Jaelin Hilliard, Anthony Ponce, Michael Ponce, Sara Byrans, Sarah Higgins, Megan Gregory, Julia Knowles, Katie Mac Filer, Grace Baeurle, & Gibson Hof Board
Members
Skye Harry
Ella Pilon
Kim Lousie Bethleham
Benjamin Exton
Kayla Padua
John Dinkins
Clara Rojos
Nyla Frambach
Addison Pfleegor
Mayte Resendiz
Tyler Adams
Anna Nauman
Brielle Nugent
Lydia Krautkremer
Courtney Hoffman
Katherine Zoumboulis
Caroline Wilkerson
Tarina Owens
Ava Christiansen
Sam Sirabian
Salome Farah
Alyssandra Titus
Kritika Sengupta
Kate Schope
Sasha Lawton
Jessica Lojek
Emily Deaver
Erion Marte
George Dambakly
Ethan Carriero
Taylor Knight
Kaylee Powell
Ella Sweet
Isabella Haddon
Erica Mitchell
Leonardo Olvera
Woon
Ethan Carriero
Jonathan Santos
Ashley Arnold
Gabriel Rodriguez
Ethan Warren
Julie SophiaRezende Walsh
Benjamin Slusher
Kirsten Seibert
Kala Cooper
Cameron Arnold
Sophia Kliener
Wow… This issue is especially bittersweet for me, not only because it marks Flair Magazine’s 11th edition, but also because it is my last semester as Editor in Chief–and as a student at UNCW. It’s hard to put into words just how much Flair means to me. What started as a step outside my comfort zone has become one of the most fulfilling and defining experiences of my college career.
I joined Flair my sophomore year, unsure of where I belonged, but eager to create. Over time, I found a place where ideas, creativity, and friendships flourished. Every meeting, every latenight editing, every photoshoot, I have adored it all. Watching our members bring their visions to life has been one of the greatest joys of this journey. What starts as a spark of creativity and transforms into something tangible, something you can hold in your hands and flip through, is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Flair team. It’s truly one of the most rewarding parts of this experience.
This issue, The Adore Issue, is dedicated to adoration and love in all its forms: Romantic, platonic, self-love, familial love, passion for our crafts, and the many other ways love exists. Love is expansive, ever-changing, and deeply personal. It’s in the art we create, the friendships we make, and the moments we learn to appreciate ourselves. With this issue, we hope to celebrate love in all its depth and complexity. As we witness all the tragedy around us, it is obvious the world needs more love. It’s very important to focus on, and strengthen, all the love that surrounds us. Choosing to focus on love doesn’t mean ignoring reality or pretending the hardships don’t exist. Instead, it’s about uplifting and uniting us. Love is one of the few things that multiplies when shared, together we can create a ripple effect that extends beyond our close circles.
As I say goodbye to my beloved Flair, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people who have made my time here so special. To my incredible Flair family, the board, the members, and everyone in between thank you for inspiring me and pushing me to make this magazine everything it is. I will carry the lessons, the memories, and the friendships with me long after my time with Flair.
And to our readers, thank you for allowing us to share these stories, this art, and these moments with you. It has been an absolute pleasure.
Jaelin Hilliard Editor in Chief
Vénus
Nous venons tous de la mer...
POV: You’re scrolling at sixty miles a minute until you come across a girl who has just done her daily skincare and makeup routine. She posts a ten-second video of her lip-syncing to a popular audio, capturing a beautiful glow. What do you do? Is there an urge to humble her? Do you cringe and squint? Maybe you will go to her profile and see that she has many other videos with the same concept. Perhaps a product review or a sponsorship about her favorites. What do you think of her? Surely, nothing, right? Let’s check the comments. It doesn’t take you long to realize that the comment section is the worst place for anyone to be.
People have always taken an interest in how they are perceived, and with the advent of social media, this interest manifests more clearly and concretely. We need only look at the various trends: From body positivity to “It Girls,” to love yourself, to alternative scenes, people are sharing their confidence online and in the world. However, with this exposure comes the “threat” to those who do present themselves through a particular aesthetic, comfortably soaking in what makes them feel beautiful and seen through consumerism (clothing, products, household decorations, or essentials) and sharing (short-form content, videos, photographs, and shoots) being deemed vain by those who are less confident. Why is it, then, that people remain aversive to self-assurance and poise?
In Greek mythology, there is no lack of vanity, as many of the gods, goddesses, and spirits are portrayed through their appearance. In the myth of Narcissus (where the word narcissist and personality disorder of narcissism stem from), Narcissus rejects all women, including the most beautiful entities known, to behold himself. He is cursed by Aphrodite, who makes him fall in love with his reflection in the water. This results in his inevitable death as he neglects his basic needs to observe his reflection. However, arrogance regarding other male gods and heroes is typically seen as a valuable trait of great might. It is a positive and desirable trait to have a “strong and assertive man.” Think of the classic epic, the Odyssey, the tale of the homecoming of Odysseus, whose haughtiness leads
to mishaps and traps. But this is where we approach a prominent factor in this conversation: Misogyny. The goddess, Kakia, is depicted as vain, confident, and a cosmetics lover. She wears makeup. In the mythology, she represents vice and villainy. She and many other female Greek goddesses are typically sculpted nude, their bodies and beauty considered temptatious and evil by the Greeks. (Hence, they “must be married off” to become property.) Hybris, the spirit of arrogance, is rarely mentioned in myths as an individual, but rather, her existence is reduced to a concept, serving as a warning of pride: a danger in women but a wonderful quality in men.
The reason why outward displays of confidence and belonging stuns society so much is quite individualistic. One must observe their implicit biases to understand what about the subject’s confidence makes them uneasy. Hatred towards women simply for being women is an important factor when it comes to observing self-confidence as something perilous or deceptive within patriarchal oppressive belief systems. For example, someone who grew up in a racist, conservative household without much representation of diversity may feel a tinge when observing a person of color who is completely comfortable in their skin and style. Oftentimes, a person who exists on the margins of society is judged more harshly for outward expressions of self-acceptance than people who adhere to the cultural norm. (Think back to how Odysseus was praised whereas Kakia was not.) People tend to fear those who can both exhibit traits outside of their norms and values and maintain level-headedness, self-respect, and selflove. This hate for those outside of the normative box can even present itself as being internalized, translating into self-hatred rather than external disdain for another person. So the next time you see someone’s post exuding and oozing with “arrogance,” ask yourself, “What about them is making me uncomfortable?” And if you’re the person reveling in your beauty, be sure to recognize those nasty comments have nothing to do with you and all to do with their fragility.
Written by Eri Mitchell
Design by Alyssandra Titus
What Are You Drinking?
Written
and
Designed By: Skye Harry
Picture this: you’re at your favorite brunch restaurant, you’re indulging in your Saturday morning breakfast spread and the sun is shining. Eggs, bacon, avocado toast, and maybe a breakfast cocktail or two. You’re exchanging the latest gossip with friends. Your two mimosas have turned to four and you decide to order a glass of water. It comes out in a perfectly chilled glass topped with ice and a lemon slice. Here’s the kicker – what if that water contains something that could cause liver cancer and other health concerns and there is no real way to realize it was there?
GENX is a chemical compound that is present in the water supply of certain counties including communities in the lower Cape Fear region. I have lived in Wilmington for a year now and have never noticed anything off about the water here. I have learned recently that the blackwater Cape Fear River is home to the chemical GENX. A Fayetteville facility was manufacturing things such as Teflon. A byproduct of this is that GENX has been seeping into the river since 1980. It is a chemical compound used in the production of nonstick coatings. It is part of a group of chemicals called perfluorinated compounds. There are quite a few large words that could describe the chemical compound but here are the main things you need to know about it. It is considered a healthy alternative to older, less safe chemicals. It is helping the fight against climate change. It has been linked to many health problems such as liver problems and immune suppression. Lastly, it is in your drinking water and water utilities have confirmed that it’s nearly impossible to fully filter out GENX.
I am not writing this to alarm you. I am writing because there are steps to combat this in our dayto-day lives. First step: Invest in a good water filter. There are showerhead and faucet options on Amazon or other shops. Not only will it work to
filter out chemicals like GENX but it’ll also have the bonus of improving your skin’s PH and potentially helping with acne.
Another easy switch: Ditch your non-stick cookware. I know it is tempting to keep that trusty non-stick pan. I used to have a pink non-stick pan that I used every morning. Unfortunately, GENX hides in non-stick chemicals. It was a sad day when I had to goodwill my morning egg pan but I know it was the right decision. Cast Iron pans are a good alternative and can actually help with iron deficiency.
When it comes to food, try to buy organic when possible. I know, I know – Whole Foods can feel like a bit of a financial commitment. An alternative could be Harris Teeter which has a lot of organic options and offers a 5% student discount. Even small steps to eliminate GENX from your diet are worth it.
By making small changes in our everyday lives, we can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and create a healthier future for ourselves. The world is dangerous and has a lot of health issues lurking. Why not make it a little less likely by making little switches here and there? We can reduce our exposure to GENX and help ensure that something as natural as drinking water doesn’t add unnecessary stress to our lives.
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN Sarah Higgins
Ode to THE OLIVE BRANCH
I met Jack in one of Oregon State’s cafeteria kitchens. Tattoos crawled up the back of his neck, he was tall, lanky, from England, and studying English. I was drawn to him. As an engineering student with zero art in my life, his character was the bite of art I thought I needed. My first year of college I lived alone, in the loft of an old lady’s apartment. It felt like the walls were caving in on me. I had no community, so when the opportunity presented itself—a grand, rickety house near downtown with windows the wind blew straight through—I jumped. My roommates were all art majors; donning orange-dyed mullets, baggy dad clothes, and their conversations were sophomoric and impenetrable by the likes of myself. They represented a side of me I hadn’t integrated yet, but desired to. The angsty artist. The most angsty of everyone, though, was a waifish goth with all the fixings: Smeared eyeliner she never removed, black-out clothes, and charcoal hair. She was studying English, her room was full of books, stacks of them smooshed against the walls. She wanted to be a writer. And I did too, but was too afraid to drop the toil I subjected myself to with cry-worthy calculus exams, allnight study sessions, and all-male peers squinting at me in physics courses like I didn’t belong. Jack treated me as more of a booty call than a lover, which I pretended didn’t bother me. The words “I love you” remained lodged in the back of my throat in fear he would stop speaking to me entirely.
When I asked if he was sleeping with anyone else, he said “No.” I knew he was lying, but it was easier to believe him than to challenge what might have broken me—his honesty. By the Willamette River one day in spring, we skipped stones and talked about Spain. He told me how there are olive trees, But they can’t be eaten raw off the branches because they’re poisonous if unprocessed. He then told me, To extend the olive branch means to offer peace. The next morning I went to the tattoo parlor where I asked an emaciated man in a wife beater, his arms blue with blurred ink, to tattoo an olive branch behind my ear. My first tattoo as tribute to my unrequited love for Jack, before he returned to England. He invited me to his going-away party. I showed him my new tattoo and he said, “You know, to extend the olive branch means to offer peace.” I grew flustered and yelled at him, “Yes, I know!” I realized then that our time together was nothing beyond transitory to him. When he left he stopped replying to my texts— every message I sent was like puking into space. After the goth moved out, I found some Polaroids in a random kitchen drawer. One of them was a picture of her and Jack together, arm-in-arm. The bottom dropped out of my heart. I figured a good exercise in letting go was dropping it theatrically in the trash, watching as the corner wedged itself in a pile of old macaroni. I stopped following him on Facebook, but never unfriended with the hope he’d someday reach out—maybe the words I held back he was holding back too. It’s been seven years.
Written by Camille Bliss Designed by Grace Baeurle
Oil on Canvas, 2025
Digital Photography
The fashion industry uses 1.3 billion barrels of oil every year. The average person’s wardrobe was created using 379 litres of oil. A play on oil painting recreations, this exhibition serves a metaphor for the benefits of slow fashion.
Bibliophile
The trees tower so high their leaves brush the clouds. And the clouds, a purple haze, cry tears of stardust instead of rain. And the stardust falls on a Netherland rabbit who floats up, up, up, her little legs kicking in the air.
She can now fly in the absence of wings.
Behind the rabbit, a trickle of water can be heard. From a waterfall, moonlight flows into a silver pool. The sun kisses the water, and alas, night meets dawn in the very same place, at the very same time.
My feet meet the moss-covered stone, and I almost slip, but catch myself on the nearest tree limb. That was a close one, I sigh. Continuing my walk, much slower this time, I pore over the fantastical land before me, but a voice echoes from the distance, dissolving every bit of magic into a pile of words on coffee-stained paper.
“Honey,” my mother calls. “It’s time for dinner.”
I look up, and I find that I am no longer in the place I was just in, though I haven’t moved a muscle. I’m sitting in my bed, cocooned in blankets, and to my right is a window that holds the view of a suburban neighborhood. A leatherbound book rests in my lap. I skim my finger along the words that shape such a beautiful world, such a beautiful real world, and find myself longing for a place I’ve never been. A place that only exists in this book and the deepest corners of my mind. Shutting the book, I head downstairs, and into the kitchen.
We’re having salmon for dinner.
Moments ago, I wasn’t hungry at all. What I craved for already filled my soul with servings of pixie dust and gold. Now, my stomach rumbles, and I clean my plate happily.
“You were in your bedroom for hours.” My mother says, prodding the salmon with her fork.
Was I? Or was I somewhere else entirely? Maybe I was in my bedroom, but in that other beautiful place too. Perhaps both were true, and It was possible to be in two places at once, to be in two worlds at once.
Written by Isabela Rezende Designed by Grace Baeurle
Mother takes my empty plate and brings it to the sink. “I’m assuming the book you’re reading is good?”
Good? I wasn’t sure that word equated to the magic that laced every written word, the ink that pulsed through my veins like blood. I’d settle for it though, until a better one was invented.
“Yeah, it’s good.”
“Bibliophile,” my mother says.
I look up, brows furrowed. “What?”
“It’s a word,” she says. “Look it up.”
Back in my bedroom, I take out a large threadbare dictionary. It plops onto my bed, dust flying from its pages. I flip through and trace my finger over a peculiar word.
Bib·li·o·phile /ˈbiblēəˌfīl/ noun: bibliophile; plural noun: bibliophiles a person who collects or has a great love of books.
I smile, a soft hmmm, escaping my lips. It turns out the perfect word had been invented. I just didn’t know it existed until now. Across from the dictionary, my book sits innocently, like it didn’t just capture every ounce of my attention only moments ago. I reach for it, unable to resist the temptation.
Hours pass in my bedroom, and a lifetime passes in my imagination. I’m on the last page of the story where it reads The End. It’s ironic because it seems as though it’s only just begun. I know the words will stick to me like a second skin, a new layer of myself that I’ll carry everywhere I go.
In the supermarket, in school, in the gardens of suburban neighborhoods, in the kitchen, in the park, in the cafe, in the comforts of my bedroom…
I’ll think about the story I just read—its enchanted forest filled with dancing flowers—and how though it’s long since finished, I’ve been there ever since.
Bib·li·o·phile /ˈbiblēəˌfīl/ noun: bibliophile; plural noun: bibliophiles a person who collects or has a great love of books.
BEAUTY & FASHION EDITOR Grace Baeurle
the esteemed poet published less than a dozen of her nearly 1,800 poems. Writing for her was about the act, not about publication. Now Dickinson is considered one of the greatest poets of all time. Af ter Dickinson’s death, many of these unpublished poems were discovered scrawled on scavenged pa per and bits of torn envelope. While she went on in comfortable anonymity throughout her lifetime, Dickinson often wrote letters to friends, enclosing poems and knick-knacks like dried flowers, pencil stubs, and once a dead cricket. Only posthumously were most of her poems discovered and published including her “envelope poems”. In a letter scribbled at a slant in faded pencil can be found the words, “If it had no pencil / would it try mine”. Dickinson is urging us to write, no matter the outcome, no matter the circumstances, or the lack of a nearby notebook. Perhaps there is an envelope nearby. To be a writer, one must write, that’s the price of admission.
Written by Taylor Beth Knight
Designed by Kayla Padua
A D O R E
WHAT TO DO IN WILMINGTON
Finding the perfect date spot can be difficult, but we made it e asy for you.
For the Early Birds
HiddenSUNdaysGrounds
Casa Blanca
BlueberryPeriwinkGrill
For the Foodies
The Half K38 Baja FlorianaGrill
For the Sweets Lovers
Boombalattis
Donut Inn
Wandering Cone Creamery
For the Outdoor Lovers
walk the loop at Wrightsville
Airlie Gardens
Carolina State Park for Hikes
Wrightsville SUP
Flair Favorites
Cameron Art Museum
$5 Movies @ The Pointe 14 on Tuesdays
Dead crow comedy Cinematique of wilmington Fuzzy needle
Airlie Gardens
This public garden truly comes alive during the spring. You’re able to take a guided tour to learn more about the history that dates all the way back to the 1700s or you can wander the sixty-seven acres by yourself.
Periwink Coffee Bar
This coffee bar has an environment just as cute as its name. It is women-owned and operated, and accelerates in delicious drinks and one-ofa-kind stationery. Located in Wrightsville, it is the perfect start to your beach day.
The Fuzzy Needle
The Fuzzy Needle specializes in records, books, and ephemera. They have a diverse selection stretching many genres. Located in the Cargo District, it is a spot every music lover must visit. They work closely with independent labels and artists to not just bring a wide variety of music, but also to support the future of entertainment.
Dead Crow Comedy
Dead Crow is Wilmington’s only full-time comedy club. Every week they have a combination of local and nationally touring comedians. The laid-back environment and elegant cocktails for an affordable price make this club the perfect spot to spend a Friday or Saturday night. Throughout the week they have open mics and improv shows to observe the local talent that Wilmington has to offer.
Cinematique of Wilmington
Watching movies in a theater is something we often overlook given streaming services. Cinematique of Wilmington will make you thankful that you decided to leave the house. It is a film series presented by WHQR Public Media and displayed in Thalian Hall downtown. You can catch foreign, independent, documentary, and notable films all in the breathtaking performance arts center. Recent films that have been shown include A Complete Unknown, A Real Pain, and Saturday Night.
Written By: Julia Knowles & Sarah Higgins
Designed By: Sarah Higgins
I Come First:
The Art of Dating Yourself
Designed By; Christina Laieta & Aiden Bryceland
Written By: Gibson H
“Have you ever put a day on hold because you hoped someone would ask you out? Do you only get done up or dress nice because you happen to be seeing your crush? Are you disappointed in your potential partner for not taking you where you want to go, leaving you planless? Are you dissatisfied, in your head, and tired of being let down?” of
I have the solution: DATE YOURSELF. No matter what you choose, do it for yourself. Shower and shave, put on your best underwear and outfit, do your hair, put on the good perfume, and go. Take yourself to dinner, or a movie. Go to the park and read or play cards. Listen to music while you drive. Buy yourself flowers, buy yourself a vibrator, buy yourself chocolates. Enjoy your own company and conversation.
I have always called myself a hopeful romantic, looking to find a positive in the stereotypical hopeless lover archetype. So much of my life has been spent loving others, my friends, my family, falling too fast, romanticizing and finding the positives in everyone. Coming to college, my desire for connection sustained, but a shift occurred. I realized that the gaps I had felt before, in relationships and “situationships”, the insecurity, the near desperation for some form of love, came from within. My focus changed, it was time to take love into my own hands.
To be fully confident, secure, and open in any relationship, you must know who you are first. Know what you like, what you enjoy doing, know you can spend your time independently, with your own hobbies and adventures. This you time is about more than being alone, it is about pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, treating yourself, showing yourself what you deserve, creating space for time with your thoughts, to know YOU. Even in a relationship, continuing to date yourself is vital. Having a friend in and loving yourself, creates important space and independence from your partner, letting the times you share become even more special. It can be so easy to lose oneself in the beautiful intertwining that happens in love, especially at this age
We are only beginning to solidify who we are, discovering the inner workings of our dreams and desires. Space for you can breathe a whole new life into relationships, a vitality of romance and connection, a subtle shift that can open all new doors.
Even greater than having this private world, is the beauty of opening up this personal, independent world. When you are out experiencing what YOU want, enjoying YOUR interests and hobbies, you attract similarly well-rounded people with the same shared values and interests. And when the time is right, when you meet someone you feel at home with, bringing them along on one of your solo-dates can open new doors. Take them on the walk you always go on, bring them to your favorite dine-alone restaurant, play them the songs you have grown to love in solitary. While there is magic in allowing things to be your own, (one I recognize, appreciate, and partake in) the romantic in me, the one that still sees love at every turn, wants to encourage the eventual opening of these doors to someone else.
Dating yourself is not an act of becoming frigid or cold, it is designed to show you how deserving and important you are. As I have fallen in love with myself, I have fallen even more in love with the world around me. I have been blessed with a rekindled hope, a mindset filled with gratitude for my experiences and what is to come. To let others be a central focus, a ruling body in our lives is unhealthy. Make your plans, and dates with yourself of course, but schedule time with that friend you made, the one you wanted to hang out with but never got around to. Try new things, meet new people, stop living by the rules of FOMO and “I should”. Do what YOU want, do what YOU need, and do YOUR best.
Gibson Hof CULTURE & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Zodiac Signs The Way They Express Adoration
Zodiac Signs: The Way They Express Adoration
Written and Designed by
Written and Designed by
Aries March 21- April 19
Taurus April 20 - May 20
Emily Deaver
Emily Deaver
Without a doubt this bold and direct sign will mirror those exact traits in their compliments. They might even surprise you with a spontaneous outing! Aries are loyal and protective, two traits that complement each other well. Expect energy, excitement and affection when an Aries is around! A loving sign ruled by Venus, a Taurus, expresses adoration in a comforting, secure way that is guaranteed to make your heart heal in a way that you’ve never imagined. Taurus, also being known for their loyalty, will shower you with physical affection, quality time, and thoughtful gifts to prove their commitment.
Gemini May 21 - June 20
A Gemini’s playful and curious energy results in meaningful and inquisitive conversations. A Gemini is full of wit and curiosity. When getting to know a Gemini, they will want to know you more! As long as a Gemini is around, be open to letting them in, as they will change you for the better.
Cancer June 21 - July 22
Leo July 23-August 22
Cancers are extremely emotionally in tune, making for excellent listeners who show their warmheartedness. They express their love through emotional support, thoughtful gestures, and honesty. Cancers aren’t afraid to express their feelings as it is at the top of their priorities. Leos are natural born romantics destined to sweep you off your feet. Whether you have a friend or romantic partner that is a Leo, they will work to continuously spoil you to express their adoration. While a Leo craves attention from others, when it comes to their partner, they give it all to them, showing their true heartfelt kindness.
Virgo August 23 - September 22
This tidy sign is typically categorized as having a type A personality, because they have a more organized and practical mindset. In relationships, this “type A” personality leads to sincere compliments and an unmatched attention to detail. Virgos’ adoration is shown through sincerity and certainty. Expect dates that are perfectly curated towards your interests, as a Virgo certainly picks up on what you like.
Libra September 23 - October 22
Libras show love in a graceful and balanced way. They are more than willing to compromise as they are all about harmony. If there is ever a conflict, Libras will do everything in their power to smooth it over and offer peace. When it comes to expressing adoration, romantic gestures and flattery take the cake.
Scorpio October 23 - November 21
Scorpios express adoration through protective gestures and unconditional support. Scorpios are full of emotion and passion, and approach love with an intensity that makes for a lasting relationship. This intensity is magnetic and creates the ability for them to understand others on a deeper level.
Sagittarius November 22 - December 21
Adventurous and full of fun is the best way to describe a Sagittarius. They show love in arguably the most exciting way, as they are all about living life to the fullest. When they’re into someone, it’s all about spontaneity, having fun, and sharing thrilling experiences together. Every moment is an adventure with a Sagittarius, so enjoy it!
Which sign adores which!
Find your perfect zodiac match!
Capricorn + Virgo
Aries + Scorpio
Libra + Aquarius
Pisces + Cancer
Sagittarius + Leo
Capricorn December 22 - January 19
Similarly to Virgos, Capricorns are grounded and practical in their approach to love.While they may not be known for grand romantic gestures or public displays of affection, they demonstrate their affection through consistent support, unwavering dedication, and a strong commitment to the relationship. A Capricorn’s love is expressed through their loyalty and persistent effort.
Aquarius January 20 - February 18
An Aquarius shows adoration in a refreshingly intellectual way. Aquarians express their affection through meaningful conversations, emotional connections, and a genuine commitment to the people they care about. Aquarians embrace originality and loyalty in ways that keep their relationships both exciting and enduring.
Pisces February 19 - March 20
Known for their dreamy nature, Pisces express adoration in the most heartfelt and imaginative ways. Pisces have a natural intuition and deep empathy. They show love through creative gestures, and a genuine desire to connect. Their affectionate nature makes them the ultimate romantics, consistently seeking to nurture their relationships with compassion.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Meghan Gregory
LIMERENCE
FLAIR’S SPRING MIXTAPE
DESIGNED BY JAELIN HILLIARD
CURATED BY
01. American Wedding by Frank Ocean.
02. Birthday by The Sugarcubes
03. Boy From School by Hot Chip
04. Diving Women by Japanese Breakfast
05. Get Free by Lana Del Rey
06. Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears
07. Hello Walls by Willie Nelson
08. Like Someone in Love by Bjork
09. L-Over by U.S., Girls
10. Luv N’ Haight by Sly & The Family Stone
11. Playgirl by Ladytron
12. Please Please Please by Fiona Apple
13. Sex & Candy by Marcy Playground
14. Spring is Coming With A Strawberry In The Mouth by Caroline Polachek
15. Surrender (‘88 Version) by Suicide
16. Tiny Bikini by Amyl and The Sniffers
17. True Altruism by Chanel Beads
18. Under Your Spell by Desire
19. We Will Always Love You by The Avalanches, Blood Orange
20. White Teeth Teens by Lorde
JAELIN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jaelin Hilliard
cinephilia.
Written & Designed by Jaelin Hilliard
“Cinephilia”, the love or extreme interest in films. Some films don’t just inspire, they leave behind fingerprints on everything from fashion to music, to the way a shot is framed, or a story is told. One of the best examples? Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975), a dreamy ethereal film that cast its spell over countless creatives, including Sofia Coppola, and the late and great David Lynch.
Directed by Peter Weir, Picnic at Hanging Rock is a mystery film inspired by feminine repression, Victorian aesthetics, and an atmosphere so thick you can almost touch it. The film, centered on the unexplained disappearance of schoolgirls in the Australian wilderness, is less about solving a mystery than it’s more about reveling in the mystery’s ambiguity.
Decades later, Coppola took this approach and made it her own in The Virgin Suicides (1999) and Marie Antoinette (2006). Coppola, a director known for her deeply atmospheric storytelling, channels Picnic at Hanging Rock in ways that go beyond homage. Sophia Coppola and David Lynch films, like Weir’s, don’t concern themselves with hard conclusions. Instead, they immerse the viewer in mood, longing glances, and a dreamlike quality that makes reality feel just slightly out of reach. In The Virgin Suicides, the Lisbon sisters exist much like the lost girls of Picnic at Hanging Rock, mystifying, idealized, and ultimately unknowable. Lynch’s Twin Peaks (19901991) pulls inspiration from Weir’s mystical, confusing tones, ambiguous ending, and the captivating, adored main character. You can see clear inspiration from Picnic at Hanging Rock’s Miranda to Twin Peaks’ Laura Palmer.
Marie Antoinette borrows Weir’s approach of blending historical narrative with modern sensibilities, using visual storytelling as its strongest language.
The film’s costuming features extravagant Rococo gowns paired with contemporary touches like Converse sneakers. This echoes Picnic at Hanging Rock’s contrast of its beautiful costuming against its visual symbolic meaning. The use of corsets, hats, and gloves represents the constraint women, and Australian citizens, felt under British rule.
The influence of Picnic at Hanging Rock isn’t just contained within film. Its visual storytelling, costume design, and hypnotic aura have bled into fashion and pop culture. The film’s delicate, high-necked white dresses and soft, hazy cinematography inspired designers and photographers alike. In 2015, Vogue featured Teresa Palmer and Phoebe Tonkin in a twenty-page shoot inspired by the Picnic at Hanging Rock film. You can also see inspiration from this film on the runway in Alexander McQueen’s 2005 Spring collection, John Galliano’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection, and Florentina Leitner Proving Spring/Summer 2024 collection. You can even see inspiration from Picnic at Hanging Rock in everyday clothing through trends such as Coquette-core, Cottage-core, Ballet-core, and many more. Picnic at Hanging Rock is proof that a film’s aesthetic can transcend beyond the big screen and bleed into media and art mediums.
What makes Picnic at Hanging Rock such a lasting influence? Perhaps it’s the way it embraces the unknown, allowing mystery and beauty to coexist. It’s this same approach that makes Coppola’s films so compelling. They’re not in search of answers; they’re centered around feelings—of nostalgia, isolation, rebellion, and desire. It’s a reminder that storytelling isn’t always about what happens, but how the story makes you feel.
The legacy of Picnic at Hanging Rock serves as an example of the power of cinema, it is the essence of cinephilia: A strong love for art that continuously influences and shapes other creatives. The act of drawing inspiration from the past is a celebration of our connection to those who came before us. This is what makes the love of cinema so powerful, it’s not just about admiring the art, but about how that art continues to live, evolve, and inspire those who adore it.
ETERNAL
Movie Reccomendations Based off Love Languages
Written and Designed by Alyssandra Titus
decision to leave (2022) genre: noir, romance, mystery
If your Love Language is Acts of Service that means that you are someone who pays attention to the small things about your loved ones and enjoys giving your time and effort to them. You are someone who likes to help make things easier for the people you love. ‘Decision to Leave’ is a film that was directed by Park Chan-wook whose work tends to focus on the complexity and restraints of romantic relationships. The movie centers around a morally gray relationship that develops between a detective and the wife of a murder victim, who the detective suspects is the culprit. Throughout the movie these characters are doing things for each other that push their moral boundaries all for the sake of love.
uptown girls (2003) genre: drama & comedy
If your Love Language is Gift Giving that means you are someone that likes to show your loved one affection through giving and receiving gifts. The gesture and the show of effort is more important than the monetary value of the gift. ‘Uptown Girls’ is a film that starred Brittany Murphy and a young Dakota Fanning. The movie centers around Molly, the daughter of a famous deceased musician, and Ray, the emotionally neglected daughter of a music executive. Molly takes on the job of nannying young Ray after she learns she has been scammed by her manager. Although the tangible action of giving and receiving gifts in movies is scarce, the real gift of this movie is the relationship the two girls build. Even though they are at different stages of life and have had different life experiences, they seem to understand each other better than anyone else in their lives. Ray’s gift to Molly at the end of the movie will definitely make you cry!
challengers (2024) genre: drama & romance
If your Love Language is Physical Touch that means you are someone who expresses your affection towards your loved ones through physical affection. The sensation of physical closeness makes you feel more connected to your loved one. ‘Challengers’ is a film directed by Luca Guadagnino whose work has been known to dive into tumultuous relationships. The movie centers around the past and present lives of three tennis players and their complex relationships with each other. A driving force of turmoil throughout the movie seems to be the characters’ lack of honesty with each other and themselves. Throughout the movie each character’s body language seems to betray their words. The most honest they seem to be with each other is through their physical intimacy whether it be tennis or sex.
rye lane (2023) genre: comedy & romance
If your Love Language is Quality Time that means you are someone who likes to spend meaningful time with your loved ones. To you, spending time with a person is an important way to build deeper relationships with people. You like to give your full attention and engagement to your loved one when spending time together. ‘Rye Lane’ is the directorial debut of director Raine Allen-Miller that was released on Hulu. The movie centers around two twenty-something South Londoners, Dom and Yas, who randomly meet and decide to spend the day together bonding over their recent breakups. The main characters of the movie are complete opposites and can clash at times, but in the quality time they spend together they build a deep understanding of one another that is beautiful to watch.
in the mood for love (2000) genre: drama & romance
If your Love Language is Words of Affirmation that means you are someone who likes to receive and give compliments and encouragements. Your way of showing affection is through spoken words of praise and support. ‘In the Mood for Love’ is a film that is directed by Wong Kar-Wai who is known for his lucid cinematography and atmospheric use of sound in his movies. The movie centers around Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan, who find out that their spouses are having an affair with each other. The pair bond with each other over their spouses’ betrayal and develop a doomed relationship. Throughout the movie we see the building of the relationship between Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan through the intimate conversations they have with each other, whether it be over the phone or across a restaurant table.
DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING Katie Mac Filer
Recipes with Flair
Written by:Julia Knowles
Designed by:Salome Farah
Brunch Casserole
Ingredients:
-1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked
-8 oz can crescent rolls
-3 eggs beaten
-¾ cup milk
-¼ tsp salt
-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
⅛ tsp pepper
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
2. Spread crescent rolls on a 9x13 pan
3. Spread sausage, and cheese, and mix eggs and milk
4. Bake for 15 minutes
Mailänderli
Ingredients:
-1 ⅛ cup of room-temperature butter
-1 ⅛ cups of sugar
Food and cooking create a unique and universal community. Sharing a meal with someone is a love language of its own. When reflecting on fond memories over the years when I have truly felt love around me, food was involved more often than not. Here are some recipes that Flair adores. Take these and cook up some fondness for you and your loved ones.
-4-5 egg yolks, depending on the size
-2 ⅓ cups of flour
-Zest from one lemon
Glaze:
-2 egg yolks
-2 tsp sugar
Directions:
1. Beat butter and sugar until it turns a pale yellow and becomes light and fluffy
2. Add lemon zest
3.Add the egg yolks one at a time, whisking well
4.Add flour and mix until the dough comes together
5.Split dough into three discs, wrap in plastic and let chill for about an hour
6.Heat oven to 350 degrees
7.Roll dough out to ½ inch
8.Cut out the cookies and add them to a tray lined with parchment paper
9.Whisk together egg yolks and sugar and brush the glaze on the cookies
10. Bake for 10 minutes
Drop Biscuits
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup chilled unsalted butter
½ cup milk
1 large egg
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line the pan with parchment paper.
2.Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt. Set aside.
3.Beat egg in a measuring cup. Add the milk and combine well.
4.Grate the butter over the dry ingredients. It should start to look like coarse crumbs. Add in the egg and milk mixture and combine. Drizzle lemon juice over the dough and stir a few times.
5.Drop the dough onto the baking sheet. Use a large tablespoon for each biscuit. Bake for 18-20 minutes and cool for 2 minutes. Move to a cutting board or wire rack to cool completely.
DEVOUR
DIRECTOR OF WRITING Sara Byrnes
Love is More Than a Word
The Greek Language has seven words for Love; English has only one.
Philia friendship; community; love between equals . . . . ^
Agape the love for others; empathy; or the love for a higher power
Growing up, I was infatuated with the idea of Love. It was constantly surrounding me in every song I sang, movie I watched, book I read, painting I observed. They all captured this strange concept and snared my mind with beautiful depictions of falling in love. I believed love was just this idea of finding “the One”. It consumed me; I would spend all my time pining, wondering when I would meet this fated person.
Eros sexual and romantic love; lust; intimate passion
I was fifteen when I experienced “love” for the first time. I became so obsessed with this idea that I had finally achieved what seemed like my whole life’s purpose. I found a romantic partner and suddenly no other relationships mattered anymore. I stopped harboring my friendships. What did anyone else matter when I had finally achieved this “Love” thing that had so deeply attracted my thoughts.
It was around junior year of high school that I discovered the seven words that all meant “Love”. I can’t even remember how I stumbled upon it, but it completely changed my perspective. Love exists in everything and this whole time I never knew because I was caught up in the singular English definition of love. I slowly started noticing little things in my life that encapsulated this concept, and once again I saw the beauty of Love again.
Pragma committed, long-lasting love; love with duty; enduring love.
At sixteen years old, my heart broke. I deemed myself “unloveable”. It was such a harsh label to put on myself for someone who did not even understand the concept, but I was completely alone. I lost this thing that I thought was the sole purpose for living, and I had thrown away my friendships in pursuit of keeping it. My world shattered around me.
Written By: Ashley Arnold
Storge love between a parent and child; familial love
Love exists in the man I would watch from behind the counter at a little coffee shop come in, order two hot chocolates, and sit down to play Monopoly or do crafts with his son every single Sunday without fail. Tears would form in my eyes just from observing the joy in that little boy’s face. I always pretended it was from the sunlight shining rays through the windows into my eyes. It exists in the two girls, no older than twenty-one, I saw one morning sitting at brunch. One of them nodded her head, her hand covering her mouth, giggling. The other, hands slammed onto the little bistro table, mouth wide open. I couldn’t help but smile with them as my car turned the corner and I lost sight of them.
Designed By: Josey U
Philautia self-love, love for one’s own happiness, self-compassion
Romantic love is only one part out of seven that truly encapsulates what love is. Unfortunately, I have observed that most people only focus on this tiny aspect. I have had too many conversations with people complaining that they will never “find love”, and I try to explain how love is always there if they would just look. If English had more words for Love, I believe our society would not be so focused on this crazed concept of finding “True Love”. True Love is already present, just waiting for you to open your eyes and see it.
Ludus playful, flirty love; non-committal love; love for the game
Love is the warm buzz of chatter filling my living room as friends laugh and talk. It exists in my mother calling me every time she thinks I need her. She has never once been wrong. Love is a knowing smile, stolen glances, and blushed faces. It is sitting so close your thighs are touching but not moving away. It exists in running my hands through his hair. Love travels in shared sleepy laughter at two in the morning.
DIRECTORS OF ART
Anthony & Michael Ponce
Within the same week that Trump was inaugurated for his first term in office back in January of 2017, a tragic loss took place within the online community that inadvertently changed media consumption as a whole: The death of Vine. People online flocked to Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and other platforms to fill the void that Vine had left behind, yet nothing really succeeded as well as TikTok. The app formerly known as Musical.ly was bought back in 2016 and rebranded into TikTok in November of 2017. The app only grew in popularity within the following years with its short videos and funny content. In time, the app has grown to be very influential in creating trends and the widespread distribution of information. TikTok has paved the way for so many small businesses and artists to promote and market themselves to a wider audience than they’ve probably been able to reach.
Social media platforms house millions of accounts of people all across the globe, connecting people thousands of miles away from each other through a scroll. There are thousands if not millions of news outlets that share daily news and important updates for the general public through social media. While TikTok and other social media platforms bring a new connection to the general public that might not have existed before, there has also been an increase in the disconnect between politics and reality.
There is an awareness of the political atmosphere in our country that hadn’t existed before, but with anything good, there is also a negative. Social media platforms are based on algorithms and data. Everything that a person does on social media is tracked and stored for better curation of their
Written and Designed by Alyssandra Titus
feeds. Although many social media platforms have guidelines and rules that users must agree to when signing up, that doesn’t stop people from posting concerning material and misleading information. There are people of all ages on social media consuming content daily without limitations. Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to misinformation on the internet, as children are usually too young to know better and the elderly are too old to know the difference. The rise of social media is shortening the attention span of people severely and, unfortunately, helping the spread of our government’s propaganda, as there is an increase in desensitization to things that are not normal for a democratic government to do.
During Trump’s first term, all across the internet, from major news publications to a single person’s post, there were memes and jokes being made about Trump’s incapability to do the job as President of the United States. For four years, Trump showed the American people that he didn’t care about the general public and that he didn’t have the qualifications to take the job as the highest-ranking elected official seriously. It was the awful reality that the American people had to live in for four years. It seemed easier for people online to cope with that reality through humor by making jokes and memes about Trump and his administration until he was out of office. Things were supposed to be “normal” again after Trump lost the election in 2020, but Trump and his administration left a stain on the future of American politics and culture that has set the precedent for the horrific political atmosphere we live in today.
Trump getting reelected for another presidential term only shows the ac-
tive regression of our country. We are living in a dangerous time right now with our government aggressively undermining constitutional and human rights. It has only been two months since Trump’s second inauguration, and since then there has been an overwhelming amount of concern from news outlets and even other world leaders about the United States’ impending constitutional crisis with Trump and his administration disregarding the rulings of several federal judges to block the deportation of hundreds of people. The removal and defunding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs at the federal level have had people in debate online over the past couple of weeks over what DEI actually includes and what this means for the American people. With Trump’s ‘initiative’ of removing DEI language from official government sites, people have noted what exactly DEI means for Trump. Most recently, the removal of a webpage dedicated to the military history of famous black baseball player Jackie Robinson and images of a World War II aircraft named ‘Enola Gay’ being flagged for removal for DEI language.
It’s laughable the way Trump and his administration behave. Seeing headline after headline of the next ridiculous things Trump’s administration has done or said is like watching a horror movie, getting frustrated at your screen, and not being able to do anything about it. With the ban of TikTok in the United States still being debated and the possible consequences of an increase in censorship for the American people, the death of TikTok could mean the death of freedom in America.
WHITE RABBITS
Soulmates Through Sisterhood
The true love that is female friendships
The room is buzzing with excitement as the girls gather around their friend, who is standing anxiously in front of her mirror. Outfit options are scattered across the bed and makeup and hair products cover the vanity. Her head is tilted up as her friend adds the last touches of blush and another is curling her hair. “You look perfect, and if he doesn’t think so that’s his problem.” they tell her. As she puts on her final spritz of perfume and slips on her shoes, she runs out the door as her best friends all trail behind hyping her up every step of the way. “We will be here when you get back!” they yell as she gets into his car. When it comes to relationships and love we need to have emotional intelligence, good communication, and conflict resolution skills. These skills aren’t instinct; as we grow up these are things we have to learn. From my personal experience, friendships between women have served as a blue-
print to navigating romantic relationships. When reading Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, I realized that this was a universal experience as she explores the ways that female friendships set up the framework for how us young women navigate romance. Female friendships in our early childhood were where we first learned how to resolve conflicts, support one another, and build trust. When I was a child, I remember having to navigate how to work through conflicts with my friends which took great time and effort. As I grew up I was able to continue to grow these skills as my female friends came, left, or stuck around. These were some of my first experiences with expressing love for people, learning how to trust others, and how to work together to solve our issues. In her memoir, Alderton illustrates this through personal examples of what she has learned from her friends. Throughout her life, her
friends taught her what unconditional love, good communication, and effort really looks like. Female friendships teach you how joyful deep and mutual connections can be. My friends have shown me what I truly deserve from romantic partners, as well as what I absolutely should not tolerate.
In most cases, female friendships outlast romantic relationships, and those friends are the ones there for you from hyping you up on the first date, to consoling you after the breakup. Many women go to their friends for relationship advice, asking “Do we like them?” or “What should I do next?”. When navigating the beginning stage of a relationship, it is your friends who provide you with thoughtful advice, and if things come to an end, they are the ones you turn to. Several of my friends have experienced breakups in college and I notice how their friends console them, help them remember their self worth, and encourage them to get back out into the world. I have had friends who have helped me navigate my way through several different stages of romances, providing me with validation, great advice, and overall emotional support. Romance is a difficult thing, and women are held to outlandish standards. Figuring this out alone takes a toll on a person, and having your friends there as reassurance makes romance less scary.
“When people ask me about love, I often think of the girls I grew up with, the ones who carried me through every high and-Dollylow”Alderton
With the rise of “platonic soulmates” in our culture, many women are shifting their priorities, placing greater focus on friendships than romance. There has been a growing
recognition that deep, platonic friendships can be just as fulfilling, supporting, and intimate as romantic relationships- sometimes even more. This movement has promoted female empowerment, encourages women to cultivate independence, self-love, and a higher value of strong friendships. Alderton illustrates this idea as she comes to the realization that her female friendships were her greatest love stories. Reflecting on how her friends provided her with support, happiness, and unconditional love, that weren’t always present in her romantic partners. Her experiences resonate with many women today, as more people acknowledge that friendships can offer a sense of belonging and unwavering loyalty. While romance can be unpredictable, stressful, and hard to navigate, those deep female friendships are seen to be some of the most important and endearing connections throughout a woman’s life. Culture’s recent shift towards emphasizing these bonds reinforces the idea that love is not defined by romance, but rather by the people who show up, time and time again, with love and understanding.
