxed by massive gusts of wind, the rolling hills shapeshift against a backdrop of pale, baby-blue skies, decorated with a smattering of pink, cottonball clouds. Our models, draped in fluttering gowns and rosy blouses, became one with the breeze.

Our “We Wear the Pants” photo shoot transports us to a different world of dreams, bringing to life the aspirations of some of Carolina’s most powerful and inspiring women – who all donned their favorite pairs of pants. And our “When I Was a Kid” shoot reignites childhood dreams, encouraging us to keep them close at heart.

dream

We also traveled to Winterpast Farm in Wake Forest, N.C., where we shot the newest trends in the company of ostriches, baby lambs and rabbits. The petting zoo, soaked in the rich sunshine of dusk, reminded us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences – and the way we can use fashion to narrate and accessorize that optimism.

The rest of this issue features dreamy travel locations, trendsetters who are undaunted in the pursuit of their passions, and tips and tricks for keeping us healthy and optimistic in a time when our futures may seem more uncertain than ever.

We hope this issue leaves you feeling empowered and that these pages give you the gumption to carry on into this season with a spring in your step. Just as the steady winds at Jockey’s Ridge shape monumental dunes, so can our relentless dreaming mold the future.

Mightier than the sword

8 | C | Culture Update

into the mind of a poet

By Paige Connelly As a writer, I’ve always been enthralled by words – by music, first and foremost. But a few years back, I read spoken word poet Warsan Shire’s “For Women Who Are Difficult to Love” and was captivated by the way the words rolled off the screen, like they were meant to be read by me. They were slick and sweet, like honey, but they packed so much emotion in a few short paragraphs. I wanted to talk to the creators, the root of these beautiful words: the poets themselves, and what helps them to bring poems to life. So I talked to two members of UNC-Chapel Hill’s most prestigious spoken-word group, the Wordsmiths.

Photo courtesy Kat Tan

Tianzhen Nie Sophomore Why do you do spoken word?

The past two years, my senior year of high school and my freshman year of college, I haven’t been super involved because I haven’t been really inspired. I’ve been spending my life focusing on other things, so this is the first year that I’m really getting back into it and being on the team is forcing me to really put poetry as my first priority again.

How does your poetry comment on culture?

I, as an Asian-American, write a lot of pieces stemming from that identity. I’m really interested in comparing Asian-Americans, that’s a huge element of trying to change the culture in my work. My work, some of it is for myself, but some of it is also specifically for an audience, and to bring about positive change. As an environmental major that’s also something that’s really prevalent in my works.

What are your favorite topics to tackle?

I think for me as a writer my first priority is always really to present information to people in a new way, and a creative way. I don’t like saying things that other people have said already. I don’t write unless I feel like I have inspiration to present this idea in a new fashion. A lot of times, as the Wordsmiths Poets, we really strive to create positive works, not just poems that stem from pain, but poems that stem from places of joy.

Kat Tan Sophomore Why do you do spoken word?

I use spoken word as a way to explain myself. I think that you go through life, and it’s really easy to be overwhelmed by things, so in order to figure things out for both myself and for other people, I write.

Often times it ends up being really cool.

How does spoken word comment on our culture?

I think what’s really great about spoken-word poetry is that it’s all about you bringing your own wisdom, your own take on things. You’re holding culture up, and turning it a little bit to look at it in a different angle, and that’s what poets do, I think.

What are your favorite topics to tackle?

First and foremost, my fellow residential poets inspire me constantly. Just working with them is such a privilege... we’re not only writing buddies, but really really good friends. And I think people’s stories inspire me, my own relationships inspire me.

I tend to write about things that I feel strongly about, that I haven’t figured out yet. Sometimes you go through your life, and then something happens, and then you have a lot of emotions about it, but you don’t know why. I tend to write about stuff like that. What this looks like often times is poetry about my family, or about my identity, or about stuff that I’ve seen on the news.

What poets/works do you recommend?

Who or what inspires you?

Who or what inspires you?

Rachel Rostad’s Letter to J.K. Rowling from Cho Chang, and Brave New Voices competition videos.

In general, my grandma really inspires me, she’s a really beautiful person and she glows in kindness and happiness all the time. I really want to be that way, because I’m frequently gloomy, and brooding. I want to be the kind of person who can make people feel happy just by me being happy. I think I do that in my poetry a little bit. I’m really influenced by narrative poets, I really love listening to poetry that tells a story.

What poets do you recommend?

Anis Mojgani, Sarah Kay and Jeanann Verlee

Culture Update | C | 9

A voice for the voiceless

By Rachel Greene Meredith Monk continues her near 50year legacy with her 2016 release, “On Behalf of Nature.” This album, recorded live at the University of California, Los Angeles, with the Meredith Monk Ensemble, uses non-verbal vocal noises. Monk has been highly influential throughout her career and is responsible for helping define “extended vocal technique” – as it is now called – as a musical genre. Her powerful work often bridges the gap between ancient and modern, sounding both archaic and futuristic.

Monk began her career in the 1960s; Monk’s age shows in “On Behalf of Nature,” but at 74 she still has an impressive vocal range. She founded her vocal ensemble in 1978 in order to add other voices to her work and expand the textures and scope of her performances. She is also a filmmaker and has composed pieces for various operas and symphonies. All of her work, though, pushes the boundaries of the human voice and experience.

“On Behalf of Nature” is intimate and meditative, yet theatrical and lively.

Thematically, the album confronts ecological shifts and imminent environmental collapse. For Monk, her music is just as powerful a medium as any other form of activism. Monk takes charge of the space she is in, becoming bigger than herself and the ensemble. She reminds listeners that so much is larger than one’s own self and that interconnectedness and interdependency have been vital to the human race.

Despite the strong conceptual theme, this album is sonically diverse, offering minimal soundscapes, frantic chanting and panting, and field recording. The field recordings give the listener a sense of place and metaphorical space, while brief snippets of English lyrics reinforce the theme. “On Behalf of Nature” feels organic, even improvisational at times.

Immersion has always been one of Monk’s staples. As a pioneer of site-specific performances, she offers listeners and viewers the opportunity to lose themselves in a piece of work. “On Behalf of Nature” is no different. You will want to listen to this one with headphones.

Monk’s densely layered songs will tickle your ears, and there is a new treat with each listen.

Although Monk does not leave her listeners with a call to action, she channels the frustration and fear that many people feel right now.

If you like her music, make sure to check out “Breadwoman & Other Tales” by Anna Homler & Steve Moshier or “Like a Bird or a Spirit, Not a Face” by Sainko Namtchylak.

To the beat of a dream

By Tyler Trocinski “Well she’s walking through the clouds with a circus mind that’s running wild.

Butterflies and zebras and moonbeams and fairy tales.

That’s all she ever thinks about.”

-Jimi Hendrix, “Little Wing” Music that makes you dream is music worth listening to. Whether it takes you backward or forward, music that moves you someplace beyond yourself is powerful. Somehow that one song has the ability to transport you anywhere and everywhere, and it can make you feel like an entirely new person. Music can bring about such a vivid and palpable nostalgia, color a faded imagination and even sound like a person you thought you had forgotten. This playlist is a blend of atmospheric energy and ambient sleepiness, composed of 22 songs created by dreamers, for dreamers, to help you get away.

Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix Nikes - Frank Ocean Strawberry Swing - Coldplay waves (Tame Impala remix) - Miguel Supreme - Ratatat Warm Magic - Jadu Heart How to Fly - Sticky Fingers Dissolve - Private Island Feels Like We Only Go Backwards - Tame Impala Five Minutes - Her Waves - Kanye West The Suburbs - Mr. Little Jeans Nelly - Isaiah Rashad Take Me - Mic Kellogg Inside Out - Spoon In Your Arms - Sunbeam Sound Machine Heroes - David Bowie Sleepless - Flume 22 (OVER S∞∞n) - Bon Iver Warned You - Good Morning Something - The Beatles Cherry - Ratatat

Photos courtesy Fickr Creative Commons: niteprol3r, sergueibubka, redheadwalking, Marc Wathieu, aaronisnotcool, Archives New Zealand

10 | C | Cosmetique

flower children Written by Sara Rich Photographed by Connor Atkins, Alexis Fairbanks, Rachel Greene & Elise Holsonback Modeled by Piper Anderson, Brynn Cameron, Nicole Esch, Hannah Lee, Alec Di Ruzza, Kyle Hodges, Daniella Jonathan, Tristin Moeller, Ian Muriuki, Jada Richardson

Put some spring into your step (and your beauty look) with these gorgeous spring lip colors. This season is all about spring vibes and inspiration from nature. You do not necessarily need to cover yourself in flowers for this trend – just reach for your nearest pale eye shadows and bright lipsticks to create these looks.

Start with soft hues and primary colors around the eyes such as pale purple, light blue and teal. Top it off with a coat of your favorite mascara and then tie it together with a bold lip statement.

This season is also the time to try some great, natural beauty products.

It is important to know what you are putting on your skin, so this spring make sure to look for companies that make natural makeup. Try Alima Pure, a brand that uses pure mineral pigments in its lipsticks, which are formulated without toxic chemicals or preservatives.

So grab that all-natural purple lipstick and try these lip colors – they will really give you the essence of spring this year!

Snag these colors, inspired by the ones used on our models: NYX Macaron Lippies in Earl Grey ($6) Alima Pure Velvet Lipstick in Emma ($26) Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Becky ($22)

JAPAN Mandy Yipp, @mandyyippyaya Photo by Karina Lim

NEW YORK, NEW YORK Tiana Attride, @tian.a | Photo

by Arius Bevins, @charlidadi

T

he coolest catwalk is one you can find in any city: the street. Cobblestones and crosswalks are accessible to anyone, offering the perfect backdrop for a showcase of individuality. The sartorial reveries of audacious fashionistas become concrete the moment they grace the sidewalks. We ‘called for submissions, and you killed it. These students and Coulture fans from all over the globe are taking to the streets in the name of style, and their outfits leave us in an adoring daze.

MADRID, SPAIN Photo by Julia Faulkner, @Julia_reynolds17

MADRID, SPAIN A Moroccan Fashionista | Photo by Julia Faulkner, @Julia_reynolds17

PERTH, AU. Melina Ammann, @melina_ammann Photo by Jesse Danks, @jesse.danks

MADRID, SPAIN Trendy German traveler (left) and German fashionista (right) Photo by Julia Faulkner, @Julia_reynolds17

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA Ryan Alderman, @ryan.w. alderman Photo by Alexandra Hehlen, @the_candid_correspondent

MONTREAL, QUEBEC Emilie Bisnaire, @ems_bziz, and Madeleine Potal, @mad.potel, from Tokyo and Paris Photo by Ernesto Alvarez, @ernesto_alvarez

16 | C | Fashion News

An agency for change

By Brianna Kusilek A 19-year-old college student in Mexico is changing the fashion industry, one model at a time. Growing up, María Osado read magazines glossed over with images of light-skinned, European beauties.

According to Buzzfeed Mexico, nearly two-thirds of Mexicans have dark skin, yet nearly 80 percent of the models and actresses on Mexico’s fashion magazine covers are light-skinned. Furthermore, a frustrating paradox is that current fashion standards actually consider dark-skinned individuals “exotic.”

Thus, a clear misrepresentation of real Mexicans has plagued the country’s fashion industry. Osado, an avid fashion magazine reader, knew these images of light-skinned models with blue eyes were not representative of herself or her community. Her frustrations sparked the idea for Güerxs.

While still a full-time college student, Osado founded a modeling agency dedicated to employing models who Osado felt better represented Mexico’s diverse population. “Güerxs” is an ironic wordplay on “güeros,” a label pertaining to fair-skinned blondes with light eyes in Mexico. Osado added the “X” as a nod toward the generational shift into more gender inclusive identities.

Güerxs is dedicated to supplying Mexico with images that transcend the binary gender system and express a more ambiguous definition of beauty.

Osado’s website says “Güerxs is racial diversity, sexual diversity, emotional diversity, body diversity.” As she told Remezcla magazine, Osado does not believe her company serves as a poster child for “diversity” but rather reflects the diversity that Mexico already has.

Follow Güerxs on Instagram, @guerxs.

Photos courtesy Güerxs Agency

Fashion News | C | 17

Dreaming with Dior

By Adrianna Solano

Photo by Christof Teuscher/Flickr Creative Commons

Jan. 23, 2017 marks Dior’s Spring haute couture fashion show in Paris, which was a fairy tale brought to life by the brand’s new artistic director, Maria Grazia Chiuri. Chiuri, who spent the past 17 years with Valentino, is the first female artistic director for Dior. She created a succulent garden amid Musée Rodin full of hedges, shrubbery and bushes, building a type of labyrinth.

At the center of the display stood a wishing tree. Trinkets, ribbon and gems hung from the branches of the tree, coming together to form a whimsical, mesmerizing centerpiece. During a backstage walkthrough of her collection, Chiuri expressed how she wanted the clothes to be dreamy but still wearable.

The collection was full of flowing, wispy goddess gowns with flowers pressed between layers of tulle. Models wore sheer black masks with feathered head pieces. There were also bolder pieces, which hark the sound of couture with assertive shapes and an all-black color scheme. Also included in the collection were flowy tops with billowy sleeves and skirts that represent heightened looks of clothes seen in a modern-day woman’s closet.

Chiuri is making strides as Dior’s first female artistic director, ranging from her first show that made a political statement with models donning “We should all be feminists” tees, to this show, which intermixed traditional haute couture with a dreamier, more wearable aspect. The wishing tree in this set is meant to remind us to continuously work hard to turn dreams into reality.

Photo by j-No/Flickr Creative Common

A different dimension

By Niki Wasserman As virtual and augmented reality have become more widely used, the fashion industry has began to embrace and integrate these technologies. An assortment of fashion magazines and brands are utilizing these tools to increase digital interaction, improve sales and enhance fashion show experiences.

In fall of 2016, Elle Magazine collaborated with The Huffington Post to bring the November Elle cover to life.

Using the magazine’s app, readers could hover their phone over the various covers to see a video interview appear on the screen. The fashion magazine is just one example of how publishers are using virtual reality to provide readers with more dynamic content.

However, publishers are not the only segment of the fashion industry to invest in virtual reality. In 2015, Dior created its own VR headset, called Dior Eyes. Shoppers visiting Dior stores could wear the headsets to catch a glimpse of the backstage workings of a Dior fashion show.

Virtual reality technologies can provide consumers and fans with the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of high fashion and to digitally view shows from a front-row perspective.

More recently, Coach planned to launch a VR campaign to reveal footage from its autumn/winter 2017 show to customers at several U.S. stores. The use of the technology is an effort to not only drive sales, but to also make fashion and runway shows feel more accessible to consumers.

While virtual and augmented reality technologies are still evolving, fashion brands and publishers have been pioneers in using the tool to create more immersive, first-hand experiences for fashion-forward fans.

Photo by Maurizio Pesce/Flickr Creative Commons

18 | C | Photo Feature

zootopia Inspiration, in its best form, often comes from hidden gems in our daily life. We drew upon style from people we know and people we see – the street stylists, the trendsetters, and the sartorialists – and took it to a hidden place.

What you will find in this shoot is not just pieces that fit into the season but pieces that fit into our theme. These looks are full of spring, and they’re also full of color, light and hope. We are turning to the individual with a focus on full expression, whether that comes in the form of bold patterns, printed boots, bomber jackets or fruit-inspired accessories. Spring is famously about blossoming and looking forward, but it is also about reflection, braving the light and, in spite of the past, keeping that hope.

We landed at a petting zoo farm just outside Wake Forest, and as we were surrounded by newborn goats, miniature ponies, and teeny tiny bunnies, we felt as bright and hopeful as they did. As we shot amid a vast collection of old antique vans in hues of blue, we felt inspired by the past and, more than anything, keen to make our own mark on the world.

We commit to a sense of fashion that embraces the new without diminishing the old, and a sense of style that embraces the individual without diminishing the collective. This is inspiration from our stylish dreamers. This is what’s currently trending.

GENTLE AS A LAMB Sweater Alan Paine.

Written by Cassandra Cassidy Photographed by Alexis Fairbanks & Elise Holsonback Styled by Copelyn Bengel, Caroline Farrell & Annie Wainer Modeled by Ashley Broadwater, Cassandra Cassidy, Pambu Kali, Hannah Lee, Andrew Manuel, Jake Manring, Miranda Pratt, Remington Remmel, Patrick Rosemond & Ramya Varadarajan

THE GOAT Top & pants Zara; choker VaVaVoo (use discount code COULTURE at vavavoo.com).

STAY IN YOUR LANE Shirt & pants Zara.

SITTING PRETTY Top, shorts & bag Zara; shoes shop similar at Vans.

HIP HOP Shirt Rumors in Chapel Hill; chain shop similar at Rumors in Chapel Hill.

TAILGATE On Miranda (left): dress & shoes Zara; choker VaVaVoo (use discount code COULTURE at vavavoo.com). On Jake (right): hoodie Champion; jeans shop similar at Raleigh Denim; shoes Vans.

DUCK AND COVERED Shirt shop similar at Rumors in Chapel Hill.

LOG ON Shirt Rumors in Chapel Hill; chain shop similar at Rumors in Chapel Hill.

SPRING CHICKENS On Hannah (left): Top Zara; choker VaVaVoo (use discount code COULTURE at vavavoo.com). On Patrick (right): Shirt shop similar at J. Crew.

TRUNK SHOW Top & pants Zara; shoes shop similar at Kork-Ease.

Photo Feature | C | 23

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https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=D3TWkJdWr60

ABBEY ROAD All shop similar at Zara.

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24 | C | Style Feature

CREISSEN

Style Feature | C | 25

Photos courtesy James Creissen

By Remington Remmel On any given weekday afternoon, you might find UNC-Chapel Hill sophomores lounging in the quad with friends, or perhaps sequestered in a remote corner of Davis Library, hedging their midterm anxiety with flashcards and collaborative Google Docs. But not James Creissen, UNC-CH Class of 2019, Chapel Hill native, and founder of the burgeoning and novel fashion line, CREISSEN. “We walked up to this clothing warehouse in Salisbury, North Carolina around mid-afternoon,” Creissen said. “A chain-link fence was the only thing separating us from a pair of pit bulls. Half the building was burned out — it was quite the sight.”

Creissen and his team had ventured outside the Chapel Hill bubble with the mission of acquiring “factory rejects,” or clothing that the manufacturer deemed unsuitable for sale. These rejected pieces were sent to a storage facility like the one described above and, in most cases, sent directly to landfills.

Unlike the members of quality control at the factory, Creissen found value in these discarded pieces as he designed his most recent line of clothing, centered around sustainability. The collection’s design revolved around the ideas of construction and deconstruction in the fabrication process.

CREISSEN is supposed to be a brand that takes a nuanced approach to the clothing industry. The operative concepts behind CREISSEN involve an innovative take on retail, creative dissemination, and most importantly a unique take on the nature of how people relate to clothing and the potential therein.

“I think that clothing is something that one can make a personal connection with — and more, they can make a personal connection with the artistic statement that the clothing is displaying. You can’t so much do that with a film or a book,” Creissen said.

CREISSEN released the lastest line in a pop-up shop, located beneath Cosmic Cantina on Franklin Street, in early March. He is currently working on his third collection, to be released before the summer.

The brand has come a long way since its inception

less than a year ago. “The idea (for CREISSEN) took form last spring in the Student Stores. They were selling a fashion sketchbook that had premade outlines of figures. I had done a lot of sketching growing up, so I bought one and I immediately loved what I was creating,” Creissen said. He spent the following summer in Paris where he was further influenced by emerging fashion labels and young designers. “They were the ones that really gave me the push to commit myself to develop CREISSEN into something more.”

Upon returning to Chapel Hill, he began dedicating time to learning the process of screen printing so that he could translate his sketches from the page into real-life clothing. One of his first creations was a simple design that consisted of a “15%” printed on a solid T-shirt. You may be wondering, “Why?,” which is exactly the response the shirt elicited when Creissen wore it out for the first time. When presented this question, he explained to the confused inquisitor that the 15 percent was meant to reference the height of unemployment in the manufacturing sector during the Great Recession. In doing so, Creissen had succeed in his simple but elegant mission: to create conversation and evoke emotions through the medium of clothing.

The positive reaction Creissen received from friends and strangers further galvanized him to invest himself into creating a brand that would create more than just clothing.

Each piece of clothing has a unique meaning to Creissen, which is a quintessential part of what he thinks makes the brand different. “(I enjoy) finding ways I can distill concepts, images and forms into pieces of clothing,” Creissen said. “I think that process is the most intriguing and the most difficult.”

His ideal designs encroach upon the limits of both the body and what looks good. As the designs became more complicated, Creissen needed to employ more skilled help that could round out his gaps in knowledge. It was at North Carolina State University in Raleigh that he found a couple students to help him in his pursuit.

In particular, Creissen noted that Jillian Brownell, an NC State fashion student, has been particularly helpful in bringing CREISSEN’s designs to life. “I can draw and design, but when it comes to taking a sketch and saying, ‘this should be nine inches across, and we should stitch these pieces here,’ I have very little experience,” Creissen said. With Brownell’s expertise, CREISSEN accelerated its growth while also increasing the quality and complexity of the clothing’s design.

The future is bright for both Creissen and his brand. In the short run, Creissen hopes to release his spring line with a New-York-style production, runway and all. He is also working hard to stock some pieces in local retail outlets before the summer.

This coming summer, Creissen will be fully dedicating his time to CREISSEN as a summer student at ESMOD/ISEM Paris, a fashion design and fashion business school. Through this summer program he hopes to further fill in the gaps in his knowledge about the industry so that he can come into the next year with a whole new toolkit with which to approach the many obstacles surrounding the creation of a successful brand.

In the end, it is hard for Creissen or anyone to know what will become of CREISSEN. There is a long path between him and success. But he has already begun making waves and changing the way people who interact with the brand engage with clothing. His vision for the brand, though, is about much more than just clothing. “I want it to be a collaborative think tank, of sorts, that generates conversations and brings them to the public.”

If you want to learn more about CREISSEN, follow its Instagram @creissen_official or like it on Facebook to get more information. And if you are lucky, on any given afternoon, you may even see the designer himself walking around campus thinking of a new way to change the world around him.

26 | C | Chronicles of Style

The Mid-Calf Controversy

By Copelyn Bengel

A Century of the Midi

Imagine an early 20th century daredevil of a woman, cotton brushing her shins, a naked ankle, a drop waist – she is wearing a flapper dress, the fwwwirst semblance of the midi.

This postwar party girl with an edge has her hem hanging friskily just below the knee. But as the Great Depression hits, spirits and hems drop. Modesty grows, and a true tea-length skirt makes for a duller housewife. Matronly associations are seamed with this longer, dowdier length. Enter the poodle skirt: cue spunky ‘50s ladies, who freely express themselves in flouncy fabrics. Then the ‘60s brings thighs, short hems, lots of leg and lots of protest. As the miniskirt arrives, arguments arise, and fashion industry leaders take a stance. Seen as a temporary trend, the mini overstays its welcome into the colder months and continues to crawl up the leg. Women’s Wear Daily declares minis a thing of the past: “We all know minis are dead.” antagonist John Fairchild – editor-in-chief of WWD and founder of W Magazine – decides miniskirts are disrespectful and bans them from all of his offices. He declares 1970 “The Year of the Midi.”

As foreshadowed, feminism erupts. The Hemline War begins. Consumer confusion ensues. // The Hemline War // Designers, fashion houses and department stores began stocking up on midis while the American woman lifted her chin and hiked up her hem in defiance. Searching the racks for a short-hemmed prize, consumers were put off by the conformation of the industry to the rules of high-powered men. Hollywood took a stance: Midis were “in” for the fall. The industry began spiraling, designers and stores went out of business for investing in the wrong trend and – more controversially – the ideas of conformity woven in. Thigh-bearing women protested, demanding their fashion freedom back. These were women on a quest for progressivism, being yanked back by the conservative and dowdy views of the patriarchy and the upper class. In a riveting article called “Fashion Fascism: The Politics of a Midi,” San Francisco counterculture fashion magazine Rags even called the midi a conspiracy. Despite a counter response by Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland, the industry remained firm in the belief that minis needed to go and the midi look was so 1970. This confusion led to commitment issues. From experimentation by designers to lack of decisiveness by consumers, the fashion nation was insecure. This brought about asymmetrical hemlines, long coats and many other inventive styles aimed toward neutrality. Supporters considered the midi a feminist statement. They thought that women did not need to dress for men, and that therefore this sometimes dowdy and hard-to-pull off look was an encouragement for women to dress for themselves. This wasn’t an ideology popular with the average consumer but registered with some more left-brained industry rebels. Opponents believed the midi to be anti-feminist. Why should women listen to a leading man in the industry or anyone else regarding how they should dress appropriately? Succumbing to the midi meant obeying. Other opponents were less concerned about social and political associations and considered the midi just an unflattering skirt. Coco Chanel declared the midi “awkward” and many women agreed. A petite woman cannot usually pull off a straight-cut mid-calf skirt and often opts for a more flattering cut. After manufacturers and fashion houses finally began suffering the effects of a failed trend, the midi was officially on the outs. For almost the next two decades, women were all legs. In the early days of the “midi,” the term was used to describe only the straight, boxy skirt that hit in the middle of the calf. In a more contemporary definition, the midi is any skirt between knee-length and floor-length, in many different cuts. A-lines, tea-length, pencils, flared skirts and many other cohorts can characterize this modern midi. // The Return of the Midi // Today, the midi graces the most accomplished women on the streets and the edgiest collections on the runway. No longer a symbol of chaos and distress, the midi can be seen both casually and with an air of refinement.

Upon its 2014 return to the runway, the midi became a reminder of a classic ‘50s housewife and retro femininity rather than a political or social complication. On their own accord, designers included midis in their collections and on their own accord, consumers decided they liked it. With a variety of fabrics, lengths, cuts and personalities, midis became the unknown wardrobe must-have that every modern woman needed. A comfortable skirt that was both girly and retro, the midi was an easily versatile piece that had movement and originality. To be worn with sneakers, graphic T-shirts or dainty heels, the midi claimed a hanger in many important closets. With culottes back in style, mid-calf lengths are hanging from the waist of every inspired dresser, and consumers have exerted their power once again. The next time you wear a midi, stop to think and appreciate. Think of the history, the revolution, the women wearing them before you, why ladies did or did not hike up their hems, and the power to choose.

Photo courtesy Bess Georgette/Flickr Creative Commons

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“Opponents believed the midi to be antifeminist. Why should women listen to a leading man in the industry or anyone else regarding how they should dress appropriately?�

28 | C | Checkup

You snOOze or You 7 LOSE

77

By Katie Plampton

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In the age of student loans and rising tuition, much political conversation regarding education in the United States centers around the topic of student debt. While the financial stress caused by student loans certainly takes its toll, another type of debt affecting college students is often overlooked: sleep debt.

The term “sleep debt” describes the cumulative effects of not getting enough sleep.

While the dangers of sleep deprivation have largely been recognized by doctors, the media and the general public, a lack of sleep is for some reason accepted as part of the college experience, and the idea of a sleep deprived college student is normal.

Most college students are not getting the seven to nine daily hours of sleep recommended by the National Sleep Foundation. Between pulling all-nighters for exams and staying out late drinking after said exams, it is no wonder students are feeling tired.

But the effects of sleep deprivation are more serious than simply feeling sleepy in class the day after a late bedtime. Activities that require multitasking, such as driving, can become difficult and even dangerous.

“We know that sleep is necessary for higher cortical function, the most important of which is multi-tasking,” said Michael Thorpy, director of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at Montefiore Medical Center, in a 2016 interview with Forbes.

“Sleep deprivation will definitely affect one’s ability to multitask. Driving is the most intensive multitasking activity we do—it uses hands, feet, vision, awareness of what’s going on.”

It is now universally accepted that fatigue and daytime sleepiness are associated with a significant increase in motor vehicle accidents.

Previously, common knowledge deemed only people with known sleep disorders at risk.

Accidents and errors of any type are more likely when sleep deprivation is a factor. For medical and nursing students, this can be particularly problematic. One study compared first-year interns at Brigham and Women’s Hospital who worked on a regular medical resident schedule with those working on shorter, 16-hour shifts that incorporated a nap. The residents who worked the normal schedule made more than twice the number of attentional errors at night as the other, more well-rested group.

Pulling an all-nighter for an exam may have the opposite effect that a student intends. One of sleep’s central functions is to consolidate long-term memory, which it does not only by strengthening some neural connections but also by eliminating unwanted connections and memories.

According to an article in Forbes about sleep’s effects on the brain, the brain makes numerous connections during the day, but not all of them need to be saved; sleep allows the brain to “streamline” the connections it wants to keep.

Students stay up late studying to retain more information, when in fact they will only become worse at memorization, learning, and the simplest of tasks when sleep-deprived.

Taking a nap after a long night of studying may seem like a reasonable solution, but sleep debt demands more than a quick fix. Recovery from chronic sleep deprivation is contingent on both sleep quantity and sleep quality. It can take weeks, and in some cases even longer, to recover from sleep debt, and students typically don’t have the luxury of sleeping 10 hours per night for over a week to catch up.

To further complicate the issue, early alarms, stimulants like coffee and red bull, and external lights like those from electronic devices interfere with students’ circadian rhythm (the natural sleep and wake cycle).

Examining the effects of sleep deprivation teaches us a valuable lesson. As students, we want to be productive and succeed at school and in life, and putting in the necessary work can get in the way of our sleep schedules. But when we attempt to boost productivity by staying up late (or not sleeping at all), we only hurt ourselves.

Those few hours gained are outweighed by the resulting impact on learning, memory, and overall health.

Sleep-deprived students are less productive, less happy, and more likely to get sick. According to a study published in the journal Psychiatry Research, sleep debt in college students has even been shown to be associated with a higher risk of reporting depressive symptoms.

Though the only viable, long-term solution for sleep debt is getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night, it is unreasonable to expect that students will be able to adhere to this 24/7. Sometimes late bedtimes are unavoidable, and so is the subsequent 3 p.m. slump the following day.

However as a society – and particularly as college students – we consistently undervalue sleep even though it is critical to present and future mental performance. Although difficult, college students must stop compromising their sleep schedules in response to academic and social pressures. Sleep is one of the few things that nobody else can do for you – you must do it for yourself!

FOUR HEALTHY WAYS TO OVERCOME AN AFTERNOON SLUMP

1 3

Go for a quick walk outside, or hit the gym if you have more time.

2

Eat an energizing snack. The National Sleep Foundation recommends healthy, complex carbohydrates in addition to protein. “That way the food will be digested quickly (giving you instant energy) but will also give you a boost until around until dinner.” Snack options include: an apple with peanut butter, whole-grain cereal with milk, and raw vegetables with cheese cubes.

Skip the enormous coffee, which can impact your night’s sleep.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests swapping your latte for green tea.

4

Get creative! Try a quick fix like brushing your teeth, washing your face, changing your outfit or blasting music.

30 | C | Health Feature

Friends, Family, and Food

How the Mediterranean diet makes for wholesome

By Paulina Powierza Photos courtesy Brittany Aves, Katherine Hubbard & Marissa O’Neill

cooking and conversation.

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F

or years, health experts have boasted about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. After studying abroad in Spain last semester, I can attest that Spaniards have mastered the art of eating. Food plays an important role in Spain, gathering people together to enjoy the simplicities of cuisine.

The main principle of Spanish cooking is using fresh and local ingredients. Staple ingredients include fresh fish, fruits, tomatoes, rice, and olive oil. Many of these ingredients date back to different parts of Spanish history, demonstrating the diversity of Spanish food and culture.

The Romans and Greeks brought olive oil to the Iberian Peninsula, while the Moors introduced rice and oranges during their conquest.

Later, foods like tomatoes and potatoes were brought over from the Americas. The Spanish diet has experienced multiple evolutions as a result of Spain’s many conquests; in a way, the diet celebrates the epics of Spain’s history and the diversity of the country.

Many of the diet’s staple ingredients make up popular Spanish dishes across the country. For example, a visit to Valencia – one of the cities located along the Mediterranean coast – is incomplete without paella, a typical dish made of rice, vegetables and fresh seafood.

Other cities and regions have their own food preferences.

Andalusia, bordered by the Mediterranean sea to the south, is known for its gazpacho, a tomato-based, cold soup. The dish is refreshing during Andalusia’s hot summers. Although each region and city has

F O T S E B THE anish Sp sine i Cu

Espinacas con garbanzos with a fried egg on top Courtesy Caroline Frame

Croquetas, fried meat balls Courtesy Caroline Frame

its own specialities, they all share similar ingredients that showcase Spain’s history and traditions.

These ingredients also have many health benefits. Olive oil, an integral ingredient in most Spanish dishes, may contribute to a healthy heart. According to the Mayo Clinic, olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids, which research shows may lower your risk of heart disease by decreasing levels of LDLs, low-density lipoproteins. LDLs, also known as bad cholesterol, can clog arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke, so olive oil is a healthy substitute for other forms of fats.

Tomatoes, another principal ingredient in many dishes such as gazpacho and pan con tomate, have also been praised for their healthy properties. According to WebMD, tomatoes contain high amounts of potassium and three powerful antioxidants, which include beta-carotene, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Other staple ingredients such as fish and beans are sources of protein and come with their own benefits. Harvard Health’s article on the benefits of fish reported that dark-fleshed fish contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids that may reduce the risks of heart attack and other ailments.

Many dishes are prepared with just a few ingredients. The simplicity of the foods and the use of local and nutritious ingredients make the meals healthy, allow for few additives or preservatives, and enable better digestion.

32 | C | Health Feature

Courtesy Katie Rice

Parque Maria Luisa

monuments of Seville

Courtesy Katie Rice

Plaza de Espana

SEVIlle is the capital of southern Spain's Andalusia region And is known for its food, culture, and architecture.

“I think the simplicity of most dishes and the emphasis on high-quality, local ingredients are what makes the Spanish diet a healthy one,” said Erin Rindley, a Spanish-food blogger. “Long before ‘clean eating’ became a thing, I always said that Spanish food felt clean, and that my body just seemed to digest Spanish food better – because it’s simpler, satisfying and nourishing.”

Rindley manages the blog La Tortuga Viajera, where she writes about her experiences with travel and food as an American living in Spain.

“Though a lot of food is fried, the basic ingredients of most all dishes remain fairly simple and healthy and highlight really top-quality products such as veggies, meat or fish,” Rindley said.

The cultural aspects of eating also differ in Spain as opposed to other countries. Eating is considered a social pastime and a way for family and friends to gather together. Mealtimes are stretched out to allow for families to spend more time together.

“I think Spaniards’ relationship with food is the most intriguing part of their diet,” Rindley said. “That is, food is often meant to be enjoyed slowly over the course of many hours, and with good company.”

Many Spaniards reserve time in their days to dine with friends and family. In Andalusia, many locals

return home during the middle of the day to eat with their families and take a siesta. In the southern region of Spain, many stores close from 3 to 5 p.m. for siesta, allowing workers to go home to eat with their families.

“MANY DISHES ARE PREPARED WITH JUST A FEW INGREDIENTS. THE SIMPLICITY OF THE FOODS AND THE USE OF LOCAL AND NUTRITIOUS INGREDIENTS MAKE THE MEALS HEALTHY, ALLOW FOR FEW ADDITIVES OR PRESERVATIVES, AND ENABLE BETTER DIGESTION.” Food is eaten slowly, preventing overeating and allowing for more socialization during meals. The social aspect of eating creates a special relationship with food; Spaniards perceive food as a joy and make it as enjoyable as possible.

Some of Rindley’s favorite recipes include classic Spanish dishes: tortilla española, jamón ibérico and pulpo a la gallega. Tortilla española consists of eggs, onions, potatoes and olive oil, combined in a delicious omelette. Jamón ibérico is a cured ham, produced from black Iberian pigs. Pulpo a la gallega is a dish made of boiled, Galician octopus flavored with salt, paprika, and olive oil. All these dishes demonstrate the simplicity of Spanish cooking.

Soup also makes up a large portion of meals. Warm lentil and bean soups are popular during the winter, while cold soups are a staple of summertime meals.

Cocido madrileño, a chickpea stew, is a popular soup eaten in many households. Gazpacho, mentioned earlier, is a favorite in the hot summertime. “(Spaniards) make a lot of soups that I really like because they have a lot of beans and vegetables in them, so there is a lot of healthy protein,” said Marissa O’Neill, a UNC-Chapel Hill student studying abroad in Seville, Spain.

O’Neill makes an effort to eat healthy and sustainable meals. She has enjoyed trying new foods in Spain and learning more about Spanish food.

“Most traditional Spanish dishes seem to be very varied in their contents, which is something I like because it hits a lot of food groups and covers all

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the vitamins and minerals you need,” O’Neill said.

“Something like paella has vegetables, seafood, meat, carbs, covering a lot of food groups.”

Mealtimes in Spain are an adjustment for many visitors who are not used to eating so late in the day. Unlike in the United States, Spaniards eat large lunches and relatively small breakfasts and dinners.

Lunch is the largest meal of the day, while dinner consists of a tapa, a light meal usually eaten with a drink.

“The biggest meal of the day is usually lunch, which I think is healthier because sometimes people eat really big dinners before going to bed and that’s not as good for you to digest,” O’Neill said.

Two other UNC-CH students, Brittany Aves and Katherine Hubbard, are also studying abroad in Seville and have enjoyed exploring restaurants and trying new foods prepared by their host families.

“My favorite Spanish food that I’ve tried is spinach with garbanzos. I absolutely love it,” Hubbard said.

“My host mom makes a really good version of it and puts a lot of garlic on it. It’s absolutely delicious.”

This traditional spinach and chickpea dish, called espinacas con garbanzos, is a favorite among many tourists.

Another of Hubbard’s favorites is calamares del campo, a dish of fried shrimp, peppers and onions.

“My actual favorite [meal] is huevos a la flamenca,” Aves said. “It’s just a mix of vegetables with potatoes, green beans, peas, carrots – like every vegetable you can think of, my host mom throws it in. There is a tomato-based sauce and a fried egg on top with a soft yolk. It is so good.”

Although Aves mainly eats meals prepared by her host mom, she has enjoyed visiting a few restaurants to try different tapas. Her favorite restaurants have been Bar Alfalfa in Seville and the Cervecería Catalana in Barcelona.

“Tapas are fun because then you can try a little bit of everything rather than just having your meal,” Aves said. “It is fun to share.”

Hubbard also enjoys tapas and loves getting little sandwiches at Cien Montaditos, a popular Sevillan restaurant especially loved by students because it serves sandwiches for one euro on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Although she enjoys eating out, Hubbard loves the healthiness of the food her host mom makes.

“It’s healthier for various reasons,” Hubbard said.

“For one thing, the portions are smaller, so you are just not getting as many calories, but also, if you are eating fried food, it is usually fried in olive oil, and that tends to be healthier.”

There are a few differences Aves and Hubbard

noted between the Spanish and American diets.

Many Spanish families eat fruits and yogurt rather than desserts after meals. This healthy alternative to desserts reduces the consumption of excessive amounts of sugar.

“There’s a lot of fruit and vegetables,” Hubbard said. “In the family I live with, if they have dessert, it is usually a banana or cup of yogurt instead of a bunch of cookies or piece of cake.”

Aves also agreed that meals contain less sugar than American foods and that Spanish dishes tend to be less processed because they are prepared daily.

“Overall, I definitely think it is a lot healthier in terms of what they eat and how they cook it,” Hubbard said.

The Spanish diet is one that comes with many health benefits and expands on so many cultural and traditional aspects of Spain. Food is intertwined with the culture of every region and plays a significant role in bringing families and friends together.

We have a lot to learn from Spaniards. Adopting the Spanish diet may be the way to go if you are looking for both healthy and delicious food. Until then, dreams of paella, tortilla española and espinacas con garbanzos may have to suffice.

34 | C | Arts Feature

Dancing in the

wings

By Aja Bailey & Cassandra Cassidy Photos courtesy Kendall Bagley, Aja Bailey, Ace Motas, Bryant Su & PRSM Dance

Can you still make a wish on a star if it is shrouded in the shadows? Can the dream still shine if most people can’t see it?

The dance culture at UNC-Chapel Hill is difficult to understand from the outside. There are a number of dance organizations at our university, each with their own style, leadership board and group of people.

However, dance here is more than a creative outlet, and it is more than a performance or a competition.

The dance community is a dream, and those students involved are living it.

The university has never definitively backed dance.

2013 marked the most recent push to implement a dance minor, but those talks never came to fruition.

Despite the variety of groups – 19 to be exact – and the vast number of students within each group, with some boasting nearly 200 members, there are only a few spaces on campus for students to gather and practice.

The recreation spaces at Rams Head Center and the Student Recreation Center are frequently booked with fitness classes, and Woolen Gym is often reserved for club sports teams. The remaining option, a secluded corner in the basement of the Student Union, has become the home and hub for dancers at UNC. There is no dance department, and little to no recognition by the university of the extensive studentrun and student-led dance community.

Yet, for many undergraduates at UNC-CH, dance is what keeps them here. Dance provides a community of mentorship and friendship, as well as a means for artistic and individualistic expression. Jene Ward, a senior psychology major and the president of Blank Canvas, UNC-CH’s largest dance group, knows that when she leaves the university, this will be what she misses most.

“I always joke that when I leave here, I’m going to find a job, find somewhere to live and find somewhere to dance,” she said. “It’s as natural as breathing.”

For Nathan Owens, president of the UNC-CH Ballroom Dance Team, dance provided him a social outlet from the moment he stepped foot on campus.

“Half of my life is dance. It’s made me a totally different person. When I first got to college, I wasn’t really a social person. I didn’t talk to anybody. I didn’t want to talk to anybody, and even if I did, I wouldn’t know how,” he said. “Dance got me out of my shell.

I started with competitive dance, which gave me structure and form, and it made me want to do more.”

Owens’ story is not out of the ordinary. Most

students who get involved in dance find themselves transformed into better versions of themselves. It is not just the practices and the performances that contribute to this, but also the experiences dancers have off of the stage. “Going to the workshop is fine, and learning the choreography is fun, but this—going to dinner, connecting with the community, and sharing your dance story—this is PRSM,” said Tim Truu, a senior at Duke University. Truu is a part of PRSM, an organization for hip hop dancers in North Carolina.

Students try out a number of different clubs and student organizations before they find the one for them. What students discover in the dance community is the ultimate dream: a collection of people who have the same passion for dance, and who are willing to go to any end to maintain the validity and accessibility of that passion.

“HOWEVER, DANCE HERE IS MORE THAN A CREATIVE OUTLET, AND IT IS MORE THAN A PERFORMANCE OR A COMPETITION. THE DANCE COMMUNITY IS A DREAM, AND THOSE STUDENTS INVOLVED ARE LIVING IT.” The dream comes in the form of a small studio, a stage, a wall of mirrors and a few speakers. The dream comes in the form of a dinner after a long day of practice. The dream comes in the form of late-night rehearsals with your partner, muscles sore, limbs tired and mind frustrated.

The Union Underground is the most important space on campus for many dance groups, and when the stage there was broken a year ago, the university wanted to rip up the floor but not replace it. Students struggled to imagine how they would continue to dance without that space, and they worked collectively to install a new floor, independent of the university.

Blank Canvas, which had money saved from its performances over the years, bought the stage, and it

was members of Blank Canvas – along with members of Moonlight, Kamikazi and other groups – who installed the stage. This was the dream – students putting aside their own work, in their own time, so everyone could dance.

Yet almost no one dances because it will get them a job. They do not spend hours in the studio so they can add to their resume, or so they can ace an interview.

People dance because it matters – not for a career or for an income, but for themselves.

People care so deeply and with so much passion about the dance community because they have to. There are no professors awarding grades, no departments setting requirements, and no diplomas dependent upon their performance.

This community is strong because it is selfdesigned and self-driven. Each performance, each practice and each competition is the summation of what every student brings to their group, and there is nothing driving that but the internal adoration for the way that movement and music combine, in just the right moment, in just the right sequence.

That passion, though fervently alive, can be hard to pursue without the backing of the university. UNC-CH is one of the few schools in the region without any official dance department, meaning there is no major, minor and network for dancers to tap into for support or resources.

Dance also has powerful academic undertones.

Leaders of dance organizations describe their experiences as similar to those of an entrepreneur.

They must design and order merchandise, book space to practice and perform, and plan classes around multiple schedules while managing financial statements with little outside funding.

“This university doesn’t support the arts as much as they should,” Owens said. “There’s hardly any space for dance groups to perform or practice, but there’s more of us than most people think.” If dance were a major, or even a minor, there is no doubt it would be popular. “We all say the same thing about how dance makes us feel, and that would be a really great point of connection,” Owens said.

A void of support on behalf of the university places the responsibility on students to create their own community of resources. When students need new shoes or a new costume, they must pay for it themselves; there is no grant for students to use when they travel to compete, and there is no scholarship for

Arts Feature | C | 37

dancers whose talent does not match their financial ability.

In the event that a student cannot foot the bill, they turn to other dancers for help. It’s this sense of camaraderie that leads to increased connections between dancers and their respective groups. “This is our home at Carolina,” said Ward, “This is where we feel comfortable.” Yet, without a professional or academic backing, students struggle to feel validated by the public. “It’s the extra-curricular that takes up the most time, but we don’t get a lot of face for it,” said Ward.

PRSM, a Chapel-Hill-based urban dance community, is one of the dance organizations at UNC-CH that aims to give dancers the same kind of centralized support and network that they would find within a dance department. PRSM began when an organization of a similar vision, Kodachrome, collapsed.

Kodachrome exposed dance around North Carolina. The group hosted workshops at different universities every month and provided collegiatelevel dance teams the opportunity to interact. When it fell, UNC-CH students Avi Goldstein and Bryant Su founded PRSM in order to build and maintain that dance network. “We don’t have a dance program, so finding connections is something you can’t really do beyond UNC,” Goldstein said. “PRSM helps fill what we

would have if there was a formal major.”

The name PRSM comes from the word prism, which in optics refers to a figure that separates white light into a spectrum of colors. As it relates to dance, the idea is that this organization takes light in and reflects it out, using the community within UNC-CH to grow a larger dance community in North Carolina.

The creativity and expression that PRSM stands for is symbolic for the other dance groups at our university, too. This commitment to expression, despite boundaries inherent to the arts, speaks to our student body, which consists of determined, resilient and passionate people.

For most majors, classes and extracurriculars are the means to an end. A student may enroll in classes at the Kenan-Flagler Business School to become an investment banker, study political science and then go to law school, or pursue the pre-med track to become doctors.

For dancers, this isn’t a means to an end. The dream is not some abstract idealization of the future with a concrete definition of when that dream gets achieved. From the workshops with PRSM, competitions for the Ballroom Dance Team, and countless hours that each group spends practicing routines, very few people who dance do so to attain a certain career or status. “It’s far too much work to just be another bullet point on a resume,” said Ward.

The whole purpose of a dream, or an aspiration, is to have something to strive toward. For some dancers, that may be perfection in technique or the lead role in a company. Yet, for the dance community at UNC-CH, and for the student population as a whole, the dream is to find what keeps you awake at night, what makes you get up in the morning and the people who share that passion.

UNC-CH’s dance community, without having any university backing, has already created what many students spend all four years looking for. The pure and unfiltered love that these people have for what they do combines with their ability to co-create and co-exist; the result is art and individual growth. “My only outlet is through this community,” said Su, “and so I push all my efforts toward it.”

The dance community here is one to be celebrated.

It is a role model, showcasing the beauty of authenticity and connection between students across backgrounds, disciplines, ages, skills, and styles.

Next time you go to the Union Underground, take a moment to look at the little dance room in the corner.

To the majority, it’s nothing but a floor, a wall of mirrors and a few speakers. But to many dancers, it is their home on this campus, a physical manifestation of their passion, and the place where they feel most comfortable to be themselves. It is, even when broken, their dreamland.

wH EN Written by Caroline Farrell Photographed by Alexis Fairbanks + Elise Holsonback Styled by Copelyn Bengal, Courtney Dennis, + Caroline Farrell Modeled by Mac Harrison, Sarah Leck, Hannah Lee, Emily Miller, Alec Di Ruzza, Julia Slawek + Emily Yoo

I Was A Kid... reviving the dreams from the springtime of our lives is child’s play

Photo Feature | C | 41

Every child has a dream and a belief that they can achieve anything. Childhood dreams create a chance for nostalgic travel back to simpler times: cluttered rooms of stuffed plush animals, transformational books and magical costumes. By reminiscing about what was so vital to us at that age, we unlock secrets from our past, discovering who we truly are.

As each college student starts their quest for their life’s purpose, we felt it was important to reflect on those visions from youth to inspire and remind us to reach for the stars.

Creativity and free-spiritedness thrived during an era of little-league soccer and juice boxes. Traveling back in time to our most vulnerable yet free selves gives us the opportunity to appreciate all the things life has given us. We wanted to resurrect our childhood dreams through fashion with a playful zest, allowing us to enter a world of playpretend and to bring those innocent dreams vividly back to life.

While visiting old memories, remember where you came from, and you will know where you are going. We hope these images evoke a sweet sense of nostalgia and remind you to stay true to your child at heart – you will never be steered wrong.

42 | C | Photo Feature

c h i l d

a t

h e a r t

d rea m

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The Best of

Barca

By Julia Faulkner Photos courtesy Julia Faulkner & Marina Rico Sobrevals

F

eeling a sense of wanderlust or need another stamp in your passport? Book a trip to Barcelona, a thriving, culturally rich city in Spain. Beautifully situated by the beach and the mountains, it is a yearround vacation dream.

We spoke with Marina Rico, a Barca native who has lived in the heart of the city her entire life – and adores it. Here are the ins and outs of this Spanish metropolis from the perspective of a local expert.

QUÉ HACER WHAT TO DO

QUÉ VER WHAT TO SEE

Like most big cities, Barcelona is replete with what-to-dos.

Above everything, however, is the opportunity to take advantage of the extraordinary geographic location. Take in the scenery while strolling down the beach amid popular bars and restaurants. Hike up the mountains to reach impeccable views.

You can find the very best view – and the very best picture – at los Búnquers del Carmel, or the Bunkers of Carmel. There, you are a pleasant, non-strenuous hike away from the best view of the city.

The Sagrada Família basilica and the Santa Maria del Mar cathedral are two must-see historical attractions.

Parc Güell and Parc de Montjuïc show off Barca’s splendor. The market at Las Ramblas has just about every fresh food product you can think of – and the colors are amazing.

Another attraction you must visit, if you have the opportunity, is Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona’s professional fútbol team. If you are lucky enough to be in Barca on game day, you can attend a partido (a game) and experience the hype for yourself.

NN

Cityscape | C | 47 DÓNDE IR DE COMPRAR WHERE TO SHOP

PARA COMER TO EAT

POR ÚLTIMO, ¡FIESTA! FINALLY, PARTY!

What are the Spanish most known for? Their incredible sense of style.

If you head over to Plaça de Catalunya, you will find Barcelona’s very best shopping districts. On the upper side, you have the Passeig de Gràcia, home to the beautiful stores of luxury brands.

On the other end, you can find affordable, chic European brands like Mango.

Barcelona teems with prime food spots. Of all, Can Culleretes, the city’s oldest restaurant (and Rico’s favorite), is the perfect place to grab lunch or dinner. Classic, must-try Barcelonian foods include pan con tomate, which translates to “bread with a tomato spread.” Sometimes it contains ham, which is a delicacy in Spain. You must not miss the calçots, either, which are made from onion and solely found in Barcelona.

Barcelona has a conglomeration of both expensive and affordable clubs, both of which are equally fun. The best place for going out is the beach area. Some of the bars turn into discotecas, or clubs, as the night goes on.

The city center also has several places to choose from, but Rico recommends the beach zone. If you are in the mood to splurge, you can also check out Barcelona’s famous upscale nightclubs.

The biggest of these are Pacha, Opium, Soho and Bikini.

PARA BEBER TO DRINK The best place to grab a coffee or a beer is along the beach. There you will find a large selection of bars, complete with music and an Instagram-worthy view. Other places to get a drink include the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, under which you will find a fantastic bar, or alongside W Barcelona (also known as Hotel Vela), an area with an incredible view of the ocean.

La ratafia is a liquor unique to Barca that you can try. Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, is also very Barcelonian.

Y AHORA... AND NOW...

Two final insider tips: avoid the summer and use the metro.

In the summer, the plethora of tourists and the humid heat take away the fun. The best time to visit Barcelona is in the spring when there are pleasant temperatures and less-crowded streets. For navigating the city, the metro is the cheapest and easiest way to cover the most ground. This way, you do not have to fight the city parking or deal with deceptive cab drivers.

TIPS

¡BUEN VIAJE! HAVE A NICE TRIP

Dreams

Aegean

Written by Madison Godfrey Photographed by Alexis Fairbanks & Madison Godfrey

I

t is early Sunday morning in the middle of a blistering summer in Greece. I awaken to another breathtaking sunrise seeping through my window in my temporary home aboard my cruise ship. I quickly change into a light and breezy, white cotton dress, grab my sunglasses, and climb up to the top deck to enjoy my breakfast with a view.

Today I am finishing my Aegean cruise in Santorini, a small Greek island steeped in history and surrounded by myth. The island was once famous for its seafaring captains, flourishing trade, and a volcanic catastrophe dating back to biblical times.

Today, Santorini is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, drawing in families, lovers, and nomads all searching for adventure and mystery.

Scholars have written about this place and artists have attempted to capture its beauty, but nothing can quite

describe the enchantment of the Aegean region.

Greece had been my dream travel destination for as long as I can remember. There was something about the glistening waters, white villages perched upon high cliffs and what seemed to be endless roads of adventure that kept drawing me in. I imagined myself exploring the beautiful churches, shopping in the local markets and uncovering the history of the region that was once the center of the world. I never thought, however, this dream would become a reality.

After a quick cup of coffee and light breakfast, I step off the boat, overwhelmed with a feeling of excitement in my stomach for a new place and one last adventure. In the months leading up to my journey to the Aegean region, I had spent an extensive amount of time researching the area. My investigation taught me that most of the islands are characterized by rocky, steep terrain and a moist climate. The architecture

mostly consists of cave houses dug into the volcanic rock, cobbled streets with winding paths, neo-classical mansions, and blue, domed churches.

When researching the Greek isles, it is impossible not to stumble upon the myths surrounding them.

The island of Santorini, according to mythology, was created from a patch of earth thrown to the sea by Euphemus, son of Poseidon.

Euphemus dreamt one starry night that he made love to a nymph, who was the daughter of Triton and Aphrodite. In his dream, the nymph, who got pregnant, feared the reaction of her father and asked Euphemus to obtain a chunk of earth and to thrust it towards the sea so that she could hide and give birth to her child there.

Although it was just a dream, Euphemus fulfilled the nymph’s request, and suddenly the beautiful island of Santorini appeared in the heart of the Aegean Sea. The

island was named after Euphemus’ son, who was born there. Eventually the Minoan civilization resided in the region until a devastating volcanic eruption, which caused a massive tsunami that sunk parts of Santorini along with its surrounding areas to the bottom of the sea. It is rumored that this event was the inspiration of the ‘lost continent’ of Atlantis legend, which describes a great civilization disappearing beneath the waves and down to the depths of the ocean.

“WHEN RESEARCHING THE GREEK ISLES, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO STUMBLE UPON THE MYTHS SURROUNDING THEM.” Greek mythology is everywhere; it is found in city and company names, medical terms, music, film, literary allusions, and symbols that we encounter in our day to day lives. While they may not physically be there, the Gods are subtly hidden in our culture. Mythology is a part of our lives whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. When traveling to the Aegean region, it is almost like traveling back into time and discovering the modern world’s roots.

In the past few days, I had explored several other islands in the region that each had their own charm.

I had explored the ancient libraries in Kuşadası, sun bathed on the pebbly beaches of Patmos, and drank Ouzo while watching the sun set over Mykonos. Each island had stolen my heart in its own unique way. Today

would be no different.

A short bus ride later, we reach the town center and are given the morning to explore. I step out of our vehicle and began to take it all in. I had seen thousands of pictures of Santorini, but nothing I could have read on websites or seen in a magazine could have prepared me for seeing this island in person.

Immediately I am overwhelmed with white. The

white-painted village contrasts sharply with the high, red cliffs that stand miles above the Aegean Sea, glistening in the morning sun.

Sundays in Santorini mean morning church services for most of the local population. So as we explore the streets, we practically have the whole village to ourselves. Ever corner I turn, I expect to find a large crowd, as I had experienced in other cities

Travel Feature | C | 51

on my journey. Instead, I find reticent archways and quiet greenery tucked away in almost every nook and cranny of the buildings. Every flower box is filled with a kaleidoscope of colors, each dwelling covered with climbing vines racing to the sun.

I spend the afternoon exploring the local shops, eating brunch in a cafe on the hilltop, and trying to take in every ounce of my surroundings. The friendly locals we encountered, speaking broken English, told us of their favorite spots on the island as well as stories of their childhood exploration of Santorini. We visited multiple churches, touring the ancient quarters while listening to our guides tell us their histories under the light of the stain-glassed windows. I must have taken over three hundred photos throughout this day; I did

“SUNDAYS IN SANTORINI MEAN MORNING CHURCH SERVICES FOR MOST OF THE LOCAL POPULATION. SO AS WE EXPLORE THE STREETS, WE PRACTICALLY HAVE THE WHOLE VILLAGE TO OURSELVES.”

not want to forget a single moment.

After a day of exploring, I retired to my cabin inside the cruise ship. I looked back through my photos, remembering the detail or emotion that urged me to take the photo in the first place. I replayed the day in my head over and over, trying to make sure I would not forget one moment. Santorini had truly stolen a piece of my heart, and I knew that I would have to return to the island one day.

As the sun set on my perfect day, I took some time to reflect on what had made the island so special to me.

It would be easy to blame my newfound love on the scenery alone, but beauty alone could not have formed the deep connection I felt to Santorini. I decided that the history of the island, its people, and the overwhelming feeling that there was always a new stone to be turned is what fascinates me about Santorini; there would always be something new to discover, someone new to meet, and a new adventure waiting for me each time I would visit.

It is now been years since I last visited Santorini.

I am now a junior in college with many life decisions ahead of me. Where will I intern this summer? What do I want to do after I graduate? Where do I want to live? It is very easy to become caught up in all of the unknowns and worry about the future. Whenever I become overwhelmed with what’s ahead of me, I find it useful to look to the past.

When I find myself worrying about what is to come, I think of myself stepping foot of the boat that day in Santorini. I had no idea what I was going to find, how my day was going to play out, or who I would meet. I remember that feeling of uncertainty but also recall the feeling of satisfaction after I delved into the unknown.

Traveling teaches us to push our boundaries, step out of our comfort zones, and explore the uncertain.

Santorini’s magic has stayed with me ever since I stepped foot off the island. While I have not got the chance to return since my initial visit, I know I will find my way back to Santorini in the near future. When I do get to return, I know my new experiences since the last time I visited will create a new experience altogether.

There will always be a new path to travel and a new experience to be had.

52 | C | Camera Obscura

WE WEAR THE

PANT S The tides of time may continue to crash, but there is always one constant: The power of women to move and shake society. The rise of women in politics, in the workplace, in all facets of the world is one of the most inspiring case studies on the strength of resilience in human beings.

Fashion is inspired by the social conditions of its time.

It has the unique ability to convey nonverbally one’s values and confidence. The rise of the pantsuit, whether in vibrant patterns or subdued neutrals, correlates with the unique moment in time in which we live. Many women have paved the way for us today – too many to name, but all contributing to the same result: elevating women to embrace their potential and loudly convey their mission to succeed.

We asked power women from across UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus to share with us their ambitions and pantsuits to match. Unapologetically themselves, unwaveringly committed to their successes, these women reflect what makes Chapel Hill the center of growth that it is. No dreamland is complete without those who truly embody their dreams. It is time to live what courageous women in the past and today have built together and show the world who wears the pants.

Photographed by Alexis Fairbanks, Elise Holsonback & Sabah Kadir Written by Sabah Kadir

HEAR THEIR STORIES

ALEXANDRA HEHLEN

54 | C | Camera Obscura

MAI RIQUIER

“Don’t be afraid to be loud and take up space.”

-Sarah Leck

Camera Obscura | C | 55

SARAH LECK

56 | C | Camera Obscura

RIMEL MWAMBA

“My role model is my grandmother... who was a complete badass political figure in Congo.

She is a physically small woman but her power and intelligence resonates incredibly strongly among all those that she meets.�

-Rimel Mwamba

Camera Obscura | C | 57

CERE POOVEY

MAYA DURVASULA

58 | C | Camera Obscura

“I tend to think that ‘power woman’ is just a synonym for ‘woman.’”

-Maya Durvasula

Camera Obscura | C | 59

ELIZA FILENE

TIA HAIRSTON

60 | C | Camera Obscura

“Regardless of what others think, your conviction is the only thing needed to make your decisions legitimate.”

-LoLo Morley

LOLO MORLEY

Camera Obscura | C | 61

SANDY ALKOUTAMI

62 | C | Making up a Future

Making up a future Katy Albright, the makeup artist who took life into her own hands – and made it big

By Hannah Lee Photos courtesy Maximillian Rivera

“I saved up all my money, and I was working every single day, and I was like, ‘You know what?

I’m just going to do this.’”

K

Katy Albright sits among the crowd, stage lights dim. She’s in Vegas, at the North American Hairstyling Awards, which, for her, is the Oscars. She’s nervous, as anyone would be.

Mario Lopez — American television host and actor — is tonight’s presenter.

He stands on the left side of the stage with an envelope. He’s about to announce Make-up Artist of the Year. Someone will go on stage and accept the award to the applause of her peers in the industry.

But back to Katy’s nerves. You can’t see it, won’t see it —¬ adjusting her dress straps, wiping her hands under the seat — but you don’t need to. That anxiety, it’s bubbling inside her.

“The award goes to Katy Albright from Waxhaw, North Carolina,” Lopez reads.

A goofy smile erupts on her face. The 19-year-old quickly walks onto the stage.

Her three winning photographs light up behind her, showing what appears to be a black woman in neon colored eye make-up and a blond, geometric wig. Picture straight-edge rectangular bangs with hair coming out like a triangle.

Katy accepts the trophy, that smile still on her face. Then she walks back to her seat, assuming her place in the crowd.

“For her to come into it at that point, on that year, and win on top of that, I totally freaked out,” said Stewart Hough, who accompanied Albright to the award ceremony. “I’m sure that’s a moment in her life that she will never forget.”

A moment that changed her future, her perspective of herself. This evening validated her work and gave her the confidence she needed to take the next step

in her career.

“After all that happened, the timing just seemed right, and I had so many people at the salon pushing me,” Katy said. “I saved up all my money, and I was working every single day, and I was like, ‘You know what? I’m just going to do this.’” *** For all that Katy has accomplished in her 23 years – as a top makeup artist first, then as a sought-after model – there are still a few things she has not done.

For example, graduating high school.

“I didn’t like it at all. I hated it,” Katy said. “So I tried to do online for a little bit and I was just like, ‘Why am I doing this?’”

Katy thought about dropping out, and when she broached the subject to her mom, Sharon Albright, her mother suggested cosmetology school. After the short and easy process of obtaining a GED, Katy’s mind was set for a new path.

Sharon was open to the fact that Katy — creative and easily prone to boredom — was not like most kids. She knew Katy would be at her best when she could make something, create something — do something.

“You know, she did well in school. She always had good grades — that was never an issue,” Sharon said. “And I did really want her to go to college, but when she expressed doubts… I realized, you know, college is more of just the same thing.

And if you want to do something creative, cosmetology is a great thing.”

But it was not an easy process getting Katy into cosmetology school. She had to be at least 18 years old, and Katy was only 17. That would make her the youngest person at the Aveda Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina.

When she was accepted, there was a sense of relief that she wouldn’t have to wait a year to apply again. On top of that, her degree would give her the license to start working professionally.

One year later, she graduated and immediately began working full-time at the Modern Salon in Charlotte and for Belk.com in Matthews, N.C. Hough recruited her for Belk.com. They had been communicating since her studies at cosmetology school, and he could sense from the way her voice resonated about hair and makeup that being an artist was Katy’s whole world.

As her expertise grew, she decided to submit her work for North American Hairstyling Awards — the largest beauty event in the United States. Only licensed cosmetologists can participate, so Katy knew she would be up against staunch competition. That’s why she collaborated with both a professional photographer and model who worked at Belk.com.

When Hough got to accompany Katy to the awards ceremony, the experience

Making up a Future | C | 65

Being a Blogger: A Day in the Life Fashion blogger Dana Monocky, of @thedanadiaries_ and thedanadiaries.com, dishes on favorite designers, career advice and the best places to visit in New York.

Tell us about yourself and how you first got into fashion blogging.

I’m a booker at Fox News and I’ve worked at Fox since graduating from UNC in 2014. I have a passion for travel, adventure and trying new things. If there’s one thing I love as much as exploration, it’s writing.

That’s where my blog and passion project, The Dana Diaries, comes in. My tagline is ‘travels, thoughts and things’ and the Dana Diaries has become my creative space where I write about exactly that. I blog about restaurants I love, bars with great atmospheres, my new sneakers and everything else in between.

was unreal for him. This marked the first year make-up artists could enter the Make-up Artist of the Year category without being connected to a hairstylist or salon.

Doing the make-up for the winning photographs took Katy the entire day. First, body paint covered the model’s face to darken her skin tone. Bright neon colors came next, creating the geometric shapes around Olivia’s eyes. In total, the team had actually executed four looks, so they would have a backup option.

“I really wanted to see lots of contrast and create something different than I’d ever done before,” Katy said.

Every wig rotation, every eye shadow change, every line of contour, every little detail for this one shoot helped bring Katy’s career and confidence to the next level. ***

“The award goes to Katy Albright from Waxhaw, North Carolina.”

‘Make-up Artist of the Year’ was a defining moment in her career, but something even bigger was to come.

At age 20, Katy decided to relocate to New York City, a move that didn’t seem the least bit problematic. Winning first place at a nationally recognized competition was all she needed to solidify the deal.

“New York had always called my name because I knew I had to try something else out other than North Carolina,” Katy said. “And after all that happened, the timing seemed right.”

When she started out at cosmetology school, Katy struggled to find an apartment complex that would lease to somebody so young, but Katy’s worries were nothing compared to her mom’s.

Sharon didn’t know whether to be nervous, worried or proud that her daughter had the guts to move to the most populated U.S. city at such a young age. Alone.

“For somebody who hasn’t really had the experience of going off to college on her own or even traveling around the world, to say, I’m going to pick up and

What advice can you give to UNC students who want to pursue fashion after school?

My advice would be that it’s even more important to take a leap and reinvent the wheel. Think about it: fishnets under denim came from someone, somewhere, right? The same goes for the resurrection of the choker or colored velvet booties. Those trends could have originated with me, with you or even with the random girl you saw ordering a latte at Starbucks. The point is: they came from someone who wasn’t afraid to try something new. (I think I should follow my own advice sometimes, lol!) If you like something and you love the feeling you get while you’re in it, buy it.

Who are your favorite designers?

I love Tom Ford, Balmain and Balenciaga. Recently, I’ve really been into House of Harlow, as well.

I also love Ronnie Fieg (his brand is Kith and there are two boutiques in NYC) and Commes de Garçons (specifically, the Play line).

What Instagram accounts do you follow on a regular basis?

I follow a TON of accounts and try to maintain a balance of following established fashion bloggers, up-and-coming fashion and lifestyle bloggers, travel bloggers and food bloggers. I also go out of my way to follow New York City based bloggers. Some of my favorite accounts right now are @ Huntforstyles, @She_went_west, @ Jaysstylefeed and @Justlikegillian.

I really like following accounts like @travel_bff, which showcases the most amazing pictures taken by women traveling all over the world.

I would recommend any foodie (especially if you’re in the NYC or tri-state area) follow@letseatyall.

Her name is Emma and she’s a UNC alum, too!

What has been your most favorite moment in the fashion world since graduating?

This is going to sound like a really weird answer, but my favorite moment in fashion has been making my own money to buy what I want! Living in NYC and traveling has also had a major impact on my style. I always thought of myself as fashion-forward, but moving to NYC made me much more aware of my sense of style. When running errands at home, I would dress simply. The streets of NYC are like a runway in and of themselves, so I like getting to dress up on the weekends while I’m out running around!

How would you describe your personal fashion?

I would definitely say that my personal style leans more towards street style. I absolutely love glamorous, sky-high pumps and chunky heels, but I’m a real sneaker kind of girl at heart. I love my Superstars and my FentyxPuma Creepers. I love a chunky sweater, ripped jeans, sneakers and a leather jacket. It’s simple, but if worn right, it’s a great look.

What are your favorite places to relax and hang out in the city?

I can’t say that I have one specific favorite spot. I definitely need to work on true relaxing (the kind that doesn’t require going out and exploring!) Right now, nothing is more relaxing to me than posting up in a new coffee shop for a cup of coffee. Sitting down with a fresh cup is like my happy place (even if it’s for a few minutes). Some great spots are Citizens of Chelsea (Chelsea) , Merriweather (West Village), Blue Stone Lane (various!) or St Kilda Coffee (Hell’s Kitchen). I also really enjoy walking around the Met. Lastly, what do you hope to see in the future of your fashion career?

I don’t see myself as a fashion blogger. I see myself as a jack-of-all trades writer. I would like to change that, though. I really want to put more time and effort into becoming a more developed fashion blogger and make fashion a major part of The Dana Diaries. I’m sure every amateur blogger has the same goal, but I’m going to bust my butt until I make it! I love fashion and I love story-telling, so I’m looking forward to combining the two and creating content that people enjoy.

66 | C | Making up a Future move away from my family and live in the middle of one of the largest cities in the world and I don’t have a job, is pretty bold,” Sharon said. “I wouldn’t do it. I wouldn’t want to go live in a major city like that and not know anybody and see what I can make of it.”

Katy moved to a second-floor apartment in Brooklyn, where she has been living for three years. She is content with the small place, so much so that she has never considered moving. The apartment is classic: exposed red brick walls; a window overlooking the street below; and a plump cat waiting for her to come home every afternoon.

Katy was with an agency for makeup artists shortly after moving to New York City, but she ended up making a name for herself and booking jobs as a freelance make-up artist. H clients include Calvin Klein, Target, and Aéropostale.

“Once I started booking those clients regularly… I started to feel like I was meant to be here,” Katy said.

Only two months ago, she got to admire the makeup she did for Universal Standard – a clothing brand for plus-size women – posted all throughout the city on billboards and subway station posters.

“It’s definitely one of the best feelings in the world when I get to see my work,” Katy said. “Because it’s like, ‘Damn, I nailed it. This is exactly what I had envisioned.’”

“There are still so many things that I want to accomplish and want to do. I am definitely not done with New York yet, and New York is not done with me.”

***

As Katy started making waves in the make-up industry, she also began to dabble in another industry, too.

Katy was working on the face of model and friend, Anna Clement, at Sandbox Studios, when Clement probed Katy about modeling. Clement believed the make-up artist had the potential to make it in the curve industry – women ranging from size eight to size 16. Katy’s 5’10” figure, reddish-brown hair and feline, hazel eyes were eye-catching for Clement.

“I thought she had a good body type and that she should at least go for it,” Clement said. “Same way it happened for me. All they’re going to tell you is no if you’re not a good fit, so there is no harm in trying.”

Katy was taken aback and awkwardly laughed the suggestion away, but after Clement encouraged her upon several occasions, Katy finally considered modeling because she knew it could help her make a little extra money.

Katy emailed Clement’s agency, MSA Models, and met with an agent the following week. Since Clement put in a good word for her, the agent was already fond of Katy. The meeting between the two was just the icing on the cake.

Katy had emailed other agencies, too, but this one wanted to sign her before she left the building. What did she have to lose?

“It was like, ‘Ok, cool, this is happening now,’” Katy said.

Making up a Future | C | 67 Katy made it into the modeling industry with ease. She runs around the city constantly for hair and makeup gigs, but now she also fits in model castings. So far she has modeled for a bridal look book, flown to Mexico for a catalogue, and more recently shot for Zendaya’s new clothing line “Daya by Zendaya.”

After a month of building her portfolio, she started catching the eyes of clients. Her MSA Models portfolio online features a range of pictures, from hippy shots in black and white to sunlight lingerie shots.

“Being a makeup artist, she knows a bunch of good photographers around town, so it kind of goes hand-in-hand being a makeup artist and model,” Clement said.

When Katy was in high school, Sharon said her daughters had tried out modeling with Carolina Talent. But at the time, Katy didn’t feel comfortable constantly worrying about her weight all the time. She was one of those happy-go-lucky kids, and constantly feeling frustrated about the way she appeared was not something that interested her.

“In the back of my mind, I don’t know if (modeling) is what I would necessarily encourage, but I didn’t see anything wrong with it,” Sharon said. “Then, I remember when she got her first comps back, and I thought they were really good, but she didn’t really like them. So she actually decided to stop herself.”

But Sharon could not be happier that Katy has found herself a new, different place within the modeling industry.

Being a Blogger: A Day in the Life Fashion blogger Nicole Goldfarb, of @ itsthegoldlife and itsthegoldlife.com, dishes on must-follow Instagrammers, career tips and life in the Big Apple.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you first got into fashion blogging.

I currently live in New York City, working as a graphic designer at the advertising agency Beeby Clark+Meyler. I was born in Long Island, New York and moved to Wilmington, North Carolina when I was ten. I’ve always loved the activity and pace of New York, so I’m excited to be back!

Since I was a little girl I have loved fashion.

I used to dream of growing up to be a fashion designer. However, once I grew older, I realized I wasn’t very good at sewing….So I chose to keep fashion as a hobby and pursue other interests like graphic design and photography.

I continued to read fashion magazine, after fashion magazine and, as Instagram became more popular, I began following tons of fashion bloggers.

As an advertising major, and a student of UNC’s School of Media and Journalism, I learned a lot about the power of social media. I saw how it could do things like connect people around the world, as well as turn one’s hobby into a successful career. About two years ago, I came to the realization that I could take my passion for fashion, social media, design and photography and fuse them together in the form of an Instagram fashion blog!

What advice can you give to UNC-Chapel Hill students who want to pursue fashion after school?

Fashion can definitely be a tough industry, but it’s also extremely exciting and constantly evolving. If it’s something you’re passionate about then don’t let anyone hold you back! I remember multiple people telling me not to pursue a career in fashion because they said it was too hard to break into the industry.

Pursuing a career in fashion doesn’t just mean you have to become a fashion designer or stylist though. The internet and social media has opened up new doors for all sorts of careers within the fashion industry. I wasn’t ready to give up on my love for fashion after school and I’m so glad I continued to pursue fashion in the form of a blog!

Who are your favorite designers?

When it comes to clothes, my favorite designers are Free People, Zara, Aqua and Vince.

“It seems like a such good fit for her,” Sharon said. “It’s not like naturally skinny women don’t exist, but in general, the curve industry represents more of the average, typical female, and I think it’s healthy that she doesn’t have to worry about being a size two.”

“And she feels good about it.”

Just because Katy is starting something new, does not mean she has forgotten her initial love for make-up. She finds the good in both.

“They’re so different I could never compare the two, but I love being able to mix it up. It helps make my routine not monotonous,” Katy said. “Like I don’t get tired of one thing.”

She has dipped her foot already in various parts of the fashion industry. Now the question rises whether she’ll continue to pursue other opportunities.

“Now I need to be a photographer,” Katy laughed. “I love to do it (photography) in my own time… but I don’t think I would ever do it professionally, per say – but a fun hobby for sure.”

In spite of all she’s accomplished, she’s far from done. She’s only begun modeling and although she has accomplished a lot from a young age, that does not mean she is going stop. In fact, she’s only getting started — just ask her for yourself.

“There are still so many things that I want to accomplish and want to do.” Katy said. “I am definitely not done with New York yet, and New York is not done with me.”

Marc Jacobs and Rebecca Minkoff have awesome bags, and I can never have enough Steve Madden shoes!

What instagram accounts do you follow on a regular basis?

I follow tons of fashion and lifestyle Instagram accounts but a few of my favs are: @sincerelyjules, @songofstyle, @andicsinger, @ dchaussee and @notyourstandard What has been your most favorite moment in the fashion world since graduating?

It’s a toss up between having one of my photos reposted by Marc Jacobs’ Instagram and being selected by Love Emme, a start-up ecommerce boutique, to represent the NY area during an exclusive Holiday Preview for bloggers around the country. It was one of my first collaborations and was a lot of fun!

How would you describe your personal fashion?

I would describe my personal fash ion as street style chic meets classic feminine, but I wouldn’t necessarily categorize myself as having one type of look. To me, style is a form of selfexpression, so my look changes depending on the day and my mood. Sometimes I’ll wear black from head to toe, complete with a motorcycle jacket, and other days I’ll wear a silk pink skirt with a fur bomber jacket and heels.

What sets your blog apart from others? And how do you stay ahead of trends?

One thing that I think sets my blog apart from others is that design plays a large role in all that I do. Every photo I take is strategically posted and photographed. I am very focused on the overall aesthetic and layout of my blog.

I always try to incorporate pops of pink, blue, white and green throughout my feed. I don’t only post pictures of cute outfits and such, I post pictures that will look good as a whole with my other photos. The main way that I stay ahead of trends is by following designers, clothing stores and fashion bloggers on Instagram. I’ve also gotten into watching the Vogue, Refinery29 and Cosmopolitan SnapChat Discover stories.

What are your favorite places to relax and hang out in the city?

Central Park is one of my favorite places to hang out in the city. It’s a great way to get my fix of nature and take a break from the concrete jungle. I grew up at the beach, so I love spending time outdoors and being surrounded by nature.

Central Park serves as a nice little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

wildest dreams

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Photographed by Connor Atkins, Alexis Fairbanks & Elise Holsonback All women’s clothing shop at Zara and Julian’s; men’s blazers shop at Julian’s; all jewelry VaVaVoo (use discount code COULTURE at vavavoo.com)

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Photo Feature | C | 71 If the Grand Budapest Hotel had an aesthetic, environmental counterpart somewhere in the midst of nature, it would be Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The place is a sea of massive dunes – the largest in the eastern United States – on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, just a stone’s throw from where the Wright brothers first took flight. What are powder-pink walls at the hotel become rosy, cotton-ball clouds at Jockey’s Ridge. Ubiquitous, light-blue ornamentation in Wes Anderson’s imaginary inn translate to a perfectly faded backdrop of a sky amongst the dunes.

The hotel’s occasional purple accents equate to the lilac, watercolor smears that appear over the state park’s horizon as the sun sets.

On these dunes, all sense of perspective seems to dry up. Time stops. Whistling wind, skidding sand

grains, and – if you listen hard – ocean waves are the only players in a steady soundtrack. Walking into the landscape feels like having a lucid dream, just as surreal as it might feel to stay in the fictitious Grand Budapest Hotel. The scenery lets us slip away from reality, begging us to cartwheel and skip and hop across the dunes.

Jockey’s Ridge makes us dream, and it becomes all the more magical when flowing, spring essentials in light pink and purple enter the scene. Ruffles, pleats and frills abound. Just like fashion, the landscape is constant but ever-changing, reminding us that the perfect blend of strength and flexibility can be a winning combination. We stepped into nature, and with sand between our toes, we sunk blissfully into our wildest dreams.

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78 | C | Cinema

Technicolor Dreaming “The Love Witch” reimagines the occult”

Photo courtesy Foter

By Rachel Greene Take David-Lynch-levels of small-town weirdness, add some 1960s pulp with a dash of feminist film theory, and you have “The Love Witch” (2016).

Maddened by unrequited love, Elaine Parks – the self-proclaimed love witch – flees to Arcata, Calif.ornia, to begin a new life after her ex-husband mysteriously dies. Elaine is obsessed with love and spends her days concocting potions and casting spells in hopes of finding a man to fall forin love with her. She makes a game of seducing men (particularly those in relationships), but grows bored of every man she is with once he seems needy.

One of the few modern movies to be shot on 35 mm film, “The Love Witch” exists in a sometimes unsettling limbo. It was shot over seven years, lit to emulate ‘60s Technicolor and stylistically inspired by occult symbolism.

Director Anna Biller constructed many of the sets and sewed the costumes herself to ensure every detail matched her vision. It is clear that nearly every scene of“The Love Witch” was planned meticulously.

Though, “The Love Witch” is highly stylized, Biller doesn’t sacrifice substance. Feminist undertones are woven throughout, which add a dimension and balances an otherwise campy plot. However, the relationships between characters are sometimes complicated to a fault, making it difficult to pick up

on Biller’s politics.

In Biller’s world, witches are commonplace, although still outcasts in society. Elaine discusses witchcraft with her friends in a club, and neighboring parties mock them for discussing their practices.

When one of her lovers mysteriously dies, Elaine becomes involved with yet another scandal. She convinces the police chief of her innocence, manipulating him into believing she had nothing to do with the murder. After a DNA test of evidence left at the crime scene, the police chief confronts Elaine, and a nearby group of people overhears and starts chanting, “Burn the witch!”

As upsetting as the “burn the witch” scene is, it is more upsetting to see Elaine construct her entire personality around seeking a perfect lover. Although Elaine sees men as vulnerable and weak, her manipulation is not empowering. She is a relatable character in that she feels universal human pain, but her methods of coping are alarming, perhaps speaking to the futility of pursuing someone for the sake of not being alone.

Either way, “The Love Witch” is thought-provoking and, at times, humorous in its over-the-top portrayal of what it means to love in the modern age.

“Take David-Lynch-levels of smalltown weirdness, add some 1960s pulp with a dash of feminist film theory, and you have ‘The Love Witch.’”

Contention | C | 79 RIGHTS FOR ALL A girl displays a sign at a 2017 Women’s March in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Photo by Elise Holsonback

THE MARCH HEARD ‘ROUND THE WORLD

By Caroline Farrell Just over 50 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. led his March on Washington to share his dream of a better America. While times and reasons have changed, last January over halfw a million people marched on Washington again, joined by millions more worldwide, to share their dream.

The global effort to voice the concerns and potential dangers facing women and minorities was loud, proud and anything but passive.

Solidarity marches took place in locations ranging from Washington, D.C., to Antarctica. For many this march was their first act of resistance; for others it was an ordinary part of their routine.

On Jan. 21, some women stood up for the first time in their lives. Many took the opportunity to educate others about the broad range of issues raised by the march. While pay equality and reproductive rights were front and center, marchers also brought to light a number of equally important issues: the struggle facing Native Americans protecting their right to clean water; the fear instilled in black communities by police brutality and high incarceration rates; the demonization of Mexican immigrants who sacrificed everything for a better life; and the hostility experienced by our Muslim brothers and sisters.

So let this be a call to arms. Do not let resilience end with marching in

a pink, cat-eared hat; speak up at the next instance of injustice, pick up protest signs at the next rally, make efforts to change policy in the local community and show solidarity toward those facing danger.

Being an American citizen should not come with conditions. The motto engraved on the great American seal, E pluribus unum, means “out of many, one.” We are a nation of women, immigrants, blacks, Hispanics, gays, transgender individuals, the differently abled, Muslims and so much more. Together we make the United States of America.

This march passes on the tradition of resistance and the protection of the American dream. Starting with the United States’ fight for independence, we have always valued our people first and safeguarded the right to live freely. America, as a nation, cannot lose sight of that. The Women’s March is a reminder of everything for which America should strive.

While some people’s journeys begin later than others, no matter where you are in life, take part and be a catalyst for change. While we may have different reasons for marching, we march for the same values and the same dream. My dream country is a nation that embraces diversity and galvanizes its citizens to support one another, no matter our differences.

What is your dream country?

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drafting

d reams . . .

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By Piper Anderson We all have dreams. We dream of lives filled with creativity and love and adventure and laughter. We ache for these dreams, but we do not always know how to catch them and weave them into our own lives. I have been thinking about dreams a lot lately, because I just finished a book called “Designing Your Life,” which has taught me a couple things about dream weaving.

The best-seller is about using design thinking to create a life that is meaningful, joyful, and fulfilling.

Although self-help books have a reputation as sounding corny to most, this particular one reads as a smart, funny, authentic manual. It has given me a sense of positivity and proactivity regarding my dreams. After all, dreams need to start somewhere, and “Designing Your Life” has helped me find the gumption I need to start now.

Before reading the book, I had a vague sense of dread about planning my future, but now I am more apt to see my life in bright color, splashed in front of me. I see my life as clay I can mold into a hundred different stunning, beautiful shapes – and it is exciting.

“Designing Your Life” was written by two Stanford Design School professors, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.

They created and continue to teach the university’s most popular course called – you guessed it – Designing Your Life. In it, they help students figure out what the next steps in their lives will be through applying innovation principles to life design.

This course has been scientifically studied, and the results indicate that students who took the course were better able to conceive and pursue careers they wanted, had fewer dysfunctional beliefs that held them back and

an increased ability to ideate future ambitions. The success of their course led them to write this book.

As college students we feel immense pressure to have everything figured out – and quick. But that’s an unrealistic and, frankly, ill-formed idea. “Designing Your Life” teaches that the best life is a generative one.

Life design is about constantly creating options and evolving. After all, a life following a linear path is not fun or realistic.

Through design, life becomes a fluid and beautiful journey that coalesces into realities greater than you could have imagined. So if you do not know what you want to be when you grow up, that is okay. After all, three-fourths of college grads do not even work in a career relating to their majors.

Life design is the best way to leave college as a productive and happy person ready to figure out what to do with the choices in front of them. And it is okay if the correct path takes 10 or 20 or 50 years to figure out, because here is the secret of the book: life is really about the process.

Life is an experience, and the fun comes from designing and enjoying those

experiences. We all have the possibility to succeed in many productive and interesting life paths, none of which are better than the others. “Designing Your Life” tells you to stop trying to get it right and start designing your way forward. Fail forward.

Perhaps “Designing Your Life” is helpful because it encourages you to take action by doing exercises instead of just passively reading. For instance, you keep engagement journals and sketch out life possibilities called “Odyssey Plans.”

When I read “Design Your Life,” I cannot help but think of my life in terms of a great odyssey. The book talks about coordinating your life view with your work view in order to make a compass that will be your “True North.” It speaks of problems heavy as anchors and uses sailing as a metaphor for life; there are storms and shallow waters and misdirection, but that is what makes the journey interesting. Perfection is boring.

Here are a few lessons from the book to get you thinking about designing your own life. First, having grit is vital. Grit, or perseverance, is a better measure of potential success than IQ. Even more, learn to see latent wonderfulness; in other words, remain open and curious about new possibilities. They invite serendipity.

In life design, being happy means you choose happiness. Life designers see the adventure in whatever life they are currently building. That is how you choose happiness. As Burnett and Evans write, “remember, there are multiple great lives within you.”

The world is waiting.

Here is how to think like a designer: Be curious. Curiosity invites exploration and opportunity.

Try stuff. Create prototypes, and fail often in order to discover what works.

Reframe problems. Life design is about examining your biases so you become a better problem solver.

Know it is a process. Life is messy, but amazing designs can emerge from the mess as long as you keep stepping forward and focus on the journey itself.

Ask for help. Great design requires radical collaboration; you need a support system and people to network with.

Art by Caroline Reed

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The Heort Behind the orT

By Ashton Eleazer

W

ake up, write. Eat, practice melodies. Go to work at part-time job, rehearse. The schedule of an artist is as fluid as the pieces they create. Outside the regular necessities, many artists find their lives lack a daily routine.

Artists are often viewed in society with mystique and envy. From the exterior, the work looks glamourous, a mirror of the world in some fashion. But the day-to-day labor that goes into producing art can be strenuous. Artists find fulfillment in their work for themselves, but they must balance creating for their own sake with producing for an audience in order to afford the means to create in the first place.

“I had an ample amount of day jobs,” said Charlie King, a musician and songwriter.

King jumped around from substitute teaching to working at a restaurant to a radio station, all the while managing to go on tours for three or four weeks at a time.

Actress Laura Dromerick, recent UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, found herself in a similar situation teachings children’s theater, leading fitness classes and dressing up as a princess for birthday parties – all while juggling her own rehearsals. On top of all that, she also had to be available to drop everything and audition at a moment’s notice if necessary.

“I always hear jokes like how being an art major is equivalent to going to work at McDonald’s,” said Jessie Carter, a visual artist at UNC-CH. “There are still so many people out there that support local artists.”

Finding the balance between profiting from work that appeals to a larger audience and creating as a means of self expression seems to be one of the biggest hurdles artists from all backgrounds struggle with.

Often the two can align, but sometimes expression has to be sacrificed for the sake of profit – and vice versa.

Even more, artists face the pressure of representing a group of society in order not to be ignored.

“I wrestled for a while with whether I needed to carry the weight of representation,” King said. “I never strived to represent a group of people. For me my creating was never for a person; it was because it was in me, and I love writing.”

Chase Carroll, musician and songwriter, said audience feedback is important to him because he desires to not only give a voice, but to create music that people listen to and enjoy. He began his music career by creating a weekly web show that performed

covers of popular songs.

“If you make covers of what they like, they’ll like you,” said Carroll. “A lot of art has been recycled.

Artists have a hard time getting over the hump of trying to sound different.”

Artists often seek inspiration by traveling or through nature. The crevice of a leaf can be extended to a 5’4” canvas. The whisper of the wind against the waves can be incorporated into a minute instrumental sequence. The belly laugh of an eccentric professor can be duplicated in a performance.

Haley Woods, author of Antebellum, said she tries to write down at least one thing a day, whether that be a feeling, person or image that resonated with her.

The key for artists is to constantly have the ability to create, wherever they are. Sometimes that means practicing guitar in the office, writing on long car rides or painting instead of attending classes. Art begins to dominate the structure of their daily lives.

Caroline Reed, visual artist at UNC-CH that studies environmental health, said she feels connected to her work through the long hours she spends painting. She said her passion for art collides with her love for the environment.

“I’ve learned artists can take a nature scene and paint it into landscape piece that doubles as a commentary on conservation,” said Reed.

Art gives its creators the liberty to make a statement about political issues or mold their craft toward what is important to them.

“As an actor you should be in touch with what’s going on in the world,” Dromerick said. “For me, I audition for a lot of all-woman shows because women’s rights are important to me, and I want to be in a show that highlights that.”

Art becomes ingrained in an artist not only emotionally but also physically. A visual artist may show up to class with paint splotches covering their arms. A musician may have fingertips with permanent calluses. An actor may have bruises on their legs from a particularly violent scene. The external body of an artist mirrors the internal passion of their creation, and the process is not always as clean cut as the final piece.

Dromerick said when she plays characters with painful experiences she must go deep inside herself to tackle her own similar memories. The physical aspect of breathing techniques and getting outside her body helps her to morph into a role more so than rehearsing lines before a performance.

Pursuing a career in art may not live up to the dream-like expectations many envision, but regardless of the sometimes-hard realities, the joy for artists lies in the work itself.

“There’s a joy for me from the art of creation,” King said. “Just being in it itself is joy enough.”

Dromerick said her joy comes not only from performing but also from being able to tell others’ stories and the power that comes with connecting humanity in a show.

“I create to fill a void; sometimes I find the right word or the perfect phrase to convey my meaning,” said Woods. “The rush after a frustrating amount of writer’s block is like adrenaline to me.”

A career in art can look abstract in comparison to the typical American workforce. Society often gives the impression that artists cannot thrive financially. Many artists live with a fear that pursuing their dreams will ultimately lead them to be broke.

“There’s a fear from artists my age that if you aren’t doing graphic design or a business there isn’t much job security,” Reed said. “It doesn’t throw me off, but I don’t want to depend on so much that if I were to fail I would resent painting, what I love to do.”

Despite the cost, artists often choose to follow their passion over a career making six figures. Achievement may be viewed as having money to splurge with, but success to artists is all about finding another piece of themselves through what they have created.

“I love the freedom of writing,” said Woods. “There really isn’t any way to write wrong. There’s only varying degrees of success.”

There are many artists who create as a hobby, but to make a career of it takes perseverance and often connections. Full-time artists usually say they cannot see themselves pursuing any other type of career, despite the instability of being an artist.

“It’s very up and down, but I enjoy the constant change of never knowing and the excitement of it all,” Dromerick said.

Artists are often celebrated for their work in representation, but simultaneously looked down upon for pursuing what society often views as a hobby for a career. While art may not always be looked at in the same light as science and math, artists still create primarily as a means to express themselves.

By externally processing their inner emotions and thoughts into their art, they are able to create something beautiful that all can enjoy.

Art by Jessie Carter

intern chique

84 | C | Coordinate Me

This summer’s “it” girl is the working girl! Whether you are on 5th Avenue or in your hometown, it is easy to add your own personality to your internship uniform. Pair a basic bottom with a uniquely accented top and a color-pop shoe to spice up any business-casual day.

Written & styled by Madison Godfrey Photographed by Alexis Fairbanks

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NINE TO FIVE This comfortable and cool outfit is perfect for a long day at the office.

Top to be adored; pants Ann Taylor Loft; shoes Rumors Boutique in Chapel Hill.

WORK ESSENTIALS Any summer job can be a little dull sometimes, so brighten your day with fun accessories! A cute planner and coffee mug will make any meeting a great one. Style your outfit with statement sunglasses and a unique choker to turn heads at the office. Also invest in a versatile purse that holds all your work necessities but still can be your go-to bag for a dinner with friends on the weekends.

Purse, choker & sunglasses Rumors Boutique; planner Kate Spade; coffee mug shop similar at Target.