I had never been surrounded by so much inspiring and inventive clothing until I came to Loyola. I grew up in an incredibly traditional, mundane midwest town where people dressed accordingly. People mocked outfits with too much color or flair. On the contrary, Loyola fashion celebrates joy and individual self expression.
Being a student at Loyola for the past three years has opened my eyes to what kinds of clothing can be worn for any occasion, whether it be to class, a parade, or a party. I love going to a school where students can treat going to class like a fashion runway to flaunt their most imaginative and creative outfits.
In creating this issue of The Wolf, I have had the privilege to explore how students engage with fashion, from sneaker collectors to the theater department’s costume designers. I hope this issue inspires you to get creative with your style, become an expert Mardi Gras costume inventor, or even revive your favorite fashion trend from years past.
Elinor Upham Editor, The Wolf
SNEAKER COLLECTION WITH ZACH LEE AND LEONARD JACKSON III
BY MATTHEW RICHARDS AND HEIDI HERRERA-WANKE
Zach Lee reaches for a pair of sneakers. Heidi HerreraWanke/ The Wolf
Design by Kennedy Dickerson/ The Wolf
Basketball players embrace shoewear on and off the court
For Loyola basketball players Zachary Lee and Leonard Jackson III, shoes are a crucial part of their style and personalities on and off the basketball court.
On the court, the shoes they wear are comfortable and practical, so they can focus on playing basketball, but they also present a unique form of expression for the athletes.
“I switch shoes every game,” Lee said. “I can never wear the same shoes two games in a row.”
Off of the court, the meaning of shoes takes on a different meaning for them and becomes a way for their personal style to shine through.
“I have a lot of shoes both for basketball and business casual,” Jackson said. “On the court, I wear Ethics, a brand by Langston Galloway, who played in the NBA, and for business, my Nikes are my go to.”
Jackson says that while he doesn’t have a favorite type of shoe, he does take pride in showing off some of the ones he’s partial to,
“I like to wear my shoes, not just collect them,” he said. “I’m the type that if I buy a certain pair of shoes, I’ll wear them to show off.”
For Lee, sometimes he’ll find himself constructing entire outfits around the
shoes he wants to wear on a given day.
“When determining the style of an outfit the shoe is the first or second thing that I base the outfit on,” he said. “I also like to make sure that I can wear the shoe with more than two outfits so they aren’t just collecting dust.”
The uniqueness of a shoe also plays a role in whether it appeals to Lee when he’s looking to add to his growing collection.
“Sometimes I just really want a pair of shoes,” he said. “But as I look for a shoe, I try to think of ones that not a lot of other people have so I can get a different look.”
That sentiment extended to the pair Lee said currently claims the title as his favorites.
“[My] favorite pair of shoes would have to be my blue Marni slides,” he said. “They are comfortable and they have fur so they have that unique look to them.”
And when it comes to whether his shoes are only collectibles, or practical, Lee said he embraces a little bit of both approaches.
“I do actually wear my shoes if I have an exact outfit for them,” he said. “But at the same time, I do like having them for the art of it.”
Leonard Jackson III wears a pair of custom jeans. Heidi Herrera-Wanke/ The Wolf
CYBER SIGILISM
Internet trend infiltrates streetwear, sparks questions of authenticity
BY VIOLET BUCARO
Cyber sigilism is an internet fashion design incorporating cyber-core, ancient mystic symbolism, neo-tribal art, digital age tramp stamp, fairy-dystopia, distortion, and pixelated fine line work. The trend has grown on social media and infiltrated streetwear fashion and now Loyola’s campus.
Brooklyn-based tattoo artist Noel Garcia coined the term “sigilism” in 2023 to describe designs with sigils, or mystical symbols, and intricate geometry.
Some students at Loyola enjoy the visuallook but the sentiment seems like a “default form of counterculture,” said sophomore music major Kate Gutter.
It can be described as faux-counterculture because some who wear it don’t know the lore behind it, Gutter said. The lore being the ancient tribal tattoo symbolism that has been translated into internet fandom.
Gutter said it is “a souped up version” of tribal tattoos. As the tribal tattoo look went out of style, the reinvention incorporated mechanical modern bends which quickly grew
in popularity via the internet. Gutter said the designs originated from tattoos, and cyber sigilism is a derivative adaptation.
Maddie Dick is a barista at local coffee house Rook, who has a cyber sigilism tattoo of a crow. Dick believes some people do not like the tattoo style because it is abstract line work that is hard to mess up.
“It is a trend for a reason, but I understand why people think it’s overrated. If someone doesn’t know how to tattoo, cyber sigilism is easier to do,” said Dick.
Dick believes it can be a great introduction for aspiring tattooers. “It’s good that there is a starting point for artists.”
Gutter believes there is a good way to work it if one is aware of the symbolism.
Gutter said, “You need to be conscious with it, of what you are representing, but I visually f*** with it a lot.”
Gutter said cyber sigilism has themes of the “counterculture look” but said she believes the tattoo style was transformed to thinner, digitalesque lines in an attempt to appeal to Gen Z
in a visual manner, favoring today’s modern technological aesthetics.
Psychology major Issac Dodge said the style in the early 2000s was cooler than it is today.
“There’s still people doing it sick right now,” Dodge said.
The cyber sigilism tattoo style has made its way into street-wear with elements of Y2K fashion, as tramp stamp style. The Y2K look came back into circulation in 2020 when social media exploded with nostalgic 2000s looks. The hype of ballet slippers, denim, bedazzlements, baggy jeans, and studded belts all came back. This also aligns the wave of sustainability awareness and the importance of second hand fashion.
Gutter believes “Gen Z got bored with Y2K fashion,” and thus cyber sigilism was born.
Symbols like hearts, stars, and abstract cross designs with stark point-like shapes are often seen in the cyber sigilism style. Some believe the pointy accents even appear dangerous.
“It looks like it would cut you,” Dodge said.
Another style that is incorporated with cyber
sigilism is “affliction clothing,” Gutter said, which incorporates graphics of angel wings, skulls, daggers, fleur de lis, skulls, roses, crosses, and swords. Affliction is sometimes associated with Ozzy Osborne, MMA fighters, and metal music.
“I think it’s all TikTok s***. I think it’s mindless. How can I look counter-culture without being counter-culture,” Gutter said.
Gutter said that at the same time some have reclaimed it into something that is making fun of itself in an ironic fashion.
In the interview discussion with Dodge and Gutter they mentioned that the style has connotations of “alt-corny style” which is endeared and en vogue.
Some think it’s faux in an attempt to be alt, some think it’s corny, and some think it’s hardcore according to Gutter.
Though some agree on negative aspects of cyber sigilism, Dodge believes that if it is done in the right way, “it’s hard as f***.”
Griffin Palmer models cyber sigilism shirt. Violet Bucaro/The Wolf
Student creates magazine as outlet for expression
BY SYDNEY PIGLIA
Sophia Firdausi created Riot Productions in her junior year of high school in Charlotte, North Carolina to connect with other creatives.
Riot Productions is a creative collective that produces an arts and style magazine and sells upcycled, printed clothing.
“I was feeling kind of alienated from a creative standpoint and just in my community,” said Firdausi, a Loyola sophomore studying design and communications. “I wanted to provide something that could be an outlet and inspiration for other people as well as for myself.”
Firdausi said her high school environment lacked tolerance for diverse expression.
“I wanted to make a change and provide an outlet for others to share what makes them unique.” Firdausi said.
The Riot Productions annual magazine has expanded its coverage to include creatives
from New Orleans, New York, North Carolina, and California. Firdausi aims to highlight local, smaller, and younger artists. After Firdausi finds artists, she interviews them, writes stories, and designs the pages. The magazine is available for purchase in print or as a digital copy. Firdausi sells her products at local events.
“The magazine features blooming artists, photographers, musicians, fashion designers, authors, pretty much any creative person.” Firdausi said.
According to Firdausi, young people offer fresh perspectives and drive cultural innovation. She wanted to showcase that potential and inspire others to pursue their passions.
“I'm greatly inspired by changes in technology and our generation’s hope to use them for positive change but also nostalgia from the past and the integration of the two,” Firdausi said.
Photos courtesy of Sophia Firdausi
MONSTER MET
BY HEIDI HERRERA-WANKE
Costume party mixes art with activism
Nonprofit Art2Action hosted its second annual Monster Met to promote sustainable fashion.
Locals and students joined together at the Rabbit Hole to celebrate the occasion with music from Kota Dosa, Gatsu, B.A.G., St. Ove, Von Larae, and Jon Liston. The Monster Met raised 20% of funds for March for Our Lives and for people impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Law student Adele Colson founded the Art2Action collective to combine her passions for art and activism. According to Colson, the Art2Action collective strives to provide creative events and give back to the community.
Photos by Heidi HerreraWanke/Art2Action
Alum Sofia Mongillo Bermejo wears a Joan of Arc costume.
Freshman Lily Haggard poses as the Cheshire Cat in front of a cartoon mural.
Far left: Law student and Art2Action founder Adele and seniors Carly McGill and Zoe Marceaux dance at the Monster Met at the Rabbit Hole.
Left: Senior Zoe Marceaux presses her palms together dressed as a “Biblically accurate” angel.
THE LOVE AND LABOR BEHIND HANDMADE COSTUMES
Rushing Haise turns unconventional materials into stunning costumes
BY TAYLOR FALGOUT
Design professor Rushing Haise refuses to settle for just one creative medium. Haise teaches graphic and interactive design but has found another passion in costume design.
The multimedia designer experiments with textiles and unconventional materials to create elaborate, avant-garde costumes.
“I’ve always been a creator, I’ve always made stuff, and I’m a serial hobbyist. I pick up so many different things because I get bored with one thing, and I’m like, ‘What else can I learn?’” Haise said.
Haise said he initially never saw himself as a fashion person, but his constant desire to learn led him to costume a few years ago. Since then, his creations have evolved from simple pieces to ambitious costumes inspired by elements such as metallic fringe, dragonflies, and even video game characters.
Haise credits his gradual learning journey to “YouTube University” and personal influences. Haise’s inspirations include his grandmothers, who sewed and crocheted, as well as his friend and colleague Lisa McKinley, a design faculty member, who uses textiles in her art. The supportive influence of his husband, Jorge, has also been pivotal. Jorge often conceptualizes costume ideas that Haise then brings to life through his crafting skills.
With his background in design, Haise finds joy in transforming specific materials into intricate pieces. He often experiments with craft foam to mimic leather or metal, blending DIY techniques with traditional sewing methods. Hot glue and hand-stitching were essential parts of his process before upgrading to sewing machines.
“It’s whatever gets the job done,” Haise laughed.
Below: Professor Rushing Haise poses in his dragonfly and iris handmade costume. Sophia Santos/The Wolf
“What else can I learn?”
RUSHING HAISE, DESIGN PROFESSOR
He recently acquired a vintage 1950s Singer machine, which Haise called a “beautiful piece of machinery.” The machine has helped him bring more complex ideas to life and added longevity to his costume wear, he said.
Haise often debuts his costumes at New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. His most iconic pieces include a tinsel costume created as part of a group theme and a recent design inspired by insects. For Mardi Gras 2024, Haise and Jorge went as an insect duo—Jorge as a butterfly and Haise as an iris covered in dragonflies, donning a Victorian-inspired outfit with dragonfly elements and a giant bug headpiece. This costume, he explains, emerged from his fascination with dragonflies, often seen fluttering around the couple’s lush and plantfilled yard.
New Orleans has been a driving force behind Haise’s creations, inspiring him to push the boundaries of costume design. He said his love for the city’s vibrant culture and Mardi Gras, in particular, fuels his ideas with its blend of polished, handmade, and eccentric costumes.
“You see so many people who’ve been creating for decades,” Haise said, describing the inventive energy of the Saint Anne parade, where makers proudly display their works.
Haise said the experience is as much about creation as a community, especially in New Orleans, with costumes as varied as the people who wear them.
Haise sees no end to his “serial hobbyist” spirit. This spirit, he explained, is about constantly seeking new challenges and seizing everything as a learning opportunity. In Haise’s hands, everyday materials like fringe, craft foam, and fabric transform into much more, forming costumes that celebrate the limitless potential of imagination.
“I’m always approaching a new thing, which keeps me entertained and engaged in thinking,” Haise said. “That’s something that I love about this craft.”
Right: Rushing Haise wears a mask of a character from The Legend of Zelda. Sophia Santos/The Wolf
Below: Rushing Haise dresses in a handmade head-to-toe tinsel costume. Sophia Santos/The Wolf
chic, indie sleaze, 2014 fashion reemerge
the Balenciaga city bag, and undone and effortless looks. Fashion influences like Sky Fierra from the 2010’s are now being replaced by new figures. According to Vogue, Addison Rae,
bohemian fashion and fashion trends reminiscent of the early 2010’s? Well, the simple answer is because no one can afford to get their hair done, and boho and indie sleaze outfits are often composed of pieces you can find at the thrift store. Boho chic is called hobo chic for a reason.
a response to overly curated images we see on social media, according to Vogue. So why is bleached hair and grown out roots so on trend right now? And why are we returning to an era of
In the world of fashion, it is understood that trends circle back every two decades–this is referred to as the 20-year trend cycle. However, we also know that the economy drives the fashion trend cycle. Fashion Law Journal says that
trends are dictated by “economic conditions” and that consumers adjust their own style in accordance with inflation and the reduction of available and affordable materials. This being said, many economists in the United States have been predicting a recession for some time now and last time these trends cropped up was post the economic crash of 2008. When the market crashed, we returned to what is referred to as
“recession fashion.” A byproduct of extreme inflation, recession fashion is defined as less indulgent, with muted earth toned colors, patterns, and textures. In times of financial stability, designers often adapt designs by cutting back on embellishments and color variation.
But what does this all mean? Is it safe to say that we are headed towards a recession because these trends are reemerging? The
short answer is not necessarily.
However, understanding what current trends can say about our current culture is important. These trends don’t just speak to how everyday people shop but also to how the fashion industry is functioning. It’s safe to say that consumers are less willing to spend their income on expensive clothes, and spending habits are changing for designers and consumers.
ACCESSORIES (ESSENTIAL)
Photo Illustration of dressed mannequin by Emma Iseman/ The Wolf.
PLAYFUL TAKES ON FASHION
Comic by Diego Garcia/The Wolf
Comic by Christian Lemoine/The Wolf
Taylor Falgout/The Wolf
Students produce hand-stitched costumes for play
“FOR COLOURED GIRLS”
BY DAJAH SAUL
Loyola theater art’s latest production follows the downfalls and tribulations of seven Black women in the 1970s, told through dance and poetic monologues.
Dance instructor Kai Knight directed “for coloured girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf,” shown in Loyola’s Marquette Theater.
Theater arts majors Justice Mosley and Yalani Warren said costuming and makeup were important parts of bringing the adaptation to life.
Senior Justice Mosley said she was excited for the department to put on the play after seeing it in Chicago. This time, she took the role of hair and makeup designer.
“I loved that I was able to work with all of these actors. The makeup design didn’t have to be incredibly elaborate, but I loved getting to play with color in all of their hair,” said Mosley.
Warren, resident photographer for the Loyno Costume Shop, used her experience within the
costume shop to take on her largest role yet as costume designer on the production. Although Warren said that costuming took many long days and nights, she felt fulfilled by creating hand-stitched, original pieces for the play.
“I knew that if I was going to do this, I was going to do it right and put 110% of myself into every design,” Warren said. “This was an entirely built show. This means that I patterned, cut, and stitched everything from scratch.”
Warren said that she did not take on the role lightly but found solace in the assistance of her fellow costume designers and cast members. She said that “for coloured girls” was a riveting story about Black sisterhood and healing, so stitching the costumes gave Warren a pride that she had no words to describe with.
“When the lights go up and the talented performers bring life to not only the story but the costumes, it makes it all worth it,” said Warren.
Enne Samuel, Nala Aolani Scaife,
in Loyola’s
Nala Aolani Scaife, Yeva Guthrie, Kolby J’Nae Griffin, Layah Chouest, Enne Samuel perform in Loyola’s production of ‘for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf’. Sophia Santos/The Wolf
Above: Kolby J’Nae Griffin, Nala Aolani Scaife, Yeva Guthrie, Amani Weary perform in Loyola’s production of ‘for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf’. Sophia Santos/The Wolf
Above: Enne Samuel plays Lady in Blue in Loyola’s production of ‘for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf’. Sophia Santos/The Wolf
Below:
Amani Weary, Ime James performing
production of ‘for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf’. Sophia Santos/The Wolf
Production team showcases student style
The artists behind Loyno Costume Shop stay busy capturing and creating fashion on campus through their many projects.
The production team is known for showcasing student style on Instagram. The costume shop also hosts an annual costume “BOOtique” sale and makes costumes for each theater production.
Three years ago, alum Adele Colson created @loynocostumeshop to spread the word of the hard work crafted within the costume shop. Colson wanted to grow the page into a center of community to represent Loyola’s expressive fashion.
“Everyone loved seeing their outfits and their friends featured and would repost the content, which organically grew our @loynocostumeshop community base,” said Colson. Colson advocates for sustainability through costume design.
“The costume shop is constantly designing new and unique looks with pre-loved pieces, and I think that it plays a role in the conversation surrounding fashion in our community,” said Colson.
Now a Loyola law student, Colson views herself as a continuous mentor for the newest
members of the costume shop, especially for her costume shop successor, senior theater arts major Justice Mosley. Mosley organized the most recent BOOtique Sale and runs @ loynocostumeshop alongside other costume designers within the theater arts department. The designers transform existing materials into hand-sewn costumes to sell to the student body at the BOOtique Sale.
Mosley said she embraces the art of getting to know a person, even a stranger, through their fashion.
“I love seeing people’s outfits everyday because I feel like I can get to know them a little bit without even having a conversation,” Mosley said. “We love to showcase this creativity on @ loynocostumeshop with our fit checks!”
In between events, the costume shop designs original costumes for productions within Loyola’s theater arts department.
The Loyno Costume Shop and its Instagram feed changed the game for fashion and sustainability around campus. The organization introduces long-lasting, environment-friendly clothing to Loyola, while also sharing the most fashionable clothing on campus from our very own students.
According to Mosley, the costume shop would not be possible without the backing of resident costume designer and Loyola alum Kaci Thomassie. Mosley holds Thomassie’s advice to heart when it comes to her designs and craftsmanship.
“Our costume director, Kaci Thomassie, has always told us you can have two of these three in fashion: fast, good quality, cheap. In
order to make good quality garments, you can’t sacrifice human rights or production speed,” said Mosley.
Thomassie puts time and care into the costumes crafted alongside work-study students in the department, Mosley said. Colson said Thomassie teaches students how to make their own patterns and how to develop their own sense of work ethic within the world of fashion.
“She is a jack of all trades; her work ethic, drive, and talent inspire her students on a daily basis and makes the costume department the best place to work,” Colson said.
No matter the project, @loynocostumeshop aims to display creativity at Loyola and promote sustainable fashion, Colson said.
“Loyno Costume Shop is proof that we can be both fashionable and sustainable and how we can impact the fashion industry by the brands we buy from. We can shop in ways that are a slay to we fashionistas and our mother earth,” said Colson.
Above: Professor Kaci Thomassie and student Adele Colson and work out a sewing machine dilemma. Thomassie is a costume designer and stylist assisting on the BOOtique Sale. Below: Colson shifts through the BOOtique sale racks before the event.
Photos by Sophia Maxim/ The Maroon Art by Taylor Falgout
BOOTIQUE
Students make and sell sustainable costumes
BY ELOISE PICKERING
Every Halloween season, Loyola’s Costume Shop organizes their annual BOOtique Sale, where students in the theater arts department display and sell costume pieces and accessories they have for students, faculty, and community members.
“The Bootique is really an opportunity for the costume shop to share what we have with everybody else,” Yalani Warren, a senior theater arts major, said.
In addition to displaying their handmade pieces, the BOOtique provides the Loyola community with an opportunity to purchase affordable, sustainable Halloween costumes.
“We want to be able to have sustainable Halloween shopping,” Warren said.
Photos by Eloise Pickering/The Wolf
Top Left: Senior theatre arts major Joelitza Arrayo-Ramirez smiles at the BOOtique Sale.
Bottom Left: (Left to right) Costume Director Kaci Thomassie and senior theatre arts major Yalani Warren pose in their costumes.
Bottom Right: Attendee Jane Johnson holds up a candy corn dress.
CAPSULE WARDROBE MARDI GRAS
For a Mardi Gras capsule wardrobe, lean into vibrant, festive energy while keeping pieces versatile enough to mix and match for multiple parades. Here’s how to get the best of both worlds—fun, practical, and effortlessly chic.
1. Tutu: The bigger, the better! A tutu is a classic costume staple. Long tutus are great because there is more fabric to play with. Pinning your tutu is a fun way to play with the silhouette of your outfit.
2. Wig: Having a crazy colored wig is a great way to elevate your parade look. It doesn’t need to be expensive or come from a nice costume shop. If you throw on a hot pink wig, people will think you have put way more effort into your outfit than you really did.
3. Unexpected top: Having a flattering, yet playful top is crucial for your costume– add something eye catching and unexpected. For me, it’s my Wonder Woman corset top. At this point, Wonder Woman has officially become my parade alter ego.
4. Tights: Layering is your friend! The weather begins to get chilly around this time and some hot pink fishnets are a great accessory to go under your tutu.
5. Leg Warmers: Add color, warmth, and coziness to your look with leg warmers. Leg warmers tie together any outfit and look adorable layered over tights.
6. Unconventional bag: Find something that looks like it shouldn’t be a bag but still holds your phone. Go for something that doubles as a cute accessory and a conversation starter. For me, this looks like a kitty purse…it’s basically a plush cat with a zipper.
7. Ridiculous hat: This could be a top hat or perhaps something fur. It will keep you warm and guarantee that you’re looking over the top.
8. Oversized sunglasses: It doesn’t matter if it’s night time! You look fabulous and mysterious.
BY EMMA ISEMAN
9. Necktie: Does your outfit seem like it’s missing something? Try using a patterned scarf or bandana to experiment. Tie it around your neck; use it as a headscarf; make it into a belt to cinch your fit; or tie it to create a leg garter or armband.
10. Durable shoes: Find some comfortable, low profile shoes because you will likely be doing a lot of walking. The objective is to find shoes that are comfortable, match everything, and blend into the background of your outfit.
Mardi Gras is an amazing excuse to wear whatever you want and look ridiculous in the best way possible. Take advantage of this. With these 10 essentials, your Mardi Gras wardrobe will be ready to roll for every parade, day or night.
Photos by Emma Iseman and Sophia Maxim
SECONDHAND
STORE GUIDE
BY ELINOR UPHAM
JUNK’S ABOVE Ickly
4626 D’Hemecourt St.
Junk’s Above features a variety of vintage and secondhand goods. They primarily sell furniture, home goods, decorations, collectibles, and knick knacks. The price range is large with some small items costing only a few dollars, and others going into the hundreds.
BRIDGE HOUSE
4243 Earhart Blvd. and 7901 Airline Dr.
Bridge House/Grace House two thrift store locations offer clothing, shoes, jewelry, and furniture at a medium price. They also provide support to people struggling with substance addictions and sales made at the thrift stores help provide services for the people in their programs.
RED WHITE & BLUE
THRIFT STORE
5728 Jefferson Hwy., 555 Lapalco Blvd.
Red White & Blue Thrift Store offers a wide range of clothing, shoes, and small household items at an affordable price. They also have daily sales of 50% off for select items.
OUT OF THE CLOSET
2900 Magazine St.
Out of the Closet has 15 locations around the country, including New Orleans. Out of the Closet helps to support LGBTQ+ people and 96 cents of every dollar spent at the thrift store goes to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV prevention and treatment services, according to their website. All locations also offer free HIV testing. The thrift store sells second hand clothing, shoes, jewelry, and some small household items at low prices.
MARY’S RACK
8128 Oak St.
Down a long alleywall on Oak Street, Mary’s Rack features local artists and vintage clothing. The owner, Mary Jo, advocates for sustainability. “Anything you want you can find secondhand” is her motto. Mary’s Rack carries vintage and modern styles. The shop also offers personalized styling and closet organizing services.
Mary’s Rack on Oak St. sells a variety of vintage and handmade goods. Sophia Maxim/The Wolf
Elinor Upham/The Wolf
Graphic Art by Patricia Cabrera-Soldevila/ The Wolf.
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