Becoming New York

by, Grace Rooney

eople move to New York City for all different reasons. For some it is the opportunity to be in a major city, whether it be for fashion, business, politics, or any of the other industries that are centered here. For others, it’s the acceptance that comes with a liberal city like New York. For me, it was about all of these things and more; New York has an electric energy that cannot be denied. Choosing to move to New York for my college years was not an easy decision. I grew up in a beach town where the population is equivalent to the population of Tribeca alone. Most people who went to my high school go to the state public school or stay in a close vicinity. When I decided to come to New York, it was a drastic change. It’s a change that many people across the country have undergone, and the daunting aspect of my New York lifestyle certainly wasn’t unique to me. Almost everyone I have spoken to who isn’t from a major city has had P

experiences similar to mine. I remember questioning my own sense of style when the girl down the hall (now one of my best friends) told me that she had her closet color coordinated. Another one of my friends said that she instantly felt the need to “step up her game” when she moved here. We felt like we had to be Carrie Bradshaw to be worthy of living here. What I’ve learned in the few months I have been here isn’t to color coordinate my closet or buy more expensive clothing. It’s that my sense of style is important to me, and that is what a New York lifestyle is about. Here, no one cares about what your closet looks like or how much money you spend. What matters is that you love what you’re doing, and that your own sense wof style becomes refined in its own right, independent of anyone else.

Boujee* Insta

The lifestyles of the rich, or the filtered presentations of glamorous lives, flood our Instagram feeds. The younger generations present an aesthetically pleasing version of their lives, and the most luxurious pages are envied. What makes this interesting is that much of the younger generations (Millennials and Generation Z) are simultaneously critical of the capitalist system that allows for the disproportionate affluence. People on Twitter question whether it’s ethical to have billionaires, while Instagram seems to be a competition of who can show off the best lifestyle.

Some Instagram accounts share photos of inspirational quotes that support their theme of happiness, growth, and living their best lives. It’s a platform we use to portray joy and positivity. However most of us know that people are not as happy as they seem, and many of those people are not as skinny and flawless as they look (thanks to Photoshop and Facetune). Our generation USES INSTAGRAM to show the perfect version of our lives.

witter is a different world. People are critical of life and society, with most viral tweets being incredibly depressing. Famous Twitter celebs don’t try to show off wealth. In fact, there’s a strong culture around jokes about being broke and a lot of anger toward the top one percent in the United States.

The younger generations are presenting themselves and what they care about in a drastically different way on each platform. People on Twitter are angry about the economic system in the United States that allows extreme income inequality to exist, and many more people are supporting socialist-leaning views due to this anger. Yet, the same age group on Instagram is leaning into the capitalist idea, indulging in consumerism and a luxuriously portrayed life.

VS.

AntiCapitalist

Twitter * “High class, flossin’, ballin’. One who posesses swag. Elite, rich.”

Social media culture has simultaneously become focused on the jovial flaunting of wealth and on the tackling of controversial political, economic, and social issues. A stereotypical college student’s Instagram post is about partying or brunch. The stereotypical college tweet is about being poor, college being an expensive scam, and being depressed (very often about wanting to get hit by a car).

When asking Fordham students ,“Who would you follow?”the preferred was a Twitter user with Anti-Capitalist behavior.

A lot of the same millennials and Gen Z kids that are living boujee lives on Instagram are criticizing the wealthy on Twitter. People are both envious of luxury and eager to take down the wealthiest in the country—two social media platforms, but two wildly different representations of the self. On Instagram, everyone likes to “flex,” yet, on Twitter, want to be “woke.” Even those that advocate heavily for their views still participate in the rich-kid vibe of Instagram (see: Jaboukie Young-White, no shade to him though). Some people want to show the world (what looks like) their best life, what their political views are, how their day went, or tell jokes. Instagram and Twitter-famous millennials continue to show the drastic divide within social media.

The Secret Behind Supplements: What Influencers Are Really Promoting

Every day, our lives are flooded with information, and it can be hard for the average consumer to distinguish fact from fiction. In a world where young adults turn to social media for the latest trends and products, danger lies ahead. Influencers, who already have the mainstream’s “perfect” physique and desirable appearance, promote a variety of products online that claim to provide rapid health benefits. If you are an avid user of social media, you have probably heard of products such as SugarBearHair gummies, FitTea, Flat Tummy’s appetite-suppressant lollipops, or even waist trainers. Influencers like Jemma Lucy and the Kardashians are infamous for advertising a majority of these products, leading to millions of dollars going into an industry that is unregulated by the U.S. FDA—just because they took a picture in front of a mirror, wearing workout clothes, and showcasing the product. Even fitness trainers, whose job is to work out the most prestigious clientele, make an extra buck promoting vitamins and supplements for boosting energy, getting sleep, building muscle, and burning fat. Health expert Dr. Oz has repeatedly covered different supplements on his show, claiming them to be the newest, best way to lose weight, and completely contradicting himself the following week by promoting a new combination of mystery herbs or extracts. As someone who takes supplements for reasons of deficiency and doctor’s recommendations, I find it troubling that so many people are spending their money on vitamins, weight-loss supplements, “fit” teas, and gummies only because “insta-celebs” are paid to tell them they work. Ingredients, side effects, allergens, and placebos are all concerns that I hope more of us take seriously. Dietary supplements can provide great health benefits, but they are not for everyone. Some products labeled in the health industry are reviewed by the FDA as a food, not a drug. The FDA also does not have the agency to test all new health supplements for levels of safety and efficacy. This means that the jury is still out on potential side effects, interactions with medications, and actual quantitative benefits. At the end of the day, we all want to look our best, have glowing skin, grow healthier hair and nails, and feel more confident in any way we can. I, too, have stopped my incessant scrolling to read a caption saying, “This tea helped me lose 15 pounds in three weeks!” or “I have never gotten a better night’s sleep!” However, all of these products are just fueling the damaging, unattainable beauty standards placed upon young people, especially women, today. The influencers who get paid to promote them also have strict workout regimens, extreme diets, and, in many cases, multiple cosmetic procedures that give them their “flawless” looks. It is unfair and unsafe for these same people to sell false promises in the form of a pill, tea bag, or lollipop instead of inspiring others to cook healthy, unprocessed meals and exercise regularly. Let’s face it: No one is going to get a butt or a waist like Kim Kardashian’s just by drinking tea or sucking on a lollipop. Instead, there will be a growth in popularity surrounding diet culture and an unhealthy dependence on supplements that overshadow clean eating and exercise, which is usually cheaper and way more effective than buying a bottle of pills. By Olivia Vizza 21

It’s often said that everything comes back into style eventually. Whether it be vintage fashion trends revolutionizing our wardrobes or record players changing the way we listen to music, if you wait long enough, old trends will be recycled. Just walk into any Urban Outfitters, and you’re sure to see row after row flooded with vintage goods. The latest retro trend has been revived in photography: disposable cameras. Some may find this surprising because of the technological advances in photography—like smartphone cameras and high-tech DSLRs—over the last decade, but disposables are back and better than ever. In a social media–focused world that values creating a flawless image, many have become obsessed with capturing the perfect Instagram photo. It’s become so easy to fall into this lifestyle since smartphone cameras can instantly capture any moment and erase any shot that doesn’t reflect the image you are seeking to maintain. Millennials and Gen Z, however, are recently favoring the grainy, light- streaked, oversaturated photos from old- school disposable cameras over perfectly edited iPhone pictures. These film photos are taken in the moment with no delete or retake option. They let you capture the most candid, spontaneous moments the social media generation seems to have forgotten about. The thrill of taking a photo and not knowing how it turned out until days later has led young people to rebel against the disingenuous ethos of social media. Instead of centering their social lives around taking the perfect Instagram photo, many feel they are regaining authenticity in their lives by using film cameras. They allow people to receive a tangible memory from their adventures and focus more on the moment itself than the actual look of the photo. Celebrities have wholeheartedly embraced this trend as well, with many popular YouTubers and influencers dedicating social media accounts exclusively to sharing their film photos. David Dobrik, a YouTube star with over 15 million subscribers, created his account @davidsdisposable last June. Models, such as Gigi Hadid, have also been using disposable cameras at fashion shows, opting for a more down- to-earth vibe than the overly edited photos you typically see of models. Even if you don’t own a disposable camera or don’t want to go through the process of developing photos, many apps that offer film-camera effects now exist. The most popular, HUJI Cam, adds light leaks and grainy effects to photos. It even prints a timestamp in the corner of each photo to complete the vintage aesthetic. For those who really want to have the disposable camera experience on their smartphones, the app Gudak Cam allows users to take 24 low-resolution photos through a tiny screen resembling a disposable camera. Once you use up your 24 photos, the app makes you wait an hour before taking another. After three days, users can access their photos and save them to their camera rolls. Disposable cameras transport you back to a simpler, more authentic world where every photo has real meaning. They are as aesthetically pleasing as they are an escape from the pressure of the world of social media. For just $10 (or even for free with apps!), you can go back in time and see life from a whole new perspective. By: Alexandra Lange 22

Join the MODE Family!

Check out our blog! fordhammode.wordpress.com Follow us on Insta! @modemagazine

alessandra carino B eauty inspired by real-life,” “Skin first, makeup second.” These are the philosophies of Glossier, one of the trendiest, fast-growing beauty brands currently on the market. These slogans encompass a brand motivation that sets it apart from its competitors. When

Emily Weiss, Glossier’s foundress, began her blog, Into the Gloss, in 2010, a billion-dollar corporation is the last thing she thought she would be creating. Eventually, in 2014, she launched

Glossier, an online store with only four products: the Soothing

Face Mist, Priming

Moisturizer, Balm Dotcom salve, and the

Perfecting Skin Tint foundation. Upon first glance, it might seem like these were regular beauty products you could find at any beauty supplier, but Weiss was aiming for something new and different. “Skin First Makeup Second” Glossier focuses on you. Each product is designed not to cover you up, but to bring out your natural beauty. The brand places a great emphasis on skincare. Its philosophy is that instead of putting on a “new face,” we are to take care of the skin we have. Only then do we add makeup to the routine. Glossier practices the importance of individualism as a core part of their brand, not only with its skincare, but with its perfume, Glossier You, as well. It has been formulated in such a way that it smells different on everyone who wears it. It works with your body’s natural chemistry to make you smell like the freshest version of yourself. “Beauty Inspired by Real-Life”

Another unique aspect of Glossier is its minimalism and the functionality of the products. The user-friendly products were designed with the average person in mind. Products like their Boy Brow, Stretch Concealer, and Cloud Paint are staples in so many makeup bags because anyone can use them, and they look great. Many people are intimidated by makeup, but Glossier offers a “justenough” approach for those looking to explore the beauty world while maintaining a simple routine.

Beauty Game-Changers of the Decade By Anita Tataj

Beauty has always been at the forefront of change. With each passing decade we see trends come and go; from sleek, healthy hair in the ’70s to bold, punk rock makeup in the ’80s. The last 10 years have been nothing short of that. Here are Mode’s five biggest beauty game-changers of the 2010s.

Makeup mogul Kylie Jenner’s billion-dollar business

Kylie Jenner took her fans’ obsession of overlined lips and converted it into a billion-dollar makeup company: Kylie Cosmetics. With such a move, Jenner took mega-fame under her own control and built up a line that was once just $25 lip kits into a business worth $900 million, according to Forbes. Nonetheless, she’s not the only member of her family empire to build a cosmetics brand as her sister Kim Kardashian West’s beauty line, KKW Beauty, has brought in over $100 million in sales.

The “Fenty Effect” and shade-range inclusivity

Since launching in 2017 with 40 different foundation shades, Fenty Beauty has expanded to 50 shades, completely raising the bar for all other cosmetic brands. The shade range for foundation has grown incredibly in the last decade, and we can thank Rihanna for that. Rihanna leads with inclusivity at the forefront of all of her brands, from Fenty Beauty to her Savage X Fenty Lingerie line which coins the terms “All Styles, All Sizes!” and “Designed for Every Body.”

The emphasis on skincare

Now more than ever, people are willing to pay a pretty penny on skincare. People invest on skincare rather than cosmetics, leaning toward sciencebased brands that use high-grade ingredients. Many beauty brands, like Glossier, are embracing this skincare shift by pinning the emphasis on taking care of the skin you have, before adding the makeup.

The Big Brow

British model Cara Delevingne paved the way for the eyebrow trend that would soon take over the decade when she walked in a Burberry fashion show in 2010. Microblading and eyebrow tinting would rise in the next 10 years to revolutionize the beauty ideals surrounding eyebrows completely.

Influencer Beauty: the rise of #beauty and the YouTube beauty vlogger

Perhaps the biggest beauty phenomenon of the last decade: young makeup artists finding their voice on YouTube and growing their followers to the millions. YouTube stars like James Charles have grown to create makeup collaborations with famous beauty brands like Morphe, or have even produced their own beauty companies, like Jeffree Star Cosmetics. This platform has not only revolutionized makeup beyond bricks-and-mortar stores, but it also encourages positivity within the beauty community. Social media has allowed Nikita Dragun to use her beauty channel to advocate for trans rights, while male makeup artists, like E!’s 2019 People’s Choice Awards’ Influencer of the Year Bretman Rock, use their channels to encourage males in the makeup scene.

Last semester, in Mode’s Fall/Winter 2019 issue, we featured an article titled “Curls, Coils, and Kinks.” Though we intended to mention Type 2A-4C hair, we mistakenly put Type 1A-3C hair instead. The people writing the article and those that reviewed it were admittedly not as educated on the topic, and we understand how this becomes problematic, especially for underrepresented communities. It was never our intention to hurt anyone or leave anyone out. It was an oversight and a mistake. We know better now and we are trying our best to do better too. There is not enough representation for people of color, especially black people and women of color, and we apologize that we took part in that underrepresentation. We want to change that. This was a lesson we learned from and one we will never forget in future projects. This does not reflect what Mode stands for, as we are a collective that celebrates all people. The two women we want to feature on this page are Kimona Dussard and Kishell Davis. These women have fantastic personalities, respected leadership positions at Fordham, and a lot to say about representation! We hope you are able to learn from their insight. We are grateful for those that reached out to us, the women that agreed to share their insight, and most importantly, the people that speak up when it comes to topics like this. We are glad that you find courage in being a voice for your communities. You are an inspiration to many.

Who are your inspirations and why?

Michelle Obama and Olivia Pope. I know Olivia Pope is a fictional character BUT she was the first strong black woman that I saw as the main character of a TV show. She wasn't just the sidekick you know? And Michelle Obama is just all kinds of amazing! They are two strong black women that remind me that I can take whatever the world throws at me.

What type of hair do you have and how do you maintain/take care of it?

I've got 4c (kinky curly) hair. My hair routine consists of a LOT of deep conditioning and two strand twists.

Why is representation necessary, especially at Fordham?

There are so many reasons I could go into for why representation is necessary, but I think the main reason is that without representation minority groups are only perceived by their stereotypes. Not only does that lead to so many microaggressions, but in a predominantly white institution like Fordham it can make minority students question whether they belong or are appreciated in this community.

FCRH 2020 Major: Political Science Minor: Peace & Justice Studies “Follow me on insta @KimonaElizabeth”

Kimona Dussard

Who are your inspirations and why?

The people that I am most inspired by are Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. My forever First Lady, Michelle Obama, is the epitome of hard work, perseverance, resilience, the embodiment of the American Dream, and so much more. She grew up in Southside Chicago, where her odds of failure were higher than her chances of success. Yet, she managed to surpass the odds. She has degrees from Ivy Leagues universities, she is a lawyer, a philanthropist, an activist, and most importantly, an inspiration to black women such as myself who are determined to succeed. Oprah Winfrey sets the standards for love, compassion, and the fellowship of mankind. She cheerfully gives back to her community and to the world. She institutes programs and opportunities that allow those that are disadvantaged to advance their education and further their careers. These inspirational women set the standard, and I have so choice but to emulate their excellence.

What type of hair do you have and how do you maintain/take care of it?

I am very spontaneous. Naturally, I have 4C kinky afro hair, but I’ve worn my hair shaven since I was 17. I like to switch up my styles, depending on the day, event, or my mood. So if I want, I may rock a wig – an afro, straight hair, a bob, pink hair, or wear my shaven hair. I personally do not have much upkeeping to do. But months where I decide to grow my natural hair, I like to use the Cantu line of products, Shea Moisture products, and a variety of oils. Using these products, I feel it is best to let my afro out, or wear a productive style such as braids.

Why is representation necessary, especially at Fordham?

Representation matters! The black community is diverse in many ways – language, culture, religion, educational background, immigration status, sexual orientation and so much more. Proper representation allows for our voices and concerns to be heard. It says “WE MATTER,” and “WE ARE GOING PLACES!” Additionally, it allows us to redefine standards, and reshape primitive customs. When we get more black and brown students at Fordham, we are inviting and opening the opportunity for growth within Fordham and the black community.

Kishell Davis

FCLC 2022 Major: International Political Economy Minor: Economics & English

“I am a Marine Corps ROTC student and I absolutely love it! The military provides great opportunities for everyone to succeed, and further their career. It instills discipline and strength and is one of the most diverse organizations I’ve been involved with. I [also] love reading, volunteering, and exercising, and finding various ways to give back to my community.”