CLD Zine

ISSUE 1 | OCTOBER 2024

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Photography and Art Direction: Anna Jones, Model: Kuzi Sami, Jacket: Zara, T-Shirt Uniqlo.

Our Causes.

The Communauté Leon Dore Internship program aims to combat youth unemployment both locally; through our programs in Athens and Queens, and on a global scale - providing an online community space for industry professionals and aspiring creatives alike.

Internship programs have emerged as powerful catalysts for professional growth and experiential learning, bridging the gap between education and the ever-evolving demands of the workforce. The Communauté Leon Dore Program has chosen to support communities in Greece and New York due to ALD’s founder Teddy’s personal experiences and heritage, yet hopes to expand in the future. The program hopes to educate and bring light to the issues happening in theses areas and be a platform to inspire change.

Greece has grappled with a severe economic crisis that began in 2009 and resulted in a significant recession, high unemployment rates, and austerity measures. These economic difficulties have had a profound impact on the country’s social fabric, exacerbating income inequality, poverty, and social unrest. As a front-line country in the European Union, Greece has faced significant challenges related to immigration and the arrival of refugees. The country has witnessed a substantial influx of

migrants and asylum seekers, often overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and struggling to provide adequate humanitarian assistance. These issues have strained social services, sparked tensions, and called for comprehensive policies and international cooperation.

New York City, despite its reputation as a global financial centre, struggles with significant income inequality. The city is characterized by stark contrasts between affluent neighbourhoods and areas with high poverty rates. The rising cost of living, limited affordable housing, and wage disparities contribute to this challenge, posing socio-economic implications for residents. New York City’s public education system faces disparities in resources and quality across different neighbourhoods. Students from lowincome communities often have limited access to quality education, which can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality. Addressing these disparities and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students remains a priority.

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Photography and Art Direction: Anna Jones, Model: Kuzi Sami, Jacket: Zara, Shirt: Zara.

Youth Mental Health.

Gen Z and Millennials often face heightened pressure to succeed academically, professionally, and socially. The competitive nature of the modern world, coupled with high expectations from parents, peers, and society contribute to stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. Social media and technology are also hugely pervasive on the digitally native youth. While social media platforms provide opportunities for connection and self-expression, they can also contribute to negative mental health. Social media can exacerbate feelings of comparison- everyone

is portraying an idealised, fanciful version of themselves. It’s always been hard for young adults going into full time employment, now there are extra layers of validation to crave. Additionally, the constant use of technology and the pressure to be constantly connected can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to a sense of being constantly “on”. Many youth are now seeking digital detox and more IRL experiences. Communauté Leon Dore aims to be a platform to connect, away from the negative impacts of modern social media.

GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS*

*According to our survey sample group (2023).

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Photography and Art Direction: Anna Jones, Model: Alfie Paul, Jacket: Zara, T-Shirt Uniqlo.

LOW SELF WORTH AND WORK ARE BELIEVED TO BE THE LEADING CAUSES OF POOR MENTAL HEALTH IN

Photography and Art

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Direction: Anna Jones, Model: Alfie Paul, Jacket: Zara, T-Shirt Uniqlo.

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Photography and Art Direction: Anna Jones, Model: Alfie Paul, Leith Kufuor, Jacket: Zara, T-Shirt Uniqlo.

Self Care.

Self-care in a society which teaches us to dislike ourselves, overwork ourselves, and prioritise success over happiness, is radical. Self-care can come with a lot of painful growth, triggers and resurfaced traumas as individuals attempt to navigate a space of happiness, against harmful societal expectations, meaning it is not always aesthetic or productive. The self-care movement on social media has been hijacked by capitalism, allowing corporations to profit from the practices. According to WGSN, Millennials are a

large part of the recent explosive growth in the $4.2 trillion wellness industry, propelled by the pandemic. Tiktok trends such as the ‘5-9am Routine’, and the popularisation of ‘That girl’ that typically show content such as working out, meditating, drinking green juices, lighting overpriced candles and writing her diary entries in her cute bathrobe have essentially depersonalized the journey of self-discovery and selfgrowth.

*According to our survey sample group (2023).

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91.9% OF PARTICIPANTS BELIEVE MEN ARE LESS LIKELY TO TALK ABOUT OR REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT WHEN IT COMES TO MENTAL HEALTH*

Photography and Art Direction: Anna Jones, Model: Alfie Paul, Leith Kufuor, Jacket: Zara, T-Shirt Uniqlo.

Community.

We aim to celebrate diversity and embrace the multitude of voices and perspectives within the fashion industryfrom inspired to professional.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion industry, community has emerged as a powerful driving force behind success and innovation. Recognising the significance of fostering connections and nurturing creative minds, we

are introducing our “Communauté Leon Dore” online forum- designed to bring together creatives from various backgrounds. This initiative aims to harness the collective power of collaboration and community.