BRAIDED
and Bonnets Issue 2
Durags
“CHICAGO FLAG”, 2019 IG: proofpfponce PC: trip_cp
I felt that the Chicago flag was in great need of a rebirth due to the new roots of culture growing from several new artists throughout the city, it's like we're entering a new renaissance and I wanted to create a new flag for this transitioning period of art and culture. I reused a bed sheet and old t-shirts to help me bring this design to life and transform my living space and any other space the flag took over. The stars on the flag contain large animated eyes and are also placed in a mismatched position nodding to the movement of the shapes. The shape and color of the eyes complement the surrounding colorful bubbles, which some also feature my large signature smile. Adding such details to these shapes give the piece life from another world. It was important to me that the pop of colors and details of the shapes stood out the most to display this evolution while the original features of the flag turned black and white is just a background now. As young Chicago artists watch the world and objects they use evolve, I wanted to create a piece that would transform their own living or working spaces also so they could feel that their own personal world is of the future also with this large otherworldly take on our flag
Daniel Ponce
I’m not scared of anything I’m not scared to die cause I got somebody waiting on the other side I’m not fraid to cry cause there’s healing inside I’ve died and rebirthed a million times Almost every night It’s hard not to say fuck this life I’ve been fucked by life And I got me to show for it I live my dreams everyday the embodient of go for it I whisper a prayer and hope it goes forward For whoever may need a blessings and bless me. The world is on fire and I can’t breathe Don’t remember the last time I could see So I’m big on listening Attentively intentionally Intuition giving everything that’s not in front of me Including me I search for myself in the back of my head and bottomless arms listening to my actions before she cause too much harm I wanna hug a tree because it feels like the other half of me is tiring. I feel the worlds pain in every flick of a screen started to feel like we in a pre apocalypse scene -anonymous
Kayla Marie
IG: @ Mint_tea_art
My process of creating starts when I gain inspiration. Most of the time I get inspired by modern and historical fashion and occult stuff. Modern fashion is interesting as you can see Historical techniques and styling reflected in modern designs. I prefer drawing women, as there is a lot more freedom when finding a silhouette and you can do more with fabric and pattern choices. When working on the monster girl series, I wanted to explore different styles and mix them together with my favorite types of monsters and fictional creatures. For example, the ghost woman is 20's style glamour, while the vampire woman is street wear . I hope to continue the series, so if you're interested watch out for more.
Hello my name is Faviola Anaya Esquivel, IG:fashionfavi PC:lidmad
I'm currently a student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, my concentration is in the fashion design department, but I've also been trying to incorporate fibers and sculpture into my practice as well. These two pieces are from this past spring semester, one was based on my deep research in "Cartoneria" (which is a traditional hand craft art form from Mexico where people create these rigid like sculptures, like dolls, "alebrijes" and piñatas) while also referring to the marginalization of both Mexicans and Mexican Americans. My other piece was done in my mold making class, which was a narrative between fashion and sculpture.
Zoe Haralambidis
1. Where do you get inspiration?
Top three things that inspire you?
My inspirations are so scattered at the moment, which I think is the best thing possible for a young artist. It’s hard to choose just three, but at the moment my top three inspirations are Virgil Abloh, Rei Kawakubo, and the film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.
2. What tips do you have for networking and such for people just starting out?
My biggest advice for networking is to be patient. Meeting the right people is a challenging task, and the best way to approach any daunting task is to persevere. Your first attempt may be a trainwreck! And that is okay! Some of my initial attempts to find other creatives didn’t go well - but with effort and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone I have built an amazing community around me. Take local opportunities, and try your best to initiate conversations despite the discomfort it may elicit.
Virgil Abloh
Rie Kawakubo
Umbrella of Cherbourg
3. Other hobbies or interests?
I absolutely love French - learning the language and speaking it when I have the chance. I guess I’m a stereotypical American with romantic notions of France. I’ve been loving math class at the moment which is kind of strange, but math is so different from my creative pursuits that it brings me a drastically different kind of joy. I also love journaling and cataloguing my life in little books. I’ve been focusing a lot on fashion, however I miss drawing and watercoloring more often. I spent the summer in my school darkroom, and love photography - though I don’t practice it hardly enough to call myself a photographer. I’ve lately been resorting to my phone camera if I desperately need to capture a moment - my poor film cameras haven’t been living the life they deserve.
4. Top song on your playlist right now?
Oh, this is a difficult one! I’ve been obsessed with the French singer Francoise Hardy, and I love anything of hers. My favorite song is definitely Le Temps de L’amour because I can’t help but awkwardly dance to it, thanks to the Wes Anderson film Moonrise Kingdom.
5. How do you dress and what do you think it says about you and such? What’s your personal style?
Gosh, I feel like my style is constantly changing - like a chameleon. Some days I’m inspired by old hollywood or French new wave films and others I am take inspiration from contemporary fashion movements and streetwear. Generally speaking, I like to wear feminine things - but I’ll always but a twist on them to make them more interesting. I like graphic and simple things as well as superfluous and ruffle dresses. I think this fluidity is something that is important in my style.
6. Your astrological sign?
I’m a gemini!
ALIEN CLOTHING
1. Where do you get inspiration? Top three things that inspire you? (as in people, shows, movies, simple things like that)
Inspiration comes from everything. Music, my dreams, walking down the street, seeing different colors. I could see a purse, some shoes, a hairstyle then get a new idea for a fit. I’m an old soul so I find inspiration from the 60s- 80s time era. Recreating certain styles bringing them back but with my special touch. Christian Dior is one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to that.
2. What tips do you have for networking and such for people just starting out?
3. Other hobbies or interests?
If I didn’t follow this path to do fashion it would still be art-related but it will always lead into fashion. A lot of my hobbies include things fashion related and music. I could do music and still wanna be styling others as well as offer to style or make something for someone else , it would always lead back to this path of choosing fashion over anything else.
My key to networking is already knowing who & what type of audience I’m trying to reach and just going for it there’s no studying or practice for networking it’s just your personality speaking for you & letting your art speak for itself. Not looking at networking like you’re trying to sell this idea because your work speaks way more volume than you can just trust & be con dent in the content you have because it shows when you’re not. That’s speaking from experience but I was told a quote “ Fear & faith can’t be in the same space” take from it what you will but that has solved & still solves many of my problems.
I would say be genuine in all relationships that you make, be true to them and yourself, but if it's not then move on. You literally never know who can help you in life, there are people in my past who connected me with some of my current partners, but I would have never expected the link to happen but from that small true relationship I had with them, they are willing to help me link. Also, be open to speaking and getting to know the people in all fields of art because we can all help one another.
“Christian Dior Autumn-winter 1989”
4. Top song on your playlist right now?
I don’t even know I have probably over 1000 songs on my phone 5 different music apps I couldn’t pick a favorite if my life depended on it lol. But my favorite artist is The Weeknd that’s definitely a fave I can name off back.
Inspiration comes from everything. Music, my dreams, walking down the street, seeing different colors. I could see a purse, some shoes, a hairstyle then get a new idea for a fit. I’m an old soul so I find inspiration from the 60s- 80s time era. Recreating certain styles bringing them back but with my special touch. Christian Dior is one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to that.
5. How do you dress and what do you think it says about you and such? What’s your personal style?
2. What tips do you have for networking and such for people just starting out?
My style is sporty chic, bold like it stands out more I love a pop of color that catches attention. I dress to match mood color coordinate with the sky if that makes sense. I feel like my style just says I’m different a lot of people who first meet me don’t think I’m from Chicago based off my style hints why the clothing line is also called Vlien(Alien).
6. Your astrological sign? Gemini
ANdrea MOntoya
1. Where do you get inspiration? Top three things that inspire you? (as in people, shows, movies simple things like that.)
I get my inspiration from my family. They are my main motivation to push my creative mind and physical ability passed what I think I’m capable of. I’m also very inspired by my culture and the impact my grandfather, José Montoya, had on Mexican-American history as a professor, poet, painter, and activist. He taught me to be expressive within the arts, yet knowledgeable with Civil Rights, current events, and learning about past victories and tragedies within POC communities. Because of this, I always try to create work that is bigger than myself. Subjects that deserve more attention and research I can put my heart and soul into so I can fully connect with my topic. To me, concepts go beyond inspiration. The process of creating alters my perspective, changes my way of thinking, and how I choose to exist in this world. My work pushes myself to recognize an issue but aims to create a solution; utilizing both pain and power interchangeably.
2. What tips do you have for networking and such for people just starting out?
I would tell an artist who is just starting to not burn any bridges with co-workers, employers, photographers, models, designers, or other creatives. You don’t have to be everyone’s friend but it does help to be professional. Also, don’t be the first to tell people about yourself. Only put your energy towards someone who will respect you and your work. Not everyone will be deserving of your time or your ideas. But when you finally get your moment, have your introduction ready. Be confident in yourself and the things you create. You never know who you’re talking to or who’s listening. And those words can make or break a potential opportunity. Confidence is key. But cockiness will slam any door you thought was open.
3. Other hobbies or interests? What else would you possibly be doing right in life if you had not followed this path?
If I wasn’t a fashion designer, I wish I was a lawyer or a politician. Someone with authority. Some who could create laws or decide the future for myself and others, since we are all connected in the end. Someone who could stand against our corrupted system and call it out for what it is.
Someone that could hold a person at fault accountable for their actions. I don’t trust politicians but I would like to become that person someone could trust.
4. Top song on your playlist right now?
I’ll always be in love Doja Cat and Kali Uchis. My dream is to dress them for an awards show or one of their performances. They are such powerful symbols to me and completely unapologetic. The Internet, Tame Impala, and Lizzo is everyday music. But right now, I’m obsessed with everything related to Euphoria so All for Us with Labrinth/ Zendaya and Dangerous (Oliver Remix) is on constant repeat. I need music with endless bass because when I’m not working for 15+ hours, I’m sleeping.
PC: ”The huck the burnout issue”
PC: Euphoria
5. How do you dress and what do you think it says about you and such? What’s your personal style?
My personal style is being comfortable and modest which can sometimes result in looking lazy and boring. But my mom programmed me to always cover my body. It’s unfortunate but when you live in a society that over-sexualizes every curve, even a baggy t-shirt or oversized flannel can “distracting” and cause you to be violated with someone’s eyes. Being a fashion designer, I HATE limiting my creativity by thinking of other people’s possible actions or catcalls before myself. It sucks but to me, clothes are layers of protection and I feel more safe and confident with each piece I wear. Luckily, I love mixing textures, colors, and prints. In every outfit, I always need multiple elements at once to never bore my eyes. Everything in my closet is a statement piece. Velvet, polka dots, and lace will always say things to me a person never could.
6. Your astrological sign?
Aries Rising Sun: Gemini Moon: Scorpio A recipe people will never be ready for.
JAY Delmari
I get inspiration from The Word of God, Social Media, (Especially IG Discovery Page lol) and sometimes just in my car riding somewhere.
3.Other hobbies or interests? What else would you possibly be doing right in life if you had not followed this path?
I’ll probably focusing more on food blogging and traveling looking for that great dish. I love visiting different restaurants and tasting different foods.
2. What tips do you have for networking and such for people just starting out?
When networking always be comfortable in who you are as a person and in your brand because if you don’t believe in yourself who else will.
4.Top song on you playlist right now?
Unstoppable By Koryn Hawthorne
5. How do you dress and what do you think it says about you and such? What’s your personal style?
My style is more chic, bold, and edgy lol at different times, because I like for my style to speak for me because sometimes I stay to myself and my personality is a little more reserve. There are times I want to tell people like “No this isn’t happening today lol.” Fashion to me is a form of expression.
6.Your astrological sign
Pisces
