.Flair’s Fall Mixtape
Dark Academia
.Electrifying
. Influence of Math on Fashion
.Fauna
Trepidation
.Fashion in Politics
Power
.Reclamation
.Power
Heroin Chic
For the Natural Pessimists
The Truth of Confidence
Solar Flair
The Power of Portraiture
Infectious
Pronounced
Credits
Mini-Shoot Credits
Sarah Cote
Sarah Higgins
Sophia Mahle
Katie Mac Filer
Sophia Reese
Julia Knowles
Gibson Hof
Sammy Meszler
Sara Byrnes
Jaelin Hilliard
Mckenzie Harry Ella Pilon
Kim Lousie Bethleham
Benjamin Exton
Kayla Padua
John Dinkins
Clara Rojos
Nyla Frambach
Conner Johnston
Addison Pfleegor
Mayte Resendiz
Tyler Adams
Anna Nauman
Brielle Nugent
Lydia Krautkremer
Grace Baeurle
Courtney Hoffman
Katherine Zoumboulis
Caroline Wilkerson
Tarina Owens
Ava Christiansen
Sam Sirabian
Salome Farah
Alyssandra Titus
Jessica Lojek
Emily Deaver
Erion Marte
George Dambakly
Ethan Carriero
Michael Ponce
Anthony Ponce
Taylor Knight
Kaylee Powell
Suzanne Santos
Lila Rosser
Laura Sweet
Isabella Haddon
Meris Duprey
Erica Mitchell
Skye Harry
Leonardo Olvera
Ethan Carriero
Meghan Gregory
Jonathan Santos
Ashley Arnold
Gabriel Rodriguez
Welcome to Issue 10, the Power issue! I am beyond honored to not only receive the role of editor in chief, but also bring to you the 10th issue of Flair Magazine. This semester has felt like I’ve come full circle. I joined Flair my sophomore year of college, as a Cape Fear Community College student. I remember being so anxious to join because I was not a UNCW student yet, but thankfully my amazing friend (and past editor in chief) Taylor Puckett, encouraged me to join. At my first ever pitch meeting, I pitched a photoshoot idea involving a science classroom. This semester, I was lucky enough to photograph The Electrifying shoot, which was creative directed by the lovely Alyssandra Titus. One of my favorite aspects of Flair is watching everyone’s creative ideas fully come to life. I will admit, I was nearly brought to tears a couple times after seeing how happy some of these creative directors were while viewing their photoshoots play out. I know the exact feeling and joy it brings, and have been lucky enough to have that same feeling myself. Not only has Flair allowed me to execute my creative ventures, but it has also introduced me to some of my closest friends. I will be forever grateful that I have been able to meet these lovely people and grow so close to them. Thanks to Flair, I have also been able to find what I believe is my life’s passion, photography. I would like to thank Taylor Puckett and Rian Lounsbury for believing in me and pushing me to try new things such as creative directing, graphic design, and photography.
I would have been too intimidated to even attempt these without their encouragement and support. Due to Flair, I have been granted so many amazing opportunities that have benefited my photography and future career, and I am more thankful than I can even express.
Throughout my time in Flair, I have seen how powerful the creative process can make an individual feel. Recent events over the past year have left many of us feeling powerless. With that in mind, Flair’s goal in this issue is to help empower all types of people. Power can look and mean many different things, but at its core, it is not about authority and dominance. It encompasses resilience, creativity, change and growth. This issue is meant to celebrate the diverse expressions of power —both personal and collective— and uplift those around us. In a world that often seeks to define and constrain us, we believe in the importance of embracing our unique strengths. Whether it’s through art, activism, or personal growth, each of us possesses the potential to harness power in our own unique way. As you dive into this issue, I hope you feel inspired to explore the dimensions of power in your own life and the lives of those around you.
Thank you for all the hard work, amazing ideas, and help from our great board and members. Thank you to our readers for your continued support.
With love,
Jaelin Hilliard
Editor-in-Chief, Flair Magazine
i have felt god in the ocean more than i ever had in church.
i grew up christian, non-denominational my family and i went to a church of the nazarene in suburban maryland for most of my childhood years, then a methodist church, then back to the nazarene i was baptized at nine by the pastor my parents disfavored in a gymnasium-turnedhouse-of-god with a giant wooden cross on the far right wall (i must have needed to be cleansed from all that elementary school sin). we’d begin and end the service every sunday with a band playing worship songs and
the lyrics up on two TV’s like religious karaoke. and all the grayed women would raise their hands in praise, their faces contorted with passion, like they had never felt such embrace. it was holy for them. and i’d always stand there, like dried cement in a mold casting, gawky and ill at ease in a place that should have been my sanctuary.
and it wasn’t there, in a gymnasium-turned-house
-of-god, that i truly found god i had people tell me about god, my non biological father and his ten commandments i’d listen to an hour every sunday of pastor tim telling us what god wants us to hear but i could never bridge the gap between god and my god my god felt different, a heavenly figure just for me, to watch over me, to guide me
from the greek words eu; “good,” and terra; “earth,” meaning “oneness with the earth and its life forces, where the boundaries between self and the rest of nature are obliterated ”
i eventually realized that my god wasn’t the same as pastor tim’s god, or my parents’ god, or my brother’s god. everyone has their own conceptualization of a higher power. and i especially could not rationalize my god as the one preaching hate against people of color, or the
people who love people of the same sex, or people who were born in the wrong skin and find themselves in the skin of another gender. my god celebrates it.
it was in the ocean that i found god, my secular church, my intuitive altar it’s the only place i’ve ever really felt free i haven’t been to church in nearly five years, but every time i find myself wandering on the beach under the watchful eye of the cosmos,
i pray. i confess. i apologize. and i never feel alone. i play in the ocean at twenty in the same ways i did at nine, sprightly and youthful. i ride the waves and wash up on the beach with a tangled bathing suit and knotted hair. i lay in the sand, let my bare skin know what living really is. i feel small, not in an insignificant way, but in an extraordinarily significant way – like i am a child of the earth, my body returned back to where it came from. i am a body on earth and a soul in the universe, harmonious and connected, symbiotic and reciprocal.
written and
designed by Sophia Mahle
Mahle Director of Writing
Written By: Gibson Hof
Designed By: Tarina Owens
In high school I was asked to write a poem about changing the world. The concept felt cliche, derivative. The idea of changing the world is not this big task that starts from the top with billions and an activist task force, it starts with you. As the butterfly effect states, each smile or conversation can cause a ripple into a wave. The poem below is about the way this can change the world, the power of this kindness and its profound impacts.
Starts on no grand scale
But in ways I have already begun to
Through an undemanding tenderness
Kindness
To those around me
Through showing understanding
Forgiveness And love
Things becoming sparse today
Falling through
Like the hairs on father time’s head
As we inch along
Through each tedious day
By day by day
Offer the strangers around you
Genuine warmth
Despite the cliche
It offers a sense of belonging
A sense of acceptance
That alone can save a life Or alter one entirely
When people understand they are valued When they learn the impact they have
On those humanized by a smile
Their impact on the world
They become a catalyst For furtherance
For deliverance For change
So treat each action
Each day
Like the flapping of a butterfly’s wings Delicate
But with grand reverberations
In the ears of my fellow man And in the trajectory Of our future.
This is a message that never ages, one that stands through civilizations and cultures. Although the first version of this was written years ago, I still follow this ideology today. The impact a moment with a stranger can have on their day or life cannot be understated. I have felt this, a moment of resonance and connection that lasted hours, days, even years. You, with your own unique brand of kindness, you being authentically you, can change the world. At its core this is acceptance, something important to a better life both internally and externally. So, for your sake and for the sake of the change you hope to see tomorrow, I implore you to become your own idiosyncratic butterfly.
When people leave home for higher education, they explore who they are. So, what better time to explore personal style than in college? Personal style can range from casual lounge wear to androgynous hairstyles to preppy headbands or artsy patterns. While personal style can be fun and interesting, the simultaneously introduced professional world and personal style can end up clashing in dress codes. Although Gen Z’s influence made the professional career environment more expressive, first impressions are still crucial when navigating the “real world.”
Internships are one way college students learn to navigate the job market. They are the golden path of networking and gaining experience in their given major in hopes of securing job opportunities later. And internships, later jobs, require interviews. Interviews can be nerve-racking and unpredictable, and worrying about what to wear also adds to that stress.
Even though every major or career varies in aesthetic, environment, and dress codes, here is a quick and almost universal guide to “What to Wear to an Interview.”
Always start with bottoms! Bottoms are a simple, basic piece of clothing that helps guide the rest of the outfit, therefore it is best if the bottoms are neutral in color. The two best options for all genders are...
Written & Designed by Mayte Resendiz
Now a top! With any bottom you choose, the top can be very versatile. If you want to elevate the outfit or adjust for the weather, you can incorporate layers.
Button-Up Shirt or Blazer
Time to accessorize! Accessories are the best way to elevate an outfit and show personality, however it is important to still stay minimal to not distract the interviewer.
Knit Polo, Blouse, or Vest
Do not forget shoes! Footwear may be the hardest decision when creating an interview outfit. It all depends on the environment in which you are interviewing.
Mary Janes, Kitten Heels, or Flats
Alongside the guide, here are a few tips...
• Show personality and individual style by playing with assorted colors, patterns, or accessories.
• There’s no need to splurge on a new wardrobe. Thrifting or borrowing from friends and family are affordable and sustainable options.
• Take this guide for what it is: an outline of potential, and modern clothing options to make interviews slightly less stressful and hopefully makes
Sarah Cote Director of Art
(March 21 - April 19): Sabrina Carpenter & Barry Keoghan
Both adventurous and passionate, Sabrina and Barry embody the boldness of Aries. Their creative talents and dynamic personalities make them an inspiring couple who push each other to explore new things in their careers.
(April 20 - May 20): Margaret
Jack and Margaret’s relationship has a calm, private energy that aligns with Taurus’ preference for a steady, low-key partnership. Taurus’ are often associated with creative expression and a deep appreciation for aesthetics, which resonates with Jack’s musical craft and Margaret’s artistry. Their shared values of stability and artistry make them a solid match for the Taurus energy.
(May 21 - June 20): Olivia
Geminis are known for their duality, curiosity, and adaptability, and Olivia and Louis capture that dynamic energy. Both are young, versatile creatives who are gaining recognition in their respective fields, often experimenting with different styles and expressing themselves in unique, sometimes surprising ways. This pairing embodies the ever-evolving, youthful curiosity that defines Gemini energy, making them a compelling representation of the sign.
21 - July 22):
Cancers are known for their emotional depth and sensitivity, 070 Shake and Lily-Rose Depp are an ideal representation. Cancers thrive on deep, meaningful connections, and this couple exemplifies that beautifully. They create a space where vulnerability and emotional closeness flourish, demonstrating a bond that’s as protective as it is passionate—a perfect reflection of Cancer’s nurturing, heartfelt nature.
Blake and Ryan radiate Leo’s bold, magnetic energy. Their dynamic personalities and natural confidence make them a true power couple, effortlessly commanding attention wherever they go. Known for their fierce loyalty and playful spirit, they embody the Leo ideal of a passionate, supportive partnership that’s equal parts warmth and charisma. Together, they’re a perfect example of Leos thriving in the spotlight—while shining even brighter side by side.
Barack and Michelle perfectly embody the dedication and practicality of Virgos. Their partnership is built on mutual respect and shared values, inspiring many with their commitment to service, education, and equality.
by Jaelin
Libra (September 23 - October 22): Justin & Hailey Bieber
Justin and Hailey reflect the harmonious nature of Libra. Their supportive relationship and shared passions create a beautiful balance in their lives, showcasing how love can flourish in both personal and professional realms.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21):
Kylie Jenner & Timothée Chalamet
Kylie and Timothée represent the intensity and passion of Scorpio. Their intriguing connection captivates the public, showcasing how deep bonds can thrive in the spotlight while still maintaining mystery.
(November 22 - December 21): Zendaya & Tom Holland
Zendaya and Tom embody the adventurous spirit of Sagittarius. Their playful chemistry and shared joy of exploration make them a dynamic couple that inspires fans to embrace life and love with enthusiasm. Together, they reflect Sagittarius’s passion for freedom, laughter, and a journey that’s as fun as the destination.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Gigi Hadid & Zayn Malik
Gigi and Zayn exemplify the ambition and determination of Capricorns. Their creative talents and commitment to family created a relatable partnership that showcases balance, support, and growth. Despite the ups and downs, their bond reflects the resilience and steadfast nature Capricorns are known for.
(January 20 - February 18): Lana Del Rey & The Alligator Man
Lana Del Rey and the Alligator Man capture the unconventional, free-spirited essence of Aquarius. Their connection defies norms, weaving mystery and intrigue with a shared love for the unexpected. Like true Aquarians, they embody originality and a fearless approach to life, embracing a relationship that’s as enigmatic as it is magnetic.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20):
Sarah Paulson & Holland Taylor
Sarah and Holland showcase the emotional depth and creativity of Pisces. Their relationship is marked by mutual admiration and support, inspiring others with their love and dedication to the arts. As true Pisces partners, they share a bond that feels almost ethereal, blending a deep emotional connection with a respect for each other’s individuality. Together, they embody the dreamy, compassionate spirit of Pisces, making their love story as unique as it is inspiring.
I N T E R L U D E I N T E R L U D E
R“BEING
aise your hand if you or someone close to you has ever based their entire identity off a boy band when they were thirteen. Alright you can put your hands down now. For me it was the classic pipeline of one direction to 5 seconds of summer to BTS. I can look back now and laugh at how much my tastes have changed and delight in the fact that I don’t feel the need to obsess over a group of men anymore. I think just about everyone had that phase when they were going through their first identity crisis, and they based their entire personality off their favourite artist/ band. The classic emo kid stereotype permeates most teenage media. As we grow up and start to figure out that we don’t really know who we are yet, music becomes a personality substitute. Music holds a lot of importance for people, it is often not just a hobby, being a fan is a lifestyle. I’m sure you’ve heard yourself or one of your friends say something along the lines
of “This song/band saved my life”. Music brings us comfort, makes us feel like we are understood. Fanbases give us a sense of belonging. Music has strong emotional value for most people. Not only can it help us deal with our emotions and tell us more about who we are, but it can also bring people together. There may also be a scientific basis for why music has such power over us. Music can cause not just a physical reaction but a reaction in the brain as well. For example, it can be linked to memories giving us a sense of nostalgia. You know that feeling when you dig up an old playlist and suddenly you feel like the person you were 2 years ago. You might remember dancing to a song on prom night or playing it at the beach with friends. Whether it’s the first dance at your wedding or the song played at your grandfather’s funeral, that song will be forever linked to the memory in your mind.
Written By Kim Bethlehem
I know a lot of people who have songs they can’t listen to anymore because they associate it with an ex. I feel like that might be the worst having your favourite song be ruined for you just because some asshole decided to break your heart. Psychology can tell us so much about how music affects our bodies and our minds. Has anyone else had that experience where you were just really “feeling the music”? Where you get so caught up in a song that the world around you disappears. Or that sensation when listening to a great song where you get full body chills. What we listen to affects our entire body. Music affects our emotions too– it can amplify what we feel. I play happy music in the morning on my way to class to uplift myself for the day ahead of me. If I’m feeling down about something, I’ll listen to sad songs and let myself wallow in my misery for a bit.
Music is all around us every day. We cannot escape it whether it is playing in your local grocery store or cafe or on the radio. It plays a big role in our lives, usually even more than we know. I have met so many wonderful people in my life through enjoying the same music, it brings people together. If someone were to tell me, they simply “don’t listen to music” I would probably look at them like they were from another planet. What rock do you have to be living under to not know who Taylor Swift is these days? Music holds not just value for us, it also influences us. The biggest celebrities that us adolescents look up to are our favourite artists. You hear people
talk about the influence they have on us all the time. A common conversation among my friends would usually include a statement such as “Sabrina Carpenter has amazing hair so now I want bangs so I can look like her”. You may brush this off as classic idolisation of celebrities. However, a lot of these pop stars have young impressionable audiences. If Taylor started telling her fans to hate someone, don’t you think they would? How far can this influence go? Do the superfans still have minds of their own or can obsession slowly twist into worship? We have heard horror stories of fans going above and beyond stalking their favourite singers. Even the more normal ones can get a little intense if you start dissing their favourite artist. As we can see music is a powerful tool, the sway it has over us is often underestimated, it can be used for good outcomes or have frightful consequences.
onfident, responsible, reflective, innovative, engaged!
My name is Jack, and this is my program.
Ambassador, ambassador, we are ambassadors! Will you be an ambassador, too? For your people, I mean. Embarrassment! Only one, you are an insult to your people. No, I mean no harm. I just feel bad. The problem’s too clear! Glass city burning like hell. Please help your people. Civic duty, you owe them for the last four hundred years of my truth. Oh yeah? Raw black skin doesn’t have fine lines. Cracks in your voice that stray from the south, over to the west coast, that valley girl, you sound like her.
You like the dumb white people. You’re just like them; you’re just like me! Nothing like your own kind. Always one: the shiny, tolerant token. I don’t hate you, but your people do. Feel the venom of the snakes in the grass. Who are you? Only one, just one.
I’ll call you something different from me. The council met among field of homegrown mary jane. They said keep it neutral. You’ll be An ambassador for those browns.
Guilty white woman response. Do your job. Keep your job. Remember my name when yours dies.
Written by Conner Johnston
The development of fashion is largely abstract. Different trends pop up overnight and disappear just as quickly. While fash ion may not stay in any one place for long, the building blocks for designing garments are consistent. These build ing blocks are largely grounded in math.
Numbers are the most basic form of math, and taking measurements is all about numbers. Waist, inseam, chest, these all have measurements, and therefore math is associated with them. Each of these measurements works collectively to standardize clothing regardless of trend, or state of being that fashion may find itself in. But as we said, these numbers are just the beginning. Let’s look at some ratios instead.
Designed by Alyssandra Titus
In the current state of fashion, the golden ratio is often seen as the most aesthetic. This ratio, denoted by ϕ, can be seen below.
In this equation, as the Fibonacci numbers continue to increase, the ratio between each number and the prior gradually gets closer to 1.618. The golden ratio is often described as an aesthetic ratio, because of its frequent natural occurrence. An example of this can be seen in a conch seashell. While not necessarily conscious, the human body’s observance of this ratio creates a familiarity.
Issey Miyake had a notable collaboration with American mathematician William Thurston in 2010. Connected through creative director Dai Fujiwara, Miyake found himself fascinated with Thurston’s treatment of geometry. Miyake took inspiration from diagrams on knot theory that Thurston had been working on, including drawings of the eight 3-manifolds geometry. A knot in knot theory involves multiple closed rings and their manipulation. Knowing this, it’s clear where Miyake got his inspiration for his Autumn/Winter collection entitled ‘8 Geometry Link Models as Metaphor of the Universe’ from.
Above are two examples of different ratios seen in different generations of style. On the left, we have a 2:1 ratio, with Soulja Boy’s pants taking up one-third of his body, and his jacket taking up two-thirds. On the right, we have two flair models. Camille (left) wears pants and a shirt with proportions representing the ratio seen below. The golden ratio is derived from the Fibonacci Sequence which is often seen in nature.
Another example of Miyake’s work taking inspiration from math can be seen in his in-house brand ’132 5’. Through his brand, Miyake lists clothes inspired by Jun Mitani’s work on creating origami from pre-existing three-dimensional shapes. In the example below, you can see a flat shape unfolding into a dress. The title ’132 5’ refers to a one-dimensional cloth taking a three-dimensional form that can then be folded into a two-dimensional shape.
The five refers to how wearing the piece transforms it, which Miyake referred to as five-dimensional. Below, we see the dress unfold from a flat square to something wearable, with notable geometric shapes visible as it expands.
The golden ratio can be a useful tool when designing your outfit. Even if you’re not into fashion, keeping these proportions in mind for any kind of event or interview can give you a leg up in looking presentable. And keep an eye out for math, it’s everywhere and you never know when it might inspire your next purchase.
Katie Mac Filer Director of Fundraising
written by: Alexis San Angelo and J. Owen Comstock
When I go outside into the forest, or simply allow my eyes to wander over to the plants on the edge of the sidewalk, I feel something. Another power comes over me. I suddenly feel connected to an energy outside of myself when I acknowledge the existence of the flora around me.
When I first started my “spiritual” journey—more so the journey of achieving a more constant present state—I used to think that when I felt this energy, I was achieving presence. What first struck me was how satisfied I was with the ease in which I realized this immediacy.
I would walk to class or through the park and feel like I was beaming colors of sunshine. But looking back, what I was feeling was the opposite of presence. Yes, I noticed the little things around me—a step toward being mindful—but I didn’t feel grounded. I didn’t even feel like I was on the same Earth I had walked for so many years. I was on a new plane, floating. The colors I saw extend from myself reached out until they were connected with that of another. Then we became one being, experiencing it all together.
What I felt was not a connection coming from my internal space but an energy being given out to me from my leafy neighbors. Rather than from purely within, it came from the flora. I began to question: how can these plants emit a presence that is so much stronger than my own?
theentinsurggreen
In a post-industrial age characterized by the reckless exploitation of natural resources the power of humanity’s domination over nature has reached the highest point in all of its history. Yet, the persistence of plant life serves as a rival power of its own, a testament to the resilience of Earth. As concrete covers continents and the many arms of mother nature are severed, she is weakened, yes, but is defiance in the face of destruction not a power of its own? As she twists and contorts the givings of her form: vines around telephone poles, roses from concrete, does she not defy the shortsighted greed of humankind?
And let’s not forget, though we are powerful through the uniqueness of our abilities and organization of our networks, it takes only one encounter with the vast flora that envelops our petty cities—those metropolitan pockets of bodies, glass and stone slicing and dealing out nature like a privilege we own, clinging to illusory importance as cyclones siphoning strength from the fruits of nature—to humble us. The most powerful human is but a single person, limited in stature and lacking in scale, but the largest single living organism is plant life—a clonal colony of quaking aspen named Pando, a forest in Utah six thousand tons in weight and one hundred and six acres in landmass. Not only can a single plant grow larger than our cities that take years to create, its relatives wage an unending war to break through our efforts to take them over.
When we cut through the cobwebs of our anthropocentrism and allow ourselves to gauge the power of beings according to more universal criteria, the power of plant life becomes as clear as the blue sky that they oxygenate, on which we so dearly depend.
designed by: Sarah Higgins
a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.
I got up as quietly as I could, trying not to wake my boyfriend sleeping beside me. I started down the stairs to get some water when I looked at my phone, my boyfriend had texted me
“Last minute night shift, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I walked down the stairs and was startled by a tall black shadow in the corner of the room. I settled down once I realized it was just the old coat hanger.
I just as quickly remembered we had gotten rid of it a few weeks ago.
Higgins Director of Design
Fashion and politics butt heads more often than one would think. Even though politics has no “official” dress code, dressing the
part is still crucial to a politician’s success. Today's political figures wear professional clothing such as pantsuits, dresses, or blazers, marking them as respectable and puissant. Even though it was never directly clarified that they needed to do so, they do so anyway. Imagine you see the next potential president wearing sweatpants and a hoodie to one of their conferences or a debate: without a doubt, your perception of them would immediately dwindle. This immense underdressing would have you viewing them as lazy or underprepared. This is because fashion choices have an underlying message; certain clothes are tied to certain perceptions. With 2024 being an election year, discussions of politicians' fashion sense have come into play. Future voters have begun to notice presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ shoe of choice, Converse Chuck Taylors. These sneakers typically aren't seen as “professional” attire, but Harris is consistently spotted in them. While they are far more comfortable than heels, they are also a contemporary fashion choice and personable to her. This is an important attribute she brings to her campaign, personality, and a sense of relatability. Donald Trump, 45th President of the United States and current presidential candidate, can be spotted wearing his signature red silky tie that he has been sporting for decades. His supporters can be found wearing the same red-colored hat. While making the appropriate fashion choice significantly impacts the politician's wardrobes, it also impacts their supporters. Whether it's Trump's signature “Make America Great Again” hats or Harris’ brat-inspired tote bags, these accessories make their campaign. While we know “smart” attire and branding are needed for the success of a campaign, and fashion is evident in politics, the reciprocal is true: politics can also be found in fashion.
written by Emily Deaver
designed by Sarah Higgins
Fashion is an estimated $1.79 trillion industry, and is responsible for 1.6% of the world's GDP. This multi-billion dollar company puts a solid dent in the economy, making fashion inherently political. This isn't anything new, however: fashion has been political for centuries. In addition to representing social classes, fashion has been present in many political movements over the years, reflecting changes in style and design. In more recent years, fashion has been used as a political tool to represent social injustices. Most recently, many attendees of the Democratic National Convention were seen wearing white- it is inferred this was to pay tribute to the suffragettes who fought for women's rights to vote. Accessorizing also packs a punch, as both political parties can be seen wearing pins with political phrases. These phrases can be used to convey strong messages and endorse one’s favored candidate. These are just a few examples of stylistic choices for voters to express their political preferences through fashion. Politics, without a doubt, is found within fashion and vice versa. Without fashion, politics would look completely different, from what potential leaders wear, to branding for campaigns. Fashion has always been political, and politics continues to be found within fashion, assuring fashion and politics will continue to clash.
By: Eri Mitchell
It’s no surprise that the Western world has a word for anything they have a disdain for. Crass language is a means of social control, especially in the United States. The existence of slurs doesn’t stump anyone, but sometimes, hearing them can be jarring. This is what Dominique Karla Godinez starts by saying in their essay when utilizing the newly popular reclaimed slur ‘cunt’, receiving gasps and clutches of purses at the utterance of a word that has been censored forever. Even in my experience as a black queer woman, if I say the n-word playfully or use a word that reflects my sexuality, people get wide-eyed: “I forgot you were black!” “Do you really like women?” That’s an entirely different issue, but the point remains: slurs can change meaning over time, even when the time or place is not ready to acknowledge that.
2016). A study done on these sexist slurs by the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Penn State located over 2.9 million gendered Insults such as bitch, cunt, slut, and whore in a matter of one week and an increase of calculated cyber aggression (the intentional electronic communication intended to insult or harm an individual) women or feminine presenting people online. However, through review, they came across what they called “re-appropriation,” which they needed to knead out of their systems of research: they saw bitch being used in a positive or joking manner between women.
For starters, a slur is defined by the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary as ‘an offensive term used deliberately to show a lack of respect for a particular group of people.’ Usually, a slur has a neutral term that correlates with the subject being mentioned, but this is not the same with gendered slurs, as they point to the type of person rather than the individual (Ashwell,
Third-wavefeminist discourse often comments on the newer generations using sexist slurs as terms of empowerment. Some words can be used to denote a sisterhood or a friendship. According to researcher Serena Anderlini-D’Onofrio, “These terms delineate a type of female personality who is aware of the female side of the sacred, is not prepared to be always nice, and is in control of her sexual energies and erotic desires.” Reclamation is when a marginalized group takes back or “reclaims” a slur used to discriminate against them. It can be considered a form of socio-political protest (Godinez, 2024).
Somecommon goals of reclamation include camaraderie between individuals within the group, solidarity, pride, neutralization, and a means of fighting against discrimination. Reclaiming slurs can give the derogative group power, especially when the word becomes completely unacceptable and unusable by the oppressors. This is the ultimate success: the word no longer functions as a derogatory term.
Aman calling women a cunt suggests a social place and power dynamic in which women are at the bottom or below a certain point. It implies that they are lesser than others. Women are typically not the group of people describing themselves or their own bodies as such remarks. Before our particular time, we can observe words like cunt and slut as highly censored words, even in the dictionary, due to their vulgarity and the general population considering them incredibly “dirty” words. The female form and autonomy are so taboo and unorthodox in Western culture that it is considerably hidden or demonized, viewing femininity as inferior. (Holden, n.d.).
The process of reclamation begins with self-labeling from the marginalized group. This doesn’t mean everyone will be on board. They may not all agree. It is an unfortunate and common reality that some people will continue to use a derogatory term in its offensive form. Community members may entertain a slur in a negative sentiment, and the word’s reclamation may come across as insincere. Most of the time, mainstream media and everyday culture are not ready to handle what inevitable reclamation of particular words might bring. For cunt, it’s an expression and adjective that doesn’t
reflect genitalia. Since the 1970s, various music and visual artists have engaged in linguistic sources to reclaim the word with the help of ballroom culture, where they have completely transformed it into something one hundred percent valuable and positive in the houses where individuals would put on performances. Cunt represents supreme femininity. It means sexual liberation, the original symbol of a vagina coming with it. Bitch, similarly, becomes a term of endearment shared amongst women. It becomes a notion of female solidarity and uprising.
RReclamationchallenges a patriarchal, white supremacist society that Western culture continues to build upon. The worst way to insult a man is to feminize them. This isn’t to say you should turn around and use feminine slurs to dismantle the patriarchy through your everyday white man walking down the street but to be mindful of the way all slurs work on a pragmatic level in different contexts. For someone without the proper background, it can seem challenging to know when and where it’s okay to whip out such language, especially in a setting where it is reclaimed. A good rule of thumb: if you feel like it doesn’t belong to you, don’t say it!
“A good rule of thumb: If you feel like it doesn’t belong to you, dont say it!”
Knowles Social Media Chair
but did it ever truly leave?
Heroin chic is defined by the English Dictionary as, “The glamorization of the culture surrounding heroin and its users; the style or look associated with this culture regarded or appropriated as fashion, esp. as characterized by the use of very thin, wan fashion models.”
With the resurgence of fashion trends reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s, heroin chic is back in full effect. Body types go hand in hand with fashion trends, creating a dark and endless cycle of trying to mold yourself to the latest standard. Even celebrities who have been celebrated and idolized for their body are slimming themselves to mimic the gaunt, lifeless aesthetic. Kim Kardashian was once praised for her curves, which started an entire movement of embracing fuller bodies, but now she is in the media for losing sixteen pounds in three weeks.
Body positivity seems to be a thing of the past. Trends come and go, and this one definitely had a short entry and exit. The media is no longer concerned with inclusivity and instead back to its roots of promoting thin ideology.
Whether it is “What I eat in a day to stay skinny” tiktoks or the return of the Victoria Secret Fashion show, thin is in. It is easy to promote thin models and slender fashion trends because that is what is comfortable to us. That’s what we grew up with.
The Ozempic craze we are now experiencing makes this even easier. Celebrities are dropping drastic weight in a matter of months. When these celebrities lose weight, they are treated significantly better. They try to play it off as natural, but that is hard to believe when the change is so instantaneous. Their new emaciated look also gives them a better social standing. Celebrities we have not paid any mind to since the early 2000s are now all over tabloids because of their new look. Their work is finally taken seriously because they are sporting the appearance that we deem worthy. Fans of celebrities such as Lana Del Ray and the Kardashians make it hard to have an opinion about this. It has become a situation where if you comment on their appearance, whether good or bad, you are made to be the villain.
Whether it’s supporting weight loss drugs or body shaming, a good rule of thumb is to refrain from commenting on anyone’s body type whether that is online or in person. As an outsider, it is disheartening to see. Years of more diverse body types in the media washed away by the return of familiar fads.
It is hard to feel comfortable in your own skin when the people you look up to clearly do not either. As hard as it is, once you find the strength to love your body despite trends, that is when you will find true power. At the end of the day, our bodies are intended to be the least interesting aspect about ourselves. They exist as a vessel for life, not to manipulate into whatever the public views as desirable this fashion season. We have heard the horror stories of the models who went to extreme lengths to fit the heroin chic aesthetic, it would be a disservice to repeat this cycle. The media will never stop idealizing thin bodies, so it comes down to a personal decision to feel content the way we are.
Written by Julia Knowles
I don’t know about you guys but I want to feel powerful. It’s this desire to be in charge of my life, my feelings, and what happens to me. The problem is that power as an emotion is only fleeting. It’s so easy to feel powerful when things are going well, but when they aren’t I can’t help but to feel angry, confused, and at a total loss of control. This has been one of the most difficult years of my life thus far and there’s nothing I can do about it. I’ve spent this time feeling like I’m stuck in this evil puddle of angry super glue. I’m reaching for the door handle of the Department of Peace and Joy and it’s so beautiful- surrounded by unicorns and butterflies and rainbows, and glowing in this pink sparkly aura! But I just can’t reach it. And it’s just me. Everyone else gets to walk in. It seems so easy for them. A few weeks ago a couple of my happiest and most carefree friends showed me this youtube video of some random old lady. It was titled “let them.” She spent way too long talking about letting them… whatever that means. I rolled my eyes at the time but I let it soak. Over the past few weeks, I forced myself to understand it in a way that made the most sense to me. It seems like a relatively simple concept but as someone who would be in full control of everything around me in a perfect world, it was not a simple concept to apply.
BY Leah Long
Another simple concept, nearly synonymous to “letting them” but not so easily applicable, is remembering that I can’t control what happens to me but I can control the way I react, and the way I react is the only thing that really reflects on my character. This forces the question “How do I want my character to be reflected?” and “What does that look like?” Easy. I want to be graceful, calm, brave, intelligent, and thoughtful. Obviously some of these traits are more easily achieved than others, but that’s the focus. Sometimes I catch myself floating through life unconsciously. Things happen, I react in a way that is aligned with my immediate feelings, and often regret it later. Other times, I do things with a little more awareness. Things happen, I sit on it, journal about it a little (sometimes a lot), then react in a way that is aligned with who I’m working to be. You can probably guess which one makes me feel at peace and sometimes even proud. A lesson I’m still learning, but hope to teach to those that relate, is that the most powerful thing you can do in a situation where you feel powerless, is reacting in a way that brings you peace. Sometimes this can even reward you with power over the situation that got you there. I don’t know. It’s all circumstantial. However, we all know who we want to be and that’s not circumstantial.
Reese Director of Marketing
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” This quote from the late, inspiring author and performer Maya Angelou, sums up the key aspects of confidence perfectly. Whether it be negative or positive, confidence can make you feel incredibly powerful yet also like the smallest person alive. It fluctuates, depending on what phase of life you’re in, who you are surrounded by, what you’re wearing, along with many other factors. Sometimes the word - confidence - is too scary to even think about, however, there is passion behind the intimidating term. Confidence could bring you appreciation and compassion, for the ones that give you the confidence to be yourself around them. It could make you come out of your shell after years of not knowing where to source your confidence from (ex. the arts, sciences,and trying new things.) It allows you to be ready for the unexpected. The world is made up of many different people and the beauty of individuality, brings us many different ways confidence is seen and presented to us.
I interviewed a number of people that have different aesthetics. Although they have different styles and ways they feel confident, they all agreed on how confidence is developed and the effects society can have on it. Confidence can manifest differently throughout the day, but how do the young adults and adults of our generation view the way confidence is affected by society? The first person I talked to was a 17 year old young woman named Sam. She has a sort of coastal grandmother vibe with a mix of modern trend aesthetic; striped flowy pants, different styled tank tops, uggs, button ups, etc. When I asked whether she believed people are born with confidence or if it is more of a mental concept, she responded with, “I think that people can be born with confidence. However, I also believe that confidence is a structure that can be built upon as we go through our lives; it’s all circumstantial”.
I asked 24 year old college graduate, Julian, the same question, to which they responded with “It’s definitely a mix of both, but heavier on the mental concept. I know that is a cheap answer, but I do feel like there is a certain level of born confidence with
Written by: Clara Rojas
by: Jaelin Hilliard
people-but time, life, and environments can affect a person’s confidence.” Julian describes his aesthetic as alternative; mainly black clothing with accessories such as rings and chains. Reading the different people’s responses I couldn’t help but think whether time and experience morphs an individual’s idea of confidence and how they perceive it. Will someone who has lived 50 years have a different and more mature opinion on whether confidence is a mental concept? Does it depend what generation the person was raised in?
Within the interviews another response was recurring. When asked about whether society has an effect on a person’s confidence, each person agreed that it did. Sam responded with “Society has a major effect on a person’s confidence. I find myself thinking if what I’m wearing is ‘trendy’ or not. If I come to the conclusion that it’s not, I find myself feeling much less confident about the way I look.” Julians response was alike, as he stated “Without a doubt. Society itself places a harsh necessity on people having confidence. Essentially if you do not have confidence, you are practically ostracized.”When I asked this same question to an 18-year-old college student, Christian, he expressed similar beliefs- as he said “I think society tends to marginalize a lot of things which negatively affects some groups of people. I think that marginalization does play a huge role in the confidence and ability of certain people to connect with others in society.”
If society plays a major role in how we perceive ourselves and the confidence that we are able to portray, then why do we minimize the role that society, and other people’s perceptions of ourselves have on our confidence. To say that we must live life the way Ms. Angelou said, that is “thriving with some passion, compassion, humor and style.” can not be overstated. First off, we cannot totally eliminate our worries of what others think of usHowever, wearing clothes that feel like you, surrounding yourself with people who love you unconditionally, remembering all of the small quirks you love about yourself, and treating yourself with deep grace and compassion can go a long way on days when it feels impossible to obtain confidence. Growing into your true authentic-self takes time, but taking it day by day is a good start.
Written and Designed by Grace Baeurle
has existed for thousands of years through pretty much any physical art form you can think of, usually either commissioned by the subject or done by the artist for personal reasons. Back then, when a portrait was commissioned, the goal was usually to create a controlled view of the subject. Portraits in early history tended to be either religiously motivated or used as a tool for the wealthy and or powerful to create a streamlined public image, but they slowly became more accessible to the general public over time. The model for a portrait is usually called the “sitter”, as painters would complete works with the physical model placed in front of them, often having them sit for multiple sessions, taking days or even weeks. A really cool part about portraiture in art history is that, like many other art forms, we can see what cultures are influenced by each other based on the techniques they used in drawing the physical features of the sitter, as each culture or “art scene” tended to have their own way of depicting people. For example, many Egyptian artists in history had a very stylized and often angular approach, while Romans, who adapted methods from the Etruscans and the Greeks, began to study the human body more and were often interested in a more realistic approach with very accurate/detailed musculature.
As time went on, portraiture expanded from painting into the new and exciting realm of photography. Photography was invented in 1839 by both Jacques Louis Monde Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot. One of its earliest general forms was called “documentary photography”, which included portrait photography. Early photographers would find friends and family to sit for them so they could take their portraits. One of the main reasons early portrait photography was a big deal was because, different from the styl-
ized and controlled nature of commissioned portraits, this was a more accessible way for people to pass down a completely accurate likeness of themselves to their descendants. Where commissioned portraiture in painting was used mainly by the wealthy to show status, early portrait photography was a more raw and honest look at the everyday individual.
Many big thinkers in history really believed in the power of portrait photography to influence others. Many know Frederick Douglass because of his work in the African-American Civil Rights Movement as an activist, writer, and leader in the Abolitionist Movement, but not as many know he was a huge fan of the art of photography. Though he was never a photographer himself, Douglass was actually the most photographed American of the 19th century and was a huge proponent of the old saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Douglass enjoyed the accessibility and potential of photography to level the playing field for people of all kinds. He argued that through being photographed as a stern, dignified, powerful human, he was much more capable of controlling the narrative around African Americans and lessening the discrimi nation against them.
PDouglass as well as the artists and sitters that came before him understood the power of portraiture and the impact that it could have and still has on the viewer .
Sara Byrnes Beauty Editor
Expression is such an integral piece of every human being on the planet. From your fingertips on your hands to the larynx in your throat there is a special expression laid out through your chemistry. The feeling of expression makes way throug every action we make. giving someone a sense of identity and self. WIth every distinct act of expression we put new and unique feelings into the world. Feelings that won’t come back the same way ever again, words that won’t have the same mpact twice.
Expression doesn’t necessarily have to be stylistic, the expression of any emotion is a beautiful one. Like telling your best friend you love them or dancing around to your favorite song alone in your room. Letting these thoughts and feelings out is essential to our growth as individuals and not just our own growth, but even within our social circles. By expressing yourself you’ll meet so many other like minded people that you would’ve never expected to meet and go to places you’ve always dreamed of. “Maybe I’m not so weird” you’ll think when you meet someone who shares your ideas. But you are that weird, and so are they, and that’s awesome.
“What does expression mean to you?”
I asked the models during this photoshoot the question:
and these were the replies I was given. “I think expression is everything to you because without it, you’d have no individualism” - Erion.
“My bold statements communicate what’s important to me” - Olivia
“If you stand for nothing, what would you fall for?” - Tyler. These beautiful human beings show how much life expression can bring, how much passion it can carry in different veins.
Feeling is a gift and expression is our philanthropy. Let go of these mundane thoughts that aren’t even yours. Let go of the feeling that you aren’t capable, because I know you are and that your mind is grand. Let go of these silly ideas that the world so unfortunately tagged onto you. That baggage is unnecessary and honestly I think you look better without it. Let yourself really feel what you want to feel, don’t be ashamed to do it.
Go out, find something, someone, somewhere that makes you happy and tell the whole world about it.
I’ll be waiting to hear you express yourself.
Creative Director: Gibson Hof
Photographer: Caroline Wilkerson
Models: Ashley Arnold, Julianna Broadway, Leonardo Olvera
Makeup Artist: Olivia Lolli
Stylist: Gibson Hof, Skye Harry
Page Designer: Skye Harry
Hair Stylist: Meris Duprey
Creative Director: Jaelin Hilliard & Grace Baeurle
Photographer: Michael Fitzpatrick Jr.
Models: Flair Board
Makeup Artist: Gracie Byrd
Hair Stylist: Flair Board
Stylist: Flair Board, Hallie Emery, Arianna Larsen
Page Designer: Jaelin Hilliard
Creative Director: Sophia Mahle
Photographer: Sarah Cote
Models: Lily Nguyen, Ella Sweet, Kaylee Powell, Kellsie Kurgat, Alexis Hosseini
Stylist: Sarah Cote, Sophia Mahle, Models
Page Designer: Sarah Cote
Sophia Mahle
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Creative Director: Sarah Cote
Photographer: Sarah Cote
Models: Anthony Ponce and Ethan Carriero
Stylist: Anthony Ponce and Ethan Carriero
Page Designer: Sarah Cote
Creative Director: Alyssandra Titus
Photographer: Jaelin Hilliard
Models: Gwen Cogger
Makeup Artist: Grayson Vick
Hair Stylist: Jaelin Hilliard
Stylist: Hallie Emery, Jaelin Hilliard, Skye Harry, Sophie Sosa
Page Designer: Jaelin Hilliard
Creative Director: Ava Christiansen
Photographer: Lila Rosser
Models: Ella Pilon, Brielle Nugent, George Dambakly
Makeup Artist: Anthony Ponce
Page Designer: Lila Rosser
Stylist: Ava Christiansen, Nyla Frambach, Models
Creative Director: Flair Board
Photographer: Jaelin Hilliard
Models: Finley Nelson, Mia Davis, Shelby Postrk-Bradley, Tarina Owens
Makeup Artist: Tarina Owens, Nyla Frambach, Shelby
Postrk-Bradley
Hair Stylist: Katie Mac Filer
Stylist: Isabella Frers, Hallie Emery, Jaelin Hilliard
Page Designer: Jaelin Hilliard
Creative Director: Anthony Ponce and Michael Ponce
Photographer: Raegan Butts
Models: Conner Johnston, Mahala Sherrell, Meghan Gregory, Anna Nauman
Hair Stylist: Ava Christiansen , Fallon Vialva
Makeup Artist: Anthony Ponce
Hair Stylist: Nyla Frambach
Stylist: Anthony Ponce and Michael Ponce
Page Designer: Anthony Ponce and Michael Ponce
Creative Director: Sammy Meszler
Photographer: Gabriel Rodriguez
Models: Michael Ponce, Annablake Sprengelmeyer
Page Designer: Sarah Cote
Creative Director: Benjamin Exton
Photographer: Grace Baeurle
Model: Nyla Frambach
Page Designer: Grace Baeurle
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Creative Director: Leonardo Olvera
Photographer: Leonardo Olvera
Models: Erion Marte, Olivia Jacobsen, Tyler Adams
Page Designer: Leonardo Olvera
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Creative Director: Sarah Higgins
Photographer: Isabella Haddon
Models: Taylor Beth Knight, Lydia Krautkremer, John Dinkins
Article Writer: Elizabeth McBride
Page Designer: Sarah Higgins
