Flair Magazine Issue No. 5 - The Bloom Issue

The Bloom Issue Issue No. 5 Spring 2022

COVER

TABLE OF 4: Our Team 5: Letter from the Editor 6: Flair Library 7: Our Beaches, Our Responsiblity 8: Flair! The Band 12: Wild, Wild, Western Wear 13: Major Colors in Feng Shui 14: How to BEE More Involved 16: Fashion is Primal, Gender is Not

CONTENTS 18: Genderless Fashion Shoot 20: The Wilmington Grub Club 22: The Bloom Shoot 28: The Cost of Sustainability 30: Film Lab 32: Avatars of the Highest Self 34: A New Season of Style 37: The Age of Avant Garde 40: What Your Birth Flower Says About You

OUR TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DIRECTOR OF ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING & MARKETING ASSOCIATE EDITOR FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR LIFESTYLE EDITOR WRITING STAFF

DESIGN STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHERS

MODELS

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Alana Consol Taylor Puckett Rebecca Capps Marilyn Bolderman Anna Williams Brooke Zarzycki Ariel Auman Noa Levine* Sara Berry Sammie Muller Ryan Lounsbury* Josie Stockman* Brooke Zarzycki* Samantha Grant Sayaka Yamamoto Jakob Seaman Crystal Ferrell May Worthen* Julia Agius Alana Consol* Linda Lowery Samuel Fernandez Jabez Haynes Alex Newkirk Rae Goergen Elias Gonzalez Evie Dirscherl

*Contributed in multiple areas

letter from the editor Welcome to Issue 5! We’re happy to have you here. Whether you’ve been following along since our conception or are a first time reader, thank you for reading.

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, the theme of Bloom is more than fitting. Surrounded by the blossoming flora and fauna, we can feel ourselves blossoming into the new season. Energized by fresh, warm air and the prospects of new possibilities, we leave behind the heavy weight of the cold winter and appreciate the patience and endurance that was needed to reach the eventual bloom.

With this transitional phase in mind, we named this fifth issue after the blooming of our natural surroundings, our personal growths, and Flair itself.

On the topicFROM of transitions, this is sadly my last issue working on Flair. A year LETTER THE EDITOR and a half ago, I joined Flair on its second issue as a staff photographer. Since then, I’ve worked as a writer, designer, and Editor-in-Chief. I taught myself InDesign and Illustrator (through gritted teeth) and developed more as a photographer. Flair has allowed me to connect with wonderful people and grow as an artist and person, for which I’m immensely grateful for.

To Jordan and Olivia who birthed this lil baby and to everyone who’s helped raise it, thank you. You’ve inspired me in countless ways and pushed me to be a better artist and creator. I can’t wait to see what the future of Flair looks like and watch it continue to grow and flourish.

We’ve tended to the garden of Flair, now stop to smell the roses and enjoy.

A special thank you to River Organics Beauty who graciously donated some of their makeup products for our Bloom Shoot!

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Review by Ariel Auman

The Alchemist follows the journey of a shepherd boy named Santiago, who knows his purpose in life is to travel. The story opens with him having a recurring dream of himself finding treasure at the Pyramids of Egypt, so he decides to go into town and get a psychic reading to interpret it. The psychic tells him that he should pursue a journey to the pyramids, but he is skeptical. He ends up stumbling across a stranger who claims to be a king and tells him that he needs to follow his dream because it is his ultimate calling in life; his “Personal Legend”. He teaches him that each and every person has their own unique Personal Legend that they are on a journey striving to fulfill. Basically, to follow your heart’s true calling in life and never completely settle until you do.

I loved this book because although it is a simple story and under 200 pages, it conveys so many underlying powerful messages that are so applicable to each of our own lives. It demonstrates how important it is to be detached from the idea of how things should be and accepting them as they are right in front of you. It emphasizes that you should see yourself connected to the world rather than separated; there is always a bigger picture at play. That everything you’ll ever need to conquer adversity is already within you. Also, how significant it is to tune into your surroundings and embrace the uncertainty of being in the present moment. Reading this book for the first time really inspired me to think about what I love about life and reminded me to only make decisions that will promote that love. That I have the power to create the reality I dream of. More importantly, that anyone does, including you!

Just Kids by Patti Smith

Review by Alana Consol

Just Kids is a coming-of-age memoir by the musician and poet, Patti Smith, that details her formative years in New York City, the process of finding her way as an artist, and her life-shaping relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethrope. The book follows young Smith through her and Mapplethrope’s first encounter and their trials and tribulations of trying to “make it” in the city, along with juggling their unique and powerful companionship. Smith describes their adventures of housing at the Hotel Chelsea, sitting alongside Andy Warhol and his entourage at Max’s Kansas City, and their personal evolutions as artists.

Patti Smith is an intoxicating writer and she takes you away with her within the first page. It is blindingly evident that Patti is first and foremost a poet, as her writing is enchanting and lyrical and full of life. She fills the book with such great detail that it’s difficult to believe it was written many decades after the fact. This book was my first introduction to her, and after reading, I had no choice but to go down the rabbithole of her and Robert’s beautiful portfolios of work and was not disappointed. If you’re looking for a story with eccentric lovers, the pains of a tortured artist, and an insight into New York City in the 60s and 70s, look no further.

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Our Beaches, Our Responsibility

Designed and Written

by Brooke Zarzycki

As summer approaches quickly, Wrightsville Beach gears up for the mass of vacationers that will pass through. Unfortunately, the herds of beach goers often leave much more than just their footprints in the sand. Traces of long days spent on the beach are often littered in our sand, tangled in our dunes, and swept into our waters. This litter, and the toxins that can seep out of them, have lethal effects on wildlife that are hard to reverse. The good news is that avoiding further damage is so simple, that you’ll question why littering our beaches became such a pressing issue in the first place. With careful planning, caring to put in the effort, and spreading the word, we can keep our beaches healthy for all that inhabit them.

If we can minimize the possibility of litter being left behind, we are off to a great start. When packing for a day at the beach, search for reusable alternatives as opposed to single use plastics. Reusable water bottles, tupperware, coolers, and lunch boxes are all great ways to snack and stay hydrated without leaving behind trash. Pack anything you can in reusable bags, and only bring what is truly necessary. When leaving the beach, it is your responsibility to clean up everything you brought, leaving no trace. Hold yourself, and your buddies, accountable. When you see trash that isn’t yours, you should always pick it up. After you have collected your trash, be mindful of disposing it in its correct location. Doing your part when you are spending a day at the beach is one part of it, but the effort needs to continue outside of a beach day.

If you are able to, participate in beach sweeps put together by the community. You can follow Plastic Ocean Project (POP) on social media to join in on one of their sweeps, or just grab some friends to cruise the beach with, cleaning it up as you go. A specific time of interest are the days following the Fourth of July weekend. The amount of waste left behind from mass gatherings on Masonboro, an undisturbed barrier island that is crucial to many endangered species, is truly heartbreaking. The town calls for as many volunteers as possible to clean up the threatening mess.

Another way to help is to research reliable organizations that help to correct the issues we’ve created, and rehabilitate our land back to health. If your situation allows you to, consider donating to these organizations, or volunteering, so they can have the manpower and tools for research to save our ecosystem. Some great places to start are the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, POP, masonboro.org, or The Coastal Education Center.

Most importantly, educate yourselves and others on the topic; watch documentaries, read articles, and look at those difficult images of what trash in nature can really do. Speak out about it as much as possible. If we can understand just how negatively our trash impacts the wildlife, as well as the people who live in our town, it becomes more of a personal mission. We need to cultivate a deep love for the land we live in, the ocean we live by, and all the creatures we share this space with. With this deep appreciation for our home, comes the desire to protect it.

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photographed by Julia Agius designed by Ryan Lounsbury

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Creative Direction by Taylor Puckett Models: Daomi Kim, Ryan Lounsbury, Victoria Martins Styling; Ryan Lounsbury Make-up: Baylee Smeeton, Gaby Von Vajna Set Design: Gaby Von Vajna Lighting Design: Jakob Seaman BTS Videography: Catie Jacobson

A look into cowboys and their get-up.

Giddy up, y’all! Let’s talk cowboys.

Cowboys have been some of the most influential figures in American history, leaving their mark on almost every generation since they first appeared.

And arguably their biggest mark: cowboy fashion.

You might think of chaps. Or fringe. Or suede. Or denim. Or the most obvious: cowboy boots. These cowboy clothes are pretty fucking fun. But what’s the history behind these fashionable clothes? The West and Southwest United States in the 19th century! You know, like the cowboy shit: stealing, shooting, and running wild—except, not really. The cowboy’s main job was to care for the cattle on a ranch or farm. They lived a very lonely, arduous life, often spending most of their life on the road with the cattle, with very little interaction with non-cowboys. Enough about sad, lonely men, let’s get back to their clothes.

The most distinct aspects to Western fashion (in my opinion) are the hat, the jeans, and the boots.

The most enduring fashion adapted from the cowboy, popular nearly worldwide today, are “blue jeans”, originally made by Levi Strauss for miners in 1850.

Other brands, like Wrangler, have a closer relationship with cowboys as they were designed specifically for rodeos. The quintessential “cowboy hat”, inspired by the Mexican Vaqueros, is still worn by ranch workers across the country. And the boots are still kickin’ butts all over the country, with major retailers like Urban Outfitters, Free People, and Zara stocking authentic boots from brands like Lucchese Boots and Tecovas. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid have been seen sporting glamourous cowboy boots for a few years now, dressing them up with a silk slip or down with sweatpants and a hoodie.

The earliest cowboys in Texas learned their trade, adapted their clothing, and took their jargon from the Mexican Vaqueros, the heirs of Spanish cattlemen from the middle-south of Spain. All the distinct clothing of the cowboy—boots, saddles, hats, pants, chaps, slickers, bandannas, gloves, and collar-less shirts—were practical and adaptable, designed for protection and comfort. Their fashion gained mainstream popularity in the late 19th and early 20th century, with the rise of Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show which helped to popularize the image of the cowboy as an idealized representative of the tradition of chivalry. Actors such as John Wayne are thought of as exemplifying a cowboy ideal, even though western movies seldom bear much resemblance to real cowboy life.

Drifting from fast fashion and celebrities, I’ve noticed an increase of western wear in thrift stores over the past few years. Whether it’s curated vintage and collectibles, the ever-reliable Goodwill, or the ugly fast-fashion world, cowboys and their fashion are certainly making a comeback!

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Written & designed by: May Worthen

Blue is very prominent throughout nature. One of its most beautiful representations is water. As it is directly tied to nature, this color represents wellbeing.

Blue also represents knowledge and family. Some recommended blue items to incorporate into your home could be vases, books, and decorative pillows.

The first word that comes to mind when describing this color is “fresh” and that is exactly what it means in feng shui. This color’s deep meaning is that of regeneration. If you are seeking a refreshing space in your home, it is recommended to add a small plant or even a painting of a nature scene.

Red is the color that overpowers all the rest. This color is sacred in Chinese culture and is a sign of protection.

Red is an extremely activating energy and can be overwhelming for some. It is best to avoid large amounts of red in spaces to keep it more relaxing. This color is connected to the fire element inspiring visibility and clarity.

Pink is one of the most delicate colors in feng shui. The color signifies romantic love and is often used to attract self-love. It is a symbol of softness and can be used to attract relationships. This staple color is perfect for clothing items, bed sheets, and decorative flowers.

Written & Designed by: Josie Stockman

Yellow is tied to health, warmth, and glowing sunlight. This color symbolizes high standing and humility. Gold is also tied to this color and shares similar meanings. A few items to warm up your home could be a yellow chair, tea set, or lampshade.

How To BEE More Involved An inside look from two campus bee-keeping organization leaders Designed and Written by Sara Berry An 8,000 year-old cave painting in Valencia, Spain depicts a hunter-gatherer collecting honey from a hive. This was painted far before humans began to domesticate animals for farming purposes, but scientists believe that mankind has been utilizing bees for the last 15,000 years.

A variety of symbols have been assigned to bees as a result of their rich history with humankind. Bees are renowned for the many responsibilities they uphold for mother nature; they symbolize concepts such as productivity, resourcefulness, teamwork, collective consciousness, and communication. On an individual level, bees can spiritually represent fertility, birth, growth, new beginnings, and new life.

Due to the intricate relationship honey bees hold within nature’s ecosystem, the health of honey bees is an indicator of the overall health of the environment they dwell in. I interviewed two executive members of beekeeping organizations on college campuses to learn a little more about the importance of bees to us as humans, and what our generation is actively doing to help.

Adrienne Lambert, President of Carolina beekeeping club at UNC Chapel-Hill, and Alex Disser, Co-Secretary of UNCW Beekeeping, were kind enough to meet with me and answer these questions.

What does your club do?

Adrienne: “Our club is focused on teaching people how to become bee-keepers. Our meetings consist of us going into the hives every two weeks; we keep them on top of one of the buildings on campus.”

What is the difference between beekeeping and bee conservation?

Alex: “Bee conservation is just a practice that everyone can do. This also includes trying to reduce monocultures. A lot of industrial or commercial farms only grow one thing. I used to work on a blueberry farm and that’s all they grew. Monocultures are really destructive. We want bees to be able to interact with the ecosystem and pollinate different species. When you have a wider plant variety it’s better for the bee’s health and our health too. Beekeeping is just the practice of owning a hive. Taking care of it, managing it.”

Why are pollinators so important for the environment?

Alex: “Pollen carries DNA from different plants and when you take one type of blueberry and take the pollen from that and put it in another one, you’re going to create a new type of blueberry. It can create different variations which is really important for biodiversity and just makes the ecosystem a lot stronger.”

What are some of the things currently harming bees in our local area?

Adrienne: “There are two main things we worry about. Pesticides used on plants that bees get their nectar from can be very harmful and known to be one of the causes of hive collapse syndrome. Another thing would be Varroa mites. It’s the largest threat we’re facing right now because they are hard to eliminate.

It’s like how do you kill a bug on a bug?”

Do you have any alternatives to pesticides that you would recommend?

Adrienne: “Some plants can be planted strategically around other plants that deter things like worms and pests that you don’t want. GMOs can be really helpful when it comes to making certain crops pest resistant without using pesticides…but everything has its consequences.”

What can we make an effort to plant that will benefit our pollinators the most?

Adrienne: “A lot of it comes down to native plants. Having a diverse garden or just making sure that seasonally there’s always a pollinator plant available. For the ones Native to NC: I’m a big fan of wild indigo, milkweed, you’ll see caterpillars on that too, and goldenrod is one of my favorites. It’s gorgeous. Each of them are blooming in different seasons which provides a nutrient for bees or other pollinators.”

Alex: “Any native plant species in NC. We live in zone 8 and that’s what tells you the temperature and humidity zone and what’s going to grow best around here. Things like azaleas are really great. Bee balm, cornflowers, daffodils, lots of plants that have flowers on them.”

Do you have recommendations for supporting bee-keepers in your area?

Alex: “Try to limit your pollution as much as possible, reduce lawn maintenance, use organic cleaning products outside, and ride your bike. Just changing little habits will help the environment. Another benefit of eating local honey is if you have really bad allergies it helps with that. You’re basically microdosing yourself with native allergens and pollen so that helps your body grow a resistance.”

How does pollution affect bees?

Alex: “For one, it kills plant species so they don’t have as many plants to pollinate. Even worse, it’s terrible for them to ingest its toxins, it can kill them. It also lowers the quality of honey. You’re not going to want to eat honey that was on a farm that uses lots of pesticides because it gets into the honey...That’s why you can buy honey that’s like lavender or orange blossom scented. They don’t just spray it, they inject it into the trees. So every fruit that comes off of citrus plants that was injected with pesticides has pesticides in it.”

Any other tips and tricks people can do to help our bees?

Alex: “One healthy way to support bees and local communities is you can make beeswax paper cloths. You just heat it up and soak a cloth on the beeswax and let it dry. You can just use it to wrap up snacks like a cling wrap alternative.”

How has working with the bee-keeping club helped you grow as a person?

Adrienne: “It definitely put me out of my comfort zone. It gave me a lot more confidence in what I was doing and gave me a new perspective on bees and become more comfortable with them. We have skyrocketed to about 200 members now. It has been a cool experience to see how many people are interested and passionate about learning.”

Any Last remarks you’d want people to know about bees and beekeeping?

Adrienne: “The community of people who are in beekeeping are very nice and very friendly.

They are always willing to lend their opinion or help. They love to answer questions and a lot of times it’s really nice because you can just call somebody. It’s important to get to know the people doing the same things as you.”

Alex: “Their flight paths are so interesting to learn about because they know where to go and how to calculate something in their way. On the electromagnetic spectrum we can just see what’s in our visual range. They can see long wavelengths like infrared and see smells and other things we don’t. That enhanced sight helps them figure out which flowers they’re going to pollinate. Climate change makes it really difficult because flowering seasons are changing. The beekeepers demographic is really old. We need a new generation to take over this tradition!”

How would you like people to get involved with your group?

Alex: “Come to the meetings, come check out the hives. Last meeting we talked about psychedelic honey that they make in Nepal. We have an instagram just dm us on instagram @ UNCWBeekeeprs. Or email us at @UNCWapiculture@gmail.com”

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Fashion is Primal, GENDER is Not Written by Sayaka Yamamoto Designed by Jakob Seaman

Almost every decade in American history has had a “defining look”. Visions of flapper dresses and pin striped suites may come to mind for the 1920’s. Or poodle skirts and greaser jackets for the 1950’s. Even the word “pilgrim” brings images of collared shirts and buckled boots to mind. As I recall the history of American fashion, each decade seems to portray its own iconic “look” until around 2018, when this pattern comes to an abrupt stop.

There doesn’t seem to be a single trend or silhouette that comes to mind for the past decade. So, why does it seem as if the newest generation lacks a defining look?

First let’s talk about the gender binary. To do that, we need to ask the questions: what is the gender binary? A basic definition might describe the gender binary as a construct that restricts people to two options, male or female, masculine or feminine, pants or skirt.

Historically, Western fashion has been strictly split between male and female clothing options. Then the 1970’s came rolling into the equation and shifted the binary into a singular gender sharing look: a tight shirt, flare pants, and a shaggy hair style could be worn by anyone. For a while, Western fashion rode the wave of this shared unisex rule.

But now, Gen-Z has achieved something that no generation before them has been able to accomplish. Gen-Z has taken the concept of gender in fashion and shattered it.

These days, any look can be an “it look” and anyone can wear almost anything. In December of 2020, Harry Styles became the first solo man to grace the cover of the iconic Vogue Magazine. Not only that, but he did so in a dress! This was a huge accomplishment and a major public acknowledgement of nonbinary fashion.

But how did we get to this point? Turns out small fractions of society have been leaving behind a trail of gender defying breadcrumbs throughout the history of Western culture.

It’s important to remember that credit must be given where credit is due. A long list of people, predominately people of color, have been fronting this nonbinary/binary fluid fashion trend long before Harry Styles entered the scene. Many Eastern countries like Japan and China have been experimenting with gender fluid fashion for decades and the trend is widely considered socially acceptable.

There is one community in Western Culture that has been challenging the traditional binary for approximately a century now. It might be hard to believe, but the drag movement started as far back as the late 1800’s in the shadows of everyday New York City life. Though the drag movement was kept underground, it began to quietly flourish in the Harlem burrow during the Roaring 1920’s. Predominantly Black and Latina homosexual and transgender men created a secret community of safety and acceptance. Elaborate balls would be held where men would dress in drag and perform for awards such as, “Most Feminine Figure of the Night”. This became known as “Ballroom Culture” and it sparked the flame that would eventually grow into the popular industry of drag entertainment.

Ballroom Culture began to snowball, growing more popular right under the noses of the disapproving public. Throughout the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s, members of the ballroom community endured a great deal of abuse from the government and its citizens. Religion and politics are embedded just as deeply in fashion culture as the act of self-expression.

For most of America’s history, as well as many other Western countries such as England, dressing in the opposite sex’s garments was grounds for arrest. These drag queens were truly pioneers of fashion bravery. They paved the long and injustice-filled path that Harry Styles walks on now, while the spotlight shines on both his message and his bank account.

There have been other pioneers throughout the years. Nowadays, the introduction of bloomers in the early 1850’s seems like a subtle nod towards the movement of women’s emancipation. When, in reality, it was a massive point of controversy for its time. The introduction of transportation via horse added to the demand for women to have bipedal garments. And, believe it or not, both World War I and II played major roles in the women in pants movement. With men fighting over seas, women entered the workplace and began to wear pants due to their practicality. Then the 60’s grooved its way into the American spotlight, and for the first time women began to wear pants, not for practicality, but for pleasure. This was a huge step forward in American fashion history and more would follow that lead to today’s nonbinary fashion anomaly.

With movie stars like Billy Porter, Ruby Rose, and Zendaya, as well as musicians like David Bowie, Sam Smith, and Billie Eilish reaching the forefront of their industries, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the world’s attitude towards fashion is changing rapidly.

It seems like Gen-Z has adapted the ideology of “if you can rock it, wear it”. Regardless of your gender identity, if you look good in what you’re wearing then it’s generationally acceptable. We are living during a time where beauty is the law. It’s almost ironically primal, for one of the only other times beauty reigns supreme is in nature.

It’s important to remember that fashion is primal. The concern with one’s visual display is not limited to mankind. Monkeys groom each other, octopus’ will change color depending on their mood, and one semi aquatic lizard in Europe even grows a mohawk to impress its potential suitors. So why are we different? What sets human fashion apart from awesome mohawk growing lizard fashion? The answer is so obvious you may overlook it.

The act of self-expression. Over the decades, and even centuries, fashion has been used to conform and to stand out. We are in the ultimate era of “standing out”. That is something to be celebrated! Something to be cherished! And something that will be remembered.

This article has only skimmed the surface of the possibilities nonbinary fashion has opened the door to. As well as the history that led us to this point. Embrace the now and allow yourself to bloom. To bloom is to grow, and to grow is to change. Fashion is one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful unspoken languages. Outward expression is an internal power that anyone has the capability to harness. And who knows, maybe one day kids will walk into stores, and instead of being met with signs for the girl’s section and the boy’s section, they’ll instead be met with signs for pants and skirts. And the dinosaurs and fairies that have been condemned to different garments for so long, will dance together on sweaters that can be worn by anyone. In a world where men can be beautiful, and women can be handsome, fashion truly knows no bounds. Try something new. Push yourself. And allow beauty to use you as its canvas. You might be surprised what you’re capable of.

Photographer: Linda Lowry Models: Jabez Haynes, Alex Newkirk, Rae Goergen, Elias, Gonzalez, Evie Dirscherl MUAs: Rae Goergen, Gaby Von Vajna The Bloom Issue | 17

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THE WILMINGTON The Workshop - Wrightsville Beach GRUB CLUB Sandwiches: A

Coffee: A Smoothies: B+ Vibes: ACasa Blanca Coffee Roasters - Market St Recommend: Java Mint Frappe or Lavender Food: A& Honey Latte with Bacon, Egg & Cheese Coffee: A Croissant Vibes: A+ What we love: Recommend: Loaded Avocado Toast & Colum- Definitely a hidden gem of Wrightsville bia Aponte Honey Pour-over Unique integration of smoothies, gourmet What we love: sandwiches, coffee, and hand-crafted sharkStunning Mediterranean-styled interiors that are tooth jewelry by @erajewelrydesign totally Instagram worthy Stunning industrial-styled interior Unique food menu that changes seasonally Friendliest staff ever; no other cafe on Private room with a huge collaborative space Wrightsville has as much of a community and Delicious coffee, pour-overs and breakfast local vibe to it cocktails!

What we don’t love: Section of Casa Blanca apparel and other cof- It’s a small space so there isn’t a lot of seating fee-related gear inside, but there’s plenty of space outside, What we don’t love: plus there’s a whole beach!

Not many hot food options Smoothies are okay, but I’d rather go to Usually busy, not a lot of seating options inside Adapt down the street for those

Cafes

Drift Coffee & Kitchen - Autumn Hall & Mayfaire (opening soon on Wrightsville Beach) Food: A+ Coffee: B+ Vibes: A Recommend: Market Bowl Breakfast What we love: Offers an environment where you feel comfortable hanging out for a while, whether you’re working, studying, or catching up with a friend Inspired by Australia’s unique coffee and brunch culture that encourages patrons to stay a while and enjoy each other’s company Amazing food! Offers both healthy options and guilty pleasures that are made in-house with fresh ingredients What we don’t love: Coffee is a little bitter Mayfaire is often busy; Autumn Hall location is preferred 20 | Flair Magazine

Social Coffee & Supply Co. - Wrightsville Ave (opening a second location soon) Coffee: A Vibes: ARecommend: Honey Lavender Latte What we love: Coolest staff in Wilmington!

Dedicated to giving back to both local and global partners Incredible indoor and outdoor space that is near campus; definitely a go-to for studying Unique coffee options What we don’t love: No food menu; would really love it if there was a kitchen or at least some more bakery options

Written by: Sammie Muller Designed by: Josie Stockman

Restaurants

Seabird - Downtown Wilmington Food: A+ Cocktails: A+ Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria - Downtown Vibes: A+ Wilmington Recommend: Raw or Baked Oysters Food: A What we love: Drinks: A+ Celebration of the local seafood North Vibes: A Carolina has to offer Recommend: Kevin McCallister White Pizza Stunning modern nautical interior What we love: Neapolitan-style staples including thin crusts pizzas Renowned for their oysters Wide variety of cocktails that leave room for house-made gelato All seafood caught by small-scale, local Airy atmosphere with open kitchen to watch chefs fishermen make the delicious brick-oven pizzas Although renowned for their pizza, they aren’t lack- What we don’t love: Small portion sizes considering the price ing in other authentic Italian options Small menu; not a whole lot of options Friendly and knowledgeable staff Large list of local and Italian wine & beer Across the street from Satellite Bar and New Anthem Beer Project Dram Yard - Downtown WilmingIndochine - Wayne Dr Food: A+ Drinks: A Vibes: A Recommend: Thai Curries What we love: Authentic Thai and Vietnamese food A classic Wilmington restaurant that has been a staple for decades Colorful and lush interior that transports you from Wilmington to South-East Asia Proactive approach to environmental and community issues Array of tropical cocktails that seats you under massive tropical palms Jungle-like backyard What we don’t love: They don’t accept reservations which means there are long wait-times Wouldn’t recommend it for those who can’t handle spices!

ton Food: A+ Cocktails: A+ Vibes: A+ Recommend: Astrologist Cocktail & Uni Carbonara What we love: Friendly, knowledgeable staff that run down the menu Incredible, eclectic cocktail menu Menu updates regularly based on what is locally fresh Beautiful interior; uses unique elements of Navy ships (for example, authentic Naval ship portholes for the lights) Whole separate vegan menu, and chefs are more than willing to adjust menu based on needs What we don’t love: Food and drinks are a little expensive, particularly for a college-student budget

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Alana Consol MODELS: Britney Garcia, Thomas Simmons STYLIST: Noa Levine Makeup provided by River Organics Beauty

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The Cost of Sustainability Written by Sammie Muller Designed by Crystal Ferrell So yes, shopping for more sustainable brands is more expensive, but there is a way to navigate this. A few months ago, I ordered a beautiful dress from a sustainable brand that was about $200. My roommates gasped at the thought of spending that much on a single dress, as one of them opened a package from Princess Polly that she ordered. She ordered about $200 worth of clothes, such as a crop top, a jacket, and a pair of pants. Since then, I wear that dress about once a week, and I’ve This is a difficult question to navigate, especially only seen her wear that outfit once. My closet given I am a very broke college student with little is relatively empty, but I wear absolutely everything that is in there. My roommate’s closet wiggle room in my bank account for shopping. is packed to the brim, and they’re likely only So, I began researching. I researched brands going to wear each thing once or twice. There that use environmentally friendly materials, is absolutely no shame in either approach, but like organic cotton or recycled synthetics. I researched brands that are transparent with their for me, I prefer quality over quantity. production process, such as where it is made, how it is made, and if workers are treated fairly.

Here are some sustainable brands that we love: The glory of the internet showed me that there are endless brands that match my style and are Spell sustainable in their approach, but of course, there’s a catch. They’re expensive. Using sustain- Type: Women’s Clothing able materials while supporting workers with a Based in: Byron Bay, Australia Pricing: Ranges from $100-300 livable income comes with a cost.

Available at: Free People, Revolve, TUSC Perhaps these prices are reasonable, but we are (Wilmington), Boem (Charlotte) so acclimated to the cheap prices of fast-fashion Spell is a brand for the modern bohemian. clothing that anything more expensive seems Their buttery-soft materials are not only beauunreasonable. But why are these brands, such tiful, they’re sustainable to the highest degree. as H&M, Shein, Forever 21 etc. so cheap in Spell uses organic cotton, organic linen, and the first place? Are they transparent with their recycled natural fibers for all of their products. production processes and their materials they They have a strong commitment to ensuring use? If the answer is no, perhaps that’s what’s their global partners meet a strict code of conunreasonable. duct to ensure ethical working conditions.

I’ve never been much of a “thrifter”. Just the thought of rummaging through endless racks of used clothes makes my stomach churn. It’s overwhelming, and I never find anything I really love. I’m not great at styling vintage clothes, and I am useless with a sewing machine. How can I keep my wardrobe as sustainable as possible without thrifting and without supporting the fast fashion industry, all while keeping up with the latest trends?

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Alohas Type: Women’s Shoes Based in: Barcelona, Spain Pricing: Ranges from $100-300 Available at: alohas.io , Revolve, Madewell, Anthropologie, Free People, Blended (Wilmington) Alohas is a leather shoe company dedicated to sustainable production and responsible shopping. Their unique, on-demand structure means that the earlier you buy, the cheaper they will be. Prices start at 30% off when they’re launched, pre-production. They then go down to 15% when production has started, and then full price when pre-production orders are shipped. This prevents unnecessary overproduction for the maker, and unnecessary impulse buys for the consumer.

Each shoe is hand-crafted by local Spanish artisans and works closely with the Leather Working Group (LWG), the world’s largest leather sustainability program. Faux leather is often made from toxic plastics, so Alohas is dedicated to creating sustainable, real leather footwear that meets LWG environmental standards; but of course, real leather isn’t for everyone.

Jen’s Pirate Booty Type: Women’s Clothing Based in: Malibu, California Pricing: Ranges from $100-300 Available at: Free People, Revolve, TUSC (Wilmington)

JPB is produced in 5 countries, all carefully selected for the local artisanship they have to offer. For example, their unique, organic cotton fabric is handmade and hand-dyed by women in Mexico, providing empowering and ethical job opportunities for their communities. After the garments are dyed, they are baked in the sun; a process which has been used in Mexico for over 6000 years.

MATE The Label Type: Men’s & Women’s Basics Based in: Los Angeles, California Pricing: Ranges from $50-200 MATE is made sustainably in Los Angeles with non-toxic, natural and organic materials. MATE has longstanding partnerships in the LA apparel community, supporting local garment workers and reducing transportation emissions. All products are made 15 miles away from the MATE headquarters. Their designs focus on simple, quality goods that support a capsule closet approach.

Afends Type: Men’s, Women’s and Unisex Surf & Streetwear Based in: Byron Bay, Australia Pricing: Ranges from $50-150 Available at: The Iconic, Peppermayo, Wasted Talent Boutique Afends has spent years researching hemp, an eco-friendly alternative that has been dismissed by outdated propaganda. Hemp, considered an environmental super fiber, is one of the most durable and eco-friendly threads on the market. In addition to hemp, Afends uses certified organic cotton.

PHOTOS BY: ALANA CONSOL

DESIGNED BY: ALANA CONSOL

With the increased interest in film photography in recent years, many young people are picking up the hobby. But with an overwhelming amount of options for film, it’s hard to know where to start. Here are a few of my favorite choices, along with some of their downsides. Also note that some pros will be cons and vice versa depending on your project!

EKTAR 100 PROS:

- Very vibrant; beautiful colors - High saturation - Sharp; extremely fine grain - Great for landscapes

CONS:

- Expensive - Lower ISO = need to make sure you have adequate lighting - Sometimes not great for portraits; can make skin tone too red 30 | Flair Magazine

PORTRA 400 PROS:

- Fine grain - Pastel colors - Great for portraits - Very versatile; can shoot indoors/ outdoors, various lighting settings CONS:

- Sunflares can look muddy or create a haze - On the expensive side

ILFORD HP5 PLUS PROS:

- Lower contrast - Smooth grain - Versatile in different lighting - Somewhat affordable - Prints well

CONS:

- Many don’t like to use it for street photography; not enough grit/contrast - B&W film in general is sometimes restrictive in that it doesn’t capture color

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written and designed by Ryan Lounsbury

On my mountain peak, my anxiety becomes meditative. I pick little things off me, casting them out, littered to garbage below. Culling, curation, a sanding of rough edges or scratching at smoothness- it needs more complexity, more texture. Can I simultaneously be the most special and most tolerable? How interesting can I be without being weird? How desirable can I be without then just being basic- is everyone’s type no one’s type? Maybe the hottest girl in the world is a mirror and a vessel- I can be whatever you want me to be baby, which is a reflection of you. Insert yourself into me, and I will accept it in full and thank you for teaching me.

There’s a diminishing return on identity: the more unique I get, the more people I alienate and therefore the less desirable I become, at least on a universal scale, a loss of breadth. In response to trauma, sexual and otherwise, I fashion myself sharper, darker, more intimidating and then am upset when I am not approached.

The tenderness in me, I lock safe in a dark place and cry that it is not being seen.

The fashioning of my face, my body, my mind and heart and reputation is my greatest work as an artist, or at least the one I spend the most time on. An eternal labor. As I follow the path towards total artistic nirvana and my completion, I please the inner child who thinks I’m the coolest and pain the future me in years time whose inevitable continued evolution produces a retrospective eye most scornful, cringing: “I can’t believe I thought that was cool”.

In the cyberspace, I make the rules. I create the environment. I choose the colors. I write the code. I edit myself with sliders: gender, hair color, beauty, body type, polygons… level up level up level up megaevolve ultimate At the place where the virtual and astral meet I take on the Avatar of the Highest Self, the Angel of the Art Form. rian

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A

S E A S S E O L N Y O W T F S NE

A Closer Look at Some of Wilmington’s Best Dressed Written by: Noa Levine Designed by: May Worthen

When one thinks of Wilmington, North Carolina, the Fashion Capital of the United States is not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. But honestly, there are actually some very fucking stylish people that live in this town.

The people in this piece are just a few of the individuals who inspire me by the clothes they have made or acquired and the confidence they exude while wearing them. They’re people who have a solid understanding of what they like, and are not afraid to try something new. They are continuously evolving their own personal style while keeping their own authentic flair. Whether that be with experimentation of different textures, silhouettes, colors, etc, they’re willing to go the extra step to allow themselves to stand out.

Name: Courtney Rivenbark Pronouns: She/her Instagram: Shop: @cococlemshop Personal: @cocorivenbark

When did you really start getting into fashion?

I first started getting into fashion in middle school. I grew up in section 8 housing and trailers before moving to NC to live with my dad, so my style was determined by hand-me-downs and I often wore clothes too small for me. Sixth grade was the first time I had a choice in what I wore, and I discovered the magic of fashion from a slime green sequined sash belt from Limited Too paired with a hot pink polo. Soon after I shifted to my emo phase: colorful skinny jeans and converse. In high school, my family moved from the suburbs to the middle of nowhere, but my sister and I found a really cool thrift shop that we still go to today. I was into anything with bold prints, color, and the “ugliest” things I could find. That’s still very much what I’m into as a person in their late 20’s, but as I’ve matured, have a little more money, and learned to sew, I enjoy making my clothes and incorporating items from curated vintage shops, artists, and mindful makers.

Who are your top style influences?

I LOVE the brand Animal Crackers (@aninalcrackers.clothing), anything Penelope Gazin breathes on at @fashionbrandcompany, the ethos of Collina Strada (@collinastrada), playful designer Marshall Columbia (@marshall.columbia), maximalist queenie Sara Camposarcone (@saracamposarcone), hilarious retrofuturist Kadija (@sativadiva1997), and unapologetic glitter color queen Clara Perlmutter (@tinyjewishgirl).

One piece of advice to someone struggling to find their own personal style.

I would encourage the person to reflect on a time in their life when they were unapologetically themselves and loved a garment/an outfit they wore. What happened that made you stop? Sometimes outside influences intend to be helpful by trying to protect us from bullying, harm, and “embarrassment” when we begin our self-expression journey. However, when our safe people start sharing their opinions or challenging our behavior before accepting us, it can unintentionally cause more harm. I feel like we have to unlearn and dissect these experiences before we can fully reclaim ourselves. Fashion is just an outward expression of your inner world. It begins with self-acceptance. And keep a fashion mood board to see things you naturally gravitate towards and find patterns within your taste. Make sure you like the clothing and not just the body that’s wearing it.

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Name: Tate Shockley Pronouns: He/Him/His Instagram: @t8shockley

When did you really start getting into fashion?

I grew up surfing and skating, so most of my early influences stemmed from those cultures, which at that time (2006ish) did not stand for great fashion. I would be wearing blue skinny jeans, big bulky skate shoes, a super loud graphic skate tee, and a puka shell necklace, and think I was rocking the sickest fit. I also grew up with an older sister and we’d always play dress-up and shit which I always thought was fun as a kid. I didn’t really get into fashion until relatively recently…like within the past year. I was afraid to wear what I wanted due to fear of judgment, but as of recently, I stopped caring.

Who are your top style influences?

I still pull a lot of my outfit inspiration from skate culture and then sprinkle in my own touches. I’m a huge fan of good-fitting tees with cool graphics, a solid pair of jeans, and hats that fit my weirdly shaped head just right and then just layering and combining different garments until the colors and textures work together. I also like cutting and cropping garments and customizing them with screen prints and patchwork. I keep it pretty simple for the most part though. Two of my favorite clothing projects are @spunspirit and @basketcase.gallery.

One piece of advice to someone struggling to find their own personal style.

First of all, don’t overthink fashion. It’s really just about finding clothing that makes you feel good and confident. Find some brands that you align with and relate to and rock their stuff. I personally think Pinterest is a great way to gather inspiration for outfits and find new underground brands. Also, not every day calls for a crazy fit. Some days I’m just not feeling confident enough to rock a cropped shirt and tighter fitter pants and that’s okay. Good outfits kind of come together naturally I think…you can’t force them.

Name: Jessica Gehrin Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Instagram: @jessiibluee

When did you really start getting into fashion?

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t into fashion. My mom still tells me stories of me as a little girl changing over and over until I had the outfit just right, and then I’d probably change again. It was my first, and still my favorite, mode of expression.

Who are your top style influences?

My style influences are more of whats, rather than whos.

I love to explore trends from the 60s-00s, my favorite decade being the 90s. There’s a sense of nostalgia in 90s fashion that will always make it my favorite.

One piece of advice to someone struggling to find their own personal style.

To someone struggling with personal style, I would say: “Let go!” There are no rules in fashion. And, if you love an outfit but feel you’re not confident enough to wear it, act like you are; confidence is a mindset.

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Name: Em Tootoo Pronouns: She/They Instagram: @etootoo_

When did you really start getting into fashion?

I really started to get into fashion when I was in 5th grade. I won a raffle for the “skateboarding” basket which was a dream. I felt on top of the world because I was full heart-eyes over skateboarding fashion and I finally felt like I was able to fulfill that dream. Later down the road, as social media had become increasingly popular, I started to be able to explore different looks that were now at my fingertips. Ever since then I have been customizing my clothes thanks to Pinterest, Tumblr, and Instagram.

Who are your top style influences?

Being a half Samoan woman, my culture heavily impacts my style.

The pattern designs within my culture that have been passed down from my ancestors have continuously inspired me in some way shape or form. I find myself attracted to black and white patterns which I feel stems heavily from my culture. My love for drawing, painting, and collaging also inspires my freedom to express through design and fashion. Mark Borthwick, a photographer who collages and does videography, is a huge inspiration for me and I would love to create something that represents the layers of myself within clothing, writing, collages, etc. They all have a purpose somehow, some way in the end. Tieera Whack, Maicresoft, Rico nasty, Dr. Marten, ERA (Equal Rights Apparel), Lurking Class all inspire the way I dress.

One piece of style advice to someone struggling to find their own personal style?

BE YOU. It’s a lot easier said than done, but I promise you’ll feel so much better being your true self if you allow yourself to. This is coming from personal experience.

Name: Chloe Poston Pronouns: She/her Instagram: @chloempost

When did you really start getting into fashion?

I have always loved dressing myself and wearing whatever I wanted since before I could remember. But within the past year is when I started to really dig into and figure out my own style, without the underlying pressure to follow current trends.

Who are your top style influences?

My mom, like most people I think, was my first inspiration for fashion. I have always used her closet as my own. In terms of influencers, I look up to this one influencer more in terms of her undeniably unique fashion sense and always being herself: @tinyjewishgirl on Tiktok. But for who I look up to for outfit ideas is @deepasoutfits on Tiktok.

Her outfits are simple but the layering and pieces she chooses together always end up so good!

One piece of advice to someone struggling to find their own personal style.

Honestly just keep trying till you feel like you got it right.

I probably went through 10 different style changes before I was like “Okay this is what I like”. Just keep pushing your own boundaries and see what works for you!

THE ART OF AVANT GARDE PHOTOGRAPHER Samuel Fernandez MODELS Rose Colen, Jalen Denoncourt, Isabella Epps, & Skylar Gonzales MUA Rae Goergen, Jade Morrison & Baylee Smeeton HAIR Dinadja Davis & Isabella Epps STYLISTS Ryan Lounsbury, Taylor Puckett, Jakob Seaman, & Josie Stockman

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what your

WRITTEN BY: Samantha Grant DESIGNED BY: Alana Consol DRAWINGS BY: May Worthen

birth flower

Everyone seems to know of or have heard of their zodiac sign or birthstone… but what about their birth flower? Every month is designated a special type of flower, signifying the beauty of the month and the uniqueness of each bloom; their individuality speaks volumes about individuals. So what does your flower say about you?

says about you

January: Carnation The carnation is the flower of occasion and is translated from Greek as the “flower of the Gods”. It is commonly gifted to others for events like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and birthdays. Growing in many different colors, they brighten any room they’re in. Their different colors also have unique representations as well: white being purity and dark red being love. Like their flower’s meaning, individuals born in January are very loving, compassionate, and thoughtful.

February: Violet The violet is the flower of modesty and faithfulness. It is known for its effortless beauty and small, heart-shaped petals. Because the violet is one of only a few flowers that bloom in February, and has such a subtle beauty, it has a uniqueness that sets it apart from the others. The violet is known throughout history as being a proclamation that someone will always be devoted to the other. Just like their flower, people born in February are known for being extremely honest, dependable, and trustworthy.

March: Daffodil Because the daffodil is one of the earliest flowers to bloom in the springtime, they are known to represent new beginnings and overcoming hardships. Legends say that the first daffodil to bloom was supposed to give the owner luck, wealth, and a brighter future. Daffodils are special and unique because of their resilience to bloom under earlier springtime conditions and these qualities are represented in their individuals immensely. These individuals have characteristics including being hardworking, dedicated, and inspiring.

April: Daisy The daisy represents innocence, purity, and simplicity. They are commonly associated with the children’s game “He loves me...he loves me not,” where kids would playfully pluck the petals off of the flower in hopes of learning about their crush. Daisies can be easily spotted in our everyday lives and don’t need to be large and bold for their beauty to shine through. Individuals born in April, like the daisy, are children at heart and are simply and utterly themselves.

May: Lily of the Valley The lily of the valley is known for being one of the sweetest smelling flowers that bloom in spring. In many countries, it is tradition to give the person that contributes the most to your happiness a bundle of lilies on May 1st. The lily of the valley represents humility and happiness. The people resembling this flower are positive, content, and always search for the good in their everyday lives.

June: Rose The rose needs no introduction as it is well known by almost everyone. They are almost always associated with love and romance. The Greeks believed that Aphrodite actually enchanted it with great love and beauty, causing it to be named the “queen of flowers”. This iconic flower resembles its’ individuals because they are loving, passionate, people who tend to romanticize their lives.

July: Water Lily The water lily is the crown flower of the water. This bold flower was said to be the protector of lakes and rivers in many cultures, believing that nymphs or spirits lived inside of them. The water lily represents peace and tranquility, being a common symbol for many spas and therapeutic companies. People born in July resemble this flower by tending to be peacekeepers who have a laid-back attitude.

August: Gladiolus The gladiolus is the embodiment of summertime. The bright-colored, almost tropical-looking flower received its name from the word “gladiator”. Long ago, gladiators were said to wear a necklace made from the flowers during a fight, saying that the flowers helped someone win. The flower represents strength and resilience and its individuals obtain these qualities along with many more.

September: Aster The word aster means “star” in Greek and these flowers look just like them. The story goes that the Greek goddess Astraea cried because the sky was so dark, and that later her tears turned into aster flowers as they hit the ground, creating light. Asters resemble wisdom, inspiration, and faith. Their uniqueness causes their individuals to be knowledgeable and insightful, while also being wishful thinkers.

October: Marigold Marigolds and their individuals are truly rays of sunshine. This bright flower is known to be given as a gift for lost family and friends, saying that the color is like the light that guides them to the afterlife. The marigold represents positivity and optimism for many around the world. Like the flower, individuals born in October tend to be very uplifting and joyful people.

November: Chrysanthemums The chrysanthemums, more commonly known as mums, are another frequently seen flower. These are held as extremely powerful and important flowers for many cultures, especially Chinese and Japanese. In Japan, there is a whole festival to celebrate them called the “Festival of Happiness” every year, believing the flower has special anti-aging powers. The mum represents happiness, perfection, and youth. Individuals whose birth flower is the mum tend to have a youthful glow and strive to be the best they can possibly be.

December: Holly Holly is, uniquely, the only birth month flower that produces berries. Along with many Christian ties, this flower has numerous different superstitions and beliefs in regards to it. Surprisingly enough, in the past, a holly bush was said to protect a person from getting struck by lightning. This flower represents mystery and faith. People born in December are hopeful, out-of-the-box thinkers, and unlike any other.

The Bloom Issue | 41

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Follow us on Instagram @flairthemagazine or email us flairmaguncw@gmail.com ARTWORK BY: Taylor Puckett