N° 2 || Layers on Layers by ALT Magazine

MAGAZINE

CONTRIBUTORS Editors in Chief // Lisa Heverly & Nell Yu Diversity Coordinator // Rico Fujita Media Director // Cindy Xu Fashion Editor // Mercy Xiong Photography Director // Fong Lian Lim Creative Director // Darwin Turner Writing Editor // Gracie K. Wallner Film Director // Hailey Sisk Photography Team // Rebecca Chavin & Fong Lian Lim Graphic Team // Josh Kuhn, Zhengjia Mao, & Emma Waldinger STYLING Fernando // Fernando Umanzor, Veda Manly, & Tao Zhou Hassan // Yuzhou Chen, Travis Dao, & ZJ Pan Nicole // Lisa Heverly & Nell Yu Tobi // Cloe See Ying Yee, Darwin Turner, & Mercy Xiong

CONTENT

EDITOR’S LETTER

Layers of Identities Clothes have their magic. The right outfit is empowering — you may feel one step closer to the person you always aspired to be or simply become more confident in your own skin. There is much pressure from today’s society to “find yourself” and stick to that image. While the intention of this message is meant to be positive, it may create a false sense of self — we are not meant to stay in a singular personality mold. We all play different parts in our life, as a student, a friend, a leader, and much more. In this issue, we juxtaposed two sides of each model through different outfits. We hope to inspire you to break out of your comfort zone and explore the other (or many other) side(s) of you. So layer your clothes and have fun with your different identities. Working with all the models and Command Alt staff has always been a pleasure. Thank you for reading and contributing! Enjoy this issue. Much Love, Lisa and Nell

LAYERS

Umo Style beret, Urban Outfitters sweater, vintage flannel

Zara coat, H&M turtleneck, Urban Outfitters jeans, Diamond necklace, UO belt, Madewell hat, UO socks

Zara sweater, Uniqlo workpants, Fear of God flannel, Burberry scarf

By: Gracie K. Wallner, Writing Editor Our title for Issue No. 2, “Layer on Layer” has a double meaning. It describes both the featured outfits and the layers of identity that belong to the people it represents. Layering is a technique utilized by many style types, but particularly by streetwear. Jackets, scarves, coats, belts, chains; these accessories are crucial to the historical rise and modern definition of streetwear. However, in a colloquial context, the word “layer” is also used to describe an aspect of someone’s identity. In that sense, the layers of clothing in the issue represent the layers of identity that each person has. Although none of us share the exact same composition of layers, we can all relate to each other by realizing that we are all more complex than we appear. Each model gave in depth answers on how they believe the layers of their outfits relates to their layers of personality and identity. “The idea of layering closely correlates to the intersection of my identity. I do not only identify as one with but rather an abundance of identities that come together to make up who I am. The layers of clothing reveals the fact that identity/personality is deeper than surface level,” said model Tobi Alawode. Model and ALT Fashion Team Member Fernando Umanzor felt a similar connection between the clothes and personal identity. “I was wearing several layers of clothing of different material. The variation in textures and material mirrors the diversity that I like to surround myself with, whether that is the type of people, cultures, and settings,” he said. While viewing the layers of these model’s outfits, also recognize the complex layers that create their identities and personalities, and perhaps think more deeply about your own.

Model Nicole Ki explained how the variations of layers and textures in the outfits she wore during the shoot reflected the layers of identities she holds. “I wore two outfits in the shoot, one professional but edgy and the other casual but chic. I think the contrast in the outfits represents how I’m exploring different sides of myself and my potential during college,” she said. “Coming to a Predominantly White Institution, I learned about what being Chinese American and being a womxn meant to me and how to work in both business and casual settings.” The models also spoke about the difficulties and rewards that the variety of our layers provides. “Coming from the East coast and being in Madison is difficult in channeling the layers that make my identity. Here, people are not use to being surrounded by diversity and many students isolate themselves in niches made up of what they are familiar with because they’re afraid of branching out of their comfort zones,” said Fernando Umanzor. “For a while, I struggled with my dual identity as both Chinese and American,” said Nicole Ki. “But I’ve come to learn that I don’t have to prove that I’m Chinese enough or American enough because that’s inherently central to my identity. I’ve learned to be unapologetic.” According to Tobi Alawode, it is “important to engage and be educated in other identities but to go about that with an open mind.” ALT model Hassan Kaya says he appreciates layers in people, and believes it’s important for others to do the same. “I believe what is most fascinating is that we all have deep layers,” he said. “Yet we usually don’t notice past the top layer, and can miss out on personal expression people may have concealed beneath.”

ASOS jacket, H&M shirt, Zara pants, Zara shoes

Scarf (Japan), H:connect shirt, models-own boots

By: Chloe S. Lee

Our identities add to layers and complexities to our lives. Everyday interactions that foster opportunities to identify ourselves and to be identified by others not only serve as introductions, but as wider ritual functions. In the same way, fashion is used to make statements and represent identities, like sharing one’s piece of mind. Ranging from complex styles that channel through history to flamboyant and glamorous alternatives that allow us to escape from reality from time to time, fashion transcends clothes. Different elements of style are used as a conduit through which elements of personality and identity are filtered and shaped, sometimes to magical or surreal effect. Sometimes, however, people portray themselves in a stark and honest way. With the use of social media platforms, this refashioning of our identity cultivates a multi-layered approach to self-presentation, in which representations of ourselves to the public are not always straightforward. Because of these layers, personal identity becomes far more complex than a person’s particular gender, race, or ethnicity. Additionally, forms of expression are not only limited to apparent characteristics, but also the ones hidden in the layers of disguise and narrative. Each of our personas shifts with time as time is the greatest innovator which specializes in alterations. Such dynamics provide the cognitive paradigm for young people and shape the expectations for the way a person should be treated. Our understanding and conversation surrounding our varying identities are integral in our responsibility of molding the minds of impressionable youth.

This refashioning of our identity cultivates a multi-layered approach to self presentation. Commonly, everyone assumes each other’s identities are no deeper than surface level. Perhaps our desire to be free from other people’s judgment can never be fulfilled. Many people try to fit their identities into the standards and societal norms set by others. But those attempts are similar to the impossible task of creating a versatile wardrobe that is tailored to all professions, genders, and people. Regardless, dictating one’s own persona and layers of identity and celebrating them is important. From time to time, we should take time to peel our layers away to see ourselves to the core of our being.

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