Strike Magazine FAU Issue 01

ISSUE 01

THE YEAR WAS 2020

STRIKE FAU ISSUE 01: SPRING/SUMMER 2020 THE FOUNDING STAFF

Editor in Chief: Emma Oleck Creative Director: Gabby Michelle Creative Director Assistant: Lilah Ulitsch

Fashion

Fashion Director: Alexa Andrioff Fashion Director Assistant: Melania Zilo Men’s Fashion Director: Kriss Hidalgo Mens Fashion Director Assistant: Christopher Nwalupue Stylist: Brandon Brownstein, Amanda Crump, Faithe Desinor, Alex King, Nektaria Kleopoulos, Angelina Loconte, Anastazia Mair, Paloma Rossano, Hayden Schiefer, Lea Tabbaa, Lilah Ulitsch, Sage West, Katrina Woiski

Art

Art Director: Kristin Evely Art Assistant: Kaylee Hanapole

Production

Production Director: Samantha Hipp Photographer Assistant: Alexia Haag Photographers: Nektaria Kleopoulos, Christaphur Nwalupue, Delaney Wiggins Cinematographers: Sophie Freid, Kailee Singer Production Assistants: Kaitie Cramer, Sarah Dietrich

Writing

Writing Director: Brianne Bacchus Content Editor: Hannah Gulics Staff Writers: Faithe Desinor, Jacquelyn Elliot, Aubrie Henry, Isabella Lynch, Annie McGrath, Jolie Tanner, Lilah Ulitsch

Beauty

Beauty Director: Sarah Glynn Beauty Team: Mary Dillon, Nikki Sied

Social Media

Social Media Director: Summer O’Regan Social Media Director Assistant: Angel Ennis Social Media Assistants: Mariela Aguilar, Rachel Hirsch, Maria Martinez Piera

Business

Business Director: Mariette Sanchez Marketing Director: Elisa Aguerrevere Marketing Assistants: Emily Becher, Meghan Chistensen, Jacquelyn Elliott, Samantha Hartman, Emily Sullivan, Anet Trujillo, Delaney Wiggins PR Directors: Ashley Bennet, Bella Brucato PR Director Assistant: Gabrielle Cervera PR Assistants: Emily Becher, Madison Borgel, Alexis Broussard, Sarah Dietrich, Taylor Fricke, Sarah Glynn, Aubrie Henry, Alex King, Jennifer Lanosa, Alexandria Little, Maria Martinez Piera, 01 Samantha Schoonover, Jolie Tanner

Letter From The Editor

I cannot believe the time has finally come—we are printing our very first Issue. Since the beginning of starting Strike FAU, I have thought about and looked forward to writing this letter. What I would say, how it would feel. I would jot down little notes on my phone throughout the year. And now here we are, the very first Issue of Strike Magazine FAU, and my very first “Letter From the Editor.”

Needless

to

say,

this

has

been

quite

the

atypical

experience.

In my Spring semester of 2019, I made a cold call to Hannah Kealy, the founder of Strike Magazine at Florida State University. This call would be for one purpose, and one purpose only—to bring Strike to Florida Atlantic University. By all of the goodness in the world, she said yes. By fall, I was going into classes, clubs, sororities, and fraternities, hanging flyers, posting on Facebook pages, etc. to promote the fact that Strike was coming to Florida Atlantic and that we are ~indeed~ hiring. I spent hours upon hours interviewing in coffee shops, bakeries, on-campus, basically anywhere for the sake of the interview. As a transfer student, I didn’t know many people at FAU, and by no means did I expect to acquire the team we have today. By January, we had released our staff list of 65 and set out to rule the world.

I will never forget having our very first full staff meeting and watching the months of work I had been doing alone come to life. I sat in the middle of the room and led this meeting, probably speaking absolute gibberish because I couldn’t stop staring at the 65 faces in front of me and thinking, “Wait, this is a real-life team—This is real, we are starting a magazine.” 65 students, all there because of a shared passion and vision. I couldn’t believe it. I cried the second I got in my car afterward; I was so unbelievably happy.

I started this magazine with no clear theme. As I didn’t quite know my staff yet, I wanted our theme, whatever that may be, to be a collaborative decision that we all felt passionate about. We had our first Fashion Team meeting, where we all sat awkwardly in an unlocked classroom late on a Wednesday night, going around in a circle doing the ever-dreaded ice break ers (still not sorry for this). By the end of that one meeting, we had not only a set theme, but also every shoot planned out. We wanted to make an Issue based on old South Florida, think “Miami Beach Circa 1990.” In doing this, we would highlight our home as the newest location of Strike, and do it in a timeless way. Our meeting ran over two hours, and at this point, I knew this team was so special, and that we were going to make something brilliant.

We had our first two shoots, and they were nothing short of an absolute dream. We had our second shoot on March 8th. Three days later, we found out that classes were to be moved online due to COVID-19. Two days after that, the President declared a national emergency. At the time, there was a part of me that actually believed this would be a two-week situation. That said, I told the team to halt business as usual and wait for an update. Two weeks had come and gone, and no one knew how long this would last. To be quite honest, I had no idea what to do. Once it became apparent that we were not coming out of quarantine anytime soon, we adjusted. New game plan: we were going to delay the launch of this Issue until the end of summer, move to virtual meetings (Zoom and I have become quite the couple), and create the best magazine we could in this situation. As time evolved, our shoot concepts started to take a new direction with this new time we were in. The shift of mentality that came with quarantine was evident.

On May 25th, 2020, we witnessed the horrific death of George Floyd. As this ignited a flame in many across the world, Strike was no exception. As a fashion magazine, nothing seemed to matter at this time. Having meetings discussing social media or photoshoots, etc. felt not only irrelevant but plain wrong. So, we canceled our meetings, we educated ourselves, we protested, we stepped up, and we grew. I decided that from this point on, we would no longer be in a position to feel powerless. We would use our platform to speak on injustice, to educate, to amplify voices that need to be heard, to address issues that need to be highlighted, to promote love, to set an example for inclusivity, and above all else, to have intention. Our entire original theme and shoot-concept plan were thrown out the window, and instead, we decided to make a magazine that showcased who Strike FAU is and what we are about, all the while keeping it high-fashion, of course (that’s right, you can do both). We decided to keep our first two shoots, along with our new theme in this Issue, to highlight our evolution as a magazine throughout this unprecedented time.

Looking back, I think of how utterly sad I was having to delay our first-ever launch and having to create our first Issue in these circumstances. It feels a bit funny to say, but at this moment in time, I couldn’t feel more grateful for these circumstances. We have been given the opportunity to create a fashion magazine in the absolute craziest times our generation has ever witnessed. I have watched my wonderful team blossom and grow—not only professionally, but as people. The gratitude I have for this founding staff team, for exactly as it is, is infinite.

To my team: thank you for joining me on this crazy ride, thank you for constantly inspiring me and motivating me, thank you for your diligence, and thank you for making this magazine come to life.

To our readers: please enjoy Strike Magazine FAU Issue 01, titled “The Year Was 2020.”

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THE YEAR WAS 2020 05

B R E A K I N G T H E M O L D : FA S H I O N I N D U S T RY E D I T I O N

13

FOR THE BOYS

19

2 4 H O U R S AT M I L A N FA S H I O N W E E K

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TIME FOR CHANGE

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QUARANTINE DIARIES

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I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR

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KIDS, LOVE, PRIDE

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B L A C K L I V E S M AT T E R - H I G H L I G H T I N G B L A C K C R E AT I V E S

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REDEFINING MASCULINITY

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WORLD IN YOUR HANDS

PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA HIPP BEAUTY BY MARY DILLON AND SARAH GLYNN MODELS: ALEXA ANDRIOFF, ALEX KING, AUTUMN TRINITY, PALOMA ROSSANO

GIRLS RULE BOYS DROOL

BREAKING THE MOLD:

FASHION INDUSTRY EDITION As society continues to shift and new normals take over our old routines, the fashion world is set to explore a new era. Although it is difficult to pinpoint when exactly the pandemonium behind the virus took hold within the industry, the outcome has affected us all alike. Navigating through COVID-19 has been quite the journey and experience for our team. Needless to say, our first-ever printed issue is quite special and unique in the sense that the distinction between pre and post COVID-19 is evident. This shoot was our very first here at Strike FAU before the pandemic, and it can be described in three words: fashion gone rogue. From diners to discos, the goal is to blur the lines of style—to find your inner cowgirl, and to unleash the glitz and glam; the hint of vintage flair mixed with the western vibes channels a sense of nostalgia through the lookbook. And between the fun accessories and outfit changes, there’s a charm and playfulness that every girl can relate to.

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PHOTO BY DELANEY WIGGINS

T E E W

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA HIPP

S

NOTHINGS

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA HIPP

Here at Strike, we pride ourselves on the growth and evolution of our team, our concepts, and our beliefs. We value the many aspects of fashion that allow us to create and shoot our ideas, as well as produce material that is, at its core, fashionable, fun, and relatable. However, we would also like to emphasize our intent to promote contents of substance and meaning on all issues such as art, race, LGBTQ+, culture, society, and, of course, fashion. Some say that when the guidelines are dismantled, anything goes, and the fashion industry is no different. All things considered, we at Strike look forward to embracing a new period of ideas, creativity, and evolution.

B y F a i t h e D e s i n o r

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA HIPP

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA HIPP

08 PHOTO BY AMANDA LESSNER

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA HIPP

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PHOTOS BY AMANDA LESSNER

WATCH ME AIR WALK INTSTRUCTIONS ON “HOW TO” SKATE ARE FOUND ON THE INSIDE:

PHOTOS BY NEKTARIA KLEOPOULAS MODELS: AMARE DAVIS, BRANDON BROWNSTEIN, KRISS HIDALGO

FOR THE BOYS

A TRIBUTE TO SOUTH FLORIDA SKATE CULTURE BY: BRANDON, CHRISTOPHER, & KRISS

I feel like skate culture, along with some parts of the fashion industry, has been filled to the brim with unoriginality and has begun to spill over. For me, this shoot was a way to clean up the mess that has been made. The result was a new and refreshing outlook on skate culture, curated by merging our diverse ranges of taste together. There’s a niche creative community in South Florida that has been severely overlooked for far too long. -Christopher 13

I CAN TEACH YOU SOME TRICKS ON MY NEW SKATEBOARD

What this shoot means to me is something of a fresh start. Coming down to South Florida from Chicago was a huge transition, especially as I was trying to find a new path for myself. Not only has South Florida become another place I can call home, but it has also shown me a whole different side of a community that is often misinterpreted throughout. Seeing how unique South Florida’s tropical skate culture is with its backdrop of palm trees vastly contrasts with the towering skyscrapers that cover the Chicago skyline. South Florida has become a new beginning for me, meeting people that have had a crucial impact on my journey here and in life in general. I’m excited to keep learning more about the culture down here and eventually be able to express it along with my roots in the Windy City.

-Brandon

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PHOTOS BY NEKTARIA KLEOPOULAS

CLASSIC VISIONARE.

PHOTO BY EMMA OLECK

PHOTO BY EMMA OLECK

PHOTO BY NEKTARIA KLEOPOULAS

To me, this shoot represents how South Florida is often misinterpreted in certain aspects, such as Miami only being involved with nightlife. As a growing environment for electronic music, with world-renowned night clubs like Club Space, Miami has established itself as a Mecca of dance music for the past two decades. Music festivals, such as Ultra established in 1999, have also contributed to making Miami a scene for dancing. But only recently has hiphop music talent been given opportunities, partially thanks to Rolling Loud originating in Miami in 2015. As an artist creating in South Florida, has the most up-andcoming talent and potential when it comes to underground music and artists. And, I believe that within a decade, Miami will become one of the best cities in the United States for creators. I am thankful to be a part of a crucial moment in history in which opportunities and exposure are growing in South Florida. Major fashion house Dior just had their first United States fashion show in Miami during Art Basel week for their Men Pre-Fall 2020 collection. That alone speaks for how Miami is evolving as a city globally. Along with Art Basel’s spike in popularity in recent years, despite being around since 1970, more people have been able to travel to Miami and experience the diversity the city has to offer. PHOTO BY NEKTARIA KLEOPOULAS As far as skate culture in South Florida, it goes hand in hand with the culture and newly emerging skatewear brands, such as Andrew in downtown Miami that is helping to create a strong skate presence in South Florida. The diversity in South Florida is incredible and really sets it apart from any other region, which is why I love representing this community.

You are able to experience so many cultures and hear so many languages. The stories here in Miami are extraordinary. There are so many people, especially first-generation artists, who are working so hard to make a name for themselves. So, I say to the rest of the world: keep an eye out for South Florida, because a lot of talented artists are going to be emerging in the upcoming years.

- Kriss.

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7:00 AM Depending on my schedule for the day, I typically throw something casual on and go downstairs for the most important meal of the day. Coffee is also a big must because how else am I expected to get through the day.

24

HRS

AT

MILAN

After breakfast (and a dose of vitamin C), I start putting my makeup on and pick out my outfit based on the fashion shows we are attending that day (while wearing one outfit for every show is not uncommon, that’s just something I do not have the time or energy for). Today I’m opting for a neutral look paired with some fun shoes (nothing taller than 4 inches because I can almost assure you that I will be sprinting somewhere today).

FW

2020/21 WITH

MILA

9:30 AM First, on the list today is the Max Mara show, so it’s off to the venues in a hurry for me. Upon arrival, I’m greeted by PR, who lead me through the hallways backstage. It’s so loud that I can barely hear myself think. Models rushing in late, panicked makeup artists trying to get in the final dab of highlight, and a very busy Mr. Ian Griffiths, the Italian house’s creative director. After exploring backstage for quite some time, I am ushered to my seat. The lights come on, and the show begins.

4:00 PM Soon it’s time to head to the Prada show. During a big show, you get to see tons of different people (hi Charli D’Amelio). Aside from the typical influencers and bloggers, you’ll also catch fashion buyers, press, and fashion editors filling up the rows, and even fashion school students and interns watching from the opera.

11:00 AM After the first show, I have some time to kill. I spend my time next to the closest outlet in one of my favorite bars in Milano, Panetteria Princi. I order a cappuccino and spend a couple of hours editing photos and creating content for clients, and if I’m really lucky, I get to meet up with my friends who are also working in the area.

5:55 PM The Fendi show starts in 45 minutes, and I am stressed (cue foreshadowed sprinting). The rush was all worth it when it was time to see Silvia Venturini’s second womenswear collection and her take on the modern woman. It was beyond refreshing to be presented with a captivating range of pieces that celebrate the power to take over the boardroom and the bedroom, as styles usually associated with sensual pleasure were magically worked into pieces that shouted executive power.

My favorite part? Watching the beautiful Paloma Elsesser in a boss-ass buttercup coat strut down the blush pink runway.

7:30 PM I left the venue daydreaming of sheer silhouettes and lush leather outerwear, but my night is nowhere near over.

It’s time to catch a cab to the last show of the evening, Moschino.

10:35 PM By this time of the evening, my feet hurt, I haven’t had a proper meal in a couple of hours, and I am drained. This is the part where I try to call it a night but am somehow whisked away on my feet to an after-party or two, or three.

9:00 PM With my Marie Antoinette themed invitation in hand, I am greeted at the door with a pretty pink drink and lead to my seat. As an avid watcher of the 2006 film Marie Antoinette starring Kirsten Dunst, my childhood dreams were finally coming true. With a modern take on classic 18th-century fashion, Jeremy Scott went big, bold, and maximalist, and said let them eat cake (yes there was a cake shaped dress, and no we are not mad about it). The show was an absolute dream that I can’t put into words, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the night than to watch household names, like the Hadid sisters and Joan Smalls, own the runway from the very front row.

02:15 AM By the time I arrive at my hotel room my phone is dead, and honestly so is a tiny part of me. My bedtime routine consists of a hot shower, lots of editing of photos, and some tea. On a good night, I’m in bed by around 4 am, which is good because tomorrow is a new day, and Fashion Month has no mercy.

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DRAWING BY GIGI ZILO

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Emerging From the Pandemic Cocoon Change is inevitable. However, since the start of 2020, it has felt like a constant.

In case any of you need a reminder, we are currently living through a pandemic.

COVID-19 has certainly been a severe source of unexpected change for us all. The world has also experienced a resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd. Change is either imposed upon individuals or demanded by them. But, just like a butterfly, we can tackle this necessary change and turn it into a powerful transformation.

Change can be a beautiful thing. However, it also has the power to bring out the ugliness in people. Humans are creatures of habit, and no one likes to hear that their actions are unacceptable. In such situations, things tend to get uncomfortable. Within the past few months, society has experienced more significant change than it has in the last couple of years. We no longer live the lives we had grown accustomed to. We no longer know what the future holds. If that’s not uncomfortable, then I don’t know what is. Change does not occur within the confines of one’s comfort zone. In order to progress as a community, we must learn to look past ourselves and focus on the greater good.

Along with such significant change comes an adjustment period. However, adjustment does not translate to permanent silence or lack of action. “Listening and learning” is so important, especially when it comes to such critical topics. We cannot let this become another form of deflection due to feelings of discomfort; we must use this as a time for growth. Listen, educate yourself, and then take action in your own way. When people take time to genuinely listen and learn, opinions will change and the world will follow. The negative stigma surrounding changing one’s opinion needs to end. Altering an opinion upon further reflection and education is not only healthy but necessary.

In this day and age, change should not be treated as a substitute for the shortterm. Change is happening, and it doesn’t slow down for those who refuse to acknowledge it. If it all seems overwhelming at times, consider the positives. The restrictions put in place by the pandemic shifted much of the population’s attention towards social media. The world was then unable to ignore the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others. This resulted in one of the most substantial social movements seen in decades, affecting all fifty states and several different countries. With the slowdown of many industries, COVID-19 has also given the environment a slight break by lessening the emission of greenhouse gases and other harmful substances. Like a butterfly, the end of one stage simply breathes life into the next.

The year was 2020, and change happened.

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By Jolie Tanner

PHOTO BY NEKTARIA KLEOPOULAS | MODEL: ALEXA ANDRIOFF

24 PHOTOS BY EMMA OLECK, LILAH ULITSCH, AND MELANIA ZILO

Quarantine Diaries

In the midst of a crisis, especially during this awful time of the Coronavirus, it’s easy to want to shut ourselves down and to lack motivation. However, we all know in doing that, it’s not exactly beneficial to our mental and physical health.

With all classes now online, and most of our workplaces shut down, I think we are all finding an alarming amount of free time on our hands—free time that us college students are certainly not used to having. So, what do we do with all this newfound free time and, most importantly, how the heck do we stay productive?

Do you like to read? Write? Paint? How about cleaning, or dancing, or practicing yoga? Everyone has different activities that they enjoy doing when they are stuck inside their homes. For me, I enjoy cleaning, organizing, redecorating, or reading a new book. Maybe you don’t, and that’s completely okay. However, I think all of this free time can be looked at in a positive way, and it’s important you figure out and do the things that make YOU feel good!

Whether it’s watching documentaries that interest you, starting the blog you dreamt of years ago, making art, learning a new instrument, or even baking a cake or cookies or both, now is the perfect time to explore yourself and your interests even further. Take a bubble bath, find new music and just dance to it, do an at-home workout, make yourself a homemade fruit smoothie, create new recipes, FaceTime old friends, read the books collecting dust on your shelves: the possibilities are endless, just DO THINGS! Make yourself laugh and use this time for you, you deserve it.

I truly can’t remember the last time I had the time to actually be able to care about the little things in life that I don’t usually pay attention to. We get so wrapped up and busy with our everyday lives that we often forget that it’s okay to do things that make us genuinely feel good, even if that sometimes means doing nothing at all. It’s almost as if we’re taught that it’s a bad thing to sit back and chill sometimes, but I’m telling you it’s not. Our body and mind need and deserve rest, especially when we live such fast-paced lives.

This is our time to focus on ourselves. We can use this time to get our priorities straight. Figure out what makes you feel whole and complete, the things that make you feel accomplished after doing them. Now is the time to dig a little deeper, and do some genuine soul searching for the things in life that matter to you outside of work, school, and your social life.

Taking care of yourself while in quarantine, taking time to decompress and collect and reflect on your thoughts, and developing these positive habits will lead you to form a healthy lifestyle.

By Aubrie Henry

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PHOTO BY LEA TABBAA MODELS: EMMA OLECK, LEA TABBAA, SAGE WEST, MELANIA ZILO

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M A I M O W R A E H R

M N A M E M R R A O R

PHOTO BY EMMA OLECK

PHOTOS BY EMMA OLECK

I LOVE EVERY INCH OF ME AND YOU SHOULD TOO.

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PHOTOS BY EMMA OLECK

PHOTO BY SAGE WEST

There is nothing on this earth more beautiful and divine than the female body. We are such soft, delicate creatures, and yet we embody an overwhelming sense of strength and ferocity. Our marks and our lines of growth are a reminder of our power and our female experience. The space our bodies take up is a blessing and an honor to others. Say thank you to your body for all that it does. Appreciate and adore every inch of you that makes you, you. Notice your heart that keeps beating, the way your shoulders carry the weight of the world, how your eyes have seen so many beautiful things, and your feet have carried you every step of the way. Your body is your home and your protector and your best friend. So spend time caring for it, the way it cares for you. You deserve to feel loved by yourself and to wear your body with pride! So keep your head up and your tits out! Let go of those ridiculous ideals and learn to slowly embrace every inch of your body, because you are beautiful, and that body looks magnificent on you. I am woman, hear me roar.

- Melania Zilo 33

We asked the women on our team, “What does being a woman mean to you?”

Being a woman is something I will never be able to put into words. To be placed in this body that I call home is the greatest gift. With womanhood comes hardship, and yet we forever continue to bloom through the experiences we endure.

We are selfless, we are courageous, we are badass. See our beauty, but know our strength.

-Emma Oleck PHOTOS BY EMMA OLECK

To me, being a woman is about owning who you are, owning your story, and letting all multiple versions of yourself shine bright and shine through. It’s 2020, and being a woman no longer means simply being feminine; it’s about being a feminist—which you can do with or without “femininity.” :) -Mariela Aguilar Being a woman means owning and embracing all of the things that make you, you. Women are dangerous, graceful, soft, beautiful, strong, and powerful. We are unapologetically resilient.

-Hannah Gulics Being a woman means celebrating you, wholeheartedly and unapologetically. Every diverse facet, every unique quirk, every unparalleled thought—all compiled into the intricate, beautifully complex woman you are. All the smiles and tears, the good memories and the bad, the growth and discomfort; each precious moment and each metamorphic experience in your life has led you to this exact moment: standing loud and proud wrapped in a blanket of self-love and acceptance.

-Brianne Bacchus Being a woman means self-growth. It means the ability to notice the ways in which you have transformed.

-Kaylee Hanopole

Being a woman means being comfortable in your own skin. Being a woman is recognizing your strengths that come with womanhood. -Angel Ennis Being a woman means having the strength and confidence to always speak up for what you believe in. -Kristin Evely Being a woman is being unapologetically yourself and taking the world by storm. -Alexis Broussard Being a woman means having the strength to believe in yourself when others doubt. Being a woman is raw, beautiful, empowering, and tough as shit. -Jolie Tanner

Being a woman is having to be illustrious based on beautiful contradictions. Women are soft and supple, To be a woman is to be strong and resilient. It is power and beauty personified.

-Sage West Being a woman is finding the balance between vulnerability and strength. Being a woman is empowering.

-Maria Martinez Piera Being a woman is all about perspective. Some days I am a delicate flower, and other days I am a force to be reckoned with. -Anet Trujillo Being a woman is to be delicate, but fearless and strong in your own self worth and confidence. -Samantha Hartman To me, being a woman is to feel empowered and to also empower other women. As women, it’s important to know our strengths, embrace them, and help one another do the same.

-Gabby Michelle Being a woman means embracing all those who identify as a woman no matter where they fall on the spectrum of femininity and identity. It means having open arms to fully accept any and all who say, “I am woman. Hear me roar.�

-Alexia Haag

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PHOTO BY SAGE WEST

PHOTO BY EMMA OLECK

SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHED BY DELANEY WIGGINS MODELS: ANASTAZIA MAIR AND ISIS ROSE

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KI D S LOV

VE PRIDE

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PHOTOS BY DELANEY WIGGINS

The shoot, KIDS, LOVE, PRIDE, addresses not only the glee and the lively thrill of youth, but approaches the significance of the way we raise children, stand up for love, and celebrate pride. The styling of the vibrant patterns, colors, fun faux fur, and editorial makeup represent the importance of self-expression in one’s youth. And, all children should be allowed and encouraged to express themselves differently. Growing up, I was always asked questions about my relationship with boys, such as, “do you have a boyfriend yet?” We shouldn’t assume a child’s sexual identity; we should keep an open mind and ask open questions so that children don’t feel pressured to give answers based on gender stereotypes. More importantly, instead of asking questions about a child’s crush, we should consider asking questions about their friends, interests, or how they spend their free time. All children have different experiences growing up, whether at school, friends’ homes, etc., but a child’s home environment should always feel like a safe space as it’s pertinent to their mental and physical wellbeing. Children thrive off of the acceptance and values of their parents or guardians, so parental rejection of a child’s sexual orientation can cause mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors, due to families playing a critical role in a child’s development.

Raising the next generation to understand that their identity is independent of who they are dating or who they “have a crush on’’ is vital.

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Society as a whole needs to improve and learn to raise our LGBTQ+ youth with acceptance and support for the sake of children’s safety and health. Based on mental health statistics and what we know today, the new era of parents, or soon to be parents, have an opportunity to create real change. Millennials can and should consciously choose to be more informed with the LGBTQ+ community for the sake of our future generations. The LGBTQ+ community has had such a large impact on history.

So much so, we recognize the whole month of June to show respect and celebrate Pride due to the Stonewall riots that occurred in Manhattan, New York, at the end of June 1969. Today, individuals around the world celebrate Pride to advocate for inclusivity, diversity, and equality. Many individuals who struggle with their sexuality view Pride as a reminder to be proud of who they are. Above all else, Pride is a celebration of love. To love with no boundaries and to be proud of that. Whether someone is personally a part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, we all need to make the effort to advocate that above all, love is love.

By Anastazia Mair

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B L A C K

L I V E S

M A T T E R

With the year of 2020 came the death of George Floyd, the horrific catalyst of one of the largest social movements in our country’s history. George Floyd’s death ignited a flame of national and global protest—a call to the world that when George Floyd couldn’t breathe, we couldn’t either. A call to the world that it is time for significant social and political change. A call to the world that until every single black life matters, no life matters. A call to the world that it is time to renounce the past and redeem the future. We had the pleasure to sit down with local protest organizer, Sydney Seeley, to talk about some further actions we can take to support and protect the black community. Here is what she had to say:

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER NWALUPE

The most vital part of the Black Lives Matter movement is to celebrate and protect the lives of black individuals. We need to understand that oppression affects the black community in many ways, not just through police brutality. It happens through sexual assault, housing, job opportunities, education, healthcare, retail, and so so so much more. Once we, as white people, understand how we are actively contributing to racism and take action to address it, we will be on the path to a society that treats the black community with the respect and honor that they deserve. One of the best actions you can take to support the Black Lives Matter movement is to assess the way you contribute to systems of oppression and identify where race plays a role in your life. Look at your role models. If they’re all the same identity as you, you should look for leaders outside of your sex/gender/race/ethnicity/religion that embody the qualities you admire. We need to address our personal contribution to racism and not only acknowledge our role, but also take thoughtful measures to address it.

Ask yourself these questions: Do you shop from black store owners? Do you read black literature, or view black art? Make an effort to raise the black community through your everyday actions, not just by making a few donations (although donations are a good start)! Racism is a deeply rooted issue that we have to address on a personal level just as much as we have to address it on the systematic level. This can be accomplished by making small but intentional decisions in favor of the black community on a daily basis, such as what websites to shop from, clothing brands to support, and movies to watch. More obvious actions include voting and being involved in your local community. The more ways you consciously use your voice on behalf of others, the better.

Most local governments have frequent openings in various community-run boards and panels that have the power to make decisions on behalf of the community. If we can share information on these openings and get leaders from the black community into these positions, we will start to notice a tangible change.

We have many battles to fight, and we are just beginning to address the problems that exist in society. We must understand that we are no longer fighting for ourselves; we are fighting for the rights of generations for years to come. We will not end hate in our lifetime, but by raising our children to be more aware and actionable on racial injustice, we’ll be giving the next generation the tools we never had. We have the privilege of technology to show future generations that the world IS small, and that our actions make a much larger impact than we think they do. We are the generation that will derail current systems of oppression around the world and set the groundwork for a new, more empowering system in the future.

Get educated, find your confidence, stay courageous. The battle is far from over.

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HYPE UP YOUR LOCAL BLACK CREATIVES

My name is Joshua Bullock, I’m 20 years old, and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am a storyteller. I choose to tell stories through music, poetry, and film. I’m inspired by everyone. Everything people do, the way they interact with others and themselves inspires me to ponder, create, and share. The biggest challenge to my work is understanding that I don’t need the validation of others on my art for me to feel happy, or for it to feel worth something or good. Years of failures got me to where I am today. And it’s through these failures that I’ve found the most opportunity to learn and grow. Despite all of the uncertainties in the world right now, ultimately, we have the choice and power to choose happiness and control our lives. Choose to feel, understand, and then let go.

A Poem by Josh

I sit in a classroom to learn the times I don’t know my place in.

Advanced Placement United States History.

They tell me I am American, that being born in Florida from two Jamaican immigrants makes my identity as much USA as the red, white and blue on our flag.

Sometimes.

I do not know what I am.

Maybe sometimes American inside the body of a sometimes immigrant.

Because nobody cares when the different kids get beaten up.

We pledged our allegiance to a country like robots every morning, before we even knew what programming was.

By the age of six every child in this country could by memory recite their allegiance to a nation that didn’t necessarily want them.

And I just don’t understand.

How I can dress un-American by representing my heritage, Like Dashikis from West Africa aren’t clothes from some of the first stolen people who became Americans.

I just don’t understand how I’m not speaking American if patois leaves my tongue, Like America is a country with a national spoken language.

I just don’t understand how immigrants aren’t real Americans because they weren’t born here.

Like actual Native Americans weren’t considered real Americans because they were born here.

But I really just don’t understand where my place in it is.

As I learn the history of the United States, all the triumph, all the tragedy, Do I feel pride?

Disdain?

This is distinctly not mine.

I feel like a foreigner, only sometimes promised the American Dream.

Like claiming inherited success from an adopted parent.

But yet they still tell me every day this is mine.

This American history, that my ancestors took no part in, Is now my history.

And in a few generations, when my descendants are told they are American, When I am nothing but a memory of the first-generation American.

Will they know this history isn’t theirs either?

Sage West

I’m Sage West, aka The Denim Girl. I’m 18, from Los Angeles, and I design custom, reworked denim. I’ve always been big on self-expression. So whether it’s distressed or covered in graffiti, I wanted to take something that is so classic, such as denim, and make it unique to each person I design for. I chose denim as my medium because it’s such a staple in all of our wardrobes, but it can be manipulated in so many different ways. It will also never go out of style!

Q: How did you get to where you are today?

A: It started when I was 16 after everyone kept telling me I should start selling the pieces that I designed for myself and wore to school. So, that’s exactly what I did! Later that year, I moved back to LA and came in contact with stylist Emma Trask, who is also a long-time family friend. I expressed to her my interest in fashion and showed her some of my designs.

Shortly after, I was getting requested for jobs and asked to assist with styling. I never could’ve guessed those jobs would be for brands like Morphe; this opened up so many opportunities for me! I’m now back in South Florida, continuing to build myself up as an artist and focus on creating things that I love.

For more of Josh’s work: http://smarturl.it/MissSun

Josh Bullock

Q: What is the hardest challenge you’ve overcome?

A: The hardest challenge I’d say is the pressure that comes with being a young artist, let alone a young black artist. There’s also the pressure I put on myself of wanting to make sure everything is perfect. I’ve literally cried on my kitchen floor at 2 a.m. because I messed up a jacket that had to be on set at 7 a.m. So, there’s that.

Q: Who are your biggest inspirations?

A: AOC and Rihanna for obvious reasons, but also artist Cristina Martinez (@ sew_trill on Insta). She’s a Black-Latinx artist who I’ve looked up to for years.

Not only is she a great representation for young black/latinx artists everywhere, but she also highlights women of color in her paintings. I just personally think the world needs a little more of that.

Q: What do you want our readers to know about you?

A: I’m a black creative. But I’m also a creative, period. I should be allowed the same freedoms and space to just be whatever I am and not live up to the expectation of whatever you think a “black” creative should be or look like.

Q: What do you feel the world needs to hear right now?

A: Keep going. Literally, just keep going. This is only the first half, and you have to break down in order to build back up. So do take care of yourself, but keep on going!

Anastazia Mair My name is Anastazia, but you can call me Zha Zha! I’m a 21-year-old independent artist. I grew up in South Florida, and considering I’ve lived here my whole life, I wish I enjoyed the beach more! Though my interests and hobbies are all in the arts, my true passions lie in styling, designing, and creative directing. I wish I knew how to explain how I got where I am today, but I feel like fashion is just something I grew up around and has always had a place in my life.

I’ve always been heavily inspired by fashion in magazines, runway shows, and award shows. As far as personal inspiration, Lady Gaga has been my number one since I was ten years old. I memorized all of her music and probably memorized most of her iconic dances as well. But I was mostly in awe of her campy fashion. Her confidence in her bold looks inspires how I express myself through fashion today. My fashion style expresses my personality in a way that words can’t.

After seeing the LEAF XIA NYFW 2019 show, I became even more motivated to incorporate a more vibrant and eclectic style to my designs. My goal is to inspire people to dress the way that they would dress if nobody was watching. The best fashion advice I can give is to simply not fear judgment from others.

Check out some of my styling and designs featured in the KIDS, LOVE, PRIDE shoot, or on my Instagram @zha.zha.

Wallie

THE WALLIE SHOW My name is Mahalaleel Wallock, but you can call me Wallie. I’m an artist born in Kingston, Jamaica, but raised in North Lauderdale, Florida. My passion is making my imagination my reality through videos. To see my work, you can go to the links below or follow my Instagram @callhimwallie https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWallieShow. God is the reason I am here today, and I would be nothing without him.

I made my first video when I was 11 years old. I started and I found that videos were the perfect way to express to push me to make content. He used to challenge me to I was the one to do it. People were shocked at the fact

making myself. put a that I

videos because I was a very shy person then, My cousin, Ezekiel Paul, was the first person random idea I had on camera and made sure was on camera and that I was actually funny.

Even my own family was confused to see a whole different person on camera because of how much of an introvert I was.

My favorite part about creating is people connecting to my imagination.

It’s amazing to see that people understand certain situations in my videos that I thought I only would. The best thing about being a creative in South Florida is that it’s a big community of diverse creators, which challenges you to push past your ideal thinking and get even more creative.

I feel like I’ve become limitless with my content. So it shows on camera. Before I would make videos to appeal to my audience, so I would stress about what people think is funny or what people like to see. But now my main objective is to “wow” myself and make myself laugh. I took my mind out of that box, and now there is no cap on my creativity. People telling me they enjoy my videos always motivates me though. Being able to think of an idea, make it come to life, and have people that appreciate it is very stimulating. Having other creatives to be inspired by is also motivating. Some of my favorite creators on Instagram are @officialaminaa @tlr_world @_jujub_ @Aking_vision @dir_x_tofu.

The content that I make is based on my view of the world around me.

My videos are so random, but they are all entertaining. There are also deeper messages within some of my content that can be picked up on.

But regardless, I can guarantee that you will always be entertained.

Despite everything happening in the world right now, what people need to remember is that the only thing God asked man to do was to love one another. After the storm, the sun always shines. “Weather the storm.”

Christopher Nwalupue

My name is Christopher Nwalupue, and I’m a 22-year-old photographer from Weston, Florida.

Christopher’s work: www.christaphur.com

Q: What do you feel the world needs to hear right now?

A: I don’t think now’s the time for words. I think we need action now more than ever.

Q: What advice do you have for our readers?

A: Quality will always outweigh quantity.

Q: Who are people you look up to?

A: My beautiful friends.

Q: Best thing about being a creative in South Florida?

A: For me, it’s the challenge to portray my hometown in a timeless manner.

Q: What motivates you?

A: There’s this quote that will always resonate deeply with me. It goes along the lines of: “I work hard because my work won’t get up one morning and decide to leave me.”

Q: Who are your favorite artists?

A: Oh man, where do I begin? I hate playing favorites, but I’ll mention some of the ones that had the most impact in my life: Ann Demeulemeester, Camille Nehlig, Cy Twombly, Dexter Navy, Dylan Rieder, Francesca Woodman, Frank Ocean, Jason Dill, Jun Takahashi, Robert Mapplethorpe, Patti Smith, the list goes on…

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PHOTO BY ARMANDO GARCIA BEAUTY BY SARAH GLYNN AND NIKKI SIED MODELS: KRISS HIDALGO, SEBASTIAN MALDONADO, DANI YAMHURE, MELANIA ZILO

I Saw You In My

Dreams Last Night

53

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA HIPP

PHOTO BY ARMANDO GARCIA

55

Redefining Masculinity We curated this shoot pre-COVID-19, with the goal of embodying a dream. The white, balloon-sleeve dress, the unbuttoned silk blouse tied together with a bow, beautiful loose braids accentuated with baby’s breath, Kendra Scott’s fairytale diamonds and pendants, barefoot, all set on a carousel, with the morning surf in the background. What differentiated this shoot for me, was the fluidity in styling across both males and females. This shoot brought the idea of redefining what “masculinity” means, to life.

Key moments in redefining masculinity have been achieved by many over the decades, but most notably for me was music icon, Kurt Cobain. Cobain helped pave the way for young fashion icons such as Jaden Smith, who I personally look up to, to do the same. These legends have helped me create my style and have encouraged me to break the boundaries of masculinity too. As a male in the fashion industry, I have personally been exposed to the conversation of breaking gender boundaries, androgynous fashion, and progressive gender beliefs. However, people outside of the fashion world have more of a defined line between what is considered “feminine” and what is considered “masculine.” Gender fluidity is not as normalized, especially for young males. When males stray from the normal depiction of masculinity, they often are labeled.

I have always been interested in both menswear and womenswear, and I have always had the body type to fit into both styles of clothing. Women’s fashion has always been interesting to me because of the meticulous attention to detail and carefully constructed silhouettes that provide more dimension than the pieces that are available to males. In this shoot, I was able to challenge the societal standard of American masculinity, in which males feel obligated to be perceived as athletic and tough. I want to diminish toxic masculinity by normalizing wearing what is considered by society to be both masculine and feminine. I define masculinity as a man who is able to be confident in any situation. I have learned to be able to accept myself as a person, express that through fashion, and be confident enough to share that with the world.

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By Kriss Hidalgo

PHOTOS BY ARMANDO GARCIA

PHOTO BY ARMANDO GARCIA

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PHOTOS BY ARMANDO GARCIA

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PHOTOS BY ARMANDO GARCIA

PHOTO BY ARMANDO GARCIA

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66

THE WORLD I

SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHED BY GABBY MICHELLE MODELS: SARAH RODBERG. PALOMA ROSSANO

N YOUR HANDS

The World in Your Hands

By Paloma Rossano

The World in Your Hands. A simple phrase that serves as a reminder of a concept that is slowly being recognized around the world. The connection between mass media and the courage of the younger generation is allowing us to fight, unified, against the many issues that the world can no longer ignore. These issues have left marks on society that go deeper than the surface; they are at the core of human relationships with each other and the world. This includes institutional and structural racism, where cultural representations, public policies, and institutional practices prevent society from moving towards racial equality. It also includes the disregard for the environment, due to forgetting our human connection with nature and having our mentality rely on a system motivated by self-interest and profit.

The events of 2020 have allowed us to address, and expose society’s fundamental issues.

First and foremost, we need to acknowledge the black lives lost due to unaddressed structural and institutionalized racism, and the shame in realizing that it took an explicit, viral video of blatant and violent abuse of power to initiate a long-overdue conversation about equality.

This conversation and movement are unprecedented; it is stronger, louder, and more persistent than ever before. We also have to recognize how COVID-19 has impacted the world we live in. Not only has the pandemic highlighted a social and economic disparity between countries, communities, businesses, and individuals, but it has also given society a crash course in how our actions have negatively impacted a planet we call home—a planet that deserves better. The positive environmental effects that came from restricting the daily motion of human activity, such as reductions in air pollution, clean beaches, and a lower environmental noise level, only further emphasizes the negative effects that come from human industrial function on the environment.

To use 2020 to reflect and achieve a more positive future, we must try to understand the societal mentality that has led us to where we are today. Throughout history, people have created a division between each other as well as a division between themselves and the environment. This has been further fueled by the negative aspects of industrialization, development, and economic globalization.

To minimize these negative effects, our daily motivations have to exceed our personal desires and reflections. We need to remember our deeper global desires that escape the Human-centered ego.

Understanding that everyone and everything is interconnected is the first step; this is what will allow us to stand together for whatever fight, idea, movement, protest, and/or debate that will lead to positive social, political, and environmental change on a global scale. What comes next is to look at the community around us. This includes understanding the power of your voice and using your voice to actively make a change, such as voting. When we locally apply these initiatives, we will make way for change in each unique, diverse community. Looking at the world through this approach, we will see our actions become as global as our thinking.

With Millennials and Generation Z having a handle on the greatest weapon in the form of media, as well as immense courage on our side, we are able to virtually witness our voices spreading across the world, getting louder about what we believe is just and right. In doing so, we are addressing the many issues that 2020 not only brought up—but brought back. So, you have the chance to take action by looking at the people around you, the people holding this magazine, the people in your class, the people of Strike, and your friends and family. As we address current issues, we can all turn to each other, continue to find inspiration and motivation, and make the world in our hands, a better place.

Put down the disco balls that once only showed your own reflection, and pick up the world instead.

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To Stand Up For Love

To Stand Up For Equalit y

T O US E YOUR V OICE A ND

UNDE R S TA ND

YOUR P OW E R

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TO SWITCH OUT YOUR DISCO BALL

AND E XCHANGE I T F OR T HE WOR LD

t H E

Y E A R

W A S 2 0 2 0

Dear Hannah Kealy,

Thank you for allowing me to extend your vision of Strike Magazine to Florida Atlantic University. Thank you for entrusting me to grow this beautiful team of driven creatives.

All of my love, Emma Oleck

THANK YOU

Show this next time you’re in Mane Coffee Co. for a free beverage.

https://www.strikemagazines.com/

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instagram: @strikemagazinefau