The September Issue

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VISIT FIRSTNAMERAF'S WEBSITE TO SEE MORE ART 2

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Editors letter

10 New York Through the Eyes of a New Yorker 14 Afropunk in the BK 16 FirstNameRaf Film

NYFW Review 26 Freshman XXL 28 Tips & Tricks w/ RaggedyRoyal 48 Film By Kennis 50 Astrology 54 Last Look: Prada Footwear 57

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Kyle Mells

Editor in Chief

Asha Alaji-Sharif Vice Editor in Chief

Arielle Williams Managing Editor

Deni Dedmon Executive Editor

Laura Richmond Fashion News Editor

Jean Jackson

Culture News Editor

Shainya Frazier Beauty News Editor

Kayla McSwain Creative Director

Nikina Emelle Creative Director

Amber Paige Visual Editor

Kyrstain Green Visual Editor

Sashaine Keise Copy Editor

Sarah Swint Copy Editor

Maia Pina Head Stylist

Nadirah Alford

Head Creative Director

Christopher Williamson Executive

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t is September, meaning everyone is back in school, the season is about to change and we need to be thinking about what we are going to be wearing. But jumping right into what this issue is about and the concepts for this issue because this is one of our smallest issues, due to transitioning into a new team of editors, but the content is still there. This issue I’m nicknaming “the Film” issue due to the fact that most of our shoots and photos used in this issue are film. The thing about film photography and why I believe it is the most beautiful form of photography is that it takes time to see the photo, you can’t see what the picture looks like until it gets developed, and the aesthetics of the photo is unmatched.

What we highlight in this issue is also individuals who are making their marks in the creative world; from our XXL shoot we highlight seven individuals.

From filmmakers and actors to painters and performers those seven individuals are going to be somebody someday. The clothes for the shoot were designed by OnLE Vibez (@onlevibez) in the DMV area, grateful for them for letting us use their wonderful pieces. We also had the opportunity to interview Lauren Brown (@raggedyroyal), a makeup artist with 53.6k followers who truly uses her face as a canvas and does wonders with her makeup brush.

As my team and I prepare for our biggest issues to date, October and November, I would like to say transitioning periods is a time for growth, having extra help is a blessing don’t fight it, and please stop wearing those big Fila shoes (there are more platforms out there) HAVE A GREAT TRANSITIONAL PERIOD EVERYONE !!!!

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editors letter

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New York through the

Photography By Miyah @bcmiyah

Lens Of A New Yorker 10

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AFROPUNK In The BK A Reflection by Jean Jackson, accompanied by Naz & Asha

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fropunk Brooklyn 2019. During the whole experience, I could help but think, “what a time to be alive.”

From the outfits, to the smiles, to genuine and positive energy, Afropunk was a festival that made me feel content with where I am and who I am in the world.

Naz, Asha, and I arrived in Brooklyn after an interesting bus ride up from DC. Once we got to the hotel, we met up with my family friend, Ms. Jo Ann, who lives in Brooklyn and wanted to show us around the area. That night we prepared our outfits and our minds for the weekend ahead of us. As we walked from our hotel to the festival the next morning, we ran into another group of people adorned with flowers and patterned skirts. Without question, we all knew where the other was headed and immediately clicked as we all made the rest of our walk to the festival together. Funny enough, we actually ended up walking and talking with one of Rico Nasty’s backup dancers. This instance alone just shows the type of pure energy that comes from a festival with such an amazing message behind it; we hadn’t even reached the gates of the park and we had the biggest smiles on our faces.

And Afropunk itself? Unmatched.

I knew that Afropunk was an Afrocentric event, its almost impossible to miss that point, but sometimes I truly believe you don’t understand the power and brevity of a situation until you are actually physically immersed within it. To see the array of colors weaved throughout the outfits, swirling and swaying as people walked was mesmerizing.

It was also amazing to see how unapologetic everyone was to be themselves.

The creativity and freedom portrayed through the hairstyles; cages with birds intertwined with locs, butterflies latched onto braids, sun crowns and trinkets attached to kinky and curly hair, was nothing short of magical.

For a moment I almost felt embarrassed with how ordinary I looked, but then I realized

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rtists such as Rico Nasty, Earthgang, Tierra Whack, Lianne La Havas, and many more performed with so much individuality and vitality that everyone was able to have a good time, regardless of where they were in proximity to the stage.

Nao walked straight past us in the crowd, something we only realized after she had done it because she began her performance in the crowd to the right of us. Asha, Naz, and I also decided to listen to artists that we had never heard of and give them a try judgement free. There was one group in particular that we still talk and laugh about and that is Death Grips. They were a punk rock group and honestly we had literally no idea what they were talking about, but one thing no one could deny was their energy on stage. At one point a giant mosh pit and everyone inside just started shoving each other. Needless to say, this was an experience of a lifetime.

Apart from the performances, there were also black owned businesses selling anything from crystals and jewelry, to hand made denim jackets and head wraps. It was beautiful seeing the creativity and how elated the vendors were that we were coming up to their booths. They had string lights set up over the area so that when the sun started to set, the area still had an amazing mood. We took lots of pictures of ourselves, of others, of the stages, and of the vendors’ work. Sometimes I try to think about the necessary separation of reality through my eyes and reality through my phone, but this entire weekend, I think I did a good job at balancing it out. The memories I have of Afropunk are incredibly vivid, but if I want to tangibly reminisce for a moment, my pictures and videos really transport me back into the park. Afropunk was one for the books and it’s moments like that where I am so happy to live the life that I live.

To see the array of colors “ weaved throughout the outfits, swirling and swaying as people walked was mesmerizing.

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firstnameraf film Photography by RAF @firstnameraf on insta

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FALL FASHION WEEK

2019

By Laura Oliviér

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NYFW THE EXPERIENCE

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is the season everyone—that is the fashion week season of course! It is my favorite time of the year once again, and this time I have been blessed with the opportunity to experience it up close and personal. This was not my first fashion week experience, however, it was my first time attending as a guest, and a stylist at that. Outside of my position as Fashion News Editor, I am a Freelance Stylist. The fashion house and showroom I’ve interned for over the past two years is the same place I pull garments from for my client, which in turn has made me a client of theirs. Because of this, I’ve been getting invited to their last couple of shows. This season, I finally decided to splurge on two $10 bus tickets and have my experience.

Safe to say, I am feeling overly blessed!

cle you might be, is the epitome of “this is fashion, but now make it art”. Cheers to the designers, Bingjing Chen of BJ Couture, Gela Wesh, and Isabel Lopez of Isabel Original on some very beautiful and creative collections. I am officially ready to be rich so I can buy all of the S/S2020 collections!

Fashion week is a different experience for everyone. For the designers, stylists, and producers, it is five hours of sleep over two weeks. For models, it is extra gym time, fewer carbs, and a hundred and one castings. Volunteers are usually just grateful and excited to be in the hustle of a fashion show and help put these beautiful clothes on these beautiful people,

I attended one show: the Flying Solo NYC Cou- contributing to what we all know and love as “fashture Show. Time: 8:30pm. It was originally supposed to ion week”. I think, if anything, the guests have the be two shows (one at 6 pm) however when I was in the best time because their biggest worry is making sure bathroom they reached capacity...pro-tip: pee before they put together a look worthy of a photo-op and are you leave the house or you might miss the show! The prepared to meet some of the biggest fashion icons in venue was a vibe: Pier 59 Studios. Marble countertop the game. But the one thing that I believe fashion week bar with complimentary biscottis, couch beds, a mini holds for every fashion enthusiast, no matter where it restaurant, and an outdoor deck lit with a DJ, comis in the world, is the dream factor of it. I mean quite fortable seating, faux palm trees, and a holographic literally how most of us have dreamed of being on “NYFW” sign which everyone used as a backdrop. The the runway, backstage, designing, styling—anything looks off the runway were almost as hot as the ones on if it meant just being in the mix. Fashion Week is our it, and they just kept getting hotter. To the right, you Disney fairy tale. Our princess movie was Devil Wears can see my top three for both. I sat second row as the Prada. Making it to Fashion Week feels like you’re one first row is always reserved for celebrity guests (manstep closer to living the dream, and once you’re there it ifesting that as we speak). Specifically for the runway feels like you were always meant to be. Fashion week is looks, there were so many beautiful pieces it was hard networking, choosing favorites. Although I gasped and whispered partying, stressing, lots of running around, and to myself “I need that... and that too” at a solid 90% of wishing you could do it all over again. Thankfully, for the show, these particular looks had me ready to break. those of us involved, we can. the.bank!!!! The elegance, the detail, and the “wow” factor that all of these garments withheld—they emUntil next season! bodied the one-of-a-kind, vintage but edgy feel that, if you’re anything like me and if you’re reading this arti-

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freshman xxl: Creatives edition Phatography by Deandra Taylor

“The individuals who are trying to make their mark, and will change the culture with thier art and talents�

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ANEXIS Junior, business mgmt, NYC/NJ As a Performer he Performed @ Nat’l Air & Space, opening up for Kaifaux, Intern @ Reebok & created the blueprint for the connection between Howard University and Reebok

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SLAYMIYA Junior, PR major/psych minor, PG MD 5k subs, 3.6k followers, 450k, 150k impressions for her tips on hair styles Travel, put self first, pay bills

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COLE MASON Junior film/tv, e-studio minor, Columbia, MD Sesh Collective uprising, HBCU in LA program, directing “Chawi” -> premiering at Smithsonian AA Museum. “Young Man” short film shooting Nov. Intern w/ Warner Bros.

“Achieve anything I put forth” 34

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JOLIEUS PORTER Junior, bio major, Columbus OH Over 1k followers 2 weeks, 247k on 2 pieces Showing the human condition & observation Dreams is to have an art center for black youth w/ different classes

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MIA MOORE An Electronic Studio major, English minor from HTX Participated in her first group art show worked to inventory the artworks in Howard Gallery of Art Gain experience wherever I can in the animation industry Overarching goal is to one day work for Marvel Studios.

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EMMANUEL KEY Senior, musical theatre major/playwriting minor, Pittsburg, PA Passing strange musical, in touch w/ writers & creators, {Mr. Venus (crackhead), Philosopher Prof.

(Sex worker), Rev.} 3 charac. play Produced 2 plays Push fwd. gay agenda, creating work for queer POC ITALIA CALINO Senior, acting, HTX Studying abroad in London w/ BADA; gorgeous grateful for experience Open theatre prod. co dedicated to children from lower income & immigrants, continue to put respect on theatre’s name 40

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special thanks to ONle vibez for the clothes used in the shoot @onlevibez on instagram and for thier website scan the QR Code

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fall back to school style Story By Semira Robinson

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n light of the new school year, the time has come to refresh your wardrobe. Both recycled and new trends, prints, accessories, schemes have surfaced as we approach autumn. New York Fashion Week precisely reflected the styles and aesthetics I have seen so far. The reviews raved and

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I am obsessed! The 70s serves as inspiration for many looks including pieces such as bell-bottom jeans, frills, patchwork, platform shoes, and maxi dresses.

People are spicing up their outfits now more than ever through accessorizing; boho bags, hairpieces, anklets, crystals, glasses and more. The range within the rainbow has proven its versatility yet again as both multicolor and monochrome outfit schemes have become one of the strongest trends of the year. With such a wide variety of signature pieces and trends, you’ll be ready to pop out on campus at any time.

Young, wild, and free indeed. In the 70s, fashion was innovative, relaxed, and fun. The tassel frills feature is an absolute favorite of mine because it is light, attention-grabbing, and dainty.

A dress or skirt in this style is a perfect piece to wear to an on-campus event such as an award ceremony, screening, fashion show, etc. Another trending style is patchwork, which is something I have noticed primarily on denim jeans and jackets; a very flexible item you can dress up or down. Paired with a graphic top and sneakers is a solid outfit for just about any day. Unlike the other styles, maxi dresses and skirts are completely underrated, but it’s time to wake up.

Wear either in silk or cotton for a simple yet elegant look. Otherwise, you could go for a chilled urban look by adding sneakers and a printed top. Lastly, bell-bottom jeans similar to patchwork denim is an easy go-to look if you find yourself running late one day. Just add a tank top or crop top and you’re set for the day!

Pay attention to detail. The detail within your outfit is what ties your entire look together. From jewelry to cosmetics and all accessories in between, accessorization is mandatory especially when you want to make a statement. Boho bags are cute and practical, they are roomy

enough to hold laptops, notebooks, and other daily essentials, but are also statement pieces. As far as hairpieces go, scrunchies, hair clips, scarves, and ribbons are only a few examples of how you could spice up your daily hairstyles.

To complete your daily popout, pearl studs and skinny hoops are a black girl’s best friend during the season of 8ams and late nights in the library. And, if you have not already, now is a good time to invest in anklets, layered necklaces, or retro shades. Sentimental accessories are always nice because usually no one else has it besides you. Crystals are both sentimental and spiritual, used not only in meditation but as an accessory in rings and necklaces to protect and improve physical and emotional wellbeing. This item is key in maintaining your inner peace and managing stress as the school year resumes, if you haven’t already, maybe it’s time to invest.

Color holds meaning and feeling. Monotone looks will make you an automatic attraction, and rightfully so. On another note, as of this year, people are learning you don’t need to match in every outfit. Better later than never! Color coordination can honestly make or break your look; decide wisely and experiment heavily. Trying color adjacent looks (example: turquoise with indigo or evergreen with marigold) will expand the outfits you can create from your wardrobe. Additionally, I have noticed that pigmented, warm, and neutral colors are suiting for this time of the year rather than pastel or neon colors.

Nevertheless, certain pastels will remain a necessity such as nudes and sky blue.

Now is a good time to bring out the browns, greys, reds, and oranges from your closest.

New combinations and creations

of any look you choose not only express one’s style but their personality as well. For my back to school style, I have decided to not limit myself to one specific style by trying to embody as many different aesthetics as possible.

So far it has been extremely rewarding because now I can identify myself through multiple dimensions of life. Test yourself the same way now that you know what’s trending, how to coordinate, and how to accessorize.

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tips & tricks with

raggedyroyal Q: When did you first begin to do Q: What was the hardest thing about learnmakeup?

A: Makeup has been a

constant in my life since I was a very young girl.

I decided to start taking it very seriously when I was in high school but had been playing with different colors and styles since middle school. I was inspired by the Youtube and Pinterest scene, when glitter cut creases and winged eyeliner were just starting to come onto the foreground. Makeup artists like NikkieTutorials inspired me to start. My own failures and shortcomings in terms of how I wanted my looks to come out, inspired me to keep going and improve.

Q: If you haven’t answered in the previ-

ous question, what fascinates you the most about makeup?

A: Makeup is an artform, akin to painting

and drawing. However, it is an art form that you can use to transform yourself. You can wake up and ask who do you want to be today? Do you want to be electric and do a neon halo eyes? Do you want to be elegant and do a bold red lip and voluminous lashes? Makeup gives you a way to transform often and temporarily. It also provides a way to enhance features you already have. You love your natural eye color? Open it up with a complimentary color on your lids! You want to celebrate a holiday?

Do a festive look! Love a character on a show? Get some facepaint and transform yourself into them. There’s so much room for creativity.

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ing to do makeup?

A: The hardest thing to master about

learning to do makeup was (and still is) probably lashes. Lashes change your eye shape and depending on the style, help create the illusion of a larger or smaller eye.

The corner of lashes are prone to loosening from the lashline. Applying one lash perfectly does not guarantee the other will match. False lashes are risky, especially since they are often the last step in a makeup routine. Applying false lashes does not get easier.

Q: Who are some of your favorite beauty influencers?

A: @jackieaina

@wvrthy @gracepedregal @naezrahlooks @dom.skii @snitchery @nicoleetait @adelesmakeup @rocioceja @donidarkowitz

Q: What are your favorite makeup trends?

A: My favorite makeup trends of all time have been the multicrease cut creases that are happening currently, the heavy-handed blush trend of spring 2018 and the glowy skin trend of literally every summer.

Honorable mention, every Pride month (June) when people step out their comfort zones and into creative rainbow looks.

Q: Are there any expectations that come with being a young black beauty influencer?

A: Yes. Just like everything in America, you have

to work twice as hard for half the recognition. Our slang, personalities and features are often taken by white counterparts and they get ten times the praise for it. It’s life and it feels discouraging sometimes but it’s definitely not impossible. There’s racism, ignorance and microaggressions just like everywhere else.

However, hearing multiple black girls and women tell me that I have inspired and empowered them to play with their makeup more, makes it all worth it. To be a factor in increasing the representation of black makeup artists is amazing.

“..My biggest goal is to keep inspiring others to play with color and have confidence in their makeup artistry...”

Q: What are your top 5 products you can’t live without?

A: Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk Kiss Eyelash Adhesive (the clear one with the brush) XOXOArtistry Lashes in the style Icon (use code LAUREN for 10% off, you’re welcome) Kiss Jellylicious Lipgloss in Crystal Everything else, I can substitute.

Q: How do you manage your creative talent, with

make sure to use these products so I can fulfill my responsibilities.” My school life and home life rarely interrupt my creative talent and vice versa. It does help that over the years, I have gotten much faster with my looks.

Q: What goals or aspirations do you have for your talent, and personal brand?

A: My biggest goal is to keep inspiring others to play

with color and have confidence in their makeup artistry. I want to continue to be the solutions to people’s beauty needs and problems. As for goals for my talent, I hope to master lower false lashes and eyeliner that’s even on both eyes. I, of course, also wan t to continue to grow my following on all platforms.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to become successful in their craft?

A: Top Five Advice List for General Success: 1. Be selective about what you attach your name to.

2. Make sure you’re proud of anything you choose to represent.

3. Consistency is key 4. Ask for help! You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to give you nuggets of knowledge.

No room is too full, no industry is too saturated, if someone who looks like you is not present.

5. Just start. Starting is the hardest part. Never talk yourself out of things without trying first. Stop thinking about what will happen if you fail and think about what will happen if you succeed. If you happen to fall, fall fast so you can get back up and

other responsibilities?

A: When I first started doing makeup, I told myself

I would not be making a strict schedule for looks. I made this rule to keep makeup feeling like the hobby I love and not like a job I’d grow to dread. Now with working with brands and creating content with a deadline, I still refuse to create a strict schedule.

Instead of saying “at 5pm sharp, I’m going to sit down and create this look,” I say “when I create this look today (I typically do one or more looks a day) I will

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FILM

BY KENNIS

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5 Ways Astrology Aids

By T. Nkiru Emelle

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e all have emotions, circumstances, histories; let’s say stuff to sort through and at times, cope with. Man has always used natural phenomena to not only try to explain their position within this world, but their position within themselves. How does one reconcile the world within with the world without? Most of us look beyond. Beyond could mean science, religion, spirituality. Beyond could mean Astrology, which utilizes elements of all three. The modern take on Astrology is hit or miss- one either resonates deeply with its teachings, or is deeply cynical of its validity. ‘What do planets millions of light years away have to do with me?’ they might think, which in our secular climate, is a legitimate question. Yet, when we look towards non-secular climes, modern and ancient, there we usually find a deep reverence and connectedness to these celestial bodies ‘millions of light years away’, whose influence pulls the tide and balances the earth. This connection begat systems of study for these planets, the most debated and widely varied being Astrology.

I find it nonsensical to argue about what is considered real or not real. As far as I’m concerned, as long as what’s real to me remains real, or rightly crumbles to be reborn anew, I couldn’t care less about someone else’s perception of what is considered the truth.

Facts are opinions that a certain quota of people agree upon; furthermore, I think bias can block us from this tool that is so much more than memes and discomforting generalizations about who a person is. Astrology, when used intentionally, can be an extremely healing study; the process of unfolding ones mind toward engaging and understanding themselves outside of previously instilled parameters is freeing. While it may cause weariness in its ambiguities, the deeper one studies, the less ambiguous those ambiguities become! Now, not everyone is trying to get a PhD in Astrology; however, everyone could use a fresh take on a new way to help themselves. Astrology can be used for personal healing and therapy, and while this piece only features 5 ways, there are a myriad of ways that are only as limited as one’s mind will take them.

1. Self Reflection Astrology is the study of the mind, body, and soul reflected through the lens of various celestial bodies.

There are several different systems that assign language to this study, the most popular being the Tropical System. There are 12 constellations in the sky that make up something called The Major Arcana.

Astrologists used a naming system to identify those constellations as they relate to Astrology; this is the origin of the idea of ‘signs’. The ‘signs’ are the different constellations within this system, from first to last, respectively, they are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Their ‘modalities’ are the nature of the signs, those being Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. On a chart, there are planets and asteroids (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,

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s in Personal Therapy Neptune, Uranus, Pluto, various asteroids and calculated points such as Eros, Juno, Ceres, Black Moon Lilith, Ascendant, etc...) that represent different aspects and lessons of life as you are living it. For example your Venus sign deals with the themes of Aphrodite; love, beauty, value, wealth, your Neptune sign deals with the themes of Poseidon; illusory, dreamy, vastly hidden depths, while your Black Moon Lilith (calculated point) deals with one’s unbridled, enraged, darker feminine nature. Each planet and asteroid is assigned a sign within one’s chart, and all together it represents how certain energies are expressed in different aspects of life.

2. Self Awareness The formula for calculating one’s chart is based on the day, year, specific time, and specific location of birth. The position of planets and asteroids as they move through their respective revolutions inevitably cross paths with the constellations Tropical signs are named for, therefore, based on this formula, each person on Earth has a particular chart made up of signs, planets, asteroids, and modalities that fit only them. Carl Jung, a psychologist and philosopher that studied Astrology once said, “We are born at a given moment, in a given place and, like vintage years of wine, we have the qualities of the year and of the season of which we are born. Astrology does not lay claim to anything more.” There is a lot to be considered when diving into Astrology. When studied with intention, it can be a great tool for self-reflection.

It probes questions like ‘Do I act in that way? | If not, how do I act when faced with this situation? | Does the way I feel right now match these transits?’ It provides themes to ponder and a chance to dive deeply into one’s self. When one can ponder themselves, it is a call toward observation. ‘How do I act and react on a day to day basis?’ one might ask. It is a soft call toward self-awareness fostered by the exploration of self through a language and study that provides community and familiarity.

3. Awareness in Relationships Popular Astrology greatly emphasizes Sun signs, and in day to day conversation most people will base any knowledge or ideas the have about Astrology on any descriptors they know of a particular sign. Most don’t consider the true meaning of expressing the qualities of a sign. We all have several signs across the Arcana within our charts. The Sun sign represents the expression of ego and id, it holds the energy of the father, it is the basis of one’s personality, but it is oftentimes a form of expression people don’t reach until later in life; it is the sign the shows who one could and was always meant to be. In day to day relationships, there are other signs that can give insight into who a person is. Being aware of one’s self and being aware of the intricacies that every person has is accessibly mapped out in natal charts. That kind of awareness is what breathes life into relationships.

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4. Awareness Allows

Honest Communication These signs are located in one’s personal planets, those being the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and the Ascendant. The Moon sign represents one’s inner emotional climate, it is the expression of the mother, their feelings, the person someone is only with close family and friends. It is considered one of the truest expressions of self because it deals with the heart. The Mercury sign deals with how one thinks and communicates, one’s mental processes and habits, the way someone learns, the intricacies of the mind; it is Hermes’ equivalent, the multi-faceted messenger with every trick in its hat. The Venus sign deals with themes of love, how one loves and wants to be loved, it also deals with beauty or what one finds beautiful, what one values, what one creates; all the themes of Aphrodite are explored through this planet. The Mars sign deals with sexual energy, drive, how one responds anger; it is how one moves, it is the kneejerk reaction, the purest expression of one’s rage. Mars is Ares, god of war, who lays to rest anyone that obstructs his path. The Ascendant is a calculated point based on the time of birth. Signs move in and out of the Ascendant every 2 hours; the ascendant, or rising, is considered the filter through which one can perceive the world, one’s initial expression of personality, it affects the shape mold of one’s appearance and outward expression. There is so much to consider when thinking of one’s self through this lens; and it is precisely that consideration of self that allows for a real understanding of saying what you mean and meaning what you say. When you actively define for yourself who you are, how you think, what you value, how you feel, you create space for authenticity with ease. There’s no need to speak without conviction when you’re authentic. Astrology is simply a tool to help access that kind of work.

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Security in Self & Others

There is importance in not only speaking with conviction, but truly understanding the power, weight, and meaning of speech. How we speak of ourselves and others, even the thoughts we think, create tangible things. When we create, we must be secure and intentional in our creations, we must imbue them with real understanding of our own personal power. This understanding and view of the world can be introduced through Astrology, but it is not the only way to access understanding of spirit. In this secular world, there is a collective cry for belief and faith in something less jaded than brick and mortar. Religion is blood-stained and science is barred and far away, but spirituality has come into popularity due to its accessibility and rich culture of peace. When studying Astrology or anything of spiritual nature, that fostering of faith allows for a trust and security within self that can’t be reached without the amount of self-reflection such studies call for. Is it not beautiful that we can learn and grow and be reborn through the influence of ideas and words? Is it not beyond us that those very ideas could or could not be real, but still they elicit faith or passion, emotions that connect us deeply to the world we live in? Astrology is beautiful because love it or hate it, it still functions and serves its purpose for those that would seek its services. It just is. That’s a lesson in and of itself.

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last look: prada footwear

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ust look at what Prada is doing with thier footwear in 2019. We are seeing more and more of the chunky dad silhouette see in the top right image, the platform Chelsea patent leather boot(never seen that before), and the sock heel (which we’ve seen Virgil do with his S/S 2018 off white collection). I want to see more and more of the experimenting with the Chelsea boot, that seems very exciting. For the dad shoe I feel like we need to stay away from the chunky

compact Fila look and more of a longer spread out show with a chunky sole like the Prada or the triple S. Footwear will be interesting next season and I can’t wait.

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FOR MORE ART BY @FIRSTNAMERAF

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