WELCOME
GENDER REVEAL party Boots Circus by Sam Edelman
V MAGAZINE 17
MASTHEAD PHOTOGRAPHY JESS FARRAN FASHION ERIN WYROSDICK
boy, oh boy EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Wyrosdick Editor Mary Tres Art Director Erin Wyrosdick Photo & Bookings Editor Sophie Litow Katie Schiewe Mary Tres Taylor Vrscak Erin Wyrosdick Contributing Fashion Editors Augusto Silva Alliegro Sophie Litow Katie Schiewe Mary Tres Taylor Vrscak Editorial Assistants Mary Tres Taylor Vrscak ON THE COVER: MODEL MICHELLE PATTON WEARS PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA BECKERDITE FASHION ERIN WYROSDICK MARY TRES
Special Thanks Civvies The Future Monica Frontanes Taylor Wyrosdick Chelsea Carter Taylor Yow
Tommy May Gwen O’Neil Christopher Johnson Augusto Silva Alliegro Anthony Miller Ashley Romasko Olivia Patsavas Carmela Osorio Lugo Tyler Anderson Kendall Jackson Lane Hoggard Seth Mark Quinn Lowsky Isa Asensio Jake Mcdonald Alessa Reuffurth Danny Askins Marquis Spann Michelle Patton Cheyenne Allen Alia Sobrepena
TABLE OF CONTENTS
girl, please 32 DEFINITION OF GENDER
A political and social take on today’s outlook of the gender neutral “trend”
34 This is a Man’s World
SCAD graduates and residing artists Tommy May and Gwen O’Neil sit down for an interview with V Magazine, discussing their latest ventures and the Lee O’Neil Gallery
46 Otherwild
54 Coffee Grind-r
48 Color Coded Standards
56 David Bowie
LA store, Otherwild, is paving the way for queer-owned business through graphic tees and charity work Women’s societal standards are depicted in a monochromatic color scheme
52 V News
Stay up to date with all the latest in music and movies
JW Anderson debuts his latest collection via Grindr and the response is swipe-worthy V Magazine pays tribute to the legendary David Bowie through a modern interpretation of some of his most memorable looks
Pink Clear Bag Vintage Teal Bag Furla Candy
66 Masculine Beauty
84 Sexless Stitches
68 The Couple That Sways Together, Stays Together
102 Hormonal Rants
South Korean men have standardized wearing makeup. What effect will these have on Western culture?
Gender roles are diminished in this editorial piece, portraying a couple that has a new take of how to “spice up” a relationship
Three of SCAD’s most compelling fashion design students share their looks A take on gender in stanzas, accompanied by influential artwork of the LGBT community
104 Victor Victoria
A modern play on the pivotal film that inspired early forms of cross dressing
116 Acceptance is Black and White
Augusto Silva Alliegro chats with V Magazine on his latest photography project and how he feels it may impact the status quo
120 Oh My Gawd
A look on the male and female form
124 Beyond Conversation
Christopher Johnson chats with V Magazine on music’s impact on his paintings
HELLO Sassy BaG Nasty Gal
congratulations IT’S A It all started when we heard the heartbreaking news that David Bowie had passed away. We began looking back on his successes, his colorful personas, and the impact he left on so many. We saw a pattern in which he lead his life and unto us, inspiration was born. We let this inspiration grow, flourish, and question barriers. Barriers in which we eventually began to knock down. Once in this mindset, we wanted to find similar idealists such as J.W. Anderson and Augusto Silva Alliegro. While Anderson tests limits on a more global platform, Alliegro is making waves locally with his photography. Other game changers that we explored were brands like Otherwild. Otherwild is liberating the LGBT
community and women alike with their shirts that read “The Future is Female” and “Gender is a Drag”. As our inspiration grew stronger and gained traction, we too began to test the standards placed on both genders. We looked to the past at classic movies like Some Like it Hot and Victor Victoria. We noticed that these ideals weren’t new or revolutionary. Yet we wondered why they are still shrouded in mystery and taboo. We not only wanted to question but we wanted our readers to question as well; “Why can’t boys wear makeup?” and “Why the hell can’t I talk about my period anyways?” Mrs. W
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DEFINITION
https://www.reddit.com/r/TiADiscussion/comments/2pi8ya/am_i_wrong_to_be_bothered_by_gender_fluidity_and/ http://entasia.net/threads/when-did-non-binary-gender-fluid-become-a-thing.40327/
Definition of Gender by Merriam-Webster
PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA BECKERDITE
THROUGHOUT HISTORY, THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INSTANCES THAT HAVE MADE THE PUBLIC CHALLENGE THE IDEA OF GENDER, SEXUALITY, AND IDENTITY. YET, IN RECENT YEARS, THE PROMINENCE OF TRANSGENDER, GENDER FLUIDITY AND NON-BINARY WITHIN THE MEDIA HAS SPARKED CONVERSATION WITH MANY. WE CAN CHOOSE TO BE VOCAL, WE CAN CHOOSE TO BE SILENT, WE CAN CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT, WE CAN CHOOSE TO IGNORE IT, BUT; IS IT FOR US TO CHOOSE? “The state of being male or female” as denoted in every household dictionary is the definition of the term gender. From a medical standpoint, we believe this to be related to genitalia (revealed at birth) and from a millennial standpoint, we believe this to be related to what we psychologically identify as. However, the very idea of “identifying” is what appears to be the wall of confusion that many are stumbling upon. When Google searching the term ‘gender fluidity,’ the second item that appears in the search bar is ‘gender fluidity is bullshit.’ About 27, 900 search results appear, mostly blog posts, with very opinionated standpoints on this terminology. There appears mass confusion and disapproval of people who consider to be gender neutral, with such criticism being that it is a fashion statement or that these people aren’t really going through oppression. Although disheartening to hear online
judgements, such interpretations are feasible to grasp. The fashion industry is constantly at the forefront of visually stimulating the latest political discussions; one of which is gender. Jaden Smith has recently appeared in the Louis Vuitton campaign advertisements in which he wears a skirt. Some viewers may think this is “weird,” while others think it’s “cool.” All in all, however, it has led to increased discussion on what to label him as. As previously stated, people most likely would not view Smith as being oppressed, thus, his sole reason for being fluid in his clothing must be a fashion statement. Yet, the core stutter in thought process is that being gender fluid disables being labeled. Within these numerous blog posts, many state that they can accept transgenders because they identify as either male or female. They are able to chose a pronoun, “he” or “she” and others are able to
call them as such. Yet, when a human doesn’t know what to refer to someone as, their mind naturally and automatically paces with anxiety and fear of making a mistake. With an increased vocal community of the non-binary gender, there appears a need to address the “concern” of the general public. Yet, can this unease be counteracted with questions? What is the significance of a pronoun? Why is a person’s birth name nonacceptable in reference? At the end of the day, does the way in which another person goes about living their life directly affect the way in which we live ours? MARY TRES
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THIS IS A MAN’S WORLD... BUT IT WOULDN’T BE NOTHING, WITHOUT A WOMAN OR A GIRL PHOTOGRAPHY SHAYNA COLVIN
The art world is a continuous competitive race, with artists pacing to a finish line that may never appear. However, more specifically, this world is even more of a mirage to female artists who continue to struggle to have their creations acknowledged in the same manner as men in their field. Works created by women are worth much less than works by men of their same time period and location. Why is this so? Oftentimes, galleries and institutions like to showcase “safe” art, which is also known as art created by male caucasians. Perhaps it is said that this art is deemed as more “mark-
etable” or more socially accepted by viewers and buyers. Females have struggled to find a wall in which they can project their voice. Even more troublesome is the fact that females are more accepted as long as their works aren’t from a “feminist” point of view. This being said, Tommy May and Gwen O’Neil are Savannah figures of a new generational take on the art world. Not only have they individually found success in their respective mediums, but they have opened a gallery space together as a couple. O’Neil’s voice is just as loud as May’s. And just as respected.
V Magazine You say that you view your artwork as a puzzle. What do you mean by that? Tommy May Well I think it’s like a puzzle because obviously it’s like all linear and symbols. It’s gotten to the point where I don’t really think about it anymore and that it just kind of comes together on the canvas. But now, actually, I think the puzzle thing is more relevant because I’ve started to break specific symbols off of that kind of system. So I had a show a couple of months ago here called “A Hundred Suns,” and it was just a hundred suns so it was just the idea of just focusing on one of those pieces that although
http://www.artnews.com/2015/05/26/on-sexism-in-the-art-world/
SCAD graduates and owners of the Lee O’Neil Gallery, Tommy May and Gwen O’Neil, sat down with V Magazine to discuss their methodologies,
has a significant meaning to me, it kind of is related to other pieces. That’s why now I have moved on to the house and I’ll probably do the ladder next and so when they’re all together, you know I’m trying to figure out the right way to say this, they all have specific meanings. So when I think they’re together, they say something different than they say separately. V Magazine The SAFE Collective includes clothing that you’ve painted, with the same and similar prints of your actual paintings. Do you view fashion as art in itself? TM Yeah! I really do. I think I am more interested in fashion than I am in painting. I think it’s a really interesting thing. And if I could, I would probably do it differently and be a fashion student. I think, yeah it definitely is an art, but I think for me I see it more as another canvas or another medium for me to put my vision on to some
thing, V Magazine: Some of your pieces incorporate aspects of pop culture. How do you feel about that world? TM I always say I think I was born in the wrong time because I think a lot like pop artists do. I think it has almost gotten to the point where it’s kind of gotten to this place in the art world where it’s extremely cliché if you start to use this kind of imagery or you know say I went out and painted a coke bottle everyone is going to be like, well that has been done fifty thousand times.’. I’ve seen all of these comments and ideas about our society and the things that are happening and I think I almost call myself an abstract pop artist or symbolistic pop artist. I don’t even know what to call myself really, just because I think I take like the most minute version of the things that everyone has already said or done and I make these symbols that I’ve created iconic in the sa-
me way that like Andy Warhol made Liz Taylor. V Magazine Do you notice a difference between the audiences who view your work in the gallery as opposed to on social media? TM Yeah, definitely. That’s something interesting, actually. I think people come in here and they see my work on the wall and it says $10,000 to $12,000 and they kind of like “Pshhh.” It’s not the same as the people that really enjoy my work like on Instagram. When I post something people are like “Oh I love it!” or a friend will be like “Holy shit dude like I saw that thing you just posted last night, like tell me more about it,” or like some kid will be walking down the streets in Savannah with pants that I painted. Those people really enjoy more work. The people that come in here and just look at the things on the wall I think it is a totally different thing, they just see it as a painting or V MAGAZINE 39
whatever. But, the people that know me and know how I got to this point where I am with my work I think they really see it completely different. V Magazine How do you compare the two mediums in which you work in; photography and painting? Gwen O’Neil Painting is a little bit more hands on technical wise. When I first started with photography, I graduated with a photography major and already I was inspired by painters. That’s how my style developed; very abstract, very colorful, color fields, you know really that whole kind of realm and I kind of wanted to bring my aesthetic from photography to painting. Obviously watching him paint you know for a couple of years now really inspired me. This past summer he was painting in my
back yard back home, and I was like “I’ll try that, give me the paint brush.” We actually did the painting together and I really enjoyed it. V Magazine Does one feel more natural to you than the other? GO I definitely feel like I can express myself better with painting, there’s just something more free about it, but photography is definitely still a great passion of mine. Obviously now that I’ve graduated it’s hard to use facilities and develop film. So I kind of have been painting a bit more just because I can go buy canvas and paint rather than spending a lot of money on developing film. V Magazine: Your work tends to consist of quite a somber color palette. Is there a reason you are drawn to such?
GO think it has to do with personality. I’m definitely more calm and to myself, maybe even a little bit shy too. With him, as you can see our studios are totally different. He’s just ripe, vibrant, you know all of these different colors and I tend to stick to a more neutral palate. V Magazine Do you intend to explore other mediums? GO I don’t know. Not as of right now, because I just kind of dove into painting. Tommy said that he wanted to work with sculpture and I found that interesting. I can’t really see my work right now in another form. I really haven’t thought of another medium just because painting is so new to me V Magazine: Has having your work displayed in a gallery space make you think differently about how you
interpret your own work? GO Sometimes. When you see something on a wall it kind of has a different meaning because it is in a gallery setting and it’s not there in your studio, and you’re not one with it anymore, you have other people surrounding you. There are maybe different feelings but I think that it all means the same pretty much. V Magazine What has been the most exciting part about opening the Lee O’Neil gallery? GO I think probably one of the most exciting things is to be able to have all of the artists connect with one another. We opened this place for all of them to you know share their thoughts and ideas with us and put their work up on the wall. I just love all of these old stories of you know
Warhol and Basquet, all of them coming together and talking, socializing, spitting ideas back and forth. That is what I find most exciting; creating an art hub where people can dive into each other’s thoughts. TM I would definitely agree. Our vision for the gallery has come very true, much more quickly than I thought. In Savannah, until our opening, there wasn’t really a place where artists could meet up. People will just come here all day long, you know it doesn’t help us get work done, but people come here all of the time just to hang out with us and be in the space and be around it. At the openings it almost turns into a party because everyone is excited to be here and hangout. I really think it is the most exciting thing is that we have created
a place where people want to come and enjoy each other and their work. V Magazine What has been the most challenging? GO Well, making money. TM We’ve got that figured out now. GO It’s definitely harder in Savannah, because the market is not there yet. As much as we want it to be, it’s not New York. That is definitely taking time and it’s definitely coming along, Savannah is one hundred percent growing. We’ve actually partnered up with this designer in East Hampton, and we’re going to have a pop up gallery there for the summer. V Magazine So you guys are hoping to expand up to New York? GO For sure. I definitely don’t see this just as one space obviously it would be wonderful to have many but we have to see how everything goes. I would love to be in New York, but we will see about that. TM But, for now it’s nice to be somewhere kind of slow and easy. V MAGAZINE 41
DEFINITION
http://thinkprogress.org/culture/2015/12/08/3729221/cara-delevingnes-the-future-is-female-t-shirt-looks-a-little-too-familiar/ https://www.instagram.com/otherwild/ http://otherwild.com/products/the-future-is-female-t-shirt http://otherwild.com/pages/about-otherwild
otherwild
THE WILD, wild WEST
To compete with male dominance in the 1970s, lesbian separatist movements began to emerge in the United States with the intentions of combating what was commonly perceived as a solely heterosexual political nation. With a broad horizon of liberating women and a recognition of visibility to lesbian relations, the movement posed complications with women having to remove themselves from men. “What the Well Dressed Dyke Will Wear” was a slideshow that included a photograph of Alix Dobkin wearing a shirt that read ‘The Future is Female.’ The photograph was taken by Dobkin’s girlfriend Liza Cowan, a lesbian separatist, and the tee shirt design was sold to the first women’s bookstore in 1972, Labyris Books, in New York City. Fast forward to present time and this slogan is currently being used by a small queer owned brand called Otherwild. The brand is operated in Los Angeles by owner Rachel Berks and facilitates both as a graphic design studio and a retail space. In addition to the slogan ‘The Future is Female,’ Otherwild carries tee shirts and sweatshirts with sayi-
ngs such as “All Boy All Girl,” “Gender is a Drag,” and “How Dare You Assume I’m Straight.” When taken at face value, these sayings may seem to mostly put gay women at the forefront. However, Berks was quoted saying, “I think that this message has sort of evolved in a very important way, where mothers buy this for their sons to wear, trans women wear this, people that don’t fit in the gender binary or don’t believe in the gender binary wear this shirt. It’s meaningful to people who aren’t women born women, and it’s meaningful to people who are.” As a generation that is continually evolving and constantly questioning the constraints felt by identity indicators profoundly used in generations past, we have the platform and tools to vocalize thoughts and opinions instantly. Otherwild is using this platform to even donate proceeds of their “Future is Female” shirts to Planned Parenthood. It is through these actions that they are liberating people in general, and diluting the stigma that can be so commonly associated with feminisim and homosexcuality.
MARY TRES
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c o l o r c o d e d standards
FROM THE MOMENT OUR ALARM FORCES US TO GET OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING TO WHEN WE HAVE FINISHED OUR TO-DO LISTS AND CAN LAY IN BED (ONLY TO THINK OF ALL THAT MUST BE DONE THE NEXT DAY), WOMEN ARE EXPECTED TO CONSTANTLY PRESENT THEMSELVES IN THE MOST WELL-KEPT MANNER. OUR FLAWS, OR RATHER OUR NATURAL APPEARANCE AND TRAITS, MUST BE CONCEALED TO APPEAL TO THE MASSES. WE MUST WAX AWAY EVERY HAIR FOLLICLE THAT ISN’T PART OF OUR MANE, TRAIN OUR WAIST TO PROMOTE INTENSE SWEATING DURING WORKOUTS, AND PRETEND THAT MONTHLY CRAMPS DON’T EXIST. OUR LIPS HAVE BEEN SEALED TOO LONG AND IT’S TIME TO RELEASE THE STINK OF PINK. PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA BECKERDITE FASHION AND TEXT MARY TRES ERIN WYROSDICK
UNDER PRESSURE
Dysmenorrhea, also known as menstrual cramps, is a pain and/or discomfort in the stomach and pelvic area associated with a women’s monthly period. This pain can sometimes be so severe that a woman is unable to perform simple daily activities due to being bed ridden. However, there appears a social stigma that since women experience this pain often, the public does not want to hear about it, and additionally,they expect women to perform jobs and duties up to par. Even to this day, talking about the “monthly flow” is minuscule in feminine products’ commercials because they cannot even use the word vagina. If direct marketing towards women from a health standpoint can’t even say “the v-word,” there’s low expectations for mass growth of acceptance.
BAD IMPRESSIONS
Both men and women have nipples. Yet, forbid a women’s nipple getting hard in public and she becomes ostracized from the norm. Or, even worse, seeing her breasts jiggle as she walks. Thus, the creation of bras and the expectance of all women to wear them. Bras are not comfortable, and the visualization of this is apparent when they are taken off. On the skin are red marks from the bras’ straps, clasps and wires. These marks may fade in an hour or so, but the mental discomfort never does.
WAIST MANAGEMENT
The ideal female form has always been that of an hourglass: large bosom, tiny waist, and voluptuous hips. Throughout history, women would wear corsets to achieve this idealization. Modern times has brought about a new version of the corset: the waist trainer. This product is designed to be worn during exercise to increase the act of sweating, and thus burning more calories. Even celebrities, like Jessica Alba and Kim Kardashian, are posting pictures of themselves in waist trainers and boasting about its benefits. Yet, there are extreme risks of wearing this which include acid reflux, bruising of bones, and oxygen shortage.
THE STINK OF PINK
Vaginal odor can be associated with a women’s menstrual cycle or be apparent after intercourse. All humans sweat, and thus both sexes partake in the application of deodorant. However, a women’s genital region is required to stay smelling like flowers, not like “fish” as it’s often publicly ridiculed as. Women are now more prone to be self conscious about the way they smell and take actions, such as spraying perfume, to decrease the risk of public embarrassment. Yet, the only thing that is truly embarrassing is that we don’t expect the same of men.
V MUSIC
new releases MANY ARTISTS HAVE BEEN MAKING WAVES IN 2016. FROM RIHANNA, TO BOWIE, THESE ARE THE TOP ALBUMS FOR YOUR HEADPHONES. LISTEN. TEXT TAYLOR VRSCAK KATIE SCHIEWE SOPHIE LITOW RIHANNA, ANTI Her eighth studio album released on January 28 was unpredictable and long overdue. Collaborating with artists such as Drake and SZA, ANTI is one of her most raw albums to date. The album cover artwork was created by artist Roy Nachum, who incorporated a picture of Rihanna as a little girl with a crown on her head. The artwork was released October 7, 2015, months before the album. The piece was also shadowed by a poem written in braille by Chloe Mitchell. The poem was inspired by a conversation the three artists shared one evening. WET, DON’T YOU Brooklyn Trio (Kelly Zutrau, singer songwriter, and multiinstrumentalists Joe Valle and Marty Sulkow) debuted their long anticipated album ‘Don’t you” on January 29th. The album was all self produced in a rented house in Western Massachusetts during a period of solitude, and the end result did not dissappoint. KANYE WEST, THE LIFE OF PABLO With so much build up over the past year for Kanye West’s new album, The Life of Pablo is finally here. With all of the hype surrounding this album, West debuted his new album at the presentation of Yeezy Season 3, on February 11, with 20,000 celebrities, journalists, and artists all packed into MSG. The rest of the world had to wait a few days to hear the tracklist on TIDAL. The Life of Pablo will only be available to TIDAL subscribers. SIA, THIS IS ACTING Singer, songwriter SIA has been dominating the music industry for the past few years now. Her latest album release titled “This Is Acting,” was something she wasn’t expecting to release. The album is full of songs she had written, with the intention for others to sing. She describes the album as “play acting” because none of the songs on the album are something she would say or put out there and call her own. DAVID BOWIE, BLACKSTAR Released on January 8th, two days before his untimely death, David Bowie relased his last studio album Blackstar. The album which was recorded all throughout his battle with cancer features a tracklist including Blackstar, and Lazarus. In the wake of his death, the album reached the number one spot in many countries. There were over 181,000 copies sold in the first week in the United States. ST. LUCIA, MATTER Brooklyn based, synthpop musician, St. Lucia has released his second studio album, Matter. The album was released on January 29th, containing a collection of 11 new songs including ‘Physical,’ and ‘Dancing on Glass.’ While his past music has always had an bright energy to it, his most recent work has made fans feel differently about it saying it gives off R&B, slow jams undertones.
AURORA Nineteen-year-old Norwegian Artist, Aurora, is a new artist you’ll want to watch for this spring. She recently released her first EP Running with the Wolves, which has been very successful in the UK and has 13 million Spotify plays. Aurora’s singles continue to climb to the top, as she becomes better known. She plans on releasing her LP All My Demons Greeting Me As A Friend on March 11, 2016. Keep an eye out for this new artist!
BETWEEN. RELAX AND ENJOY THE SHOW. THE DANISH GIRL (JANUARY 22) Based on a true love story between two artists, The Danish Girl follows the journey of Einar Wegener (Eddie Redmayne) as he battles with his lifelong indentification as a woman, Lili Elbe. With the love and support of his wife Gerda (Alicia Vikander) the two prepare for his journey to undergo one of the first sex-change operations.
HAIL, CAESAR! (FEBRUARY 5) Dating back to Hollywood in 1951, Hail, Ceasar follows property protection head at Capitol Pictures, Eddie Manix, whose primary role is to clean up and solve problems of big celebrity names. When Barid Whitlock disappears, it is up to Manix to deal with more than just the usual fix.
ZOOLANDER (FEBRUARY 12) Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) and Hansel (Owen Wilson) are back at it after they find themselves yet again in the spotlight after their hiatuus. Directed by Ben Stiller, this sequal takes the two to a major fashion event in Rome, where they encounter a special agent Valentina Valencia who needs their help saving famous popstars from their unknown killer. It is up to the two estranged friends to save the fate of the world’s most beautiful people.
DEADPOOL (FEBRUARY 12) Ryan Reynolds stars as a mercenary (Wade Wilson) who’s life was nearly destroyed when evil scientist Ajax (Ed Skrein) transformed him into Deadpool. The experiment left Wade Wilson, now known as Deadpool, with a corrupted sense of humor and healing powers. With the help of his allies, he uses his newfound powers to hunt down the man who had changed his life forever.
HOW TO BE SINGLE (FEBRUARY 12) After college, Alice (Dakota Johnson) who decided it was time to move on to the next chapter of her life and leave long time boyfriend, Josh in the past moves to New York to start a job as a paralegal. With the help of her new found friend and co worker Robin (Rebel Wilson), she learns how to live the single lifestyle of meeting men; and free drinks. Who wouldn’t want to be single?
V MOVIES
MUST SEE MOVIES LIST OF THIS SEASONS BLOCKBUSTERS, INDIE FILMS, AND EVERYTHING IN
V TRAVEL
HAVANA, CUBA 90 MILES TO MIAMI For many years, Cuba has been off limits to American travelers. With full diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba recently restored, many Americans are curious, to travel to the island nation. Havana is Cuba’s vibrantly colored capital city. Havana’s streets offer visitors old world architecture, vintage American cars and good music. There are plenty of things to do in Havana. One favorite of Havana visitors is discovering Spanish colonial old town. In Old Town Havana, you can find beautiful old world architecture from the Plaza de la Catedral, which is one of the oldest churches in Cuba and recently restored in 2014. Near the Catedral is the Plaza Vieja or Old Square. At the Plaza Vieja, you can find many brightly colored buildings, local vendors and authentic Cuban food. Old town Havana offers a great art scene and visitors should check out the Museo de Bellas Artes and Fábrica de Arte Cubano. After exploring Havana Old Town, visitors should walk down by the after on the Malecon for a glimpse of Havana’s coast. Havana has an upcoming food scene with authentic dishes that visitors have been looking for. Instead of large restaurants, Cubans run small family owned paladares or translated into English, home restaurants. Some recommendations are Café Madriga and La Cocina de Lillian. Cubans also offer amazing coffees and espressos. One favorite of all visitors in Havana is, Havana Coffee Works, grown and roasted in Havana. Havana has somewhat limited hotel availability, due to the growing number of visitors, so it is best to book early. To feel like a local, trying renting an air B and B in Old Town, for an authentic Havana experience. In the last year over 700,000 people visited Cuba. Cuba has been called the new Tulum of the Caribbean. Havana is an exploding city with culture, food and art. This city will continue to grow with new relations to the outside world.
“Also can refer to the coarseness as appropriate for a certain method of extraction�
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/12/fashion/mens-style/jw-anderson-grindr-london-fashion-week-fall-2016.html?_r=0
Coffee Grind-r
Grindr, “The World’s Largest Gay Social Network App,” was the tool in which fashion designer J.W. Anderson utilized to livestream his Fall 2016 menswear collection. Grindr, as the likes of Tinder, has been notarized as a hyper sexual dating app, but specifically amongst gay men. Considering J.W. Anderson associates as being gay himself, it wasn’t hard to fathom the idea of using this app. However, the mixed emotions and comments resulting from his actions is something he didn’t swipe right for. The show was available on Grindr for 24 hours after first premiering. While app users could simply continue with their swiping, they could also view the show. Of course, there is an audience of gay men who are highly susceptible to fashion and enjoyed having the accessibility to view the runway
looks. However, the association with Grindr being specifically for gays was off putting for some. This included some of the models, as well as their agencies. Some agencies were hesitant to send their models once they heard Anderson’s announcement. Many models were underage, in which they questioned how appropriate the association would be. That being said, users of the app must be 18 and older, yet, livestream events do not have age restrictions. One model, who refused to be named, that partaked in the show stated that he was uncomfortable answering the question of how he felt about the livestream. In an interview with NY Times, Anderson was quoted “I think at the beginning there was a bit of unknowingness, which was stressful. But I believe in this project. I think it’s very important that brands explore media; I think it’s the only way forward. I don’t see any differentiation between Grindr and Tinder or any sort of dating app, or Instagram. I feel like people now can use any sort of social device to meet people.” While his statement shows full confidence of his decision, it still sparks an array of questions. Why can people use Tinder (which has the options of same sex swiping) and not have the same conceived notions as those who use Grindr? What makes Instagram a “better” choice for designers when the social media outlet is constantly having to remove nude pictures that have been uploaded? Why have so many brands joined SnapChat, when that app was notorious for the communication of inappropriate pictures sent back and forth between users? And perhaps one of the most disturbing questions, is why do people have to take to apps to meet others? Anderson has shown that while a large majority of fashion industry people have grown accustomed and accepting of homosexuality, the approval can radically change once shown in a different setting, like Grindr. Perhaps, everyone needs to play a game of apps to apps, and see what’s truly in the cards.
MARY TRES
V MAGAZINE 51
so long starman a tribute to david bowie, ziggy stardust, jareth the goblin king and everything in between
PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA BECKERDITE TEXT ERIN WYROSDICK FASHION MARY TRES TAYLOR VRSCAK ERIN WYROSDICK
LET’S DANCE TOP VINTAGE GUCCI VEST DIESEL
SUPER CREEP
TOP ALEXANDER WANG BLAZER MARC JACOBS
SPACE ODDITY
TOP GUICCI BLAZER H&M
FEAR ME LOVE ME
TOP SAINT LAURENT VEST DIESEL
Masculine Beauty PERFECTION IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF MANY MINDS IN SOUTH KOREA. THIS IS VISIBLY PRESENT THROUGH MEN OF THE COUNTRY, WHO HAVE STARTED TAKING TO MAKEUP TO APPEAR FLAWLESS. V MAGAZINE INTERPRETS THEIR VERSION OF EMBODIED REFINEMENT. PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA BECKERDITE MAKEUP KATIE SCHIEWE OLIVIA PATSAVAS
Makeup for men; we’ve seen it before. Men of royalty throughout history have been wearing makeup for a powdery white complexion. In the 70s, David Bowie wore vibrant makeup which ultimately lead to famous makeup artist, Mary Quant, creating a bright colorbox men makeup kit. Recently, in South Korea, it’s become a norm for men to wear makeup. This new trend emerging completely contradicts western ideals of masculinity. Many men in America have started to adapt to thick, untrimmed beards, as a way of showcasing their masculinity. However, the men in South Korea have ideals of a flawless, feminine look. The idea of beauty has always been a factor in South Korean culture with a high level of importance on youthful looking skin. In fact, the
South Korean beauty product industry has made about $10 billion in sales annually. Kang Jae-joon, head of equity research at Franklin Templeton Investment, found that the men’s beauty market has been growing by 9% every year for the past 4 years. This translated to more than 10%, or $1.5 billion, of sales of male beauty products. The growth of beauty products by South Korean men was largely in part due to job competition. While many candidates are highly qualified, the need to stand out from one another is reflected by their appearance. Thus, men are showing up to their interviews perfectly groomed with flawlessly concealed skin. This trend grew even more with male celebrities who wore makeup on extremely popular Korean Soap Operas
and K-Pop (popular Korean music). They appeared to have a soft, feminine, “perfect” look. From a fan’s viewpoint, it was believed that a more feminine image was in fact a sign of power, wealth, beauty, and fame. Despite various ideals of beauty across the world, it will be fascinating to see if more men adopt to this trend. In addition, if such a trend were to persist, it would be interesting to see if men would have the same expectations to properly groom and wear makeup like women have. SOPHIE LITOW
V MAGAZINE 63
THE COUPLE THAT SWAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER
THE NEW AMERICAN GOTHIC
PHOTOGRAPHY HARRISON ALBERT FASHION SOPHIE LITOW KATIE SCHIEWE MARY TRES TAYLOR VRSCAK
JACKET J CREW DRESS JOIE MEN’S TOP ALEXANDER WANG
GENDER ROLES HAVE OFTEN CONSTRAINED THE WAY IN WHICH WE BEHAVE AND DRESS. WITH SOCIETAL VIEWS SLOWLY PROGRESSING, WE NO LONGER FEEL THE NEED TO SUCCUMB TO THESE CONSTRAINTS. WE CAN OPENLY SELF EXPRESS; WITHOUT SELF IDENTIFYING.
SAME OLD SAME OLD
JACKET J CREW DRESS JOIE MEN’S TOP ALEXANDER WANG PANTS JOE’S JEANS
CAT CALLS
Top H&M Skirt Tibi Pearls KENNETH JAY LANE
Scarf BCBG Tote Bag Tory Burch Rectangle Bag Kate Spade Saddle Bag Chloe Metallic Shoes J Crew White Loafers Cole Haan
Men’s Top Ted Baker Women’s Top Levis Women’s Pants Body Action Design
LEGS CROSSED, HEART CROSSED TOO.
PRETTY BOY
Headband Vintage Dior Blue Top Topshop Man Pink Top H&M
DRAW THE BLINDS
Skirt Lulu’s Pants Body Action Design
MODERNISM;REINTERPRETED Gold Coat Dolce & Gabbana Pink Coat Burberry
SEXLESS STITCHES
CREATIVITY IS BUSTLING WITHIN THE SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN’S FASHION DEPARTMENT. DESIGNERS CARMELA OSORIO LUGO, OLIVIA PATSAVAS, AND ASHLEY ROMASKO LENT THEIR WORK TO V MAGAZINE AND WE TOOK IT FOR A TEST RUN. OUR GOAL WAS TO SHOW THAT THEIR CLOTHING DOES NOT FIT WITHIN THE CONFINES OF LABELS, RATHER WITHIN A STORY. THAT STORY BEING TOLD BY EITHER SEX. PHOTOGRAPHY JESSIE SCOTT FASHION AND TEXT MARY TRES MAKEUP SOPHIE LITOW
Carmela Osorio lugo CARMELA OSORIO LUGO WAS BORN IN CARACAS, VENEZUELA. SINCE STARTING HER LEARNING CAREER AT SCAD, SHE HAS WELCOMED MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, WHICH HAVE INCLUDED WINNING THE RALPH LAUREN CREATIVE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AND THE CFDA AWARD LIZ CLAIBORNE SCHOLARSHIP IN 2014. SINCE LAUNCHING HER OWN BRAND, HER WORK HAS BEEN FEATURED ON E! ENTERTAINMENT TV AND AND VOGUE.MX.
Olivia Patsavas OLIVIA PATSAVAS IS FROM CHICAGO AND IS FOCUSING ON PERFORMANCE AND SPORTSWEAR WITHIN SCAD’S FASHION DESIGN DEPARTMENT. SHE IS CURRENTLY ON THE EQUESTRIAN TEAM, AND BLENDS THAT ATHLETICISM WITH HER DESIGNS.
Jacket: Alexander Wang
Ashley Romasko ASHLEY ROMASKO IS A STUDENT FROM WISCONSIN WHO IS CURRENTLY PURSING A DEGREE IN FASHION DESIGN AT SCAD. HER WORK IS HIGHLY ARTISTIC WHICH IS DUE IN PART TO HER LENGTHY DESIGN PROCESS, WHICH INCLUDES MOODBOARDS, SKETCHES AND FABRIC SWATCHES. THE CLOTHES REFELCT A PAINTERLY QUALITY, WHICH IS WHY THEY EVOKE A SENSE OF FREEDOM.
Hormonal rants OUR IN HOUSE POET SPEAKS ON GENDER; WITH A SHOT OF PERSPECTIVE, AND ESTROGEN. TEXT BY MARY TRES
one
Queer-eye; figurative Queer-eye; literal Do you see what I see?
two
A bush untrimmed Translates a house unkempt Will you lay with me?
three
We both get cold We both have nerves Why do I have to be supported?
four
K8 Hardy, Bargain Series, (2014-present)
Like father, like son Like father, like daughter Your offspring; still I am
five
My apparel is oversized, lingering with slight musk. My stance is hunched and my hips straight in alliance with my legs; I’m walking. My face is clean, at least of the paint. My hair is tucked into a ball cap; I’m hiding. My disguise, if that’s what we must call it. My ears are unbeholden to me; The animals have been silenced.
SIX
Presented without barcode Because there is nothing to scan. “Prefer not to answer.”
SEVEN
We can start to “accept” Hell, we can even “legalize” But once we do not identify The board is washed clean Cy Twombly, Ferragosto, 1961, Thomas Ammann Fine Art, Zurich
Eight
You want to look like me You want to walk like me You want to talk like me You want to smell like me You want to wear your hair like me You want to style your nails like me You want to smack your lips like me You want to bat your lashes like me Do you want to bleed like me?.
Hannah Höch, Russian Dancer/My Double, 1928 Photomontage, 12 x 8 7/8 inches Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museum, Brunswick, Germany
V MAGAZINE 99
victor victoria A WOMAN PRETENDING TO BE A MAN, PRETENDING TO BE A WOMAN PHOTOGRAPHY JESS FARRAN FASHION ERIN WYROSDICK MARY TRES TAYLOR VRSACK MAKEUP SOPHIE LITOW
IT’S A MAN’S WORLD Jumpsuit Cushnie et Ochs Bowtie Saint Laurent Earrings Tiffany & Co.
HALF IN Top Dior
HALF OUT
Suit Shirt Tie Saint laurent
ALL IN
Dress Valentino Earrings Channel
ACCEPTANCE IS BLACK AND WHITE AUGUSTO SILVA ALLIEGRO, A SOPHOMORE STUDENT STUDYING PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN, DISCUSSES HIS LATEST BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY ASSIGNMENT WITH V MAGAZINE AND HOW HE’S ANTICIPATING A CHANGE WITHIN SOCIETY. PHOTOGRAPHY ERIN WYROSDICK
Above Photography: Augusto Silva Alliegro
V Magazine: Briefly discuss where you’re from and what led you to SCAD. Augusto Silva: Well I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. I got my first camera when I was super small and I’ve always loved to shoot pictures subconsciously like it wasn’t just me saying, “Oh I may study photography.”. And then, do you guys remember this trend of everyone like having like a nikon? My parents gave me one and I said to myself that if I’m gonna have a good camera, I’m going to learn how to use it. So there’s this small school where I studied photography for 2 or 3 years, prior to coming to SCAD. The thought process in my country when you’re in high school is that you chose between two branches, let’s call it that way. So it’s the science branch and the humanities branch. So when I had the moment to chose that option my mom didn’t want me to go through humanities because if you go through science, you have more of a broad campus of study. So I decided to stick to what I believed in and go through humanities where we study more of a social aspect of the human being, philosophy, art, history. When it came time to decide where I was going to go to college,
I asked my mom if she would let me apply to college in the states. So I applied to three universities; I applied to Parsons, i applied here (i.e. SCAD), and I applied to Rhode Island. I got into the three colleges that I wanted but SCAD was the one that gave me a higher scholarship. I literally just fell in love with this town and everything. So that’s basically how I ended up here and I have never thought of changing my major, my minor, whatever. I’ve always taken to what I’ve loved because I felt like if my mom was going to invest in a school, my education, I would have to have a clear mind because going to come study to the states is a big step economically. I literally left everything behind to come here, come alone to this country and pursue my dream. So your latest project is incorporating shooting male models in female clothing. What initially inspired that idea? AS: Well I actually saw this article of Jaden Smith wearing girls clothes and I was like, “Oh this is really cool, and this is a social statement.” And also one article that called my attention was a Target article which said that they weren’t not gonna label clothes anymore. and when i decid-
ed to shoot, I had in mind several projects but then it came to my mind like ‘Why don’t I do just sort of an editorial shoot of Carmela’s (Carmela Osorio Lugo, see pg ex) clothes. I’m shooting this maybe not knowing what it means. So I talked to Jaclyn, who is my black and white photography professor, she was like “ I love this, stick to this project.” So that was basically how the story went on and I wanted to incorporate clothes that have the same silhouette. But I don’t want it to be a fashion project, I want it to have a narrative and tell a story. My photos always have a feminine style I feel, and by breaking those boundaries I feel like you shock people and make some controversy. So I want to show that timeline of the story of just being desperate then being comfortable but being alone at the same time. Then I don’t know if I’m gonna close with an ending of going out in public and doing this . I don’t know how it’s gonna end up.
Photography: Augusto Silva Alliegro
I noticed that you cite a buzzfeed article describing a recent dress code controversy. Can you explain a little more about that and whether it had a direct correlation to your idea? AS: My friend actually sent it to me, Giulia. She sent me this article about these kids who did this protest at their school because they have uniforms and they have this regulation that they want to stop it. But the people in the council voted against it and they said, ‘Ok we have a dress code, it applies to men and women, but it doesn’t say I cannot wear a dress for example because I’m a man.’ I don’t believe in labels so if you’re gay, straight, bi, man, woman, transgender; I don’t believe that that’s a label. It’s just how comfortable you feel in what you are, so I feel like they were challenging not only the clothes but how society sees clothes and people. Over time we’ve often seen women in men’s clothing and have not thought much about. Why do you think the public was adaptable to allowing that trend to grow and continue? AS: I feel like it’s not the public, just society that has been ruled by men so when a man acts like a woman, it’s controversial. But when a woman
dresses like a man, it’s not because somehow they make it stylish or they make it classy and it’s not going against boundaries because women wear pants, for example. So if you wear a suit, it’s not like you’re wearing something controversial you know because if a man wears a miniskirt for example, that’s gonna cause controversy because that’s something that society hasn’t seen. How do you feel then that the public interprets men in womenswear and do you think there’s a difference in interpretation between the European and American populations? AS: I was in Paris and I remember seeing a man just wear women’s clothes and my brother, he was like in shock. Why is the social impact so high? I do know that maybe Europe has been more open to it than americans. There’s always people that are gonna be open to it, there’s always people that are gonna be against it and then there’s just gonna be people that don’t care about it. How do you foresee gender roles progressing or changing at all within the future? AS: I hope that it’s gonna be open. I don’t think this is something we are gonna wake up tomorrow and be like
“Hey, I’m buying in the women’s section.” It’s everyone’s section. I think it’s gonna be hard to adapt ourselves to but I think that’s coming at some point. And that’s not a bad thing.
MARY TRES
Oh my GAWD PHOTOGRAPHY JESS FARRAN
Throughout history, the human bodies have been criticized and adorned. Men have taken to build and sculpt their figures, which have led others to view them as godly statues and pieces of art. Their muscles show their dedication, strength and ability to perform masculine tasks; such as heavy lifting. Women, on the
other hand, have their bodies criticized in a sexual manner. In the past, women with larger hips were viewed as being able to better withstand carrying a baby. Television and the Internet have definitely helped in molding our minds and streamlining our thought processes. We now subconsciously look at an image and think in
the way that we have been trained to do so. Now, who will train us to think otherwise? MARY TRES
V MAGAZINE 117
beyond conversation; CHristopher johnson TEXT MARY TRES TAYLOR VRSCAK PHOTOGRAPHY ERIN WYROSDICK Christopher Johnson, painting major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, has been exploring different mediums his whole life, but at the age of 16 he decided to pursue painting. “I had done a bunch of paintings for a musician that I had no intention of getting to or selling to him or anything. When I actually did end up meeting him, the recognition from him was something of a motivation.” While during his time as a student, he has had the opportunity to paint for famous musicians, have his pieces featured in music videos, as well as on these musicians’ social media pages. Beyond Conversation. Here, V sat down with the artist to speak on his work, and his life as a painter. So was it then after that first musician that you worked with that you then became more interested in using musicians in your artwork? CJ Yeah for sure! Music has always been a driving force for my work. Whether its just actually just painting the actual musicians or just trying to capture an energy or more of like an essence of them. That is something
that I am starting to move into with all of these shapes in my most recent work is more of a primordial reaction to an energy, That the person or musician for instance gives off so I think like musicians definitely were the spark. I see that you have worked with then obviously several artists and then they have your work in their videos and such and posted on Instagram, which artist was the most interesting to work for or with and why? CJ I did a painting for this hip hop artist from Florida, Caskey. He was just starting off his career, and I actually had the opportunity to meet him at one of the most renowned recording studios in Atlanta to deliver his painting. It was his first time being at that recording studio, so when we arrived we went on a tour that they give every musician when they go. It was amazing to see all of the rooms that history has been made in such as Outkast recorded their number one album in that studio, as well as Snoop Dogg. As far as experiences go that was the coolest thing I’ve had from musicians for sure. How do you view social media outlets as a platform for the art industry? CJ I think it’s definitely a tool that can be used to advance yourself, but I don’t see social media as something that you need to rely on as far as getting your work out there. I don’t think it should be used for basing your work off of, I think social media and computers and technology in general should be used as another tool to
hone in on your craft. In my opinion, anything that you rely on too much will just become a crutch and your work will suffer. What are your opinions on both conceptual and commercial art? CJ In like what sense? What kind of commercial art? In like do you think the two need each other to exist or is one favored or becoming more popular for negative reasons? CJ I would say that the two stand their own ground. The two definitely know their place and they obviously are going to mix at times, but I think there’s definitely pros and cons for both of them. I’m obviously going to be biased because I am a fine artist. So you were kind of talking about the current projects you were doing, was there anything else you forsee that you are inspired to work on next? CJ Yeah! With all of these shapes that I am making I have been doing it in this program Rhino which is a 3D modeling program that I have been pretty much self teaching myself. My next step is to bring three-dimensionality into these shapes and actually build them up, somewhat like the old frames that were gilded. It has been a really big experiment for me using these shapes and I don’t think it ever want to paint on a square canvas anymore, so I think shapes are the future for me honestly. And lastly, is there someone in particular you would like to create a piece for? CJ Neil Young. Definitely. Is there a specific reason why? CJ Big inspiration. I really like the idea of getting ahold of people that seem to be unapproachable and he’s definitely for me probably the highest up there. Like I don’t even know where I would begin to talk to Neil Young so he’s definitely number one on the list right now for sure.