Spring 2010
10th Anniversary Issue
Ancient
Indulge in
Patterns
of Long Ago at the MFA
Taste of
Senegal:
Boston’s Hottest Afropop Band
Vegan Trifecta
Boston’s
United Nude
Reworking the Blueprint is
Letter from
Contributors
the Editor
Publisher
Editors
Editor-in-Chief
Elisa Bronstein Alyssa Davis Megan Carlson Kaleigh O’Brien
Lasell College
This is an incredibly special issue for POLISHED, as it is our tenth anniversary. We have come a long way yet have continued to stay true to where we began. I would like to pay homage and express reverence to those who started this publication ten years ago and allowed me the experience of working on it for the past four years. To acknowledge and celebrate, we have included an amazing look into the past ten years by highlighting our founder, first editor, and benefactors who supported the magazine’s development. With this issue of POLISHED, we took an exciting twist by bringing to light the international atmosphere of Boston. We have showcased diverse offerings in music, exercise, the arts, and fashion within Boston that make it unnecessary to travel outside the country for a taste of Italian, Senegalese, Chinese, or Japanese cultures. Get lost in the international experience and see what it means to be POLISHED all around the world.
Mary RuppertStroescu
Founder
Contributing Artists
Fashion Editors
Richard Bath
Christian DiPietro Erica Valente
Faculty Advisor
Writers
Stephen C. Fischer
Managing Editor Erica Valente
Creative Director Christian DiPietro
Art Director Neil Bacon
Faculty Editor Becky Kennedy
Victoria Bozek Elisa Bronstein Megan Carlson Alyssa Davis Alicia Deily Eliza Fitzgerald Lauren LaDeau Chelsea MitchellSmith Shauna Mullin Kaleigh O’Brien Jennifer Racine Holly Stephens
Neil Bacon Amanda Chapman Nordian Davis Maria DelRose Emely DelSanto Allison Geoffroy Kelly Lenihan Kristin Liberacki Breanna Liggan Erin Patten Andrew Ranalli Rizwan Samma
Marketing Editor Elisa Bronstein
Marketing Megan Dougherty Eliza Fitzgerald Christa Langbehn Sarah Meyers Natasha Whitby Natasha Wood
Erica Valente Managing Editor
On the Cover Photography: Oliver Klink Model: Kelsey Pepin Stylists: Erica Valente, Christian DiPietro, Shauna Mullin, and Elisa Bronstein Hair and Makeup: Jaime Berkman of Eye 4 Beauty Sheer Top: Filz Und Kunz found at Sooki Jewelry: A Touch of Couture
1844 Commonwealth Avenue Newton, MA 02466 www.Lasell.edu www.PolishedFashion.com
POLISHED Magazine is produced with graphic design support by the Graphic Design League at Lasell College. Visit us at www.GraphicDesignLeague.com POLISHED Magazine is printed by Wing Press Beau@wingpress.com
Table of
Contents Beauty
Beauty Through the Eyes of Culture....................4
Hot Spot
Biagio............................................ 8
Entertainment
Taste of Senegal......................10
Art
Patterns of Long Ago..............12
Community
Samadhi....................................... 16
Politics
Sister Cities.................................. 18
Boston Fashion
Boston Street Fashion.............20 Reworking the Blueprint..........30 Lalo Treasures..........................34
Culture
Boston’s Vegan Trifecta...........21
On the Cover
Seasonless Style......................22
Trends
Fall Trends...............................28
Special
POLISHED 10th Anniversary.....36
30
10
Seasonless Style 22
| BEAUTY |
Through the Eyes of Culture By Shauna Mullin eauty can be seen both in natural settings, untouched by human influence, and in art and aesthetics, created for our pleasure. The word beauty, derived from the Greek, means ‘according to one’s hour’. This definition refers to the notion that beauty is relative. An ancient Greek philosophical concept of beauty, known as the Apollonian, suggests that finding satisfaction in things that are defined as beautiful and attempting to achieve this beauty in oneself is a human response to uncontrollable nature. We might say that beauty is found at the intersection of nature and man’s interpretation of nature in culture. Interpretations of beauty are as varying and colorful as fish in the sea. Beauty falls victim to both time and place. Cultures determine what they identify as naturally beautiful and then create ways to accentuate it artificially. Throughout history, emphasis has been placed on different standards in relation to beauty. With varying ideals, China and the United States
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offer an interesting look at the way beauty is perceived through cultures. In China, ideal facial features are wide eyes, dark eyebrows, a narrow nose, and small lips, all on a narrow face. Freckles are unwanted. Freckles are kisses from the sun and are avoided by a culture that prefers fair, flawless skin, sheltered from the sun’s rays. In an effort to achieve impeccable porcelain skin, the Chinese often resort to skin-whitening creams. These creams are more common than their healthful counterpart, the moisturizer. A Chinese student at Lasell College, Sammi Yang, says that skin-whitening creams play a “very important role in everyday life.” She explains that the makeup used to accentuate the ideal face is natural and minimal. Key elements include a light shade of powder for cheeks, darker powder along the sides of the face to create a narrow look, black eyeliner to create a wider look in the eyes, and a pink or coral gloss. Weight in relation to beauty is an important characteristic in China as well. Yang
explains that in the T’ang Dynasty, a fullfigured woman was deemed attractive, but since then the desired figure has slenderized to extreme proportions. Today’s ideal size for Chinese women is what American culture would classify as excessively thin. Height is viewed as attractive in China because it accents a thin frame. Both men and women desire lengthy limbs. The instructional technologist at Lasell College, Ye Liu, says, “Ideally, everyone wants to be taller and thinner.” In ancient China during the Han Dynasty, women wore robes with long trains to achieve the appearance of a slender, long frame. The average Chinese child is now taller than the average child of thirty years ago, and thus a stronger emphasis is being put on height. The desire for height has spurred an interest in plastic surgery that involves inserting metal rods into the legs to add inches to one’s frame. One of the more well-known, iconic beauty treatments in Chinese culture was the practice of binding to form a smaller foot. This began in the late T’ang Dynasty and
Clothes: Model’s Own Hair and Makeup: Jaime Berkman of Eye 4 Beauty Stylist: Shauna Mullin Photography: Stephen Cicco
was popularized in 960 A.D., during the Song and Ming Dynasties. Women were forced to achieve an unnaturally petite size by restricting growth, accomplished by fracturing a girl’s toes at around age three and binding her feet in linen strips. This was done to stress female vulnerability in preparation for marriage and to show class distinction. Yang explains it was to show that the young ladies who possessed bound feet had “freedom from manual labor.” Many families required their son’s future wife to have tiny feet, and those who did not follow the practice were often late or unable to marry. Foot binding was banned in the beginning of the twentieth century, due to its crippling effects, and is no longer common today. Correct feminine posture is very important to pull together all aspects of beauty in a Chinese woman. Young women often take etiquette classes where they learn how to walk, talk, sit, and smile with elegance. Yang delves deeper into the details of correct etiquette by explaining that highheeled shoes and short-sleeved blouses are avoided and subtle neutral colors are valued. Chinese women are expected to avoid large hand movements as well as the habit of speaking with their hands. Liu explains that in China, “on the street it is not often that you hear young ladies loudly talking.” Women walk with tiny steps in order to appear ladylike. An ancient trend that originated in the Ch’ing Dynasty developed around the effort to gain attention through pity, called bingtai mei. Attention was achieved by means of a sickly look that derived from avoiding the sun and wearing thick white makeup. This look was popularized through the Chinese novel Dream Of The Red Chamber , written between 1749 and 1759. In this story, the character Lin Daiyu is portrayed as the main love interest of the protagonist. Lin Daiyu is not a conventional beauty for her time but is instead frail and sickly looking. Readers found her look striking, and it began to alter the contemporary definition of beauty. The sickly look is not a fad today; however, traces of its influence remain. Yang says bingtai mei
was “originally thought of as attractive because the pale skin gives a clean and fresh look.” Chinese women often grow their hair longer than do Western women. A contemporary look is that of shoulder-length waves. Most women refrain from dying their hair, in stark contrast to Western women and their practice of coloring. Fewer than 20 percent of Chinese change their hair color. However, Liu points out that over time, the younger generation has begun to move towards shorter cuts and hair dying, for a more modern look. The Chinese have naturally gorgeous hair. It is thicker, stronger, and more lustrous than Western hair. In the United States, beauty can be defined through other means and is emphasized in different aspects of the face and body. American beauty is an outward representation of one’s inner self, and practices vary according to changing societal standards. In America, a growing number of industries cater to a woman’s desire to create a personalized outward appearance. Based on a foundation of freedom of expression, American beauty is achieved through makeup, hair styles, hair coloring, and unique fashions. In metropolitan areas such as Boston, selfexpression is thriving. Liu says that in Boston, “you can see everything from all over the world -- including China.” Americans set themselves apart from their peers through self-expression and choice in dress. We are inclined to imitate what other cultures offer, and
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| BEAUTY | Western fashion and beauty trends are direct results of these influences. As in China, there are societal standards that affect our everyday lives and the way we perceive beauty. One of these involves body shape. Plagued for many decades by the desire to achieve a super skinny frame, women in America and specifically in the city of Boston are now finding value in a healthy body. A healthy weight is different for everyone and is largely dependent on height and genetics. Now the bigger fad than being thin is joining a gym. There are many gyms all over the Boston area, encouraging exercise and a fit lifestyle. College student Hannah Strasner says that the “ideal person would be healthy…[would] diet and exercise [and be] comfortable and confident in who they are.” This trend is also embraced in the Boston fashion industry, as local designers are making their sample sizes a bit larger than the typical size 0-3. The size of local models has diversified, as natural curves are more in demand. A dark, golden complexion is desired in cities like Boston, where salons thrive from
Westerners’ UV obsession. Silas Anthony, a nineteen-year-old Boston native, says, “Tan skin makes someone look vibrant and healthy.” Tan skin is reminiscent of a luxurious vacation and plenty of down time in the sun and is thought to have a slimming effect, all of which is in stark contrast to the Chinese ideal of the pale, almost sickly look. Yang says American culture emphasizes “tan skin, a fit body, and confidence.” In Boston, people see beauty in the ordinary as well as the exotic, and although there is still an interest in symmetry, facial features are much more varied than in Chinese culture. A walk down the streets of the city will reveal a rainbow of skin tones, facial shapes, facial features, and makeup. Although Western culture is known to value predominately Caucasian blondes with blue eyes, Boston in particular celebrates all looks. Advertisements for beauty products and clothing in the Boston area reveal diverse ethnicities. The models are from different backgrounds, each with her own striking look. It seems that the more original the beauty, the more attractive it is to consumers. Strasner explains the Bostonian look: “A lot of it is be yourself, be an individual…pick and choose from different cultures.” Popular makeup applications in America include using a natural-looking foundation that disguises blemishes with a bronzer often applied on top for a sunny glow. Eyes are often highlighted with eyeliner, eye shadow, and mascara. Cultivating elongated eyelashes is a rather new phenomenon in Western culture. Latisse is a prescription treatment that is brushed directly on the lash line, making the lashes grow in longer and darker. A curling tool is used to add volume and shape to the eye, in conjunction with mascara. Full lips have long been a symbol of femininity. This look is achieved using lip liner, lipstick, or gloss. Lip venom is lip gloss made of a blend of essential oils, including cinnamon, wintergreen, and
| BEAUTY | ginger, that cause the blood to rush to the surface of the lips, flushing and swelling them slightly. The result: fuller bee-stung lips. These effects are an instant, less permanent, and less dramatic version of the result of a collagen injection, yet another popular lip enhancement. As far apart as the cultures of China and America lie on the map, they do influence one another. Yang highlights examples of Chinese culture in the city of Boston, with the popularity of shopping in Chinatown, as well as the many young people looking for an opportunity to visit China, curious to learn from the culture there. Travelers will inevitably bring back customs they absorb, and that will add to our bubbling pot of cultural influences. Liu explains that there are many Chinese immigrants settling in Boston, and she sees them bringing, in particular, the performing arts. Anthony thinks of Chinese culture as “proper, respectful, and reserved.” He adds, “America is the exact opposite. I do think it would be positive to gain some aspects from Chinese culture.” Yang feels America’s influence on China can be found in the media with movies, and through the influence of American models and actresses who have popularized “large eyes and a sharp nose.” Liu sees American culture as having a considerable influence on China: “I think it has a strong impact. China has become an open society.” With these vibrant interpretations of beauty represented in two cultures that are worlds apart, it appears that beauty stands independently from any single foundation. Regardless of the context, an important concept to remember is that true beauty evokes a sense of satisfaction. Since the mind is shaped both by human nature and by nurture specific to one’s background, cultures will always be able to look to one another to see connections in their perception of
beauty as well as marvel at the fascinating differences. It is through these aspects that beauty is given meaning. Through the similarities we can define beauty with reference to its origin in nature, yet through the differences we make space for the definition of beauty to be altered as one culture influences another.
| HOT SPOT |
E ANT
R
RISTO
B
iagio, a family-owned and family-operated restaurant, opened up in the heart of Waltham on Moody Street just three short years ago. Both founding owners grew up in Italy and passed down the restaurant to their son Jeffrey. Entering Biagio, you are instantly intrigued when you encounter the beautiful atmosphere and are greeted by a welcoming staff. My first impression was of a sense of grandeur and a mix of Mediterranean colors. Biagio is a three-story restaurant that blends a family dining environment, sleek lounge area, bar, and outdoor patio. The restaurant caters to large parties or dinner for two. At full capacity, Biagio can hold 280 and is ideal for any event or function. The first floor exposes brick walls and high vaulted ceilings that are perfect for a romantic dinner. The cherry wood bar is
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R & BAitchell-Smith ea M
els By Ch
complete with a flat-screen TV, for a more casual dining experience. The lounge is located at the top of the spiral staircase. It has lavish red couches along the walls and candles lit along the granite bar; it is the ideal place for a night of socializing, dancing, and cocktails. The Plush Lounge leads to the outdoor patio, where you can enjoy one of Biagio’s specialty drinks such as the Biagio Mojito, made with an array of fruits from Sicily. Jeffrey, the owner, reviewed the menu and discussed Biagio’s most popular dishes. He suggested starting off with the Sicilian meatballs or “Nana’s meatballs,” as they are known to him. The recipe was his mother’s! Another popular appetizer is the Eggplant Braccidettini, made with thinly sliced eggplant and ricotta cheese and covered in a succulent tomato sauce. For dinner, if you’re looking for a dish that is “presented as
Photos bY chelsea mitchell-smith
“...presented as fine cuisine but once you bite into it, it’s comfort food.” fine cuisine but, once you bite into it, is comfort food,” Jeffrey suggested the Orchiette Italiano: a pasta dish with sweet Italian sausage and grilled chicken in a rich pink vodka sauce. Another one of “Nana’s” recipes is featured here, the traditional spaghetti and meat balls. Not the pasta type? Try the Veal Osso Bucco for a more hearty meal full of flavor. Curious who is creating these first-class dinners in Biagio’s kitchen? It’s the executive chef from Mamma Mia in the North End! We know you can’t resist top-of-the line service and great food. Not only is Biagio’s a place for those who live life in the fast lane, but it permits you to experience a sexy night out without leaving the suburbs.
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| ENTERTAINMENT |
A Taste of Senegal
By Elisa Bronstein
Lamine Toure and Group Saloum Boston is a melting pot of students, young professionals, and tourists, with a growing number of residents representing exotic locations across the globe. Among some of the most talented, globally influenced music groups in the New England region, one band in particular strikes a chord: Lamine Toure and Group Saloum. Read on for a Taste of Senegal… Lamine Toure has music in his veins; raised in Kaolack, among the Wolof people, a caste of musicians and oral historians, he learned the art of music. Since age four, Lamine has known his way around the drum and was surrounded by the sabar rhythm. He comes from a long line of griot percussionists and sabar drum masters. In Senegal, music is reserved for the families that have passed the tradition down generation after generation, like Lamine’s. He learned to drum, sing, and dance and was a part of weddings, baptisms, and neighborhood gatherings. After being trained with griots, Lamine settled in Boston, where he founded the
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sensational group known as Lamine Toure and Group Saloum. Lamine, who composes all the music, says, “I take Senegalese melodies and rework them in hip hop or reggae. Senegal is at the root of our music, but we like to mix things up a little bit.” And that they do: They fuse Senegalese mbalax with elements of jazz, funk, reggae, and Afrobeat to give rise to one
Key Terms: Wolof: dominating ethnic group of Senegal. Their language is also referred to as Wolof. Kaftan: Traditional Senegalese dress. Mbalax: Percussion music from Senegal. Afropop: A fusion of jazz and funk sounds. Sabar: The sabar is traditional drum from the West African nation of Senegal.
Popular venue locations: Beehive- 541 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02116 (617) 423-0069 Lizard Lounge- 1667 Mass. Ave. Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 547-0759 Drum Classes - $10 Mondays, 6:00 - 7:30 pm Saturdays, 12:00 - 1:30 pm at MIT’s Endicott World Music Room, 264 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA Dance Classes - $12 Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the Dance Complex, 536 Mass. Ave. in Cambridge, MA
| ENTERTAINMENT |
Images by Elisa Bronstein and Jean-Marc Beaudoin
lively show. Lamine Toure and Group Saloum perform original mbalax music, drawing upon the collective creativity of Lamine and some of Boston’s most talented musicians. Though the band has a distinct sound and a traceable origin, they are anything but traditional. Lamine says the sabar rhythm is too difficult to understand unless you are raised with it, so all his songs have a modern twist. Band members include some of Boston’s most talented musicians; they have diverse backgrounds and play a range of instruments. The music is a blend of influences from a variety of ethnic origins, musical interests, and unique styles. “I like what everyone brings to the table,” says Lamine. He adds, “It’s difficult to keep the authenticity together, but I’m not trying to do it like traditional Senegalese music.” Some members are dressed in native garb, the kaftan, while others are dressed in what some would consider everyday American gear. Songs by Lamine Toure and Group Saloum are longer than traditional American tunes, giving people ample time to feel the rhythm, lose inhibition, and dance. Each show draws people from a wide spectrum of cultures, all there in appreciation of truly remarkable music. Lamine and his band welcome and encourage dancing both in the audience and on stage with the musicians. Shows are loud, colorful, and exuberant and will make you want to move your hips for days.
So have you gotten the memo? You will MOVE! Lamine’s shows incorporate highenergy dancing. Afraid you don’t have what it takes? Check out his dance class on Thursdays in Central Square. Here you will learn to dance to the sabar rhythms, the most common form of Senegalese dance. Lamine says, “We have old and young; everyone comes out. In Senegal, sabar is for everybody. Dancing is meant to make people happy and bring people together. And that’s what we’re doing here.”
when showing interest in other cultures. The Senegalese in particular are dedicated to keeping alive their long-lived traditions of dance, storytelling, and drumming. Crosscultural traditions are appealing to Americans, because we lack a long line of them ourselves. Accordingly, delving headstrong into another culture, even if only for a night, is a great way to let loose and learn about it and about yourself in the process.
Still not ready to leave for Senegal? How about trying your hand at drumming? Lamine has been serving as Artist-inResidence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he directs a Senegalese drumming ensemble, Rambax MIT. Classes are open to the public and are held on Saturdays at MIT from 12:00 to 1:30. Here you will learn basic sabar rhythms, the traditional elements of time, and the basics of drumming. Classes are at all levels and Lamine says, “I do have regular people but they still need to be reminded of the basics.” With an influx of other cultures making their way to the already exciting city of Boston, it’s fun to try new cuisine, learn traditional art forms such as drumming, and dance and broaden the spectrum of your cultural awareness. Do some research and know that you will be warmly received
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| ART |
Patterns of Long Ago: Refl ections of China in Japanese Noh Costume By Lauren LaDeau
T
he Museum of Fine Arts in Boston allows anyone to step inside and discover cultures from across the world through art. Among the many international exhibits is an exquisite presentation of fashion art titled Patterns of Long Ago: Reflections of China in Japanese Noh Costume. On display until May 31 is this collection of eighteenth- to twentieth-century robes used in Japanese classical Noh drama. Noh theater was created in the fourteenth century by a man named Kannami and his son Zeami, who were both well-known playwrights and actors. Once their Noh plays began to catch the attention of aristocrats and members of the ruling Shogun family, the costumes evolved from everyday clothing to elaborately styled robes. This change occurred because the wealthy viewers would give some of their garments as rewards to the actors. Noh theatre combines dance, music, movement, and chant, with all characters played by male actors. Noh theater is not considered dramatic but is seen as beautiful, with slow and stylized movements. The stories told through these plays are usually focused around historical and legendary figures, gods, spirits, or ghosts, drawing inspiration
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from Buddhist tradition between 795 and 1336. Works of Heian and Kamakura literature provide the main influences in these stories. Few stage props are used during the plays, allowing for the garments to draw attention and serve as the main focus of the story. The robes are a vital part of the productions and are decorated with Chinese symbols and themes, as well as Japanese native motifs. The costumes evoke the court garments of Japan’s Nara and Heian periods. Not only are these elaborate robes used as costume, but they are also considered moving scenery. Additionally, the colors of the robe can represent the rank, status, or emotion of the character. In the exhibit Patterns of Long Ago: Reflections of China in Japanese Noh Costume, each robe is uniquely decorated. The heavy patterned silks and karaori, a Chinese weave, bear symbols of clouds, Chinese flowers, lightning bolts, and fish scales, as well as dragons and cranes. These symbols may represent the scenery or the character of the person wearing the robe. For instance, an actor wearing a robe ornately decorated with dragons could be portraying an emperor or dragon god.
Noh costume (karaori)
Japanese, Edo era, 18th century silk; 2/1 twill ground, ikat dyed and patterned with silk floats and silk and gilt paper patterning wefts tied in 1/2 twill order
Noh costume (karaori)
*Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection and James Fund
*Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Other patterns on these robes are even more emblematic. One of the robes features a Seven Jewels motif. The seven jewels, which are gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, pearl, diamond, and coral, are taken from Buddhist text. Another ornamentation taken from Buddhism for robe decoration is the Buddhist Wheel-of-the-Law. The robe with the Buddhist Wheel-of-the-Law is worn in the Noh play titled Shakkyo (Stone Bridge) by actors portraying a powerful male role.
| ART |
Japanese, Edo period, 19th century silk twill, ikat dyed warps and silk and gilt paper pattering wefts
All of the garments presented in this exhibit are from a Boston collector named William Sturgis Bigelow. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Bigelow traveled to Japan, each time collecting new textiles and garments. Every garment in this exhibit was donated by him to the Museum of Fine Arts. Emily Banis, an adjunct professor at Lasell College and curatorial research associate at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, feels that textiles are an important aspect of the study of Japanese culture. “Visitors to this exhibit have the opportunity to see not only the artistry and craftsmanship involved in making these robes but also the elaborate use of materials, for example, silk and gold embroidery,” says Banis. Anyone can appreciate the artistry of these robes and learn something from the clothing of Japanese culture. However, fashion students may benefit especially from this exhibit. Banis believes that “fashion students who come to see this exhibition will hopefully walk away with a better understanding of Noh Theater and also the cross-cultural language of textiles.” The garments on display at the Museum of Fine Arts offer a glimpse not only into Japanese culture but into Chinese culture as well. Banis recognizes the uniqueness in the pieces on display. She explains, “What makes this show unique is the combination of Japanese wheels, cranes, tortoise shell patterning, and Chinese dragon imagery.” The costumes on display at the Museum of Fine Arts offer a window into both Chinese and Japanese culture and are worth exploring. Pieces such as the Noh costumes can speak volumes about traditions, cultures, art, and fashion.
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| ART |
Noh costume (maiginu) Japanese, Edo period, 19th century silk; complex gauze weave (ro) ground with gilt paper strip discontinuous supplementary patterning wefts tied down with supplementary warps in plain weave
Noh costume (atsuita) Japanese, Edo period, 18th century silk 2/1 twill ground with gilt paper discontinuous supplementary patterning wefts tied in 1/2 twill order, silk discontinuous supplementary patterning wefts
Noh costume (kariginu) Japanese, Edo period, 19th century silk satin weave with gilt paper supplemental weft patterning
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| COMMUNITY |
By Jennifer Racine
O
ver the past decade, many people have become very interested in the trend of working out and being healthier. Part of this trend is a phenomenon called yoga, which combines physical effort, healthful living, and relaxation techniques. After all, who does not want these three things? Celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Anniston, and the entire Los Angeles Lakers team have admitted to practicing yoga, contributing to a nationwide desire to practice yoga. But where exactly did this yoga craze come from? Hindus and Buddhists will tell you that the practice of yoga has been around for thousands of years. In the Hindu religion, yoga refers to a form of discipline, including meditation, mental concentration, and exercises of the body that will eventually lead to a higher goal. This higher goal, Hindus believe, is the soul’s release from the cycle of death and rebirth.
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Yoga has a similar meaning in Buddhism, but for this Eastern religion, yoga is a practice that helps one toward the path of the bodhisattva, which is an enlightened person who has given up the opportunity of nirvana because he or she wants to save others. For both religions, the practice of Samadhi integrates a higher level of yoga. But one does not need to be a Buddhist or Hindu to practice yoga and see results. Located in Newton Center is a yoga center called Samadhi, where you too can practice different forms of yoga! I spoke with a couple who have been going to Samadhi for a few years, and they told me a little bit about their experience. They found Samadhi by searching the internet for local yoga centers and became interested in a class offered by Samadhi called Forest yoga and decided to give it a try. While the teacher and class are no longer at Samadhi, the couple fell in love with
the other teachers and offerings at Samadhi and never left. When asked if and how taking yoga classes has changed their lives, the wife perked up and responded, “Yes, life changed as a whole because they have speakers, acupuncture, and life classes. It’s more than just yoga.” Samadhi also offers Nia, acupuncture, massages or body work, nutrition and cleansing, and Ayurvedic. Nia uses movement such as dance and other fast-paced activities set to the sound of global rhythms. Such motion helps participants reach physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Acupuncture is the use of needles to help blood circulation, which in turn also helps out the organs and tissues. Samadhi-style massages and body work combine Eastern and Western techniques to help target tense areas in one’s muscles, as well as helping with circulation and the health of one’s immune system.
| COMMUNITY |
Photos by Elisa Bronstein and Jen Racine
Samadhi is more than a yoga center, offering not only classes to promote one’s health physically, but also nutrition and cleansing classes to teach one how to take care of oneself outside of the classes. The life class is called Ayuvedic and is a type of life counseling session that helps one learn how to better understand oneself and one’s relationship with the world one lives in. The important goal of this type of treatment and counseling is to correct the imbalance of disease through diet and lifestyle, yoga and meditation, marma therapy, aromatherapy, and herbal healing. John and Nicole Churchill, the founders of Samadhi, are very concerned with their students’ physical, mental, and emotional health. When one practices Samadhi yoga, one is more in touch with oneself mentally, physically, and
emotionally. Dustin Diperna, one of the teachers, reaffirmed this by telling me that some popular reasons for practicing yoga are that it can help one relax throughout the day, it helps one practice discipline, and it also can tone the muscles in one’s body. Practicing yoga seems like a really smart and wholesome activity. In our health-crazy society, yoga is rightfully more popular because it gives the whole package. At the gym, one works out one’s muscles but does not worry about one’s mind or spirituality. Yoga “is a body-mind” activity that connects the “body-mind and breath.” If you would like to balance your life and practice Samadhi yoga, you can call Samadhi at (617)243-0034. Or go to the website and find a class that would work best for you at www.samadhiyogatribe.com.
“When one practices Samadhi yoga, one is more in touch with oneself mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
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Sister Cities | POLITICS |
By Alicia Deily
I
n an age when cultural clashes constantly appear in the news, Boston is doing its part to promote peace through intercultural understanding. Boston is an active member of the Sister Cities Program, with eight Sister Cities sharing cultural, economic, diplomatic, and educational ties. These cities are located on three continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa. Sister City relationships connect Boston with cities that range from well-known ones to cities that many Bostonians have never even heard of, and the newest Sister City relationship is with Sekondi-Tekoradi, Ghana. Under a tie established under Mayor Menino in 2001, this city of 100,000 people is Boston’s first Sister City in Africa. President Dwight D. Eisenhower started the Sister City Program nationally in 1956 as a way to promote intercultural friendship and understanding, a simple way to initiate peace among nations. After the horrors of the World Wars, it is easy to see why Eisenhower saw the need for such collaboration. Today, the Sister Cities Program is just as necessary as it was in the 1950s, if not more so. Globalization is increasingly making the world more connected, and intercultural understanding is vital to peaceful interactions among people from different cultures. Besides the obvious diplomatic advantages, there are also economic benefits to the Sister City relationship, on personal and business levels. Tourism can be initiated through events related to the program,
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while networking between business people and students from two cities can lead to expanded international business and trade. Because the program is not funded through taxes, it does not cost the public anything. The Sister Cities Program is nonprofit and independently funded through donations. Over time, some American cities may have lessened their ties with their international counterparts. However, Boston has worked to keep its Sister City relationships strong through the years. Following are some of the many ways that exchanges are carried out between Boston and two of its oldest Sister Cities: Kyoto, Japan and Strasbourg, France.
Kyoto, Japan Kyoto became Boston’s first Sister City in 1959, and the Kyoto-Boston relationship is still one of the strongest Sister City exchanges. Boston and Kyoto have a lot in common; like Boston, Kyoto is an educational hub in Japan, with thirty-seven universities. Both cities are also sites of many historically and culturally significant buildings. Kyoto is a UNESCO world heritage site, due to its large number of Buddhist temples and shrines. The Sister Cities Program sponsors many student, professional, and cultural exchanges.
To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Sister City relationship in 1979, Kyoto donated a Kyoto-style town house (Kyo-no-machiyato) to Boston’s Children Museum (BCM) as a gift of friendship that is still located inside the museum today. This is one of the most generous gifts ever given between Sister Cities. “BCM’s audience is young and for many people, the Japanese House is their first experience with a foreign culture and/or with Japan. It is a joyous experience for them, which makes them want to learn more as they grow up,” says Leslie Swartz, Senior Vice President for Research and Program Planning at BCM. The Japanese house is a great way for children to be exposed to a foreign culture, to be inspired with lifelong curiosity, and to develop open-mindedness to different ways of life. In early 2009, the Museum of Fine Arts celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of Boston’s Sister City relationship with Kyoto by featuring contemporary works by four Kyoto artists working in prints, ceramics, and textiles. The exhibit was titled Celebrating Kyoto: Modern Arts from Boston’s Sister City. Baseball is another unifying factor for these two cities. In Kyoto, there is a bar named Fenway Park, with Red Sox-themed décor. The bar has Japanese owners and attracts many Japanese Red Sox fans. In August, Fenway Park celebrated the connection through “Japan Night,” which honored the Japanese Red Sox players, including Hideki Okajima, who is originally from Kyoto.
| POLITICS |
Strasbourg, France Strasbourg and Boston became Sister Cities in 1960. The exchange was originally musical because the conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra at that time, Charles Munch, was a Strasbourg native and initiated the exchange. Since then, the relationship has grown to include constant cultural exchanges. Strasbourg is said to be located at the crossroads of Europe. It also contains several major political institutions, including the European Court of Human Rights. This makes it a major cultural and political center of Europe and an excellent Sister City for Boston. The Boston-Strasbourg Sister Cities Association (BSSCA) runs many of the exchanges between the two cities. The Association has worked hard to run
events and programs to keep the relationship alive and thriving. “Over the last fifty years, the BSSCA has entertained Strasbourg mayors, sponsored numerous student exchanges, sent Bostonians to the European Parliament, sent scientists to French laboratories and business students on internships, and enabled bakers, firemen, community gardeners, artists, and musicians to visit their sister city,” says Mary Louise Burke, President of the Boston/Strasbourg Sister City Association. The Association also sponsors many student exchanges at both the high school and the college levels. Watch for a date to be announced for a tour and reception at the Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing art from Strasbourg.
O
fessionals, and children have been able to learn about other cultures and grow as global citizens. The Japan House that Kyoto gave Boston is a perfect example of a tool that has been used to educate the general public about another culture. “Boston gave the house to BCM to take care of it and provide public programs in it that would help to promote understanding between our two cities, cultures, and countries,” says Leslie Swartz of the Boston Children’s Museum. Not only does the Sister Cities Program promote peace and understanding, but it also strengthens Boston’s reputation as a global city. Be sure to keep an eye out for future events celebrating Boston’s ties with these international cities.
Over the years, many people in Boston and abroad have been affected by the cultural exchanges that have occurred due to the Sister Cities Program. Teachers, students, pro-
Illustrations By Kristin Liberacki
Boston Sister Cities include: Kyoto, Japan............................................. Established 1959 Strasbourg, France.................................... Established 1960 Barcelona, Spain........................................ Established 1980 Hanzhou, China......................................... Established 1982 Padua, Italy................................................ Established 1983 Melbourne, Australia................................ Established 1985 Taipei, Taiwan............................................ Established 1996 Sekondi-Tekoradi, Ghana.......................... Established 2001 Spring 2010
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Boston Street Fashion
| BOSTON FASHION |
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rendsetters have been obsessed with street fashion for years. Fashion designers take inspiration from fashion leaders, and vice versa. Lately, the exchange has begun to take place on fashion blogs, in magazines, and through broadcast media. Everyone is interested in “real people” and in the ways in which lifestyle and culture affect the way they dress. Bostonians aren’t afraid to show off their individual style. As Boston evolves into a more diverse city, international trends are key!
n 30,
, Daw
o, 26 Sidier
, 24,
on & Allis
Cathleen, 19 & Catherine, 19, ,Boston
n
Bosto
Sarah, 20, Sweden
By Alyssa Davis
Photographs by kaleigh o’brien
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Penny, 23, Back Bay
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Lan Nggoyen, (far right) 20, New York & friends
| CULTURE |
V
egan and vegetarian lifestyles have paved the way to a revolutionary movement in today’s society. To keep up with the standards of this contemporary style of living, restaurants are turning up the volume in the world of fine and animal-friendly cuisine. Whether motivated by animal rights, nutrition, or religious practices, veganism and vegetarianism have made a strong impact on cultures worldwide. Some religions such as Hinduism and Jainism teach vegetarianism as moral conduct, while Buddhism strongly suggests such a diet, and Mahayana Buddhism encourages vegetarianism as beneficial for developing compassion for others. Other congregations that promote a fully vegetarian diet include Rastafarians and Seventh Day Adventists. Boston reflects this societal evolution in its Asian fusion restaurants, pizza parlors, and ice cream shops.
Explore the Vegan Trifecta in Boston’s three top-rated vegandesigned dining experiences.
illustrations by Allison Geoffroy
By Holly Stephens
Peace O’ Pie The Grasshopper 1 North Beacon Street Allston, MA 02135 Have a hankering for Asian cuisine but want to keep it animal friendly? Head on down to the Grasshopper in Allston and choose veggies or tofu. Open seven days a week and all holidays, the Grasshopper provides healthful and animal-friendly lunch and dinner. Chow down on noodles, seitan, tofu, root vegetables, rice, lo mein, spring rolls, soup, and even vegetarian seafood! Don’t forget to top off dinner with vegan cheesecake! With prices starting at just $4.00, the Grasshopper welcomes all animal lovers looking to indulge in serious dining without doing serious damage to their wallets.
487 Cambridge Street Allston, MA 02135 This old-school pizza shop provides an alternative for vegans looking to indulge in one of America’s favorite and historic fast foods. Peace O’ Pie offers a variety of the highest quality vegan cuisine, including pizza, calzones, salad, and of course, dessert. Peace O’ Pie takes pride in its all-organic and eco-friendly recipes, as well as its organic-based building. Recently remodeled, Peace O’ Pie features a new sustainable bamboo entrance and used over 65 percent recycled tile in completing new roofing. By sourcing as many organic ingredients as possible, composting its trash, and offering a modern twist on historic cuisine, Peace O’ Pie works to serve animals, the earth, and people in the tastiest way possible!
Wheeler ’s Ice Cream Bar 334 Massachusetts Avenue Boston, MA 02115 Top off your night at Wheeler’s 100% Vegan Ice Cream Bar! Committed to offering the most decadent ice cream flavors in its animalfriendly confections, Wheeler’s is superior among Boston’s vegan dessert venues. Featuring a variety of flavors such as chocolate, vanilla brownie, cheesecake, mango, and even peanut butter and jelly, recipes use soy, coconut, rice, or almond milk without any animal byproducts. Wheeler’s also offers online customized frozen dessert orders to match any vegan-inspired ice cream creation. By taking pride in its innovative frozen cuisines, Wheelers offers a top-notch ice cream experience in the Boston area. Whether you use your creative juices and start your own ice cream design or decide to play it safe, Wheeler’s satisfies all vegan lifestyles at a moderate price!
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Seasonless Style | ON THE COVER |
Designers are blurring the lines of seasonality to create a wardrobe
that is
undefined and accessible
year round – no matter what the climate. Models : Emily Blanchard, Kelsey Pepin, Nikki Rupu Phototography: Oliver Klink Fashion Directors: Christian DiPietro, Erica Valente Hair & Makeup: Jaime Berkman of Eye 4 Beauty Stylists: Elisa Bronstein Shauna Mullin Clothing: Available at Sooki, www.SookiBoston.com Jewelry: A Touch of Couture, www.ATouchOfCouture.etsy.com
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Jumpsuit and Dress: Lily & Migs
Dress: Ronen Chen Jewelry: A Touch of Couture
Dress: Ronen Chen Jewelry: A Touch of Couture
Dress: Ryan Roberts Silver Bracelet & Necklace: Zaya Turquoise Necklace: A Touch of Couture
Jeans: Model’s Own Heels: Model’s Own Necklace: A Touch of Couture Ring: Stylist’s Own Vintage Sweater: Crea Concept T-shirt: 3 Dots by James Perse
| SECTION | Dress: Crea Concept Leggings: Ronen Chen Jewelry: A Touch of Couture Shoes: Model’s Own
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| SECTION |
Sheer Top: Filz Und Kunz Jewelry: A Touch of Couture Bra, Jeans, & Shoes: Model’s Own
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FALL N
By Alyssa Davis and Kaleigh O’Brien
ew York Fashion Week: Prepare to bundle up this fall with chunky knits, oversized cardigans, and endless layers featuring rounded hems and large hoodies. Many designers are supporting this cozy trend. Phillip Lim kept his sweaters cropped with extra-long sleeves; Rad Hourani took his collars up, way up; and Rodarte opted for light colors and major fuzz. This gypsy-chic trend was also all over the catwalks of designers like Rachel Roy, Catherine Malandrino, and Yigal AzrouĂŤl. Earthy, autumnal hues were the starring colors in the collections presented at New York Fashion Week. Featured during that week were many of the basics, including charcoal gray, black, winter white, and brown. This is great news for the consumer, as all of these colors work well in investment pieces that will far outlive their official season and will have a place in the wardrobe for many years. However, there were some richer colors as well. A mass resurrection of green in every variation, including forest, olive, chartreuse, apple, and hunter green, appeared in decadent beaded gowns, tailored blazers, and anoraks. Perhaps the most important color trend for fall 2010 is a rich, deep red that looks as if it is going to carry over into areas like accessories and even makeup. Look for lots of rich red lipstick next fall.
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L Trends
| TRENDS |
ILLUSTRATION BY CHRISTIAN DIPIETRO
London Fashion Week: Many designers showcased masculine-feminine contrasts for fall 2010. Florals were paired with leather, soft furs brushed against military embellishments, and the juxtaposition of hard and soft ruled, always with a keen eye toward sharp tailoring, especially at Burberry.
Milan Fashion Week: Noteworthy fall 2010 trends featured at Milan Fashion Week included all shades of brown, patchwork, and lace. Colors spanned the rainbow, with jolts of red, yellow, and blue. Dolce and Gabbana rendered the Alpine with loads of Nordic prints, as sheer moody florals, incognito lace and silk dresses, tufts of fur, and velvet separates – not to mention glittery ski goggles and stompy fur boots – injected a mountain mystique. The menswear tailoring influence continued in Milan. At the Jil Sander show, designer Raf Simons dressed his models in androgynous, retro-looking suits. While power dressing emerged as a major trend in Milan, unapologetic sexiness also stood out as an important runway statement. Donatella showed motocross minis at Versace, as well as gowns that were slit up to the hip. At Prada, designer Miuccia Prada focused on a woman’s natural curves, even going as far as to have pointed bra inserts sewn into certain tops and dresses.
Paris Fashion Week: Paris Fashion Week included a mix of edgy trends and ultimate sex appeal. Sequins, chains, leather pants, strong shoulders, military detailing, and leopard were seen from Balmain, while Christophe Decarnin delivered some seriously chic floor-sweeping numbers with thigh-high slits that felt just as sexy as their mini counterparts.
The fall 2010/winter 2011 menswear fashion shows have shown many new trends, while also recycling some from the past couple of years. For fall 2010, men should focus on layering their clothing but at graduated lengths, to bring attention to each piece. The big shows this season proved that this year is all about the jacket. You’ll have to tuck away your big puffer jacket that you rocked last winter, because this year is all about quilted jackets. The overall feel for men this year is military-inspired ruggedness, but with a classic influence. At the Michael Kors show, distressed leather jackets were given a classy twist with big fur collars and were paired with crinkly, parachute-style trousers. Calvin Klein and Yves Saint Laurent continued the leather trend with leather blazers; Perry Ellis and Armani opted to take the blazer trend to new heights by bringing back velvet, which has been popping up everywhere on the women’s scene
as well. The one major shoe trend for men this fall is the combat boot. Tim Hamilton, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce and Gabbana (to name a few) dressed the majority of their models in big, distressed boots that brought the military look together nicely when the pants were cuffed to show the boots. Suits for men this year are inspired by the classic 1920s and 1930s era. The suits feature a look with broad shoulders, slim trousers, and skinny ties. Chanel proves that the double-breasted suit will make its mark this year with slim cuts. The classic revival will be seen not only in the cut of the suit but also in the patterns: Consider houndstooth, herringbone, or pinstripe. Fall/winter 2010-11 looks as if it will be a good season to consider buying an investment suit, because one-season wonders are nowhere to be found this year. The new decade brings a new man into the fashion world. Typically overshadowed by women’s wear, men’s trends are making their mark this year with detailed accessories like leather and canvas bags, intricate footwear, and a more broad collection of textiles and textures to choose from than ever before.
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| BOSTON FASHION |
Reworking the
BLUE PRINT By Eliza Fitzgerald
S
Since 2003, United Nude has been revolutionizing the shoe industry. Their shoes challenge Newton’s law of gravity and leave you wondering, “How can you walk in those?” United Nude is setting the bar high for competing footwear designers. The company has established itself as one of the first brands at the intersection of architecture and high fashion. This Amsterdam-based company is stepping onto the scene by reworking the basic concept of the heel. The final
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result is a mind-boggling silhouette infused with a hint of structural design, architecture, and modern technology. Clark, cofounder of United Nude, has also been at the helm of another innovative European brand. Terra Plana, a shoe company focused solely on the creation of fashion-forward shoes from eco-friendly materials, is also leading a new trend in the footwear market. Since his takeover of the company in 2002, Clark has been rewarded and recognized as a leader in environmentally friendly shoe design and production. The company respects eco-friendly materials and incorporates them into their shoes’ materials and brand message. Eco-friendly shoes have also found their way much closer to home. With the popularity of buying shoes constructed from recycled materials on the rise, retailers such as the Boston-based company New Balance introduced their eco-friendly sneaker last summer. Simple Shoes, another popular eco-friendly shoe company, can also be found in boutiques and major retailers all around the Boston area, with an array of styles to choose from. Although their headquarters is located in Europe, United Nude and Terra Plana have an NYC location, recently opened in August of last year, and their signature style of footwear has influenced several well-known US brands. With women obsessing over finding
ILLUSTRATION BY erin patten
tructure, form, beauty, and function: four design elements that architecture and fashion design have in common. So what happens when Dutch architect Rem D. Koolhaas and English shoe designer Galahad J. D. Clark join forces? The spawn of proportional perfection and structural design is born and goes by the name of United Nude, cultivating a synergy that brings shoes to new heights. Clark, a seventh-generation shoe designer from England, and Koolhaas, a well-known Dutch-trained architect, have created a brand that is winning the world over one shoe at a time. With innovation as the foundation, United Nude offers designs that incorporate timeless charm with a cuttingedge architectural twist. The name United Nude reflects the company’s international and progressive outlook. These artists have created the ideal company that interacts with and brings together architects, fashion designers, magazine editors, and photographers.
The Stealth Pump was inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter plane.
The Mobius shoe was inspired by the Mies Van Der Rohe European Barcelona Chair.
The Eamz shoe was inspired by an office chair created by Charles and Ray Eams.
the most distinctive shoe, other designers have latched onto the fashion-forward edge Clark and Koolhaas incorporate in their designs. Forecasters predict that cutting-edge designs in vibrant hues with distinctive silhouettes will trend for spring 2010 and follow through to fall of 2011. These distinguishing features are all linked to the genius qualities in Clark and Koolhaas’ designs that have become a style recognized worldwide. Moxie, a trendy, upscale shoe boutique with locations in Wellesley Center and Beacon Hill, has definitely adopted the modern style in its shoe collection. At the Church Street location in Wellesley, it’s hard to resist the fluffy oversized lounge chairs surrounded by shoes just begging to be tried on. This season, platform heels and sleek, edgy pumps are everywhere. “It’s all about height!” exclaims Julie Olsen, a sales associate for Moxie with a passion for shoes. “When we looked at our spring inventory it was pretty obvious that the taller, the better. Mid-heels are out, and although flats remain a classic, there is definitely an extreme amount of height going on. Animal prints and metallic colors are also still very popular for the upcoming spring season.” Various styles line the glossy shelves, with each heel getting higher and funkier. Little details like heavy hardware and refined construction make it apparent that Clark and Koolhaas have created a movement that has no bounds in the world of footwear.
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photos Courtesy of United nude
Lalo Treasures By Elisa Bronstein
Modeling a piece from Orna’s latest line, “Birds and Beads.”
W
ho wouldn’t love a unique piece of jewelry made from uncommon, durable material, featuring a distinctive design, affordable price, handmade quality, and an interesting background, and created by a smiling designer? My thoughts exactly! Orna Lalo, the mind behind Lalo Treasures on Newbury Street in Boston, is a fashion designer and graduate of Shenkar College for Fashion and Textiles in Israel. Her jewelry, home décor, tabletop line, and Judaic pieces stem from an inimitably imaginative eye with a worldly twist. Orna was widely recognized for her custom runway looks until about 1990, when she branched out to accessories. What is Lalo’s philosophy? She states, “I always think about the person who will be using my products. I want my colorful creations to smile at you and make you feel good.” It’s true; her pieces are aesthetically pleasing and unique enough to elicit a positive response from passersby. The pieces are so intriguing you can’t help but wonder how she makes them.
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Lalo uses resin as the base in her exuberant creations. “The materials I use are manmade, but I create the illusion of a natural organic material with the use of color, translucency, opacity, design, and a variety of media, allowing the end user to use plenty of imagination,” says Lalo. Most designs incorporate whimsical lines, collage-like arrangements, and a shape derived from nature. Necklaces are large statement pieces with plenty of movement. Earrings range in style from modest to bold and employ daring shapes. Most of her designs can be bought in sets – necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring – but each piece stands on its own as well. Several different lines are available, and each has a clincher of a story behind it. Lalo says, “Behind each piece there lies a fantasy or a story, or even both.” With such appealing designs and a story line behind each piece, her collections are simply irresistible. Her Judaica is less traditional than you might
| BOSTON FASHION |
Each piece she designs, from elaborate neckwear to napkin rings, stays true to her vision. Details that would achieve little in isolation work together to entice the eye and inspire the mind. The simplicity of shape, the transparency in material, and the freedom of design incorporating a “daring range of colors…bring to mind the innocence and optimism of childhood.” What could be more interesting than an Israeli fashion designer gone international jewelry designer, you ask? Orna also has somehow managed to steer clear of troublesome factories. Instead, she has used her creativity to design a unique method of producing distinctive items. Orna
has established a factory and design studio in the lush forest in Bulgaria. She takes her designs to villages surrounding the factory and incorporates local women into the assembly process. The women, both young and old, are eager to learn the process and are happy to do so because they can work under fair conditions while still caring for their families. Orna says the “pieces seem to carry with them all the intentions of everyone who touches them.” Lalo Treasures can be found at various locations in five different countries, including Orna’s home turf, Israel. Proprietary store sites include Europe, America, Australia, and Japan, with hopes to expand. Though varying in size, location, and inventory, the stores share a special quality: Each is a magical place where fun and happiness abound. Customers say the shop is “an island of optimism.” Each store, aptly named “treasure,” offers the excitement of rooting through a treasure chest that offers unique, lively finds with every glance. Lalo Treasures comprises four main jewelry collections, aptly named Lost and Found, Ocean Tales, Gentle Mechanics of the Broken Heart, and most recently, the Birds and the Beads. In accordance with Orna’s philosophy that each design should bring a story to life, her collections are capricious and irresistible. The story behind Lost and Found? “This morning I couldn’t find my keys. I looked everywhere, retracing my path again and again. ‘Meow!’ a hungry kitten called, so I went outside. The kit was nowhere in sight, but something blue twinkled in the gravel. I put it in my pocket- and found my keys! ‘Meow!’ came from the shade, reminding me of all the things I had lost and found: all that is still hiding between the borders of life and dreams.”
A colorful menorah that reflects the playful, original style of Lalo Treasures.
A collection that stands out from the rest is Gentle Mechanics of the Broken Heart. Her explanation of the line is as follows:
10 Ways 2 Fix Your Broken Heart 1. Find a heart-fixing machine 2. Sleep until 2 o’clock 3. Shop ‘til you drop — get the most fabulous shoes
4. Talk with your friends — Yada yada yada
5. Dance like there is no tomorrow
6. Buy flowers 7. Visit the 7 wonders 8. Take out your bike 9. Eat a l-o-t of chocolate 10. Get a sugar daddy to buy you diamonds
Photos courtesy of Orna Lalo
think; her designs reflect fauna and flora motifs; and the organic shapes are enticing, optimistic, and free.
One of Orna’s unique ring designs.
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| SPECIAL | TM
By Megan Carlson & Victoria Bozek
Spring 2010 marks the tenth anniversary of Lasell College’s student-produced, Boston-based fashion, art, and culture magazine: POLISHED. Who could have predicted that a student-run magazine would make it to where the publication is today? POLISHED, which began as sixteen black-and-white pages and has graduated to thirty-two pages and counting, now glows with high-gloss color and overflows with writing and visual skills. Thanks to the dedication of those who have worked on the magazine, it continues to flourish with every issue. POLISHED Magazine was founded in 1999 by fashion professor Richard Bath, along with famous fashion photographer Ellie Honein. As the story goes, it began as a “harebrained” idea while Bath was idle in traffic one day on Route 128. He wanted
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the students to be in control of all aspects of the publication, from the writing to the editing, photography, and graphics, with the key focus to be on the students and their work, not the faculty. Honein, a long-time friend and fashion industry collaborator, was enthused with the idea and helped develop POLISHED Magazine. “It doesn’t get any better than Ellie Honein,” Bath says of his friend. Honein came up with the magazine’s title. “The name POLISHED suited exactly what Lasell was aiming to do, which included touching upon areas such as fashion, culture, and society,” explains Bath. In the early years of the magazine, Honein provided photography and creative graphics for the magazine.
The production of the magazine was Bath’s next challenge. “Do I have the students in my department to make this bad boy run?” he asked himself, and the answer was a resounding yes. Student enthusiasm for POLISHED was strong from the beginning. Another challenge was funding. The budget was small until an alumna from 1948, Harriet Wedeman, made a gracious donation. A grant from Honey, as she is best known, took POLISHED from a struggle to a success. She was pleased to make a “donation to keep the magazine moving.” She described Richard Bath as “an instrument” and knew that anything with his passion behind it was bound for success. Wedeman donated a respectable amount of money to the publication, which has greatly contributed to the magazine’s longevity. “The students ran everything from the cover, stories, photo
| SPECIAL | shoots, organization of models, fashion shows, graphics, layouts, and everything else,” recalls Professor Bath. Ten years ago, the college did not have an organization to do the visual production for POLISHED. Professor Stephen Fischer, shortly after he was hired in the fall of 2002, spearheaded the Graphic Design League (GDL) as a way to get more students involved in “real-world” graphic design and build a collaborative community of designers. Today, the GDL is responsible for creating layouts, designing advertisement space, overseeing print and web production, and improving the cohesiveness of the publication. Professor Fischer is now the faculty advisor for POLISHED and the GDL. He works with the editorial board, the writers, and the designers to help students pull together this cohesive, professional publication. The president of the Graphic Design League, senior Neil Bacon, says, “I hope that POLISHED can continue to grow and become known as a great publication completely produced by college students. Recent changes and updates to the magazine and the POLISHED website (www.polishedfashion. com) have made the magazine accessible to more people and, I hope, will get the POLISHED message out to more readers.” Every student, no matter his or her major at Lasell, has an opportunity to be a part of the POLISHED team. In the early years, POLISHED was primarily focused on fashion; over the past decade, however,
categories such as culture and entertainment, arts and politics, and community and hot spots/nightlife have been added. The driving principle behind each of these segments is that the subject must relate to the metro Boston community. Adding sections devoted to topics outside of the Boston fashion industry generates interest from a wide variety of student reporters. Accordingly, POLISHED is more varied than a typical fashion magazine and reaches a larger target readership. The magazine’s first editor-in-chief was alumna Michelle Stratton. Stratton joined the magazine in 2000 as a sophomore and was editor-in-chief for the next three years. She volunteered for the position, having had no previous experience. Stratton always had a passion for fashion and graduated with a diploma in Fashion and Retail Merchandising. Working at POLISHED over the course of three years, she expanded her interests; English was always her strongest subject, and she enjoyed her role as editor-in-chief. Since graduating from Lasell, Stratton has continued to pursue this passion, successfully working at several publishing companies throughout the Boston area. Without POLISHED, she says, she would never have had the opportunity to learn how much she loved editing and writing. Currently, Stratton tries to stay as involved in the magazine as possible, attending meetings when she can; she reminisces that “I always believed it would be great. I just wish I could’ve been there while it was growing.”
The magazine has allowed students to make real-world connections with professional photographers, designers, artists, editors, art directors, musicians, writers, marketers, business managers, and more. Lasell College students have had the opportunity to meet and profile distinguished professionals, including the late historian Howard Zinn and David Wolfe, an international trend forecaster. The magazine has also featured the College’s own, including Ashley Chesney, who won the New Look Lord & Taylor Model Competition, and other accomplished students and faculty, past and present. POLISHED has also had the opportunity to sponsor a variety of events, which has allowed the magazine to gain exposure. The magazine has cosponsored events with the Fashion Department during Boston Fashion Week 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. It has also cosponsored the second 617 TV Live Annual Hip Hop Music Awards in 2007. One of the magazine’s biggest sponsored events takes place right at home at Lasell College’s Annual Fashion Show, held every spring. In 2007, Bath proposed to creative director Christian DiPietro and managing editor Mercedes Garcia-Bancroft, “We’re going to enter POLISHED into the Columbia Scholastic Press Competition. I want you to do all the legwork.” It was months before they had a response, but it was worth the wait because they received a package saying they had earned 940 points out of a
| SPECIAL |
possible 1000. “Which was good enough to get a gold medal and get in the top 4 percent of college magazines in the world!” Bath states. “The gold medal was the frosting on the cake!” Stating he knew that in its early days, the team was not ready to be entered, “I wanted to create a fixed horse race,” says Bath. “I wanted to wait until we were ready to enter.” With a new editor-in-chief, the magazine has experienced change, but in a good way! Professor Mary Ruppert-Stroescu has held the post of editor-in-chief for four issues since becoming Chair of the Fashion Department at Lasell. Ruppert-Stroescu’s approach to the magazine is to guide students and provide structure and direction. She is proud of a new marketing team that has made great strides, and she looks forward to more growth. She describes being “overwhelmed by the dedication people have to the magazine. I love the collaboration between the graphic design team and the writers.” Professor Ruppert-Stroescu sees the magazine evolving every year, “exploring what makes Boston a fashion, art, and cultural hub while meshing the really beautiful physical POLISHED with social media, reviving the website, and creating a blog.”
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Currently, Erica Valente and Christian DiPietro are the managing and creative editors for POLISHED Magazine and work alongside the head of the GDL, Neil Bacon, to make the final decisions about everything that goes into every issue. All three seniors have been engaged with POLISHED since freshman year, and their involvement has given them insight into the challenges and rewards of publishing. When asked where the magazine is going from here, Erica says, “We have branched into the web aspect of publishing, and I feel we will continue to do so by launching a blog in the near future. The blog will allow us to have a constant outlet of updating articles, videos, and photos. I also feel the magazine has become more fashion forward and Boston oriented in the past couple of years.” In this technology-focused society, it seems a natural move to make POLISHED available online, for access 24/7 with news and ongoing updates. “I had NO doubts in my mind that POLISHED would make a decade; with Professor Bath's incredible dedication, love, and support of this publication’s students, it is no wonder it has lasted this long. Professors Fischer and Ruppert-Stroescu have continued that
support. Because of that, I see this lasting another ten years – more, even!” adds Christian DiPietro. Success with POLISHED, combined with relevant industry trends and student interest, prompted Lasell to launch an extremely popular new major, Fashion Communication and Promotion. The curriculum grew from collaboration between the Fashion and Communication Departments and provides a solid foundation in both areas, enabling students to focus on the industry segment of their choice and, of course, work closely with POLISHED Magazine! Only time will tell what will come of this uniquely Boston-focused fashion, art, and culture publication, but with the continuing dedication of students and faculty and the prestigious name that POLISHED has made for itself, there is no doubt that it will only continue to prosper. Congratulations to everyone involved in POLISHED, past and present: Know that all of your hard work is continuing to pay off every time a new issue reaches a new reader. Happy Tenth Anniversary, POLISHED!