Express Yourself: Summer 2018 by DAMchic Magazine

EXPRESS YOURSELF

SUMMER 2018

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Ed itor’s Note: As editor, I’ve learned quite a few things this past year: have at least one day a week to relax, always bring multiple meals to work and never expect to be in the office for only one hour. The biggest lesson however, is as follows: self expression is the key to all things creative. The impact of what you create has the ability to form human connection. This means that you have the power to inspire, encourage, and enlighten. Inspire others with the spirit of your creations. Encourage others through how your body speaks and acts. Enlighten others with your beautiful mind. Express Yourself will show you how to find inspiration in the smallest of things. ‘Going Natural’ and ‘The Royals’ focus on natural beauty. PHOTOGR APHY: DE JAH M. GOBER T

In ‘Urban Flow’ and ‘Amber Hill’, the Designer’ readers learn how to find inspiration and how to embody it. ‘Stable Masculinity’ and ‘Juxtaposition’ reminds one to never put themselves in the box of

The C ov e r :

society’s expectations. It is my hope that these pages will encourage you to find inspiration and transform it into art without boundaries. I want to thank everyone this year for helping me express myself. I only wish for you all to do the same; celebrate who you are and uti-

PHOTOGRAPHY: Alec Landon

lize your creativity to express it to everyone.

DIRECTING: Paige Phillips

Pg. 01 Taken from the editorial Concrete. “Concrete gives us an idea of how street style can be so distinctive. Street style doesn’t always have to be a t-shirt or hoodie from a high end streetwear brand. It’s whatever you want it to be.”

-Paige Phillips

TAYLOR COLLINS EDITOR IN CHIEF

THE TEAM

E D I T O R I N CHI EF TAY L O R C O LLI NS AS S I S TANT EDI TOR R A CH E L H O GAN L E AD P H O T O GR A PHER A NDR EA M I TE V D E S I GN EDI TOR NATA L I E LUTZ FAC ULT Y ADVI SER T R U DI GI L FI LLI AN MAK E UP A RTI ST Z A H R A JO SE PH

FA SHI ON DI R ECTOR S & STY LI STS CATH E R I NE W O NG JE SUS R E YE S TALYN CAR NE S D R JO H NSO N STR EET STY LE EDI TOR PAI GE PH I LLI PS B EA U TY EDI TOR S YV E TTE CH AU PAI GE PH I LLI PS CON TR I B U TOR S M E AGH AN E VANS YO UNG O UM CH LO E KE H N ALLI SO N VAN H O R N SAR AH R O GE R S

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S THE STREET

THE BEAUTY

0 1

Concrete

0 5

Juxtaposition

0 7

Korean Beauty

1 THE FASHION

1 4 1

DIRECTION: Paige Phillips || PHOTOGRAPHY: Alec Landon

WRITING: Allison Van Horn || DIRECTION: Talyn Carnes PHOTOGRAPHY: Mitchell Jensen

WRITING & DIRECTION: Yvette Chau || PHOTOGRAPHY: Hussain Al Balushi

Going Natural

WRITING & DIRECTION Paige Phillips || PHOTOGRAPHY: Alec Landon

The Royals

DIRECTION: Meaghan Evans || PHOTOGRAPHY: Olivia Harband

Urban Flow

WRITING: Meaghan Evans || DIRECTION: Meaghan Evans & Jesus Reyes PHOTOGRAPHY: Mitchell Jensen

2 3

Stable Masculinity

Interrelation

DIRECTION: Catherine Wong || PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrea Mitev

WRITING & DIRECTION: Young Oum || PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrea Mitev

THE SPOTLIGHT

3 0

Amber Hill: The Designer

THE CULTURE

3 3

The Night Line

3 5

Embellishment

WRITING & DIRECTION: Sarah Rogers || PHOTOGRAPHY: Ramzy Al-Mulla

DIRECTION: DR Johnson || PHOTOGRAPHY: Hussain Al Balushi

WRITING & DIRECTION: Chloe Kehn || PHOTOGRAPHY: Ramzy Al-Mulla

DIRECTION: Paige Phillips | PHOTOGRAPHY: Alec Landon

The Street // Spring 2018

All clothing from Zara 04

JUXTAPOSISTION

DIRECTION: Talyn Carnes | WRITING: Allison Van Horn | PHOTOGRAPHY: Mitchell Jensen

When describing the clothing worn by most people of the current age, “utility wear” is hardly the first phrase that comes to mind. In fact, especially in the Pacific Northwest, most outfits might be considered “casual” or “relaxed.” Regardless, utility wear’s prevalence is increasing within the fashion industry. From streetwear fashion blogs to the runways of New York Fashion Week, utility wear is slowly yet surely making its way to the general population. That being said, this editorial is certainly no exception: we chose to focus on incorporating the same bold statement pieces into each outfit as might be found worn by stylist and designer Bloody Osiris himself, one of the leading influencers of this new fashion movement. Now, what exactly is utility wear? Simply put, it is the intersection of high fashion and industrial wear. Elements of safety vests, bomber jackets, hard hats, and the like (pieces most often associated with the scene of a construction site) define the “utility” aspect of this style, while high fashion’s influence has resulted in the rethinking of these pieces into elaborate and entirely novel designs. Our objective was to bring attention to utility wear while simultaneously encouraging its implementation into daily attire. To capture this developing realm of fashion, we elected

05 The Street // Summer 2018

to assemble avant-garde pieces in the utility wear style and contrast them with mundane destinations: army pants opposed with a blue mailbox, vermilion windbreaker juxtapose placed alongside garage doors. This juxtaposition resulted in an intriguing effect; not only was the outlandishness of the clothing emphasized, but so was the idea that utility wear can appear in everyday life, albeit in a subdued form. Regardless, this emerging fashion movement presents an interesting direction for exploring one’s own unique style. While it would appear that most individuals currently do not employ the daring utility wear in their routine outfits, we hope to take this phenomenon and invert it, or at the very least, open people’s minds to the possibility of exploring other styles. “I just want people to know that there’s more out there than what they may already know…I think if people expand their knowledge and learn about different styles and people, then they can come to create their own styles,” said Talyn Carnes, another stylist and director for this photoshoot. So, no matter your current wardrobe status or clothing preference, go out, explore your options, and find the style that best fits you.

The Street // Summer 2018

Korean Beauty WRITING & DIRECTION: Yvette Chau PHOTOGRAPHY: Hussain Al Balushi

07 The Street // Spring 2018

The Street // Spring 2018 08

Makeup, skincare and beauty regimens have

makeup was broadly defined as care not only

become recognized as an artistic expression

for external purposes but also internally.

within the past decade. Specifically, Korean

Koreans in the past believed that a good

beauty trends have been sweeping the

appearance could affect one’s inner self.”

nation over the past few years and there is no surprise why. These makeup techniques focus mainly on the skin and keeping it poreless, translucent and luminous. The trend has become known for coining terms

No matter what age, gender or background, South Koreans have always focused on taking care of their skin while attaining a glowing and ageless complexion.

such as “glass skin” and “honey skin,” both

Ji Jang, a business student and South

of which are about achieving a healthy and

Korean skincare guru, moved to America

hydrated complexion.

six years ago. He takes care of his skin by

The heart of Korean beauty is about bringing out the natural side of makeup by applying lightly colored eyeshadows and sporting softly blushed cheeks and a bright lip stain. Kacey Little, a biohealth science student and

makeup

artist,

explained,

“Within

“Beauty to me means your own attributes and characteristics that define you and what makes you, you...”

the last year or so, I think that the trend

-ALEX NGUY E N

has started to move away from more fullcoverage looks, and we’re starting to see a lot of minimal, youthful, feature-enhancing makeup looks becoming popular.”

washing his face with cleanser, wearing a face mask, and applying lotion and skin

Due to their popularity, U.S. stores are now

products before going to bed.

carrying K-beauty products. Among these include Sephora, Ulta and Urban Outfitters.

“I didn’t realize that Korean beauty was

Little shared that some of her favorite

very popular in America. I think because

K-beauty brands are TonyMoly, Etudehouse,

the products are affordable and work well

PeriPera and Pony Effect. Applying Korean

is the reason why. South Koreans really care

skincare regimens to your life is now easier

about their skin and appearance because

than ever.

it’s emphasized in movies, television dramas and ads,” said Jang.

“Korean beauty is all about great skincare and a fresh, youthful face, which is why it

Almost

every

Korean

celebrity

does

has become much more popular,” Little

advertisements for skin care products that

said.

can be seen across South Korea. Since cosmetics are sold in malls, convenience

According to The Korea Times’ Chung

stores and even in train stations. Maintaining

Ah-young, “In traditional Korean society,

your skin is as doable as staying healthy.

09 The Beauty // Summer 2018

“Taking care of your body allows us to be the best version of ourselves and to me that is beautiful, whether it be working out at the gym or eating healthy,” Alan Li, a marketing student, said. Taking care of your skin comes in multiple forms. Your skin can be cared for like any other part of your body by eating right, drinking water, and exercising. Alex Nguyen, a business management student and model, said, “I try to maintain my face and skin by washing it every morning and night. I also moisturize my skin and have become more aware of my face. As a result, I began using face masks and different forms of moisturizer to keep my skin smooth.” Everyone has different skin and preferences to their routines. For some people, products aren’t even necessary. Nguyen said, “Beauty to me means your own attributes and characteristics that define you and what makes you, you. Each individual is beautiful in their own way, that’s what makes you unique. If maintaining your health is something that you want to do, go do it!”

CHECK OUT THESE PRODUCTS! Papa Recipe Rose Gold Honey Masks - $4 each CNP Laboratory Propolis Energy Ampule - $19 Banila & Co Clean it Zero Cleanser - $20 Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream - $12 Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner - $17 MISSHA All Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk $12

The Beauty // Summer 2018

GOING NATURAL

WRITING & DIRECTION: Paige Phillips | PHOTOGRAPHY: Alec Landon

11 The Beauty // Summer 2018

As a supporter and participant in the natural hair movement, I have observed the beauty standards that exist in our society. For a long time, African-American women have struggled with getting acceptance of their appearance from others. According to the article, “The Natural Hair Movement: A Historical Perspective,” the natural hair movement focuses on encouraging women with African ancestry to celebrate and enjoy the natural characteristics of their kinky, curly, hair texture. The natural hair movement is represented by a group of African women who provide encouragement, advice, hair product reviews and hairstyle tutorials. Since the movement has gone on for a couple of years now, it has given black women the opportunity to connect with one another through sharing their hair journeys. Samylda Charles, a student at Pennsylvania State University and natural hair model, said that she has been natural her whole life because her mother did not allow her to use perm or relaxer treatments. As a child, Charles used to participate in beauty pageants. “When it came time to get my hair done for these pageants, my mother insisted that I press my hair,” Charles said. “I had never had my hair straightened before this and I was excited but didn’t realize what it really meant. To me it meant that for me to win, I had to conform to looking like the rest if the blonde haired girls who normally win pageants like the ones I competed in. I eventually told my mother I didn’t want to straighten my hair for them anymore and wanted to wear my natural hair only. I did exactly that and was in love with my look for that pageant. It was mine and mine only. My experience with pageants were not necessarily negative but helped me to realize how much I value my natural self.” Maintaining natural hair comes with a hair care routine. Every woman with natural hair will have a different routine that will suit their hair type. Taraya Lee, a hair stylist from Pittsburgh, Pa., owns “Love Lee,” a hair business that sells luxury hair and beauty supplies. According to her, you should not let your hair define you and instead embrace it. The Beauty // Summer 2018

“ T h e r e i s n o t h i n g s i m p l e a b o u t m y b l a c k h a i r. My black hair is everything.” -ADRIEN MANGHAM In reagrds to taking care of your hair, Charles

complexion, or body shape, but fail to realize that

had some advice. “Advice I would give to African

someone out there wishes they had the very things

American women that are having a hard time

you have. Appreciate yourself, love yourself!”

embracing their natural hair is that there is no wrong way to embrace what belongs to you! Your hair is unique and you have to own and love each and every kink and curl you are blessed to have,” she said. “Also, just as any other kind of love, you cultivate it and it has to be patient, so does the love you have for your hair. There are gonna be days where you just want to shave it all off because it won’t cooperate, but again, love is patient. You may spend a lot of time wishing you had what others have whether it be hair, eyes,

Another Pittsburgh, Pa. hairstylist by the name of Adrien Mangham dropped some knowledge on hair types and the struggle African-American women go through with their hair. Mangham explains the categories of the hair types that people have and that kinky hair runs in the 4b and 4c category. As the letters go up, the tighter the curl gets. Below is a chart that touches on all hair types. “I wouldn’t actually call it a struggle, to have thick and curly hair is a blessing!” Mangham said. Having

this

needed

type the

natural

confidence hair

community.

Mangham said, “Not everyone is blessed with it. We can do so much with our hair. For some of us, our hair defines who we are; even going back to the 1800s, we’ve always stood out in the crowds. There is nothing simple about my black hair. My black hair is EVERYTHING!”

The Beauty // Summer 2018

CURL PATTERN

HAIR

S traig h t

Non e

Wav y

2 A , 2 B , 2C

Cu rly

3 A , 3 B , 3C

K in k y

4 A , 4 B , 4C

DIRECTION: Meaghan Evans | PHOTOGRAPHY: Olivia Harband

The Fashion // Spring 2018

The Fashion // Spring 2018 16

URBAN FLOW WRITING: Meaghan Evans

DIRECTION: Jesus Reyes & Meaghan Evans PHOTOGRAPHY: Mitchell Jensen

The Fashion // Spring 2018

* * Red Jacket - Second Gl a nc e

Runwa y Fa shio n E x cha nge: G re y P a n ts

19 The Fashion // Spring 2018

Men’s fashion has taken

including artists like Tyler

off. Streetwear brands are

the Creator and even some

on the rise and high fashion

from

is gaining a male influence.

Inspiration is everywhere

The

women’s

and it’s not as hard to find

Louis

as you think. Implementing

Vuitton, named Off-White’s

your influences into your

founder Virgil Abloh as their

style not only makes you

newest creative director.

feel good about what you

Guys, it is time for you to

are wearing, but it also

start

shows the world a little bit

notorious

wear

designer,

wearing

what

you

want and even though it is called “men’s wear,” that does not mean you have to dress in traditionally masculine clothing. As our society

progresses,

the

lines between masculinity and femininity get blurry. If you want to wear women’s clothing, do it, as long as you feel comfortable and confident. Feel free to be yourself and dress the part.

G ET INSPIR E D information systems major with a minor in new media communications, is inspired by music. “I became more in

and

Japan.

of your personality. Everyone starts somewhere on their fashion journey. Almost all of the guys we

talked

began

experimenting with style in high school and one even discovered his interest this year, during his first term of college. Jesus Reyes, a graphic design and business major and the stylist for this shoot, talked about his fashion beginnings. “It

Josiah Snyder, a business

interested

Korea

fashion

because of the fact that I listen to these artists that really have a good sense of style.” Snyder listens to a wide range of music

started in 2008, toward the end of high school. There were these pair of Air Force 1 High Hyperfuse Volts, the neon yellow ones. I just remember walking to class, being like f*** it, I don’t care if they look weird, I think I look badass. I think that’s when I first started thinking

about

clothes.

It’s kind of hard to try The Fashion // Spring 2018

something new and really express yourself,

combinations that work. Take some time to

especially here. But at some point, you just

stand in front of your mirror to try on clothing

have to go for it and I feel like that’s when

and see how you feel. If you are stuck,

you learn to be yourself,” said Reyes.

ask some friends for their opinion. Brad

Sometimes it takes that one piece, one person or one magazine article to get you going.

Anderson, a marketing major, said, “Take that leap. Don’t be afraid to try something new.” Even the world’s fashion icons go through a trial and error process before deciding on

GET C O M FO RTABL E

the outfit that excites them most.

The next step in finding your style is making

To find the right combinations, you do not

sure you are comfortable mentally and

need to worry about spending your hard

physically in whatever you decide to wear.

earned cash. Real style means making use of

Shamer

information

what you have. Thrift shopping is also a great

systems and finance major with a minor in

way to pick up a few staple pieces to add to

economics, said; “I really like to dress as I feel

your closet without breaking the bank.

Aqeel,

business

comfortable. I’m not really trying to impress people, I just like to feel good about myself, that’s the most important thing.” Aqeel exuded a leisurely, casual vibe, wearing what he feels best in: a gray beanie and funky Gucci glasses.

Lastly, think about fit. Clothing is going to fit everyone differently; it all depends on body type. Don’t be discouraged if something doesn’t look quite right on you. For that one ill-fitting piece, there’s a million better options out there. Think about your sizing

PUTT IN G IT AL L T O GET HE R

and what kind of look is comfortable for you,

The best way to start a stylish wardrobe is

odd chance you find an amazing piece that

to think simple. A white T-shirt and a pair

is just a little too big or too small, a tailor is a

of jeans go a long way. Later on, get those

great investment.

whether it be form-fitting or loose. On the

statement pieces that inspire you. For James Duncan, a civil engineering major, it’s his

In the end, Duncan summed it up perfectly:

Kendrick Lamar DAMN. Tour Coaches jacket.

“Be confident, be beautiful, and have fun with it.”

Then comes the hard part, finding the outfit

21 The Fashion // Spring 2018

S e c on d Glan ce : Gre e n P o n c h o , B l ac k S k i r t , Mo ssy Gre e n Tre n c h Coat. Ru n way Exch an g e : Bl u e B u t t o n U p, B ro w n S h a wl C h e c k e re d Bu t to n U p

DIRECTION: Catherine Wong PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrea Mitev

The Fashion // Summer 2018

25 The Fashion // Summer 2018

INTERRELATION

WRITING & DIRECTION: Young Oum PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrea Mitev

What do you and trendsetters have in common? Grocery shopping. Whether you are into fashion or not, everyone needs clothing just as much as they need food. Think of how many times you have gone to the grocery or retail store and ended up buying more than you needed; it was sifting amongst the multiple choices that lead you to find your favorite brands. The

refreshing

colors

fresh

citrus

fruits

icy cold drinks can spice up your summer style. We reached out to bloggers from two different countries to examine the interrelationship between groceries and fashion, and found that everything from earthy tones to bright neon colors can be trendy throughout the year.

The Fashion // Summer 2018

“It is the year of color confidence, and it’s

which includes many things,” Emelee said.

always a good idea to embrace the summer with

colors,”

fashion

Sally

blogger

Emelee,

Los

popular

Angeles,

said.

If you are in the mood for simple chic, take advantage of bewitching colors. When Emelee saw the deep obsidian shade of a color patch

Summer is the time to let radiant colors shine

sample, she immediately mentioned coffee. You

in like the sun. The perfect place to draw

would not think that a color that reminds you of

color inspiration is from the grocery store.

a dark espresso shot under brown foam could be

Emelee could not stress enough how deep the

trendy in the hot summer. However, the boldness

between

and mysteriousness of this

grocery store products

shade will escalate your

and fashion is. “Fashion

aesthetic to another level.

relationship

and food are subjected A

to create some sort of

contrast

organic

muse and represent one

and

between artificial

colors brightens up the

another,” Emelee said.

summertime.

Highly

saturated, lemon yellow

which

or vivid, candy blue will

colors will be trendy

bring about a daring high

this season? Stand out

fashion attitude. Living in

from the crowd in a

Los Angeles, a city where

shaman fire-red piece

it is mild-to-hot weather

that

year-round,

With

choose

many from,

resembles

the

Emelee

has a lot of experience

color of ripe tomatoes.

with

summer

style.

“Red can be a great pop of color and basic to

work

style

into

blogger

brilliance

outfit,”

Marisa

Vancouver,

Horvath,

B.C.,

said.

“It’s all about brights this summer. Lemons always inspire me to buy colorful vibrant clothing. Fashion is never ending because it is inspired by

The up the

and

boost

most

this

your

lively

hue

will

confidence version

fire in

you

every little thing in our environment,” she says.

being

yourself.

If a good meal makes a good day, why not make your good day into a good outfit? Make your

“It is not a surprise for me to connect fashion with groceries. Fashion is inspired by our daily environment and it is a tool of representation

The Fashion // Summer 2018

day as extravagant as the colors inspired from groceries you bought from the supermarket today.

AMBER HILL: THE DESIGNER WRITING & DIRECTION: Sarah Rogers PHOTOGRAPHY: Ramzy Al - Mulla

The Industry // Spring 2018

A nine year old girl is creating a denim purse

However, Hill, going to a science-based

out of her dads old jeans with the sewing

high school, faced backlash from her peers

kit her mom gifted her for her birthday.

and was often bombarded with questions

She holds the purse up after finishing;

like “why something so far out of reach?”

ruffles, lace, and beads garnish every inch. Years later, nothing has changed. At 21, the thrifty Amber Hill swears by reusing clothes, keeping things unconventional, and

most

industry

with

all,

transforming

her

ethical

the

designs.

“When I was a little girl, I loved playing dress up; I was always making my own things, building,

creating,”

described

Hill.

These comments did not stop Hill. “There really wasn’t anything at my science based high school that let me focus on my creative side, so college is when I really started

exploring

everything.”

Hill is a junior in the Apparel Design Program under the College of Business here at Oregon State University. “Many people in my design program want to get into high

Hill recounts being dragged to Goodwill

fashion,”explained Hill, “so I get asked if I

as a child with her mom, and although

want to get into high fashion a lot, and I don’t,

she didn’t like the fact she wasn’t getting

because I don’t relate to it, it’s not me.”

new clothes at first, thrifting allowed her Hill notes that she owes her tremendous to

wear

things

you

couldn’t

find

any other store. “I was the kid with purposefully two different colored socks on...I

liked

being

different.

Finding

“You are the designer.” - K AT H Y M U L L E T

unique items, bringing it back to life, changing it up to make it your own. My

growth and self discovery to her professors.

style came from thrifting,”reminisced Hill.

“I would definitely say that my professors in the program really helped with my growth.

Hill was born into a military family in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Louisiana and

Oregon.

She

spent

many

years

moving back and forth between these states, but calls Oregon and Georgia home. In high school, she blossomed into a girl with great style and an eye for

Who I am now in my design skills compared to freshman year is totally different. I’ve learned to do what’s best for me. My professor Dr. Kathy Mullet always said that you’re the designer. You can put a pocket on a shirt, make pants that convert into a skirt, whatever. You are the designer. ”

thrifting, with aspirations to be a designer. Apart from growing as a designer, Hill

The Spotlight // Summer 2018

has discovered her aspiration in the fashion

designers that face discouragement, turn it

industry: to produce ethical designs. Hill’s

into encouragement: don’t let it get to you.

always had a heart for the environment, thus,

Doubt is understandable, but just like Dr.

she wants to create fashion that is organic

Kathy Mullet states, you are the designer.

and the opposite of fast fashion. “I was taken

Thus, do what you wish with your life, you are in

aback after watching documentaries, what

control, if it feels right, go for it. “If designing

is hidden from consumers, and the negative

is something you really want to do, don’t let

impact it has on the communities where

anything or anyone push you outside of the

these clothes come from. I want my brand

that. I had a lot of people try to discourage

to do the opposite of that.” Ultimately, she

me, but I want to have a career that makes

envisions creating a clothing line with full

a difference and that I love,” Hill relates.

transparency that makes people feel good about

themselves

and

the

environment.

Who knew a nine year old girl making purses out of her father’s jeans would grow up with

Last Summer, Hill went to Cuba to study

a desire to change how we see the fashion

abroad, and had an aha moment. There, her

industry and how we wear clothes? It might not

brand name and concept was born: Ashe.

take a trip to Cuba, or your mom dragging you

“Ashe means the power to make things

to the thrift store for you to find your element,

happen

defined

but being a designer without restrictions

Hill. A word that many Cubans live by, Hill

will. Design for you. You are the designer.

and

produce

change”

wants her clothes to express meaning and be more than something you just wear. With

world

and

fast

have

filled

with

fashion, future

it’s

consumerism refreshing

purposeful

fashion.

Hill’s main purpose in fashion is to make the world a better place, and with her drive and ambition, it’s not a far-fetched goal. In the future, Hill wants to move to Portland, Oregon. The sustainable fashion market

growing,

and

with

Oregon

being such a green state, it is a perfect spot to set up shop. Hill wants to create a

brand

where

the

message

remains

consistent no matter how big it grows. Hill believes that for all the student

The Spotlight // Summer 2018

DIRECTION: DR Johnson PHOTOGRAPHY: Hussain Al Balushi

33 The Culture// Summer 2018

The // Summer 2018 TheCulture Spotlight // Spring 2018

34 34

EMBELLISHED

WRITING & DIRECTION: Chloe Kehn PHOTOGRAPHY: Ramzy Al - Mulla

mean

change. I’ve had many

we are taught how to act

embellished?

people sit in my chair for

and that we should always

Primarily, it links to self-

many different reasons.”

be on our best behavior.

What

does

expression.

This means

accentuating, decorating, and

sometimes

dramatizing

even

certain

aspect of yourself.

can embellish our lives through

the

way

look, the way we act and the way we dress. How we present ourselves is actually

than

one

What

are

complex

might the

think.

motives

behind each facade? Are we wearing a mask or are we truly being authentic? Alicia Brown, owner and stylist

Honeycomb

Salon, located in Corvallis, works with clients to create looks that are uplifting

Brown

believes

that

there is a certain comfort in fitting in, but most people out.

want

stand

“For example, not

Pease explained how our parents want us to look perfect in public in order to show others how well

their hair, but a client

“Some people want to feel free in their own expression, some use it to cover up an underlying issue,”

asking for an understated

-MIRANDA PEASE

everyone

wants

bold fashion colors on

caramel

highlight

still

wants it to be noticed and appreciated,”

she

Second-year

said.

student,

Miranda Pease expressed this same feeling when discussing her most recent shoe purchase.

“I wear

them because I love them myself and I want other people

appreciate

they raised us.

It makes

them look like admirable parents, while we look like pleasant,

well-behaved

children, she said. These adolescent

experiences

ingrain into our minds the idea that we must enthuse This

often

everyone. applies

DI RE C Tshe I O N : Dsaid. R Jo hhow n s o nwe embellish our them,” P H OT OGR A P HY: H u s s a i nappearance. A l B a l u s h i For Pease, to Brown, people are Pease, a psychology the amount of effort motivated to change their major, believes that she puts into her look looks due to, “Boredom, a people inherently feel the each day is situational, new job, feeling inspired need to impress others. which is common for by something or someone Pease said it is a learned many people. “If I feel they’ve seen, an inner pull mindset and it is all the need to impress for an outward change about feeling accepted in someone, then I’ll put in to solidify an inner society. From a young age, more effort,” she admits. for

them.

According

35 The Culture // Spring 2018

The Culture // Summer 2018

Pease relates Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to

embellished appearance or we can choose to fit

the idea of confidence and embellishing your

in with the crowd. In contrast, the “back stage”

appearance.

The hierarchy of needs assumes

is when we are behind closed doors, near our

that everyone must go through several stages

family and close friends. This is where we can be

before reaching self-actualization.

Pease said

natural people and do not feel the need to put on

we might assume that those who choose to

a show. The “back stage” is extremely necessary

stand out by wearing bold colors or flashy brands

for our overall well-being. Plaza added that an

have reached the level of contentment, but that

imbalance between our time in the “front stage”

is not always the case. “Some people want to

and “back stage” can lead to serious issues. “If

feel free in their own expression, some use it

you spend too much time in the front stage and

to cover up an underlying issue,” Pease stated.

you can’t get any back stage time, then you start

So,

can

embellishment rather

than

ever is

sure

expressing

hiding

that

confidence

deeper

issue?

Dr. Dwaine Plaza, Associate Dean in the College of Liberal Arts, reiterates the idea of being noticed and why that is important for us as human beings; it is necessary for our selfesteem. As a sociology professor, Plaza is wellversed in the study of human interaction and

to essentially have a hard time living,” Plaza said. This

imbalance

including Whether through

can

mental you

are

clothing,

cause

drastic

breakdowns putting

and

effects aging.

persona

appearance,

actions,

constantly being in that “front stage” can definitely be destructive.

We have surely

witnessed this with celebrities who spend too much time in the spotlight Plaza mentioned.

Referring

Be aware of intentions behind ornamentation.

to Erving Goffman’s concept of “front stage”

Authenticity and confidence are vital to thrive

and “back stage” behaviors.

in any stage.

its relation to culture and society.

Plaza said,

“Life is a stage, we all are performers.” In the front stage, we worry about our external

In general, the “backstage” is

where we are most natural while the“front stage” is where we are the most embellished.

presentation and show people what we want them to see. We can choose to show people an

So where are you spend ing most of your t ime?

The Culture // Spring 2018

Thank You! PEOP L E

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PH OTOGRAPH ERS Hussain Al Balushi Alec Landon Andrea Mitev Mitchel l Jensen Ramzy Al-Mul la Ol ivia Harband

C L OTH ING

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