CONTENTS - Issuu

19 minute read

from POLISHED Magazine Spring/Summer 2023

by Lasell University

from POLISHED Magazine Spring/Summer 2023, page 28

Article from: POLISHED Magazine Spring/Summer 2023

to be

LEO NARDUCCI 4

Designer: Ciarra Chasse

Writer: Liah Brown

CALENDAR 7

Designer: Amelia Capron

Writer: Cameron Villnave

SHOWING UP FOR THE MOMENT 8

Designer: Kate Lodge & Lauren Martin

Writer: Kassandra Fisher

LET’S CREATE CHANGE 10

Designer: Bryant Lopez

Writer: Spencer Villinski

ORGANIC OASIS 12

Designer: Chloe Kinteris & Jamie Kinteris

Writer: Kiersten Brown

Living With Color

Retailers: Global Thrift Store, Vintage Backroad, Salvage Angel, Emily’s Closet, Fits The Vibe, NROR ART, Amelia Capron Location: Lasell Village

Photography: Amelia Capron & Dylan Wilson

FINDING A FIT 22

Designer: Erin Tilley

Writer: Anya Misage

TREND REPORT 24

Designer: Amelia Capron

Writer: Caleigh Bain

Models: Sandra Fakih, Sheri Javier, Denali Norris, & Ella Rivera

LOCS OF CONFIDENCE 26

Designer: Jaylin Brown

Writer: Adrianna Marchi

LEARNING TO BE STIL 28

Designer: Caelan Watson

Writer: Oliver Pruett-Reed

ACRYLIC ADVOCACY 30

Designer: Dylan Wilson

Writer: Kiersten Brown

Jayra Bray, Alison O’Leary, & Marissa Turcotte

Retailers: Fits The Vibe, Global Thrift Store, Salvage Angel, Emily’s Closet, & Vintage Backroad

Photography by Dylan Wilson

On The Cover Mission Statement

The mission of POLISHED Magazine is to promote and highlight the diverse and vibrant culture and fashion scene of Boston and the surrounding area.

POLISHED Magazine is produced by the Lasell University School of Fashion with graphic design support from the Graphic Design League at Lasell University. Visit us at graphicdesignleague.com

POLISHED Magazine is printed by Wing Press - beau@wingpress.com a timeless tale

Narducci was born into the crazy world of fashion, which constantly changes as trends respond to environmental factors. Narducci was one of the top five designers in America during the 1960’s and 1970’s. To this day he has managed to maintain his influence. He is most recognized for high-fashion collections at affordable prices.

Narducci was raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, at a time when his parents were heavily involved in the garment industry, specifically with the operation of their clothing factory. Growing up surrounded by fashion, he had the opportunity to attend the Rhode Island School of Design, where he would later graduate with a degree in design and production. As soon as he received his diploma he jumped at the opportunity to begin what would become a lifelong career.

“I graduated at noon, and by five o’clock, I had moved to New York,” said Narducci.

Working in New York during the 1960’s, Narducci played a crucial part in design by creating progressive fashion as industry standards were shifting. He built his brand by working with mentors who helped develop his ideas into high end garments. He was especially focused on the business and marketing aspects of the industry. This line of thinking sparked his imagination of what fashion could be for a mass audience.

Constructing his brand with women in mind, Narducci’s creativity was able to expand to new dimensions as he began to attract the attention of fashion editors and fellow designers. Elegant and rebellious fashion influenced each of his designs. Narducci created a style of flared pants that, when walking, mimicked the movement of a draped garment. Many women throughout the time period were not allowed to wear pants in public, as it was still seen as an unacceptable dress code, but this unique silhouette allowed women to cleverly rebel against societal, gender, and fashion norms.

Designing fashions for Kaye Stevens was an important part of Narducci’s career, developing many looks that would hit the stage. Stevens was a popular nightclub singer and actress, who would often wear Narducci’s pieces to perform. Narducci asked Stevens if she would donate her pieces as a token of her appreciattion and loyalty to his brand. Stevens agreed and now many garments she wore on stage are in Lasell University’s own Lasell Fashion Collection, where students can study the construction of some of his most well-known pieces.

Having a fashion brand representing women in a more modern and sophisticated way was important for Narducci. Many of his designs were before the times, creating pieces that allowed women to push established gender boundaries within their fashion styles. His vision of each collection set him apart from many of the other designers in America who were focused on expensive and luxurious fashions.

In Narducci’s eyes, fashion should consist of affordable, timeless pieces with a twist that can be worn during the day and evening. Affordable fashion for the average woman dressed in a standout garment is something that he continues to strive for within his brand, as he ventures into jewelry design. Narducci feels fashion should be affordable if it continues to be marketed to an increasingly diverse demographic. Within two decades, Narducci was able to influence design through this mission. His dedication to his craft is what continues to inspire him to develop new ideas. Even in his 90’s, Narducci is still in love with the process of creating and is as hands-on as he can be.

Narducci’s focus on simplicity of design also includes depth hidden among construction were details that made the wearer stand out. As Narducci developed his tailoring and draping skills through the years of designing, he was able to add lavish details that exhibit brilliance in technical design. Many of Narducci’s looks were created in a time when fashion was being flipped upside down, needing to evolve women’s wear to be comfortable in the workplace, as well as when entertaining. While much of his craft was self-taught, he always looked to his mentors as he sought out new information.

Mentorship is something Narducci holds in high regard, as learning from a new younger audience is what will keep fashion alive. The upcoming generation is the new age of fashion, for they are always seeking ways to improve and evolve. Narducci enjoys working with groups of young individuals, using his personal experiences as a foundation for his teachings. Unlike some of his big-box competitors, he has achieved a higher level of industry knowledge through these personal connections.

Narducci explained how working under someone else is beneficial to learning the foundations of design. Before creating one’s own brand, individuals should use any opportunities available to learn the most they can about the day-to-day operation of a business. Creating a collection is like putting together a dance for a ballet, there are certain steps that have to be taken to create feeling and emotions within the work. Narducci’s pieces are about telling a story to clients through wearable creations, elements that stand out and make an impact.

“You start with a wow, have your bread and butter, and then conclude with your wow-wow-wow, and you’ve got a winner,” said Narducci.

Creating a story within each and every fashion piece is what will keep the audience engaged and eager to know what will happen next. Putting the audience on the edge of their seat is what makes a collection memorable. Details in fashion that are bold and elegant appeal to a larger audience. This is something that Narducci believes in, creating fashion that conveys his famous “wow-wow-wow” effect while still attending to the wearer’s needs.

Narducci currently takes inspiration from 1990’s fashion, each aspect combined gives it a clean look. It was a time of change, going from vibrant colors to more muted colors. Blazers were important again, as was personal style. It gave society the opportunity to look to the runway for aesthetic choices. It allowed the mind a chance to question how fashion was created and how it developed over time. The 1990’s fostered a new conversation about fashion as it can provide access to the in’s and out’s of design. Questioning was one of the best educational tools that the fashion industry experienced during this time.

Designing fashion is also similar to developing music. It can be common sense to the creator and their vision for what they would like to create. Narducci admires other designers and looks to see what their collections portray. He has been able to meet patternmakers who work for some of his favorite designers, as seeing what they create has inspired him to keep pushing what he is creating and find new ideas and places for his creative expression. Fashion is in the eye of the beholder. What you think of is what you should create, and it should not be copied from anyone else. Originality is what sets us all apart and makes our designs different. It is appropriate to be inspired and influenced by each other’s designs, but keep true to our originality.

“You don’t know where life takes you, but it’s all up to you. Other designers can influence you, the key is to always do your thing, not copy,” said Narducci.

Narducci is proof that decades in the fashion industry does not mean staying the same. He has continued to evolve, while remaining at the forefront. At the impressive age of ninety-one years old, he continues to collaborate with fashion friends, and has never stopped the flow of creativity. With every stitch and button, Leo Narducci speaks the language of style, and has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

Lasell University professors nurture the value of the creative process at the heart of the fashion industry. For young designers, setting goals can be one of the greatest things to assist in developing our careers.

As young designers push the industry forward, Narducci continues to design. With highlights in new collections of clothing and jewelry, he leaves the legacy of himself for all those who want to learn. Through his generous donation, Lasell University will continue to be gifted by Narducci’s designs. This will allow students to research and study his designs for generations to come. Students have been given the opportunity to be hands-on with history and engage in a legacy that will continue to live on.

Fashion is now considered an art form, and one of our greatest creations. Where and how is all up to the imagination. Final advice from Leo Narducci - Saying yes to scary opportunities that push creativity outside of the comfort zone is what will lead to success in the industry.  narduccidesign.com

Boston Calling Music Festival

performances with the Foo Fighters, the Lumineers, and Paramore being the three headlining acts for each day of the three-day weekend. The event will also showcase more than 20 acts that have local ties to New England. Some of the best food from Boston can be enjoyed as well as various thrilling activities like art installations and life-size games. There is so much to see and do at Boston Calling, you will not be left disappointed!

ADA does just as the title states: they show up for the moment with designs that are versatile, timeless, and sustainable. KADA is a lifestyle clothing brand for women launched in April of 2021 by Kassia Davis. She created this brand after feeling she had reached a standstill after about ten years in the athletic industry. She felt like there were no female leaders in her desired industry to look up to. Now, Davis has the opportunity to become that role model for many others. Combining the challenges of the 2020 pandemic and her passion, Davis pushed herself to create this brand that could positively impact,“People, our Planet, and our Industry,” said Davis.

Davis is inspired by both her family and by Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx and a self-made billionaire. She balances both family and career. This brings out Davis’s drive to make pieces that are wearable for anything and everything. Davis’s parents are the chairman and the vice-chairman of New Balance (NB), which gave her the ability to familiarize herself with the world of fashion at a young age. In school, she took classes that were centered around fashion whenever they were available to her. After going to college, Davis began working in the NB apparel department while applying to graduate school. She loved the work she was doing, so she stayed and ended up as an assistant product manager for apparel. She moved up in the ranks and continued to work and build a background that helped her become an entrepreneur in the fashion industry.

KADA is built around four Ethos: Defiance, Evolution, Female First, and Sustainability. Defiance in terms of not only challenging the production and sourcing to create the clothing, but also in the details added into the garments. “Edgy” components allow the garments to stand out and to also make every woman feel both confident and comfortable. Evolution is a big takeaway, as they focus on embracing a chance to learn and grown. KADA creates long term pieces that can evolve with you.

Female First means that all the clothing made is for the women of today with offerings of versatility. With the idea of Females First in mind, the team is composed of all women who share the common goal of empowering other women. Finally, Sustainability. The team is constantly challenging themselves to do better as fashion has one of the largest impacts on the environment. As far as their continued commitment to sustainability, their website has a whole section featuring topics as follows: sustainable silhouettes, forward-thinking fabrics, responsible sourcing and manufacturing, commitment to conservation, and materially better.

One way they focus on sustainability is with their work through a 3rd party agency that helps to offset any water or carbon use that was done during the manufacturing process. KADA also buys back different deadstock fabrics, such as cupro recycled fabric that uses less water when producing a garment. They then give a second life by incorporating them into their collections to maintain a sense of freshness and newness. Creating dresses, pants, crewnecks, tanks and more, these fabrics for the new age of fashion within their brand bring in a new audience to wear their apparel.

“My goal for KADA is to create a collection of elevated staples across all silhouettes for her [the customers’] closet,” said Davis.

This brand holds so many personal touches for Davis with the name being a coinage using the first two letters of her first and last name. She has a family of her own, so she can relate to the busy go-getter women she aspires to attract to her brand. Davis acknowledges that women want to look sophisticated, while remaining comfortable in the clothing they wear. Silhouettes are the foundation of one’s wardrobe, so it was vital for them to be fit-tested for inclusivity and made using a method that produces less waste. Aiming to draw in women of all ages, shapes, and sizes, KADA’s versatile pieces can be transformed throughout the day.

Instead of referring to garments as ‘the basics,’ KADA calls their core pieces ‘not so basics’ because they have an elevated twist of unexpected design details that are added. The result is the creation of a one-stop shop where women can find reliable pieces to either lounge at home or wear out to dinner. While KADA is currently an online retail space, they are beginning to establish wholesale and distribution strategies to get their products on the marketplace. They have future plans of establishing small boutiques across the New England area, eventually expanding into large box retailers. Strategies being used to increase traction for KADA include: social media, sponsored ads, email, affiliate, PR placements, media interviews, pop ups, and events. Davis strives to focus on the present, moving forward with expanding the brand.

Stepping into the future while also maintaining a sense of timelessness is something that Davis has portrayed beautifully with her brand. Her outlook on life, to sustain presence and drive, shows predominantly through the clothing and is inspirational as the world around us is in constant rotation. Not only is KADA a clothing line, but it plays into our lifestyles as a society, both changing over time. Just stay present and focus on the goal!

@wearkada; wearkada.com

Founded in 2002, Cradles to Crayons is a nonprofit organization that has the best interests of babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and grade schoolers at heart. Their mission statement goes as follows: “Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age twelve, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school, and at play. We supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting with communities.” Items are new, or like-new, and typically include clothing, shoes, books, and toys.

Cradles to Crayons recognizes the impact of clothing insecurity, as shown in their own definition of this significant problem:

“[Clothing insecurity is] the lack of access to affordable, adequate, appropriate clothing. Families facing clothing insecurity may have some clothing and shoes, however, they may not fit properly, be in wearable condition, or be seasonally appropriate for the weather. Additionally, clothing insecure families may not know where their clothing resources will come from or what kinds of financial tradeoffs, they will need to make to fulfill them.”

Children affected by childhood poverty, or lacking affordable, adequate, and appropriate clothing, are severely disadvantaged compared to their peers. The link between clothing and one’s assurance and self-image is powerful. The lack of proper clothing can cause children to miss life events, such as social gatherings, not to mention school Research has shown not having proper clothing is one of the top ten reasons children miss school. Interestingly, the United States has safety net programs for basic needs such as food, water, and shelter, but not the availability or distribution of childrenswear. Ultimately, that is the gray area in which Cradles to Crayons operates.

One can trace Cradle’s to Crayons’ roots back to the greater Boston area, Newtonville Massachusetts, to be exact. Since then, there has been a considerable amount of growth with locations popping up throughout the eastern United States. Philadelphia opened a Cradles to Crayons location to call their own in 2006, Chicagoland in 2016, and in 2020, New York City through an initiative known as Giving Factory Direct.

Giving Factory Direct boils down to Cradles to Crayons aspiring to go beyond their current service areas. Clothing goes straight from families looking to make a difference to families experiencing clothing insecurity. Children receive a “KidPack,” which is a package of high-quality, seasonally appropriate, essential clothing. It is asked of those donating that the clothing is washed, and without rips, stains, or inappropriate messaging. These bundles are packaged and shipped by participating donors, and then delivered by one of Cradles to Crayons’ service partners.

Lasell University has a fair share of connections to Cradles to Crayons— Professor Marguerite Dowd and Professor Deborah E. Baldizar, respectively.

Professor Dowd, in addition to being a lecturer of mathematics at Lasell University, is the Senior Director of Operations at Cradles to Crayons. Dowd describes the position as getting products in the door, through recyclerecycling, purchasing, or donation. She describes the job as questioning how they will get the product, transport it and process it through their factory, and how will they work alongside social workers and partners who are able to directly deliver contributions to families.

“I look after everything from ‘how do we get product in the door,’ whether it is through recycled clothing, where people donate it from their own homes, whether it is product that we have to purchase, or whether it is in kind, where corporations can donate to us. So, everything from, ‘how do we get people wanting to give us product,’ ‘how do we transport it to our giving factory,’ ‘how do we process it through our giving factory,’ and ‘how do we get it into the hands of the social workers or our partners who are then going to give it onto the families.’”

“I bring my first-year students to Cradles to Crayons because it is an amazing organization that has a wonderful way of empowering volunteers to see how they can make a positive difference in others’ lives. My students volunteer for two hours sorting clothes, making outfit packs, or packing bags with items that young people might need.”

Subsequent to volunteering at Cradles to Crayons this past fall, as a part of Professor Baldizar’s trip, Savannah Teixeira ’26 had new insights.

“So, something that I took from this trip was that community service can actually be fun, even though it kind of seems boring. If you go in with an open mind, you can have a lot of fun and you are actually making a bigger change than you think you are. [In the moment,] I could tell how passionate everyone who worked at Cradles to Crayons was about their organization and how highly they would talk about what they do, they also felt very proud of what they did, they also felt like they made a change, and that they were continuing to make a change.”

There are a number of ways to take action alongside Cradles to Crayons: (1) donate goods, (2) volunteer, (3) offer financial support (online, you will find that a gift of just $33.00 enables Cradles to Crayons to positively impact the life of one child), and (4) utilize Giving Factory Direct for a greater reach across the United States. Some other ways to get involved are to become a service partner, as well as to step into a leadership role through the councils, memberships, and sponsorship opportunities offered by Cradles to Crayons. You can also join the conversation around childhood poverty on social media. If another way to get involved comes to mind … go for it! Whatever the case, you will be aligning yourself with Cradles to Crayons and its exceptional humanitarian mission.

@c2cboston;cradlestocrayons.org

When most Bostonians think of the North End, their minds wander to the smell of fresh pastries and Italian cuisine. Nestled between the rows of Italian flags is the Pink Carrot. Established in 2022 by owner Jo-Ann Bertolino, this bright concept of healthy eats and treats offers customers the opportunity for quick and nutritious meals for all times of the day. Additionally, they offer rich and flavorful smoothie combinations of fruit and vegetables, that help to boost productivity, energy, and overall dietary health.

Bertolino originally moved to the North End from South Florida about nine years ago. Due to the active nature of her previous environment, she was accustomed to having healthy options right at her fingertips. Once she and her son had settled into their new home, she found herself searching for a place she could sit down for a truly healthy salad. She was also wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the city, volunteering at an animal shelter while her son was at school, but every night her mind was still on the gap in avaliable local healthy cuisine offerings.

In between balancing motherhood and her love for helping Boston’s furry friends, she would walk the block. During these outings, she would always pass by a quaint, vacant space on Salem Street. She used to joke that if she were to ever bring her healthy storefront to life, this would have to be the spot. For years, that same storefront sat vacant, and after the city shut down for the pandemic, Bertolino decided to make the jump into the health food market.

“I felt like it will either make it, or it won’t, but if I don’t try I will never know. I felt that if I was missing this niche [healthy cuisine] that others must be too,” said Bertolino.

She wanted to build her vision around being unique. Bertolino began playing around with branding and menu ideas, using her own personal recipes to foster delicious, well-prepared, and convenient healthy meals. Whether it’s adding to the popular “Mama Bird” salad or upgrading the nutritious “Breakfast Bowl,” Bertolino is often hiding away on the lower level of the shop, experimenting with different flavor profiles, and how to really push the balance of a dish using grains, vegetables, and proteins. She’s never one to shy away from the unknown.

A lot of her creations use the eighty-twenty rule: eighty percent healthy and twenty percent indulgence. According to Bertolino, the food isn’t meant to be complicated, it’s supposed to highlight how simplicity is the key to balance. With her own health put into perspective many years prior based on her dietary habits, she wanted to take the hassle out of eating healthy and provide her neighbors with the ability to choose what goes into their bodies. Bertolino wanted to be a contributing factor to building on the importance of accessible dietary management and personal fulfillment.

“I wish I had grown up in this health craze, because when I grew up it didn’t matter what you ate as long as you appeared thin. Back then I wouldn’t have touched a cookie, but now I’ll have a cookie if I want it,” said Bertolino.

Not only did she want to emphasize the importance of our physical intake, but she wanted the overall atmosphere to allude to the importance of mental intake. She wanted to create a place where people could spend the day working, relaxing, and building connections with the diverse demographics of the neighborhood. She wanted to bring the vibrant South Florida aesthetic to the otherwise traditional brickheavy storefronts surrounding Pink Carrot. Although Bertolino was not a colorful person when it came to her wardrobe, she wanted to bring her love of pink into every corner of the business. From painting the whole storefront bubblegum pink for a pop of curb appeal, to bringing in stunning rose-printed wallpaper, to the bright bar top that matched the outside, Bertolino would have everyone seeing pink. She used light shades of green to tie in the natural elements of the vision. It wasn’t just about creating an environment for others; it was about creating a place where she herself could build connections with her community and her setting an example of work-life management.

“If you don’t enjoy going to work in the morning, you need to find something else to do. I put a lot of thought into this place to make sure I was happy doing just that,” said Bertolino.

She spent eight months on branding, to make sure she could really focus on expanding. The time has come for Pink Carrot to set those plans in motion. Bertolino has been planning to open a few new locations, as well as hosting events and partnering with community organizations to assist in sponsored events. One of the organizations Bertolino is hoping to partner with is a local rescue organization focused on supporting displaced and homeless dogs. Holding adoption events at Pink Carrot, as well as bringing awareness to the beautiful dogs up for adoption, is Bertolino’s dream.

No matter the season, the Pink Carrot continues to plant its roots as it branches out into the diverse surrounding community. Bertolino and her staff showcase the power of using food to feed the mind, body, and soul. Although more storefronts are sure to sprout in the coming year, be sure to stop by the original, pink, organic oasis. @pinkcarrotboston; pinkcarrotboston.com