Mode Magazine Fall/Winter 2020

MODE Editor in Chief Jeffrey Pelayo

Creative Director Emily Malacane

Managing Editor Virginia Thior Head of Fundraising Daniela Fame Treasurer Riya Goel Social Media Editor Paige Kowal Secretary Frannie Vena-Pedersen

Photo Editor Gino Catalano

Arts & Entertainment Editor Gayathri Thelekatt Love & Relationships Editor Mira Balsam

Fashion Editor Max Durante Lifestyle Editor Anita Tataj Beauty Editor Emily Abate

Writers: Katelyn Benzinger, Olivia Nast, Melissa Brugmann, Julia Daigle, Audrey Johnston, Stephen Pastore, Paige Kowal, Julia Patterson, Tiernan McEwen, Maggie Peknic, Angelina Sun, Amelia MacGregor, Carson DeLasho, Christine Han, Claire Silverberg, Emily Abate, Grace Kubelka, Olivia Vizza, Anna Gaylord, Caleb Rocha, Nina Carbone, Victoria Broadbent, Christina Muraskas, Grace Fisher, Grace McCarty, Hailey Pryor, James Tampellini, Julia Lapaj, Maya Shetty, Monica Santiago, Ryan Smith, Patrick DeCrescenzo, Quinn Fantozzi, Rachita Mehta, Samantha Wu, Max Durante, Abbey Cloonan, Amanda Blaze, Bella Reilly, Charlotte Falvey, ZoĂŤ Mader, Abbey Delk, Ava Galante, Frannie Vena-Pedersen, Grace Rooney, Japnour Bhasin Layout Team: Jeffrey Pelayo, Emily Malacane, Gino Catalano, Stephen Pastore, Paige Pandolfo, Renee Agostini, Sophie Dreskin, Jessica Laemle, Prutha Chavan, Meah Nizan, Claire Silverberg, Zhane Coleman, Carson Waldron, Tori Broadbent, Kristen McCarthy, Julia Lapaj, Madison Rhoad, Daven Roberts, Grace McCarty, Abby Dziura, Emma Foley, Deirdre Merritt, Natalie Conte, Stephanie James, Max Durante, Maggie Peknic, Jacqueline Risch, Erin Foley Photographers: Gino Catalano, Gibson Borelli, Maya Dominguez, Claire Reynolds, Meah Nizan, Ashley Alvarez, Elise Anstey, Gil Roberts, Mia Pollack, Lauren Cassot, Paige Aloise, Regan Morche, Max Durante Stylists: Jeffrey Pelayo, Erin Foley, Melissa Brugmann, Claire Silverberg, Amanda Sabillon, Monica Santiago, Lauren Cassot, Anna Gaylord, Olivia Roberts, Melissa Brugmann, Karla Reinoso, Paige Pandolfo, Casey Martin, Virginia Thior, Gibson Borelli, Stephanie James, Paige Pandolfo, Max Durante, Carson Waldron Models: Paige Pandolfo, Melissa Brugmann, Gracie Kunik, Stephen Pastore, Teresa Jacob, Kate Blackwell, Audrey Johnston, Grace Kubelka, Carson DeLasho, Paige Kowal, Caleb Rocha, Mia Kroeger, Emily Abate, Sarah Flaherty, Nina Carbone, Monica Santiago, Sammi Petruzzelli, Hailey Pryor, Ryan Smith, Patrick DeCrescenzo, Jacqueline Risch, Maria Skevas, Gabrielle Simporios, Nina Boggan, Virginia Thior, Regan Morche, Erin Foley, Christina Muraskas, Julia Lapaj, Maddie Boone, Sanjay Samuel, Garret Cleveland, Gianluca Mori, Deirdre Merritt, Gracie Kunik, Carson Waldron, Tori Broadbent Artists: Carson DeLasho, Grace McCarty

By Jeffrey Pelayo, Editor in Chief

L

ime green. It’s the first color that popped into my mind when conceptualizing a totally new vision for Mode. It’s the color of the now and the color of the future. So strange and unsettling, yet bold and captivating at the same time. Now duet lime green with the color black, we now have a change of moods. A reborn and rebellious Mode. To me this color represents technology, space-the dark web even. It’s (Ctrl+) alt (+Delete) Mode. “Let’s take away the pink, white, and feminine, and replace it with the green, black, and masculine,” I told my team at the vision reveal meeting.

2 0 0 1 : A S p a c e O d y s s e y

This issue’s theme was originally inspired by Stanley Kubrik’s 1968 film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. After watching the film for the first time in my Computers and Robots in Film class, I was itching to share my idea with the club. The movie creates such stimulating visuals that take the viewer to an almost out-of-body experience. It makes us question the meaning of life, our purpose for the future, and our relationship with technology. After finishing the movie, I was truly in awe by the work that Kubrik accomplished, recognizing that it was far ahead of its time. As the Editor in Chief of Mode, I wanted to look at productions like 2001, and consider my own personal impact when leading my peers to create more thought-provoking and

innovative content just like Kubrik did to me.

for the BLM movement, please turn to page 33).

As the semester progressed, a lot more inspiration came from other sci-fi movies, like The Matrix, Blade Runner, and Hidden Figures, as well. I was especially impressed by this year’s VMAs performance that also conveyed a similar theme of retrofuturism. Despite the circumstances that we face, large influences in the music industry, including Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande, have been forced to think outside the pre-pandemic box and create artwork like no other.

So much passion and determination was put into this magazine and I cannot thank my e-board, this club, our predecessors, and everyone else that participated enough to make this magazine the best it could be. Entirely virtual meetings on Zoom has opened a once-divided club onto the stage where they can present their ideas and questions to dozens of people without any fear or judgement. The commitment is real and it’s seen through the 80-100 people that continue to come to our meetings every Monday night at 9:30 PM. Therefore, I thank technology for bringing us all together and giving us hope.

I am so grateful for the new friends I’ve made, the enthusiasm in this issue, and most especially, my super driven e-board. I see a determination and community that was never really there before so I thank you for all your hardwork to make this happen.

Producing entertaining content during Covid has been a struggle, but it’s also been evolutionary. 2020 has encouraged us to rely on technology in a way that’s optimistic as opposed to pessimistic, as seen in most sci-fi films. What I loved most about 2001, is that it made me think about how everything in this universe is connected: film and fashion, music and moods, and even race and technology. Technology has helped bring so many people and things together, especially during these socially distant and polarizing times. I specifically wanted to dedicate this issue to our Black student leaders on campus and all the hard work they’ve done for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Social media has played an essential role in helping our generation recognize the turmoil of our marginalized communities, and it was so inspiring to see how ASILI specifically was constantly active on their Instagram page this summer to ensure that people were being engaged and getting educated (To read more about their fight

retrofuturism

Before I “sign off,” I want our readers to know that though there are so many things wrong with this world where it can even become overwhelming, there’s a reason why you are here today. There’s a reason why you were placed at this moment in time, in this moment in space. You have a purpose. You have a platform.

You have a voice. You matter.

The universe needs your help and it’s time to step into the future.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Arts and Entertainment Fashion

5 Film is the Future 6 Music Locked Down 7 Lady Gaga’s Chromatica 8 Is TikTok an Escape or a Trap?

9 Artist Spotlight: Mycha Bueché 10 Harry Styles Shines His Light on Music, Style, and Sexuality 12 Broadway Online 13 Modern Eclecticism 14 Olivia O’Brien

FEATURES 33 Mode x El Grito x CASA x ASILI

BEAUTY 40 Starface 41 #HairGoals 42 Do You Know Who You Are? 44 How TikTok Changed Makeup 45 It’s the Little Things

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS 52 Is Your Diet Affecting Your S** Drive?

53 An Interview with Serena F*cking Kerrigan 54 First Love 55 Virginity Rocks 56 Future of Millenial Love 57 The Digital Dating Dilemma 4

A Check-up on the State of the Fashion Industry 5th Avenue Prime Waists of Time Fashion in the Age of Coronavirus Waste and Pollution in the Fashion Industry Time to Change We Need to Kill the Shoelace The Current State of Masks Time Capsule Rappers, Retailers, and Resellers Back to the Future The Soul on my Sleeve “Aesthetic” Ruth Bader Ginsburg

16 17 18 19 20 22 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32

LIFESTYLE Blog Spotlight Mode Merch SoHo and Self Confidence WTF is CBD? TikTok Has Led Conspiracy Theory Discussion Among Gen-Z

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Film is the Future

Written by Audrey Johnston • Photos by Audrey Johnston and Grace Kubelka • Layout by Renee Agostini

Whether you realize it or not, film pictures are back and better than ever. You may have seen Kendall Jenner showing off her new (and expensive) film camera, or maybe you’ve seen them on TikTok or even know someone that uses one, but it’s hard to ignore the resurgence of film.

When I first decided that I wanted to get a film camera, I started using disposables. They’re easy and a one-time purchase so I knew there was no commitment.

Then, when I was on the search for my own “reusable” film camera (aka point and shoot), my parents were a little confused as to why I was interested in shooting film when I have access to a great camera on my phone, and to be honest I couldn’t explain it. I just knew shooting film was fun.

Two years later, I understand why they are so fun. I personally like to shoot film around my friends and family at events. My film camera has been with me everywhere. From walking around New York to sightseeing abroad or even a night out, it is so exciting to pull it out from my purse and just take snapshots of the little moments I otherwise would have taken for granted. My camera has also been with me at a handful of concerts where I’ve taken pictures of the artist or of my friends singing and dancing. A few of my friends have them as well, so if we bring our film cameras we know it’s going to be a good night.

I’ve found that the best part about having a film camera is getting the pictures developed. One of the reasons I love film is because when you take the picture, you can’t say “oh lets get another one I look bad,” or “omg delete that,” you have to wait to see the picture. Then when you actually get the pictures back, it is like being able to relive the memories all over again.

Since there has been a resurgence of film, some cameras like the one Kendall Jenner talked about, are going for hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. However, if you are interested in trying film out, try a disposable camera first! You can get them at any drug store for around $14, or if you want to be more sustainable, get a point and shoot camera. You can find them on eBay or Etsy for pretty cheap before you decide to invest in a nice one. Shooting film has become my new favorite hobby and I’m so happy to have all of the pictures to look back on my time in college.

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Music Music Locked Locked Down Down Written By: Katelyn Benzinger Layout By: Stephen Pastore

When the COVID-19 outbreak took over earlier this year, life as we knew it changed in an instant. As we were forced into our homes in isolation, it was hard to find any positives among the chaos we descended into—even the idea of venturing out to the grocery store became a daunting task. So as things got worse, one of the worst realizations to have upon understanding what our world would look like for the foreseeable future was that all of the concerts we booked would no longer be in the picture.

This proved to be even tougher on the artists. Artists’ lives are based around creating, releasing, and touring the music they put out for public consumption. When you strip them of that key element, the element that helps them feel the closest connection with their fans, they have had to come up with new innovative ways to keep them listening. For most artists, the way to go about doing this was writing and dropping entirely new albums and songs, as opposed to continuing to push their older content forward. From Taylor Swift (Folklore), to Lady Gaga (Chromatica), to Dua Lipa (Future Nostalgia), some of the pop scene’s biggest names have released career—and quarantine—defining pieces of work. And because our screen-time has gone up within previous months, even smaller, upcoming artists like Chloe x Halle (Ungodly Hour) and Rina Sawayama (Sawayama) were able to solidify a name for themselves in the industry and put out some of the most critically acclaimed albums this year.

Even in the height of the pandemic, music never left us. In fact, it acted as a binding agent and brought us even closer together. Despite not being able to go anywhere, we’ve bonded over the new soundtracks to our lives online with others who have found solace in the same corners and places. Music has made it easier to find good in each passing day and if nothing else, at least the music industry won in 2020.

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Lady Gaga’s Chromatica While 2020 has undoubtedly been a mess of a year, one great thing to come out of it was musical icon Lady Gaga’s long awaited new album Chromatica. Her last album Joanne, released in 2016, showed a more toned-down side of notoriously extravagant Gaga and featured acoustic and slower country pop songs. While Joanne was loved by many, some Gaga fans, or Little Monsters, just really missed the old crazy Gaga with outlandish costumes and high energy songs. And she gave them what they wanted.

Gaga is back and better than ever, dropping Chromatica on May 29, 2020. This album is filled with upbeat dance pop and electro pop songs that can instantaneously turn a room into a dance floor. These catchy and fun songs hide a deeper meaning underneath the synthesization and catchy tunes. The songs’ lyrics unveil a lot of mental trauma that Gaga has been through and has not willingly opened up about in the past. Her lyrics tell her story, and it is a sad yet inspiring one.

Her bop-worthy stories placed the album at top of the charts and claimed five wins at the MTV VMA’s. Chromatica’s “Rain on Me,” won VMA’s best song, collaboration, and cinematography. The Chromatica videos released so far are no less grand than the songs. They feature extravagant costumes, eye-grabbing choreography, and intricate plots. Like her songs, her videos tell stories. She can sing, act, dance, and storytell.

Some find it impressive how twelve years after her first album came out, her newest album is topping the chart. Fans have not given up on her shtick because each new song, album, and video has new elements of excitement. She knows how to entertain and connect with people. She is a showstopping performer and storyteller, and Chromatica shows nothing less.

Written By: Olivia Nast Layout By: Stephen Pastore

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Planning to take just a little

break in your day, you scroll through your “for you page” (fyp) for what feels like seconds, but when you check the clock, it’s been hours. Your laptop sits in front of you, powered down from inactivity, and mocks you for how you’ve wasted what was supposed to be “a productive afternoon.”

Article By: Julia Patterson Tiernan McEwen Layout By: Julia Lapaj

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It’s a similar feeling to waking up after a nap that went much longer than expected—a feeling of confusion, disappointment, and wonder.

Why did I just do that? What day is it? What time is it?

Now you try to regroup, but the hundreds of videos you just previewed are swirling through your subconscious. The “what I eat in a day” montages trick you into thinking you’re not hungry.

It makes you think about whether you should eat your next meal and flood your mind with guilt for having that one cookie with lunch.

The images of “perfect” girls and boys detach you from reality. You start to believe that this is how you should look and act, and when the people on the app don’t represent you, you begin to feel detached even from yourself.

The number of people in our generation who have adopted eating disorders, completely changed their personalities, wasted their time, and have obliterated their attention spans, is quite frankly, astounding. So why do we continue?

Well, it may depend on how you spend your time on Tik Tok. We are inclined to subconsciously view certain videos that speak to desires and anxieties leading to a beast of technically our own creating. Think about it. When was the last time you went an entire day without comparing yourself to a glamorized stranger?

But what about the people that feel empowered by this app? The political activism? The sense of solidarity and community so many have found? For many people in our generation, maybe Tik Tok is more of a liberation than a prison for their minds. For the girl that is scared to come out to her conservative parents and doesn’t know how her friends will react, maybe an hour or two of scrolling through her fyp is a good thing. Seeing happy queer couples or seeing people in a similar situation is the perfect support and therapy she needed.

The jury is still out for the long term effects of Tik Tok, but it’s clear that it may be situational. The way people use the app and how it affects them is varied: some use it as a drug, others get sucked into it in an alarming sense, while others benefit from it like a medicine, helping them get through difficult times.

What is clear is that Tik Tok is no Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook. It is a genuinely distinct social media with a new way for people to interact and get addicted. The question of how the app affects is not whether you’re on “straight,” “alt,” or “gay” TikTok. It is whether you feed it your insecurities and let it trap you, or let it liberate you and open you up to an entirely different world you have never experienced before.

Artist Spotlight: Mycha Bueché

An Interview by Paige Kowal

Creativity is something

that each of us harbors. Those who exude it often become talented visual artists and creative thinkers. However, it is often diminished with the entrance into the corporate world.

Mycha Bueche has been able to use art in both her career as well as in her own personal endeavors. I spoke to her about her art and how the world affects it.

Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: My name is Mycha Bueché and I am a Style Art Director for Target Corporation and an artist. I grew up in San Antonio, Texas. I was raised by a family of visual artists/art enthusiasts and tech brains. I always was making, creating or performing in some capacity in my life, whether it be ballet, graphic design, painting, drawing or writing.

I’ve always felt like I have a lot to say and share and I’ve explored that desire my whole life thus far.

Q: How does being a member of the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities affect your work?

A: I strive to portray women in a way that radiates happiness and vibrancy. Being a queer woman openly and freely has brought me troubles, of course, but overall happiness and a sense of freedom. I strive to show that in my pieces. I think showing

women in love or women uninhibited is core to my understanding of my own sexuality and gender expression that naturally comes out of me. My color choices and forms I naturally gravitate towards are reflections of the craftsmanship I see in my heritage.

It is core to how I learned to express myself. My mother is an immigrant from Nicaragua and I always refer back to the way that artisans from our culture represent all emotions and experiences in vibrant color. My brain was nurtured towards this type of expression and I often even find it difficult to express my point of view without first thinking of color and how a palette makes me feel. However, being a white latina, my point of view has been seen. I speak on issues that affect the community in my daily life and am very outspoken against the perils that affect our community, but I don’t make my cultural identity central to my work.

My aim is to uplift black and brown latinx artists to have their voices heard and their work seen in an attempt to decolonize how we see Latinx artists in the US and elsewhere, who are predominantly white, due to colorism in our community.

Q: What contributes to your art? What inspires you?

A: I’m inspired by women in my life, the fashion industry, vibrant color palettes and my

training as a graphic designer.

I love graphic forms and one dimensional representations of people and space.

Q: Did you go to school for art?

A: Yes, I studied Art & Design at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Q: What was your experience working with Target like versus your own artwork?

A: Art and Art Direction are very different, even though you often use similar tools to produce work. My art strives to show my point of view and how I see the world. I define my variables and how I want and hope the world will perceive my work. My work as an art director strives to inspire the Target guest to find joy in their everyday lives from the perspective of Target as a brand. As an Art Director, I am a steward of the brand that applies my aesthetic expertise to inspire others and deliver on business incentives.

Both are fun and I find a lot of joy in my day to day. Both positions are integral to how I express myself and connect/ collaborate with others on a creative level.

Q: How do you see yourself in 5 years?

A: I have found thus far that chasing what inspires me and giving whatever that is my full intentions and work has served me better than any 5 to 10 year plan. I think the unpredictability and tragedies of this year have reinforced this point of view for me and I hope to be doing whatever I love and loving others.

Q: What is your favorite piece you have ever made?

A: I’m not sure I have one yet.

My favorite is usually the most recent that I’ve made or the one that still only exists in my mind. Every piece is a learning experience and I strive for growth over perfect pieces (at least that is what I’m trying to tell myself) Q: Where can people find you?

A: You can find me on instagram as @bueche.jpg and tiktok as @artbymycha . I’m always happy to chat :-)

Q: Finally, what do you have to say to budding artists who are planning on entering the industry?

A: Don’t offer to do work that you aren’t passionate about.

We all have to make a living and passion sells better than whatever you think people want. Chase what makes you excited to think about and never expect perfection out of yourself. Strive for growth and excitement and you’ll never be disappointed.

Layout: Sophie Dreskin

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Harry Styles Shines His Light on Music, Style, and Sexuality Harry Styles could have become just another obsolete artist after the end of One Direction-- another name that fell behind in the industry. However, he decided to push the limits of what our generation knows of music and fashion to launch his solo career. Styles signed a contract with Columbia Records in 2016, solidifying the continuance of his work in music. No one could have predicted what would happen from there.

After his first solo “Sign of the Times� dropped in 2017, his success continued to grow. In 2019, he stunned at the Met Gala where he was co-chair to Anna Wintour (of course), Serena Williams, Lady Gaga, and Alessandro Michele. He dominated the pale pink carpet 10

as he arrived in an all-black ensemble designed by Gucci. As soon as his patent leather heeled boots hit the floor, all eyes were on him. He wore high waisted trousers paired with a high collared sheer button up complete with frills, and finally a single pearl earring for which he specifically pierced his ear. Then, in 2019 he dropped his first full solo album Fine Line where he is shown on the cover wearing a hot pink shirt paired with another set of high-waisted trousers, this time a stark white. When it comes to fashion, Styles has range, and rest assured he is not afraid to break boundaries with his choices.

While teen girls loved the days of Harry Styles in One Direction, his go to look of a t-shirt and skinny

jeans would not cut it for his big debut as a solo artist. Harry needed to make a name for himself outside of his boyband days, and did he ever. With his new aesthetic came lots of speculation. Styles had been known to date a plethora of beautiful women like supermodel Kendall Jenner or fellow artist Taylor Swift, however after Styles began serving us gender-fluid looks, people began questioning his sexuality.

Styles has also grown to become one of the biggest advocates and allies of the LGBTQ community.

He often showcases the flag at his concerts and will verbally advocate as well. When asked about his sexuality, Harry did not give a definite answer. This was not to create ambiguity around his sexuality,

but it was something he felt the world did not need to know.

“Who cares?” he replied. Not only does the 25-year-old serve us both elegant and risky looks, but he knows how to respectfully avoid questions that should not be asked of him because it really is no one’s business.

Aside from his stylistic flair and sexuality, Harry’s musical talent is what has really brought him into the spotlight. This past summer his hit Watermelon Sugar reached number one on the top 100 list.

He has won countless Grammys with over 80 nominations, and he continues to wow his fans with cover songs and live performances. He recently broke into the acting field with Dunkirk, released in 2017, with another movie Don’t Worry Darling on the way.

Styles is a man of many talents, but his music is what drove him to the top. He has been named “Rock’s Savior,” with his sultry and sweet music filling radio stations airwaves.

Styles went from a shy, timid boy who was cut from Britain’s X-Factor, to becoming a style and music icon. He blossomed at a time when we needed an artist who would push limits, break boundaries, and bring back elements of music that have been lost. There is no doubt that Styles will continue to give us fashion inspiration as well as timeless music. Until his next album, movie, or fashion breakthrough we will be patiently waiting and listening to Fine Line on repeat.

By: Julia Daigle Layout: Erin Foley Photographer: Claire Reynolds Models: Stephen Pastore, Teresa Jacob, & Kate Blackwell Stylist: Casey Martin

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Broadway Online The Thebright brightlights lightsof ofBroadway Broadway are are now now the the blue blue lights lights of of your your screen screen

The final curtain call took place on March 12th, with Broadway’s lights now turned off until June 2021. Never before has Broadway seen an event like this, except for when it was shut down on September 11th and 12th in 2001. Fans had to cancel their tickets, and performers were left without a job. As Broadway isn’t set to open up again until June 2021, the Broadway community was left with the question of how they would carry on. The answer: changing the stage lights of Broadway for that of a computer screen.

The most notable of these changes is Hamilton on Disney Plus. After debuting in 2015 at the Richard Rodgers Theater, Hamilton has gained worldwide acclaim, but like every other Broadway show, performances have been suspended as of March 12th. In an effort to bring this musical to others during the midst of the pandemic, Disney bought the distribution rights for $75 million and released Hamilton on DisneyPlus this past July 3rd. Originally, Disney did not plan on releasing it on their platform until October, 2021, but in light of the pandemic and its effects on the film and arts industry, Lin Manuel Miranda announced that it would be released earlier, a decision that would 12

cause a pop culture resurgence of the 2015 Hamilton craze.

Not only did Hamilton go online, but so did the Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration. Stephen Sondheim, the composer behind hits like Company and Into the Woods, was celebrated this year online at Broadway. com, featuring performances by Sutton Foster, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Platt, and many more. A spectacular performance that you can still view on Broadway.com!

These two examples, along with many more not mentioned here, showcase how artists are truly using technology to their advantage during this pandemic. While this technology answers the question of how Broadway will continue during the pandemic, it opens up a new question: Will shows and performances continue to be available online? Either way, the Broadway community shows us the true definition of, “The show must go on!”

Article by: Maggie Peknic Layout by: Jessica Laemle

Written by Amelia MacGregor Layout by Prutha Chavan

How is a college student supposed to decorate a space which reflects their personality, but on a budget? Modern eclecticism in interior design has re-emerged as the enviable way to effortlessly add character and dimension to any space. So, what does this phrase really mean? “Modern eclecticism� is the complicated way of describing any style or space that embraces mismatched pieces from different time periods and combines them with subtle cohesion. Unlike mid-century modern or Scandinavian design style, this contemporary way of assembling a space never shies away from color, texture, and boldness. Think of Dakota Johnson’s home tour for Architectural Digest. The overwhelming presence of green was balanced with various patterns and pieces of furniture all ranging in style and function in her home.

Despite how intimidating this interior design style can be, it is extremely easy to achieve, especially if you are a college student. The easiest place to begin designing a space with an eclectic style is to choose a small color palette the space will focus on. To create subtle harmony and flow, there has to be some form of connection which makes

mismatched pieces seamlessly fit together in the space. Once a general palette is established, mixed textures, patterns, and pieces can come together to truly feel curated and personal.

So where can one find these statement objects boasting colorful patterns and bold textures?

The best, and most affordable, place to start is at a thrift store, perfect for anyone on a budget. Because modern eclecticism embraces range in texture, aesthetic, and color, the miscellany of antique and consignment stores offers gently loved pieces that fit perfectly into the mismatched aesthetic. Not to mention, preowned pieces are more cost effective as well.

Olivia O’Brien

The 2000s Pop Princess We Need in 2020

Ever since Ariana Grande put her own spin on 90’s and 00’s cult classic films in her “thank u, next” video, inspiration from the early 2000’s in music and pop culture in general has snowballed into Gen Z’s latest craze. You’ve seen all the TikToks flaunting “Y2K” outfits and hairstyles or recreations and inspirations from old Britney and Paris looks.

The 00’s inspiration is undeniably everywhere, but one modern pop princess has been spearheading this trend: Olivia O’Brien.

You might know Olivia O’Brien from her song “Josslyn” that’s been blowing up on TikTok, or maybe even her 2016 song with Gnash, “i hate u, i love u,” that was popular back in the days of TikTok’s predecessor, Musical.ly. Take a look at Olivia’s Instagram page (@oliviaobrien) and you’ll immediately see what I’m talking about. From the illustration of herself drawn as Lizzie McGuire in her profile photo to the array of bright colors, low-rise jeans, and baby crop tops that she’s always wearing, it’s clear that Olivia absolutely owns the Y2K trend.

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The pinnacle of these early 2000’s trends sneaking their way into 2020, though, is Olivia’s music video for her new song “Now,” which truly makes you feel like you’re watching an old Disney Channel meets Britney Spears video meets 2020 mashup. The video adds a modern twist to the “00’s kid” culture that we all know and love, from a revamped take on the classic Disney Channel intro to Lizzie McGuire-style animations of Olivia and her friends.

The references and nods to Y2K icons only continue as Olivia dances around in unmistakably Gwen Stefani-inspired outfits and pays tribute to Paris Hilton as she starts cooking bacon on a clothing iron.

ggh

In the midst of all the throwbacks, though, we also see references to TikTok and 2020 throughout the video with the help of Olivia’s star-studded influencer friend group, which adds something fresh and interesting to the trendiness of Y2K. By taking these subtle modern spins and showing off her own squad of badass women rather than simply repeating what’s been done before, Olivia seamlessly blends Y2K with 2020 pop culture, making the trend all the more interesting and her own.

Between all the colorful hair streaks, barrettes, velour tracksuits, and notes of hot pink we see Olivia and her friends sporting, the video is overflowing with early 2000’s inspiration. You simply need to watch for yourself to see it all in action, which I’ve hopefully inspired you to do. I hope I’ve also inspired you to check out the rest of Olivia’s discography, where she gets raw and real about relationships, from cheating to exposing f-boys. With the potential to be one of Gen Z’s next big pop stars and the authenticity she curates in her online presence, Olivia O’Brien might just be the Paris or Britney-esque icon we garner inspiration from 20 years from now.

Author: Melissa Brugmann Photographer: Gibson Borelli, Maya Dominguez Models: Melissa Brugmann, Gracie Kunik, Paige Pandolfo

Stylists: Melissa Brugmann, Stephanie James Leon15 Layout: Paige Pandolfo

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One way luxury high fashion brands sustain worth its price tag of their exclusivity is through burning unsold mera thousand to many chandise. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Burberry thousands of dollars? have burned most of their unsold merchandise If a design is creafter some seasons to prevent them from falling ated only to be deinto the hands of illegal counterfeiters. However, stroyed, does it hold another reason they set fire to their inventory is any real value in socithat these brands detest the idea of selling their ety? Can it justifiably be merchandise at discounted prices, believing called art? I think not. There it would ruin the image of their elite customer is a fundamental contradiction base and social status. with the notion of using labor to High fashion brands distinguish themselves manufacture raw materials to make a product from lower-end commercial companies through that will later be destroyed to repeat this protheir intricate and advanced design and fine cess. There are alternatives to burning unsold craftsmanship. Luxury garments and accessories stock. Gucci has recently partnered with The are coveted and critically reviewed by photogReal Real consignment to sell some of last searaphers and journalists all over the world at son’s bags authentically, and they also have a fashion week, featured in fashion magazines, few outlet stores throughout the world that sell and deemed art. their bags and accessories at discounted prices.

It is undeniable that the concept of burning unCOVID-19 has taken a devastating toll on the sold stock seems wasteful, but it also brings into fashion industry, bringing it to a screeching halt. question the value of the product and threatens Suddenly, people are commenting on how the the legitimacy of the fashion industry. As brands industry was bound to fail. In the past several justify burning their merchandise saying that months, we have seen how adaptability is cruincineration reduces their cial for survival and that greed and exclusivity factories’ coal consumption, do not survive adversity. In this novel tragedy, one cannot process this the value of art has been omnipresent. Fashion concept without feeling is an intimate and impactful art form; it inspires some degree of exis- and empowers men and women. We are at tentialism. If the gar- a pivotal moment where the industry has the ment or accessory is potential to reform itself, including attitudes incinerated ultimately towards elitism and exclusivity. 2020 has been becoming “fuel” for about solidarity. The fashion industry now has their factories, an opportunity to embrace humanity and emas these brands bark on a new chapter, one that illuminates claim, then is truth and love through unrestrained creativity the product and raw expression.

Article by Grace Fisher Model Sammi Petruzzelli 16 Photographed and styled Layout by Madison Rhoad

by Lauren Cassot

Calling all Amazon shoppers… Or at least the ones who are in the market for a $3,000 dress.

“The address for the world’s most sought-after fashion and beauty brands is in the palm of your hand,” says Amazon. Early September 2020, Amazon launched its Luxury Store with the notorious fashion house, Oscar De la Renta. More brands were launched in weeks following the first drop and there are more to come.

The Amazon Luxury partnership is Article by: Anna Gaylord meant to reach a wider array of customers. The Luxury Stores break part of the exclusivity around the name brands Amazon is planning to work with. You can buy anything on Amazon, why not give buyers the ability to purchase an Oscar De La Renta dress along with their phone chargers, beauty products, or books?

However, keeping with their ever so posh and luxe reputation, only select Amazon Prime members in the United States will be invited to shop the collections. These chosen members are Amazon’s more affluent customers. If you are not part of that group but want the in, you can request an invitation and be added to the waitlist.

The velvet ropes of exclusivity continue as these “elite” Amazon Prime members can only shop Luxury Stores on the mobile app. The app allows the customer the option to display the garment in interactive 360-degree detail. The purpose of this is to create the “store within a store” experience.

Expect nothing less for Amazon’s finest customers. Amazon wants its luxury customers to view their clothes with the best experience possible.

Although this technology is incredibly innovative and does create an ideal shopping experience, it is only being used for the Luxury Stores.

Looking at the world of 2020 the “store within a store” concept is valuable since it would reduce the need for an in-person store experience. During the Coronavirus pan demic, we Sketch by: Grace McCarty saw big departm e n t stores like Lord & Taylor close.

As a haute couture gown was not the first thing in everyone’s online shopping cart while the world was shut down, it was cunning of luxury brands to create this partnership with Amazon when they did. It gives the collaborating brands a much wider reach of customers in a time they needed it most.

Oscar De La Renta CEO, Alex Bolen, told Vogue it just made sense to reach customers where they already were: Amazon.

If other brands follow in Oscar De La Renta’s footsteps with this ingenious partnership, the future of fashion might look like your average Amazon purchase. But does having Luxury fashion brands on Amazon represent just how dependent we are becoming on Amazon? Why go to multiple stores at all when you can buy anything and everything in one place? Besides being a bookstore, grocery store, streaming service and so much more, Amazon is also the new 5th Avenue.

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5th Avenue Prime

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Waists of Time We are currently witnessing the death of the skinny jean.

The mid-rise waistline and claustrophobic fit once stood firmly as a staple of 2010s fashion, along with questionable trends such as hair feathers and UGG boots. However, runways have moved far away from these pants, with Dior’s 2021 Cruise collection including a variety of baggier denim styles. Elle credits the downfall of the skinny jean to jeggings, which was “bastardizing the denim and putting in too much stretch, [so that] it became trashy.” In essence, they’ve lost their cool factor. Skinny jeans also don’t mesh well with the sustainable fashion model of today, given that the elastane used for the stretch is not recyclable.

On the topic of sustainability, thrifting has encouraged consumers to try out different styles, such as the mom jean of the 80s which is now experiencing a resurgence with younger customers. There’s a certain element of experimentation when it comes to modern fashion, so repurposing older clothes is encouraged if not outright celebrated.

But how are current fashion choices influenced by the past, and have they always been so controversial? Let’s look back at the last 40 years. Pants saw their rise as a unisex fashion staple around the 1970s, when the wide-leg jean brought in colorful options for both men and women. The eighties were massive for the high-waisted mom jean. This was a baggier fit that tapered at the ankle, unlike the previously flared style of the seventies. The late nineties and early 2000s popularized a brand new and somewhat controversial model: the low-rise flare jean.

Brands like True Religion and Diesel dominated the closets of celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Fashion trends tend to repeat every so often, so it’s not surprising to see these styles returning to the mainstream today.

Where does this take us for the future? I don’t see a return to low-waisted jeans any time soon, even if I am personally a huge supporter. I believe that designers will opt to continue bringing in baggier pants with an emphasis on comfort over defining

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body shape. Living in the COVID-19 pandemic means many people have chosen soft, baggy materials over stiff, tight denim. Skinny jeans also catered directly towards skinny bodies, leaving a majority feeling left out or unattractive while wearing them. Thankfully, the popularity of the body acceptance movement has left these archaic ideas of conformity far behind us.

Modern ideas of fashion have created room for bodies of all shapes and sizes at the forefront. Everybody deserves to wear clothes they feel comfortable in!

FASHION

IN THE AGE OF

When we think of typical fashion shows and photoshoots, we think of a huge production team: make up artists, hair stylists, directors, photographers, people with big headphones running around and giving orders to tons of staff and models.

When the coronavirus hit the world drastically in 2019, no one anticipated that we would be in the position that we are in now. Time has not stopped moving, and neither has the fashion industry, forcing adaptation.

After an adjustment period, brands have made the successful transition to virtual and distant working.

One of the most popular “trends� to stem from working-in-fashion-from-home has been the FaceTime photoshoot. Many popular publications resorted to this method in order to continue printing, as well as many photographers building portfolios with test shoots. Bella Hadid very iconically posted her FaceTime photoshoot pictures to promote Jacquemus. Since she debuted her pictures on Instagram, many other influencers followed her example. Social distancing guidelines also provided for unique approaches concerning fashion shows. Milan Fashion Week was just finishing up when Italy declared mandatory lock down; therefore, fashion brands needed to get creative with their upcoming shows.

Milan Fashion Week was just finishing up when Italy declared mandatory lock down; therefore, fashion brands needed to get creative with their upcoming shows. Jacquemus was actually able to host a real Summer 2021 show in the French countryside, although with an extremely limited audience. Christian Siriano even held his show in his backyard. Some brands have decided to stream their shows, whether it be on Vogue Runway or streaming services. For example, the iconic SAVAGE X FENTY lingerie brand by Rihanna has decided to pre-record their show and premiere it on Amazon Video. Some designers have used the virtual nature of the shows to their full advantage.

Hanifa made their show a 3D experience - something that could not have been achieved otherwise, and that certainly left an impression on the audience. Moschino even used puppets as models, creating miniature versions of their newest collection.

The pandemic has also sparked a new sense of unity and activism in influencers. Chiara Ferragni, a famous fashion blogger and designer based in Milan, Italy, raised money with her husband to build an ICU in Milan, the Italian city that was hit the hardest. She even did a collaboration with Oreo to sell sweatsuits, and 100% of the proceeds went to coronavirus research and relief. Chiara and her husband ended up raising over 4.3 million euros through their fundraising efforts, while also keeping morale high in Milan by hosting socially-distanced, virtual concerts on their balcony once a week for their neighborhood and followers on Instagram.

No one can deny that the coronavirus pandemic has changed the world forever as we know it. We have already seen significant adaptations in every area of life. Maybe, more brands will stick with virtual shows, seeing how they allow for much bolder, more creative sets. Maybe more and more brands will find their philanthropic inspirations and fundraise for more relief funds for a multitude of different causes. Only time will tell what the fashion industry will look like after 2020.

CORONAVIRUS Article By: Quinn Fantozzi

Layout By: Julia Lapaj

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Waste and Pollution within the Fashion Industry Den

im’ s d litt irty le s ecr et

Blue jeans are a fashion staple for everyone, at any age, all over the world. However, denim, and many of our favorite garments, are polluting rivers in locations where they are being made, impacting the lives of people who count on those waterways for their survival. Big box retailers and fashion labels are committing “hydrocide”, or the deliberate destruction of water sources by dumping into them toxic waste from fabric dyes. Mercury, lead, cadmium, and other chemicals and carcinogens are flushed out into lakes and rivers needed for drinking, agriculture, sacred ceremonies, and much more. Scientists have been able to concretely link these toxins found in water samples to fabric dyes and tanneries, and the next step now is linking them to the specific companies producing and disposing of them in secret.

The cruel joke now is that one can predict the main color story of the next season’s fashion trends just by taking a gander at the opaque rivers near factories in China, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Indonesia.

Due to such intense pollution, the most populous fashion manufacturing areas are now some of the most inhabitable cities in the world.

Nothing can survive in these rivers. The civilians, who are often the ones working in clothing factories for miniscule wages, have no other choice but bathe and cook with this water, and therefore are subject to immense harm. This is all happening while the companies hide behind their brick walls, iron gates, and deflecting rhetoric.

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The textile industry uses and pollutes 3.2% of all water available to the human race on Earth EVERY YEAR (statistic from EconomicsofWater). The $3 trillion industry is the second most polluting industry after oil. But it doesn’t have to be. Reversal is possible, but only if we work as hard as we can right now.

The River Thames in London, for example, was able to get back on track from severe pollution and regenerate through strict regulation. The former “jean giants” in Spain, Italy, and the US - that once dominated the denim market using harmful production methods - are now the innovators committed to developing sustainable ways to dye and distress their jeans. They have advanced techniques that use lasers, man-made ozone, recycled shellfish exoskeletons, and water filtration, so that the production of jeans can no longer have the lowest rate of water recycling in all of fashion manufacturing. The cost of fabric made in these new ways is only pennies more than traditional wasteful methods.

If adopted by larger brands, money, water, energy, and people would be saved.

We may gravitate towards fast fashion and high street brands because the prices make our college-age hearts sing, and the rate at which new designs come out delights us. However, we are often blind to the environmental and human consequences that result from this, as the harm being done is thousands of miles away. It is imperative that we continue to examine the powerhouses of the world, analyze their effect on the environment and humanity, and find more solutions that inspire hope for a sustainable future in fashion.

How can consumers make a difference? Vote with your dollar. By simply choosing to buy a responsible, ethically made product versus conventional, you make an impact. It is also a brand’s job to educate consumers. If they are not upfront with their manufacturing practices, implore your favorite brands to do so. You have the right to know where and in what ways the clothes you put on your body are made. We need transparency and traceability from everyone involved.

If you would like to learn more about how Fashion can reverse its harm and save the planet, I encourage you to watch the 2017 documentary film RiverBlue, led by conservationist Mark Angelo, directed by Roger Williams and David McIlvride.

Author: Olivia Vizza Layout: Natalie Conte 21

Time to Change Time to Change

We view fashion as forever changing, forever innovating - or so we thought we did. Fashion is culture and there are two sides to culture - it is rooted in traditions that stay the same but also changes as they go from generation to generation. We as society have changed and innovated, but has fashion really changed with it?

From generation to generation, fashion has evolved but we still hold women to a traditional beauty standard. From the Victorian era, women would attempt the hourglass figure through extremely tight corsets, and in the 1930s women tried to accomplish this by wearing shoulder pads and belts around the waist. This look then became hypersexualized with the rise of pinup fashion in the 50s, and progressed into the 70s with the use of high waisted pants. The original concepts of body image started out in the fashion industry, but have become much more powerful, in that, women are not only using clothes to achieve this standard of beauty, but are actually transforming their bodies through permanent surgical procedures.

A prime example of this can be seen in Versace’s SS2010 collection, which only included one model of color, American supermodel Chanel Iman. One thing you will notice about all of these shows is that practically every girl is a tall fairskinned size zero model.

There is a total lack of diversity and inclusivity among all of these shows, that reflected how the fashion world had its door closed for years to those of different sizes and ethnicities.

e

Article by Monica Santiago & Ryan Smith Modeled by Monica Santiago, Maria Skevas, Gabrielle Simporios, Teresa Jacob, & Nina Boggan Styled by Paige Pandolfo & Casey Martin Photographed by Ashley Alvarez & Claire Reynolds Layout by Madison Rhoad

Fast forward to last week’s Versace SS21 show and you will see an incredible difference in the show’s inclusivity and the evolving standard of beauty in the fashion world. From the second the show starts, you can see models of all different ethnicities and sizes. This show is a great example of how over the past decade the fashion industry has grown to recognize that beauty cannot be defined by someones size or the way someone looks. Donatella Versace told Vogue.com “I wanted to do something disruptive and to break the rules because I think that, what worked a few months ago, does not make any sense today. Creatively, that meant finding a way to bring the DNA of Versace to a new reality and to people who have undergone a deep change.”

However, the fashion industry needs mass change in order to completely reverse these fabricated beauty standards, because people will look beyond just clothes to attain the beauty society has continuously praised. How can we say that fashion is innovative if we’ve failed to better the standard of beauty in the fashion industry?

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WENEED NEEDTO TOKILL KILL WE

the shoelace

author: Patrick DeCrescenzo models: Patrick DeCrescenzo & Virginia Thior photographer: Elise Anstey layout: Natalie Conte

On September 18, Kanye West tweeted that he seeks to “make sure all shoes have no laces” and “look natural”. He has put this to action through the release of the new slip-on Yeezy Foam Runner. But what is so “natural” about no laces? If anything, a shoe without laces may seem unnatural, as our culture has become acclimated to using them since the shoestring was patented in 1790.

Yet, what makes a shoelace better than other closure systems like zippers, straps, or magnets? We don’t use shoelaces because they are better, but rather because we have latched onto conformity rather than innovation. In fact, they are inferior to their counterparts because they don’t include everyone.

In 2012, Matthew Walzer was preparing for college. Like any student in the same position, he was both excited and anxious. You might remember being nervous to move to a new place or make new friends.

For Walzer, the biggest concern was how he would tie his shoes. Shoelaces were not made with someone like Walzer in mind. He has Cerebral Palsy, only having flexibility in one hand. He wrote to Nike to tell them about his “dream”: “to go to the college of [his] choice without having to worry about someone coming to tie [his] shoes every day.”

Walzer’s letter ended up in the hands of Nike designer Tobie Hatfield, who then began working on prototypes with him to accommodate his needs. By 2015, Nike FlyEase was born. FlyEase provides accessible closure systems for Nike footwear so everyone can wear sneakers independently. FlyEase replaces shoelaces with wrap-around zipper functions on models like 2015’s Lebron Zoom Soldier FlyEase or most recently, a collapsible heel on 2020’s Air Max 90 FlyEase. With FlyEase, Nike has adapted classic models to make them accessible for all.

As someone with a disability, I understand Matthew Walzer’s struggle. I’m 20 years old and I still struggle tying my shoes. I appreciate Nike’s efforts toward inclusive design, but I don’t understand why shoes that are accessible are treated as a separate entity from shoes for able-bodied people. Straps and zippers are more convenient for everyone. They simply make getting shoes on easier and faster. There is no reason why they shouldn’t be universally integrated into all footwear.

I want to wear the same shoes as my able-bodied peers.

Maybe Kanye West has a point. The shoelace serves no innovative purpose; we are just holding onto it because we are so accustomed to shoelaces. It is definitely not the most “natural” option, as it disregards what is many people’s natural human body. It is time to kill the shoelace.

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Jacob Article By: Victoria Broadbent and Christina Muraskas Layout By: Julia Lapaj Model: Teresa Theresa Jacob Photographer: Mia Pollack

Whether it’s the shoes, the shirt, the pants, or even the socks you pick out in the morning to wear for the day, those items of clothing are all forms of self expression. Wear a pink shirt — you’re feeling girly. Wear a bandana and bellbottoms — you’re channeling your inner young Donna from Mamma Mia. Wear a power pantsuit — you’re ready to run the world. However, in recent months, there’s been a new addition to this array of options for style expression: the mask.

Contrary to the popular belief that masks are purely for protection, the mask can function in the exact same way as a pink shirt or pant suit as a form of self expression. I’ve seen people with masks of all different colors, styles, and brands, yet each one is unique to its wearer. You can wear a mask with a cute pattern, a funny slogan, or a political message — whatever you choose calls attention to itself because unlike other clothing items, this one is right on your face.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances of COVID-19 that have led us to have to wear masks daily, we have transformed a grim reminder of social distancing and sickness into a creative and courageous way to be unique, while staying safe and keeping others safe too.

But will this mandated yet newly found form of fashion expression in 2020 still be present in the future? Despite the fact that it was a necessary inclusion into society at the start of the new decade, most people have taken it in stride and run with it. Masks currently serve a dual purpose as both fashion and function, but will this still be the case in the upcoming years when the COVID-19 pandemic is a thing of the past? In many countries, specifically in Asia, masks are a normality for the protection of one’s own health and a sign of respect for others when one is sick.

America has the ability to take this lead and follow. Masks have become so ingrained in everyday life that they now feel more like an accessory than a forced mandate. There are so many numerous styles and patterns for one to accessorize to their outfit and to express themselves with. In the future, it should become a social norm for one to pull the mask back out of storage when they are under the weather, traveling, or in crowded spaces and events.

Dress a mask up, match it to your outfit, hide that pimple, and keep yourself and others safe!

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time capsule Sleek lines and streamlined design merged to exude luxury and sophistication, representing the greatest social and technological progress the world had ever seen. Art Deco was introduced in 1925 at the Paris Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts. It quickly became the leading style of the time, touching everything from architecture and automobiles to magazines.

Diskko, a fashion brand promoting social good and sustainability, is using the influence of Art Deco to represent modern culture and the advancements of the past 100 years.

One key element in art deco is quality; everything should be well built with excellent material.

Since 2013, Diskko has been at the forefront of one of the fastest growing trends in menswear and clothing, with the translation of niche skate elements into high quality garments. You may have seen Virgil Abloh’s heavily skate-influenced Louis Vuitton collections, pushing this style into the limelight of the luxury industry. Many others have tried to replicate this concept, utilizing high-end textiles to create luxe from what has traditionally been non-luxury items.

Art Deco is a tribute to modernity, technology, and the rise of the machine. What is more advanced than improving efficiency? The modern art deco interpretation applies this principle towards reducing material waste, with brands moving to recycle and reuse their high-end fabrics in order to prevent excess textile. Diskko never destroys unsold material, but instead donates it to charity, and chooses to source factories that minimize waste and stand by sustainable production standards and fair work policies.

Art Deco is a time capsule of our imaginations for the future. Now that we’re here, we know that in order to keep looking into the future, we must treat our environment and fellow human beings more fairly.

If we truly want to build a utopia, it starts in every part of our lives, from government policies to social equality to ethical practices in consumer industries. As time progresses, we will see the fashion industry follow suit with Diskko, and finally achieve the vision that we once imagined.

article, styling, and layout by max durante photos by lauren cassot models: gianluca mori, sanjay samuel, garrett cleveland 26 26

Rappers, Retailers, and Resellers Resellers Written by James Tampellini, Photography: Paige Aloise, Model: Patrick DeCrescenzo, Stylist: Karla Reinoso, Layout: Emma Foley

It’s an ordinary afternoon, and your favorite rapper releases a new music video for one of their hit songs, but what sticks out to you isn’t the familiar sound of their voice.

Instead, it’s the eyecatching and unique shirt they’re wearing in the video. In today’s world, rappers have taken upon another role aside from their music careers. Nowadays, people often look to them for inspiration regarding their style or what trends are happening. Overall, rappers have a strong presence in the fashion industry today, with the ability to set trends or draw attention to a particular designer. With social media’s help, people can see a wide range of styles that they can draw inspiration from. Frequently, this leads to clothes increasing in price, a dream for resellers. Rappers such as Playboi Carti, Kanye West, and A$AP Rocky are some of the top fashion influencers today for fans. Recently we’ve seen this with Kanye West and a pair of Air Jordan 1 ‘High Court Purple Whites.’ On September 24th, Kanye tweeted a picture of him wearing the shoes, and as a result, the average price had jumped by almost $50 that day. Although a controversial move to do so, given that Kanye’s exclusive deal with Adidas, it once again showed the influence rappers have.

In some cases, rappers have shed light on

brands that are coming up or often overlooked.

We’ve seen this with A$AP Rocky and Raf Simmons’ ‘I Love You’ Sweater back in 2017. Given the strong presence, Rocky has in the fashion and music industry. It seemed like it was only a matter of time before he wore something that captivates the younger generations. Ultimately, after Rocky was seen wearing the sweater, everyone was obsessed. GQ even referred to the piece as “Fall’s most-hyped menswear piece.’

Immediately after this, other artists were spotted wearing the same sweater, such as Harry Styles and A$AP Ferg, who are regarded as having a strong fashion sense in their own right. The influence rappers have is more than initially thought.

Whether it’s an expensive designer piece or a lesser-known collaboration, rappers heavily influence the way people dress and drive business to different brands.

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Back to the Written by Caleb Rocha & Nina Carbone Layout & Artwork by Prutha Chavan

“Wait a minute, Doc. Are you telling me you built a time machine?” Not quite. And there’s no DeLorean either. But if you looked in our closets, you might think we had one stashed under tarp out back. I’m sure many of you can relate. If you opened your closet right now, would you find an abundance of denim?

Maybe windbreakers? How about chunky, white sneakers or baggy sweaters? Now, if you looked in your parents’ high-school bin in your attic, you might find yourself looking at a lot of the same staples. Coincidence? Of course not.

For the vast majority of fashion history, trends like these have seen a regular 20 or 40-year popularity cycle. So, yeah, they’re back now.

The question is, why?

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T h e

The fashion trend cycle works in increments of 20 and 40 years, which is why we see the consistent and regular return of trends.

For example, clothing items like flannel were popular in both the ‘90s and the 2010s: a 20-year gap. Similarly, ‘80s fashion trends are making a comeback now, 40 years later, along with trends from the turn of the century.

Each time a fashion trend resurfaces, it comes back with a modern twist.

These trends reappear primarily because of nostalgia, both parental and personal. The 40-year-old trends can be attributed to parental influence—parents share media from their childhood (think Back to the Future) which leads to their children emulating those trends. 20-year-old trends are

Future: Future F a s h i o n

T r e n d

C y c l e

Models: Caleb Rocha, Mia Kroeger, Nina Carbone Photographer: Gil Roberts

more personal. A 30-year-old individual might look fondly at their early years, and begin to dress as their childhood idols once did.

So why is ‘80s fashion so big right now? Again, Back to the Future lends a perfect example. Most members of Gen Z have had their parents say something like: “You need to watch [Insert ‘80s movie here], it’s a classic!” After watching the movie, the child often idolizes the aesthetic of the characters surrounding someone like Marty McFly. But there is more behind this current trend resurgence due to the rise of thrift culture in Gen Z fashion. This generation cares more about the environmental state of the world, causing them to appreciate sustainable fashion. It is not uncommon for a child to stumble upon a piece in a thrift store and find that it looks just like something from

their mother’s favorite movie. The combination of nostalgia and thrift culture has, and will continue to cause current trends to support the trend cycle.

So whatever you do, do not throw out your once trendy clothes, because we promise you, they will be back.

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the SOUL on my

SLEEVE

C

lothes don’t get enough credit. What we choose to wear has more to do with our inner selves than we often realize. We’ve all felt the satisfaction of approving a look in the mirror, but how does that energy carry into our lives? Confidence radiates from the perfect job interview or first date fit. Pinning down the local style makes us feel more at ease travelling. A new athletic set is one of the greatest motivators to work out. Ever wonder why we live in irrational fear of wasting a good outfit on an insignificant day? Why we subscribe to the cliché: “dress for the job you want, not the job you have?”

Fashion is more than appearances. It’s a critical piece of our identities and drive.

COVID-19 lockdowns made me realize just how much clothing affects the psyche. Months on end with no reason to get dressed… our style junkie spirits were bound to be low. However, I began to notice that even my most adamant “I couldn’t care less about fashion” friends were using clothing to boost their morale.

Even with no hope of leaving the house, we found ourselves choosing jeans over sweats when we wanted to feel more productive.

Demand for genuinely stylish loungewear was at an all time high. I even spent one otherwise bleak, quarantined Friday night on the couch in my old prom dress. And it did the trick; I felt better!

Fashion is often linked to superficiality, but its influence reaches far beyond looks. Clothes have the power to express, embolden, motivate, boost 30

confidence, and improve spirits. Regardless of whether you consider yourself “into fashion,” you curate pieces of clothing into a unique look everyday. That ensemble says something about you. Getting dressed is a daily creative outlet, and we tend to underestimate its value. Fashion is a critical piece of the expressive identity, and the outfit is the most universal art form. Your clothing of choice not only sends a message to the world about who you are, but also about where you’re going, and what you’re set on accomplishing there.

Article: Grace McCarty Model: Maddie Boone Stylist: Anna Gaylord Layout: Daven Roberts Photographer: Paige Aloise

“Aesthetic”

We’ve all seen them, the influencers that have the picture-perfect, pinterest-like feed. We love them and hate them all at the same time. These fashion influencers display something commonly known as an “aesthetic”. Aesthetics on Instagram can be recognized by distinct features including color scheme, clothing choices, and specific content relevant to whatever overarching theme they would like to portray. For example there’s the neutral, vintage, and French girl aesthetics. What’s the deal with these picture-perfect feeds? Would influencers look equally as put together as their feeds if you saw them in person? While these aesthetics are visually appealing, they can be dangerous from an Instagram users side in terms of self-image. These aesthetics create a false reality and an expectation of how people need to portray themselves online and offline, creating a dangerous space for users’ mental health. While these fashion influencers are all about achieving the perfect “aesthetic”, it makes me wonder as an avid Instagram user and lover of fashion whether the artificiality behind the aesthetic will last.

While you can argue that aesthetics are essential for branding, they can potentially impact self-image in a negative way. These perfectly crafted feeds lead to an emotional rabbit hole of comparison and self-consciousness. It can also lead to craving instant gratification from your own posts on social media. That feeling of instant gratification somehow creates a sense of competition where you want to achieve more likes or comments than others. These fashion influencers set the stage for how people think they are supposed to publicly display themselves online, which can lead to users trying to be someone they are not. Oftentimes, influencers’ appearance in reality is not the equivalent of their feeds, creating a false sense of beauty by always seeming camera ready. These inauthentic influencers act as if they are about to get their picture taken 24/7. The urge to always be put together and camera ready is exhausting for users’ mental health.

Although aesthetically pleasing feeds will always exist as tools to tell a brand’s story, users are craving authenticity more than ever. Yes, the “aesthetic” life can be dangerous for users’ mental health, but only if we obsess over those specific feeds. It’s important to remember that social media isn’t always reality. If social media has a large impact on your mental health, try going on a social media cleanse for a week or so or follow people who spread positivity as opposed to posting to fit their feed. As fashion influencers continue to post their immaculate photos, let’s try to scroll less, post more, and create our own “aesthetics” through authenticity.

Author: Samantha Wu Photographer: Gino Catalano Stylist: Stephanie James and Paige Pandolfo Models: Paige Pandolfo, Julia Lapaj, and Maddie Boone

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gloves don’t make a lady nor does a pantsuit make a ceo. it’s clear ruth bader ginsburg understood that the traditional black robe she stepped into in 1993 represented a doctored image of male authority; one that loitered behind her ferragamo heels for most of her life, but could never quite catch up to her. so, as she has done many times before, she claimed the image she was expected to accept and rewrote her narrative. the intrinsic values created by rbg’s style are unequivocally linked to her fight for equality; a piece of herstory that is often overlooked. rbg never used style as a superficial spectacle, but rather as a tool to project her own voice as well as that of the voiceless. fellow justice sandra day o’connor recommended rbg wear gloves at public events to mask the shakiness of her hands, a result of chemotherapy. and that’s when a glorious love story began, between rbg and a pair of fishnet gloves. like many of her fashion choices, these iconic gloves were worn for style as well as significance. one pair of her traditionally “ladylike” black fishnet gloves were worn as an ode to madonna’s feminist agenda in the 1980s. a white beaded pair was a reference to the popular art deco style developed in the early 1920s-- the decade the 19th amendment extended women the right to vote. rbg’s iconic collar started as an attempt to add a feminine touch to a masculine robe. initially, her collar was decorated with a white lace jabot, which made many appearances in the courtroom. this quickly evolved into illustrious collars and statement necklaces. many of them were received as gifts from foreign leaders, young artists, and supporters from all walks of life. her choice to adorn her robe with these diverse pieces perfectly aligned with her life’s work of creating spaces for all people to be treated equally. and let’s not forget the “dissent collars” that sent the media, and nation, into a frenzy. she wore the dissent collar in the courtroom as a strong message to the public of her dissenting opinions. even though the court wasn’t making decisions that day, ginsburg wore her notorious embellished black dissent collar on the bench the day after trump’s presidential victory, as a bold opposition to the election results. her poignant use of lace, white, and sparkles (gendered symbols) was so much more than a display of decadent personal style-- it was an act of resistance to the pressures to conform to a starkly male environment as well as a rejection of the many labels placed upon women. ginsburg reminds us all that femininity does not make a woman weak. and it certainly does not strip her of her power. thank you ruth bader ginsburg for your tireless efforts to ensure that women can be in the room where Article by Maya Shetty decisions are being made. rest Layout by Deirdre Merritt in power.

Modeling by Jacqueline Risch

R UTH B ader G insburg

Styling by Monica Santiago Photography by Maya Dominguez

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Q: When you see injustice, how

does it make you feel?

A: The first feeling and probably the one that sticks the most is frustration. It’s been a real long time that discrimination and stuff has been going on. The other day I was on Ancestry.com and I was able to see my grandmother’s grandfather. It showed the slave dwelling that he lived in and all this different stuff and I was like man this is a whole five generations ago that slavery ended and we still have so many steps to take. And it feels like there is always going to be steps.

Class: Senior Pronouns: He/His Major/Minor: Marketing Major Clubs: President of ASILI, MentorGSB Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Marketing Director for the FBDC, ham Business Development Collaboratory

ing leads for the Program, Ford-

Q: Why is it important to look out for Black women/LGBTQIA+ people?

A: We [Black men] benefit from installed patriarchy or heteronormative society. A lot of people have to deal with discrimination when it comes to their gender, their sexual orientation... they have to deal with discrimination when it comes to their race as well, so I believe it’s important to protect those communities because they are the most vulnerable out of all of us.

MLK said something along these lines: “There’s no justice ‘til everyone gets justice, nobody’s free till everyone’s free.” If you want to work for some sort of equality or level the playing field for yourself, it’s hypocritical to not want to do that for everybody within every community.

Q: What are your goals as President of ASILI? There’s been a real exclusionary culture at Fordham, especially for Black students, considering we’re like the smallest population, 4% of the whole university. It’s a very isolating experience for a lot of the Black students....A lot of people commend us for being a club that was active over the summer. At a junction like that in this nation’s history, I don’t think it would be appropriate for people, especially for people in higher education, not to participate.

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Q: What are your goals as the current president of CASA? A: I know that the African-Caribbean community is fairly small at Fordham so my main goal is to just create a community for them, a safe space for Caribbean-African students to go to when they don’t feel in place in any other places. Also, to just get them to celebrate their culture with food, clothes, whatever it is that they want to do. I want the club to be as much for them as it is for me because I created it to give myself a place at Fordham. So I want anyone that wants to be a part of the club to make it whatever they want it to be.

Class: Senior Pronouns: She/Her Major/Minor: Economics and International Political Economy double major Clubs: Co-founder/President of the Caribbean and African Student Association, Cultural Programming Coordinator for LGBTQ+ History Month and the Office of Multicultural Affairs

Q: How is CASA different and/or similar to ASILI/El Grito?

A: I did create CASA because when I came here, I had an extremely different identity because I am an international student, so it was a lot of learning what it meant to be Black in America because I come from a predominantly Black country. If you are an immigrant here or your parents are immigrants, then you feel like you start to lose that cultural identity, so those are the types of things that CASA provides for people.

Q: How has society influenced the way you perceive yourself?

A: At home, in Nigeria, there are a lot of-- it is very strict-- like, you know, you are either a man or a woman, male or female, like you would die or go to jail for fourteen years if you’re apart of the LGBTQ+ community. Being here [in America] definitely gave me a chance to just be free and just be more of myself. I also think being here allowed me to learn what it is to be Black, like I said before. Before, I didn’t talk much about that, but learning about the ways that my Blackness affects me here and even at home because I didn’t think that Blackness mattered at home, in Nigeria, but it really does because of the many white people that do come to that space and take space in Nigeria.

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Class: Senior Pronouns: She/Her Major/Minor: Sociology and Spanish double major Clubs: Secretary for ASILI, Co-chair for the Committee on Sexual Misconduct on USG, and Events Chair for Leading Women of Tomorrow

Q: What motivates you to constantly be an activist for women, especially women of color?

A: I think that because I am a Black woman, that is what motivates me, but the real reason as to why I became an activist is because I have been in predominantly white spaces my entire life and so I wanted to put myself in a position where I could advocate for women of color in spaces where they are normally left out of conversations. And not only women of color but marginalized people in general. Yeah, so, this kind of started in high school and then at Fordham I wanted to continue that. That’s what motivates me.

Q: When you see all the injustice acted upon Black people in this country, how does it make you feel?

A: I think it’s a mix of emotions. It’s frustrated, it’s sad, it’s angry mostly. I guess it’s feeling helpless and hopeless a lot of the time because it seems as though no one is actually trying to fix the systems that create this oppression, they’re kind of just doing band-aid effects. So it’s frustrating that in 2015, I remember going to school, wearing a shirt that said, “I Can’t Breathe”, and now it’s 2020 and I’m still doing the same fight. It’s frustrating and it’s sad, I guess, seeing what’s happening. I think that the reason things haven’t changed is because they think they can tire us out (which is a whole nother thing). But I gotta keep advocating.

Q: What are some ways that you’ve experienced racism, especially on this campus?

A: In a lot of ways. In microaggressive ways in class, I’ve had a lot of people say things about cultural appropriation that were offensive and professors not really stepping in to correct them. And having me have to explain to these people why what they are saying is problematic. I’ve had instances off-campus where students have been rude to me. I’ve had instances with administrators comparing an organization to the KKK that were not correct. So yeah, I would say that I’ve had a lot of racist experiences on-campus that have never been resolved or fully addressed.

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Q: What do you think makes you different, especially from other people in your community?

A: I think that depends on each community. When I think of the Fordham community, the biggest difference in my entire schooling and education is that I’m in a predominantly white space, and I think that’s something that for the foreign community that singles me out. Not necessarily in a bad way or anything, but I’m like that’s my difference. And then for like LGBT community, I’m lesbian, but I’m also Black. And that’s also another thing where it’s like, where a lot of things that get centered for the LGBT community is white, is cis, is skinny, you know all of these things. And then for the black community it’s because I’m a lesbian. For all these things I couldn’t answer in one single point because it just feels different for me in all those communities. All those things kind of stick out to me and I hold close to me as those are my differences, and I find community with people who match those differences.

Q: What forms of racism, queerphobia, sexism, and/or other forms of discrimination have you experienced throughout your lifetime?

A: There’s so many that I can’t even try to get into every instance. Since, I think, in high school that’s when I first, like-I’ve always been aware that I’m Black and that a lot of people around me are white-- but in high school it first dawned on me that people see me and think so much negativity, they have such a profile and an idea of me just because of my skin. It hit me hard to realize that I couldn’t change that and no matter who I am, people are going to look at me and think so many negative things, and that was really hard.

And there have been so many instances. It was never a thing where people were hateful, but I’ve been made so uncomfortable and singled out so many times, even if you didn’t hate Black people, but it was such an uncomfortable instance. And homophobia, very big with my family and stuff, but that’s another thing that’s been colored throughout my entire life. I couldn’t even get into it. My whole entire life, especially high school, there’s been so many.

Class: Sophomore Pronouns: She/They Major/Minor: Political Science major (Potentially Education) Clubs: PR Manager for Casa and member of Flava

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Class: Senior Pronouns: She/Her Major/Minor: Environmental Studies & Spanish Literature double major Clubs: President of El Grito and member of SEAJ, Students for Environmental Awareness and Justice

Q: How can non-people of color help you, and what do you want white people, especially white women, to know about people just like you?

A: I think first, within the Black community, or the mixed race community, know your boundaries. Don’t overstep your boundaries and voice over people. For myself, I have light skin privilege, right? That’s a real thing.

I also just have to realize that for me, personally, not to voice over my darker-skinned peers, or other Black women. And really just knowing your place in this world. Especially white women, you need to know your place in this world. Yes, you want to be a feminist, but is your feminism intersectional? Are you fighting for trans rights?

Are you fighting for black trans rights? Just really getting out of the frame of very conventional activism and performative activism. People really need to step up their game!

Q: What do you want young Black people to know? Or if you could talk to your younger self, what would you say?

A: Black Lives Matter is not a trend. For some people, it might be a trend, but there are so many people within and outside of our community who are there to support black people. And that Black lives DO matter, that you are worthy of being a person whether you do nothing with your life, or you are the next president or something like that.

As a Black person, you do matter. You are important to this world, and we have to just keep fighting for our rights... We can’t give up on trying to fight for a better world. It can be really hard now, seeing everything, to want to give up, but we can’t give up. Just keep going.

Q: What is the biggest issue we need to focus on today, and you encourage other people to go about that?

how do

A: I think one of the biggest things we can do is be empathetic. If sometheir experience with you as a Black person, make sure you’re just beof that and not questioning it or trying to put yourself in the situation cause there is not really an equivalent. In terms of quality, everyone’s experience is unique and you can still be apart of the movement and cause by supporting and amplifying the voices of those who are apart of marginalized groups.

one is sharing ing supportive be-

Q: What is ASILI doing to make Fordham a better place for everyone?

A: I think most recently and over the summer, ASILI has been working on our demands which are not just tailored to make the Black experience at Fordham better but also talking about making things better for LGBTQ+ and getting the Palestinian club status and recongition. ASILI is trying to make it a more safe and comfortable environment for everyone which comes with working with administration to change policies on campus or policies where there are gray areas. We are trying to clarify these issues for students. For example, the protest policy on campus, there have been a lot of questions surrounding that especially with all the things going on in our political environment too. Protests are inevitable in a lot of spaces. So then what does this look like for students in terms of repercussions because we felt that the Fordham administration wasn’t too clear about those rules. We are trying to increase Black representation in CPS because there is only one psychologist that works there who is Black.

There is a lack of representation for people who aren’t white men throughout campus, so we are trying to push the school to better in this sense because apologies are appreciated but at some point you need to do better and not just say sorry for things. We are trying to hold the administration accountable.

Class: Senior Pronouns: She/Her Major/Minor: Urban Studies major Clubs: Vice President of ASILI and Urban Plunge Leader/Cap-

tain

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Star. Out-of-this-world. Neon. Fun. Aesthetic. Positivity. Zoomer. What pictures come to your head with those words?

Probably not breakouts and acne patches to say the least– and that’s exactly what’s different about the company Starface.

They’re changing the entire game on acne, and bringing this acne-positivity movement to play.

Acne patches have become widely used over the last few years as an innovative way to help your freshly grown pimple disappear.

Starface isn’t just an acne patch, it’s a fun-filled acne patch. This acne patch line contains their signature bright yellow star-shaped patches, but they also have iridescent, rainbow, and glow-in-the-dark stars too. Starface even released a new set of acne patch stars that

Written by Christine Han Layout: Claire Silverberg

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say vote on them. Starface’s point of view is to help people embrace, but also have fun when it comes to healing breakouts. As someone who has struggled, and still struggles, with breakouts, Starface seemed so inviting– which made it stand out. Wearing these acne patches makes it feel like when you were a little kid and you were rewarded with a gold star for doing something well.

Starface reverses the stigma that is centered around breakouts. The best part about these acne patches is that they’re not just a trend or pretty to look at, they actually do their job– so it’s definitely worth trying out. Would you be down to have a star sticker on your face to celebrate your acne? Because I would! Let yourself glow!

#HAIRGOALS

By Emily Abate • Photography by Gino Catalano • Layout by Zhane Coleman Over the past 6 months I was unknowingly taking a medication that was destroying my hair. One day I woke up to find clumps of hair all over my pillow and hair ties. This medication that was given to me was essentially making my hair fall out in chunks. Little by little, I was noticing everyday my hair breaking off in full strands even if I just gently ran my fingers through my hair. My once full, curly, medium-length hair has now turned flat and stringy.

My scalp was fully visible, showing skin in the back of my head and on the sides of my temple. It wasn’t until my insecurities and concerns grew so high that I would cry so much fearing that I would wake up almost bald!

In our social media driven society, women can feel like they are only attractive when they have long, volume-filled hair. After hours of crying and anxiety- driven Internet searching, I took a step back and realized that hair is just hair and will always grow back. However, I needed to get out of my mind all of the beauty standards and social norms that exist today within the toxic side of self comparison on social media. While I felt alone in knowing that my hair was falling out, I took comfort thinking that other people were also dealing with issues similar to mine but just didn’t post on social media; so I decided to take a break from scrolling through Instagram wishing my hair looked as good as others.

After my pity party, a good amount of online research, and consultation with my doctor, I decided to make a change with not only my medication but also my everyday hair routine.

I started 2 multi-vitamin scalp growth oils daily and limited my shampooing to 2 times a week.

For the growth oils, I used the company The Mane Choice and Ouidad, a brand specifically geared towards curly hair (which I highly recommend!). It has now been 4 months since I started this new routine, and my hair looks and feels almost normal again. This process has shown me to embrace my natural curls, forget the unrealistic beauty standards that can come from social media, and be more cognizant of the types of products I use on my hair. I feel happy and confident again!

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DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE? Makeup Inspired by Harry Styles’ Album Fine Line

Article & Makeup by Carson DeLasho Photos & Layout: Meah Nizan Models: Carson DeLasho, Paige Kowal, Caleb Rocha Stylist: Erin Foley

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When it comes to fashion and beauty, Harry Styles has made it clear that there is no Fine Line between masculinity and femininity. He defies gender roles for men on the daily– not only by wearing makeup, nail polish, and skirts, but also by encouraging vulnerability. He has become an icon of our time. His influence has allowed listeners to better express themselves by embracing their own individual “Styles”.

In Harry’s words, his album Fine Line is all about “having sex and feeling sad.”

The arrangement of the tracklist takes us through a relationship: starting off with the highs, then the chaos as it falls apart, and ultimately looking back on the fond memories.

Harry uses imagery in his lyrics to convey these feelings and experiences in a way that resonates with his audience. His music is so impactful that fans are inspired to channel his songs into their own beauty and fashion looks. In particular, Watermelon Sugar, Cherry, and Sunflower, Vol. 6 stand out when it comes to creating makeup looks inspired by the album Fine Line.

For “Watermelon Sugar”– the upbeat song of the summer– I knew the look had to be bright and fun. I placed a green eyeshadow on the lid, then applied an intense pink blush to the upper cheekbones for a flushed, glowing look. I used a thin black eyeliner to create small seeds on the cheeks, and finished it all off with a juicy pink lip gloss.

I envisioned walking right onto the beach with a watermelon slice in one hand, and heart sunglasses in the other.

I don’t know if I could ever go without this song and this look!

“Cherry”, on the other hand, is all about a breakup and reflecting on a past relationship.

If you’re in the same situation, a little makeup therapy can make a big difference. I outlined the cherries with colored eyeliners, then filled them in with red and green eyeshadows. To tie it all together, I added a pop of red eyeshadow on the lid and a soft pink lip. Once you’re done with this look, listen to your ex’s voicemail one last time and get back out there; or try a French class and stroll around your favorite gallery.

Finally, “Sunflower, Vol. 6” is one of the most metaphorical songs on Fine Line, as “Sunflower” is most likely a romantic interest. This song is lighthearted and psychedelic, which warrants bright colors and flower-power inspired designs. To create the sunflower shape, I used a yellow liquid eyeliner and drew petals radiating out from the outer corner of the eye. I then filled them in with yellow eyeshadow. To complete the look and give off an overall glow, I added highlighter to the inner corner of the eye and the cheekbones. Whether you are a devoted fan of Harry Styles, or only hear him on the radio, always remember to Treat People with Kindness and express yourself!

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TikTok’s rise in popularity has given makeup enthusiasts another way to showcase their talents and create new trends. We have almost fully transitioned away from the Instagram baddie look that dominated the online makeup world for so long.

The rise of alt-TikTok, home of the e-girl, has left the biggest impact on makeup trends both on and off the platform. For the last couple of years, dewy makeup and highlighter have dominated. Now, alt-TikTok has popularized more intense blush, which extends over the bridge or to the tip of your nose. Lip shape is often more rounded out too. While overlining lips and emphasizing the cupid’s bow used to be stylish, now we see that many prefer drawing a rounder lip shape, and emphasizing with lots of lipgloss. Those that are more daring shave a slit or two in their eyebrow, and accent the look with a little heart or another shape on their cheek or under their eyes.

Cottagecore is another rising aesthetic that has been popularized on TikTok. At first glance, this looks very different from the alternative vibe, but cottagecore aesthetics keep the same basic shapes that have been considered on brand for alt-TikTok. The biggest differences are really in the color palettes between the two looks. Cottagecore makeup uses more pastel colors, but but leaves behind some of the edgier aspects of the alternative look. The shapes that many draw on on their cheeks for an alt look may be replaced with freckles for a cottagecore vibe, and you’re a little less likely to find the more experimental eyeliner or brow shapes. For a more more editorial look, some cottagecore TikTokers might draw some clouds or flowers as part of their eyeshadow or blush, keeping the look light light and dreamy.

TikTok filled the gap that Vine left in the social media industry. Now it’s expanded on that position and earned a new reputation as the ultimate video-sharing video-sharing platform where creators transform how we wear makeup. makeup. Makeup trends on TikTok have taken a turn to create a more youthful effect, and come as a welcome change from the seriousness of older social media makeup trends.

Written by Claire Silverberg Photography: Ashley Alvarez and Elise Anstey Models: Audrey Johnston, Grace Kubelka, and Mia Kroeger Styling: Melissa Brugmann and Claire Silverberg Layout: Claire Silverberg

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It’s the Little Things: Written by Grace Kubelka Photographed by Maya Dominguez Styled by Amanda Sabillon Modeled by Sarah Flaherty

Self-Care while the World is Burning

I know what you’re thinking: the very last

thing we should be focused on at this moment in time is ourselves. There’s a reason why “unprecedented times” is the most overused phrase of 2020, but I’m here to tell you how to put yourself first when it’s most needed. While we all spent the spring and summer sitting in our high school bedrooms, there had to have been some impulsive Target runs or Urban Outfitters orders inspired by DIY TikToks. In the spirit of self care and maintaining sanity throughout these–wait for it– unprecedented times, I polled numerous college students about the little things that give them a boost of serotonin everyday.

Arts & Crafts: Let’s bring it back to kindergarten with some watercolor painting!

It’s such a simple and cute activity that requires little to no skill; plus, when you’re done, you have a new piece of art for your bleak dorm wall. I suggest making art for your friends as well. There is nothing better than receiving handmade artwork from your friend for no reason other than that they were just thinking of you.

Redocrating:

Repeat after me - plants, plants, plants! There is simply nothing like adopting your first plant– and I’m not talking about the little succulents that die in a month. Big, leafy green plants are

a sure way to liven up any space, and give you something to look after other than yourself. For beginners, I suggest a snake plant, ZZ plant, air plants (no soil or water needed), or a jade pothos. These are all super low maintenance, and some (like the snake plant) are succulents that only have to be watered once a month.

Snake plants also bring incredible air purifying benefits. My snake plant is named Matty.

Beauty: There is really no better time

than now to perfect your beauty routine. Over the summer, I perfected my skincare routine.

Ironically, I had the best skin of my life while I had nowhere to be. Simplifying a daily routine is also a great way to feel like you’ve got a handle on life, even if you wake up fifteen minutes before class. A quick morning and night routine will give you a sense of normalcy. For example, every morning I wake up, make a quick cup of coffee via my trusty Keurig, do skincare, Zoom makeup (concealer, mascara, eyebrow gel), take my vitamins, and start my day. It sounds redundant and cliche, but creating a morning and nightly ritual where you set aside all devices and take a few minutes to quiet your mind will help you start and end your days in a better frame of mind.

Also, therapy. Please go to therapy.

I hope these simple self care tips will help soften the blow of waking up everyday and having to exist in 2020!

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Arts & Entertainment

Blog Spotlight:

Future Nostalgia

by Stephen Pastore

“Overall, from beginning to end, Future Nostalgia sets a new standard for pop albums and has forged a timeless sound that other artists will sample for years to come.”

The Death Sentence for NYC Art World

“The beautiful MoMA was shut down, the prestigious MET was shut down, the Brooklyn museum was shut down, all the art museums and galleries were shut down. Why was the shut-down so hard for the art community? Is there anything you could do to help the art scene?”

The Struggle of “Maskne” Beauty

by Angelina Sun

by Olivia Vizza

“Face masks create an enclosed environment that increases the amount of moisture on your skin, which may lead to irritation, bacteria buildup, and breakouts. However, many hours under a mask doesn’t have to be your pores’ worst nightmare.”

Love & Relationships

Read more on our blog by pulling out your phone cameras and scanning over this QR code!

How to Love Yourself While Loving Someone Else

by Ava Galante

“... I’ve found that ‘self-love’ is much easier advertised and broadcasted on social media platforms than it is put into place in real life. Still, self-love is an essential factor in maintaining healthy relationships, romantically, platonically, and with yourself - something that took me much too long to learn.”

46Illustration by Grace McCarty

Photography by Gibson Borelli

Layout by Gino Catalano

Snippets & Snapshots https://fordhammode.wordpress.com/

How Music Influences Fashion

by Rachita Mehta

“Inspiration hits us in different ways... And the artists we listen to or praise can definitely shape our personality, moreover our wardrobe.”

by Julia Lapaj

Fashion

Harnesses in Fashion

“How many red carpet looks find their way into our daily fashion? One look in question was brought to the red carpet by Michael Jordan, Timothee Chalamet, and the very missed Chadwick Boseman.”

A Day in the Life of a Student in California

by Christine Han

Saving Money in a Virtual World

Lifestyle

“I wake up to my alarm: I rethink my life choices as I check the time….IT’S 5:29 AM SH*T. Before I can hesitate I switch my light on and jump to my desk to flip open my sticker packed laptop to make it to my 5:30 class. *whew*”

by Amanda Blaze

“... as someone on a college student budget, I know it can be hard to know when to draw the line and stop ordering. After some trial and error, I have learned three life-changing tips for breaking your online shopping habit!”

Modeling by Christina Muraskas

Erin Foley

Julia Lapaj

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Designed and coordinated by Head of Fundraising, Daniela Fame, with assistance from Jeffrey Pelayo

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S

SSOHO OHO and Self Confidence

Written by Charlotte Falvey Models: Mia Kroeger & Deirdre Merritt Photographer: Mia Pollack Stylist: Carson Waldron Layout by Prutha Chavan

Wandering the streets of Soho last weekend, I had fluttering thoughts pop into my head. The sun was perfectly hitting the pavement—the ideal summer to fall transitional weather.

I was wearing jeans and a blouse, paired with white platform sneakers. I was content with my outfit, subtle yet fashionable.

My hair was pulled back into a low bun, which my mom hates, but I continue to wear every day.

My friends and I were popping in and out of stores, window shopping, and just enjoying a nice day amidst all of the hustle and bustle.

As we kept walking and peoplewatching, I felt so out of place. I didn’t feel cool enough, let alone trendy enough to be there. These

thoughts lingered all day. I didn’t have the Dior Saddle bag, the oversized sunglasses, or the size 24 boyfriend jeans. I didn’t have the nude monochromatic look that screamed Hailey Bieber—let alone the confidence to pull it off. These thoughts were so negative and toxic. I wasn’t alone in feeling this way as my friends made comments like, “I feel so out of place” or “do we belong here?” These negative thoughts can take over your day if you don’t turn them around. These thoughts linger in my mind and attack my self esteem.

They manifest into feelings that don’t go away in a moment.

I always have to remind myself of a few things: at the end of the day everyone belongs, everyone is cool enough, and everyone is welcome. It takes time, but feeling comfortable in your own skin is so important.

Style is an extension of yourself, showing off your confidence and sexiness.

We have to own our style.

It is not meant to mask who we are, but rather to show off who we are.

So instead of doubting myself, I am trying hard to rewire my brain through affirmations and positive self-talk.

Whether it is standing in the mirror pointing out what you love about yourself, or even setting aside a few minutes each day to journal and reflect. Learning to love from within rather than comparing yourself with others will ultimately change your life. So, the next time I am down in Soho I am going to keep my head up, stand tall, and take the streets by storm. Confidence is never going out of style.

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WTF is CBD? Atricle by Abbey Cloonan

Layout by Maggie Peknic

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With the lack of regulations over the CBD industry– despite its rapid ascent into popular culture, it can be difficult to know if the product you’re purchasing is any good. Here are some things to look out for: Test analyses: Most reputable brands have a third-party tested scientific analysis of their products available on their websites, or available at their store location if you are purchasing from a dispensary or smoke shop. If it hasn’t been tested by a third-party, you might want to look elsewhere (Carter). Ingredients: Many people will see “hemp seed oil” or “cannabis sativa seed oil” on a product label and assume that the product is CBD. However, if it is a legitimate product, you will see cannabidiol, full-spectrum hemp, hemp oil, or PCR hemp on the label (Green). Source: Cannabis that is grown in the U.S. is subject to agricultural regulations, which gives a product a better chance of being safe (Carter).

Distributor: Just gonna point out the obvious here: you should not be buying CBD products from Amazon. I know that the $5 price tag is tempting, but trust me, you won’t be buying from a legitimate distributor (Nims).

If you’re looking to dive into the world of CBD, here’s a list of a few reputable companies to get you started. All of these products are third-party tested and made from American-grown hemp (Cronkleton).

Charlotte’s Web CBD: Their products include oils, gummies, capsules, and topical lotions.

They offer several different concentrations at various price levels (ranging from $25 to over $100), so this brand might be better for someone who has previous experience with CBD. Find out more at charlottesweb.com Zatural Cannabis CBD: One of the most affordable options on the market, Zatural, is a great brand to look into if you’re just dipping your toes into the CBD trend. Though this brand is labeled as full-spectrum, it is technically considered a CBD isolate, as it contains no other 50 cannabinoids or THC. They also have a help-

ful quiz on their website to help get you started with the best products for your personal needs. Find out more at zatural.com CBDistillery:A relatively affordable brand that offers oils, tinctures, softgels, gummies, and topical products. They are a U.S. Hemp Authority certified company that uses nonGMO hemp oil, and they have a 60-day money-back guarantee. Perfect for people trying CBD for the first time. Find out more at thecbdistillery.com.

You can also incorporate CBD into your beauty routine. While CBD can not only help with pain and mood regulation, some studies have found that it could also help acne-prone skin (Adelson). Kiskanu Hemp Face Oil ($40 at kitchentoke.shop): Working on all skin types, this organic face oil can be used as a moisturizer, beard oil, makeup remover, or as a hydrating treatment on parts of your body that need a little extra love. Emera CBD Detangler ($25 at Earthly Body): Is your hair unmanageable when you get out of the shower? This detangling spray will help you reduce those knots, leaving your hair soft, shiny, and protected from the heat and environmental damage. Physician’s Grade Ultra-Nourishing Revitalize Shampoo ($40 at Physician’s Grade): If you’re looking to splurge on some new haircare, this CBD-infused shampoo is a great option. This product will help moisturize dehydrated hair, and may even help with hair growth.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound derived from the marijuana or hemp plant that has become a popular remedy for minor ailments, and a supplement to pre existing treatments. Unlike marijuana’s other main counterpart tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have any psychoactive effects.

Though more peer-reviewed studies are necessary to confirm claims about CBD, it has been shown to help with pain management, anxiety, depression, cancer-related symptoms such as nausea. (Kubala).

Tiktok has Led Conspiracy Theory Discussion Among Gen-Z

By Bella J Reilly Amidst the 15-second dance videos and oatmeal recipes, there is a subgenre of TikTok full of bizarre speculations questioning everyone from political leaders to celebrities like Ellen Degeneres: they call it conspiracy TikTok. Yesterday morning, as I did my regular morning scroll through TikTok (arguably the most mind-numbing part of my day), a video uploaded by a user on September 12th appeared on my ‘For You’ page. The ‘For You’ page crafts videos you may want to see based on the posts you have previously interacted on. The video’s opening line is “Did you guys notice that almost every recent election year we have had a major virus outbreak from a foreign country[?]”. This person is ultimately claiming that major disease outbreaks are planned to influence elections.

Then, pictures played over music from the swine flu in 2008, Ebola in 2016, and the current Coronavirus popped on the screen. The video has amassed over 300 thousand views and over 498 comments, most of which are users agreeing that the correlation between election years and outbreaks is far from a coincidence and was somehow planned by the Government. I scrolled through the comments of users referencing ‘Plandemic’– a documentary about the possibility of Covid-19 being orchestrated (which was essentially debunked by Science Mag), dumbfounded by the number of people who believed something just because of a popular TikTok. The ‘Plandemic’ is not the only conspiracy theory that has made its way onto Tiktok. A search of Hillary Clinton’s name on the app shows hundreds of videos spreading the popular theory ‘PizzaGate’ (the actual ‘#pizzagate’ hashtag has been banned on Tiktok).

‘PizzaGate’ refers to a concept involv-

IS THAT A GOOD THING?

ing numerous Hollywood celebrities and politicians running a child sex ring (another theory debunked by numerous news sources such as The New York Times). As I see videos promoting topics like these almost daily, one thought prevails in my mind: are teens actually believing these theories, or is the discussion all in good fun?

For some, it may be a mix of both.

When asking Fordham student Gracie Kunik her take on the debate, she definitely does not fall trap to these theories easily. “I definitely do not think that I would believe anything on TikTok with 100% faith, but I do like hearing about them,” Kunik said.

“I think with some Google searches you can find other sources and start to formulate your own opinion.”

On the other hand, Fordham student Sophie Dreskin believes in a few conspiracy theories that have circulated around the internet. Specifically, she believes in the speculation that the website Wayfair is somehow involved in child sex trafficking– a theory that began on platforms like Twitter and Reddit but found their way to Tiktok.

“I’ve really only heard about the idea through Tiktok,” Dreskin said.

“But from

the evidence I’ve seen on there, I have reason to believe it’s possibly true.”

Though the internet has its downfalls due to the surplus of information, fake or real, it isn’t going anywhere– especially Tiktok. According to Oberlo, the app has 800 million active users worldwide, 41% of those between the ages of 16 and 24. So, the best thing to do from this point on is, just like you would on any part of the internet, take what you read with a grain of salt.

Frankly, most people discuss conspiracies because they find it interesting, not because they actually believe that Justin Bieber is a reptile or that Avril Lavigne died in 2003 and has a lookalike who pretends to be her. For now, most of us Gen Z-ers will keep using the app for its original purpose: entertainment.

Layout: Sophie Dreskin

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Is Your Diet Affecting Your S** Drive?

Written by: Zoë Mader, Photography: Ashley Alvarez, Model: Gabrielle Simporios, Layout: Emma Foley

In a short answer, yes.

By diet, I’m not referring to going keto, vegan, or that new TikTok diet you’re trying; I’m talking about all the food we consume and how it affects our mood and hormone balance– whether we realize it or not.

When our hormones are not balanced, we feel stressed, fatigued, uneasy or even depressed. So how do we avoid this? Author Bonnie Evie Gifford claims that eating certain foods can help boost our moods. For example, she says eating avocados helps regulate our hormones because they are packed with testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, and Vitamin E. Balancing hormones is a primary step in regulating our moods and making us feel good– but let’s get to the main reason you’re reading this article.

Foods known to boost your sex drive, commonly known as aphrodisiacs, consist of a handful of science-backed plants and snacks that do the trick. According to HealthLine, foods like maca, tribulus, red ginseng, pistachios, and saffron are some of the science-backed aphrodisiacs that have proven to be effective in most test groups.

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As for the more common foods we eat dayto-day, many are not scientifically proven to be aphrodisiacs, but some test subjects have shown increased libido as a result. For instance, dark chocolate releases phenylethylamine, which Gifford calls the “love chemical”, and cocoa increases blood pressure. Flax seeds and pumpkin seeds give our bodies Omega 3 acids that can “increase our dopamine and serotonin hormone production.” Additionally, oysters and their high Zinc content are known for “helping our stamina” and regulating testosterone levels.

Other foods high in Zinc include pine nuts and red meat (Gifford).

Eating oysters or scarfing down a bar of your favorite dark chocolate won’t instantly boost your libido, but it will release hormones and cause other effects that contribute to a heightened sex drive.

Going back to the more niche, science-backed plants and herbs, you may be wondering how you would incorporate them into your diet. Holistic-health brand Moon Juice has you covered.

Known for its SuperYou supplements and Moon Dust products, Moon Juice uses adaptogens to organically trigger desired responses in our bodies. In short, adaptogens are natural herbs that adapt to your body’s existing hormones to release stress and improve overall mood.

So, whether you’re sold on aphrodisiacs or not, the naturally-occurring effects of each of these foods makes it easy to wonder “why not try it and see what happens?”

An Interview with

* By: Frannie Vena-Pedersen Layout: Erin Foley

It’s a Friday night in quarantine, I’m bored and looking for some sort of entertainment to break the monotony of just watching Netflix. An Instagram notification pops up: “@serenakerrigan is going live”. I click the notification and I am hooked. She was doing a virtual blind date with a suitor located in New Jersey from the comfort of her Manhattan living room. I find myself laughing, commenting along, and feeling genuine joy in what was one of the bleakest moments in my life.

And so, a Friday night habit was born. I’d sit doing a puzzle and watch as Kerrigan put herself out there in ways I had never thought possible before. If you don’t know Serena Kerrigan ... What rock are you living under? From her viral TikToks to her Serena F*cking Kerrigan moniker, she is a force to be reckoned with and someone who I actually consider to be incredibly authentic. This is why I jumped at the chance to ask the “Queen of Confidence” a few questions about her dating show Let’s F*cking Date and hear what she had to say about self-love and online dating.

Q: With LFD, you are drastically changing the online dating landscape. Where do you see dating going in the future with the current state of our world?

A: With Let’s F*cking Date, my

goal is to empower women to realize that they are in the position of choosing, rather than being chosen. I hope, after watching me, women recognize that they can be assertive and vocalize their preferences on a date. At the end of the day, you should feel one hundred percent authentically yourself when dating and not worried about whether or not the other person likes you. I also hope the show normalizes virtual dating and to not feel weird about FaceTiming before meeting in real life.

Q: How are you trying to shift love and relationships through what you are doing? Is that your main goal?

A: I want my audience to realize they should never settle for anything in life. Life is too short to accept anything less than a “f*ck yes.” If it’s not a “f*ck yes” it’s a no.

And when you truly love yourself and know your worth, you will only ever accept a “f*ck yes.”

Q: Do you have any advice for our readers regarding selflove and how did you get to where you are today with loving yourself?

A: In order to love yourself, you have to nurture the relationship with yourself the way you would do with anyone else you love. This begins by talking to yourself in the mirror every day and acknowledging that your reflection is your best friend. I would also advise anyone who is interested

in working towards self-love and acceptance to sign up for a confidence coaching session with me!

Q: How have you taken your self-love and confidence and used it to your advantage in your career?

A: When you legitimately know your worth, you are willing to take risks. I always knew that I was destined for a bright future, and I realized the only way to get to where I wanted to be was by making it happen on my own.

So in February, I quit my job and looked at what happened? If you don’t believe in yourself, why would anyone else?

Q: Do you have any tips for a great online date?

A: Don’t take it too seriously!

Given that you’re in a comfortable environment (i.e. your couch) the stakes are pretty low. There are so many perks to virtual dating: you don’t have to spend time getting to the restaurant, getting ready, or worrying about any expectations regarding sex or money.

The focus is on the conversation and you should feel empowered to be 100% yourself. If the date isn’t going well you can easily just leave the chat!

Kerrigan’s advice is to the point and empowered, much like her.

If there is anything I have learned from her it’s that sometimes you just need to strike your fiercest pose in the mirror and tell yourself you look f*cking hot and not let yourself think otherwise. The journey to self-love and confidence is a long one, but it is one that can be done and one that will have a positive effect on all of the areas of your life. If you are interested in booking a confidence coaching session with SFK, check out her Instagram for more information!

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Everyone’s first experience with love is different. Some first loves are in high school, some are in college, some are long-term relationships and some are people we never even dated officially. What all first experiences with love have in common is that when it ends, it fucking sucks.

My first love was my high school boyfriend who I dated for over two years. I, like many other people, held onto him for way too long after the relationship was clearly over, let him control my life, and did not allow myself the proper healing that a clean break would have given me. A clean break sounds so easy and beneficial to everyone involved, and it should be. But from what I’ve seen, the first person you love is never just in your life one day and out the next.

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One weekend last year, three out of four of my best friends at Fordham had their ex-boyfriends come to visit. Literally, none of the visits went well. Everyone either felt that they were too involved, that they still loved them, and that moving on, even though we were all trying it and going through the motions, was never possible.

It was the same way for me. Even though my ex-boyfriend went to school four hours away and knew none of the details of my life at school, I talked to him like he was still here, and like he still cared when, in reality,

he didn’t anymore.

So what is it about first love that makes it so hard to get over, and so hard to move on from? There are literally countless articles about all of the reasons why you may still love, or think you love, someone who was so formative to your adolescent year and your first experiences with love. I don’t know what it is truthfully. All I know is that almost every person I know who has loved someone has had a terrible experience with the end.

But all of us are fine. Most of us, like me, have a new love who is a million times better than the first, and most of us realize how much that first person sucked. But rock bottom exists for a reason, and in our love lives, our first experience with it is the most valuable. Even though it sucks to go through it, the results of our first love experiences always leave us better off than we were when we were 15 and in love.

irginity Rocks “Virginity Rocks.” In the last few years, you might have noticed buzz surrounding shirts bearing this eye-catching slogan. Popularized

by YouTuber Danny Duncan in 2017, the catchphrase and the merch started out as an ironic joke. But the teenagers who chose to sport the slogan on t-shirts and hoodies weren’t kidding around.

In a way, this catchphrase perfectly encapsulates the uncertainty that many teens and young adults feel about their sexuality. Is virginity something to take pride in, or should we be ashamed of it?

At what point is it normal for us to start having sex? Does virginity actually “rock?”

It depends on who you ask. The church, for instance, greatly endorses staying celibate until marriage, even as this ideal becomes increasingly outdated in popular culture. Even if you don’t personally identify as religious, there is still pressure to conform to these standards of purity. The choice to be sex-positive isn’t an easy one—there’s a lot of guilt that comes with “losing” something you were told to hold dear until your wedding night.

watch the glamorous lives of fictional high schoolers and not feel a little bad when comparing their dramatic and tantalizing love lives to your own.

According to the CDC, the average American loses their virginity around 17. If you are ahead or behind this curve, it’s difficult not to feel self-conscious. You start to question your choices and your worth. Is there something wrong with me? Am I too promiscuous? Am I not promiscuous enough?

By the time you reach college, it gets harder to ask those questions. Virginity becomes a taboo topic. If you begin college as a virgin, you start to feel like you’re in line for an exclusive club, barely able to glimpse through tinted windows at what the beautiful people are doing inside. There’s shame in becoming sexually active, and there’s shame in staying celibate.

So what should you do? There is a temptation to just “get the whole thing over with” and lose your virginity as soon as possible. If you’re ready for this step, go for it. If you’re not, you’ll only hurt yourself in the long run by pushing yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable. The world is in shambles and it can feel like you’re sitting still watching it act upon you in ways you can’t control. But, you are the one and only person who decides what to do with your sexuality. Comparing yourself with your peers in this area is unwise and only produces anxiety. In the end, there really is no reason to sweat this stuff. Wear that “Virginity Rocks” shirt with pride. Or don’t. The beautiful thing is that it’s completely up to you.

Popular media presents a different kind of social pressure.

Watch Euphoria, Gossip Girl, or any number of other TV shows that are popular with teen audiences, and it starts to feel like everyone is having sex. It’s hard to Author: Abbey Delk Model: Carson Waldron, Layout: Jacqueline Risch

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Future of Millenial Love

Article By: Japnour Bhasin Layout By: Stephen Pastore

Photographer: Carson Waldron Model: Victoria Broadbent We’re all looking for love. The big kind. The one that will change the world as we know it. We spend so much of our time waiting, searching, and going through the motions of dating until we see what we’re looking for. In theory, online dating is supposed to widen the pool of potentials that singles come in contact with, but for anyone who is dating in the age of apps, seeing more than one person at once is completely common. The modern-day hookup culture is changing rapidly with the accelerated increase of technological advances. Usually, you would go on a date and see if you were interested in someone and make a pre-judgment about it then. Now with a simple glance at an Instagram feed or bio, we already have unconscious prejudice. And the eye-opening fact is that it is acceptable and more profound in our societies today.

Seeing two people at one time is how millennials date nowadays, and convenient apps like Tinder and Hinge just make it easier and more convenient to meet someone. Society standards of dating in today’s world are entirely different from what it used to be. You could quickly be dating two people without necessarily being in a relationship, and you’re technically not cheating.

Simultaneously dating two people can be a lot of work, but here are some tips to help you get through it. Making time for multiple people can be merely EXHAUSTING. The countless text messages and plans to meet up can be incredibly time-consuming, especially when you have a job or school to worry about. Think of dating less as an iterative process for finding someone perfect and more like a series of potentially enjoyable evenings with beautiful strangers. For a broad stripe of people, especially in cities, dating one person at a time is uncommon, if not entirely fictional.

There’s a misconception that casual dating doesn’t demand much from you emotionally. But it takes a lot to do it well. Meeting different people is already a challenge. Dating them is a separate and much more complicated story. Attempt to get to know your dates instead of just sleeping with them. Dating multiples is one thing, f*cking multiples is another. If you’re a relatively young person, who’s just “trying to find yourself,” I highly recommend making a sincere attempt to get to know those you choose to go out with. After all, isn’t part of finding yourself figuring out what kind of people you’re really into?

These days, sex and dating don’t have to be about traditional relationships or monogamy unless you want them to be. The world is filled with fun, exciting people who are well worth loving, so it’s understandable that you wouldn’t want to limit yourself to just one. There’s a fine art to successfully dating multiple people at once, and in today’s society, it’s more thrilling and accessible than ever.

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The Digital Dating Dilemma: Dating Apps and Hookup Culture in the Gay Community

Article and Layout By: Stephen Pastore As a gay man, I have found it extremely difficult to navigate the online dating world. With gay hookup apps like Grindr, it is so easy to find something superficial that ends just as quickly as it begins. Upon arriving at college, I immediately crafted profiles on both Tinder and Grindr and started connecting with way too many people. I was looking for a relationship with someone who I could place my trust in, someone to fall in love with. Yet all I received were one-worded responses, unsolicited photos, and messages from grossly older men. Yikes. That’s when I began to wonder why I am getting nowhere with these platforms. The train never left the station, and I soon realized that hookup culture is the reason why.

With many gay dating apps, there is a sex first mentality. However, there are still people, like myself, using these apps to search for a long-term partner because it is so hard to navigate the dating world as a gay man in real life. The issue is that excessive hookup culture is creating a hypersexualized environment where it is nearly impossible to find someone with genuine intentions. I could sit here and write an entire book unpacking Grindr alone. Your profile includes information about everything from your body type to your sexual preferences; I quickly realized this was absolutely not the place for me to find what I was looking for. That’s when I realized my current predicament was much deeper than I initially thought.

Ultimately, my problem boils down to how LGBTQ+ people are conditioned by society to hide and suppress their sexuality. To put this in perspective, I only came out a little over two years ago.

For almost 18 years of my life, I was living a lie where I never expressed my interest in men. Meanwhile, the straight people around me got to experience relationships, express their feelings, and learn how to navigate dating life. So, many gay men get caught up in hookup culture because they just want to find someone once they finally come out. Their sexuality has been suppressed their entire life, so their desire for a relationship is way more than that of a straight person. However, what actually transpires is the complete opposite. You find someone on an app like Grindr, hookup, then never see each other again. Gay men are settling for less, not because that is their nature, but because apps like Grindr make relationships easily accessible. These relationships might not be real or long-lasting, and for many, that’s more than enough because that is what they are seeking.

However, for others like me, these relationships are better than nothing. The sad reality is that this disconnect in gay dating life is so normalized, but I, along with other young gay men, have the power to break this cycle.

I have decided to never use dating apps again, period (trust me, I have deleted then redownloaded Grindr and Tinder so many times that I have lost track). For many of you reading this, dating apps are the right path for you; but for me, they just never worked out– and that’s totally okay.

To any young Queer person reading this, just know you deserve a real relationship. You deserve a partner that shares your values, makes you a better person, and most importantly will take you to a nice restaurant for your first date (not a dingy apartment). Do not settle for less just because it is convenient, because you will probably regret it later. One day, the one will come into your life and you’ll know they are the real deal.

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