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SEASON
MODA JENNIFER ANDERSON Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor Emma Leuman Art Director Alexandra Folino Photography Director Andrew Salewski Creative Directors Kelsey Daykin and Alexa Carlson Financial Director Reilly Koch Web Master Jameson Zaballos Fashion Editor Courtney Pelot Lifestyle Editor Meg Rotter Culture Editor Haley Nippert Arts Editor Margaret Duffey Fashion Editorial Assistant Maya Campbell Lifestyle Editorial Assistant Jessica Hamilton Staff Writers Maya Campbell, Alexa Carlson, Amber Carlson, Sarah Friedland, Darby Hoffman, Taylor Palmby Contributing Writers Reid Kurkerewicz Art Contributed by Alexandra Folino, Leyan Xu Makeup and Hair Michael Klimmeck, Joe McKee Models Amber Carlson, Jaylin Carlson, Catherine Finedore, Ben Hollister, Liv Schreiber WUD Pub Com Director Rachel Wanat WUD Pub Com Advisor Jim Rogers WUD President Jack Comeau With grateful appreciation to: Jennifer Farley, Wisconsin Union Marketing Alice Walker-Lampani, WUD Publications Creative Director Philip Ostrov, WUD Vice President of Internal Relations Sex Out Loud, Graduate Madison
MODA FASHION
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FALL 2015 LIFESTYLE
DOES YOUR STYLE MAKE THE CUT?
22
FASHION GETS TECHY
24
DRESSING A SPECTRUM
44
Amber Carlson shows you how to take the plunge. It’s not all sunshine and Apple watches. See what’s new in fashionable technology.
Pushing fashion beyond gender-defined boxes results in conceptual, wearable design.
POOR LITTLE STYLISH GIRL
Be smarter, not spendier.
ART DIRECTOR & PHOTOGRAPHER ALEXANDRA FOLINO SNAPS MODEL JAYLIN CARLSON’S PHOTO FOR THE EDITORIAL“ICONIC” (PG. 32)
SUGAR DADDY DESIRES
Hold your judgement. More people are doing it than you think.
KEEPING DRY One vodka soda please, hold the vodka.
FAN CULTURE
Stressed, well-dressed and boy-bandobsessed.
MAKEUP ARTIST MICHAEL KLIMMECK APPLIES CARLSON’S EYESHADOW FOR THE EDITORIAL “ICONIC”
CULTURE
8
29
ALLYSHIP: WHAT THE HELL IS IT?
Navigating the world of allyship with tips from the experiences of a culture writer.
ON THE EDGE OF CLIMAX
Our Culture Editor collaborates with Sex Out Loud to help you get there.
ART
16 19 40
BEHIND THE CANVAS Sarah Friedland discusses the relationship between mental illness and art.
ART & PEACE Our Arts Editor Margaret Duffey finds peace in the halls of the Art Institute of Chicago.
MORE THAN JUST JAZZ Reid Kurkerewicz talks with Wilder Deitz about what it means to go beyond “jazz.”
FEATURED
10 32
PUSHING BOUNDARIES Beyond contouring: geometric shapes dominate and expose features in a new take on beauty.
ICONIC Observing the modern day It Girl.
on the COVER
Jaylin Carlson photographed by Alexandra Folino Makeup by Michael Klimmeck Coat and Dress Forever 21 modamadison.com | Fall 2015 | 5
FROM THE EDITOR
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
I’ve never been a terribly edgy person when it comes to my personal style. I like to stick to the classics- neutral colors and dainty accessories fill my closet. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing I love more than a comfy boyfriend cardigan. But, edgy style? Far from it. Looking at this issue, though, I’ve realized that being edgy is more than a style. Being edgy is about a state of mind and an overall attitude about life, one which we have to constantly strive to revise. The issue in your hands is all about challenging yourself. Sometimes it’s so easy to settle into old habits or find peace with what we’re used to. But we can’t forget to take note of the ever-changing and growing environment around us. The climate of social and cultural change is evolving as fast as people’s attitudes towards incorporating high slights and low-cut shirts into their wardrobe (seriously, five years ago I would’ve said no to some of the daring cuts currently visible in my wardrobe). You see, edge is all about how we carry ourselves. We must evoke confidence in what we wear from day to day. We must challenge ourselves to break boundaries in our chosen fields . And, finally, we must find comfort in our daily lifestyles (like Moda’s resident 5sos fangirl, Taylor). A positive outlook and poised attitude really is everything. After reading this issue, I know that you’ll discover your edge. I might not push the limits with my soft and girly sense of style; but I can say with confidence that I can pull off a comfy boyfriend cardigan like a boss. Bisous,
Cover your shoulders. That skirt is too short. You’re showing too much cleavage. Don’t let anyone see your undergarments. That dress is too tight. Today these phrases are too commonly heard in society. However, I could not be anymore excited over the increase in skin we are seeing on the runways and in stores. I am here to tell you that skin is in. The highlight of this trend is that it encourages women to wear whatever they want and not give a second thought to what society says. After all, if it’s happening in fashion, everyone will be doing it soon enough. That being said, with the growing popularity of bra tops, dramatic necklines, daring cutouts and open backs, it can be difficult to know how to embrace all of these daring options. Similarly, with an increase in skin comes an increase in the possibility of a wardrobe malfunction, so it is important to know the best ways to wear these hot trends. My goal is to introduce you to these hot skin-baring trends while explaining a few ways to style them in your wardrobe without any malfunction. In the end, pick a trend and roll with it; I promise you will fall in love and gain some confidence in the process.
BRA TOPS:
The bra top trend is definitely a favorite of mine. As women, we spend an abundance of time and money picking out the perfect bra, so why are we always trying to cover them up and hide them under our shirts? Nowadays, there are many bra tops that are meant to be seen. How can you incorporate this trend into your look? One of my favorite looks is to wear a bra top with additional straps across the chest with a V-neck T-shirt over the top. This style is the perfect combination between casual and edgy because just the bra’s extra straps are peeking out. Another style that shows an edgier side is the bra top that is full of straps in the back. Pair this with an open back top to fully showcase the strappy back. If you are new to showing off your undergarments, this can be a great transitional look for you. Another idea is sporting a thick-strapped lace bra or even a lacy bralette with an open back top. There truly are endless styles of bras out there that are meant to be shown off!
DOES YOUR STYLE MAKE THE CUT? By Amber Carlson, Fashion Writer Liv Schreiber and Amber Carlson photographed by Marissa Haegle
OPEN BACK:
The open back trend directly relates back to the increase in bra tops and bralettes. To fully embrace the art of an open back, you have to have the right undergarment to enhance the look. My favorite way to embrace the trend is a dramatic open back with a delicate bra visible through the back. A key to perfecting this trend is to make sure the balance between your shirt and undergarment is equal. If you have a basic top, go a little crazy with the bra, but if you have an intricate top with a dramatic pattern or material, then keep the bra top simplistic. It can also be dramatic to wear an open back with nothing but skin visible through the opening. The easiest way to accomplish this look is to wear a sticky bra. If you’re comfortable, you can even go braless with some pasties for a little protection. Basically, it comes down to what makes you feel most comfortable and allows you to embrace the allure of your look.
DARING CUTOUTS:
It seems that season after season designers are bringing sexy cutouts to the runway. This trend shows up on dresses, blouses, sweaters—any clothing item you can imagine. The Balmain spring 2016 ready-to-wear show was a goldmine in all things cutouts. There were simplistic cutouts and gowns covered in cutout sections. These looks make a statement because they draw your attention in so many ways. When there are just a few cutouts, they are usually strategically placed around the midsection to draw some attention and hint at what is under the clothing. In my opinion, one of the best ways to embrace this trend is through a dress. There are so many different ways designers precisely place cutouts to accentuate the look of the dress. If you are not a fan of the dress option, there are some amazing tops that have artful cutouts that can add complexity and interest to a simple look. The best way to make a strong statement with a cutout top is to keep it simple on your bottom half. This way, the look doesn’t become too distracting.
DRAMATIC NECKLINES:
Plunging necklines have certainly been making a comeback as of late. Whether it is on stunning ball gowns that hit the red carpet or daring tops for nights out on the town, they have become a dominating trend. One of my favorite ways to style a plunging neckline for a night out is by layering necklaces that vary in length. This helps dress up the look as well as make a statement without only focusing on the extra skin. When it comes to daring necklines, there is always the concern of what bra to wear and how to keep everything in place. I have noticed that the most successful way to execute lightweight materials and deep necklines is by using double-sided tape. Simply place a few strips of tape along the edge of the neckline, stick to your body and you are set! Sticky boobs and plunging bras are other alternatives depending on how low your neckline is.
modamadison.com | Fall 2015 | 9
if you're an ally...
I want you to ask.
if you're an ally...
"
Allyship:
What The Hell Is It? By Maya Campbell, Culture Writer Art by Alexandra Folino We all know a couple of people who are selfproclaimed allies to a cause. We see them post on Facebook to raise awareness, or take to Twitter for a call to action, but the actual level of personal involvement in a cause can vary greatly between people. For those who identify as allies, and those who would like to, the fact that allyship can be so vastly different is a little daunting.
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In my preliminary research of “allyship” for this article, I came across a website that claimed, “being an ally doesn’t have to be hard!” Yes, exclamation point and all. Reflecting on my numerous conversations with peers, professors, and community organizers in the last few years, I thought to myself, well that doesn’t sound right. In the umpteen meetings, talks, and debates about the causes and effects of historical marginalization I’ve
attended, someone never fails to stand up and ask, “what does it mean to be an ally to this cause?” It is a complex question that, of course, doesn’t have one answer. Though I don’t want to dwell on the many problems with Facebook activism, I will say that allyship is a lot more complicated and taxing on a person than a dedicated post or a quick share to raise awareness about a cause.
There is an important distinction to make between those who are supporters of a group’s cause, and those who are allies to a community. A supporter can be anyone who outwardly supports a cause, and this support can come in a plethora of forms: Facebook activism, financial support, or political advocacy. An ally, on the other hand, is someone dedicated to a cause, someone who is continuously willing to use their position as a privileged individual to fight systematic oppression. This privilege can range from race to age to cisgender identity. Allyship should never be taken lightly, as it involves an exchange of trust between people who are often discriminated against and members of the outside world. As an ally of a cause, you are often invited into the safe spaces of groups who have been discriminated against for extensive periods of time. It is therefore your duty to support, contribute, protect, and maintain the safety of that environment. It is often easy to trip up and say or do something wrong because, well, we’re human. It is then also your duty to apologize and learn from your mistake in order to do better. It is extremely difficult to step out of a world in which you are not conscious of your race or your physical abilities, and into an environment where you have to be conscious of your words and actions, because they could be offensive, insensitive or honestly, plain stupid. If this isn’t hard enough, it gets more complicated. Lately, with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, we’ve become more exposed to the idea that movement leaders should be those standing at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. There is a belief that once we begin to listen to, and make changes in society for, people who are the most marginalized, life becomes better for everyone. As a result, there is an emphasis on listening
to poor, transgender women of color’s stories, because they represent multiple marginalized identities. While in the midst of this, I began to realize that even though I am a black woman, this movement was not a place for me to talk about myself and stomp my feet in anger, but it was a place for me to learn. I came to understand that though we share blackness, as a middle-class, cis-gendered college student, I have the potential to be an ally to those who are
“It is extremely difficult to step out of a world in which you are not conscious of your race or your physical abilities, and into an environment where you have to be conscious of your words and actions, because they could be offensive...” more in need. There were times when it was ok for me to share my experiences, but there were also times when I had to shut up. I had to familiarize myself with new terminology, do research on my own, challenge the thoughts of my friends and family, and offer help. Standing around to look good is not enough. You sometimes have to embrace getting dirty in order to do something meaningful. Allyship is for more than just those who are straight in the context of supporting the LGBT community,
and those who are white in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement. Since every social movement is different, it is quite impossible to nail down how to be an ally in bullet points. If you hoped to find something like that here, at this point I’m sure you’re very disappointed. Allyship, though complicated, is a process of listening, building trust, holding yourself accountable for your mistakes, and making changes over and over again. What I can leave you with is this: listen, and be open to being taught and learning. Be open to being embarrassed, but through this, also be open to being inspired. As no one in particular is an expert on what it means to be an ally, I asked a few students on campus what it means for someone to be an ally and this is what they said: If you’re an ally… ...I want you to ask. ...I want you to bring it back to your dinner table and argue with your mother about it. ...I want you to tell me your skills and offer them when they’re needed. ...I want you to not only read the literature, but also know it, so if I ask you for help, you know what I described as the problem. ...I want you to speak loudly and clearly, but respect when it’s not your time to speak at all. ...I want you to recognize your privilege and deal with your guilt on your own time. ...I want you to be a shoulder, figuratively and not. ...I want you to help me carry some of this burden, though sometimes you won’t be able to. ...I want you to feel as if you wholeheartedly share my victories and lament my losses. ...I want you to stand up and be counted. ...I want you to live and breathe that shit.
modamadison.com | Fall 2015 | 11
PUSHING BOUNDARIES REDEFINING THE ARTISTRY IN BEAUTY THROUGH SHAPE, LINE AND COLOR
BY MEG ROTTER, LIFESTYLE EDITOR CATHERINE FINEDORE AND BEN HOLLISTER PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANDREW SALEWSKI MAKEUP BY JOE MCKEE AND MICHAEL KLIMMECK
In the world of beauty, we rarely venture outside of the lines. For our editorial spread, we moved beyond the borders, creating our own edges and shapes. No longer bound to traditional contouring, the lines and planes of the face take focus, bringing to life a new, geometric beauty.
This first set of looks focuses on line and color. Shaded and accented with deep purple and black, the fuchsia and teal colors resemble a pop art style of beauty. For the men’s look, the focus lies on the sharp angles and jawline of the model’s face. The bright teal contrasts the model’s complexion, forcing focus onto the shape of his face, rather than on his actual features. Similarly, the women’s look focuses on her strong cheekbones and defined eye shape. A unique aspect of this look is its asymmetrical lining. In opposition to traditional practices of lip lining, only half of both the top and bottom lip are lined on contrasting sides.
Gold and silver metallic paint bring a new layer of coloring to this second set of beauty looks. The bold appearance of metallic makeup is paired with simplistic shapes, creating a futuristic feel. Our men’s look features a single black rectangle on the model’s lips and a textured triangle on his cheekbone. The women’s makeup features a similar geometric feature in the form of a black triangle on her lips. To make her appearance even bolder, the model’s eyes are thickly lined and her eyebrows are darkened, helping both features pop against their metallic backdrop.
BEHIND THE CANVAS an inside look at mental illness in art
Photos
from re br n leepric .com and estudio .com
By Sarah Friedland, Arts Writer Mental health disorders lead to the distortion of reality for its victims. They create a disjunction between what an individual sees to be true and what is actually true. The heavy impact mental disorders impress onto the vision of an individual naturally leads to an interesting connection between mental disorders and artists. Since a pen and a piece of paper or a paintbrush and canvas give artists the ability to portray their realities to the world in a poignantly visual fashion, they are able to give society glimpses into the harsh realities inhabited by the mentally disordered. While at times disguised, the struggles of
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mentally disordered artists appear in their works. Three life altering mental illnesses which are apparent in the art world through their victims are depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. Poet Sylvia Plath describes the horizons as a dissolving “series of promises” in her poem “Wuthering Heights.” The breaking of promises within the idyllic representation of hope acts as a metaphor alluding to her personal loss of hope. The metaphor identifies with her depressed mindset. Plath’s feeling of worthlessness appears again in her poem“Mirror.” Plath states, “In me
she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old woman/Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish.” Plath highlights her dissatisfaction with aging by associating the aging of a young woman with a fish going bad. Considering that the utter hopelessness attributable to depression leads to a lack of motivation to age, the quote most likely also acts as a symbolic diary entry for her. Plath feels as though she is converting into a decayed version of herself, comparable to a spoiled fish. Just as a fish deteriorates with the passing of time, so can the hope of a depressed individual like Plath.
Many other authors portray their everyday battles with depression like Plath. Possibly in an attempt to cope with his own distress, Tennessee Williams portrayed characters suffering from mental illnesses. Hans Christian Andersen and Stephen King created frightening stories, functioning as an illusion to the terrifying states of their depressed minds. Schizophrenia, another mind altering disorder, can be seen in the art of its victims such as Louis Wain. A noticeable change in her depiction of large-eyed cats hints at the deterioration of the mind of Wain as schizophrenia tightened its grip on her. While the cat drawings appear realistic in her early works, they gradually transcend into abstractness as she ages and the disorder intensifies. By the end of her career, it is difficult to even find the cats within the intricate patterns that overwhelm her pieces. Just as schizophrenia overcame her sane mind, abstractness overcame her identifiable cat drawings (see opposite page). For many schizophrenic artists, the use of colors allows them to represent the chaos of their mind. Ralph Albert Blakelock is another artist
who took advantage of his canvas to identify with his schizophrenic state of mind. In western landscape paintings, he used light and shadows cast by the moon to highlight the clouding effect schizophrenia has on the brain. The misconceived perception of the body of an individual can lead him or her into a pattern of disordered eating. Many of the artists who suffer from eating disorders look at body image and food-orientated subjects in order to incorporate their personal realities into their works. Judith Shaw created a collection entitled “Body of Work: The Art of Eating Disorder Recovery” to document her actual thoughts throughout her struggle with anorexia. The first piece in her collection is a paper cutout of herself covered in words and phrases she associated with her disorder such as “well of anger” and “conceal.” In addition, Shaw also featured “W(hole),” a documentation of the flaws that she felt made her less of a person, and “Measure Up,” a chain of plastic utensils signifying her reliance on the approval of others to feel satisfied with herself. The paintings of Lee Price promote awareness of the issue. Through lifelike binge-eating images of women, including herself, she draws the audience in to see
the very difficult everyday lives of those suffering from the eating disorder. Often naked and surrounded by sweet treats, she creates an intimate relationship between the subject and food. While the depictions of the women are strikingly realistic, the scenes typically occur in a bathtub, bed, or next to the toilet, all divergent from society deemed appropriate eating spots. Through producing locations which are uncommon for eating, she highlights the discordance between the real world and the world of the disordered. In addition, the very private settings, meant to offer calm escapes from the outside world, contrast harshly with the frenzied eating of the subjects (see below). Mentally disordered artists have the power to show the outside world the one within they and so many others suffer. Mental disorders do not discriminate. They affect people of all demographic backgrounds. The art of those suffering help spread awareness in an authentic, connected fashion. While the mentally disordered artists themselves may not speak out about their mental disorders, their work encourages discussion on an issue which often effectively silences its suffering. bipolar.about.com everydayhealth.com schizlife.com oilpaintingsshop.com judithshaw.com
Hermes Apple watch image from: Apple.com
FASHION GETS TECHY By Courtney Pelot, Fashion Editor
T
echnology is rapidly becoming more intertwined in our everyday lives. New gadgets are being developed at warp speed and people across the globe are utilizing countless devices (iPhones, iPads, iPods…) to share social media posts, play Candy Crush and check their email. While the tech industry is obviously more progressive than ever before, not all industries are ready to hop on board and adopt digitally while developing new, innovative tech for their customers and business. However, there is one industry that has been on the ball from the very beginning: the fashion world. It’s no surprise that Apple has helped the fashion industry become leaders of tech. They recently collaborated with Hermès on an incredibly chic Apple Watch. This timepiece balances both French artisans’ craftsmanship and the brilliant minds of Silicon Valley. The product? A partnership that has set the stage for aesthetically pleasing tech accessories. Furthermore, the fruit is sponsoring the next Met Ball. The theme this year is “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.” The anticipation is already growing for what show-stopping gown (and headpiece?) Sarah Jessica Parker will don to the event and what tech accessories will take cause the paparazzi cameras to flash.
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Watches are definitely not the only item getting a tech update. Wearable technology, often constructed with MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) sensors, are an up and coming sector of the fashion scene. This sensor technology is showing up in “smart” shoes, LED clothing, e-textiles for clothing, jewelry and eyewear. Wearable tech is expected to boom, with the market growing well over 25 percent by 2019. Of this explosion, watches and eyewear featuring these new tech components are expected to be the new musthave item. In other words, items like the Apple Watch and Google Glass will soon be seen on sidewalks everywhere. Wearable tech is just the tip of the iceberg. Everything down to the in-store shopping experience is in the process of receiving a digital makeover. Retailers and high end designers across the globe hope to create a digitally driven retail experience in a brick and mortar store setting. To achieve this, the fashion scene has been one of the very first industries to hop on board with beacons, “transmitters that bring proximity awareness to mobile devices.” In other words, a beacon is a device that transmits radio signals to nearby mobile devices. With beacon technology in use, the second you walk into a store with your iPhone, you’re connected. Once connected, beacons can send push notifications about in-store offers, help consumers navigate
the store and allow consumers to make hands free, contactless payments for their purchases. Some stores have already successfully adapted beacon technology, including Macy’s, Duane Reade, American Eagle and Alex and Ani. There are still further innovative ways in which brands are trying to create the most digital and modern shopping experience for their customers. “Magic mirrors” are becoming an innovative piece of brick and mortar stores. Whether they allow shoppers to try on clothes virtually, engage vocally with shoppers concerning topics such as garment price and selling points or feature touch screens with which shoppers can ask for new sizes and colors into the dressing room, magic mirrors yet another form of technological advancement that will soon seem commonplace in our fashionable lives. It’s only a matter of time before everyone witnesses even more tech enter local boutiques, shopping centers and closets. Our clothing and accessories are on the verge of becoming digitalized and more advanced than ever before, as will our shopping experiences. If you think some of these changes may be a little too far fetched at the moment, think again. After all, 10 years ago did you really think we’d have any of the technological advancements that we have now?
art & peace Moda’s Art Editor Margaret Duffey took a day off to immerse herself in the beauty of the Art Institute of Chicago By Margaret Duffey, Arts Editor Waking up abruptly, having slept through my alarm, I sprung out of bed and threw on the first clothes I saw. Looking like a crazy person as I sprinted down University Ave on a Sunday morning, I flagged down a bus heading out of town for the day. Huffing and puffing, I collapsed into a seat just before the bus departed for Chicago. Three hours later, after thinking long and hard about my incompetence, I walked into the Art Institute of Chicago. Knowing no one on the trip, I realized that the only schedule I had to abide by for the day was the bus schedule. Instantly overwhelmed with excitement, I looked at an informational pamphlet to develop a strategy for conquering the museum in the next five hours. Popping in my headphones and throwing on some Rolling Stones, I maneuvered through the Modern Wing with Mick Jagger as a pseudo tour guide. Perhaps encouraged by “Beast of a Burden” blaring in my ears, I felt the stressors that were weighing on me when I entered the museum dissolve. Moving at a snail-like pace, the trip transformed into an extended therapy session.
“Day (Truth)” by Ferdinand Hodler photographed by Margaret Duffey
Despite the comment “ew” from a young girl looking at “Day (Truth)” by Ferdinand Hodler next to me, it is easily one of my favorite pieces at the museum. As the mother of the child shooed her away from the painting, I considered the natural reaction to the shockingly naked female figure. Although nakedness is often related to vulnerability, this woman stands tall, feet planted firmly on a rock and hands outstretched to touch the sky. She appears as the mediating form between the earthly world and the divine sphere above. Her confident posture overwhelms any vulnerability which could appear through her nakedness. She seems to peer far beyond the viewer, extending the relationship between her and the world outside the painting. When considering the title, “Day (Truth),” the apparent confidence of the woman and her ability to see beyond the audience coincide appropriately with the definition of truth. She embodies knowledge and projects it in her confident form. She stands alone, holding the sky up and ground down, just as a single truth stands out from encroaching lies and falsehoods. modamadison.com | Fall 2015 | 21
Left: “The Captive Slave”; Right: “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” photographed by Margaret Duffey at the Art Institute of Chicago. While the piece by Hodler functions in a highly symbolic fashion, “The Captive Slave” by John Philip Simpson captures the harsh reality of the Slave Trade. A shackled slave sits alone, perspiration evident on his face, staring longingly off into the distance. He sits in darkness with the exception of light from an unknown source radiating down from the upper right corner. It is into this corner he stares to symbolize his desire for a better reality, one without shackles and darkness. This painting strikes me because of the incredible level of intensity Hodler manages to portray. The light of hope contrasts directly with the darkness to produce a realistic narrative on the life as a slave. While this slave hopes for freedom, he exists in a hopeless environment. The painting is so piercing, it feels as though the viewer is in the cell with him, experiencing the same pain and hoping for the same future. “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” by Georges-Pierre Seurat or “the painting from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” never fails to impress. It only takes one glance for a viewer to understand why Bueller would choose to see it on a day playing hooky. Closer examination just leads to heightened respect and admiration for Seurat’s incredible attention to detail. My favorite feature
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of the painting is the little girl wearing all white located in the center of the painting. Her stare points directly at the audience and contrasts starkly with the relaxed gazes geared away from the audience by the other people in the painting. While studying the painting, it feels as though her eyes are on you, studying you in return. Society often paints children as ignorant but Seurat paints this particular child as the most aware in the painting. By creating a child more knowledgeable than the adults in the painting, he contradicts the belief that wisdom comes with age. As Bueller and Cameron outsmart all of the adults in their lives to skip school, their fascination with the particular painting is clearly deliberate. After spending hours staring at exceptional art and forgetting about all the obligations I left behind in Madison, I returned to the bus with a calmer mindset than I left it. I felt fortunate to escape my world of midterms and deadlines for an afternoon in order to immerse myself in the worlds of numerous artistic geniuses. By evaluating their portrayals of the world around them, I came to a higher awareness about the world around me.
We have become accustomed to the incorporation of menswear into women’s wear. The drapery of a tuxedo jacket and the bone straight construction of a trouser are now, thanks to visionaries like Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent and Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy, no longer strangers to our wardrobes. Recently, we seem to be moving into a different arena in fashion, one in which the lines between gender specific dressing are not only being crossed, but obliterated. We call this movement androgyny. Although seemingly innovative, it has had a huge impact on counterculture dress for decades. Even still, Gucci’s 2015 Fall-Winter collection, featuring men in delicate pussy bow blouses, shocked the fashion community. For menswear labels and brands, androgyny is expressed in the slightly longer than conventional tee length or the subtle juxtaposition of a lace top against the loose cut of an athletic short. This denial of established sartorial gender roles forms a conversation about socio-political assumptions of masculinity and what defying conventional ways of dress says about its value.
DRESSING A SPECTRUM GENDER-DEFYING
FASHION
AT
WORK
By Maya Campbell, Fashion Editorial Assistant D u e to how outlandish a long-line skirt seems in menswear, however, we’ve almost forgotten how androgynous fashion has revolutionized the definition of womanhood and brought gender non-conforming identities into a sphere in which they are deemed beautiful. Androgynous style in womenswear encapsulates the blazer that is slightly too boxy, the reinvented loafer with a boxed toe, and the straight cut of a pant hanging from functional suspenders. For the beauty industry, it produces an otherworldly quality - a quality in which the bleached brow, blank faces, and deeply chiseled contour have come to deny conventional gender construction the right to draw lines around who can and cannot be beautiful. Its socio-political statement: unapologetically relinquishing frill for functionality. Upcoming designers like Rad Hourani and
innovative labels such as Acne are working against the “borrowed from the boys” phrase with their clothing lines. They demonstrate that with gender neutrality in clothing design, nothing needs to be labeled as borrowed, and womenswear does not need to be sexually potent. While high fashion is often considered inaccessible or intentionally avantgarde, retailers are becoming involved in the circulation of gender-neutral garb. In January, a luxury London retailer, Selfridges, launched an Agender Project. A section of the department store now features clothes that take on sexual politics and encourage the interplay between men’s fashion, women’s fashion, and everything in that grey area. Though Selfridges is a high-end retailer, this is a significant and necessary step in giving the public access to clothing that expresses gender fluidity by design.
Photo from models.com
modamadison.com | Fall 2015 | 23
SU G A R DA DDY
DESIRES
AN EXPLORATION INTO THE WORLD OF SUGAR DADDIES AND SUGAR BABIES By Jessica Hamilton, Lifestyle Editorial Assistant Photography by Alexandra Folino
After walking home from a party one night, a petite, brunette girl donning Wisconsin football game day apparel grinned at me while waving a dollar bill in the air. “I just found this dollar on the ground!” She exclaimed. “I’m broke, but I don’t need money because I have really good credit on my credit card and a lot of frequent flyer miles.” I smiled and continued walking with my friends, but the girl was not finished disclosing personal information. “I have high flyer miles because there are men in five different cities, like Boulder, who fly me to see them, even though they’re in relationships,” she declared with confidence and sauntered into a nearby bar. It wasn’t until the next day when I gave a significant amount of thought to everything this girl told me. My perception of her sugar daddy-sugar baby relationship assumed trading sex for money. Morally this does not align with my values, but I was curious to learn more about her supposed setups. Upon explaining my fascination to my roommate, she reminded me of our
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coworker who openly admitted to having a sugar daddy and she told me about her friend’s coworker who boasted she received gifts, like the iPhone 6, from her sugar daddy. And, just last week, we learned of another arrangement between our friend’s 25-year-old sister and her sugar daddy. A simple Google search exposes seekingarrangement.com, a website bragging 4.5 million users, which “delivers a new way for relationships to form and grow. Sugar Babies and Sugar Daddies or Mommas, both get what they want, when they want it.”1 The website claims the sugar babies can enjoy fancy dinners, trips and allowances in return for accompanying their sugar dad or mom. Interestingly, more research revealed an article written by The Capital Times, quoting the founder of the site, Brandon Wade, saying those who use an “.edu” email address to register for their profile are immediately upgraded to a premium membership.2 Is Wade playing into the perfect target market with this promotion? Many attribute the rising amount of student
debt as a major contributor to collegeaged students gravitating towards sugaring. A whopping 67 percent of 2013 graduates said they were graduating debt-free with support from their sugar dad or mom.3 So one night, I boldly created a profile on the site to see what the alluring sugar world was all about. Using a cropped, vague photo of my roommate and a fake name, I joined seekingarrangement.com. My profile indicated I was a 22-year-old college student, living in Atlanta, Georgia, and that I was seeking an older, mature man to feed my sense of adventure. As part of your profile, you must indicate your “lifestyle expectation.” Users can choose from a range of “minimal” (up to $1,000 per month) to “high” (more than $10,000 per month). I listed my expectation as negotiable. Upon creating a profile, I immediately gained access to lists of men, seeking sugar babies. Along with a photo, the user’s age, location, height, build and ethnicity are listed, similar to a dating site. The difference from a traditional dating site is the income, net worth and budget description, listed on their profile.
Within 24 hours of signing up, I received over 12 messages from different men, ranging in age from 30 to 60 years old. In the messages, they offered their cell phone numbers, revealed more information about their wealthy career status and asked me to meet. One of them asked right away if I was “ok with an older, married man?” After messaging a few of them to learn more explicitly what they were pursuing from an arrangement, a few of them repeatedly wrote that they were looking for “no drama, no games” and would be willing to pay for my travel to meet them. All of them proposed a monetary
allowance averaging $3,000-4,000/ month, but one said he would even pay my mortgage. One of the men who agreed to pay for my travel to meet him also proposed a $7,000/month allowance and asked me to answer five odd questions. This included, “I’m thinking about buying a condo soon...If I put you in charge of decorating it, what sort of look would you go for?” and “If you only had $10 to buy me a first date gift, what would you get me?” To make the situation sketchier, he asked me to download the app Viber to communicate with him, which I had never heard of until he mentioned it.
Throughout this experience, I was both surprised and intrigued learning about the sugar world. Watching Annie Dixon’s character on 90210 receive payments from an escort was the most thought I’d previously given to this type of relationship. It’s not exactly what I thought it was. Sugar daddies and babies come in many shapes and forms. Sugar dads or moms willingly join sites like Seeking Arrangement, so there is an opportunity for young people to seek and find a relationship that mutually works.
1. https://www.seekingarrangement.com/about-us 2. Finkelmeyer, T. Campus connection: report suggests UW students are trading sex for tuition money. 3. Guzman. Z. Sugar Daddies Could Be Funding Your Future Nurse
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KEEPING DRY:
THE SOBER STUDENT’S NAVIGATION THROUGH COLLEGE DRINKING CULTURE
By Darby Hoffman, Lifestyle Writer Illustration by Leyan Xu
Between Badger game days and annual events like the Mifflin Street Block Party, alcohol has never been a foreign substance to UW-Madison’s student body. With partying constituting such a large part of college culture, an important question must be asked: how do students who choose to stay sober fit into the equation? Although it is a part of the college experience for many people, a large number of students choose not to drink in college. Four UW students have chosen to share their views on their future, college experience, and life choices in the absence of alcohol. Despite their shared value in choosing to remain sober, these represent a wide range in personalities and interests. Freshman Eva Wieland pursues both social and academic groups on campus, actively seeking to become part of genuine college culture. Jordan Hoffman and Nick Olzsewski are a long-term couple studying nursing and pre-pharmacy, respectively. Hoffman is an active member of the Aspiring Nurses Association, while Olzsewski participates in the pre-pharmacy club, as well as UW’s club wrestling team. Carlos Diaz, a sophomore, also leads an active lifestyle. He is a member of a variety of student organizations, including the UW Boxing Club, WSUM Radio and Badger Catholic. The diversity among these students is also reflected in how they approached the partying atmosphere present in Madison. While some distanced themselves entirely from the activity, others found comfort in joining the party environment, while remaining true to their decisions.
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Moda Magazine: Why do you choose to stay sober? Eva Wieland: I’ve never felt overly inclined to drink. I’ve never been in a situation where I feel like I have to in order to have fun. Growing up my family was always ok if I drank. It was my decision, so I never felt like I needed to be rebellious. Jordan Hoffman: Healthy choices and no money! I also feel like it’s a waste of time. You spend your money to forget what you did and have no more experience than you did before. Nick Olzsewski: There have been previous family issues, as well as me being an athlete. Carlos Diaz: One reason is primarily health. I box and I like to keep healthy. I eat junk food but that’s a different thing. With alcohol, I think it would affect my performance, athletically and mentally. I’m a happy guy. I have fun without it. I party, I go to parties. I don’t drink, but I have as much fun as everyone else, if not more. MM: Has it been difficult for you to choose to stay sober? EW: I’ve found that people are way more accepting than I thought they would be. I was a little nervous, and to be perfectly honest, a couple of times I just lied a little bitso people wouldn’t talk to me about it. Then I just started saying “I don’t drink,” and people would be like “oh,” and drop it there. I just haven’t felt inclined. NO: I’ve never been peer-pressured or anything like that. Everyone just respects my decisions. JH: None of my friends choose to drink
either, so I’ve never felt the need. Being in a relationship with someone who is also sober helps, because you always have something to do with someone who doesn’t drink. CD: My friends are pretty supportive of my decision. At first they may find it weird, but I don’t feel uncomfortable. I’m a pretty social person, so I just like the environment of people having fun. It doesn’t weird me out when other people choose to drink. I’m pretty comfortable and confident with who I am. I don’t let what others think of me control my actions. MM: Do you feel like drinking is seen as a necessary part of the college experience? Is this a problem? EW: I have a lot of friends who didn’t drink in high school, and then they got to college and it was like, “oh, I have to drink now!” If somebody wants to drink, that’s all up to him or her. But I don’t like when people feel pressured, like they have to. CD: To an extent. I don’t want to say it’s the end all be all that defines college but, you know, when I was younger and I thought about college, I thought about parties and people chugging beers all the time and that was when I was like 10. So I think it is a big part and I don’t think it’s a negative aspect, as long as it’s done responsibly. It doesn’t have to define the college experience. MM: Are you still able to be involved and enjoy yourself at events, such as game days, where alcohol is present? EW: It kind of depends on the people. I’ve been in certain situations where that’s all
they’re talking about. It’s like they don’t really know how to talk about anything else. Especially when you’re meeting new people, they’ll be trying to impress you. I want to talk about other things, and they have no interest. NO: We normally just go early to avoid dealing with the really drunk kids. There’s only been one guy I saw who was puking on the ground for the entire game and I just thought, “that does not look fun.” Besides, we can actually remember everything. CD: I’ve gone to quite a few pre-game events and I don’t mind it. People like to have fun a certain way; that’s their choice. I choose to live differently. I have a pretty large friend group here, even guys in fraternities, who accept me for who I am. In their eyes, it’s just my personality. MM: What do you do instead of drinking? What are some alternatives? EW: I mostly just explore. I have a couple friends, and we just go to different shows, restaurants and we talk a lot - about the world, our views. I’ve got to make a lot of really close friends, because I’ve got to know them super well. I’m also majorly about being real. I want real relationships, and to be able to be myself. CD: I definitely still party, just not drinking. I’ll hang out with friends, or I’ll go home frequently to see my family. At parties, drinking is a big aspect of partying, but to me it’s not the same thing. I just like to have fun, make new friends, and be social. And to me, drinking doesn’t affect that. MM: Do you think there’s a stigma attached to being a sober student? JH: They’re nerds. That you have no life. I think they think that we’re immature little babies, like they’re so much older or superior. EW: Or being a sheltered child. I’ve had those people, and I’ve had some people who think they’re going to offend me if they talk
about it. They think they need to hide that part of themselves. CD: Within my friend group, no. I think they’ve come to accept my decision and respect it. Even with some strangers, they actually respect that I don’t drink. But there have been cases where I’ll tell people and they’ll be like, “oh come on man! Have fun!” There are instances where it’s looked down upon, like the only way to have fun is to drink. But in total no, I’ve never had a huge problem with that. MM: What advice would you give to other college students who are choosing to stay sober? JH: Hold your ground. EW: Be yourself. Stay true to who you are. Don’t change. There’s so many different kinds of people that, especially on a campus like this, you should ever feel like you have to change who you are. CD: Keep doing you, but if you change, that’s fine too. Be strong willed. Don’t let anybody else change who you are. You, yourself, change who you are, if it helps you.
The four or so years spent in college are not just about the education. They are a time for experimenting and gaining new experiences. While some students choose to participate in college drinking culture, remaining sober is just as viable a choice. A true college experience isn’t determined by how many parties you’ve gone to, or the number of classes you’ve aced, but by how you take advantage of the time you have here.
POOR LITTLE STYLISH GIRL By Alexa Carlson, Fashion Writer Alex Trier photographed by Alexa Carlson
“Fashion is expensive. Style is not. Some of the most stylish girls I know are certainly not the wealthiest. Ironically, it is often the girls with less money who seem to understand style the best. Maybe it’s because they consider their purchases more carefully. Maybe it’s because they have perfected the art of mixing their more expensive items with their cheaper finds. Or maybe it’s because they know where to splurge and where to save.” —Nina Garcia
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Learning the difference between fashion and style is one of the hardest but most important lessons when it comes to finding your personal style. Fashion can come with a high price tag. When you’re living on a tight budget, you have to cling to style. Growing up, I went to private school and was surrounded by kids outfitted in brand names. I sported looks from Kohl’s—bought on sale or clearance, of course. I was young and resented that my parents couldn’t buy me whatever clothes I desired, especially since I’ve always loved fashion. This is when I began building my personal style. I channeled my frustration into learning everything I could about clothing, fashion and style. Pre-Pinterest era, I created a scrapbook of my favorite looks from catalogs and magazines. I read dozens of books on building your wardrobe and developing your style. I collected information on famous designers and made myself a “Designer Dictionary” of their history, signature looks and branding. I took comfort in the fact Coco Chanel started with nothing and built a life of beauty for herself.
1. INSPIRE AND EDIT In order to build an affordable wardrobe that reflects your personal style, it is important to have a good idea of what your common tastes are and what pieces lend themselves to a wide variety of outfits. Create a Pinterest board of outfits that inspire you. Don’t be shy with how much you pin; this first step is to collect as much information as possible. Now, scroll through your style board looking for repetition of certain pieces or styles. As you find repetitions, take note. That list is what will help you shop. Also, take note of what looks you could create with pieces you already own.
“Your wardrobe and style should show others who you are, not how much you own.”
Living on a tiny budget is not easy and can be completely frustrating at times. It can be hard to shop with friends who will literally buy anything they touch, not even glancing at the price tag and come out of the mall with armfuls of shopping bags. When I shop for anything, the price tag is my first point of interest, followed by endlessly rationalizing whether or not my wardrobe would truly benefit from the item and if it’s affordable. As frustrating as it may be working with a tight budget, when done right, it can result in a well curated, albeit small, wardrobe from which you will always be able to create the perfect outfit that reflects your personal style. Through years of working hard for my money and dealing with a tight budget, I taught myself how to style the look I wanted in the most inexpensive way possible. You don’t need a trust fund to look like a million bucks. However, the point of this article isn’t even to teach you how to “look” like you’re rich. My hope is to inspire others to create a personal style they’re proud of no matter how slim the wallet inside their favorite, wellloved handbag from the clearance rack at Nordstrom is.
2. SHOP SMART This is the most important step of the process because it’s the one that deals with money. The first thing everyone thinks of when they “shop on a budget” is to go straight to the sale or clearance racks. While the sale rack is one of my good friends, just because something is marked down, doesn’t mean it’s worth the price. Don’t let the thrill of a discount make you spend money on a piece you won’t get any use of. As you shop, try to determine if something is worth buying by asking yourself these questions: • “How many different outfits could this piece be used for?” • “Do I need to buy any other pieces in order to wear this item?” • “Is it full price?” If so, “Will it go on sale soon?” or “Can I find a cheaper version elsewhere?” • “When and where could I wear this piece?” Where you shop is also something to take into consideration. In-store means no shipping and access to observing the garment in person. When shopping in-store, always be mindful of the return policy. Online shopping makes it easier to shop a variety of sale items and read extensive descriptions of product details and reviews. For online purchases, keep an eye out for free shipping deals.
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3. PERFECT FIT Always, always, always try clothing on. If you don’t find out something doesn’t fit you until you get home, it’s likely you’ll never get around to returning it, which is a waste of money. Too tight clothing always looks cheap regardless of how much it costs; always go up a size if a piece puckers. Tailoring is a sure fire way to look put together but can be pricey. Small safety pins, garment tape and a simple sewing kit will get the job done when it comes to minor adjustments. Stores often have to clearance price items with even the smallest damages; it can be worth the extra few minutes sewing on a new button or loose strap.
4. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY As you develop your wardrobe, develop your personal hierarchy of what types of pieces you value so you know how to ration your budget effectively. I value bags, boots, jeans and outerwear because I wear them frequently, and they’re pieces that need to be made well in order to last. I tend to buy cheaper versions of pieces that are very trend driven or seasonal since I usually don’t get as much wear out of these items. When buying trendy pieces for cheap at stores like Forever 21 or H&M, make sure fabrics are a decent quality, prints are positioned properly, hems are even and seams lay flat. Don’t buy fake designer pieces, especially if they’re covered in logos. It’s illegal, and the extremely low quality knockoff just isn’t worth it. Invest in classic pieces that will be the backbone of your wardrobe for years to come.
5. TAKE CARE
6. IN THE DETAILS
This step is so often overlooked but will save you so much. Nowadays, many people think most items are disposable. Being on a tight budget, every purchase matters to me. If I invest money, I want to make the item last. Spray suede shoes and handbags frequently to avoid water damage. Clean stains and remove any dirt from items immediately. Don’t over wash clothing. Pieces like jeans and sweaters can be worn multiple times before washing, and this will reduce fading and pilling. If an item is very special and expensive, dry clean as needed. However, you should note that many “dry clean only” items can be hand washed and air dried for no extra cost. The more you take care of your wardrobe, the more value you get out of your purchases.
As your wardrobe comes together, it’s the little details that define your personal style. The best part about the details is that they’re the cheapest way to elevate your style. When it comes to beauty products, I swear by multiple drugstore brands. However, just because a tube of lipstick is cheap doesn’t mean you should buy five. Still edit out your favorites and continue to reference your Pinterest boards. Cheap jewelry is also a great way to tie in trends without breaking the bank. Invest in timeless pieces like simple stud earrings, a watch or a necklace that has personal meaning. Finally, styling your pieces à la J.Crew or Olivia Palermo is totally free and what will make people notice your outfit. Look back at your outfit inspiration Pinterest board for ways to tuck, roll, belt and layer various pieces to get the most out of your wardrobe.
7. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING No matter how much strategy you put into saving money and building your wardrobe, attitude is what truly matters. Stop focusing on what you don’t have and focus on what you do. Fashion and style is about expressing yourself, not competing over whose closet is the biggest or most expensive. Your wardrobe and style should show others who you are, not how much you own. Next time you see a blogger decked out in head to toe Dior, don’t get envious. Instead, take note of what you like about the outfit. Admire the Louboutins or Chanel 2.55 you saw on Instagram, but use it as inspiration for how you can make your life a little more fabulous, but in a more affordable way. Imagine how proud you’ll be the day you’ve saved up enough money to finally afford that amazing designer piece. Then it won’t be just a pretty pair of shoes or purse; it will mean so much more to you.
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ON THE
EDGE
OF
CLIMAX A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MASTURBATION, SEX TOYS, AND LEARNING TO TREAT YO’ SELF . By Sex Out Loud with Haley Nippert Photographed by Alexandra Folino Masturbation is generally considered a taboo subject, but it doesn’t have to be. From getting hot and heavy solo or with a partner, to breaking out sex toys for some extra excitement, masturbation can be a fun and positive way to experience our bodies and sexuality.
GETTING LIT(ERATE) WITH YOUR CLIT The clitoris is the only organ in the human body that functions exclusively for pleasure. It has 8,000 nerve endings, which is more than 2-3 times the amount on a penis. With that many nerve endings, it’s no surprise that sustained clitoral stimulation is the most common way that people with vulvas orgasm. In fact, 80 percent of vulva owners need some stimulation to their clits to reach climax. The clitoris is actually super similar to a penis even if it may look different. Just like a penis, the clitoris has a glans, shaft, and becomes erect when aroused. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the little nub most commonly identified as the clitoris is only the tip of the iceberg. The full size of the clitoris averages at 9-12 cm long and 6 cm wide, so there’s a lot more area for clitoral stimulation than most people think.
That said, not all clits are the same, and the best way to figure out the most pleasurable kinds of stimulation is through masturbation. Masturbation allows for experimentation with different touches and learning the stages of orgasm. Relaxing with some erotica or porn can really set the mood, and a vibrator can be a great way to explore what feels good too. Experimenting with pressures, motions, and the different erogenous areas of the body can help us become more literate in our own bodies. When adding partners into the mix, communication is key to helping them understand what really gets the engine going. Doing a little “show and tell” to update a partner on our preferences, or moaning when they have hit a spot just right lets them know what we like. Some people enjoy the ABC method, where the alphabet is traced with the tongue or finger on a partner’s clit to see which movement makes them lose control. Finding a letter that really works and sticking with it provides consistent stimulation and a great lead up to orgasm. So, if they let out a moan on “e”—it’s best to trace “eeeeee!” But don’t be afraid to switch it up with f.
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BLOW THEM AWAY. Porn might make people feel like pleasing a penis means requires expert deep throating, but this is misleading. The penis has many areas that are easily stimulated, and when partnered with different techniques, can make for a pleasurable experience. Whether or not a penis is uncircumcised, nerve endings are highly concentrated in the tip, so focusing the attention of the mouth or hands there is a winner. The frenulum—the skin on the underside of the cock connecting the foreskin to the head—is also super sensitive, so make sure to give it some attention. Using our hands can aid in pleasuring a penis too. Partnering hands along with the mouth can help give the sensation of deepthroating, and getting handsy with a partner’s balls can be hot too—just check in to make sure they’re into it. For partners who want to deepthroat, certain tactics help alleviate any discomfort associated with the act. The mouth only goes back so far, and that distance
is likely shorter than a penis. And seriously, uvulas do not like to be poked. Putting the head back so that the penis can go straight from the mouth to the throat is the best way to do this. The most realistic position for this is for the oral performer to lay on their back with their head off the end of the bed. Keep in mind that this position gives the partner all the power for how deep they’re thrusting, so established trust is a must. Having a safety signal is a good way to ensure that the oral performer feels safe and can opt out when they choose. It is important to recognize that STIs can be transmitted through oral sex, not just penetrative sex. Discussing STIs isn’t the most comfortable situation, but it’s important to make a decision that is healthy for everyone involved. If a partner isn’t comfortable going without, condoms are always a solid option. Plus, it’s an excuse to bust out some flavored lube for extra lubrication.
TIPS FOR TOYS People today and throughout history have used all sorts of household objects as sex toys. However, there are a few rules we should keep in mind for toys we use and buy. Sex toys need to be cleaned between uses. This can usually be done with soap and water, but some can be boiled or put in the dishwasher! 2. If a sex toy is being inserted into multiple holes, the condom needs to be switched for every orifice change. 3. If a toy is going to be used anally, it must have a flared base. The cervix caps off the vagina, so nothing can get lost. That is not the case with anuses, which continue up into the digestive tract. 4. Keep food, especially sugars, away from vulvas and anuses. Microbes love sugars, and no one wants to end up with a yeast infection or otherwise. 5. If the toy includes a
6.
1.
7.
8.
9.
vibrator, the vibrator or batteries should be removed from the toy before washing it. Use lots of lube—especially if using a toy anally. Remember, vaginas are selflubricating, but the anus is not. Don’t use silicone lube with low quality silicone toys, because it can degrade the material of the toy. If unsure of the material a toy is made of, stick with waterbased lube! When purchasing a toy, if it smells like plastic when opening the package, don’t buy it. These products are often made of toxic materials that can leech chemicals into the body with use. Try to stick to toys made of non-porous materials, especially when they are used for penetrative purposes. Porous materials soak everything up, so they aren’t as easily cleaned.
GOOD VIBRATIONS Vibrators are a great way to increase pleasure during masturbation. In fact, a lot of people, particularly those with vaginas, need that extra stimulation in order to orgasm. And there are a lot of different options and variations when it comes to picking out a vibrator for some extra excitement.
VIBRATING RINGS (also called vibrating cockrings) This vibrator is meant to be worn at the base of the penis, and can be great for personal, and partner, pleasure. Some also come with dual vibration settings, so both partners can be stimulated at the same time.
G-SPOT VIBRATORS Unlike the typical dildo, this vibrator is curved. That way it can be used to stimulate the G-spot for those with vaginas, and the prostate for penis owners. (The G-Spot and prostate are highly erogenous, so they’re a good place to seek out for a more intense orgasm.)
PENIS SLEEVES Penis sleeves can be vibrating or not, and they come in a variety of materials and textures. Lube is necessary, since the sleeves are designed for penile insertion. The best part is that they can be also be used with a partner.
THE RABBIT There are two prongs on this vibrator, one that acts externally, and one internally. It can stimulate both the clitoris and the G-spot simultaneously, leading to multiple orgasms. (Vulva owners can experience multiple orgasms, meaning they can have orgasms as close as 30 seconds apart!)
THE BULLET The bullet is a fun, pocket-sized vibrator that is perfect for clitoral stimulation, though some use them internally. Its size also makes it convenient for when on the go.
QUESTIONS? ASK OUR FRIENDS AT SEX OUT LOUD Send questions to ask.sexoutloud@gmail.com or stop in their office for free condoms and lube at 333 East Campus Mall - Suite 3143.
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she’s the girl who’s always dressed to the nines. you envy her, but most of all you admire her. she’s quiet, but when speaks she has an easy confidence about her that makes you listen. her clothes are her armor, but they don’t define her. she doesn’t always know exactly what she’s doing or what’s coming next, but she knows who she is and who she wants to become. CREAT IVE D IRECTO RS: ALEX A CARLSO N & K ELS E Y DAY K I N JAYLI N CA R L S O N P H OTO G R A P H E D B Y A L E X A NDRA FO L IN O MAK EU P B Y MICH AEL K L I M M E C K
SWEATER - PHILOSOPHY PANTS - FOREVER 21 SHOES - LULUS NECKLACE - ANN TAYLOR BAG - COACH
DRESS - FOREVER 21 COAT - FOREVER 21 SHOES - GUESS GLASSES - WARBY PARKER
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MORE THAN JUST JAZZ WILDER DEITZ TALKS WITH MODA MAGAZINE ABOUT JAZZ AS A TOOL TO APPROACH MUSIC RATHER THAN A SINGLE GENRE By Reid Kurkerewicz, Contributing Writer Wilder Deitz and band photographed by Andrew Salewski Appearing at first like a stoic and clean cut musician, my conversation with Wilder Deitz began with his hands clasped together and grounded on the table. They quickly exploded with animated gestures to portray his passion for jazz though as our conversation about its role in today’s society got going.
Deitz said when he refers to “jazz” he is talking about an intellectual approach to music, with a focus on musicality, and the creation of an intimate relationship with the audience. He draws a distinction between his interpretation of jazz and the stereotypical “sound” of jazz created by early twentieth century musicians.
Deitz comes from a musical family. His father, a local musician, trained Deitz since he was eight years old to accompany him on piano. Through his teenage years Wilder played bass for his brother’s band before he became enamored with the world of jazz.
For Deitz, a single aesthetic does not create jazz. Instead, jazz is simply a tool used to approach music. According to Deitz, jazz enables musicians to draw on their roots while incorporating contemporary influences in order to produce something new. Deitz sees artists like Mos Def and Kendrick Lamar, artists we would not normally consider “jazz” musicians, as people who draw on the jazz philosophy. By considering jazz as more than a single genre of music, Deitz argues that the role of jazz in the modern world is still relevant
Deitz now leads the Wilder Deitz Trio and plays in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Black Music Ensemble. His devotion to spreading the philosophy of jazz appears in his efforts to bring the Black Music Ensemble to local high schools in order to expose younger generations.
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I sat down with Wilder to talk about his music and philosophy. Moda Magazine: You’ve mentioned before that you’re not a jazz revivalist. What then are you attempting to do with your trio? Wilder Deitz: I love the jazz tradition, but a big band isn’t going to take the country by storm these days. When people hear jazz they think of a specific aesthetic, and my group doesn’t necessarily line up with that. I’d love to push the spirit of jazz, and we’ll push those aesthetics, but that’s not the main point. I would love to have people recognize the jazz tradition. Jazz is America’s musical legacy, but people in Europe care more about it. I think part of the problem of embracing jazz is the need to have new things. I won’t criticize that. We need new innovations. I do wish people would recognize that this approach is a part of jazz. We try to maintain the philosophy making these traditions new. MM: So what are you trying to convey with your music? WD: We’re trying to show that these old jazz traditions are not weights that hold you back from creativity. We see this music as a source of inspiration. The musicians I play with are superb in technicality, and musicality. I’m not as technically skilled, but I am very musical, and I do make people want to play what I’m playing. MM: What drives your passion for jazz? WD: Here’s the thing: jazz incorporates everything. In my opinion, if you’re not incorporating everything that’s reaching your ears, everything that you love, then you’re not playing jazz. It’s the only genre where every other genre will help you. If you’re playing Bluegrass, what you learned from Reggae might not help you, but jazz is different. MM: So you see jazz as a focal point for all your influences? WD: I believe jazz is the closest thing we have to all kinds of folk music simultaneously. I think the best music happens when people break away from the folk music tradition, yet still maintain a connection. After a while these breaks become stale. In jazz you’re able to bring in all these influences, but still stay with the core quality roots. We try to play music with the same spirit people have always been playing with since the beginning.
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MM: Who do you see following the philosophy of jazz? WD: I’d say Mos Def is a prime example of everything I like about music. He’s extremely musical. Our concepts of musicality are very similar, and he draws on jazz traditions. He makes music people need, not just music they like. He makes music that you want to engage with. I want to rap along with Mos Def when I’m listening to one of his songs. I’m not a good rapper, but I still feel that. I feel him pulling me in. I want to get my body into what’s going on. MM: Were you interested in different genres of music before jazz? WD: My buddy Joe and I were obsessed with the Smashing Pumpkins, and then a year later it was The Deaftones. We played rock all through high school. And then at the end of high 44 | Fall 2015 | modamadison.com
school I received this record by Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden called Jasmine, and that’s still my favorite album. That album was proof to me that jazz would be a great excuse to get back to piano. I’d felt that I’d reached the limit of my ability to express myself with rock, so jazz was a good venture. MM: Did you play any jazz or train in high school? WD: Not at all. I didn’t listen to any jazz until the very end of high school. That’s part of why it became a way for me to move forward creatively. I basically trained myself by listening to records. I have this problem with music where I’ll hear a little bit and I’ll get really excited to go play it. In one way that was good for my development, but a big part of jazz is listening, so that’s what I’m working on. When I got to university I joined the
“...We try to play music with the same spirit people have always been playing with since the beginning.” Black Music Ensemble, but besides that and a few lessons, I’ve just been playing by myself.
will zone you out if you’re dressed like a butler, and we respect that. (laughs)
MM: How do you approach your live show? WD: We don’t do costumes, but we do pay attention to how we dress. If we’re playing for old white folks we’ll do the suit and tie and nice shoes. But, if it is a younger crowd we feel a little more free to be ourselves. We believe in good marketing, and making a good sell. When I first learned this I thought it was inauthentic. Now I realize there doesn’t have to be a clash between good marketing and authenticity. The best salesmanship is being good at what you do, and being what you advertise. We’re not selling necessarily, we’re being showmen. It’s about convincing the audience what we’re doing is important. Sometimes people
MM: How do you interact with your audience? WD: Well I do like to say something about cell phones. It’s not just that they’re distracting. They break that connection between the audience and the performers. People should go use their phones somewhere else if they have too. That’s what we do with the high school Black Music Ensemble. You can totally use your phone; you just have to leave. It’s something that’s subtle, but it makes a big difference.
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FAN CULTURE: IT’S MORE THAN AN OBSESSION It’s a lifestyle. By Taylor Palmby, Lifestyle Writer Photo by Taylor Palmby After an eight hour flight, six hours spent waiting in line and a four hour car ride, the moment I spent years waiting for has finally come. I am seeing 5 Seconds of Summer Live at Wembly in London, and there are no words to describe my elation. When I say “I love 5sos” I’m not making a casual statement. I’m not just throwing the “L” word around like I’m in a middle school relationship. There truly is a special place in my heart where a group of four beautiful Aussie boys will forever reside. To many, being a fangirl is reserved for young teeny boppers, not sophisticated college students. But I consider myself a fangirl in every sense of the word, and I am proud of it. The extremes I have gone to for this band may seem a little excessive. I’ve called in to radio stations over 1,000 times in an attempt to get meet and greets. I’ve watched hundreds of hours of interviews. I even had my phone set to London time for a week straight so I would not miss the release of the UK tour tickets. I woke up at 3 a.m. every morning for a week to buy the best seats. For many it may be difficult to understand this lifestyle. For others like me, it may be the only thing that makes sense in their life. 46 | Fall 2015 | modamadison.com
5sos is my sweet escape and my serenity. They are my calm in a world that is full of chaos, hustle and hurt. Because of them, I believe the future is bright enough to erase any pain I may feel today. 5sos has recognized that many members of their fandom struggle with feeling as if they don’t fit in, and because of this, their latest album revolves around a theme called “The New Broken Scene.” It is about creating a community of misfits. The “New Broken Scene” is a place free from judgment and ridicule. It’s a safe place for anyone who has ever felt alone. Having an intense love for a band is only half of being in a fandom. I’ve created a huge network of friends who live all over the world. They all share the same love for 5sos as I do. They also understand why being a part of this fandom is so important. You see, falling in love with a band, or anything separate from the world around you, is safe. They will never let you down. They can’t say hurtful words. They will never fight with you. They will only give you an outpouring of love and thankfulness. They will always appreciate you for who you are.
I never have to pretend to be anyone I’m not when I’m fangirling over the loves of my life. 5sos holds me together when I feel like I’m falling apart. This band has always given me something to look forward to whether it’s a concert, a live stream or a release date. They are my alternate reality where all of my worries and fears fade away. They are my home. Being a fangirl isn’t just about following a band to the ends of the earth or swooning over them because they are incredibly dreamy. It’s about loving band members for who they are not what they look like. Fandoms are a wonderful and powerful force that bring people together and help bands reach their full potential. As guitarist Michael Clifford said, “Real bands save fans, real fans save bands.” Music is more than just a performance, it is both a collaboration and a relationship between an artist and their fans.
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