Flair Magazine Issue No. 2 - The Together Issue

UNCW’s Fashion and Culture Magazine

The Together Issue Fall 2020

Issue No. 2 1

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Table of contents

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Page 4 Editorial Board & Letter from the Editor Page 6

Alexa Chung and Her Impact on Fashion

and Society

Page 7 How to Live a Minimalist Lifestyle Page 10 Wilmington Bands Page 12 The Flair Guide to Shopping Local Page 14 A Self-Care Year Page 16 Dating During a Pandemic Page 18 Textures, Layers, and Pattern Page 24 Bake With Me! Page 26 Together Photoshoot 2 | Flair Magazine | The Together Issue

Page 32 Indepdent Thinking in the Age of

Social Media

Page 33 Thank you, RBG Page 34 The Gucci Effect Page 40 Artists as Outf its Page 42 The Long Leaf Pine Sit-in + a Conversation with Diamond Bentley

Page 44 Songs for the Signs Page 46 Excuse Me, Can I Steal That From You? Page 47 Playlist kick back, relax, and enjoy...

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OUR TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OLIVIA MILLER DIRECTOR OF ART AND DESIGN

JORDAN MAYS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JENNA TRIPP DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

ALEX FERNANDEZ

FASHION + BEAUTY EDITOR

JOSIE TRAUTWEIN

CULTURE EDITOR

CIERRA NOFFKE

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

ALLY JONES

WRITING STAFF MARILYN BOLDERMAN SOPHIA HO AIDAN COBB DIAMOND BENTLEY

REBECCA CAPPS

EMMA SHEERAN BRINN MCNUTT NATALIE BERNAT PHOTOGRAPHERS ALANA CONSOL TAYLOR PUCKETT MODELS NIYAT WELDEGEBRIEL MAGDALENE BAMBER JILLIAN COLLINS SOPHIA HO NORA SMAHI IAN SCHULTE

DESIGNERS JORDAN MAYS OLIVIA MILLER IAN SCHULTE JOSIE TRAUTWEIN JULIA JONES 4 | Flair Magazine | The Together Issue

Letter

A The

From Editor

What a year 2020 has been. A year of many “firsts,” (including the first issue of Flair) and a mark in history of a change in time. It’s somehow simultaneously been the longest year and yet gone by in what feels like hours- like one big blur. I know we’re all sick of hearing about it, but I don’t think I can write this letter without mentioning the looming pandemic that has surrounded the creation of this issue and this magazine as a whole.

The magazine being delivered virtually instead of being hand-delivered on campus was a feat that we had thought of as a one-time thing. We saw touchy photoshoots, faceto-face meetings, and unmasked committee collaboration in our near future as the second issue started to take shape. As this pandemic continued far longer than anyone had expected, we re-adjusted back to our old ways of Issue No. 1 and designed this issue for online consumption and the shipment of print issues through online orders. Flair had a soft opening pre-COVID but really began right in the heat of it all. We’ve never seen an issue outside of a pandemic (hopefully we will one day) but we named and created this issue with that in mind. “Together” is a testament to remaining close to each other in other ways beyond physical. We all miss the hugging and the stranger smiles and close-quarter get-togethers, but we’ve continued to find ways to be “together” despite the barriers of a pandemic.

I want to thank everyone for rallying behind Flair, either virtually or from a distance.

I feel incredibly lucky this year in many ways and seeing the support for Flair is one of the biggest reasons. We started Flair with the intention of it being an incredibly collaborative, hands-on experience but the pandemic had other plans. From Zoom meetings, to socially distant fundraisers, to outdoor photoshoots, we’ve all had to adjust in innumerable ways, and this is just another part of co-existing during the COVID-19 period. Although it’s different from what we all had intended for this magazine, everyone has been flexible, safe, and continued to support Flair in whatever way they could from afar- so thank you. The growth Flair as a community proves to be a constant source of creative nourishment in unfortunate times.

Olivia Miller Editor-in-Chief 5

ALEXA HER IMPACT ON FASHION + SOCIETY CHUNG Written and designed by Josie Trautwein

PHOTO Alexa Chung via Refinery29 The idea of expressing yourself through clothing has become increasingly prevalent over the years. Fashion is something that people can utilize to influence others, feel confident walking into a room, or simply feel like they have a style of their own. Beneath the surface, fashion has the ability to shape one’s identity, offer powerful expression and even increase mood and confidence. Alexa Chung, British fashion icon, designer, model, television presenter and writer has profoundly impacted the world of fashion today. Chung has contributed to the fashion industry in more ways than one—through modeling, creating her own fashion line, writing an inspirational and fashion-forward novel “It,” and co-hosting the Netflix reality TV show, “Next in Fashion.”

In Chung’s article from Financial Times explaining how your wardrobe helps tell your story, she states: “In a nerve-racking environment, it was important for me to feel like myself. Clothes became my armour.” In 2017, she created her own fashion line, the Alexa Chung brand, in hopes to create clothes for women “who were tired of being told how to present themselves.” This brand has grown over the years yet has the same uniqueness and modernity that Chung carries in herself.

Alexa Chung has truly changed the way people look at the fashion industry by creating a comfortable, positive notion behind style. She strives to help people find the clothing that they feel most at ease in and most like themselves. It’s mental too—when someone feels good in what they wear, their mood is likely to reflect that.

Chung’s style, success, and influence is a huge inspiration to the industry today while motivating others to be themselves and create their own stories through fashion and design.

“If that brand identity doesn’t suit you, build your own.” -AC

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How to Live a –Minimalist– Lifestyle

By Ally Jones Designed by Jordan Mays

Society is materialistic. There is no arguing the simple fact that as humans, we tend to look for happiness through purchasing new items. Though there is nothing inherently wrong with having material possessions, becoming overwhelmed with the pressure to stay on top of trends can affect people more than they realize. This pressure is exactly what those known as “minimalists” try to escape- but just what is minimalism, and how does one achieve this lifestyle?

According to the minimalists. com, minimalism can be

summed up as “a tool to rid oneself of life’s excess and make room for what’s truly important in life, in hopes of finding happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.” It’s a counterculture movement focused on living consciously with only the things we really need, and in turn, having a deeper understanding of ourselves and more room to pursue what we want out of life.

Minimalists search for happiness not through things, but through life itself. Here are a few small steps on how to kick-start a minimalist lifestyle. –––––

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Make a list of reasons why you want to live more simply. Are you tired of having too many clothes? Do you feel as if your home or living space is cluttered? Is your book bag or purse always full of random junk you don’t need? Do your possessions require too much upkeep and responsibility? Take note of what they are and how they make you feel. Having these ‘whys’ will give you an idea of what you need to remove from your life and how much of it.

This could be anywhere in your house, whether it’s in your bedroom, office, kitchen, living room, etc. This zone will give you inspiration on how to live with less.

If you find yourself enjoying this new clean and crisp environment, you can begin decluttering the rest of your home and eventually your life.

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––––Though the idea of getting rid of a few items and clearing up some space may seem easy, fully converting to a minimalist lifestyle is in no way easy. The core value is focusing on things that are most important and removing everything that distracts 8 | Flair Magazine | The Together Issue

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A popular minimalist trend that people outside of the movement have been implementing in their lives is severely cutting down their wardrobe.

With the release of Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More, Courtney Carver took a new approach to simple living. This challenge pushes participants to dress with only 33 items, including clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories, for 3 months.

Though this may sound extreme, it actually makes another part of your life that much easier.

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You may not realize it but a good chunk of your money and time goes into deciding what you are going to eat for lunch, make for dinner, or buy at the grocery store.

You can limit this stress by eating versions of the same breakfast and lunch for the week while having a few different dinner choices that rotate.

This will not only help you cut back on money spent but the amount of space and appliances required for a variety of different meals.

from that, a value that society should regain touch with. Whether you are wanting to drop all your earthly possessions or just simply learn how to live with less, taking a look at how minimalists live their lives is a surely inspiring place to start. –––– 9

Written by Marilyn Bolderman Designed by Jordan Mays

The Blue Footed Boobies

The Blue Footed Boobies are a must-see rock duo, composed of Logan Chaucer and Sam Baker, both of whom are from Wilmington, NC. Self-titled albums Blue Footed Boobies and Blue Footed Boobies 2 deliver incredible combinations of 60’s inspired sounds and modern rock. The Boobies sure know how to captivate a crowd with their electric stage presence, raw talent, and incredible energy that is hard to come across. Many UNCW students may already be familiar with The Blue Footed Boobies if they attended “The Islander Experience” in February 2020. This event, hosted by the UNCW FIJI Fraternity and headlined by the Boobies, brought in over 750 Wilmington students and residents, making it the biggest philanthropy event UNCW has ever had. The energy they bring to the stage is truly unmatched and the Blue Footed Boobies should be on the top of your “must-see in concert” list as soon as live music resumes. Until then, you can stream the most recent single “Physical Voodoo,” and their entire discography, on Spotify or Apple Music by searching “the Blue Footed Boobies.” Stay up to date on new singles and performances on Instagram @bluefootedboobies or on their website at www. thebluefootedboobies.com.

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ALSO JOE

Also Joe is another local favorite, producing feelgood songs that are perfect for long beach days on Wrightsville or sunset drives with the windows down.

The group got its beginnings while Joe was attending UNCW and met member Jesse while competing at the Battle of the Bands competition on campus. Jesse then introduced Joe to fellow members Jordan and Wyatt, Joe met Paige on Tinder, and the rest was history. The group now has 28,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify, one album, and various singles and EP’s. Also Joe continues to grow and create new music while staying true to their Wilmington roots. The groups’ first album Beach Flower includes a song titled “Stay Here a Little While (In Wilmington or Wrightsville Beach).” They have even collaborated with other UNCW student musicians such as Grey Oakes and performed at Dub Idol 2020 on campus. You can listen to more Also Joe on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud by searching “Also Joe”. Check out photos and get more information about upcoming music and shows by following @also_joe on Instagram, and visit www.alsojoemusic.wordpress. com to read blog posts from Joe.

LEFT Via @bluefootedboobies Instagram ABOVE Via @also_joe on Instagram BELOW Via @teamplayernc

TEAM PLAYER The trio, Team Player, made up of Marty Cunningham, Chandler Hicks, and Chris Warren, are a local indie rock band. Being childhood friends, Warren and Cunningham have been learning covers of popular bands and making music together since middle school. The two rekindled their friendship in college and wrote their first EP Team Player. Later, Hicks joined the duo and Team Player was created. The group has been together for a little over two years now and has put out two EPs, two singles, and has even covered Elton John’s Christmas single “Step into Christmas.”

Team Player is often the opening act for shows who visit the Wilmington area. Once live music resumes keep an eye out for this fun and quirky trio. Listen to Team Player on Spotify by searching “Team Player” or you can stream or download music from www.teamplayer.bandcamp.com. Keep up with the band on Instagram @teamplayernc and Twitter @SomeTeamPlayer.

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The Flair Guide to:

SHOPPING LOCAL After a slow couple of months in quarantine, everyone is excited to go out and begin living a life of (almost) normalcy again. Being cooped up inside made many realize how much fun the little things can be, whether it’s going out to grab food or shop at a local business. If this applies to you, then you’ve come to the right place. Below are some local businesses that we’ve really been digging since the reopening of Wilmington!

The Cargo District 909 Container Park Ln, Wilmington, NC 28401

Photo via cargodistrict.com

First opening up in 2018, the Cargo District is a small village of different apartments and businesses all utilizing repurposed shipping containers as their infrastructure. Not only is this modern design enjoyable to look at but it’s also super beneficial for the environment. Essentially being recyclables in and of themselves, these cargo buildings significantly reduce the need for construction materials and the owner’s ecological footprint. Originally envisioned as a residential cluster, the district is now home to many different innovative businesses. Among the extensive list are the Plant Outpost, Missio Hair, and Half United. All of these businesses have their own inspiring mission statements (check them out at cargodistrict.com). While visiting, you can grab a bite to eat at Mess Hall, sit down for a beer at Alcove Beer Garden, or purchase a nice cup of coffee at Outpost Coffee Co. What makes the Cargo District so convenient is that while going to visit one local business, all the other ones are in close proximity. We highly recommend visiting this urban little region.

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Photo via Casa PRANA Facebook

Casa PRANA 5040 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403 Being a relatively new business in Wilmington, this sustainable salon opened its doors at the beginning of 2019. Their mission is to provide customers with the highest quality of ingredients in their products while letting them relax in a zen environment and utilizing eco-friendly practices.

Being a Green Circle certified hair salon, they keep up to 95% of their waste from reaching landfills.

This is achieved by collecting hair, paper, plastic, metals, and chemicals used and shipping it to the Green Circle Salons recycling facility, where the materials are reused and chemicals repurposed into clean energy. Even better, Casa PRANA gives customers a chance to be involved. Every time a customer books a “Spot Light Service” or purchases a “Spot Light Product” they are planting a tree through the salon’s partnership with the nonprofit organization One Tree Planted. Next time you’re in need of a massage, wax, facial, acupuncture, or hair treatment, make an appointment at lifeatcasaprana.com.

Local Shade 244 Princess St. Suite 207, Wilmington, NC 28403 Local Shade is a retail store with a mission to provide customers with a variety of thoughtfully sourced clothing and goods. This little store has all the trendy items one could wish for, ranging from beautiful ceramics, accessories, and even better, fashionable clothing. This business promotes slow fashion, a concept which advocates for ethically responsible manufacturing. This movement is aiming to respect the people, animals, and the environment negatively impacted by fashion industries. Shopping with Local Shade allows you to feel good about your purchase, as you are simultaneously supporting small businesses while taking a stand against fast fashion, the world’s second-largest industrial polluter. Local Shade provides customers with quality items designed to last, rather than cheap fast-fashion pieces that are disposed of quickly. Check out their chic, ethical goods at localshadestore.com. You will not be disappointed.

Madam Meerkats Cabinet of Curiosities 1001 S Kerr, Wilmington, NC 28403 This little store is described as the community’s metaphysical and crystal store. They offer Wilmington’s largest selection of crystals and minerals. Their focus is to provide customers with the resources and education they need to learn, heal, and grow while keeping these specialty items at a reasonable price. Walking into the store, one can find it filled to the brim with different tokens, talismans, tarots, and everything else one could need to do some spiritual aligning. They also offer an extensive list of books about spells, crystals, astrology & spirit guides, dream interpretations, and so many more. With a knowledgeable team of psychic readers and energy healers, customers are invited to do weekly tarot and other forms of readings. As if this house of oddities doesn’t sound tempting enough, you can purchase tea or coffee at their drink bar while you take a look around the store.

Photo via Horace Long

Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters 7409 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28411 Open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, Casa Blanca is a favorite among Wilmington locals. It is described as being a great local joint with an easygoing atmosphere and staff. The interior of the shop is light, airy, and beautifully designed with a back patio where coffee lovers can have a quiet place to chill. Their menu, while simple, is delicious. They even offer some vegetarian and vegan items (try the vegan grit bowl!). Beyond offering dine-in and curbside pickup meals, customers are able to order batches of cold brew, lattes, or boxes of hot brewed coffee that serve for the week, saving you precious morning time that’s spent making that essential cup.

Photo via Dani N. on Yelp Months of shutting down during the beginning of COVID-19 was not easy on anyone, especially local businesses. If you are ready to get back out there and check out some new places, go and support these local stores- just remember to bring your mask and most healthy self.

Written by Ally Jones Designed by Ian Schulte

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2020… not the year we all probably hoped to have had, but definitely a year full of hope, growth and change. Time has gone by so quickly, yet so slowly all at the same time.

With so much going on in the world, this has truly become the year of self-care. It’s become a major trend—whether that be on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat, self-care has changed the way a lot of us have dealt with these unprecedented times. Self-care is a must for our mental health and while this has been nothing short of a stressful and uncertain year, the time we take for ourselves is essential. When quarantine began back in March, the self-care trend first began with a plethora of at-home workout videos, beauty tutorials, DIY’s, etc. Celebrities, social media influencers and people on TikTok all constantly started sharing skin and makeup routines more than ever before, which is when self-care was beginning to be frequently talked about.

Fashion, skin-care, and other beauty products have become a staple throughout this year because these are things that make people feel somewhat “normal” again. I can say from personal experience this year, even by just getting dressed and putting on makeup to simply sit in bed all day, still lifted my mood and made me more productive than the days I didn’t. Social media, as always, has its pros and cons—however, throughout 2020 it’s been interesting to see how many celebrities and influencers have taken the time to emphasize the importance of self-care and that it’s okay to take time for yourself and just be.

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a self-ca In an article from the American Psychology Association, clinicians and researchers have stated that self-care this year is more important than ever. They offer recommendations on how to do that including things such as sticking to a routine, adding self-care to your everyday schedule and creating a separate workspace. These simple changes can ultimately change your perspective of life and improve overall mental health.

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Written and designed

by Josie Trautwein

are year Sleep in. Watch a movie. Listen to music. Eat some ice cream. Take a bubble bath. Read a book. Binge watch Netflix. Buy a plant. Make a skin care routine. Drink some tea. Dress up in your favorite outfit. Do a face mask. Listen to a podcast. Go outside. Create art. Take a nap.

Ultimately … do what makes you happy and what you feel you need. Life is too short, and this year has given us the chance to sit back and think about what matters.

Over the years, many people have taken the term ‘self-care’ and deemed it selfish. Now is the time to reframe how you think about selfcare; it’s necessary to be your best self.

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Dating during

a Pandemic Written by Sophia Ho Designed by Jordan Mays

“Look at this guy I found on Tinder!” is honestly the last sentence I’d expect to hear during a global pandemic, but surprisingly, it’s come up much more often. With social distancing and stay-at-home orders put in place, I had assumed Tinder meetups would kind of die out but it seems as if there has been quite a rise.

Isolation got me into crocheting a Harry Styles inspired cardigan, learning how to cook every form of eggs, and finally, drowning in my thoughts of loneliness. Entering the pandemic single seemed like a blessing after seeing my friends struggle with dating “long-distance,” but knowing everybody had a quarantine partner to cuddle up with at the end of the day quickly got to my head.

On top of every other mental conflict crowded in my brain, there came the battle of whether I should break social distancing regulations

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or break my own heart. Dating apps seemed like a solid solution, allowing me to interact with new people, have (hopefully) fulfilling conversations and still stay solo under my own roof.

The men weren’t any more fascinating than normal but it seemed like it, probably because I hadn’t seen a new face in ages. The pandemic made conversing easier as I didn’t have to hunt for common ground.

Quick responses were the new normal, likely due to having no other obligations and needing to fill the void of boredom through each other.

FaceTime is now the “first base” in the world of online dating and the only way to surpass that would mean meeting up IRL. See the dilemma? Laying in my bed at night, staring at my ceiling, I contemplated whether Chad or Michael outweighed Coronavirus. What if he was the guy for me? Is it worth potentially losing my taste, coughing up a storm, or

dying? Am I being too selfish if I go out, and is it okay right now to be selfish, if ever?

To top off the overthinking, virtual dating opened up a gate to thousands of other questions. Is FaceTime a date? If he doesn’t want to meet up, is it because of the virus or because he doesn’t like me? What if he’s just coming up with excuses? What even is dating now?

With some in-person classes and inperson events popping up amidst the continuation of college, I had figured it was time to meet up with my date away from the screen. The concept of mask-wearing and social distancing was a new measure of judgment and it was something I quickly observed on another person. I noticed myself excusing behavior more often because it seemed as if everyone was confused or sensitive. The “awkward stage” seemed to linger for far longer than just a stage and I finally understood

the importance of a smile after not being able to display or see any.

Meeting the family became an even bigger fiasco than it already was and resorting to petting the dog was suddenly a big no-no.

Although Chad or Michael didn’t end up being as exciting as I had hoped, the chemistry, laughs, and memories seemed more important than ever in this quarantine.

With Coronavirus promoting massive uneasiness in the mental health department, it was not a complete lose-lose situation to have taken the risk for my happiness.

Balancing life between fun and responsibility has become more confusing than everand I’m still unsure what the rightmove is all the time but I hope to figure it out soon as I settle in to this new normal.

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TEXTURE, LAYERS & PATTERN

MODEL: RISTIL SKOVGAARD PHOTOGRAPHER: MARINA HOROWICZ STYLED BY JOSIE TRAUTWEIN

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Fashion is moving and it is inspirational. Yet, fashion too is always inspired by something, whether that be art, photography, nature, the seasons, etc. As stated by the notorious character, Blair Waldorf, “Fashion is the most powerful art there is. It’s movement, design and architecture all in one.

It shows the world who we are and who we’d like to be.” When you combine different elements of fashion together, such as texture, layers, and pattern they all bring their own unique details to enhance and create a captivating style.

Texture is a fundamental aspect in fashion design. Why? Because it has the power to create an illusion and bring out intricate details of a piece.

The “feel” of a fabric and the way it lays on a body is something that draws attention to the eye. I like to think of texture as the “architecture” aspect of a garment—it can create shape and structure within an outfit as well as convey a sense of warmth or coolness.

The beauty of layering comes with the practicality of it in the cooler seasons, yet layers also add depth and dimension to any look. Some may say layering is an art. It makes a difference when you layer different fabrics because of the contrast and incorporation of movement. One can create an entirely new outfit by

simply adding another layer and building on the outfit.

However, this is where layering can become a true art—layering garments of the same texture or color can appear flat or dull because of the lack of variation. This is where the joining together of multiple weaves becomes of interest.

Add a unique pattern to an outfit and you’re bound to make a statement. Patterns break up the neutrals or monochrome aspects of an outfit and draw the eye to an interesting, eccentric feature. As seen on the model, a subtle inclusion of a pattern beneath the sweater creates a more distinct flair. The best thing about patterns is how you can arrange them in different ways and build on them, again giving you the opportunity to create an entirely new outfit. A staple for any closet!

With the mixture of different layers, textures or patterns brings great visual interest to a style. Clothes are powerful; they have the ability to invoke particular moods which over time tend to create trends and popular styles. Take silk for instance, this specific fabric conveys a sense of luxuriousness, class and elegance and has for many years. Juxtaposing certain textures or patterns is what makes fashion so imaginative, adaptable and exciting.

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STREET STYLE

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Street style involves various types of trends that both influence and are influenced by runway fashion.

As our world continuously becomes more digitized, fashion too has had to adapt to certain changes.

With the rise of social media influencers being a huge target point for clothing and accessories, street style photographers have less demand. Business of Fashion states: “street style has become the

back story whereas in the past few seasons it was the front story.”

It’s become so influential that the original art of street style photography has somewhat diminished. However, that’s not to say that street style has—I find it that now more than ever people take inspiration from all over and express it through what they wear.

That’s the beauty of fashion, it’s both timeless and ever-changing all in one.

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bake with me Written by Emma Sheeran Illustrations by Julia Jones Photo by Emma Sheeran

Stress Reduction in the Kitchen If you’d like to learn how to bake, now is the perfect time to start. Whether you are baking solo, with a friend, or with family, you will likely feel more relaxed as a result.

This sense of calm that baking brings has been evident during the pandemic.

Many people have turned to their kitchens since the beginning of the COVID-19 because making, eating, and giving food generally brings comfort to those under stress. Taking the time to bake something makes you focus on the task at hand, which distracts you of global worries. Not only is baking good for your mental health but it is also a very rewarding process. I hope this simple muffin recipe will bring you some joy during these unprecedented times.

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Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins This pumpkin chocolate chip muffin recipe is simple, quick, and easy. These muffins are a delicious fall treat packed with pumpkin flavor.

Prep time: 15 minutes Bake time: 20-25 minutes Total time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients you’ll need:

1 ¾ cups flour ¾ cup sugar ½ cup brown sugar 1 can pumpkin puree 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt 2 tsp cinnamon ½ cup chocolate chips ¾ cup unsalted butter – melted

Instructions: •Preheat your oven to 375F and prepare a muffin tin with 12 liners.

•In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

•In a separate bowl, whisk together sugars, eggs, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and vanilla.

•Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix well. Stir chocolate chips into mixture.

•Fill each muffin liner ¾ full. Don’t overfill the liners because the batter will rise in the oven.

•Bake at 375F for 20-25 mins. Muffins are done when an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

•Let cool and enjoy!

If you’d like to see more baking content, follow my business, Golden Dawn Bakers, on Instagram @goldendawnbakers.

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PHOTOGRAPHER Alana Consol MODELS Magdalene Bamber Jillian Collins Niyat Weldegebriel Sophia Ho STYLISTS Olivia Miller Jordan Mays

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The “Together” shoot was inspired by searching for closeness in a time of social distancing.

As Harry Styles once said, this shoot “is dedicated to touching,” (in compliance with CDC guidelines).

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Independent Thinking In the Age of Social Media Written by Cierra Noffke Designed by Jordan Mays This is a generation I’m proud to belong to- the TikTokers, the VSCO boys and girls, the meme-makers. For the most part, we can easily laugh at ourselves—something unique to our generation. We evolved alongside technology.

Some of us can remember when Instagram was first created, a space mostly for photographers and artists.

Social media and texting connected us in a way it never did for generations before us and before long, we finessed it.

Technology allows us to bond over new movies on Netflix with watch parties, share niche memes with that one special person who’ll get it, and feel immersed in friendship and support. We’re lucky in that we’re able to connect with each other in a way historically impossible. For example, can you imagine how different America would be if the Founding Fathers were 1) not racist, sexist, and homophobic and 2) making TikToks about George III? Our youth gives us a sense of freedom. Our youth is curable. At least, most of our elder siblings, parents, professors, and bosses think this way: we have so much to learn, so much to endure that our word isn’t half as valuable as their own. Though, for the most part, my generation is tired of being thought of this way. We’re indignant, tired of accepting that “this is just the way it is.”

History shows me the damage my ancestors did—ravaging sacred indigenous lands, enslaving and bartering human beings, putting a price on my health and freedom. Now it seems, the entire world is changing.

We’re on the brink of a landlocked election, protests in favor of Black lives wage across the country, and everyone is mandated to wear a face mask and stand six feet apart. The shiny glow of our childhood—reruns of “That’s So Raven” on Saturday morning and chipped fingernail polish—has evaporated.

Despite how dark this past year has become, we’ve managed to stay connected. When COVID-19 locked us in our homes, social media linked us together and when George Floyd suffocated beneath the boot of a police officer on May 26, social media led to a wave of solidarity, anguish, and millions of black squares.

Now, social media is a playground for politics, face-offs between red and blue winged parties, and links to petitions for social change.

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Social media is integral to life as we know it, but despite how formative social media is for our generation, it has its toxins. The conformity, the bullying, the stalking—it’s all here, too. These days it’s tricky to know what to believe. It’s so much easier to agree with the popular consensus than to do your own research and wrestle with your questions. We desperately want to belong; we want to be well-loved.

You should know what you believe in. You should know why you believe it. Then, and only then, will the world outside you begin to change. Change, itself, isn’t so hard to conjure from nothingness. Maybe it’s been there the entire time, waiting for you to speak it to life.

Thank you, RBG Written by Brinn McNutt Designed by Olivia Miller

Today we mourn, tomorrow we fight.

Though the current political climate of America stands on shaky ground, I continue to find solace in the work and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, better known as the notorious RBG. She was a symbol of hope and

strength and all too often reminded me of the hardworking women that

raised me.

All of her life, even prior to her massive cult following, she fought for equal rights and stood as a beacon of hope in the most trying of times. When she began her career, she faced a world in which women were treated differently than men, by law. She began her career after graduating from Columbia University Law School, later teaching at Rutgers Law School, all while juggling a toddler and a newborn. In 1971, RBG represented Sally Reed, a case which marks the first time the Supreme Court had struck down a state law because it discriminated on the basis of gender. RBG founded the Women’s Rights Project through the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The Women’s Rights Project empowers immigrant women, women of color, and poor women who have experienced gender bias through advocacy, education, litigation, and community outreach. Through the years she continuously advocated for women’s rights as an attorney and as the nation’s second female Supreme Court justice. Her accolades as an equal rights warrior and general bad bitch are endless and far surpass what 350 words can cover.

I continue to learn from her every day, as her wisdom lives won

in the hearts of so many. Though the wish she made on her

deathbed–to not be replaced until the new president is installed–

was not granted, I am not deterred. As she said herself, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” If nothing else, 2020 has shown us what the power of the people can do. We are fighting hard for Black lives, for equal rights, for justice, and for a country, we can ALL be proud of. We are dissenting, in true RBG fashion.

Though the outcome looks grim from time to time, it’s a future worth fighting for. Thank you, RBG, for showing us the way.

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THE GUCCI

EFFECT The Gucci Effect is the act of layering, mixing patterns, throwing on a set of pearls, and a silk scarf around your head.

Making use of androgynous funky pieces you wouldn’t know what to pair with otherwise.

PHOTOGRAPHER Taylor Puckett MODELS Ian Schulte &Nora Smahi STYLISTS Jordan Mays, Josie Trautwien, & Olivia Miller 34 | Flair Magazine | The Together Issue

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Painting Inspiration: The Persistence of Memory This outfit is inspired by the low-key values and complementary colors present within the painting. The use of contrasting light and browns are present within the jacket to mimic the overall depth present within the piece. Dali is known for using organic shapes and neutral colors, so sticking to neutrals and nude browns is key.

Statement Pieces ◊ Neutral Browns ◊ Yellow Scarf ◊ Blue undertones

◊ Bright contrasting colors ◊ Minimal accessories ◊ Bold makeup 40 | Flair Magazine | The Together Issue

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Statement Pieces

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ho

Painting Inspiration: Marilyn Diptych Bright and loud would describe the best-known artist of the 20th century for his iconic pop art prints. The main concept behind this outfit inspiration are bright colors and color blocking.

A variety of combinations can be applied, but for this outfit the use of red, blue, and yellow seamed to resemble and capture his famous Marylin Monroe print.

Andy Wa

Artists As

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Outfits

Painting Inspiration: Sistine Chapel Elegance and grace surround Michael Angelo’s angelic paintings and statues. This outfit strived to reach a more masculine yet angelic feel with shades of blue and gold.

The blue symbolizing the typical Renaissance inspired clouded background. The gold and bold jewelry emphasizes the Catholic church which the painting is located in.

helangel c i o M

Statement Pieces ◊ Light to Dark shades of Blue ◊ Noticeable gold jewelry ◊ Solid colors

Written and modeled by Natalie Bernat Designed by Olivia Miller

Cl a

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onet M e Painting Inspiration: Water Lilies Nympheas (1919) One of the most famous artists best known for his impressionism and use of pastel colors, Monet captures the French country side and a viewer’s eye. This outfit is symbolic of the light blues and flowers present throughout Monet’s pieces. His paintings convey a softness which the outfit mimics through a satin dress and flowy top.

Statement Pieces ◊ Light blues and purples ◊ Loose white clothing ◊ White accessories 41

Written by Cierra Noffke Designed by Jordan Mays

The Long Leaf Park Sit-in

Many longtime residents of Wilmington, NC are familiar with the sprawling grounds of one of Wilmington’s oldest parks. Long Leaf Park, formerly known as Hugh MacRae Park, is saddled close to UNC Wilmington’s campus and is filled with a myriad of athletic facilities and a 1.55 mile walking trail.

What many longtime residents may not know is the history of this park, the troubling history of Wilmington itself, and the events that led to the park’s renaming during the summer of 2020.

The truth is, Wilmington’s history is marked by the stench of racism.

Most notable, is the Coup D’Etat of 1898–the only successful coup d’etat in American history. During the period after the Civil War, Wilmington became a place for Black opportunity and success. It wasn’t long until the city sported a bi-racial government and a thriving Black middle class. The Coup of 1898 was led by a group of white supremacists–Hugh MacRae being an impassioned and notable leader amongst them–who wanted to re-establish their dominance in Wilmington.

The property of Long Leaf Park was a donation from Hugh MacRae, an influential member of Wilmington’s society during the late 1800s. The land was intended for white people only and the official ban keeping Black people from the park wasn’t lifted until the winter of 1980.

With the death of George Floyd came a racial reckoning that sought to change the future by admonishing the mistakes of the past. The Black Lives Matter movement has churned through the country with protests advocating for action and Wilmington was one of the cities that bore witness to protests, ceremonies, and art installations seeking to

PHOTOGRAHPHER Hiatt Ellis

reaffirm the value of Black lives.

The protest that led to the removal of MacRae’s name from Long Leaf Park was organized by members of the community who wanted to invoke permanent change. Remarkably, this change began with the work of two young women, Diamond Bentley and Karimah Bradley, who are unaffiliated with local organizations and sought to provide a new different form of protest.

This protest took the form of a peaceful sit-in, one that gave back to the Black community of Wilmington. The now historic sit-in at Long Leaf Park amassed hundreds of participants and attendees. It involved music, local artists, and dancing; attendees sprawled on blankets or chairs around the park.

Among those in attendance were Kevin Spears, City Councilman and Franchon Fracees, a descendant of Maj. General Joseph McNeil.

On July 13 2020, New Hanover Commissioners voted to change the name of the park to Long Leaf Park.

All traces of the previous park sign bearing Hugh MacRae’s name were removed.

A Conversation with Diamond Bentley Where did the idea for a sitin protest come from?

A lot of people asked me the big question as to how I came up with the idea of a sit-in and truthfully the idea came from a dream. So much was going on in the world publicly at the time I almost felt like everyone was seeing the same thing over and over again, I wanted to showcase the same message just in a different light.

Many people did not realize they can protest in many forms and fashions, so I felt the need to showcase that we can still protest, with a goal of change, raise awareness, and even give back to your community. I started my podcast, “sitting in the CHAIR,” because I wanted to share my thoughts with the world, and I started advocating on my podcast.

Then I had the dream and it was successful in my dream and I am big on dreams and this year my word of

the year was “intuition.”

So I chose to make a Facebook status and got so many replies and comments. I just simply asked “does anybody know anyone or want to help me with a sit-in?” I made a group message and this one girl named Karimah Bradley was interested and extremely helpful.

She became my backbone, support system, and right hand girl in making everything happen. Crazy part– I’ve known Karimah practically all my life, we grew up together, so it was so amazing to have a familiar face who was super helpful in making this happen.

had a couple of setbacks but in the end…the park name got changed, although that wasn’t the initial goal.

What do I mean? When I first had the dream, it was a simple sit in of various ways to basically say “Black Lives Matter.” Then Karimah asked me if we were going to have a historian there to discuss the history of the park and I was so confused.

I’ve lived in Wilmington since I was 10 years old and just recently found out about the history of the park.

Once I did my research, that right there was the end goal…changing the name of the park!

How did this sit-in become a success?

“And we did, this is the greatest accomplishment of my life, truly.”

I had tons of support from my family and friends which helped a lot because I have never done something like the ILM Sit-in. I started having many connections and once I booked my first speaker/performer I got so much more confident in the event itself. We started having meetings, making phone calls, and

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SONGS FOR THE SIGNS ARIES

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Ruled by the planet Mars, Aries are confident, short-tempered, and impulsive. People under this sign often have an aggressive side but they tend to keep it well hidden until something draws it out. Strong personalities with a knack for leadership, Aries are highly organized and capable of accomplishing a multitude of tasks at once. “Somebody Else” by the 1975 encapsulates an Aries passiveaggressive tendencies but also their desire for a close connection.

Leos are the life of the party. They have somewhat of a “king of the jungle” status and tend to have lots of friends due to their self-confidence and warmth that is difficult to resist.

Leos are strong leaders and have a knack for uniting people for a central cause. As a fire sign and ruled by the sun, Leos are intense and tend to have big personalities. They search for purpose in life with fiery determination. “Circus” by Brittany Spears represents a Leo’s need to be the center of attention.

Sagittarius are wanderers with an innate desire for travel and freedom.

Their philosophical views drive their desire for knowledge and the deeper meaning in life. Sagittarius have limitless enthusiasm and usually possess a great sense of humor. The song “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Ray reflects a Sagittarius need for travel and curiosity of what the world holds for them.

CAPRICORN

TAURUS

VIRGO

Tauruses are known for their stubbornness. This stubbornness causes them to be strong in their beliefs but not unwilling to change their views if met with the right argument. Like their fellow earth signs, Tauruses are practical and well grounded. They appreciate the finer things in life and tend to be partial to the material world. Tauruses value honesty and appreciate bluntness.

They would much rather have someone tell them the truth then have their feelings spared. “Primadonna”

by Marina and the Diamonds encapsulates a Tauruses desire and drive for the best that life can offer.

44 | Flair Magazine | The Together Issue Capricorns are complex. They are well grounded and highly self-motivated. They are a sign known for their responsibility, time management, and self initiation.

Some describe Capricorns as robotic because of their intense self-discipline, lack of sensitivity, and desire for tradition. Highly practical and creative, Capricorns like to do things themselves and appreciate high quality work. “Mount Everest”

by Labrinth reflects the stiff and ambitious nature of a Capricorn.

Virgos exist within their own little world. They like to do things their own way and refuse to leave anything up to chance. Virgos know how to express what they want but they often don’t acknowledge that their feelings are valid. Meticulous and calculated, Virgos are experts at analyzing a problem and working towards a solution. Virgos are practical and cheap, with the tendency to view spending money on non-essentials as a bad habit.

Virgos know how to get straight to the point, a quality that is expressed

by Beyonce, the queen virgo herself, in her song “Upgrade U.”

Written by Rebeccas Capps

SCORPIO

PISCES

CANCER

Scorpios are passionate and intense.

Known for being especially sensual, Scorpios carry their passion into all aspects of life. Scorpio’s bravery and loyalty usually cause them to have a lot of friends. However, their ability to suppress their emotions can cause problems in platonic and intimate relationships. Scorpios are most compatible with more easygoing signs such as Taurus or Cancer.

The song “She” by Harry Styles represents Scorpio’s elusive and seductive nature.

Pisces are known as being the most emotional of the signs. They are highly intuitive, trusting, and nurturing which allows people to feel like they can take advantage of them.

However, Pisces are also very wise and have strong gut-feelings. They are smart and creative and possess a deep connection to music. Pisces soak in the world around them and although sensitive, are very strong.

When a Pisces speaks, people listen.

As a Pisces herself, Rihanna captures the essence of the sign in her song, “Stay.”

Ruled by emotions and the heart, Cancers are difficult to understand and often feel like outsiders in the world. Full of empathy and sensitivity, Cancers feel deeply and return those feelings in care for those around them. Cancers are often homebodies and love to be around the people that they are closest with, especially family.

“Feeling Whitney” by Post Malone, is a song that captures the dark emotions experienced by Cancers.

AQUARIUS

GEMINI

LIBRA

Aquarius are one of a kind. They are highly independent and have the tendency to run from any type of emotional expression. They love to play devil’s advocate and can see every problem from both sides. Aquarius often have an unconventional sense of humor. They are either eccentric and outgoing or more reserved and shy. They truly exist within their own little world and need time alone to recharge.

Aquarius tend to have a good idea of what their future life looks like due to their visionary perspective on life.

“Best Part” by H.E.R. is a sweet song that is as intriguing as an Aquarius.

Geminis are probably the most feared sign of zodiac. Known for being two-faced manipulators, Geminis carry a bad reputation.

However, there is more to this sign than what meets the eye. The twin sign, Geminis have split personalities that manifest in the ability to go from playful to serious in an instant.

Geminis are highly curious with a desire to see everything the world has to offer but they have a fear of running out of time. Geminis are very creative and often excel as writers and artists. “Lookalike” by Conan Grey reminds me of the two different sides of a Gemini.

Libras are the sign of balance and harmony. They constantly strive towards symmetry and equality in every aspect of their lives. Libras crave partnership and hate being alone. Their need for balance makes them fear confrontation and causes them to avoid it at all costs. Highly diplomatic and gracious, Libras allow others to walk all over them but will hold a grudge. It is important for a Libra to maintain harmony within themselves and with everyone they come into contact with. “Cough Syrup” by Young the Giant reflects a Libra’s carefree approach to 45 relationships.

excuse me,

can I steal that from you?

Written by Aidan Cobb Designed by Ian Schulte

The fashion industry has always relied on a designer’s ability to create new lines of clothing chockfull of the season’s hottest styles. However, in recent decades, designers have taken their “inspiration” for each new season from cultures all around the world.

Assuming aspects of another’s culture–typically done by a more represented culture to that of a minority one–for the sake of fashion is not only insulting but can be considered insensitive and dehumanizing.

Cultural appropriation, especially in the fashion industry, has been happening for years and yet people rarely say anything about it. Individuals from any number of cultures or backgrounds can be seen sporting looks ranging anywhere from braids, to jewelry, to patterns and materials that are not a part of their own culture. So why does the fashion industry take part in such an unethical practice? And even though it does, why does it matter?

For starters, many of these already marginalized groups have found their cultures threatened at one time or another by colonization, which effectively stripped entire populations of their customs and traditions. Now, their cultures are displayed to the rest of the world without recognition and are sometimes reduced to lower-quality, not to mention, culturally incorrect representation.

High fashion exploits these cultures for personal profit, which in turn, takes the chance of profit away from actual members of said culture, as well as diminishes the cultural importance of specific clothes or patterns. The world of fashion takes aspects of a culture and uses them for their products, making them “trendy” when worn by the general population but then turning around and criticizing members of the original culture for wearing the same thing.

If the culture is not fully understood by the creator again, it ultimately benefits someone who does not respect the culture. When talking about the continued theft of these cultures, people often ask why no one makes a change. The industry continues to knowingly profit off of marginalized groups in their runway designs.

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Gucci, Marine Serre, and Versace have made controversial use of Hijab style head garments.

Photos by Giacomo Cabrini and Lucie Rox

Sometimes it’s because designers deny that is what they’re doing. Or, individuals or groups will claim that they are showing appreciation for a culture rather than appropriating it for profit. I think you will find that not many people appreciate seeing a sacred part of their culture strutting down a catwalk or paraded around on the Internet while dubbed “the newest trend.” Some of these traditions have been around for thousands of years–longer than the legacy of any designer– and hold extreme value and significance in the eyes of their beholders. So seeing them worn by people who do not understand or necessarily appreciate the significance of something can be more than offensive to members of a culture.

Alright, so we know that taking someone else’s culture and slapping your name on it is wrong, but how can you tell when it’s cultural appropriation and not cultural appreciation? It is considered cultural appreciation when the goal is to respectfully understand or learn about a culture. Likewise, it is considered appropriation if you use another’s culture for your own pleasure or interest, without regards to the culture itself or the people that represent it. For example, you might show your appreciation by buying a pair of handmade earrings from an indigenous person’s business whereas buying a similar pair from Shein for $4 would be regarded as appropriation.

It is obvious that the fashion industry thrives off of exploiting and misrepresenting dozens of cultures and traditions and there is no doubt that they will do it again to make a quick buck. It is our job to educate ourselves on ways we can create without shoving others out of the way in the process. Perhaps we can make the world a better place if we learn to respect others’ differences–starting with the fashion industry.

“Say it Over” by Ruel & Cautious Clay

Ruel began his music career at the early age of 14 and has consistently been songwriting, touring, and working his way to super stardom. Ruel, now aged 18, released another EP titled Bright Lights, Red Eyes on October 23. “Say It Over” featuring another incredible artist, Cautious Clay, tells the story of a fading relationship and moving on. The song’s music video is full of 60’s inspired visuals, making the song feel nostalgic and timeless all at once. Ruel’s talent and creativity is far beyond his years, making him a must listen to artist.

“Window” by Still Woozy

Sven Gamsky, better known as Still Woozy, does it again with another track full of nothing but good vibes. This song (similar to his entire discography) is the perfect background to any windows-down drive, study day at a coffee shop, or dancing down Wrightsville Beach at sunset. Even as the weather starts to change, Still Woozy can make it feel like summer all year long. The cover art for the single was hand drawn by his girlfriend, Cooks, which adds a super personal and sweet touch to the song.

“Sort it Out” by COIN

On October 1st, COIN announced the “Rainbow Mixtape”, which is a series of EP’s organized by color, the first, the Indigo Violet EP was released October 22. In an Instagram post the band said that “this is the most important music we’ve ever written.

This is the most fun we’ve ever had. This is about being human. This is about seeing what’s right before what’s wrong”. “Sort It Out” encompasses just that. It’s a catchy and upbeat song, that holds true to the idea of being human: have fun now and sort out the little things later.

“Come Here” by Dominic Fike

Fike’s newest album, What Could Possibly Go Wrong, opens with angsty guitars on “Come Here”, which give the song a grungy rock feel. This track quickly became a favorite not only because it’s so different from the rest of the album, but also because of the incredible music video, in which Fike skydives for the first time. In comparison to Fike’s collection of upbeat singles such as “3 Nights”, “Acai Bowl”, and “Hit Me Up”; “Come Here” showcases Fike in a new light.

“Dunno” by Noah Cyrus

Mac Miller’s tragic passing came as a shock to fans, friends, and fellow artists. In July, Cyrus released an emotional cover of Miller’s “Dunno” from his 2018 album, Swimming.

The Mac Miller Fund was created with The Pittsburgh Foundation to support aspiring young musicians in underserved communities by providing resources that allow artistic self-expression and realization of their full potential. Along with the cover, Cyrus made a donation to The Mac Miller Fund to support his legacy.

“Daylight” by Joji & Diplo

“Daylight” was debuted as a single before the release of Joji’s sophomore album Nectar, this song has been a favorite ever since. The lo-fi anthem details the end of a relationship through melancholy lyrics. The track’s moody piano and bass tones make the song stand out from the rest. Nectar’s hazy sound makes this album a must listen for the upcoming winter season.

Check out these songs and more of Marilyn’s picks on Spotify:

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Follow us on Instagram @flairthemagazine or email us flairmaguncw@gmail.com Cover Page Photographer: Alana Consol Models: Maggie Bamber & Niyat Weldegebriel