LOVE Magazine by Caridad Bustamante

NEON IS BACK ROSE-MARIE SWIFT MAYA ASH ALINA SRICHINDA MITCHELL S VASSIE 1

CONTENTS

NEON

ME, MYSELF & I

ROSE-MARIE SWIFT

SUSTAINABILITY

DRAG QUEEN

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HAIR CLIP MADNESS

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MITCHELL SIMON VASSIE

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VENEZUELA

CONTENTS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Vittoria Zavatti EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Oriana Padron PRODUCER Cristina Londoño EDITOR IN CHIEF Caridad Bustamante ART DIRECTIOR Yasemin Pistar PHOTOGRAPHY Julia Llaguno Yaniurka Pedroza Rachel Proctor Eduardo Holguin TALENT Marianne Gardener Maya Ash Alina Srichinda The Peyton Bills

Daniela Castro Caitlyn Bryant Tayja Strickland Alana Machado

HAIR / MAKE UP Cristina Londoño Mary Ronallo 36

EDITOR’S LETTER

APRIL 2019 Love /lev/ noun A great interest and pleasure in something. In this issue we want to highlight the power of love. Whether it is your love for yourself, your work or your country. Every one of our shoots was inspired by a moment of power. In our content we want to encourage the reader to pursue their passion. We had the pleasure to interview 3 powerful people that love their work. Mitchell, Rose Marie and Peyton Bills (Greyson) are examples of empowerment. Moreover, we wanted to capture the sensitive side of love, the one that makes us go “aw”. We start with self-love since it is the hardest one. We wanted to show vulnerability and self-growth. In this issue, we also collaborated with two designers from Savannah College of Art and Design. Camila Passiani made a statement dress made by plastic. This way she is showcasing the world the effects that the fashion industry has on our planet. Loving the planet means loving your life and the lives from the people around you. There is a huge opportunity for us to grow in this area. Finally, Clarissa Larrazabal touches a very personal subject with her garment. Her home Venezuela, a country in crisis, was used as inspiration for her garment. She wants to show power and rebellion against their oppressive government. After our conversation with her, we decided to utilize her piece as a sign of love and union. The country is becoming stronger since people are working together. With the help of the world they can beat this battle. For this reason, we wanted to create awareness. Love yourself, the people around you, what you do and where you come from. Vittoria, Oriana, Cristina, Yasemin and I encourage you to love. To go out and scream out what makes you happy and never let go of the passion within you. With love, Caridad Bustamante. 39

NEON PHOTOGRAPHY Yaniurka Pedroza

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO CREATE NEON COLORS? What does it take to create neon colors? Determined to make the best color imagCan’t know the answer without knowinable, Dr. Busenitz attempted to find ing the actual long and troubled history. the most pure pigmentation. Ian Golding, Since the discovery of the neon colors in June 28, 2009 “The muscles of women, the nineteenth century, millions of people preferably young women under the age has died in the production of neon colors. of fourteen, seemed to give the brightest The prime ingredient used to give a high color, though it should be noted that they quantity pigmentation is taken from corpsalso have the lowest muscle density.” “ The es. History of the creation of neon colors shift from young women to older women comes from a troubled history that people and ultimately men can be seen in the late is not aware of and trend is still with us. 1820s. Though the glimmer was a little less vibrant, the market continued growing.” Nowadays the creation of the color has change but still the use of different chemiNowadays the production of neon colors in cals are being part of the methods to create fabric has change but still is no good. The it. Even though the methods change, is still use of chemicals has not stop in the proharmfull in some way, duction of neon colors and it does affect and is definitely no good for our environthe environment as well as the quantity of ment as well. water use. The business of color by color solutions, October 24, 2013 “Many dye The trend continues and everything started houses are reluctant about using fluoresin the 80’s for the neon color to be part of cent pigments. It involves a higher contamthe fashion industry and it has not stop ination risk which would result in additional since then. clean-up time of the equipment and therefore higher costs.” The prodcutions of The production of the color begun and it this colors, since the begginning it has not brought consequences to the consumer. In bring good consequences and yet is still the the nineteenth century these bright colors same today. where introduced and they were created in a very different and sophisticated way. It is In the 70’s the neon color started to be part no coincidence that the first wave of neon of the everyday life. New posters and signs fashion runs alongside the introduction of had neon colors incorporated. Compared AIDs in the world. to the 70’s, during the 80’s the incorpoOne of the earliest and most popular neon ration of neon colors in clothing was more colors, Electric Blue, normal and very used at the time. Some is actually one of the two byproducts when people called the color fluorescent, but silver nitrate is they meant the same thing. Clothes were injected into the veins of a living human. just so bright. Whether it was neon green, The other byproduct is a corpse. neon yellow, or neon blue, it was still neon. Ian Golding, June 28, 2009 “A Prussian scientist, Dr. Busenitz, discovered that as the foreign fluid travelled through the body of the patient, the subject’s muscles gelatinized and turned the glowing hue we all know.”

The music icon Madonna used neon colors in her clothing. Also the characters in the movies at this time where dressed with a very bright colors and at the same time combining them.

Comparing the decades,70’s were characterized by the rise of crime in the cities, the increasing use of drugs, the oil embargo and the recession that followed it and among other things. Then when the 80’s came, things got better and more successful. Optimism was in the air, and what a nice and perfect time to start incorporating this vibrant and happy color. Neon clothing became popular because it was new, it was youthful, and it was certainly bright and cheerful. And you can certainly say the same for the entire decade of the 1980s, when you compare it to the 1970s.

We can see that neon colors has been with us for a long time and is going to stay as it can be seen. Those who thought then neon colors look was nothing more than a passing trend are proven wrong. Neon colors has been used in different ways since the 70’s, they have been evolving since then and new things and ideas will be part of the fashion industry included in all different seasons. Even though it comes from a horrible story and that nowadays is not the best for the environment, it appears that is going to be part of the runways for a while.

Today, neon colors are still part of our everyday life and is stronger than ever. Different designers and companies are using this bright colors to create different products, not only in clothing but also in footwear, accesories, cosmetics and amog other elements.Besides giving bright colors to the products, the material that are been used also gives a different touch to the trend. Different designers and celebrities had been also influencing the trend in a way that everyone see it and take into account the trend. For example, Kylie Jenner posting a picture on Instagram with a lime neon green one pieces swimsuit with her daughter as well. The explosion of a fashion trend always generates the same sensation, it is definitely everywhere. Not only on the runways and in the media but also in places you have never noticed it before. For example, let’s take yellow neon, it is the color of the Kim Kardashian bikini that garnered over two million likes on Instagram, but also the color of a tennis ball, of a delivery man’s light-reflective vest, of an ambulance. Designers are playing around with the trend and giving it a twist but still staying in hand with the fluorescent colors. There can be seen different materials with the neon colors. Also they are now including pattern and also putting together different bright colors in the same design and not only in the clothing but also in the runways shows itself, working with neon lights. 48

Oriana Padron

ME, MYSELF &I PHOTOGRAPHY Yaniurka Pedroza 54

ROSE-MAR SWIFT INTERVIEW BY Cristina Londoño

RIE

ABOUT ROSE-MARIE SWIFT AND RMS BEAUTY

HOW WOULD YOUR PEERS NEVER DESCRIBE YOU AS?

Patient, unopinionated, non-reactive and boring.

Cristina: You live in Savannah but travel endlessly throughout the world due to your job,

how has keeping a healthy diet (and that green juice) helped you handle this stressful lifestyle? Rose-Marie: I have been a healthy eater since childhood. I haven’t consumed meat such as pork, lamb, and beef in over thirty-five years, instead organic and raw food full of enzymes are the bases of my diet. Meat is hard to digest and extremely stressful on my system. Aside from blatant animal cruelty that often occurs (and the negative environmental impact), with my busy schedule eating meat would be a total detriment to my energy and performance. Food in its purest state is what the body craves for energy and without those life force foods, I would crash and burn for sure. I have to do with green juices, salads and tons of vegetables that create synergy within the body. For me, there’s no other way. CL: Could you draw a parallel in having a clean food diet with a clean and healthy beauty routine? If so, could you give us an example in which you feel this has worked in your life? RMS: Why would someone show their body total respect with healthy, living foods that are rich in enzymes, anti-oxidants, and healing properties, and then apply synthetic chemicals onto their skin? Your skin is the largest organ of the body and the outdated myth that the skin does not absorb anything is beyond me. We know hormone and nicotine patches absorb through the skin so why does the beauty industry think they are exempt from that? Healthy food and healthy cosmetics go hand in hand in my world. CL: Name three similarities your personality has with your brand? After answering this, how do you think your customers interact with these? RMS: Future-thinking, integrity, and health. I think my customer can definitely relate to future-thinking because changes are underway in the industry, whether we like it or not. There is a movement, a new awakening and questioning, as to where the beauty industry is going. Many are embracing this but there are some that still aren’t interested. I have a very trusting consumer base and they know that my brand has the highest integrity, it’s is not a fast food cosmetic brand nor is it profit driven. If it isn’t healthy then we wouldn’t make it.

CL: How do you feel the consumer mentality has shifted in comparison to when you started as a makeup artist to now in terms of product value and ingredient awareness? Have you encountered situations that reflect this change? RMS: I believe the clean beauty movement is already underway. Some of the most well-known beauty stores in the industry are going “clean” or should I say “cleaner” because this is now becoming the booming sector in the beauty industry. It is consumer driven and that power is showing up across the board…. right into the hands of big retail. This whole new generation is thinking differently and what they want from beauty, including packaging, and ingredients, is changing. People are beginning to see how badly the world is being polluted and disrespected. They have now come to realize that they themselves, and their individual choices, can make a huge impact. I applaud everyone that is embracing the clean beauty movement and a clean lifestyle in the polluted world we live in. By ourselves, we cannot change the whole world, but we can go green and clean to reach towards a healthier future all around.

CL: It is beautiful how your brand breaths on the fact that all your ingredients are nourishing, raw, and organic, has there been any setbacks by having this “clean ingredient diet” in your product developing process concerning color pigmentation or texture? If so, how have you overcome this? RMS:There will always be problems. If there wasn’t, I would be lying and doing a great injustice to my customers. People think producing clean products is as easy as pie, it isn’t. There are ingredient issues, packing issue, labeling issues, and batch issues. The number one issue is that organics will never look as picture perfect and reliable as the synthetic chemical counterparts. Each of our products and their ingredients have to be tended to more patiently for sure, but is it all worth it? YES!

CL: Lastly, as a beauty boss and badass that defies this industry that consists of mostly women yet is still run by men CEOs, how would you empower other women with the dream of one day running their own or an established beauty company? Could you give an example of how your determination led to RMS Beauty’s success while facing this men’s world? RMS: The fact that men are at the helm in the traditional cosmetic industry is all fine and dandy but who cares? I don’t even acknowledge it, and this is why we don’t join forces with any of these typical stereotypical CEOs and investor groups. Don’t let dinosaur projections, ideas and fears limit you. Just listen to your gut and never take no for an answer. Simple as that.

SUSTA

AINABILITY PHOTOGRAPHY Julia LLaguno

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Given the ever-growing population of our Although the fibers cannot be seen, quantiplanet, it has become a tough task preventfying them in more comparable units, such ing and containing pollution. While there as plastic bags, allows the public to better are many different forms of pollution, not understand the magnitude of microplastics all are visible to the human eye, making it released from laundry. difficult to identify as people can subconsciously pollute without the intent to. A As microplastics make their way into the task as simple as washing clothes can be environment, they cause grave danger to detrimental to the environment without both marine species and humans. Microleaving any visual trace. Many synthetplastic fibers from clothes contain a large ic material clothing contains microscopic number of chemical components. Accordplastic fibers and when they are washed, ing to an environmental health report, rethese small fibers make their way through searchers stated that because “microplasthe water and into the environment. Guptics are associated with chemicals from py Bags, an alternative form of laundry manufacturing and that sorb from the surbag, are an advantageous solution to the rounding environment, there is a concern often overlooked cause of plastic pollution: regarding physical and chemical toxicity” washing clothes. (Smith, Madeleine, et al. 2017, para 6). These are then ingested by marine species While other forms of pollution such as solid and are detrimental to their health. Some waste and burning fuel have gained global cases even found that these “microplasexposure, pollution from washing clothes tics [from textiles] kill the fish before they has fallen under the radar. Washing clothes reach reproductive age, effectively decreleases microplastics from clothing fabric imating populations” (Bain, Marc, 2016, and makes its way into the ocean. While para. 4). This creates the potential for these the exact number of fibers that are shed chemicals to destroy entire ecosystems. In from washing clothes is unknown, a team addition, humans are also at risk from the at Plymouth University in the UK permicroplastics. Due to the microscopic size formed a study concluding that “more than of the pollutants, it is easily consumed by 700,000 microscopic plastic fibers” are marine animals and has the potential to poireleased into the environment upon washson the food chain to the bodies of larger ing synthetic materials (Paddison, Laura, animals. Since humans consume seafood, 2016, para. 1). More importantly, the type this leads a path for human microplastic of material that is washed is a major eleexposure and poses a major health threat. ment in how much plastic is polluted. One (Smith, Madeleine, et al. 2017, para 17). A study shows “a poly-cotton blend released few local markets in the US and Indonesia about 137,000, polyester about 500,000 found that “28% of the fish in Indonesia and acrylic more than 700,000” (Kiss, and 25% of the fish in US markets conJemima, 2019, para. 13). tained plastic debris” (Bain, Marc, 2016, para. 5). When people purchase and conThe lower quality material of the garment, sume this seafood, it is impossible to identhe more fibers it sheds. On a more comtify if the fish have been contaminated with parable scale, “every city of 100,000 reschemicals from the plastics. idents releases a wash-related volume of microfibers that’s equivalent to 15,000 plastic bags” (Martinko, Katherine, 2017, para 4). 81

DRESS BY Camila Passiani

While it may be a challenge getting people to sympathize with the environmental effects of microplastics, giving them something to relate to, like eating seafood, can help the public take greater action. To prevent the damage to marine ecosystems and the danger of humans eating seafood, households can purchase Guppy Bags to minimize the release of microplastics into the environment. Guppy bags are washing bags made for synthetic material garments that reduce the number of microplastic fibers released to open waters by trapping them inside the bag. When creating this product, researchers had to develop a bag that “not only let water and soap in and out to make sure garments got properly cleaned, but also kept [mesh] openings small enough” (Helms, Hayley, 2017, para. 7) so that no microscopic fibers could escape. Besides the zipper, the bags are made completely out of Polyamide 6.6, a material that is untreated, undyed, and does not contain any additives. Ironically, Polyamide 6.6 fibers are “produced from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine, [which] are among the most consumed synthetic textile fibers used for garments” (Kisner, Rain, et al. 2013, para 1)

Essentially, the bag will protect garments from being torn or stretched out in the washing machine. Until washing machines and water systems are designed with proper filters, this seems to be the only plausible solution to help protect the environment from plastic fibers. Invisible forms of pollution, such as microscopic plastic fibers, are having dangerous effects on our environment, marine ecosystems, and humans. While washing clothes releases these fibers into the environment, there are convenient ways to prevent it. Guppy Bags are a highly researched and tested product that can be used when washing. They do not alter how clothes are washed, while trapping any microscopic plastic within the bag. As individuals, we may not be able to prevent all types of pollution around the world, but at the very least we can help prevent one facet of it right from our homes.

Despite their properties, the Polyamide fibers do not pose the same threat as clothing fibers. Additionally, the Guppy Bag website states that the washing bag is designed in such a way that it can be easily recycled with identical materials. They encourage users to send back their Guppy Bag at the end of its lifecycle, so the brand can recycle it into a new washing bag. Once the bag was created, scientific institutes and universities tested them for a period of 3 years. The Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT results proved that the Guppy Bag does in fact reduce the amount of fibers shedding significantly. Their research has confirmed an “average amount of a) 79% for partly synthetic clothes, and b) 86% from completely synthetic textiles.” The use of Guppy Bags not only aids in helping protect the environment, it also extends the lifetime of apparel. Considering synthetic material garments aren’t the best of quality and therefore don’t last long, washing them in a Guppy Bag will stop the “agitation with other items helping to reduce wear and tear” (2018, para. 3).

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DRA

AG QUEEN PHOTOGRAPHY Yaniurka Pedroza

INTERVIEW BY Cristina LondoÃ±o 91

STARTING...

THE PEYTON BILLS

After the amazing photoshoot the LOVE team decided to go into Peyton Bill’s past and ask her about her life as a drag. Cristina Londoño: At what age were you introduced to the idea of Drag? Peyton Bills: I was introduced at a young age. However, I didn’t know I was even introduced to it then. I watched movies such as To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, The Birdcage, and other movies because of my parents. It wasn’t until my Junior year of high school i became aware and interested in drag thanks to Rupapuls Drag Race CL: What captivate you about this community? PB: The fashion of course! I had always wanted to sashay in a flared dress and high heels, but never really could. When I found out there was a community of people who felt the same deisre, I was immediately hooked. CL: Do you feel welcomed by the the community? How has it supported you? PB: It’s so welcoming! i got my first gig thans to a drag queen I’d met my freshmen year in college. If you’re respectable and open-minded, drag queens are the most lovable people.

CL: What difference do you see in yourself now from before you started? PB: I am more confident than I know I could ever be if hadn’t gone down this route in life. I’m not nervous in social situations and I’ve been able to embrace my sexuality through it. CL: What is your outlook to the world around you? PB: I see no black and white, but an array of grays. Things that seemed to be a certain way and that’s it are now seemingly interchangeable. A good example is clothing. Through drag, I’ve grown to not just stick with what’s appropiate. What makes certain garments feminine? A few things here and there but nothing major. CL: Has the perception of yourself changed since you started being Payton Bills? PB: I think my perception of myself has changed for the better. I feel like I am living to probably the fullest extent of my true self. I hopw that when I look back, I’ll be able to be proud of who I am and proud to be a part of the drag community.

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HAIR CLIP MAD

PHOTOGRAPHY Rachel Proctor 102

DNESS

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THE 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ARE BACK

Hair clips, the 90s hair accessory, has officially made its way back around. Although it remained prominent amongst children, it is now trendy for us older fashionistas to wear them. The trend slowly crept back in 2018-2019 runway shows and hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t slowed down since. Just to name a few; Max Mara, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Siriano, Zadig &Voltaire, Chanelm Michael Kors, Simone Rocha, and Bottega Veneta. The hair clip trend is really making an appearance everywhere (high fashion, fast fashion & street style).

While these hair accessories actually serve the practical function of keeping your hair out of your face, they are now seen as chic jewelry for your locks with this latest trend. Coming in all different sizes and designs, these clips, barrettes, and bejeweled pins can instantly make your outfit look updated and very stylish. Some clips are even designed with words. If you have a more minimal sense of style, a simple pearl or diamond bobby pin can easily add a slight accent to polish your look. Even if you are someone who has a loud sense of style, there are plenty of bigger hair accessories out there available to purchase. 105

While this trend is rapidly gaining popularity, the way they are being worn is what makes them eye catching. Whether someone is wearing a single pin or multiple ones all on one side, they have the ability to line them up back-to-back, letting each type of clip stand amazingly on their own. If not on the side, the clips can be lined up from the back of the head leading to a ponytail or bun. Some even have a riskier approach and will place them on both sides as well as the back with all sorts of accessories! This trend of hair accessories making a comeback allows us to make a traditional hairstyle like a ponytail look new and different! That being said, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a quick, effortless, and affordable way to make your look feel unique to you, then invest in the hair clip. Yasemin Pistar

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MITCHELL MITCHELL VASSIE VASSIE

INTERVIEW BY Yasmine Pistar 118

L SIMON SIMON

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A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HIM

Mitchell: I was born in a rough working-class town in Scotland.

The kind of place where if you showed an interest in fashion you would probably take a beating from a homophobic local in a heartbeat. Whether you were gay or not. The trend was kind of about simply fitting in, or being a fighter. I then soon moved to London via Paris. A much more relaxing and less stressful environment. It had its moments, but bigger cities can inspire more open attitudes. As a kid I was pretty naughty, but I found my release in boxing and playing rugby. Also two sports that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really lend themselves to understanding the frivolous thing that is fashion. However, although I loved the physicality and fight of sport I always had an interest in the more sartorial aspects of fashion design. My grandad was eccentric and would wear beautiful suits but always added a flourish of glamour, be it a fancy pocket square or a ridiculous hat. So after studying I fell into this strange and beautiful business. Working for Vivienne Westwood, Gieves and Hawkes ( the royal tailors on Saville Row) and also some low-end awful companies. Before I decided to become a professor, I spent the last 20 years based in Amsterdam and Antwerp working for high end designers and mid-level companies, focusing a lot on the denim market.

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I love to cook

……. Italian and Spanish food.

I love to fight .…….. I’ve been a boxer since the age of 11

I love music ……… I play the clarinet and spend my freetime singing and dancing around my kitchen

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Yasemin Pistar: Define fashion M:

Joy, sex, attraction, fun. The purpose of fashion is to negate our persistent fear of death. Decorating ourselves in particular things helps to craft an identity, which creates the illusion of permanency. If we buy things and we define the way we look, it makes our existence feel more real and everlasting. The end! (But hopefully not.) YP: Why did you decide to choose fashion as a career? MSV: I got my Fashion design degree from Nottingham Trent University. Famous for their knitwear and based in the Midlands of England. Having worked for Westwood before I even started my degree, I thought I was a bit special. I was arrogant and had an attitude. And then I started my degree. It was hard yet I came down to earth with a crash….. which was a good thing. A proper reality check, if you like. I really started learning my trade. Understanding aesthetics and questioning everything. Before I selected Fashion as a degree, I wanted to be a sculptor…. Work with my hands. However, when I did my foundation where you learn about many different disciplines, I ended up living with 3 guys who were all sculptors. And sadly, they were all much better than me. I did the maths (Math in American), and realised my career as the next Henry Moore wouldn’t happen. And then I met Kira Owens. She was another student and an angel. Someone who I loved from afar. She didn’t have the time of day for me. She never even spoke to me. Apart from one day, I had to choose my specialty at the end of my foundation course. She asked what I was going to specialize in and knowing she was going to pursue Fashion design, I said the same. And I’ve never looked back. We dated for years

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YP: What is your favorite part of being a fashion designer? MSV: Travelling for me is by far the best thing about my job. Meeting new people YP: What brands/designers have you worked with and which one was them is your favorite? MSV: I have a few….. however I had the honour and pleasure of working with a Massimo Osti. A brilliant man who sadly passed away a few years ago. He was the founder/owner of Stone Island and CP Company. He looked at fashion in a pretty unique way at the time. He had an incredible archive of vintage clothes in Italy. Mostly military. And he taught me to really look at history and really look at vintage garments for inspiration. He basically inspired me to find my design philosophy of, “With one eye on the past I walk backward into the future. Taking the best elements of the past and making them relevant for today. The creation of an “authentic future”!” He was an artist! YP: So your known as the denim professor, why jeans? MSV: Uncomplicated. Unpretentious. You could say it has no ego. Yet this isn’t entirely true. Denim is an organic product, by this I meanit can age and grow with the wearer. The latin word for ego translates as ‘I’ or ‘Self’. The more you wear a pair of jeans, the more it shows the wearers personality....Their identity. Being a living thing lke no other cloth, it changes over time - telling a story. Depending on you, what you do, your proffesion, etc. It show the scars of living. It really can become a canvas of your life. Unique to you. And the only fabric that looks better over time. So that’s why jeans or denim.

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MID RISE BASIC SLIM

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HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS?

Curious, Caring, Energetic.

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YP: What are your greatest strengths & weaknesses? MSV: Strength – I try and see the best in people and nurture and encourage Weakness – I occasionally try and take on too much YP: What skills would you share personally that you think are necessary for a successful fashion designer? MSV: Always be curious and question everything. Have self belief and don’t care too much what other people think. Basically have the courage of your convictions. YP: What was your biggest accomplishment that you had to overcome working in the fashion industry? Challenging issues? MSV: Although maybe not a specific accomplishment but seeing young designers grow is what I love. I have worked with famous designers. I have travelled the world. Worked on exciting projects and runway shows. Hung out with famous people. That has been fun. And maybe it sounds corny, but my highlights have been when I have mentored and nurtured young talent. Travelling to India with an associate or junior designer and giving them real responsibility…. And seeing them step up and create something wonderful. These are my biggest highlights. Yep, it does sound kind of cheesy. But these are my biggest wins. I am blessed now as a professor at Scad, where I can enjoy these small wins almost daily! YP: How would you describe your personal style? MSV: I suppose its unique to me. I don’t follow fashion, I just wear simple things. Style over fashion is whats important to me.

YP: Why did you decide to become a teacher? MSV: I still design regularly. But teaching is a completely different discipline. I continue designing because I love it. And it keeps me relevant. I love learning about youth culture…. It’s a Peter Pan thing. I stay young by knowing what’s cool and what music is hot. I need to know more about Millennials and Gen z, than Millennials and Gen X do! And teaching, is simply a trade of knowledge. I can share my experience. Honest and harsh, but also I will try and inspire students to dream and fly. To me that is magical, when a student appreciates my experience, and embraces that. I am officially a professor, but first and foremost I am a creative designer. I’m still growing into this role and learning every day. YP: What’s your favorite part about your current job? MSV: Seeing students understand a concept. Seeing students realise an idea. Seeing students grow. That Eureka moment. YP: Do you see yourself going back to work in the fashion industry full-time again? MSV: I love teaching, so I hope to always have a good balance of both. So I don’t see myself ever going back full time. YP: Your favorite designer/brand, any particular one that you swear by? MSV: I don’t have a favorite. Every season different brands appeal to me for different reasons. YP: How do you personally handle stress when working on a big project-what motivates you? MSV: Sleep is an incredibly valuable resourse. It’s an essential ingredient to success. That said, I love to work and play hard!

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YP: What has been your favorite fashion trend? MSV: Fashion is a huge polluter. So, I personally love the upcycling trend. Lets stop making new stuff and be more conscious in our decisions when buying clothes. Choose wisely. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mending not endingâ&#x20AC;?! YP: Is there or was there anyone in particular that you looked up to? Your icon, a mentor? MSV: Vivienne Westwood was my mentor. And also Massimo Osti (see question 5) YP: According to your LinkedIn, you are the founder of VASSIE- creative direction concept and design started in 2016. How did that go about? MSV: Having worked for other people my entire career, I decided to start my own company as I have a huge amount of contacts in the industry. I like to be my own boss and to make my own decisions. YP: Can you give any advice on starting your own company? MVS: Have a good network of people who can help and have a very clear picture of what you want to achieve. Listen to experienced people, however, you must believe in yourself and your own skills.

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DESIGNS BY Mitchell S. Vassie 133

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VENEZUEL VENEZUELA PHOTOGRAPHY Eduardo Holguin

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The collection is inspired by the current situation in Venezuela. For years the people and the military have been decided by political beliefs, I want to bring them together to become one. Taking elements like pockets, masks and bullet proof vests, making them common moderns of daily wear and reinventing the resistanceâ&#x20AC;?

Clarissa Larrazzabal

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GARMENT BY Clarissa Larrazabal

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Venezuela’s situation is affecting the everyday life of each citizen. The change pivoted due to the economic circumstance’s years ago during the administration of ex-president Hugo Chavez with the overprinting of money and corruption. His successor President Maduro has continued his legacy of poor economic and administrative choices and outrageous political bias which has led the country to a state of emergency. Many deaths have been counted by the lack of water, gasoline, medicine, food and electricity. This has caused for millions of Venezuelans to emigrate to different countries including Colombia, Brazil, The United States, Spain, Mexico, etc. Many families have been separated and family members living outside of Venezuela are frustrated by seeing their remaining family suffering through Maduro’s reign. They are desperate and looking for different ways to contribute to their family’s needs but due to the evil and corruption of the government, all help sent to Venezuela is seized. This is a way for the government to take away hope and people’s will to fight in order to remain in power, but it has sparked the opposite effect. The people of Venezuela feel united through the pain and have launched opposition to the government in forms of protests and artistic expression, they want to inform the rest of the world what horrors are going on in their country.

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This collection is an example of an artistic expression opposing Maduro’s government. It is meant to transmit, share and protest in regard to the country’s situation. The color used in the outfit is blue which is found in the country’s flag representing hope. Protests dating back to 2014 have achieved unity of the Venezuelan people and their love to their mother land has impulse them to fight for democracy. Day to day more Venezuelans go out to the streets dressed in white to show their support and hope towards peace. The union is so strong that the military is divided between the government and the opposition. Designer Clarissa Larrazzabal focuses on the unity gained throughout time. The outfit resembles a uniform, that of the opposition, it is inspired by pieces and elements used in the protests that have been going on in Venezuela; these being pockets, vests, zippers, banners, and masks. It consists of a crop top with a large zipper in the front, it is constructed in a way that resembles a bulletproof vest. The pants look utilitarian, with wide pockets on the sides and a firm construction. The bag straps on like a belt, harmonizing with the large pockets in size and keeping an industrial aesthetic. The last piece of the outfit is a scarf with a message on it. The message reads “Maduro CDTM” repeatedly throughout the scarf. This message represents the voice of the people of Venezuela. Millions of Venezuelans living outside of their country have found ways to fight with the opposition. Humanitarian help from not only them but the whole world has been shipped to Venezuela in hopes to alleviate the suffering of the country’s people. Every Venezuelan is hoping for peace and democracy seeing themselves as representatives of the ideal. Clarissa Larrazzabal is an example of this. A fighter with her heart present in her country that wants to show how capable Venezuelans’ love, hope, and strength is.

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