DIG Magazine Fall 2023 by Beach Media

LONG BEACH

COMMUNITY

ART

CULTURE

FALL 2023

NOVELTY

ALL THAT'S NEW FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 1

9/12/23 4:52 PM

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 2

9/12/23 4:52 PM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INSIDERS

3 4 6

EDITOR'S NOTE

BY OLIVIA PEAY

DIG THE LOOK: UNEARTHING A LOVE FOR NATURE’S SILHOUETTE BY ANI GUTIERREZ

8 11

HIDDEN FIGURES: ARTISTS TO LOOK OUT FOR

BY PETER VILLAFAÑE

FRESH FINDS: GENRE BREAKING MUSICIANS

BY OLIVIA PEAY

DIG IN: DARING DELICACIES BY WINSTON TRAN

FEATURES

ALL GAS, NO BRAKES

THIS DOLL WANTS TO BE A BEAUTIFUL THING

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 3

BY ANA SOPHIA PAPA

Car customizations drive people wild, allowing us to admire concepts that skirt around normality.

UNRAVELING THE THREADS OF ORIGINALITY BY OLIVIA PEAY

Deonia Williams, student fashionista, talks style and passion beyond the doors of her wardrobe.

BY KATE HIZON

On personal reinvention: wanting to be both the blush of a cherry and the blood of a bruise.

9/12/23 4:52 PM

ABOUT US DIG is a student-produced arts and culture magazine published by CSULB’s Department of Journalism and Public Relations. We inspire readers to immerse themselves in the Long Beach lifestyle through photography, videography, design, illustration and the written word.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

SENIOR EDITOR

VIDEO EDITOR

FEATURES EDITORS ANI GUTIERREZ SOPHIA SIPE

PODCAST EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

EMILY BROWN

OLIVIA PEAY

WINSTON TRAN

HANNA PIERINI

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

DUY MAI

MORGAN KHOE

MORGAN BARELA

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS

ANJALI KNIGHT BRYNNA LANING

ALYSSA GERVACIO SABRINA GOBATON GENEVIE NGUYEN

ILLUSTRATOR

PR & PROMOTIONS MANAGER

PHOTO EDITOR

ADVERTISING MANAGER

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

WEB & TECHNOLOGY MASTER

ONLINE EDITORS

FACULTY ADVISORS

ALEX HEIDMAN GOPI VADSAK KATE HIZON

EMILY CAIN GRACE HUGHES

California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., LA-4 203, Long Beach, CA 90840-4601

NICOLLETTE COMBRE IZHAN AHMED LEILA NUNEZ

ROBIN JONES JENNIFER NEWTON

@digmaglb

digmagazinelb@gmail.com

www.digmaglb.com

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 4

9/12/23 4:52 PM

DEAR READER, I am happy to have you here. It was a pleasure to work for DIG as features editor and senior editor, and I’m eager to move forward as editor-in-chief with such a creative team. When I think of the word novelty, the theme for this issue, my mind turns to experiences: Every new place I've journeyed to, every new face I've met and everything I've learned and lived through. The beauty of experiencing colors my life with joy. By venturing outside the norm of what we're used to, we find comfort in exploring our passions and staying true to ourselves. This issue celebrates individuality as a novel experience: a way to explore all that’s new to you. But how do you define what’s new? It can be what you see or listen to, what you feel, drive, make, or taste – even how you dress. The definition of novelty is subjective, as it pushes the bounds of creativity and wanders into innovation. These stories present exploration at its finest and describe the feelings of experiencing something new for the first time, even if that something new has been around for generations. Remaining true to yourself and your passions is the main idea: By doing so, you can discover new experiences that revitalize your spirit. Freedom of expression is endless, and we all have the infinite potential to create. Explore with your senses and revel in the notion of newness – find what novelty means to you!

Peace,

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 5

9/12/23 4:52 PM

By Ani Gutierrez Designed for those interested in stepping outside of their comfort zone, Love Unearthed is home to one-of-akind jewelry, clothing and artwork that radiates a uniquely modern, outdoorchic aesthetic. Brought into existence in 2022 by CSULB alumni Christen Jewel, Love Unearthed is a locally owned business that Jewel describes as “elegant, natural, and fly.” Her products are meant to be statement pieces, yet still functional and comfortable. As someone who revels in the natural world, Jewel wants to ensure that her garments are transferable to not only people who love the outdoors, but also to those who want to make a stylish statement walking down the street. “With everything that I make, I want to be able to bring some element of nature to it, whether it’s the colors I choose or making things that have elements of nature in them,” Jewel said, referring to her collage artwork depicting scenery such as sunsets, flowers and trees.

Born and raised in Long Beach, Jewel developed a special love for the beach, which inspired her to design ocean-themed jewelry. “I feel like that’s why I am how I am, because I grew up going to the beach so often. I think that ties back with my use of shells. I just feel so connected to nature,” Jewel said. The shells used in her "Sea Jewel" necklaces are sourced from the Philippines, where her mother is from. She initially created this sentimental piece for herself, but eventually decided to offer the accessories to the public. Jewel mentioned that the creation of Love Unearthed was never for any profit or recognition, but for the sole purpose of inspiring others to create without limitations. “It’s really about unearthing all the things that you love inside of you," Jewel said with a gleam in her eye. "I think it’s really important to put out the things that you love. Trust that your heart knows exactly what you’re passionate about and know it’s OK to pursue them."

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 6

9/12/23 4:52 PM

To shop Love Unearthed, visit www.loveunearthed.co/shop

"Sequoia" "All Love"

"Sunset Sorbet"

"Hot Rod"

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 7

9/12/23 4:52 PM

Between avant-garde fusions of cultural cuisines and dazzling plate arrangements, novel foods help push the boundaries of traditional cooking to inspire not only our taste buds but also our craving for thrill and spectacle. Here are three imaginative treats prepared to satiate your appetite and soul, located right here in Long Beach.

n Tra n nsto By Wi

PAN DAN C IN N Y BUN While the perfect cinnamon roll is an indulgent amalgamation of soft, fluffy dough, cinnamon brown sugar and luscious cream cheese frosting, pop-up bakery San & Wolves Bakeshop finds a way to make the coveted dessert even better through their creative twists on home-baked goods. San & Wolves Bakeshop is a Filipino-owned, vegan bakery that reimagines traditional Western desserts in classic Vegan, pandan-infused cinnamon roll sweetened Filipino flavors, with cinnamon brown sugar filling, topped with incorporating the pandan frosting and coconut shavings. likes of pandan and ube in their goods. As the name implies, the ‘pandan cinny bun’ combines the standard components of a cinnamon roll with the grassy-vanilla, soy-esque flavor of pandan, a flavoring plant that grows commonly in Southeast and South Asia. The pandan is infused in the dough and glaze, meshing its fresh flavor with the cinnamon brown sugar filling folded between its layers. Topped off with coconut shavings along its crust, this dessert offers more depth than the average cinnamon roll ever hoped to achieve. With a bright green dough and frosting, golden brown crust, and fluffy, sugary interior, the ‘pandan cinny bun’ is a treat that truly allures your eyes and tongue all at the same time. Check out San & Wolves Bakeshop’s pop-up schedule at www.sanandwolves.com, with appearances spanning across LA and OC County.

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 8

9/12/23 4:52 PM

TANGY TOAST Sitting a couple of streets down 2nd Street lies Ubuntu Café, a bright and trendy food spot that prides itself on cooking with locally sourced ingredients and being the “greatest neighborhood café” in Long Beach. Ubuntu Café has a variety of whimsical dishes to order from, but their ‘tangy toast’ remains one of the most offbeat fares from the menu. Slightly tart, sweet, nutty and bitter, the ‘tangy toast’ masterfully merges the zesty flavors of blood oranges and kumquats with creamy whipped ricotta cheese spread on top of toasted brioche bread. The citruses lay on the bed of ricotta with edible flowers sprinkled around the bread’s edge, bearing semblance to an interactive art piece. Complementing the explosive palate and look are its playful textures, offering softness from the slices of blood orange and a satisfying crunch from the toasted bread and kumquat skin. Sweetened with honey and blood orange zest, this dish is a refreshing delicacy perfect for those blisteringly hot days. Location: 335 Nieto Ave, Long Beach, CA 90814 Ubuntu Café is open from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, and 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. Service is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Nachos topped with nacho cheese, crema, cilantro, pickled vegetables and bulgogi, with a side of banchan.

Toasted brioche bread with whipped ricotta spread, decorated with blood oranges, sliced kumquats, seeds and edible flowers.

KOREAN BBQ NAC HOS The Koreatown experience is brought from the likes of Garden Grove and Los Angeles right to Long Beach’s doorstep, thanks to the Korean pub and restaurant Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House. The menu is loaded with an assortment of traditional Korean cuisines, such as marinated barbecued meat, spicy tofu soup, banchan (side dishes) and naengmyeon (cold noodle soup). Sura also demonstrates a knack for the eccentric with their mashup menu, where the decadent ‘Korean BBQ nachos’ can be savored from. Combining the best attributes of Korean and Mexican cooking, this fusion dish unites two culinary styles that surprisingly complement each other with their distinct flavor profiles. These nachos remain faithful to their Mexican origin, with crispy, fried chips slathered in crema and nacho cheese, and topped with a mound of cilantro. The salsa and diced vegetables are swapped out for spicy, savory gochujang (red chili paste) and pickled peppers. The main attraction of this dish lies within the ribeye bulgogi (thinly sliced beef), drenched in that classic sweet and smoky Korean barbecue marinade. Enjoying this unparalleled dish over a bottle of soju would make for the perfect dining experience with friends. Location: 621 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802 Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House is open from 11 a.m. 10 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday to Saturday. They are closed on Mondays.

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 9

9/12/23 4:52 PM

A RT IST S TO LO OK O UT FOR

BY PETER VILLAFAÑE

ART GOES BEYOND JUST CREATIVE EXPRESSION. For LGBTQ+ artists, their work is a way to connect with and represent their community. They push the boundaries and expectations of art and get something more than just aesthetic satisfaction – they gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.

K A E H E R NA N D E Z Kae Hernandez is a ceramic-maker, painter and printmaker. At 22 years old, they have created a plethora of creative works to express themselves. Peter Villafañe: How would you describe what you do? Kae Hernandez: I would describe the work that I do as a journey to discovery and processing of my own experiences and interactions with others. I would say that my art is an outreach for community connections that transcends normal society. PV: What do you love about being an artist? KH: I love everything about being an artist. I find a lot of pride in being able to create from nothing and gain experiences from everything.

Everything that I see or experience is a work of art, including people. I’m able to draw on those connections...there’s a lot of joy and happiness that I can find in simple things. It’s something I know that a lot of people struggle to do, yet I’m able to do it quite easily. PV: What do you hate about being an artist? KH: It would probably be the stigma and stereotypes of "You cannot have a career doing what you love" or "Creating is just for bizarre and weird people." I think one of my main dislikes about being an artist is how undervalued it can be in modern society. if it’s not for capitalistic gain that someone gets from your art, then it’s seen as useless or it gets underfunded. PV: What inspires you to create? KH: The driving force in my creative process would be the cycles that I go through with understanding and learning. Curiosity drives me to continue to look, observe, understand deeply and create empathy toward inanimate objects, but really be able to feel them.

I would also say the process of being queer and living with that as a lifestyle rather than just a persona, really growing into that [identity] as I figure out more about my identity and channel the identities of others to create a collective understanding. PV: What does art mean to you? KH: Art is a chaotic kaleidoscope of ideas that express better and more deeply than other forms of communication. I think we’re able to really bond over art thousands of years after it’s created. Art to me is a way of communicating.

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 10

9/12/23 4:52 PM

L E I DY M AC I A S Leidy Macias is a 23-year-old digital artist. They base their work on their feelings, which creates a dichotomy in their visuals: one side of their art is cutesy and colorful, and the other has dark, distorted figures. Peter Villafañe: What do you love about being an artist? Leidy Macias: I like the creativity of it. A lot of the time my life feels so routine, that 9-to-5, even basic necessities can be so overwhelming. With art, I get to leave that space, leave the pressure of everyday life and be able to enjoy it. Just sitting down and having those feelings without the pressure of it all. A lot of my art is very sentimental, but it’s my space to feel it. Not anyone else’s space. PV: What do you hate about being an artist? LM: Definitely the burnout that comes with making and selling stuff. My identities are very marginalized financially, so I have to come up with other ways to make money. And it sucks that I have to use something I really enjoy as a means to get money to survive. I have to pull myself out of that mentality, which can be exhausting.

PV: What inspires you to create? LM: A lot of my stuff is based on personal feelings, but usually, the root of it is the idea of community, the healing part of my individual identities. Where I am now is, thankfully, because of community. When I draw, most of it represents that feeling. When the community is going through a hard time, that’s when most of my art gets a little darker. Or, in moments that I experience queer and undocumented joy, that’s when more of my colorful stuff comes out. Regardless of what style it is, it is mostly rooted in my community and identities. As much as I resonate with others, I know my work has resonated with people as well. It’s really nice to hear—that’s what inspires me to keep going.

PV: What do you want your art to say? LM: We live such hard lives and it gets so easy to be consumed by the exhaustion and how hard things get. But it doesn’t take away the fact that we are human and we deserve to enjoy things. PV: What advice do you have for any budding creators? LM: I would recommend allowing yourself to experiment with different things, even if you are not good at it right away. For a while, I stuck to what I knew because I thought, I know it’ll come out good. Art is not always about the final product, but also about figuring out the process.

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 11

9/12/23 4:52 PM

R E I NA M O N O P I N K Reina Monopink, 26, is a traditional media artist who describes his/ her work as pastel surrealism, mixing “trippy” pastel colors and contrasting them with grotesque themes. Peter Villafañe: What do you love about being an artist? Reina Monopink: I love being able to put my feelings and thoughts on paper and have it never come out how I think it’s going to come out. Sometimes I like it and sometimes I don’t, but the fact that I have the privilege to make impressions on paper is incredible. I asked my fiancé what it’s like being an artist, and they said it’s super frustrating that they can’t put their poetry into a visual medium in the way they want. That really stuck with me in how I create art and how I view my own medium.

acceptance. People say, “You don’t need thousands of followers to be happy,” and I think that’s true, to an extent. I think it’s kind of unfair to put this ethical responsibility on artists to not feel that pressure. I think it’s very natural to want to feel seen in a positive way.

PV: What do you hate about being an artist?

PV: What do you want your art to say?

RM: I hate the emotional ups and downs that come with it. I’m someone who needs to create to feel happy and to function. There are some times I get in this rut where nothing comes out right. And then I start to not feel right. Aside from that, I feel that there’s pressure to be liked in the modern day. But there’s also pressure to not crave

RM: I want to speak to people who truly feel like they’re never spoken for. I want people to have their own interpretation of my art. I really want to speak for the weirdos. I once saw this comic that wrote, “I’m kind of like a gritty house show. A lot of people don’t like it, but for the people that show up, it is absolutely perfect for them.” That’s what I want my art to say. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I want the people that do show up for it to view it as an emotional revelation.

I found that my art really flourished when I stopped relying purely on aestheticism and what looks good to other people. It really started to shine when I started drawing about my own ugliness. My art was a lot more flexible. My colors really stood out because I was drawing what I felt I needed to draw. You’re going to want to draw the things that feel more intuitive to you, and oftentimes, those are the things that artists are most afraid to create.

PV: What advice do you have for any budding creators? RM: Don’t be afraid to make ugly art. I’m not talking about visually ugly art—although I think that’s important to make—but imperfect art about the controversial, the taboo, the ugly. 10

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 12

9/12/23 4:52 PM

Genre Breaking Musicians

Listen in on these musicians bending the rules. By Olivia Peay

Photo by Nate Guenther

James Mantis

The producer, songwriter and vocalist skillfully crafts his tracks from intro to outro, bouncing outside the lines of genre-confining playlists. Diverse song titles like “CRUMBLE” and “[swiffer]” intrigue listeners to discover who’s behind the tracks. The artist transforms common tunes found inside the alt-indie-rock genre, pushing the limits of melody making. This is noticeable in his track “dead_leaves,” where he proclaims: “Can’t contain the sound, I do what’s not allowed!” Expressive lyricism and signature sounds are ridden throughout his latest single, “catf!sh,” exploring beats anyone can bob or bang their head to. Adding James Mantis to your music roster will not only open your mind to exploration, but invigorate your spirit with newness.

Photo by Noah

Drown out your senses with Unflirt, a multi-instrumentalist, producer and singersongwriter whose recordings reflect her aptitude for authenticity. A plethora of nostalgic pop, folk and indie-infused tunes brighten up her discography alongside airy vocals and soft lyricism. In her latest single, “Stains,” Unflirt executes storytelling through a variety of pitches overlaying electronics, crescendos, strings and chords, drawing the world into her emotional experiences. Her last EP, “Bitter Sweet,” took listeners to a dreamy soundscape to further emphasize her ability to eclipse the realm of rhythm routines. No matter which track you add to your discovery list, Unflirt will never cease in expanding your taste for novelty sounds and vibrations.

Griffin

Unflirt

Photo by Andre

Nuestro

Akshara

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 13

Transcend time and space while listening to Akshara. Rooted in culture and her love of instrumentals, Akshara shatters the universal laws of genres by embracing her artistic identity. Known for her soulful spins on R&B and nonconforming style, Akshara reimagines sounds by introducing gradual tempo changes that rejuvenate listeners worldwide. Her third single, “Universe,” invites her audience into her solar system through hauntingly hypnotic vocals and melodies. Akshara assures fans that it’s OK to exist beyond one genre, style or language, evident through her bilingual verses in Hindi. Lyrics composed of short to long phrases empower listeners and encourage those looking for love. Tracks like “Settle Down” and “Eyes” will seduce anyone into accompanying Akshara as she expands her music catalog and ascends traditionality.

9/12/23 4:53 PM

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 14

9/12/23 4:53 PM

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 15

9/12/23 4:53 PM

All Gas, No Brakes. Learn about car customizations that drive people wild, allowing us to admire concepts that skirt around normality.

Story by Ana Sophia Papa Illustrations by Alex Heidman

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 16

9/12/23 4:53 PM

hile on the road, you may pass by a vehicle that looks or sounds different from those around it. It may wear an eye-catching shade or have atypical-colored headlights. It might sport distinctive tires or dawn a playful pattern on its hood. Thanks to technical innovation and ingenuity, car lovers can design their vehicles as they please, whether they ride a coupe, hatchback, convertible, or compact car. Car customization is a novel lifestyle seen in the altered suspensions, replaced engines or missing fenders of vehicles from decades past. Designing a car’s countenance has continuously appealed to drivers of all ages, and the pastime remains strong today.

“As long as you're doing things that you like, not what others want to see from you.”

there’s no need to change them just to be unique,” he said, touching on the fact that, for now, his own firstgeneration Mazda Miata is relatively light on modifications. Modifications, or mods, are technological elements added to a vehicle that are not parts of the original build. Some alterations impact a car’s performance, while some are merely ornamental. At the end of the day, although Miatas like Sasseen’s are popular, Sasseen says his ideal configuration will differ from that of the next person. “Suspension-wise, I just have Koni shocks, racing beat springs and a large racing beat rear sway bar. I’ve reinforced my frame rails with bracings, and I ‘ruined’ my convertible by removing my soft top and permanently putting a hardtop on. A few other things here and there are different from the original, like my Recaro RSGs seat and my Magnesium Watanabe wheels,” he said.

“Sometimes, by merely looking at a car, you can create a mental image of its owner or even get a glimpse of their personality." Some of the most popular car mods include suspension upgrades, adding a turbocharger or supercharger, implementing sports seats, paint jobs, window tints or replacing a pair of tires. Though car terminology may appear novel to many, for those in the car community, such terms get their gears turning, like Sage Salas, CSULB alumni and owner of a 2002 AP1 Honda S2000. His car has "a Comptech intake, Axial Flow short shifter, and a Berk 70mm test pipe. Other than that, the car’s mostly stock, but in the near future I look to do Ohlins coilovers, TE37s,

49er Driven, Long Beach State’s official car club, hosts weekly meetups on and off campus to uphold the notion of novelty in the car community. The club is ideal for auto enthusiasts to socialize and discuss everything automotive. While members pursue many objectives, they ultimately push the narrative for originality, clutching the wheel of their vehicles to take a spin at creativity. “I think that being novel is a nice idea…as long as you’re doing things that you like, not what others want to see from you,” said Troy Sasseen, CSULB graduate and veteran member of the club. “There’s so much you can do to cars to really make them your own, but 15

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 17

9/12/23 4:53 PM

I look to do Ohlins coilovers, TE37s, Spoon monoblock calipers, sway bars, and custom valve cover machining,” said Salas, eager to explore the endless performance-enhancing possibilities. Rather passionate about the significance of novelty in the automotive community, Salas remarked that much of what drivers do to their vehicles reflects who they are as an individual. “Sometimes, by merely looking at a car, you can create a mental image of its owner or even get a glimpse of their personality,” Salas said. “Whether it’s a bold paint job, a personalized license plate, or carefully selected aftermarket parts, every modification speaks volumes about your individuality and passion.”

Though Salas began personalizing his car as a mere hobby, he now sees it as an artistic endeavor to express himself. “It’s a canvas where I can paint my personality, and every addition or change I make is a brushstroke that adds to the overall masterpiece,” he said.

“Every modification speaks volumes about your individuality and passion.”

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 18

Eric John Caday, a third-year studio art major at CSULB, agrees that the notion of self-expression gives way to novelty artistry. Adding a variety of mods to his 2022 Honda Civic Sport Sedan, including a remark cat-back exhaust, lowered BC racing coilovers, and Type-R style grille, to name a few, fulfill his need for expression. “From flashy headlights to custom paint jobs, I find novelty in car culture important as it becomes a show-andtell for many car enthusiasts alike,” Caday stated. “In this sense, we feel that we stand out as we take pride in what we drive—whether it be a completed

9/12/23 4:53 PM

dream build, a work in progress, or simply an appreciation of a beautiful machine made straight from the factory.” For some, lingering in their comfort zone is the seatbelt that provides them a sense of security. But by exploring different avenues of your passions, the gravity of being different doesn’t seem so daunting. With so many possibilities for improvement, designing your vehicle is limitless. As the modification market accelerates towards the future, automobile fanatics can sit back and enjoy the ride while curating their cars to their fancy. “With a commodity made in mass production, it is inevitable to look like the next car at the red light,” said Caday. “However, seeing progress in such project cars reveals a deeper recognition as it truly shows how much time and effort is put into that build, allowing the driver to tell their own story.”

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 19

9/12/23 4:53 PM

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 20

9/12/23 4:53 PM

Timidity is holding me hostage when I line my eyelids today. I drag the felt pen, and I’m subjected to a pressed powder standard, No generosity, no success. But I persevere with a psyche built by girl dolls– ones more novelty than bone. Stilettoed feet, lashes molasses-thick. Outfits ripped and pulled back together. Somewhere along the way to 21, I learned self-abandonment. I became better at avoiding my own reflection. There are still days when I want to be both the blush of a cherry and the blood of a bruise. To hold eye contact longer than a splitting hair, but also go saccharine soft. I watch cocoon sheddings of past eras blow away and who am I to be but new again? Born over and over for consumption. Yet my mother still keeps pictures of me taken on my birthdays. The ones from strange angles where I don’t quite recognize myself, but the sentiment of I love you is more genuine than ever. It loosens up what is buried in the warmth of my chest. Sometime soon, the fabric of discovery will drape around me instead, touching wrist to wrist, cheek to cheek. I paint my lips red, shed light on the already glistening river streaks of foundation. The mirror reflects something that is neither fractured nor finished, but whole nonetheless.

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 21

9/12/23 4:53 PM

Unraveling

The Threads of

Originality

Story by Olivia Peay Photos by Gopi Vadsak

Deonia Williams, student fashionista, talks style and passion beyond the doors of her wardrobe.

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 22

9/12/23 4:53 PM

ot everyone wants to wear pink leggings with a green shirt, stilettos and a cowboy hat. But what about flaunting a silk blazer in red velvet trousers? Or stepping into some blue suede shoes to match your mini skirt? Throwing on a faux fur coat in the middle of summer? Regardless of what you pull over your head, shoulders, knees and toes first thing in the morning, defining your sense of style is a universal process. Some like comfort but remain rigid in their favorite fabrics. Some prefer warm tones, some cool. Some prefer heels, while others, like myself, wouldn’t be caught dead in anything but a pair of sneakers. I had the chance to discuss all things fashion with Deonia Williams, a 21-year-old fashion enthusiast and Long Beach State student who thrives in baggy jeans, fitted tees and gold accessories. “I would cut up my mom’s clothing when I was little,” said Williams, sporting a cream lettuce-trimmed blouse and embroidered pants that rose to her waist. “I’d wear about three outfits a day, and she’d get so mad at me because she’d have to do all the laundry for it. I thought it was fine, but you know, obviously not.” Williams gravitated toward fashion at a young age, riffling through her mother’s closet to sample what was in her wardrobe. As time progressed, her love for clothing compelled her

to major in fashion merchandising in college. With her graduation looming ahead, Williams devotes her time volunteering as a stylist and working behind the scenes at shows, spending hours steaming garments and assigning outfits to models.

“I get discouraged to change up my outfits sometimes, but I keep exploring new pieces and what other people wear to develop my options. It's fun to put your twist on certain things.”

"I get discouraged to change up my outfits sometimes, but I keep exploring new pieces and what other people wear to develop my options. It’s fun to put your twist on certain things. Anytime I clean out my closet, I'll try to see if there's any last-minute alteration I could make to a piece before I give it away. Fun projects like that keep my mind spinning," said Williams, explaining her upcycling methodology, a task she has taken part in since a young age to remain creative.

Such occasions connect her with like-minded individuals who nurture her passion and encourage her receptiveness to new experiences and styles. Curating her wardrobe is an act of self-care, a process Williams appreciates in arousing her confidence and sense of individuality. She considers her style to be “ever-evolving,” strutting looks from streetwear to modern-casual.

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 23

9/12/23 4:54 PM

But how DO people find their style? Where do they begin? I wondered. I've spent hours scavenging thrift store bins, retail racks and web apps to find clothes that MIGHT look good on me, with the only commodity spent being my time and patience. When I questioned her, Williams assured me that I'm on the right track.

“Trends are helpful because they might introduce you to a new piece or style that allows you to express yourself."

While the discovery process is lengthy, there are many tools available to guide us. “Trends are helpful because they might introduce you to a new piece or style that allows you to express yourself,” she said, referencing social media looks, influencers and Pinterest boards. “Just try to be as comfortable as you can. Think if you can incorporate what you find into your capsule wardrobe. Find pieces to keep for a while, and remain open-minded about where you’re shopping.” To help characterize her own style, she looks to social media influencers Samira Rakotondrahova (@samirahnr) and Koleen Diaz (@koleendz), two women known for their diverse range of outfits.

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 24

9/12/23 4:54 PM

“Watching them build their styles into what they are today has been so inspiring,” Williams said, her face lit with admiration. “There are so many subcultures in '90s fashion that they exude. They both have that streetwear look — you know, oversized shorts, tees and jerseys — but they still make it feminine with their nails and jewelry. I like that.” Media, at its core, is a contributor to a plethora of fashion movements and distinct styles. Whether it be box office hits like “Barbie” driving the sales of anything and everything pink, or blockbusters like “SpiderMan” causing fans to dress like their favorite superhero, it's clear that internet culture is omnipresent.

“Try to be as comfortable as you can. Think if you can incorporate what you find into your capsule wardrobe.” Though it doesn't end with televised material. Williams acknowledged how pop culture icons, namely musicians, have played a vital role in shaping society's style throughout history.

“Tyler, The Creator — that man had people wearing loafers! Caps!” Williams exclaimed when I mentioned him. “People were wearing jorts with cardigans. That was the style, and people still wear it today. It’s so interesting how musicians can inspire different vibes and characters that people want to emulate, and I think that’s so cool for people to witness and explore.” Williams and I gushed over our love for music, discussing the absurd number of playlists on our Spotify accounts and how exhilarating it is to discover a new song or artist. In a sense, she says, it’s just like fashion.

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 25

9/12/23 4:54 PM

“All the different genres and sounds — it’s just like shopping, but with your ears. There’s so much variety in the eras of music we have. The feeling a song brings, how it evokes different emotions for different people. Fashion does that too,” she remarked, alluding to the different eras she pulls from when selecting a vintage statement piece.

“When I was growing up, you were either a model, or a designer, and that’s it. Now there’s more to choose from and there are so many ways to get involved in the creative process. There’s so much behind the curtain that people don’t know, but want to learn and have the opportunity to learn about.” she said. Working as a merchandise assistant for a fashion house is one role Williams would like to entertain. As the market unfolds and unravels new positions, the options thrill Williams. After all, it doesn’t quite matter what hat she wears on the job when she simply looks forward to sporting a new look in the field. “You can do anything you love if you can put your mind to it — anything creative, whether it’s fashion, photography or running a magazine,” Williams declared, gesturing to me with a smile.

“It’s so interesting how musicians can inspire different vibes and characters that people want to emulate, and I think that’s so cool for people to witness and explore.” The variety of occupations in the fashion industry allows people like Williams to participate in different professions. Jobs obscured from society by the weight of the backstage curtain are now visible thanks to our generation's tenacity to learn.

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 26

9/12/23 4:54 PM

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 27

9/12/23 4:54 PM

FALL 23 DIG 9-11 rj.indd 28

9/12/23 4:54 PM