modmuze November 2024

modmuze NOVEMBER 2024

How do Trend Forecasters Sense What’s Next?

Is it magic, or is it just a science?

The Power of Fragrances

Stimulating the senses with fragrance to style yourself.

Overstimulated

When all five senses become overpowering.

CONTENTS November 32

Is Style a Sixth Sense?

How your unconcious mind chooses your wordrobe.

The Anatomy of a Heartbreak A deeper look into how the five senses are affected by a broken heart.

Fashion in Film We can all appreciate a movie with an inspiring wardrobe.

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How do Trend Forecasters Sense What’s Next?

Is it magic, or is it just a science?

The Power of Fragrances Stimulating the senses with fragrance to style yourself.

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The Art of Being Political Is fashion in politics, or is politics in fashion?

Food For The Soul It’s no wonder people say that food can heal.

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26

Things That Don’t Make Sense to Me Poem

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How Fashion Affects Our Mood Fashion, just like art, can be designed to make you feel emotions.

How Music Influences Fashion Just like trends, music makes its own mark on the decades.

The Color Pink Can a color be categorized into a gender?

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Sensory Overload How to combat this common phenomenon.

SENSATION SPECTRUM A celebration of the five senses.

ON THE COVER Overstimulated When all five senses become overpowering.

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Editor’s note The modmuze exec team and I want to be the first to invite you to read Sensation Spectrum: A celebration of the five senses. I loved this idea right off the bat because it is so unique and creative. I loved seeing how everyone interpreted this theme and made it their own. From sight, to smell, taste, touch and hearing, there were so many ways to bring this issue to life.

One thing I want people to take from this issue is to open your eyes, and try to see the beauty in the small things. From the taste of your favorite home cooked meal, to the cozy texture of your sweater, to the sound of your friends laughing- there is so much beauty in the five senses that were so graciously given to us. Don’t take them for granted.

I am entering a very weird time in my life. I’m graduating in six months, and I have no idea what I want to do. Obviously, I love writing, but graduating from college is a very scary step for most. Leaving my friends, going out on my own, moving cities, finding a job; all of these scare the heck out of me. The only thing that keeps me going is doing what I do best: just writing through the uncertainty. Writing has always been my creative outlet, a place to let go and get all my emotions out of my head and onto a page or a piece of artwork. It has always been very therapeutic to me. So, if my life is filled with so many “what ifs” and life changes, at least I know I will always have my pen and paper.

I’m probably in no position to give advice, be it I’m a struggling college stu-

dent stressed about her decisions for the future, but allow me to say one thing: Find one thing you love and stick to it.

It helps you get further than you think and can give you hope to hold on to.

Anyways, enough of that. Back to the issue on your computer or phone, I am so excited that it’s in the world now. Our team is growing every semester, and every person who walks through our doors is creating something they will cherish for a lifetime. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do, (which is a lot) and I hope it gives you something to hope for.

With Love,

Emily McCaslin, MMJ

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & Vice President

Ruby Van De Steeg, DM

INTERIM PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Ruby Van De Steeg, DM

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Samantha Williams, DM

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Loren Rogers, DM STYLING & MODEL DIRECTOR TREASURER

Abigail Burnham, DM

Patricia Dimick, DM

WRITERS Karli Clemons Emily McCaslin Lillie Sherrill Brooklyn Taylor-Talbert Shealynn Hoffman Ruby Van De Steeg STYLISTS Catie Barrett Karli Clemons Jordan Reimer Maggie Levy Abigail Burnham Rodney Ashaba Riley Kirkman Reese Ehrhart Audrey Flood Madelyn Campbell Emily Bass Lisabriela Calleros Ruby Van De Steeg

modmuze is a fashion and lifestyle magazine produced by students, for students. Our magazine provides a unique platform for students to freely express themselves creatively -in any and all ways imaginable.

Our Mantra Empowering self-expression MARKETING Cierra Carney Hollin Level Rylee Day Kamryn Major Georgia Matthews Erin Kistler

PHOTOGRAPHY Hannah Cozens Toni Purnell Rodney Ashaba Reagan Downs Brooklyn Brigham Taylor Sharp Loren Rogers

PRODUCTION Madison McMaster Chauncie Sumner-Ball Hailey Ford Brea Ellis Ruby Van De Steeg

FACULTY ADVISOR Cristina González

CREATIVE ADVISOR

Associate Professor

Kelly Kerr

Art History

Multimedia Producer

108 Bartlett Center

106 Nancy Randolph Davis

(405) 744-6016

918-691-1813

cristina.gonzalez@okstate.edu

kelly.kerr@okstate.edu

modmuzemag.com

modmuzemag@okstate.edu

@modmuzemag

modmuze editorial team

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & President

@modmuzemag

Meet The

Directors Emily McCaslin Editor in Chief & Writing

As the President, Emily keeps the whole magazine running by making executive desisions and managing all the fine details while supporting her team and the writers.

Ruby Van De Steeg

Creative & Production

As the Vice President, Ruby ensures that the creative direction is cohesive across the magazine process while supporting the final production.

Patricia Dimick Treasurer

As Treasurer, Patricia works hard to keep the finances organized and maximized for members to have more oportunities.

Samantha Williams Marketing & Secretary

In charge of Marketing, Sammy creates inovative projects for her team and turns their content into postable content.

Loren Rogers Photography

In charge of Photography, Loren directs and manages her team while contributing to the visual artform itself.

Abigail Burnham Styling

In charge of Styling, Abigail inspires her teams creativity with wordrobes and settings while managing their extensive process.

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By Brooklyn Taylor-Talbert

Experiencing sensory overload is a common phenomenon that many people can empathize with.

It occurs when the brain receives an overwhelming amount of information at once, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed.

This can be triggered by various factors such as excessive noise, bright lights or intense smells whether pleasant or unpleasant.

It can even be as minor as your brain zeroing in on the sound of a pen clicking a few feet away in a silent room. Personally, I can relate to this due to my social anxiety, which often leaves me feeling breathless and makes it harder for me to process things, especially in large unfamiliar crowds.

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v

While some may believe that sensory overload can only happen to people who are neurodivergent, it is actually a common experience that can affect anyone.

Now that’s not to minimize what sensory overload is, it’s just to say that it’s common and should be taken seriously.

Fortunately, various coping mechanisms can help manage it when it happens. These include finding a quiet space to retreat to, using noise-canceling headphones or if you want to take the discreet routeearplugs and the use of fidget toys to provide a tactile focus for stress relief. I have a replica slider phone I use as a fidget toy because when I was little, sometimes when my mom would get a new phone, she would take out the batteries in the old ones and hand them to me as a toy. So, I seek comfort in things that remind me of my childhood.

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Grounding techniques like deep breathing with the important note that the stomach should expand while deep breathing, not the chest. Additionally, soothing scents such as lavender, lemon, rosemary, and peppermint, or even carrying aromatherapy slime, can provide relief.

I t ’ s important to remember that sensory overload is a common experience and unfortunately inevitable, so it’s always good to normalize it and take steps to handle it. Dealing with it means recognizing the effects without judgment. When we figure out what methods work for us, we get a real sense of control and confidence in our experiences. This way, we can interact with the world in a way that feels right.

Photos by Reagan Downs Styling by Reese Ehrhart Layout by Loren Rogers Modeled by Sam Begnaud

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The Anatomy of a I n relation to the five senses, we begin that is left of us is simultaneously within to see a pattern emerge when all are susceptible to emotional drain. This culmination of bodily malfunction is as a result of what can only be described as the worst feeling that a human can experience on the planet. When deprived of the capacity to love and be loved, the essential freedom that becomes our routine, day to day, breath of fresh air.

them. Molded for weeks, upon months, upon years at a time our comfortability becomes scientifically engaged with their smile, their laugh, the weird, little thing they can do with their ears. A cinematic masterpiece wouldn’t encapsulate half of our beauty, the blessing that your presence has placed. In turn, you repay me by enduring my suffering. Slowly, you peel every fiber of my skin, in the Encapsulated we become in the midst most sick and twisted way imaginable. of that which we hold dear, because all

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Photography: Catie Barrett Styling: Catie Barrett Layout: Madison McMaster Modeled by Landry Baker

By: Toni Purnell

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“I reminisce about the tenderness for what will forever feel like home.”

1. Touch. The initial loss. No longer are you in this physical realm of endless possibility and promiscuous grace. The worthiness I felt in your embrace, instinctively the feeling I could be anything I have ever wanted. The tips of your fingers grazing past my hips, all I wanted.

Evermore, I reminisce about the tenderness for what will forever feel like home.

2. Smell. The home becomes all-encompassing through what I believed was unique, unequivocally abstract.

Lemon, lenin, and lime all captivated my undoubted attention. Every fabric and fiber of your being latched onto the attire but mostly a symbiote on my heart.

Brushing past others with the slightest of slightest of similarity in this addictive aroma, turning to see anyone but you.

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3. Sight. Arguably the most abundant of what has been lost, what hopes in some cases to not be found again.

In the videos, you appear with life and substance – a reminder you once existed at a period of time even if it is no more apparent. In photos, we kiss, it all is clear.

The big screen rings true in my head, unavoidable and invasive. We sit under the bright lights of the theater screen, as your silhouette is what I embrace. Absent of any clear indicator, I still feel you there. I snap a picture, with your popcorn in my lap encouraging you to reach over to satisfy yourself. All you ever cared about was yourself.

4. Taste. Truly, an acquired phenomenon of what it becomes to learn how to love. Each time we share proximity building upon an intensity we cannot explain. I cannot explain any longer what it meant, what it tasted. Forever, I will know that in those weeks, months, and years – I tasted the apple that cursed humanity, because you were the fruit of deception.

5. Sound. Need I not remind myself what symphony became spiritual in the song of your passion. Everything you loved below me was the most amazing sound of admiration I had ever heard, it felt better than whatever I could taste, touch, see, or smell about you. I peered through your soul and escaped with a souvenir each time, lending yourself and I to the vulnerabilities of your past and present by building our future.

Little did I know you were decomposing my soul.

Illustrating that nothing sacred must ever remain. It is imperative I understand that I have worth remaining, for you will no longer give me the recognition I desire.

Slowly, you constructed a new anatomy, forged by the bonds that kept us spring and anew.

Our capabilities escalated, yet so did your lack of patience for my companionship. Death is the only component of life that is without, and I often hold myself back from stealing my own – just as you robbed my spiritual autonomy. What is autonomy and sacrifice when anatomy is absent: the scathing definition that signifies a death in our relationship. An indictment that can only be interpreted as the anatomy of a heartbreak.

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How

Trend Forcasters

do

Sense What’s

A

Next?

s the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, fashion enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of the latest trends.

But what if you knew that the hottest styles of the season are often mapped out months, even years, in advance?

Welcome to the intriguing realm of

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By: Ruby Van De Steeg

trend forecasting—a meticulous art that blends intuition, cultural analysis, and a dash of crystal ball magic.

At its core, trend forecasting is not merely about predicting what people will wear; it’s about understanding the broader cultural, social, and economic factors that influence consumer behav

Photography by Rodney Ashaba Styling by Rodney Ashaba, Jordan Reimer & Ruby Van De Steeg Layout by Ruby Van De Steeg Modeled by Ruby Van De Steeg, Jordan Reimer, Evan Anderson, Bryce Wedel & Eliana Cera

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sales trends, demographic shifts, and even social media engagement metrics. By combining qualitative observations with quantitative data, they identify patterns that hint at emerging trends. For instance, a surge in sustainable fashion discussions online might signal a growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products.

Once the initial data is gathered, forecasters can delve into the cultural context surrounding these trends. They look at how current events shape public sentiment and influence lifestyle

ior. Forecasters are akin to detectives, gathering clues from various sources such as art, music, politics, technology, and even environmental changes to paint a holistic picture of the future.

The first step involves extensive observation where trend forecasters immerse themselves in different environments.

Attending fashion shows, visiting art exhibitions, and scouring social media platforms are various ways of getting the broad scope. It can be important to pay close attention to subcultures and emerging movements, understanding that today’s street style can often lead tomorrow’s haute couture.

In the business aspect, forecasters analyze consumer data, reviewing

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choices. For example, in times of economic uncertainty, there might be a rise in minimalism, as people prioritize functional pieces over extravagant purchases. Remember how popular athleisure was during the pandemic.

Trend forecasters also tap into the zeitgeist by analyzing art, music, and film.

A blockbuster movie or a viral song can elevate a particular aesthetic, making it the next big thing in fashion.

This interplay of various cultural elements allows forecasters to create a narrative around emerging trends, helping brands align their collections with what consumers are yearning for.

With a foundation of data and cultural insight, trend forecasters utilize various methodologies to predict specific trends. One popular technique, loved by many Pinterest users, is the well-known Mood Board—a collage of images, colors, textures, and themes that encapsulate the essence of a trend. These boards serve as

visual summaries, helping designers and brands conceptualize their collections in alignment with forecasted styles.

Another crucial aspect is the Trend Report—a comprehensive document that outlines anticipated trends for the upcoming seasons.

These reports often include indepth analyses of color palettes, fabric choices, silhouettes, and even marketing strategies. They serve as a roadmap for designers and brands looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Forecasters often work closely with designers and product developers, providing insights that influence collection development. This collaboration is essential, as designers translate these trends into tangible garments.

For instance, a forecaster might predict a resurgence of bold, vibrant colors, prompting designers to incorporate these hues into their next line. Many fashion houses have their own in-house forecasters who monitor real-time trends, ensuring that their collections

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remain relevant in a rapidly changing market. This symbiotic relationship between forecasters and designers creates a continuous feedback loop, allowing the industry to evolve dynamically.

In today’s digital age, technology and social media have revolutionized trend forecasting. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest allow forecasters to gauge consumer sentiment almost instantaneously. Hashtags and viral challenges can indicate rising trends, while influencers play a pivotal role in shaping consumer preferences.

Big data analytics tools enable fore-

casters to sift through vast amounts of online content, identifying emerging patterns that may not be visible through traditional methods. By leveraging AI and machine learning, trend forecasting has become more precise, allowing for quicker predictions that align with the fast-paced nature of modern fashion.

As we look ahead, the landscape of trend forecasting is bound to evolve further.

The growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical fashion will hopefully shape trends in for the upcoming seasons.

Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices, pushing brands to adapt accordingly.

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The blending of physical and digital realms, particularly with the rise of virtual fashion and digital influencers, presents new frontiers for forecasters. The concept of metaverse fashion is on the horizon, raising questions

about how traditional forecasting methods will adapt to these novel platforms.

In the ever-shifting world of fashion, trend forecasters serve as our guides, illuminating the path ahead with their keen insights and cultural knowledge. By weaving together threads of observation, analysis, and collaboration, they decode

the complexities of our society, allowing brands to stay ahead of the curve. As we embrace the next wave of styles, remember that every trend has a story—crafted by those who dare to imagine the future. In this intricate dance of creativity and foresight, we find not just clothes, but a reflection of our evolving selves.

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The Art of Being Political By: Shealynn Hoffman Imagine one day you wake up, and after turning over and tapping on an app icon (any will work nowadays) you learn that the world or the President or some big company, or really anyone or anything has committed an evil injustice against you or a group of people you belong to, or a group of people you empathize with or really anyone.

That isn’t that hard to imagine, you don’t have to search through any news app very long to discover that while

Photographed by Toni Purnell Styled by Jordan Reimer Layout by Hailey Ford Modeled by Sammy Williams

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you slept, or went to work or school, or even just blinked that something tragic has happened. It’s a bit anxiety-inducing to realize that as you live and breathe something far out of your control will happen, and its effects will be horribly devastating to you, or someone you know or to the world itself. So, what do you do about it? You could keep your head down and hope it blows over, or you could be loud.

Protesting has existed as long as human history has; there’s always going to be something to protest it seems.

that would be worn to protest, an outfit that discourages stereotypes. Protests of the Vietnam War led young people to wear armbands and ignited the wrath of college students.

What does it mean to protest? Is it throwing on completely punk battle gear and arguing with anyone? Well, no. For many people being loud, inyour-face, and out there doesn’t help their cause, while for others being polite, demure and proper also isn’t the way to go. The real truth is that to be a protester isn’t to wear the same uniform, not every protester has the same goal. Just taking a look at the last 100 years of protest fashion can teach you that. People have protested for many different issues, just a bit over a hundred years ago the Women’s suffrage protest occurred, where protesters wore white with purple and gold sashes fighting for women’s right to vote. During the black revolution of the 60s and 70s, different types of fashion were worn, notably the Sunday Best attire

When it comes to a uniform, not all were worn at a protest, some were worn just on the street or in class. Take the Mini skirt, what we see now as nothing more than a choice of skirt used to be the uniform of the modern woman, in the 1960s women were ready to make choices for themselves, to stand out in the way they wished. The mini-skirt was attacked at the time for its short hemline, and many designers did not produce such fashions. Eventually a group of women in Britain came together to form a protective group for the Mini-Skirt called the British Society for the Protection of Mini-Skirts.

Recent protests are similar to the ones of the past, with the same issues that

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or making sure that your face and identifying features (Hair, tattoos and other notable physical characteristics) are covered. While many people may find you admirable for your dedication to your cause, others may not.

It is important to never overshare with those you do not feel safe around.

What is protest culture currently?

have been fought, women’s rights, the injustice of black lives and the end of war. Today we wear pink hats for our women’s movement, as well as feminist gear. For the Black Lives Matter movement, individuals will wear t-shirts, hats and other clothes with the saying on it, as well as buying clothing from black owned brands.

When it comes to anti-war protesting, it has been more silent, many people wear flag pins of Palestine and have resorted to using “Watermelon” colors as their method of protest.

I do feel that I must include a warning to those who are going out to protest, in every situation from the smallest protest to the largest it is important to stay anonymous. Whether it’s completely covering your whole body

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Is it a baby tee with an ironic statement on it?

Is it making cute edits of communist figures? Maybe, it’s the timeless political argument scene at the dinner table (likely around the holidays). As technology advances the ability to witness injustices firsthand sky rockets, to exist in the same room as victims without being there with them, to exist in the uncomfortable feeling knowing that you aren’t able to help first hand. People have protested in the past based on many different things, whether it be fighting in Vietnam or ending global warming. Something to wonder about is whether or not we will ever stop protesting. Of course, it sounds crazy because there always seems to be injustice in the world. In twenty years will the act of protesting be different, but the protesters are fighting for the same things we are today? In the 1970s women fought for

abortion rights and the right to make choices about their own health, something that women of previous generations didn’t even get a choice in. In 2022, Roe v. Wade was overruled letting states make decisions about women’s bodies. Oklahoma boasts that it has the strictest ban on abortion health care, my home state where I grew up, the state where I go to college, the state that I vote in, does not care about

my health. As someone with reproductive health issues, this disappoints me, and it is not a place that I want my future children to grow up in. Sadly, this is not the only major issue right now.

I encourage everyone to vote, not just to vote for yourself, but to vote empathetically. Remember that everyone will experience a different life than you and that to have a future for everyone, we need to remember everyone.

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By Emily McCaslin

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T h i n g s t h a t D o n’ t Make Sense to Me

There are some things in this It seems so simple to love someone, so world that don’t make sense to me, why didn’t that relationship work out? such as Rubik’s cubes, math equa- It seems so simple to love your chiltions, directions and how dren and your spouse, so the heck planes fly. why do parents still leave?

It seems so simple to love These things are so your neighbor, so why is simple, yet they can there still so much habe so confusing. tred in this world?

And I think that’s It seems so simple when how we view life you put it that way, so sometimes too. why is it so un-simSome things seem so ple to act upon it? simple, yet we struggle so hard with them.

It doesn’t make Why is that? sense to me.

It seems so simple to treat someone with respect, so why do we still treat people badly?

It seems so simple to do that assignment, so why are not putting in the work?

It seems so simple to forgive, so why do we still hold everything in?

It seems so simple to take care of the world, so why do we still litter?

It seems so simple to say kind words, so why are we still spitting filth out of our mouths?

I know I don’t have the answer, but what I do know is that we’re all human and we all make mistakes. It’s what we learn and do after our mistakes that truly matters. If nothing changes, then nothing changes. I’m not perfect and neither are you, but something that is simple, is that we can all try our best to take steps to make the world a better place.

Photographed by Hannah Cozens Styled by Madelyn Campbell Layout by Chauncie Sumner-Ball Modeled by Erin Kistler

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How Fashion Affects our Mood

By Karli Clemons

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When waking up in the morning and getting ready, most of us look in our closet and think “What am I going to wear?” and ask, “How will I feel in this outfit?” Fashion has been a form of expression for many people through selfidentity, textures, style of garment and color palettes. Picking out our outfits based on those few things can affect how our mood can be for the rest of the day.

Clothes are a visual language between people, and this helps us show our selfidentity, creativity, individuality, cultural affiliation, beliefs and how we feel emotionally to everyone. Self-identity is a big purpose most humans spend their life doing, and fashion is one of the forms of selfidentity people grasp to help them find themselves. Suppose you do not want to wear something because it does not align with how you feel or who you are, how you preserve the people around you, your emotional state, the world, and how people perceive you, too. Wearing something that you are not comfortable with can affect the trajectory of the day.

Textures can be another way to dictate how we feel in our outfits. Some people can get overstimulated by fabric textures, being allergic to fabrics, and the fit of the garment from the fabric. Overstimulating from wearing certain fabric textures can cause discomfort, anxiety, moodiness and other negative emotions that can affect how we are doing.

Allergies to fabrics can also lead to that tendency of emotions. Being allergic to fabrics can cause rashes, hives, etc., which can lead to the person wearing the garment getting stressed, anxious, overwhelmed and more. The fit of garments is also another factor that can play into emotions.

Garments are made of textiles and mixing different textiles to create a garment can have different outcomes, as well as if the garment is on bias or grainline. This causes some garments to either have a lot of stretch, no stretch, form-fitting to the body, or have room to move in. Emotions that can be brought from this are insecurity, confidence, comfortability, and discomfort. Textures are so important for people because if they do not feel good about themselves or vice versa it changes how you can feel about yourself and going forward.

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The style of clothes that you wear day-to-day can also affect how our mood can change.

Depending on your mood for the day, style can enhance that mood and help change it.

If you want to be cute, casual, and comfortable, we tend to see people wear athleisure, loose, and flowy clothing. When we have to dress more maturely, we tend to go for dressy, smart casual, tailored, or comfortable casual. Finally, when we do not feel optimistic, or comfortable, and have possible stress, we see people wear more baggy, oversized, and loose clothing to hide more of ourselves. Style of clothing plays a big factor in how we are emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Color and color palettes are another way to be able to tell how someone is feeling that day. When people wear bright patterns, bright solid colors like yellow, orange, and pink usually feel happy, optimistic, vibrant, confident, and youthful. When wearing solid colors like pink, red, black, brown, and darker shades of green, they feel romantic, confident, sexy, assertive, and flirtatious. When wearing neutrals like brown, beige, grey, black, and white, they tend to be comfortable, grounded, and calm. Finally, when wearing darker shades such as black, grey, blue, brown and green, usually people can be serious, focused, assertive, and grounded, or they can be serious, sad, unmotivated, and lacking inspiration. Color plays such a big role in how we feel day-to-day and how it can affect the emotions and provoke them more Fashion is a big part of a lot of people’s everyday lives, and they use it as an outlet to express themselves.

Whether you know the person personally or not, seeing what people wear can tell us how they feel at the moment and give a little insight into who they truly are emotionally, mentally and physically.

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Photographed by Hannah Cozens Styled by Karli Clemons Layout by Brea Ellis Modeled by AJ Culp

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Is

Style

I

n a world where every decision then defines a visible catalog for how we identify individuals, it must be considered how a simple choice of outfits marks a first impression. Some stay up to date on current fashion trends to blend into society’s expectations. Others spend years curating their identity and cracking the code to their perfect closet. After much trial and error, there is a point where we start to see our shopping habits become less experimental. The favorite pieces in your closet expand and grow with every purchase decision.

Let’s begin with defining what we believe makes something a sixth sense.

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a Sixth Sense ?

By: Ruby Van De Steeg The five senses; sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste, are all a receptor that allows our body a translation to define emotions for our own opinions.

Our tongues taste sugar and we call it sweet; our eyes see views that we call beautiful; our ears hear music that we cry to; our nose smells the rain, and we feel the need to bundle up inside; and our skin feels the warmth of others as we feel love in embrace.

Our emotions are continuously being controlled by our environment. The

Photographed by Loren Rogers Styled by Ruby Van De Steeg Layout by Ruby Van De Steeg Modeled by Ruby Van De Steeg & Dalia Lehmann

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sixth sense, however, resides deep in- also tells the rest of the world who we are. side our gut as intuition. It is there to guide us when we are unable to rely on As you go into your closet and choose the other five for help with a reaction. your outfit for the day, do you think about the weather? Do you think about As we grow through life, we define who where you are going and what you are we are and build that defigoing to do there? Do your emotions afnition around ourselves. fect your choices? When you have a bad We want to be surrounded day, do you choose an outfit that makes by the things that make us you more comfortable, or do you choose happy; make us feel like one to cheer you up? All these questions, ourselves. Not only does and so many more, help you In a society this provide an environdecide what to wear, maybe ment to thrive in, but it unconsciously. Some, more that than others, think about all constantly these factors with intenevolves, our tion, prioritizing how they relationship appear to others. But even with style is for those who do not, they are still affecting what they dynamic. pull off the hanger when reaching into the closet.

“

“

Self-expression is a beautiful and complicated thing.

Even when we decide to let go, do we really stop?

Let’s say you wear a lot of black because you always feel like it can fit any occasion, or because it’s your favorite color, or because it makes you slimmer, or maybe even because you don’t want people to see you sweat.

It becomes bigger than just the cover of the book but how the stories inside make the pages turn.

Wearing something that makes you confident is more than just knowing you like to wear black.

It is what makes someone who they are. It can be as simple as guessing what music someone

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listens to. You might not be able to tell of inspiration, it is essential to rememif you will enjoy a book by its cover, but ber that true style is personal. It’s about you can visualize what it is trying to say. finding that sweet spot where individual identity meets cultural influences.

In a society that constantly evolves, our relationship with style is dynamic. Our So, is style a sixth sense? Perhaps it is wardrobes become mirrors reflecting more accurate to say it is a complex interour current state of mind, aspirations play of all our senses, feelings, and expeand the societal trends we align with. riences. Each outfit we choose becomes The act of choosing an outfit can feel an extension of ourselves—a canvas for almost instinctual, tapping into that self-expression, shaped by our intuition sixth sense—our intuition. Whether it’s and influenced by the world around us. a casual day at home or a pivotal meeting, our attire U l t i m a t e l y, can signal our the clothes mood and inwe wear tentions to the communioutside world. cate volumes about who Our style we are and choices are how we feel. not pulled They allow us from thin air; to navigate they are inour identities fluenced by in a world cultural conthat often texts, societal seeks to catnorms, and egorize us. As even historwe embrace ical events. The resurgence of vintage our unique styles, we not only reflect fashion, for example, speaks to a col- our inner selves but also contribute to lective nostalgia and a desire for au- the ever-evolving tapestry of fashion. thenticity in an increasingly digital world. Just as music trends echo cultur- In this intricate dance of self-expresal movements, so too do fashion choices sion, each choice becomes a chapter resonate with broader societal themes. in our personal narrative. Our wardrobes tell our stories, revealing layFashion icons and influencers often ers of complexity and authenticity. shape our understanding of style, act- As we continue to curate our closets, ing as beacons of inspiration and aspi- may we always remember that style is ration. The outfits they curate on social not just about the clothes we wear— media platforms can set trends that rip- it’s a powerful form of communicaple through the industry, making their tion, a sixth sense that connects us to impact profound. Yet, in this whirlwind ourselves and the world around us.

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Fashion In Film

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By Lillie Sherrill Imagine sitting in the movie theater preparing to watch the movie that changed everything for you. Your eyes are wide with anticipation, goosebumps may be beginning to form, and the sounds of theater candy being opened is echoing around you. The lights go dark and on the big screen appears the most visually pleasing movie you have ever seen. The color palette is mesmerizing, the set incredibly realistic, and the clothing is something otherworldly, a portal into the realm of the film.

Fashion is the keystone of a film, bridging together the audience and the plot. Many things have changed in film throughout the years such as actors, techniques and quality, but this fact is not one of them. Symbolism, evidence of character development, sentiment and personality are all enveloped within the fashion featured in a film.

Stories are told through the intricate details of a movie costume. It is crucial for a fully understood sensory experience.

Oftentimes, the costuming of a movie makes or breaks its validity and its credibility. Whether it may be the accuracy of the time period the film takes place or the harmony of clothing and story, proper costuming is necessary for

the audience to properly digest a film.

Period pieces and films set in modern times get the most backlash as they are the easiest to get wrong. Take Sophia

“Oftentimes, the costuming of a movie makes or breaks its validity and its credibility.”

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ing for the first time or even more so, those who have bonded with characters in a book are going to be extremely critical of the way those characters are portrayed. This year’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us cannot go unmentioned in this scenario. Fans were widely appalled by the portrayal of the main character, especially the clothes she wore throughout the movie. The clothing that was meant to depict Lily’s fun and quirky personality from the book made an unfortunate appearance through inaccurately mismatched, immature, and terribly chaotic style choices. It made the experience of watching the movie disappointing and distracting for both those who had read the book and those who had not. Yet again, another example of the weight that fashion choices have on the way a movie is perceived.

Coppola’s 2006 Marie Antionette for example, this film was criticized heavily for its lack of historical accuracy in the clothing, but is appreciated by others for the statement the movie made.

In another light, the recent adaptation of She’s All That called He’s All That was not received well because of its hyperbolic interpretation of the modern teenage experience, making the film feel cringy or hard to watch. Even the films that are not known for being cinematic masterpieces for technicality prove the importance and power of clothing, a large example being the “Vote Pedro” t-shirt from Napoleon Dynamite.

Fashion is also incredibly important in the case of film adaptations of books.

Just as the audience feels connections to the characters in films they are see-

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The fashion featured in a film is so

powerful in fact, that it carries weight beyond the screen and into reality. The clothing worn in films represents the personas of the characters. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, which holds true when it comes to film fans and their favorite characters. Whether it be the look of a persona that one is trying to maintain, try the “messy French girl” or the “frazzled English woman” aesthetic or simply a Halloween costume, fashion in film bleeds out further than the studio.

To go even further, even the clothes worn by the actors themselves outside of a film setting are closely monitored by spectators waiting for the next celebrity fashion faux pas at an award show or the next unintentionally created style trend. These clothes worn by actors and actresses have the tendency to become iconic immediately. People latch on to the pieces sported by the people featured in their most favorite films. From award shows to the “off duty actor” aesthetic, people are enthralled by the fashion choices made by those who star in their favorite films. Clothing outside of films allows for a look into the personal style and expression of the actors, completely separate from the characters they

have played throughout their careers.

Inside and outside the film studios and movie theaters, the relationship between fashion and film are greatly intertwined. So much so that it is unlikely they will ever separate. Perhaps it is for the benefit of audiences and film crews alike to continue to power the experience of film through fashion.

Photographed by Taylor Sharp Styled by Lisabriela Calleros Layout by Hailey Ford Modeled by Madeline Essig

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The Power Of Fragrances By: Brooklyn Taylor-Talbert

Fragrances can shape how we view someone. Certain scents linger in the air calling for your attention and their presence stays long after they’ve left the room, imprinting their essence on your memory after that person leaves.

The scent you chose to wear also is a form of self-expression. Floral scents are often associated with romance and gentleness. Citrus/ fruity scents are more playful and also energetic. Woody scents are more earthy and convey an air of mystery. Green scent would be like mint or cucumber, reminding you of clean and natural. Spicy scents like cinnamon more so give you a sense of boldness and intensity. Sweeter scents are the ones that remind you of fresh pastries. Musky scents are more earthy and warm. All of these scents make it fun to experiment with what works with you. You could even experiment with making your own scents like making perfume or soap. Personally, my favorite scents would be the ones on the sweeter side as well as floral scents.

During the winter, I normally spray some perfume or

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body spray on my sleeves and just put them near my nose every once in a while. Those are the more general scents. Little known fact, but scents are linked to memories, which makes you remember things better than any other stimuli. The scent goes to an area of the brain called the limbic system, which is an area in charge of memories, and it brings up vivid memories when you smell something specific. It’s fascinating how a simple scent can influence our interactions and feelings toward someone, like how a nice scent can really make a person come off as friendly and welcoming, and on the other hand, an odor can really throw a lot of people off. Exploring a variety of scents allows us to showcase our individuality, and the powerful link between scent and memory adds an emotional depth to our perception and reaction to fragrances. When we pick out or even make our own scents, it’s kind of like picking a signature- that’s the fun in it.

Photographed by Rodney Ashaba Styled by Audrey Flood Layout by Chauncie Sumner-Ball Modeled by Praise Makanya & Riven

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Food For The Soul By: Emily McCaslin Sitting on the counter. Legs swinging. Licking the contents of hours’ worth of cooking off the spoon. Combined voices murmur around the kitchen. Watching our backs to not run into anyone. Making a meal to share with the whole family. Or even just the two of us. There really is no other feeling than this.

Food is such an important aspect of life.

It keeps our bodies healthy, gives us energy and is one of the things we need to survive, but it also connects our souls and gives people an excuse to come together.

One of my favorite memories growing up is spending time in the kitchen. Especially on big holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas when the whole family would get together to cook a big meal. Mom is on the casseroles, aunt is on the sides, sister is on the easy stuff, and my grandma was always on dessert, specifically the pies.

I can make my grandma’s pies today and still remember those memories. Now that my grandmothers no longer with me, it’s so important to me that I keep her legacy alive.

Food has such a nostalgic and powerful feeling tied to it. You can take a bite of something and immediately be transformed back to that time. It’s so heartwarming that you can make memories with your own hands.

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Photographed by Loren Rogers Styled by Riley Kirkman Layout by Hailey Ford Models: Mason Crabb and Susan Shields

A recent project I’ve been working on is a family cookbook. Now that I’ve moved to college and am in charge of my own cooking, I wanted to bring some memories back to my own house. I collected my grandmother’s recipes, my aunts, my moms and even some that I’ve made with my friends spontaneously. Whenever I want, I can refer to this cookbook and remember the good times I had with my family, but also share these meals with the new people I’ve met, that I now call my family.

Keeping these recipes for years ahead is so special. It connects you to your ancestors, and you can share these recipes with the generations to come.

Whether it be my grandmothers cherry pie, my aunts stuffing, or my moms hashbrown casserole, every time the bite hits my tastebuds, I can be thankful for the good food and a time well spent.

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Mom’s Banana Bread Ingredients: ½ cup of butter 1 cup sugar 2 eggs, beaten 3-4 bananas (ripe) 1 ½ cups flour 1tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt ½ tsp vanilla chopped pecans Directions: Combine butter, sugar, eggs, bananas and vanilla with mixer.

In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt.

Add together with pecans. Pour into greased bread pan.

Bake at 360° for 60 minutes.

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D

r E S V O

L At e

M U I T

By: Shealynn Hoffman

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H

ave you ever experienced the irritation of a clothing tag rubbing against your skin, and no matter how much you shift or pull at your shirt, the itchy uncomfortable feeling lingers on your skin?

A small issue like that can be an irritation for one, but for another, enough to drive them into overstimulation. Like an uncomfortable family dinner where one political discussion topic can shatter the mood of the evening, overstimulation creeps in quietly but can escalate into a full-on sensory battle, with emotional and physical harm.

Overstimulation is

what we call this feeling, but what is it? For a lot of people, it’s simply being in a crowded noisy room, leaving them drained, even anxious. For others, it’s the texture of food, the scratch of fabric, or the overwhelming brightness of a store’s fluorescent lights. For many, it’s a combination of multiple different factors. These everyday occurrences, seemingly insignificant to some, can feel unbearable for others. When we think about sensory sensitivity, it’s easy to dismiss certain experiences as insignificant or even annoying. After all, if you’ve never had an

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issue with bright lights or the texture of to food that their food pyramid is cut your clothes, it may seem hard to fathom short. For many neurotypical people, how overwhelming these things can be. it’s easy to downplay these experiences, from childhood we’re taught to ignore On a spectrum of sensory sensitivi- these issues and “get used to them”, so ties, you might see more common is- as adults many people find themselves sues, things many people recognize and asking why someone in the same space even empathize with—strong smells or as them cannot react to these sensors a dislike for particular food texture. As like them, but they highlight someyou move down the spectrum, you en- thing critical: our environments shape counter less obvious but still under- our well-being in ways we might not standable examples, such as a person always recognize. Why is it so importwho can’t tolerate synthetic fabrics or one who avoids busy environments because the combination of sound and activity is simply too much, these things we typically mark up as common or even just the effects of stress.

At the end of the spectrum, we can find those who can’t shop at certain stores because of the harsh lighting and how it can trigger headaches or even panic attacks or people who are so sensitive

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ant for us to consider the experiences of those who suffer from overstimulation? Why should one man’s problem be mine? Beyond simple discomfort, the effects of sensory overload can be profound—insomnia, anxiety, an inability to focus, and even panic attacks. It’s a reminder that overstimulation isn’t just about momentary discomfort; it’s about how our bodies and minds react to being constantly bombarded with sensory input. What if overstimulation is more

common than we think? Think about the constant sensory flow one can experience in a day, how many people wake up and check their phone, already starting the day off with sensory bombardment, but at a level that is considered minor. What if we are suffering from it without even realizing it? It raises an important question: How often do we stop to consider the spaces we occupy, the clothes we wear, the sounds we hear? And how can we cultivate more empathy for those whose sensory experiences might differ from our own? By acknowledging these differences and making space for them, we move closer to understanding and supporting those who struggle with overstimulation in a world that often feels overwhelming.

Photos by: Loren Rogers Styled by: Abigail Burnham Layout by: Abigail Burnham Model: Karli Clemons

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HOW MUSIC INFLUENCES FASHION By: Karli Clemons

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Music has been one of the most influential forms of fashion over the last few decades. Music and artists help set the stage for fashion trends that are either short-lived or longterm. From the 1950s to the 2020s, the trends are becoming new or coming back around fashion and evolving around it.

1950’s Fashion The 1950s had a pivotal change in fashion due to television, movies and most importantly music, as it became more available to the public from these platforms.

This was the start of rock and roll artists such as Elvis Presley. His presence and fashion became the demand and everyone, especially teens, desired to dress like him and their other idols.

Teenagers craved the outfits that their idols were wearing and from this, the fashion market grew, and the start of teen fashion began. The main fashion trends that were popular for women were wide skirts, cateye sunglasses, silk scarves, high-waisted bikinis, high-waisted

skirts, gingham, hourglass silhouettes, halter necklines, gloves, cuffed jeans, cropped trousers and for men were leather jackets, plain t-shirts, polo shirts and suits.

1960’s Fashion The '60s started more similarly to the 1950s trends with more elegant styles, but once more rock and roll bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, The Doors, The Bee Gees and more became popular, trends changed to more gogo, early hippie fashion. The main trends for women were Gogo boots, mini skirts, bell bottoms, oversized sunglasses, paisley prints, tie-dye, jumpsuits, ponchos, medallion necklaces, chain belts, and for men were polo shirts, spear point collars and turtlenecks.

Queen, The Bee Gees, and ABBA helped influence this style over the decade.

ABBA and The Bee Gees became extremely popular during the disco.

Slinky jerseys that hugged your body, cowl necks, low neck halter tops, hot pants, bell bottoms, parkas, batik shirts, etc. During this time, Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks also played a big role in hippie and festival women's fashion. Bell bottom pants, frayed jeans, midi and maxi skirts, maxi dresses, peasant blouses, prairie dresses, platform shoes, lace, flowy garments and shawls.

Men wore bell bottoms, t-shirts, vests, sweaters, oxford and chinos.

1970’s Fashion Once the 1970s hit, hippie, festival, rock and roll and disco fashion were in full swing. Bands such as Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Eagles,

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1980’s Fashion The 80s were still big on rock and roll but there was a big directional change for fashion as well. Bands like Iron Maiden, U2, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Queen, Tears for Fears, Journey, Daryl Hall and John Oates and more. Some main influences for rock and roll fashion were U2, Metallica, Queen, Iron Maiden, Journey, Daryl Hall and John Oates and Bon Jovi.

Fashion for rock and roll popular trends for this were leather, ripped jeans, ripped shirts, studded clothes, bandanas, and mostly for men were mullets. Tears for Fears and similar bands as they brought a new wave of fashion for everyone. The popular trends for this were baggy jeans, mom jeans, Hawaiian prints, tracksuits, neons, bomber jackets and mini skirts.

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1990’s Fashion The 1990s was one of the most iconic and pivotal decades for fashion. Bands such as Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Stone Temple Pilots, Oasis, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Creed and Pearl Jam are what brought the Grunge era.

Trends during grunge were oversized t-shirts, hoodies and layers, ripped jeans, oversized denim jackets, beanies, Vans, Doc Martens, maxi skirts and dresses and dark color palettes. Other popular artists such as Tupac, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Aaliyah and The Notorious B.I.G brought Hip-Hop and R&B fashion. This style was oversized pants, hoodies, baseball caps, timberland boots, tiny tops, big jewelry, tracksuits, and oversized jerseys.

2000’s Fashion Going into the 2000s the style and artists were pretty much the same as the 90s with grunge and hip-hop/r&b fashion. The main differences were low-rise jeans, statement belts, embellished jeans, charm bracelets, cargo pants, denim dresses, micro mini skirts, yoga pants, cowl neck tops, capri pants, dresses over jeans and cropped jackets.

2010’s Fashion Fashion in the 2010s was a change from most decades we have had.

Bands/Artists like One Direction, Lana del Ray, Taylor Swift, Twenty-One Pilots, Arctic Monkeys, The Neighborhood, Fall Out Boy, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Drake, Panic!

At The Disco, Coldplay, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga and more made a significant impact. The fashion scene was all over the place. Bands like Arctic Monkeys, Fall Out Boy, Twenty-One Pilots, The Neighborhood, Lana Del Ray, and Panic! At The Disco brought a tumblr version of grunge, which was pretty much the same as 1990’s grunge, but with more pleated skirts, fishnets, knee-high socks and chokers. For more pop such as Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, One Direction, Rihanna, Drake, Coldplay, Lady Gaga, and The Weeknd it was streetwear, tiny sunglasses, sneakers, athleisure, festival fashion, peplum, and wedge sneakers

2020’s Fashion In more recent years, music in fashion has not been too much of what is bringing trends in.

Harry Styles is one of the few that has been able to bring in “newer trends.”

Gender-neutral dressing from Harry Styles has brought big controversy but nonetheless has been one the biggest trends in the music industry. The music industry has not been able to make a big fashion trend in recent years because of how fast trends are coming in and out of style, and it is hard to be able to start and maintain trends.

Though trends have changed a lot over the decades, one factor that has been one of the main sources that started those trends is music.

Music has been and will continue to be influential in many aspects, but especially in fashion.

Photos by Reagan Downs Styled by Maggie Levy Layout by Madison McMaster Modeled by Amanda Ellis

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The Color

Pink

By Lillie Sherrill

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Pink. A simple mixture of red and white.

Pleasing to the eyes and evoking the emotions, pink is known for being the symbol of femininity, beauty, gentleness and love. It not only exists within our soul, but also reigns proverbial in the lipstick we wear, the clothing we buy, the decorations in our homes and even the nail polish we apply. It seems as though pink has eternally been a color only belonging to women. There is no doubting the cute and fun nature of pink, but it resides much deeper in history than we would care to realizerooted in our hearts and minds.

With a flash of a single hue, pink has defined the female experience. Since the mid 1900s, pink has been labeled as a singularly feminine color, allowing boxes to be built around women.

Aside from the comfortable implications that pink carries, it also represents the decades of both pain and empowerment felt by women as a result of this very color. Pink has become a weapon used to attack the character, nature and abilities that women possess, and it reflects the idea that women are too weak and emotional. It

pushes the concept that they are overly girly and incapable of doing certain jobs or activities. Pink also symbolizes what is expected of women. Gentleness, kindness, submission and domestication, to be girly and not dabble in masculine things, to be prim and proper.

As a result of these preconceived notions that society has built for women and continues to reinforce, the consequences are natural. Many women begin to resent the color pink. Young girls often go from being obsessed with the color pink to denying they ever liked it. They have been told that pink confirms their identity as women and limits their capacity to function as a human being. They would prefer to throw away this part of themselves than to be called weak or accept experiences that come along with being a woman. Young girls begin to also hate the phrase “like a girl,” because of the negative connotations it carries. They do not want to be seen as less than or unable, and they begin to lose joy in being a woman.

Pink authors such a complex story, that it also shows how some women choose to embrace their feminine identity through p i n k , finding

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confidence in its ability to represent them authentically. They find joy in expressing themselves through pink, feminine clothing. They take pride and ownership in the labels given to them.

These women choose to tap into their nature, which is reflected through pink.

One thing that can be determined through the many interpretations and adaptations that women have with pink, is that despite what society has painted for the narrative of pink, it does not determine the strength or identity of a woman. Yes, pink has been used as representation for large movements such as the Breast Cancer Awareness movement, which preaches strength and a will to keep fighting. However, what many would consider as the origin of female strength had nothing to do with pink. Rosie the Riveter, the pinnacle of female empowerment was dressed powerfully in red, white, and blue- nothing to do with pink. Does this not mean that the presence or absence of pink has no correlation with the power that a woman holds? Society’s constructs have been faultily built and are now crumbling.

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Aside from personal dilemmas regarding pink, its effects bleed into social settings, changing the way people interact and communicate. It is no coincidence that when waitresses wear pink during their shift, they tend to receive more tips or when a space is decorated deeply with pink accents, it draws a particular crowd. Pink is a reminder of all the constructs attached. Furthermore, pink has even been said to have an effect on society monetarily. Specifically in the case of “the pink tax.” The concept of pink tax exists to say that products marketed towards women (most usually colored with pink) tend to be far more expensive than products marketed toward men, with the absence of pink.

This tax reiterates all the ideas believed about women stemming from pink.

Pink is not as simple as it seems and while its beauty is undeniable, the history it carries blurs the lines of everything we’ve thought about pink. The capability of the scenes of womanhood told through pink. The power of a single color.

“Does this not mean that the presence or absence of pink has no correlation with the power that a woman holds?”

Photos by Rodney Ashaba Styled by Emily Bass Layout by Brea Ellis Modeled by Zoe Hoffman & Jini Moua

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With love, modmuze executive staff