The Avenue: International Issue

THE AVENUE VOL. 2 ISSUE 4

THE ETHICS OF FAST FASHION Cheap Prices, Cheap Labor, High Costs

WORLD BEAUTY TRENDS

Top Products from Across the Globe

BEYOND KAWAII DISPELLING JAPANESE FASHION STEREOTYPES

STUDENT STREET STYLE Northeastern Edition

MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER

An Interview with Lauren Engël

International

ISSUE

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EARRINGS: Guess

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THE AVENUE International Issue | Spring 2016 Vol. 2 Issue 4

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julia Le

DEPUTY EDITOR

Non Kuramoto

BEAUTY EDITOR

Sarah Tahami

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Kathy Karcz

CREATIVE DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGN DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ART DIRECTOR WOMENSWEAR STYLING DIRECTOR WOMENSWEAR STYLISTS MENSWEAR STYLING DIRECTOR MENSWEAR STYLISTS SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS PHOTOGRAPHERS VIDEOGRAPHER HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTS MARKETING DIRECTOR MARKETING ASSOCIATES PR ASSOCIATES

Elise Borja Natasha Bonfield Erin Borst, Claudia Bracy, Fernanda Fiszner and Halley Husted Shelby Robin Olivia Laskowski Valerie Butler and Lauren Holappa Daniel McGorry Deston Barger, Elizaveta Pereguda and Michelle Rodriguez Sukrit Srisakulchawla and Kaylan Tran Lindis Barry, Non Kuramoto and Alec MacLean Kyle Reisner Dana Dworkin and Dana Rocha Kaan Donmez Sarah Cledy and Meredith Fisher Nicole Miller and Krupa Patel

WRITERS

Valerie Butler, Claire Cramm, Dana Dworkin, Yashi Gudka, Harshita Himatsingka, Lauren Holappa, Christina Jackson, Alex Kaneshiro, Non Kuramoto, Julia Le, Danny McGorry, Elizaveta Pereguda, Dana Rocha and Abby Walker

MODELS

Tara Armour, Amina Azmart, Sarah Elbakri, Saif Abu Hashish, Brandon Hoilett, Kyra Leonard, Steven Millad, Sahar Salari and Zaid Walid Tahasem

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table of

CONTENTS 6

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GLOBAL FASHIONISTAS International fashionistas you should be following

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BEYOND KAWAII Dispelling Japanese Fashion Stereotypes

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THE STYLIST EDIT Spring Essentials

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THE ETHICS OF FAST FASHION Cheap Prices. Cheap Labor. High Costs.

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EMBROIDERED DREAMS Captivating and Fashionable Modest Dress

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THE DARK SIDE OF DONATIONS Consumerism vs. Sustainability

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AFRICA NIGHT Q&A with Designer, Youssef Elbehri

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MADE IN INDIA Generation Z of Indian Fashion Designers

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URBAN TEXTILE African-Inspired Patterns and Textiles

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WORLD BEAUTY TRENDS Top Products from Across the Globe

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INTERNATIONAL SKINCARE The World’s Best-Kept Beauty Secrets

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STUDENT STREET STYLE Northeastern Edition

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NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT Boston’s Cultural Communities

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BOSTON’S BEST ETHNIC RESTAURANTS for students on a budget

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TRAVELER’S TOOLKIT Your No-Stress Packing List

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MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER An Interview with Lauren Engël

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Letter

from the

EDITOR At a time in which social, political and economic impacts are not solely isolated by borders or artificial boundaries, fashion speaks to define a modern narrative of culture and heritage.

Welcome to Fashion & Retail Society’s ninth edition of The Avenue magazine, the International Issue. I am so extremely honored to introduce The Avenue’s second ever print issue to be made available exclusively oncampus—in addition to its traditional online format.

While The Avenue has always hosted student voices from all over the globe, the International Issue focuses on celebrating these stories and individual styles. From dispelling the popular notions of what defines a culture, to understanding fashion’s economic and social impacts, this issue delves into some of the more serious topics the fashion industry currently faces. The spreads, “Urban Textile” and “Embroidered Dream,” capture the way in which students embrace their heritage, while showing off their own sense of style. Beyond these explorations, we share the latest fashion and beauty trends from around the world, as well as the cultural influences that can be found right in the city of Boston—featuring the best cultural events and ethnic restaurants the city has to offer—all on a student’s budget.

We conclude with an interview with fellow husky and international fashion photographer, Lauren Engël, where she discusses everything from how she launched her career, to her current inspirations and future projects.

Before I sign off, I’d like to thank the entire team of The Avenue for their passion and hard work over the past semester in meeting some very ambitious deadlines. Each member of the editorial team, has contributed their own artistic voice as global citizens, representing a variety of ethnicities and nationalities.

It has been phenomenal seeing how much progress The Avenue has made in just the two years since it was first published, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to soar.

As I leave The Avenue to study abroad next semester, and pursue different creative projects, I would like to express my gratitude to the many friends I have made, and the people I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. It’s been truly an honor to work and grow with such an incredible team. Finally, I’d like to thank Natasha Bonfield and Non Kuramoto for their unbelievable amounts of dedication in making this issue come together. This all would not have been possible without you.

I hope you enjoy reading the International Issue, as much as we had producing it.

Kindest Regards,

Julia Le Editor-in-Chief 5

GLOBAL

Fashionistas

INTERNATIONAL FASHIONISTAS YOU SHOULD BE FOLLOWING Written by Lauren Holappa

ENGLAND: LUCY WILLIAMS @lucywilliams02 Lucy the incredible blogger behind Fashionmenow.

Her cool, minimalist style will constantly provide inspiration. Her style is effortless, urban and classic!

Her staples are leather, stripes, flats and denim.

GERMANY: MAJA WYH @majawyh Maja is the epitome of cool. She pairs oversized shirts with skinny jeans and stilettos. She is the queen of layering. Her signature is oversized button downs, leather pants and oversized coats.

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CHINA: DENISE LAI @superwowomg This Hong Kong fashion blogger has a very urban style. She provides excellent inspiration for the basics. Her signature style is rocking the all-black look with a cool pair of sneakers. She also always wears a great pair of glasses!

FRANCE: ADENORAH @adenorah If you love Parisienne fashion, she is the girl to be following. Her style is very elegant and cool. Her signatures are cropped flares, cool jackets, and chunky heels.

DENMARK: PERNILLE TEISBACK @pernilleteisback Pernille, fashion director of of The You Way, is a huge “it” girl/blogger right now. Her street style during fashion week was everywhere—Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, WhoWhatWear and Man Repeller. Her style is very eccentric, yet classic. She loves to play with trends.

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MEXICO: ANDI TORRES @stylescrapbook Andi is originally from Mexico but currently lives in Amsterdam. Her style is colorful, classic and fun. Not only is her fashion amazing, but she is constantly traveling to beautiful locations. Now that summer is quickly approaching, follow her for beach attire inspiration—she always wears the best bathing suits!

AUSTRALIA: BROOKE TESTONI @brooketestoni

Photos courtesy of: www.fashionmenow.co.uk, majawyh.com, superwowomg.com, adenorah.com, pernilleteisbaek.com, stylescrapbook.com, brooketestoni.com,

Brooke’s style is very modern and sleek—she mainly wears black and white. Her style is very sexy but professional and polished, often paired with her round-framed Ray-Bans.

JAPAN: NATSU @lovebynatsu Natsu has an effortless, minimalist style that is both feminine and chic. Recently, she has been rocking the incredibly popular Stuart Weitzman Highland boots. Plus, if you love her style, she has an online store called Candi!

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SPAIN: Silvia García @bartabacmode Silvia has a very colorful closet so it’s always exciting to see what she puts together. Her style is very feminine, and she always has on amazing dresses!

NIGERIA: FOLAKE HUNTOON @stylepantry Folake is a Nigerian designer living in LA who runs the fashion blog, Style Pantry. Her style is so exciting, colorful and incorporates many vibrant prints and patterns. Check her out for bold inspiration!

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BEYOND KAWAII Dispelling Japanese Fashion Stereotypes Written by Non Kuramoto

Photos courtesy of: neol.jp/culture, lookbook.nu, aliexpress.com, uniqlo.com

Japanese fashion. What did you just think of ? Probably something cutesy, right? Almost over-the-top cutesy. If you spend enough time on the internet, the word “kawaii” may have popped into your head.

Kawaii is the Japanese word for cute, which encompasses more than the overly cute aesthetic that is reminiscent of anime, as it is so often attributed to. As a Japanese woman living in the U.S., the number of times I’ve been asked if everything is kawaii in Japan is getting out of control. Therefore, allow me to properly introduce you to the concept of kawaii and its implications.

I will start with a brief exploration of the term kawaii. In the 7th century, the definition of the word was “to feel sorry for”. For reasons unknown during the Feudal Era in Japan, the connotation for wanting to take care of something or someone that you felt sorry for sparked the definition’s evolution to how we use it now—something similar to cute. The “pitiable” undertone still exists, as signs of immaturity or imperfection are thought to be more kawaii. Because the definition is rooted in a feeling rather than a visual cue, the term kawaii can be used to describe a vast number of things.

With the spread of the internet and globalization, anime became widely available to anybody with internet access. Anime fans throughout the world, taking note of the number of times the word is used especially by female characters, added kawaii to the internet lexicon with the anime-related connotation attached. Recognized as being the most extensively understood Japanese word throughout the world, many Japanese industries, as well as the government have made efforts to take advantage of it as a means to raise global interest in Japanese culture. The concept of kawaii has been successfully exported through characters such as Hello Kitty and

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Pokémon, with non-Japanese celebrities such as Katy Perry openly incorporating its elements into their self-brand.

I will not deny the fact that I, being Japanese, have a “kawaii barometer” in my head. But the one dimensional view into a very unique aesthetic concept that exists in Japanese culture is somewhat troubling. The concern is not simply about the fear of “cultural appropriation,” but how limiting it can be to women in that culture, both internally and externally. “Kawaii culture” has embedded within the Japanese female population the desire to seem helpless and submissive to outside opinions. As mentioned earlier, kawaii has the connotation for needing to be cared for, an idolization of immaturity—an inherent need to appeal to a more “powerful, masculine figure.”

Obviously Japan has not been exempt from the general global movement towards feminism. Although I am constantly astonished by how slow-moving it has been for a country as developed as it is, there has been some beacons of light through a number of “fashion tribes” who have reclaimed the term to exclude the notion of male attention, and to enjoy fashion on their own terms.

While following different trajectories, all these girls are taking a word that not only implies, but encourages selfimposed oppression, and either reject it entirely or use it as a powerful tool of self-expression. I hope this positive trend continues, and will bring a second, more feminist, revolution to the definition of kawaii.

NEO GAL Gal fashion, with so many iterations through the ages—having started in the 70’s— has always been the representation of the cutting edge of young Japanese female fashion. Neo Gals are the newest version of the style, with their culture and influences rooted in social media. This new group of girls pick up trends from all over the world through Instagram and other platforms, and aim to exude a “foreign vibe.” Although their major inspiration comes from their desire to look more Western, they have developed a distinctly Tokyo look by combining them with details

traditionally associated with Gals. Recognizable by their thick eyebrows, bold lips, unnatural hair colors and chunky accessories, these candy-haired girls are not interested in male attention. They, as described by most notable Neo Gal, Alisa Ueno, creative director and designer of FIG & VIPER, reclaim fashion as a tool of self-expression, and aim to reshape some aspects of foreign perceptions of “Japanese culture” through their social media presence.

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MORI GIRL Mori means forest. So this trend is literally called “forest girl.” This does not imply that these girls are into nature or hiking—or spend any time in the forest for that matter. It describes “the kind of girl you might find in a fantastical forest”—like a fairy or a forest nymph. Focusing on lessening curves, the flowy flower-patterned A-line dress is a staple in the Mori Girl’s closet. Layering with numerous drapey pieces, Mori Girls strive for comfort and naturalness. Rather than focusing on trends, they spend their time antiquing and hunting through thrift stores. Mori Girls are interested in DIY and miscellaneous trinkets—things that call for “me time.” Although sometimes criticized to be aloof or unrealistic, the idea of hobby-based fashion is interesting, as it elevates fashion from just clothes to a lifestyle choice.

REAL CLOTHES The Real Clothes trend may be the Japanese equivalent to Normcore. Opposing with all of the styles addressed above, Real Clothes focuses on dismissing the idea of using fashion as expression. Prioritizing function and comfort over aesthetic, they avoid allowing their style to determine their identity.

Brands such as Uniqlo and MUJI are preferred for their simple, comfortable and generic styles. By rejecting the effort, I feel that Real Clothes wearers are diminishing the stakes of reaching the standard of kawaii or not kawaii; they symbolize the desire to be appreciated by others on more than just looks or ability to subscribe to societal expectations.

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AOMOJI-KEI Epitomized by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Aomoji-kei fashion is a Harajuku-based style that gravitates towards casualness and creativity. Consisting mainly of creative types such as art and fashion students, stylists, DJs and designers, Aomoji-kei fashion puts emphasis on individuality and personal perception of quality. This also encompasses many of the niche subcultures such as Lolita, Visual-kei

and Decora (and many others that will send you down the Wikipedia spiral). Their interests lie, not in how others would rate their attractiveness, but their ability to display their confidence in their own tastes. Aomojikei fashionistas have garnered popularity amongst Japanese women for their accessibility and strong sense of identity.

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THE STYLIST EDIT SPRING ESSENTIALS WOMENSWEAR Written by Valerie Butler

THE CHOKER TREND Turns out, choker necklaces are not the last we’re seeing of the trend. Choker necklines are making a huge style statement, adding more edge to a look, while keeping you perfectly polished.

American Apparel $27, Alice & Olivia $495

RUFFLE IT UP From socks to tops, ruffles were all over PFW earlier this year. Featured in the Valentino and Balmain runway shows, we’re all about this ultra-feminine trend.

Zara $26, Mango $70

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NO STRINGS ATTACHED Mules are about to replace every beloved shoe in your closet. Not only does this shoe come in both low and high heels but they compliment every outfit. Never worry about being over or under-dressed with these backless beauties.

Jeffrey Campbell $90, Nordstrom $150

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT One of the most unexpected trends on the runway was butterfly accents. From Gucci’s butterfly-printed jackets to butterfly brooches, this season, the butterfly trend transitions well from Spring to Autumn.

Oscar de la Renta $275, Needles & Threads $450

BARE YOUR SHOULDERS Boho is coming back. But, have no fear—it’s much more polished this time around. If you’re looking for a sexy way to show off those shoulders while tapping into your inner sun goddess, opt for a flowy off-shoulder top.

Stone Cold Fox $308, Abercrombie & Fitch $34

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THE STYLIST EDIT SPRING ESSENTIALS MENSWEAR Written by Valerie Butler

SHORTS WILL BE SHORT

NO NEED TO SWEAT

Who wears short shorts? The Prada, Gucci and Topman models do. This 70’s inspired trend pairs well with basic T-shirts and hoodies. If you are not sure if this trend is for you, try it out with swim trunks.

Sweatpants have finally been accepted by the fashion community. This season we saw slim-fit track pants complimented by activewear pieces and bold tops.

Urban Outfitters $49, Abercrombie $50 16

Adidas $40, $80

CAMOUFLAGED CAMOUFLAGE

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK.

Over the years, we have seen the camo print come and go. But this season, the Paris and Milan shows surprised us by bring it back and disguising the print we have all been hiding in the back of our closets.

This unexpected pop of color sets any outfit apart. Try an orange overcoat, or if you are a little more conservative but would still like a little flair, get yourself some orange socks.

Dior, Valentino

Asos $120, Maxton Men $12

KEEP IT COMPACT Nothing is just for women anymore. Fashion blurs the gender lines once again by tossing out traditional briefcases and embracing leather pouches.

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the ethics of

FAST FASHION T T Written by Abby Walker

Cheap Prices, Cheap Labor, High Costs

hese days, it is almost impossible to imagine the world of fashion without brands like Forever 21, Primark, and H&M. These “fast fashion brands” have all been around for at least two decades, however, most people cannot remember the days when Forever 21 was not a four-story store where you could easily spend a full day there, or lose track of the friend that you went shopping with. Believe it or not, there was once a time when Forever 21 was a smaller chain with normal-sized retail spaces where you could find relatively cheap and cute clothes. Nowadays, Forever 21, the fashion equivalent of McDonald’s, and its fellow fast fashion brands are

Photos courtesy of aftenposten.no

constantly competing to turn out new inventory that matches current trends, seemingly overnight. Their ability to react almost instantly to current trends has brought them unprecedented success. By aggressively offering the newest styles at increasingly rapid rates, these companies have been able to gain an incredibly vast amount of market share.

As consumers, we are continuously hoping to find the best deal. So when we can go into H&M and buy a dress for $10 or an entire outfit for $30, we tend to ignore what this means for the people producing these garments. The

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term “fast fashion” tells it all; it refers to how fashion trends move rapidly from catwalk to store front. The manufacturing behind these brands is quick, cheap and often exploitative of workers in the poor, undeveloped countries. The expectations of quick turnaround place overwhelming demands on these factory workers, who are often low paid, women. The fundamental problem with this model is the pressure for low quality and high turnover, which results in garments that quickly fall apart and need to be replaced.

Serious problems arise with this production plan. Globalization has opened many doors in terms of manufacturing and has made it possible to produce clothing at prices so low that the consumer begins to view this clothing as disposable.

The culture of waste that comes with this industry has seeped into the way companies view factory workers. The most rampant issues with manufacturing revolve around unsafe work conditions and human rights violations. In April 2013, a garment production center collapsed in Bangladesh making headlines around the world. The factory, Rana Plaza, had at least 29 current or recent orders from major global brands on the books at the time of the incident.

A series of decisions meant to increase production, led to the deaths of 1,134 people with thousands more injured from the collapse. The disaster has been marked the worst industrial accident to occur in the garment industry.

This is not a singular case. Bangladesh is home to at least 1,000 garment factories, and neighboring countries like Cambodia and Vietnam are no different. The common theme across these factories is the complete neglect of human rights and the abuse of the poor labor force. Child labor and forced labor have run rampant in many factories across Southeast Asia and South America, where laws are easy

impacts. Globalization itself drives the pollution of our planet. For example, the U.S. is the largest exporter of cotton in the world. Most of U.S. produced cotton is exported to China and other countries where labor costs are low. One quarter of all pesticides used in the U.S. are used on cotton crops. This represents an enormous environmental impact.

The fashion industry has a massive carbon footprint. To put that in perspective, the fashion industry emits about 850 million metric tons (Mt) of carbon dioxide each year, while the entire continent of Australia emits around 390 Mt every year. Large amounts of water are also required to keep this industry going and it has been shown that one T-shirt requires about 715 gallons of water to produce. In addition, the vast majority of water used in production becomes polluted with harsh chemicals. Greenpeace, an international non-governmental, environmental organization, tested the wastewater outside of Chinese textile factories and found nonylphenols, which act as artificial hormones to animals and humans, and azo dyes, which have been known to cause cancer.

One of the main reasons these issues continue to plague factory workers is that there not enough public attention on the companies who are at fault. Until recently, no one has held these mega-retailers accountable for the suffering of factory employees. Abuses exist throughout the tiers of supply chains and persist outside of the global view. As the industry grows,

so do the expectations placed on lowpaid factory workers. The pressure for speed outweighs the need for improved conditions and the necessity of legislation that will protect the works and our environment.

The issues in undeveloped countries have not been in the public awareness until recently. In 2013, following the collapse of Rana Plaza, several of the world’s largest retail apparel companies signed a legally binding plan that required them to finance fire safety and infrastructure improvements for factories in Bangladesh.

The agreement called for public reports of safety inspections, mandatory repairs and renovations for these factories.

Other possible solutions that have been on the rise include the Greenpeace Detox Campaign, which evaluates fashion companies and ranks them based on their efforts to eliminate their environmental impact. Another solution is the Ethical Trading Initiative, which brings companies, trade unions and NGOs together in order to promote the respect of workers’ rights globally. It is important this trend continues for this issue to be resolved before it falls back in the list of global priorities. With new brands like SheInside, Romwe and Oasap—which offer hundreds of new styles every single day—gaining traction in the industry, it is clear this issue of exposing the implications of fast fashion and finding solutions needs to be addressed now, before irreversible tragedy strikes.

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Sources: cleanclothes.org, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, inthesetimes.com, static1.1.sqspcdn.com, nytimes.com, goodonyou.org.au

to ignore. The continued growth of the fast fashion industry is only making the situation worse. Quicker changes in trends leads brands to request more from their manufacturers, leading the factories to put more and more pressure on their workers, which then only leads to worse and worse conditions for these people.

What is happening in the Global South is a clear violation of human rights. It is a case of big name companies taking advantage of poorer nations where, for most people, factory jobs are the only option. However, many factories still do not pay their workers a living wage. In fact, many women in these nations have been choosing the sex trade in lieu of the garment industry because the pay is better.

Problems like these have existed in the apparel industry since the 17th century.

Back then, manufacturing took place in the United States, or in the country where the product would be sold. After a few horrific incidents, such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, labor laws and safety standards were put into effect. Eventually, in the pursuit of cheaper labor and ways to get around labor laws, manufacturing was exported to third world nations, where there was little if any protection for labor workers.

The environment is the other victim of this industry. The environmental problems that come from the chemicals involved in production as well as factory waste are contributing to global climate change and have a number of other

RING: Iran JACKET: Iran 20

EMBROIDERED

DREAM In a growing globalized world, heritage adds to the beauty and complexity of one’s personal style. Taking a step back from the trends of fast fashion, the collection maintain the cultural traditions of the Middle East, while embracing contemporary style. Timeless and sophisticated, these looks show how modest dress can both be captivating and fashionable.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Sukrit Srisakulchawla MODELS: Amina Azmart, Sarah Eibakri, Saif Abu Hashish, Sahar Salari, Zaid Walid Tahesem 21

ON LEFT SHIRT: Boss SCARF: Koan PANTS: Armani Exchange SHOES: Topman

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CENTER JACKET: Tehran, Iran SHOES: Kate Spade Saturday ON RIGHT JACKET: Mango DRESS: Forever 21 SCARF: Iran

ON LEFT SHIRT: Boss SCARF: Koan PANTS: Armani Exchange SHOES: Topman

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SHIRT: ASOS SCARF: ASOS PANTS: Urban Outfitters SHOES: Saint Laurent

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SHIRT: ASOS PANTS: Zara SHOES: Cole Haan

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DRESS: Forever 21 JACKET: Forever 21 SCARF: Abu Dhabi, UAE SHOES: Kohl’s

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THE DARK SIDE OF DONATIONS:

Consumerism vs. Sustainability Written by Christina Jackson

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on the dollar, and due to their association with wealth, their perceived values increase. In turn, this causes a higher demand for the donated clothes over locally made textiles, making local manufacturers suffer.

While clothing donors often feel that he or she may be positively impacting someone’s life with that charitable donation, there are hefty trade-offs that may be doing more harm than good overall. In more serious cases, it is hindering the budding textile industries in the African nations where the bulk of the items are sent to.

In most of those countries, clothes are not thrown away once the wearer is bored of them. The clothing is sold for pennies

The average American or anybody from more privileged parts of the world would not expect that something as simple as donating a piece of clothing could contribute to making the poor even poorer. Hopefully, we as consumers can become more conscious of how our decisions can greatly impact others lives, and push retailers to provide more sustainable, albeit higher priced clothes to mitigate the negative effects of the fast fashion business model.

Want to learn more?

The short life product cycles of fast fashion clothing begs the question: what happens to the clothing when its owner is no longer satisfied with last season’s trend or is able to wear it? Often times these clothes will go to local charities like the Salvation Army for those less fortunate. Some charities may even take it a step further and recycle the clothes that cannot be kept, by giving them to textile processors or send the clothing to African countries such as Nigeria and Zambia. In knowing this, the consumer feels that they are helping both the environment and the less fortunate instead of simply discarding their old clothes. Most consumers think that the 29

Photos Courtesy of: amazon.com, exhibitionsinternational.org, kontrolmag.com

clothes would either be broken down to fibers or help the less fortunate locally, but a large portion of the clothes that come through The Salvation Army’s doors goes to those in need abroad, as they are often overrun with discarded clothing.

Sources: “The Afterlife of Cheap Clothes”, “Do Clothing Donations Do Good”, “H&M Wants you to Recycle Your Clothes but the Greening of Fashion isn’t All Good”

In the general fashion world, consumerism and sustainability have a difficult time co-existing in the same spheres, especially in the realm of fast fashion. Fast fashion is the rapid translation from runway to chain retailer aimed to capture ever-changing fashion trends as quickly as possible. One can often see the parallels between what was shown by designers during Fashion Week and the much lower priced items at retailers such as Express and H&M. The fast fashion business model that many retailers take on puts the customer first.

Usually both the cloth and labor used to make the garments are so cheap that even with mark-ups by the retailer, the garments are priced extremely affordably.

Unfortunately since the fabric is cheaply put together and the fibers start to wear out, the life cycle of each piece is generally very short. Sustainable fashion requires fairly priced labor and quality, often more highly priced materials that would last significantly longer than those of fast fashion.

AFRICA NIGHT Q&A with Designer, Youssef Elbehri Written by Yashi Gudka

Photos courtesy of biocouture.co.uk, fashionbombdaily.com, pinterest.com

Nomadic Attire presenting their collection at Agachi 2016

AFRICA NIGHT, the annual cultural showcase produced by the Northeastern African Student Organization (NASO) features a variety of dance and song performances and fashion shows of African origin. I interviewed Youssef Elbehri, director behind the brand, Nomadic Attire, that was featured in this year’s show, Agachi. Nomadic Attire is a brand that uses East African fabrics such as the kikoy and kanga to produce Western influenced clothing that can be worn in various settings. In this interview, I got to understand his brand better and obtained insight behind his philosophy of fashion.

Why did you decide to become a fashion designer, and what steps did you take to get to where you are now?

I became the creative director/designer because I wanted to combine my love for unique, creative clothing and dressing with my business side. I was also looking for some outlet for artistic expression, and fashion has filled that need. I was lucky enough to team up with someone who was able to help me create this brand.

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We have a long way to go, but we’re learning along the way, and that is the key element of anybody’s growth!

How would you describe your brand? What type of person would be seen wearing it?

Nomadic Attire is two things: an African brand that promotes East African culture through fashion and a celebration of where the brand comes from—we source and manufacture all our products in Nairobi, Kenya. The basics of our brand are

our fabrics and patterns. With that being said, in the U.S., and especially New England, our customers are people who are not afraid to stand out and be different. Our customers are people who are proud of culture, and who are not afraid to be themselves.

They care about comfort and unique style!

If your brand could have any spokesperson, who would it be and why?

That’s a hard question, but probably Pharrell [Williams]. He’s a fashion icon, and such an avid supporter of the arts, and socially conscious issues. I think these elements embody the principles and story that is Nomadic Attire. I would love to see him rock one of our pants!

Do you have anything planned for the near future?

We’re creating our new season. From our past collections we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t; we’ve listened to our customers to make a line that fits their needs and wants, while staying true to the brand. We’re simplifying our offerings while making them even more approachable and stylish.

What advice would you give to people who aspire to enter the fashion world?

Just do it! My partner and I both come from a business background, and have had little to no forays in the fashion world before. I believe people over-think things, and are afraid of taking risks. If you want to enter this industry, educate yourself on the industry and the multitude of positions available from the abundant resources around you, and go for it! Although it’s a competitive industry, what industry isn’t? It’s important to learn, network and proactively make moves (i.e. internships/ entrepreneurial ventures/jobs) pivoted around the industry.

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MADE IN INDIA The New Generation of Indian Fashion Designers Written by Harshita Himatsingka

SABYASACHI MUKHERJEE You are on the streets of the beautiful city of Kolkata standing outside 545 Lake Road, and as you step inside Sabyasachi’s flagship store, you are transported to couture wonderland. It has a Victorian feel, yet it is quintessentially Indian. Behold, you are now surrounded with the most beautiful lehengas, gowns and saris in existence. Sabyasachi, as the designer’s brand is known, has a very unique design philosophy. He wants to use the “personalized imperfection of the human hand,” and rightly so, all his designs are handcrafted to the last detail in his workshop in Kolkata. His designs, which he said are always in some ways inspired by his native city of Kolkata, consist of

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unusual fabrics, a fusion of styles and colors, different textures, impeccable detailing and the “feeling of going back to the soul.”

He interprets his designs as “international styling with an Indian soul.” He has showcased his collections at various international fashion shows including New Asia Fashion Week in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week and Miami Fashion Week, as well as Lakme Fashion Week and Amazon Fashion Week in India.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is also the first Indian designer to have his collections featured in three of the main Fashion Week shows in New York, London and Milan. In 2015, Sabyasachi collaborated with renowned shoe designer, Christian Louboutin for his Autumn/Winter ’15 collection for which Louboutin designed 80 pairs of shoes, which were made from the very “identifiable Sabyasachi embroidery of acid dyed burnt sequins and tea dyed cotton threads.” In addition to Indian traditional wear, Sabyasachi also has a contemporary line for women that features dresses, blouses, shirts and trousers that feature his signature embroidery work. In his wise words, “clothes should just be an extension of one’s intellect.”

MASABA GUPTA Fun, quirky, unique, modern and Indian–these are the words that describe Masaba Gupta’s designs. Masaba Gupta is one of the most promising and vibrant designers of the Indian Fashion industry. She was the fashion director at Satya Paul, India’s premiere design label for three years before starting her own label under Satya Paul, MASABA, for which she is the CEO and creative head. MASABA’s strength “lies in the ability to marry traditional Indian sensibilities and aesthetics while keeping the modern context alive. The label has worked intensively with prints, and the ability to turn mundane everyday objects into prints,” which has made Gupta’s designs oneof-a-kind and wildly popular among women all over India. She has featured five collections starting from 2013 and has recently showcased her Winter/Festive ’15 Collection at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, India. The designer has also launched a new affordable line for teenagers called “Masaba Lite.” The collection features “vibrant, young and peppy” looks for teenagers that are “pocket friendly”, meaning affordable. The collection features casual wear and sleepwear, as well as some accessories like phone covers and more. Speaking from experience, wearing a lipstick-print MASABA blouse to one’s senior prom can definitely turn heads, and even win you the title of Miss Transform (the theme of the evening). That is the power of a MASABA original.

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Sources and photos courtesey of: www.sabyasachi.com, www.instagram/sabyasachiofficial, www.us.christianlouboutin.com, www.houseofmasaba.com, www.anamikakhanna.in, www.manisharora.com

Masaba Gupta for Lakmé 2014

ANAMIKA KHANNA Anamika Khanna is a woman of many firsts. Business of Fashion has called Anamika Khanna the first Indian female designer “who has blended traditional Indian textiles and techniques with Western silhouette and tailoring.” Khanna is one of the few designers who has modernized Indian traditional wear with her use of Indian textiles. The designer has reinterpreted the Maharashtrian nine-yard sari and is credited for creating “dhoti-pants,” (balloon-like harem pants) from the sari material. These dhoti-style saris have become a signature creation for the designer.

“Her collections can be termed as decorously Indian but Goth, Punk and Bohemian at the same time.” Khanna is also the first

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female Indian designer to have an international label: Ana-Mika—a collection she showcased at Paris Fashion Week in 2007.

In 2010, another first, the designer’s international label was given an exclusive contract by British retail powerhouse, Harrod’s after she featured her collection at London Fashion Week. Khanna has also been featured in “India Today’s 25 Most Powerful Women in 2011” in Femina (an Indian fashion magazine), as well as listed in as one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in India” and “100 People Impacting India”.

MANISH ARORA A contemporary designer, with a trademark palette of pink and gold, Manish Arora’s designs are inspired by Indian heritage, but with a contemporary vibe. Arora is known for his “astute craftsmanship and unique play on colors.” Arora has showcased his collections internationally, representing India at Hong Kong Fashion Week and Miami Fashion Week in 2005, where he won the Designer’s Choice Award for Best Collection. He featured his collection at London Fashion Week in 2005 and Paris Fashion Week in 2007. In 2011, the designer was appointed as the Creative Director for French fashion house, Paco Robanne, for

whom he designed two successful collections. His designs and collections have been featured in many international magazines such as Interview, Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, V Magazine and more. Arora has also collaborated on business ventures with other well-known names such as Disney, Swatch, Reebok, MAC Cosmetics, Nespresso and Barbie. In addition to fashion shows and collaborations, Arora has also designed clothes and costumes for Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry and M.I.A. Recently, some of his work was displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum for the “Fabric of India 2014-15 Exhibition.”

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URBAN TEXTILE Pushing their way past the all-black ensembles of winter, spring arrives with colorful prints and patterns. This collection weaves together vibrant African-inspired patterns and textiles with American silhouettes. These bold looks embody the liveliness of the sparkling sun, and the bliss as summer approaches.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kaylan Tran MODELS: Tara Armour, Brandon Hoilett, Kyra Leonard, Steven Millard 36

TOP: Urban Outfitters PANTS: Urban Outfitters SHOES: Steve Madden 37

ON LEFT NECKLACE: Forever 21 SHIRT: Urban Outfitters PANTS: Urban Outfitters

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ON RIGHT NECKLACE: Turkish Cyprus DRESS: Turkish Cyprus EARRINGS: Accessorize

DRESS: Turkish Cyprus EARRINGS: Accessorize

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ON RIGHT SHIRT: Brandy Melville SKIRT: Free People NECKLACE: Aldo

ON LEFT SHIRT: ASOS NECKLACE: Sierra Leone PANTS: Urban Outfitters 40

ON LEFT PANTS: Sierra Leone SHOES: Primark TOP: Bangkok, Thailand

ON RIGHT DRESS: Urban Outfitters SHOES: Steve Madden NECKLACE: Forever 21

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SHIRT: ASOS PANTS: Urban Outfitters

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SHIRT: Urban Outfitters SHORTS: Forever 21 EARRINGS: Topshop

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HAT: Forever 21 SHIRT: Lion of Judah JACKET: Levi’s

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ON LEFT PANTS: American Eagle SHIRT: Ghana

ON RIGHT HAT: Forever 21 SHIRT: Lion of Judah PANTS: Urban Outfitters

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ON LEFT SHIRT: ASOS PANTS: PacSun JACKET: ASOS

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CENTER TOP: Tehran, Iran SHORTS: Forever 21 ON RIGHT SHIRT: ASOS PANTS: Urban Outfitters

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WORLD BEAUTY TRENDS TOP PRODUCTS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE Written by Dana Dworkin

BetweenYouTube, Instagram and beauty blogs, despite the vast availability ofcontent,themakeupworldseemsprettysmallatthemoment.Withexpress shipping of cosmetics from all over the world, anything can be at your doorstep within days. Still, each nation has a clear and distinct view on what beauty is, and makes their products accordingly. Below are a few unique products that are up-and-coming all around the world, and the trends they reflect.

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RUSSIA: NAIL ART

Along the crowded side streets of Marrakech, you’ll find a few soothing alcoves in the form of homeopathic pharmacies. The walls are lined in clear jars filled with colorful spices, powders, and teas. Along with remedies for coughs, headaches, and skin impurities, you may be presented with a bright green tube of lipstick. When applied to the lips, this neon green turns into the perfect bright pink. The formula is sheer but still delivers a radiant flush of color.

Since micellar water came onto the scene, it has completely exploded in popularity, but the French seem to have started this trend. France has a reputation for making lovely skincare items, and this product is no exception. Micellar water is a waterbased makeup remover and cleanser that is filled with “micelles,” or tiny oil molecules that are suspended in the water. As it’s only water and oil, this product is suitable for all skin types and is gentle while still removing even the blackest of mascaras.

However, if you’re planning on layering on the waterproof mascara and glittery eyeliner, maybe keep that heavy-duty makeup remover in arms reach.

While it may not be the first country to pop into your mind as a beauty innovator, Russia is very serious about their nail art.

Nail art has become increasingly visible all over the world in the past few years, but Russia took the trend and hit the ground running. Fake nails with extravagant and fantastical designs are becoming the norm in post-Soviet Russia, as women are becoming increasingly expressive and exerting their uniqueness. Nail vinyls, like the ones shown above, are commonly used to create intricate designs on acrylic nails.

JAPAN: SUQQU BRUSHES

KOREA: OOPS MY LIP TINT BY BERRISOM

SIERRA LEONE: AFRICAN BLACK SOAP

If you haven’t heard about Suqqu brushes, it is probably because they are nearly impossible to get outside of Japan. Despite their relative obscurity, all of your favorite makeup artists from Lisa Eldridge to Wayne Goss are fans of the Suqqu brushes. If you are thinking you need one for yourself, get ready to start saving, as these brushes go for upwards of $200 for a single brush on Amazon or Ebay. Japan is all about natural beauty, and these super soft and fluffy brushes are amazing for lightly dusting and blending products on the face to enhance natural features.

Korea is known for their innovative skincare, but this ground-breaking lip product has been all over Instagram and YouTube. Unless you have been living under a rock, you have probably seen these peel-off tints by Berrisom. The product is applied like a regular gloss or balm, but it peels off like a sticker to leave behind a beautiful stain. While it may look gimmicky, beauty gurus seem to agree that these are amazing. If you are interested in Korean beauty and skincare, you may want to check out Memebox.com, a subscription service that sends a variety of Korean products straight to your door every month.

To all the acne-prone, oily skinned people out there: your prayers have been answered.

Shea Moisture is a company founded to carry on the legacy of Sofi Tucker, a widowed mother from Sierra Leone who began selling her wares of shea butter, African black soap and other homemade beauty products in 1912, and moved on to sell her products all over the countryside.

This soap costs less than $7, and is hailed by many as the best acne fighter on the market.

Pure African black soap can be a bit drying, so the added shea butter keeps skin clear and moisturized.

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Photos courtesy of magazine.foxnews.com, manrepeller.com, intothegloss.com, beautylish.com, kbshimmer.com, wheeconfetti.com, shopotam.ru, cosmopolitan.com.hk, amazon.com

MOROCCO: COLOR-CHANGING LIPSTICK FRANCE: MICELLAR WATER

INTERNATIONAL SKINCARE The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets Written by Dana Rocha

When it comes to skincare, everyone wants the same outcome: clear, youthful skin. But the way people work towards this goal differs greatly across continents and different cultures. Here are some of the most popular skincare trends and products from around the world.

ASIA

Photos courtesy of harrods.com, shop.missha-deutschland.de, amazon.com, organiclifestylemagazine.com

Here in the West, we are taught to cover up blemishes and imperfections as if they don’t exist. However, the skincareobsessed culture in Asia emphasizes the importance of obtaining clear, youthful skin. Since the “K-beauty” trend hit the United States a few years ago, it became clear that Asia leads the way in skincare innovations—some say that Asia is eight to ten years ahead. This is largely due to the high demand from consumers for better, more advanced products while maintaining an importance on gentle, natural ingredients.

Japan The focus for Japanese consumers is to combat the signs of aging, so it is no surprise that anti-aging products sell well. The Japanese are also more focused on preventing the damage before it occurs.

This means that there are a wide variety of SPF 50 products from sprays, lotions, wipes, creams and even powders. The Face Protector Factor 50 from Suqqu is a popular water-based cream that gives UV protection without feeling heavy or greasy.

Japanese consumers love to experiment with different methods

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and ingredients not traditionally found in Western products including seaweed, bee venom, rice bran, horse oil, camellia oil and silkworm cocoons.

South Korea From BB creams to sheet masks and cleansing oils; Korean beauty has been dominating headlines for Western skincare lately.

What sets K-beauty products apart from Western products is that Korean consumers believe beautiful skin is beauty. Because of this ideal, Korean skincare regimens are more involved and can include up to 18 different products. Because of this infatuation with skincare, Korean women spend more than twice as much money on skincare than American women per capita, according to Euromonitor, a global market research firm. This high consumer demand fuels the need for better technology and innovation, which has led to the use of different ingredients such as snail slime, hyaluronic acid, placenta, gold, maple tree sap and starfish extract. Like the Japanese consumers, Koreans tend to emphasize natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals. For instance, snail slime is a popular ingredient because it is derived from an enzyme that snails produce to heal cuts on their soft bodies. In skincare products, snail mucin firms and restores the skin by moisturizing and aiding cell regeneration— which helps fade acne scars and improves uneven skin tones.

As K-beauty is known infamously for multi-step routines that use a range of ten or more different products, Korean and many Asian

skincare items are formulated very differently from their Western counterparts. Instead of a one step solution, this method focuses on products that target specific concerns. The products have a lighter formula so you can layer them without causing havoc on your skin. A typical routine includes an oil cleanser, a gentle foam cleanser, toner, essence, serum, ampoule, a sheet mask, emulsion, a moisturizer and finally a night cream.

The sheet mask is probably the most popular of the Korean beauty inspired products that have reached the West. It is a simple, one-time-use mask that has been popping up everywhere thanks to its popularity among celebrities and models.

AFRICA

SOUTH AMERICA

In Africa, the focus of skincare is to moisturize the skin and protect it against the sun. Traditional African ingredients such as shea butter and argan oil have been incorporated into Western products. Recently, brands such as Korres and Ole Henriksen have been incorporating moringa oils and baobab. Baobab improves the elasticity of the skin while healing and reversing damaged skin. A newly discovered ingredient is tamarind seed, which is over 40 times more effective than the recently trending ingredient, hyaluronic acid.

Brazil South America, specifically Brazil, has a huge impact on the global beauty industry, making use of their finest natural ingredients. Chances are you have used or heard of a product made with clay from the Amazon rainforest; South American indigenous people have used clay for healing purposes for years.

Brazilian women swear by coconut oil, which is now a very popular ingredient in skincare products, and is known for its moisturizing effects. Coconut oil is a multi-use product as it is useful for moisturizing hair, as well as the skin. This product has become more popular in the United States, especially due to celebrities swearing by its effects.

Chile In Chile, women have used rosehip oil for centuries. Rose hip oil helps slow the effects of aging skin, improves skin tone and repairs sun damage. A paste of red grapes and flour is also popular, and makes for a revitalizing DIY mask that brightens the skin. Grape extracts have been incorporated more and more in Western products and it was probably inspired by this beauty secret.

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E L Y STREET ST TERN S A E H NORT N EDITIO Photography by Lindis Barry, Non Kuramoto and Alec McLean

With students coming in from all over the globe, some of the best looks in Boston can be spotted on our very own campus. From fur coats to bold skirts, these on-campus fashionistas show us that even the most erratic Boston weather won’t stop them from flaunting their style.

NAME: Xiyue Lizhao YEAR: Sophomore MAJOR: Music History & Analysis HOMETOWN: Beijing, China TWITTER/INSTAGRAM: @dianalzxy

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“BE FASHIONABLE

AND RATIONAL. AND, NEVER LOSE YOUR UNIQUENESS!”

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INTERNATIONAL ISSUE

NAME: Lucas Liberman YEAR: Sophomore MAJOR: International Business Finance HOMETOWN: La Paz, Bolivia TWITTER/INSTAGRAM: @Lucas_Bolivia FASHION RULES TO LIVE BY: Your aesthetic is a facet of your personality. If your outfit speaks for itself then you are doing it right. Colors are bold and speak loudly, but a lack of colors can be just as telling.

NAME: Patrizia Cadel YEAR: Freshman MAJOR: International Business HOMETOWN: Venice, Italy TWITTER/INSTAGRAM: @Patriziacadel FASHION RULES TO LIVE BY: Keep it modern, but timelessly respectable.

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NAME: Floris Xujia Liu YEAR: Senior MAJOR: Theatre HOMETOWN: Harbin, China TWITTER/INSTAGRAM: @florisliu FASHION RULES TO LIVE BY: Stay classic, keep it fun, and wear natural fabrics

NAME: Marie Reichmann YEAR: Freshman MAJOR: Undecided HOMETOWN: Wuppertal, Germany TWITTER/INSTAGRAM: @Marieekur FASHION RULES TO LIVE BY: Less is more, but always invest in a timeless classic handbag.

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BEST OF BOSTON: Neighborhood Spotlight

Written by Elizaveta Pereguda

In a city of about 640,000 people, Boston is characterized by its vivid and culturally diverse neighborhoods. Each neighborhood contributes its own distinctive culture and sense of pride from all over the globe.

Historically, the largest wave of immigrants came from Ireland to settle in Massachusetts. Irish immigrants entered the United States in the mid-19th century to escape famine and settled south of Boston. Until the late 1800s the majority of immigrants who settled in the U.S. were from Western Europe. However, in the late 19th century, many immigrants began arriving to Boston from Eastern Europe, and in more recent decades, Spanish-speaking countries.

Photos courtesy of: stpatricksfestival.ie, pinterest.com

Beyond the rich historical contexts, Boston’s neighborhoods are all unique and full of exciting events. Broaden your horizons and cultural knowledge by checking out the various annual celebrations and parades right here in the Bay State.

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SOUTH BOSTON

THE NORTH END

Once a predominantly Irish Catholic community, South Boston has become increasingly desirable among young families who are attracted to the neighborhood’s strong sense of community. The huge St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston takes center stage on the Sunday closest to March 17th, attracting up to one million spectators. Visitors enjoy the colorful floats, Irish and American pipe and drum bands and enthusiastic crowds.

But undoubtedly, the best part of the tradition is showcasing local pride.

The North End is most known as an enclave of Italian immigrants. Nowadays, the neighborhood is populated by a mixture of Italian-Americans and young professionals drawn to the neighborhood’s tight-knit feel. The Italian heritage is still preserved through numerous Italian restaurants, bakeries, celebrations and festivals.

In 1919, Italian immigrants from the small town of Montefalcione in Avellino started the Saint Anthony’s Feast, which today, has become the largest Italian festival in New England. The Italian street festival boasts parades, strolling singers and live entertainment. The North End streets are fully decorated and visitors have an opportunity to sample the best Italian street food from over one hundred pushcarts!

CHINATOWN Boston’s Chinatown has the third largest Chinese neighborhood in the country.

Visitors are mostly attracted to the area’s large selection of Asian restaurants and other places to grab quick bites.

The most popular annual event is the Chinese New Year Parade, which marks the biggest annual celebration in Boston’s Chinatown. At the celebration, troops of colorful lion dancers dance through the streets while drums and cymbals are blaring, and firecrackers go off. Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the first month in the traditional lunar calendar, which falls on a date between January 21 and February 20. The parade through the streets of Chinatown gives you a great opportunity to see traditional lion dancing.

During the popular August Moon Festival, which celebrates the end of the harvest season, children carry brightly colored lanterns and revelers eat sweet cakes known as moon cakes, each containing a secret message. There is plenty of good food, music and dancing.

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Boston’s Best

ETHNIC RESTAURANTS Written by Claire Cramm

It is really easy to get caught up in eating dorm food, or to forget to branch out past the restaurants that are so comfortably close to campus. However, Boston boasts many ethnic restaurants that are worth noting. If you’re looking to branch out and try something new, here are five unique ethnic restaurants that are relatively cheap, and not too far from Northeastern’s campus.

Photos courtesy of yelp.com, blogger.com, wordpress.com, blogspot.com, wgbh.org. Sources: cravingboston. wgbh.org, improper.com, boston.cbslocal.com, hephoenix.com, zagat.com

1. LUCY ETHIOPIAN CAFÉ This small, hidden café on Mass Ave. is the best place for newcomers to Ethiopian food. The menu consists of endless options, and the staff is always willing to recommend the best dishes, such as the well-known Lega Tips or Addis Combo.

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FOR STUDENTS ON A BUDGET

2. AVANA SUSHI Although this hole-in-the-wall can be hard to find in Chinatown, Avana has some of the tastiest and most affordable sushi that one can find in Boston. The small restaurant is perfect for a quick and easy fix, and most importantly, all the rolls are made fresh. From the staple salmon roll to their signature Red Sox Roll, this sushi spot is perfect for all sushi lovers.

3. PHO BASIL Located very close to campus this Vietnamese and Thai food joint is one of the best in Boston. The ambiance walking into the restaurant makes for a welcoming environment along with a great staff catering to all your needs. The environment welcomes customers with the alluring waft of fresh Pad Thai upon entering.

They offer a wide range of fresh and healthy Vietnamese and Thai.

4. INDIA QUALITY Indian foods, including endless vegetarian options. The portions are large, so it is the perfect place to eat when you are starved or to share a meal with friends as well. If the trek to Commonwealth If you have never tried Indian food, India Quality is the place to start.

And, if you are an Indian food regular, it’s a great place to satisfy your food cravings. The menu offers a diverse range of Ave. near Boston University is too far, do not fret—they deliver! If you find yourself having late night cravings, you are also in luck, because they are open until 11 p.m.

5. TENOCH MEXICAN Indian foods, including endless vegetarian options. The portions are large, so it is the perfect place to eat when you are starved or to share a meal with friends as well. If the trek to Commonwealth If you have never tried Indian food, India Quality is the place to start.

And, if you are an Indian food regular, it’s a great place to satisfy your food cravings. The menu offers a diverse range of Ave. near Boston University is too far, do not fret—they deliver! If you find yourself having late night cravings, you are also in luck, because they are open until 11 p.m.

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TRAVELER’S TOOLKIT Written by Alex Kaneshiro

YOUR NO-STRESS PACKING LIST

It’s simple—traveling should be an amazing experience. But while nearly all trips across the world are fantastic, some are hindered by decisions made during the preliminary stage of the trip: packing. When you’re wandering through Seoul, you’ll want to be admiring the atmosphere, not listening to your feet screaming at you for wearing a heeled boot. As you take in Greek architecture, you should not be worrying about your phone that only has 2% battery life left. It is important to make the most of your travel experiences by being prepared with the necessities—but doing so with a bit of finesse and style never hurt anyone either. Whether you’re planning for a cross-country trip or a month of backpacking through Europe, make sure you have these essentials in tow when you set off on your globetrotting adventures.

DISPOSABLE CAMERA While a fancy digital camera always yields great images, sometimes it’s fun to bring along a disposable camera to create tangible memories to hang on your wall later. Don’t forget to ask TSA to hand-inspect your disposable, to avoid the film inside the camera getting ruined by the x-ray machine.

Good Vibes Disposable Camera, Urban Outfitters, $14 BACKPACK As you climb to the top of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, it’s handy to have all of your travel items in a backpack, rather than in a tote that you are constantly pulling back up onto your shoulder. A miniature backpack goes a long way in making sure your trek across the globe is hassle-free.

TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK In order to fully embrace the place you are about to explore, it’s important to read up on the cultures and customs of the city, but also get clued in on all of the legendary hotspots. If you’re a foodie jet-setting off to Tokyo, pick up a travel guidebook specific to Japanese cuisine. Likewise goes for an art connoisseur off to Paris.

Fjallraven ‘Mini Kanken’ Backpack, Nordstrom, $48

“Paris Style Guide,” Target, $17

MOISTURIZER Since packing all of the skin care products you own sort of defeats the purpose of an essentials list, opt to throw a pot of SPF 30 moisturizer in your daily bag. Keeping your skin protected and hydrated will make for a radiant confidence while traveling. philosophy SPF 30 Moisturizer, Sephora, $28 60

PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER When you travel, it is safe to assume you’ll be wandering through the city for the majority of the day. Between all of the photos you take and Yelp-ing you do throughout the day, your phone’s battery risks becoming dangerously low. With a portable phone charger, you can reboot your battery life wherever you are and avoid spending a half hour in a local Starbucks charging up.

Portable Power Charger, Urban Outfitters, $24

FEDORA Instead of spending precious exploratory time managing your hair in the morning, throw on a felt fedora to mask a not-so-great hair day while making a statement. Fedoras encompass the elegantly chic vibe that every travel girl hopes to give off as she roams the streets of a new city.

Wide Brim Fedora Hat, Topshop, $48

WEAR-ANYWHERE DRESS A loose-fitting baby doll dress is a staple for exploring the world on foot.

Cute and comfortable, these dresses are versatile and breathable regardless of the place you are exploring.

Baby Doll Dress, Zara, $69.90 HEADPHONES Although they are an obvious must-have for the airplane, headphones and a great playlist are essential to your trip on land as well. Especially if you’re planning on doing any solo-travel, take in the city’s sites while listening to the music you love.

Frends ‘Layla’ Headphones, Shopbop, $150

WATER BOTTLE It’s so easy to forget to drink while traveling, and you usually only realize it when you’re already halfway up the Eiffel Tower. If you’re in a touristconcentrated area, chances are that bottles of water will be going for $6 a pop. Fill up your own bottle at the start of the day to avoid both dehydration and annoyingly high prices.

Hydro Flask, REI, $34.95

SUNGLASSES Whether or not it’s sunny out, sunglasses add a carefree touch to any travel outfit. Bring along a quirky pair of Quay Australia’s as your trusty travel companion.

Quay Australia My Girl Sunglasses, Asos, $50

PASSPORT-HOLDING WALLET The large Kate Spade wallets are the best to have when it comes to international travel because they’re big enough to fit all of your typical wallet contents, in addition to a passport. Knowing where your passport is at all times gives you peace of mind for you stress-free trip.

TRAVEL JOURNAL With a travel journal, yes you can paste in and save small trinkets like stickers and museum tickets, but more importantly, you can preserve your thoughts and look back at them years later. Bring along a small notebook or journal, and jot down your daily thoughts throughout your travels. ”Escape the Ordinary” Journal, Kate Spade, $24

SNEAKERS Resist the urge to bring your cute but uncomfortable pair of shoes and swap them for a pair of lightweight sneakers. Fortunately, athleisure is trending so you can find a chic pair of trainers around almost every street corner.

501 Sneakers, New Balance, $64.99

Cedar Street Lacey Wallet, Kate Spade, $178 61

INTERNATIONAL ISSUE

Meet the Photographer: An Interview with Lauren Engël Written by Danny McGorry & Julia Le Not many college students are published in Vogue, let alone other critically-acclaimed publications like GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan; but leave it to fellow Northeastern University student Lauren Engël to do so. Lauren is a professional photographer, stylist and fashion editor who focuses her work around sensuality and street style. She has shot all of over the world, and continues to travel in pursuit of different projects. Lauren Engël—charismatic, sweet, focused and energetic—is a force to be reckoned with. Keep up with her stunning work on her website, engelauren.com and follow her on Instagram @engelauren.

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Lauren, thank you so much for taking the time to interview with The Avenue; it’s truly an honor. To start us off, please tell us a bit about your international background and experience as a photographer.

I grew up in Hong Kong and spent my whole childhood there.

I’m half American, half Chinese and speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin. I moved to the States at eighteen for Northeastern. I started photography at the age of fifteen or sixteen with a Canon 500D, and started photographing my friends and classmates. Throughout the years I have progressed into shooting musicians, lookbooks, editorials, lifestyle, events and travel.

As a long time follower, It’s really amazing to see your progression throughout the years. What do you think influences you the most from home?

As a photographer, not so much; a lot of my inspiration comes from traveling. I didn’t really like shooting back home. I wasn’t really inspired by the whole city and building scape; I prefer shooting in nature and the beach. Personally, though, I am influenced by the traditions and culture from back home and my perspectives on things.

What inspired you to pursue your dreams and get into the work you currently do?

I think in a way, photography is something I can escape in and capture something I don’t have in my life. Growing up in a city where everything is a concrete jungle made me appreciate the

beauty of nature more. You always want what you don’t have.

I would take long bus rides to just escape and take pictures.

Over the years, my photography has progressed into being more sensual. I think I can attribute that to my traditional upbringing;sexiness and openness weren’t norms at all. At times the community I grew up in frowned upon this. I didn’t agree with their perspective. I believe that if you do it the right way and not take sexy pictures for the sake of being sexy—I can rant about this, haha–I think it can be beautiful. As for pursuing photography, I didn’t get much motivation from my family, so I would definitely attribute my motivation to myself internally. I think also moving to the US increased my motivation because a lot of things here are more accessible, such as wardrobe stylists and models who are more interested in my style.

Your photography has definitely gained much more attention over the years. How would you describe your photographic style, as well as your personal style?

I would describe my photography style as colourful, feminine and loud, but sensual. My personal style is more streetwear. I love brands like HLZBLZ. I own a bunch of jackets, boots and colourful backpacks; I like wearing beanies, hats and chokers.

When I style for photography, it’s more lingerie and bikinis.

Any differences between your on-duty and off-duty personality?

Not so much on-duty and off-duty, but online and real life. When I am at a shoot, I’m myself; I like engaging with my models and team, and hearing about their backgrounds.

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INTERNATIONAL ISSUE

A lot of readers may be interested in the process of a shoot: how do you interact with your clients and models so that they are comfortable with you, and allow you to get the best shots?

Before the shoot, I like to give them a mood board so they know what kind of shoot I am looking for. During the shoot, we go through the wardrobe stylist’s clothing and pair them with the location. Throughout the shoot, I like to make sure everyone is happy and that we are on the same page. If the stylist or makeup artist wants to make the change, I’m open to their ideas.

From your experience, what differentiates one photoshoot from another the most? Is it the models, location, style…?

Yes, it’s all of those combined. I would say the location and model makes the biggest difference. They really inspire how I style the model, whether it’s streetwear or sexy. The feel of the model is always different as well; I like to make the model feel their own personality on the shoot with the location and the styling.

Pushing a model in another direction that is not similar to their personality does not make the best pictures.

So tell us, you have traveled all around the world, shooting with some of the biggest fashion bloggers and celebrities; what has been your most rewarding shoot experience?

Probably shooting with JoJo. She has been my idol all throughout my childhood, and having the invitation to photograph her and interview her was a really amazing experience.

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Has any of your personal attributes, like your gender or race, played a role in your ability to gain success, whether it be positive or negative?

Definitely my gender has made a big difference. I feel that female models are more comfortable and connect with me since we are similar ages as well. They’re comfortable to tell me what they’re feeling. Also with travel photography, my age helps as well; it doesn’t come across weird if I photograph random kids playing in the sand, haha. I am learning to be better, but I think my interviewing technique has improved. I really like to understand people deeply and hear about their background. I dislike superficial questions such as asking musicians how their tour is going for example. I don’t feel like you can really understand their personality that way. I prefer asking questions about their parents, how their childhood was like, etc. It makes it different from all those other music interviews out there which ask similar questions, and I think having this attribute makes me connect with people at a deeper level.

As a frequent globetrotter, you’ve shot in so many gorgeous locations. Is there somewhere you haven’t shot yet, that would really like to?

One day, I would really love to do a road trip with a model. The idea was inspired by my friend photographer Sam Livm, who spent two weeks across the States traveling and taking pictures with his then-lover/model. The idea behind it was to photo-

graph every moment, from waking up to sleeping—capturing all the moments even crying pictures from their fights. The pictures look so raw and real; I love them. So, my goal would be to perhaps do some trip with a model in nature for a week or so capturing our journey—possibly South Africa or South America.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as a photographer, and getting to where you are currently in your career?

The whole networking aspect, haha. I need to learn to put myself out there more and meet people. If you know me in real life, I’m quite introverted. I also feel like I haven’t been in the right place—my photography is really more swimsuit and lingerie, yet I’m in New York and Boston, haha. Hopefully in the next

few years I can make it out to LA; I feel like my style is more similar there and I would be able to meet more like-minded people.

Finally, what’s one tip you could share with our readers in terms of beginning their own fashion photography careers?

I would say fall in love with light. The lighting on the picture really makes a bigger difference than you think. It changes the entire mood of the picture. Other than that, choose quality over quantity. When I started out, I took heaps of pictures, but none of them really improved my technique. Looking back I should have been more selective and with each photo shoot really try to improve from the last one.

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Lightning Round Favorite Camera: Canon 5D Mark II. It’s the one I own. If I could upgrade, I would do the III. Favorite clothing brand: HLZBLZ. The sweetest people out there, who are killing it. Every piece of clothing they sell is so edgy.

Favorite spot in Boston: Either the Arnold Arboretum or the Forest Hills Cemetery; it’s pretty to shoot there, and it’s quiet since it’s so far away from things.

Most incredible place in the world: Kashmir in India. My godmother and I stayed overnight on a houseboat, and seeing the sunrise on it was just phenomenal. I can’t even use words to describe it.

Something you can’t leave the house without: Probably my iPad. I use it way more than my phone.

Must-follow Instagram account: Cameron Hammond, Lina Tesch, Ted Emmons, Zoey Grossman. I can’t just name one—and there you have it: my favourite photographers.

Something that our readers would be surprised to learn about you: I’m really different in real life to what it seems like online.

What you are currently working on: Juggling being an editor at C-Heads and finishing my last semester of school.

Words to live by: Currently—you’re only 22 once.

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DRESS: Forever 21 JACKET: Forever 21 SCARF: Abu Dhabi, UAE SHOES: Kohl’s

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