Z ZIPPED FALL 2009
fake beauty
see a normal face turned into a supermodel
the runway show is it out of style?
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accessories that make your LBD
stand out
contents briefs
Naomi Ratner
Managing Editor
Samantha Corbin
The latest in fashion news: Jimmy Choo for H&M, the pint-sized future of fashion photography, Teen Vogue’s guide to fashion, and more.
Creative Director
Hannah Slocum Fashion Editor
Chloe Dinga
6 ZIPCODE
Assoc. Fashion Editor
Eccentric fashion styles make a splash across the pond in London’s hippest neighborhoods.
Alyssa Grossman Features Editor
Cassie Kreitner
Assoc. Features Editor
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features
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BUSINESS & COMMUNICATIONS Robert Brotherton Business Manager
10 GUYS UNZIPPED
Katy Lyons
Four guys with four different hairstyles and how to conquer the drugstore style aisle.
PR Director
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Dim the lights and turn up the music for these late-night looks.
Has Photoshopping gone too far? Why some countries say yes.
ZIPPED • fall 2009
Filling in someone else’s shoes is not an easy feat, especially if they’re ten-inch, rhinestone stilettos. Taking over from Zipped’s founders seems like what walking the runway in Alexander McQueen’s latest footwear might feel like (flip the page to see what I mean). I’ve discussed with our photo director how marvelous it would be to clone myself, but we both realized that’s impossible. So taking the bull by the horns–or more literally Red Bull, to assist in the all-nighters–I decided to pick up where our creators left off and launch a website. Despite dropping temperatures, I still see Syracuse students strutting around campus as if University Avenue were Manhattan’s Fashion District. Zipped has a lot to work with, and a lot to show you, but 2,000 issues don’t last long on Schine magazine stands. We wanted to make showcasing Syracuse University fashion an everyday activity, not just once a semester. Our site makes its debut this month with breaking news in the industry, fashion-focused features, and plenty of photography. From a behind-the-scenes look at our nightlife fashion shoot (pg 14) to sexy shots we couldn’t fit on our pages, our slideshows are full of eye-candy. Of course any website wouldn’t be complete without a blog. Our daily updates cover the fashion landscape from the history of the Blair Waldorf headband to Chanel’s mall-cop-chic Segway. Zippedmagazine. com is sure to fill the other 363 days of the year. We’ve also tweaked our layout and added beauty–well, grooming–to this issue. Whether you’re a guy looking for easy hair tips or if you just want to see the hunks we found walking around campus, check out our Guys Unzipped section on pg 8. In this issue we explore fast fashion’s effect on established designers (pg 10) and take you on a tour of Syracuse’s best vintage stores (pg 6). The rest is waiting online. Cheers,
Amelia Bienstock, Kelly Bucci, Crystal Cave, Bridget Charlton, Sarah Coccioletti, Christina Decker, Mohammad Diallo, Ali Fleischer, Danny Gruber, Nina Keehan, Rita Kokshanian, Angela Laurello, Samantha Lavien, Lucas McComb, AJ MacLean, Gregory Miller, Madaline Moninghoff, Dave Mountain, Erica Murphy, Kayla Rawden, Katherine Salisbury, Stef Stretch, Chelsea Wagner, Emilia Wojdylak
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from the editor
CONTRIBUTORS
endings
Make your Little Black Dress a little less ordinary with these stylish accessories.
FACULTY ADVISORS Melissa Chessher Carla Lloyd
Letter
SPECIAL THANKS: Bounce, Armory Square, Syracuse Isadora, Armory Square, Syracuse Joette’s, Armory Square, Syracuse Rhododendron, Marshall St., Syracuse Some Girls Boutique, Marshall St., Syracuse
16 FALL FASHION ALERT
23 MVP: MOST VALUED PIECES
Art Director
Photo Director
Zipped editors comb the racks for stylish finds at Syracuse’s second-hand stores.
Find out how the Internet influences your wardrobe by bringing high fashion to the masses.
PHOTO & DESIGN Nancy Szarkowski Nick Ray McCann
8 VINTAGE VOYAGE
12 FAST FASHION
EDITORIAL Christine Robertson Editor-in-Chief
4 STYLE FILES
Unique styles spotted on students across the SU campus.
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FRONT COVER: SEQUIN DRESS FOREVER 21, NECKLACE BOUNCE, STYLED BY HANNAH SLOCUM, MAKEUP BY KAYLA RAWDEN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK RAY MCCANN BACK COVER: DRESS NECESSARY OBJECTS, STYLED BY HANNAH SLOCUM, MAKEUP BY KAYLA RAWDEN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK RAY MCCANN
Illustration by Nancy Szarkowski
fall 2009 • ZIPPED
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style files
A Walmart Sweet Treat
Hard Candy cosmetics, the brand best known for its high-end, edgy products with equally head-turning names like “trailer trash,” gradually disappeared from shelves last year. The line returns this season with the same provocative qualities and a revamped marketing strategy. According to Women's Wear Daily, Hard Candy makes its debut on the shelves of 3,000 Wal-Mart stores by the end of this year and is available online. The products offer shoppers glitter, neon, and shimmer for $10 and under. As for those controversial names, they underwent a bit of a makeover, too. “Jailbait” became “Mr. Right.” -Alyssa Grossman
Stroke of Genius
From P. Diddy to Jessica Simpson, performers-turned designers arrive in Hollywood with routine regularity. So when L.A.-based men’s retailer Confederacy announced its collaboration with The Strokes’ Albert Hammond Jr., the fashion industry replied with a collective sigh. But the 43-piece suit collection surprised critics. Fit for a rock-star budget, each ensemble costs around $2,000. The suits are classic pieces with angled tailoring geared toward men who wear suits as a statement—not because the boss requires it. -Gregory Miller pipeline.refinery29.com
Choo for Cheap
Style savvy retailer H&M joined forces with luxury-accessories brand Jimmy Choo on a line that hit select stores on November 14. Shoe addicts can expect classic stiletto heels in timeless black leather and fierce animal prints, patent-leather, zip-up knee-high boots, and chic suede ankle booties. Compared to the typical $500 for a pair of Choos, the $60-$200 price tag is a steal. The Jimmy Choo for H&M line also includes a men’s shoe collection, bags, accessories, and even a women’s clothing line to boot. -Kelly Bucci
mimifroufrou.com
Adolescents Make Avant-Garde
teenvogue.com
A group of L.A. photographers are stirring up the City of Angels fashion scene, and they can’t even drive to the mall. A group of five sharp-shooting eighth graders founded the photo blog Acrylic Nails Photography. These adolescents produce highly remarkable and mature fashion photography. They nixed ordinary studio shots for unorthodox and venturesome sets—a laundromat, construction site, and a farm—resulting in photography reminiscent of a classic Marc Jacobs ad. Take a look at acrylicnailsphotography.blogspot.com. -Mohammad Diallo
freshapps.com
Fashion Apps
acrylicnailsphotography.blogspot.com
Love fashion? There’s an app for that. In the endless world of iPhone applications, franchises and individuals alike create original devices that keep the fashion conscious entertained for hours. The Gap StyleMixer lets customers mix and match current Gap merchandise to create looks. Sex and the City devotees can download “Carrie’s Closet” to rearrange and organize their own wardrobes and send the looks to friends. Chanel provides the latest fashion updates, and for a bit of comic relief, check out the “don’t” looks from whatnottowear.com. -Ali Fleischer
Cyber Style
Fashionistas around the world, rejoice over the new digital playground. Lookbook.nu created a place in cyberspace where fashion lovers digitally rendezvous in a world of style. Launched in April 2008 by Yuri Lee and Jason Su, the Web site lets users upload photos depicting their individual style to share with others. Site members vote on looks and venture through pages where stylistas mix it up without being afraid to push the limits with their looks. Beyond the clothes, the site serves as a breeding ground for budding models and photographers. So whether searching for your big break or just looking to inspire and be inspired, Lookbook delivers. -Christina Decker
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Career Counseling
Budding fashionistas searching for ways to get their big break need to look no further than The Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider’s Guide to Careers in the Fashion Industry, released October 5. The book features six sections of interviews and advice from well-known designers, stylists, fashion editors, beauty gurus, models, and photographers. Anecdotes from former Teen Vogue interns also provide insight into the industry. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Teen Vogue Editorin-Chief Amy Astley said, “Don’t listen to other people. If you want to work in fashion, you should do it.” -Crystal Cave
Sky-High Heels
barnesandnoble.com
ZIPPED • fall 2009
High-heeled shoes give lackluster outfits a sexy boost. This fall, designers Nina Ricci and Alexander McQueen took the heels to new heights by lifting women up a staggering 10 inches or more. High heels do serious damage to the feet, back, and knees of their enthusiasts. Despite the threat of hammertoes, bunions, and pinched spinal nerves, as heels inch higher, women continue to yearn for that extra boost of leg-lengthening confidence to attract the opposite sex and make other women stop in their shorter heels and stare. -Chelsea Wagner fall 2009 • ZIPPED
NYmag.com
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zipcode
street style
British
vibe
Abroad students across the pond give a look into London’s most fashionable neighborhoods
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lame it on the snow. The unofficial uniform of Syracuse University from December to March consists of flannels, UGGS, and North Face jackets. Though these tired trends are less than appealing, their utility secures their appearance on campus each year. Another November, a new pair of sheep skin boots. But in London, “lake effect” remains as common a phrase as “dressed down.” To Brits, the thought of attending school in such apparel, regardless of wind, rain, or all-nighters, is the ultimate fashion crime. History, culture, and a love of eccentricity inform the styles of London’s many boroughs. As a Syracuse University student traveling abroad, Viviana Quevedo felt the change. “Since arriving for the first time in London, I've noticed that the fashion sense is taken rather seriously,” Quevedo says. “It's edgy, risqué, and overall just eclectic.” Between the 1960s and 1980s, working-class subcultures began dominating the streets of the city. Fashion enabled these workers to address their individuality and identify with one another through similar clothing. The Mods listened to The Who and wore feminine, futuristic styles. Rockers wore leather jackets and based their fashion on their own terms. Teddy Boys were polished, but added distinctive details such as brass buttons on coats and cuffed trousers. Punk music, which gained popularity with The Sex Pistols in the 1970s, pioneered an entire subculture of fashion that hinged on its rebellious and anarchist nature. Today, laid-back, put-together style rules central London. In every shop window on Oxford Circus (the Times Square of London) layers drape the mannequins. Every display showcases tights or leggings, various styles of leather boots, and posh jackets. “If I was given a thousand pounds, the first thing I’d do is go buy some hot new boots and a leather jacket,” Quevedo says, who is often temped to stray from her student budget and embrace a more “Londonized” style. 6
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Mikela Almeida Arts & Sciences
Describe your style: Preppy and formal. Favorite place to shop: Banana Republic and J. Crew Can you tell someone's major by the way they dress? I never noticed a difference.
Describe your style: I never limit myself to one style. Favorite place to shop: Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe Can you tell someone's major by the way they dress? Sometimes. If they're dressed up I think Whitman. If they have Converse and a long shirt, I think of a more artsy major.
Andrea Wong Whitman School of Management
Dongwhan Lee and Sean Bang Whitman School of Management
Photography by Amelia Bienstock
By Amelia Bienstock Contributing Writer
Zach West Arts & Sciences
Grungy graphic t-shirts are a staple in Notting Hill, a gentrified neighborhood in London where locals maintain a personal fashion flair.
Vibrant sub-cultures extend to other neighborhoods outside the city. In Hoxton Shoreditch, the “hipster” section of London, residents are seen wearing flashy shoes, colorful hats and scarves, and plenty of flannel. One might compare it to the stylish Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg. The streets of Camden, an area known for its music culture, are lined with piercing parlors and tattoo shops. Home to singer Amy Winehouse, Time Out London compares this punk area of London to Manhattan’s East Village. Notting Hill, a neighborhood once at the height of sub-culture, became gentrified in recent decades. Despite the increased tourism, locals maintain their personal flair and prefer to dress in neon-patterned tights, petticoats, and grungy, graphic t-shirts. Portobello Road, one of the city’s most notable streets, lends itself to old and new designers looking to sell vintage clothing and recent creations. Sloane Square echoes the high-end style of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Stores like Tiffany’s and Louis Vuitton are some of the luxury retailers located here. Think Gossip Girl prep-school. Parents and children alike adorn themselves in blazers and upscale accessories. Students in the SU London program have found themselves conforming to higher standards of style. “While my style hasn’t changed, I am planning on buying a pea coat for this winter,” says Chad Booker, a senior studying abroad in London. “Dressing up makes you feel better. It makes you feel more important." Making an impression only skims the surface. A large part of living in London revolves around feeling tasteful and composed; that type of fashion advice is universal.
Describe your style: Funky, flirty, and free with a little bit of classic. Favorite place to shop: Free People Can you tell someone's major by the way they dress? Yes, I think there's a different fashion and atmosphere.
Describe your style: Business casual but versatile Biggest shopping challenge: Japanese brands fit better and are more stylish than American brands. Can you tell someone's major by the way they dress? I've never been able to tell the difference between the schools.
Bevin Donahue Newhouse School
Katie Kuzel VPA
Describe your style: Classic silhouettes with personal touches. Favorite place to shop: J. Crew Can you tell someone's major by the way they dress? I think some of the stereotypes are true, definitely with leggings and UGGS.
Describe your style: Fresh and free. Favorite place to shop: Gap Can you tell someone's major by the way they dress? Yes, most definitely. But more between frats and sororities than colleges.
Interviews by Alyssa Grossman Photography by Nancy Szarkowski
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Second-Hand Secrets Spark up your winter wardrobe with hot vintage finds from local shops. Zipped editors explore the best that Syracuse has to offer.
ifting through the racks of the Cluttered Closet Consignment Boutique, Ranjana Venkatesh spots a killer silk BCBG vest. The price tag: $6. Venkatesh, whose own closet bursts with previously owned apparel, knows that style doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of the most unique garments are found in second-hand shops. The best fashion aficionados know that the hunt gives the thrill. Syracuse boasts more than 20 different stores like the Cluttered Closet. Each store offers a blend of clothing and accessories, giving customers the perfect opportunity to piece together outfits for any occasion. “I get a huge sense of satisfaction when I find something in a thrift store and it's under $5,” Venkatesh says. “It's such a reward, digging through everything to find one treasure.” From an Audrey Hepburn LBD to a strand of ‘20s pearls, vintage clothing provides one-of-a-kind style and a costefficient option. The Cluttered Closet feels just like a greatgrandmother’s should—provided she was a flapper and had fabulous jewelry. Located on Westcott Street in
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Syracuse, it offers fashion finds ranging from kimonos to cowboy boots along with a true treasure-hunt feel. Sequined hats rain from the ceiling, fit for any fearless fashionista. Fashion design student Marisa Schachner says, “I got to look at clothes from different decades and got inspired by different pieces.” The Fashion Exchange offers women's professional wear from a variety of designers. This discount boutique sells a combination of high-quality shoes, accessories, and clothing. Items with name brands like Coach and Chanel don price tags of $70 and under. Storeowner Carolyn Bertram says she collects clothes from California to Colorado to bring hard-to-find brands to the Syracuse area. The Fashion Exchange features an array of classic suit separates, perfect for any interview. Finding the occasional pair of Hudson jeans and Juicy Couture zip-ups requires experienced searching, but rummaging is well worth the reward. The Salvation Army may be the go-to for costume party garb, but time and an open mind transform the selection from Halloween headquarters to endless fashion combinations. The rainbow racks make it easy to find clothes by color and make. With shipments of up to 1000 new items per day, each shopping spree feels like a trip to a new store. And though it may come as a surprise, there are “a lot of nice name brands,” says sales associate Charles Edwards. From a classic H&M v-neck for $4 to black stilettos for $8, the Salvation Army provides bargain staple pieces. Stop by on Wednesdays for half-price discounts on older items. Boom Babies, a boutique that takes pride in its authentically vintage section, meshes together past and present trends. The shop made a name for itself selling name-brand prom dresses, but the second-hand items gives them flair. While many stores sell clothing claiming to be vintage, Boom Babies promises the bona fide article. The costume selection at Boom Babies adds a third, playful dimension to the merchandise selection. Bizarre glasses and gaudy rings adorn the vintage area, located at the back of the shop. “At any given time someone might need a feather boa,” says storeowner, Lorraine Koury. Fashion ads for these stores won’t appear in the glossy pages of Vogue or Lucky, but that’s part of the charm and mystery that lie within the walls of each second-hand shop. Just a car ride or short walk away, these hidden treasures bring a new dimension to the Central New York fashion culture.
Your Closest Second-Hand Shops: Boom Babies: 315.472.1949 Cluttered Closet: 315.422.6294 Fashion Exchange: 315.251.0414 Salvation Army: 315.445.0520
Photography by Nick Ray McCann
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By Samantha Lavien Contributing Writer
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guys unzipped
Three Steps to Nix Aisle Angst
the Rubdown A great impression takes five minutes in front of the mirror. Consider these quick grooming tips to get the right look for you.
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You may be scared that you’ll run into that girl that sits next to you in Econ picking out your blemish-reducing body wash. But at least you’re showing you have some sort of hygiene. And if she’s there, so does she. Think of it as a flirting opportunity not an awkward moment.
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Yes, a thousand female products crowd the shelves of the style aisle. But they keep tampons on the other side of the store, so don’t worry about any Playtex encounters. Men’s products have their own section, with straightforward names and black-and-blue bottles, not pink and purple glittery designs. A quick aisle scan can bring you to the right place.
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Make a list of what you need before you go. Every brand and store has a website. Do your browsing in the comfort of your room rather than the store to prevent any lingering. Always have a back up in case the store isn’t carrying what you’re looking for.
Best Buzz Army recruits and ‘90s hip-hop stars made this a popular look. If your head has the shape, you can pull it off. Invest in a pair of quality clippers. Start at the front hairline and work backward, cutting the hair on top. Then trim the rest working in one direction. For a look closest to Vinny’s, try a #2 attachment. Remember, it’s always better to start long to prevent looking bald.
Pumped for the Party
For thick tresses like Ryan’s, use a holding paste, which won’t leave your hair crunchy and allows movement. Work the product into towel-dried hair, comb into place, and run your fingers through once. Throw on a pair of sunglasses to top off this James Dean look.
Boost fine hair like Tyson’s with a thickening spray. Stay away from aerosol products, which run the risk of ‘80s shock. Apply on roots after your leave the shower. Put a dime size of your favorite gel through your mane and comb back for a suave nighttime look. Your product: Redken for Men Bulk Up Thickening Spray Available at redken.com $11
Your product: Paul Labrecque Repair Finish Grooming Control Cream Available at paullabrecque.com $24
Rock your Locks Zac Efron and one member of every band since The Beatles has rocked this “I just woke up and I don’t care” look but you know this relaxed sexy style takes work. Use a sculpting clay to piece together ends. Pinch together front bang pieces and give it your best rock star shake. Make sure to tame it before you leave the house. Your product: Axe Messy Look Paste Available at theaxeeffect.com, $6
Photography Nick Ray McCann, Styling by Mohammad Diallo
Your product: Wahl Color Pro 25 Piece Color-Coded Hair Cut Kit Available at wahl-store.com $34.95
Ride the Wave
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Web sites offer instant access to runway eye-candy and a legion of stores provide quick and cheap copycats. Welcome to disposable design. By Katherine Salisbury Contributing Writer
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he lights go down as a hush falls over the crowd. Anna Wintour, donned in oversized sunglasses, waits impatiently for the first model to strut down the runway. Techno music starts to pulse as floor lights flash in rhythm. She appears dressed in a sunflower print dress. Viewers finally let go of the breath they forgot they held. Only weeks later, the same Diane von Furstenberg design appears on the racks of Forever 21, falling into the hands of consumers at a fraction of the price before it ever makes it to Bloomingdale's. Runway shows have long been a look into the future of fashion, presenting designs that won’t be in stores for at least six months. But thanks to the emergence of fast fashion stores like H&M and Zara that release cheap copies of designer creations, consumers enjoy of-the-moment looks months before established design houses release the real thing. Unlike their departmentstore counterparts, they make clothing affordable and disposable. In a bad economy, buying cheap is the easy solution to waiting for authentic runway merchandise. A study released in August found that fast fashion retailers have earned higher profit margins and stronger revenue growth in the past year, Women’s Wear Daily reports. Access to the Internet has increased the focus on fast fashion. As soon as the paparazzi snap their cameras and fashion editors TwitPic their favorite looks, the photos are uploaded to various blogs and fashion news sites. The flashing bulbs at the end of the catwalk give viewers immediate contact with the latest and greatest trends, which are then sent directly to factories in China. While the convenience of getting trends cheap and quick might appeal to consumers, it frustrates designers 12
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In a bad economy, buying cheap is the easy solution to waiting for authentic runway merchandise.
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who consider it theft. In legal terms, fashion items fall into the category of “useful articles” and are only protected if its pictorial, graphic, or sculptural features can be identified independently of the function of the item, according to the U.S. Copyright Office. Prints and trends like plaid and ruffles, which add little to functional purpose, are not necessarily protected. Still, designers have made strides to defend their art. Last month, Alexander McQueen sued Steve Madden for copying his “Faithful” bootie. The leather pumps share the same snaps, zipper, and peeptoe. Others are crusading to change the law. The Council of Fashion Designers of America has proposed The Design Piracy Prohibition Act, which protects fashion designs for three years. Designer Diane von Furstenberg, who sued Forever 21 in early 2007 claiming her “Cerisier” design was replicated, leads the movement. The council attempted to pass the bill in 2006, but congress rejected the measure on its first attempt. Since then the group has
reworded the bill and it is currently being considered by the U.S. Congress. Designers realize that the fast fashion trend affects their livelihood and are revamping designs to appeal to a broader audience in hopes to increase profits. Some designers are cutting costs. Oscar de la Renta, famous for his dresses ranging from $4,000 to $5,000, plans to design a dress that costs only $1,500 in his next collection. Franchise partnerships became popular beginning with Issac Mizrahi designing for Target in 2003. Since then Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, and Anna Sui are among the many designers to partner with low-end stores for consumers on a budget wanting a haute-couture look. Rodarte, the most recent designer for Target’s GO International program, will launch its women’s clothing and accessories line at the store December 22. Though designers want to maintain business practices, they cannot ignore consumer buying patterns. Tahari, who recently cut prices by 30 percent, has moved factories to China for cheaper labor in order to continue competing in the market, reports The New York Times. Until designers know the long-term effects of fast fashion, they struggle to make sense of the current approach. “I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Vera Wang told The New York Times in regards to the future of high-end labels. “It’s going to be a world of crepe de Chine.” Perhaps, like the latest trends, fast fashion will eventually be out of style.
Streaming Live
Vivian Tam Spring 2010 Show, style.com
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Before Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model, the runway show remained an exclusive event. Now that national television provides a front-row seat, Americans long to get their fashion fixes and designers are scrambling to take advantage of this collective obsession. This past September some found a solution. At the Spring 2010 shows, designers streamed the catwalk live online for public viewing. Vivienne Tam’s show made the first web debut, with Alexander McQueen’s collection in Paris followed on her heels. Marc Jacobs aired his show exclusively on Facebook, and Burberry raised the bar by streaming the show live while allowing viewers to comment on their site. This approach to the immediate turn around may be a sign that designers are accepting the transformation of fashion from magazine exclusive to all-access. For a look at all of the Spring 2010 “ready-to-wear” shows, visit style.com.
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Velvet Ropes Rock out with gold and gunmetal. These flashy trends will have everyone talking about last night's party.
Light My Fire (from left to right) On Nicole: Black Sweetheart Neckline Dress My on Tea U $48 Bounce; Gold Looped Fringe Necklace $6.80 Forever 21; Gold and Gun Metal Chain Bracelet $18 Joette’s; Gold Studded Black Vest Zara Basic stylist’s own
Styling by Samantha Corbin, Hannah Slocum, Robert Brotherton, Bridget Charlton and Sarah Coccioletti Make-up by Erica Kayla Rawden and Stef Stretch • fallMurphy, 2009 16 ZIPPED Photography by Nick Ray McCann and Danny Gruber
On Lexi: Bronze and Gold Studded Biker Jacket Monoreno $88 Bounce; Black Top with Gold Zipper Embellishment $39 Frankie & Faye
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She don't believe in shootin' stars, but she believe in shoes & cars...couture from the store's department
Seeing Double (from left to right) On Cristina: Gold Chain Asymmetrical Dress Gracia Fashion $88 Bounce; Oversized Rose Ring Some Girls Boutique
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Take Me Home Tonight
On Ceci: Sheer Divided Black Mini Jack by BB Dakota $88 Rhododendron; Rose Pearl Necklace $54 Bounce
On Olivia: Zigzag studded top LuluVia $54 Rhododendron; Fringe Vest Some Girls Boutique; Dark Denim Pants Some Girls Boutique
On Lexi: Mediterranian Party Dress Yag $48 Bounce; Purple Fringe Belt Some Girls Boutique; Geometric Necklace $12.95 Charlotte Russe; Golf Chain $18 Joette’s
On Tommy: Tuxedo Blazer $49.99 H&M; Jeans 7 For All Mankind $159 Lord & Taylor; Checkered Scarf $7.99 H&M; Basic T-shirt $5.95 H&M
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Paparazzi (from left to right) On Diamond: Lace Dress Samantha Chang $92 Isadora; Black Waist Belt Bounce; Disco Leggings Mitto $24 Bounce; Art Deco Clutch $24 Joette’s; Rhinestone Snake Wrap Bracelet $12 Joette’s On Eva: Black Festive Frock $42 Bounce; Textured Polished Cuff Forever 21 $7.80 On Nick: Acid Wash Jeans $35.95 Levi's; Lightweight Zipper Jacket $24.95 H&M; Lock Tie $17.99 DKNY; Pink Suspenders Claire’s Accessories
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(from left to right) On Viviana: Silver and Gold Rhinestone and Stud Cuffs $24 each Bounce On Olivia: Diagonal Gold Zipper Top $39 Frankie & Faye Welded Necklace $24 Rhododendron; Blue Jeans Some Girls; Suede vest stylist’s own
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fashion conscience
Nip/Tuck
BEFORE
AFTER
Bombarded by thousands of advertisements and refined images each day, Photoshopping has become the norm. Europe fights back. Is America next?
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bounty Black Dress
Classy accessories under $30 that make your dress more than just ordinary.
By Rita Kokshanian Contributing Writer
he perfect woman possesses no cellulite, stray hairs, or pimples. In fact, she doesn’t even have pores. She poses on the front cover, in every advertisement, and in every photo shoot of a magazine. But in real life, her flawless self looks no different than the eyes staring down at her. With the impossible standards that the media upholds, negative body image and low self-confidence affect young girls around the globe. According to a new study in The Journal of Consumer Research, the average woman’s self-esteem shifts when exposed to a model of any size. Companies have few boundaries when it comes to moving their products off the shelves. They intend to sell the $200 jeans that girls starve themselves to fit into. Advertisers nip and tuck anything that might stand in the way–from love handles to neck length. Recently, a heavily altered photo emerged on the web of Ralph Lauren model Filippa Hamilton in an advertisement for their fall campaign. In the photo, Hamilton, a size four, was Photoshopped to the point that her head appeared to be larger than her pelvis. Ralph Lauren subsequently fired Hamilton for not adhering to her contract. In an interview with the NY Daily News, Hamilton was quoted saying, “They fired me because they said I was overweight.” Though the company initially denied responsibility for the advertisement, they eventually took the blame. British girls may have a legal solution for this lunacy. In September, Democrats in Britain introduced a bill to ban any type of airbrushing that produced “overly perfected and unrealistic images” in advertisements aimed at a youth audience, reports The New York Times. It also requires advertisers to put a disclaimer on altered ads targeted at an older audience. The French government joined the anti-airbrushing campaign a month later when parliamentarians presented a bill similar to Britain’s. “Today's unrealistic idea of what is beautiful means that young girls are under more pressure now than they were even five years ago,” said Member of Parliament Jo Swinson,
most valued pieces
who introduced the bill in England, in an article in The Telegraph. “We need to help protect children from these pressures and we need to make a start by banning airbrushing in adverts aimed at them.” Swinson recommends that all photos used in advertising that are altered should be rated on a scale of one to four. One would be only a slight change in lighting alteration and four would be manipulation only plastic surgery could produce. The disclaimer put on the photo must list what was changed. Valérie Boyer, a lawmaker who proposed the bill in France, says that Photoshopped images lead women to believe in a fantastical ideal of beauty that simply does not exist. “We want to combat the stereotypical image that all women are young and slim. Many young people, particularly girls, do not know the difference between virtual and reality, and can develop complexes from a very young age,” Boyer said in The New Zealand Herald. If passed in France, the law would require a disclaimer to be placed on all altered photos in advertising saying, “Photograph retouched to modify the physical appearance of a person.” Failure to do this could result in a fine of up to 37, 500 Euros (About $56,300). Swinson hopes that, if passed, this law will discourage companies from altering their photos in the first place. She told The New York Times that if an advertiser knows they must cite the specific changes that they have made, they will be less likely to make any alterations in the first place. Harriet Brown, Assistant Professor in the Magazine Department, says that in today’s society, Photoshopping is common knowledge. The question now is where to draw the line. “Legislation is not enough. We need a public outcry,” Brown says. Airbrushing has come under high scrutiny recently, with websites such as Photoshopdisasters.blogspot. com. This blog posts a range of advertisements and magazine photos that have been obviously altered. Perhaps if the Photoshoppers won’t take responsibility, the blogosphere will show the world for them.
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