the mini: varsity
MODA the mini: JENNIFER ANDERSON Editor-in-Chief Deputy Editor Emma Leuman Art Director Alexandra Folino Creative Directors Kelsey Daykin and Alexa Carlson Fashion Editor Courtney Pelot Lifestyle Editor Meg Rotter Culture Editor Haley Nippert Arts Editor Margaret Duffey Mens Editor Dan Kershner Photography Director Roberto Leon Web Master Jameson Zaballos Models Maddie Hailer, Sarah Friedland, Deja Mason, and David Menendez
2 | September 2015
letter from the editor: I
distinctly remember a cold winter day during my senior year of high school. One of my friends who had been a year older, and in my eyes, so much wiser, came back to visit teachers and students on a day when she didn’t have class. I tirelessly asked her about college: “Is it really that hard?” “What are professors like in college?” “You REALLY live in a dorm with ALL your friends?” She told me stories about how easy college was for her, and that it was nothing to stress about. Flash forward four years, and I would
give much different advice to a young Jennifer. You see, college isn’t easy. College is what you make it. And in my time here, I’ve realized that it’s systematically programmed into every student on campus to not make college easy. Because where’s the fun in making college easy? Between late night study sessions with copious amounts of pizza, early 8 a.m. classes we all later regret and a weekly collection of meetings for student organizations, we learn to develop a collegiate mindset that pushes us forward.
Here at Moda, although we pride ourselves in being a collegiate magazine entirely run by students, the truth is that we have never dedicated an issue to this rather important aspect of our magazine. It’s about time we do. Varsity is more than just the alma mater we all sing at football games. Varsity is a feeling evoked within us all that inspires us for our entire college education. Cheers mes amis,
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A College Style EVOLUTION By Courtney Pelot, Fashion Editor As cliché as it may sound, college is a time when you find out who you really are. Each and every experience is shaping your values and outlook on the world, and while you’re growing, your style is evolving along with you.
coziest Abercrombie & Fitch sweater with Hollister denim for the sheer fact that you predicted everyone else would do the same. For your first formal, you may have selected a dress from the same brand as your six best friends because you wanted to fit in. Whatever Style is more than a simple tip you read your case may be, I can guess that you in Vogue or InStyle. It’s significantly more started your time on campus a little complex than heading out to Zara to timid. I for one know my style was snag something trendy that was just undefined and a product of my high released. Style is 100% personal. It’s a school desire to be one with my peers. product of who you are, where you’ve been and who has influenced you. Over the course of your Wisconsin Since college is a time when you have experience, you find yourself growing endless experiences and your growth and developing due to the courses you is so large it’s almost immeasurable, take, the organizations you join, the the largest shift in your style evolution jobs you take on and the internships occurs during these brief few years of you complete. You realize your new your life. likes and dislikes, goals and dreams, and future career aspirations. You You may have stepped onto campus spend time with your peers and alone, your freshman year wearing the getting a sense of who you are.
For me, my personal style has evolved with my journey inside and outside the classroom. Through various internships and involvement in different organizations, I honed my public speaking skills and realized what I did and didn’t need for my future. I became extremely comfortable in my own skin and confident in my choices. This growing confidence spread from academics to style and everything in between. I found myself gravitating towards similar wardrobe staples: fun unique skirts, basic T-shirts and the perfect pair of booties. Of course you may experiment and find you got it wrong, but that’s all part of the process of evolving and growing. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be walking off campus after your four years of undergrad in a very different outfit than you wore on move-in day.
“My style is inspired by the places I travel to, the many books I read and the art I see, in a museum or simply on the street.”
Photos by T.Hayshida, Take Ivy
MEN’S
A Take on Ivy’s Enduring Fashion By Jameson Zaballos, Men’s Writer I recently stumbled across a book called Take Ivy in which a team of Japanese reporters photographed students at all eight Ivy league institutions to “learn everything about their campuses and the lives of their students” 50 years ago. These Japanese style naturalists took painstaking note of the famous Ivy League buttoned up swagger. In absorbing Ivy’s photos, its subject’s neat but singularly nonchalant style is outstanding. Its essence is woven into not just the student’s way of dressing, but also into their refined prep mannerisms and the generally unflappable way in which they carry themselves. You know the look.
Put-together, trim, crisp basics. Crucial to the enduring prep’s appeal is the phenomenon of looking put together in slightly off kilter, tousled manner. This vantage point embodies the adaptable, stylish collegiate. To him, varsity means dressing exactly how you want to dress, and dousing all outside doubts with undeniable cool. Their parent’s willfully imposed prep code had some strict rules, but tasteful sidesteps around the establishment’s sensibilities represents the true prep’s preservation of individuality. September 2015 | 5
At most college campuses, dress code can be described adequately as “lax to the end of sloppy”. What’s more, clean ensembles as unassuming as the Cardigan/ button-down combo can be seen as trying too hard. Don’t even THINK about wearing a tie unless you’re giving a presentation that very day or currently on your way to a formal. 6 | September 2015
Why would anyone actually know the difference between a sport coat, blazer, and suit jacket? These are just kind of assumed norms, which, by the way, one should not follow blindly whatsoever. Funny looks are always given to people who “dress up” for seemingly no valid reason. After taking a gander through the unimpeachable style tome that is
Take Ivy, one begins to understand why so very few have given lasting props to the try-hard dandy. At the Big Eight in the ’60s, less emphasis was put on what one wore and much more on how one carried oneself in their element. If you were that guy walking to class in a suit-and-tie combo and simply
felt comfortable that way, you were damned well expected to walk the walk down the quad. For the steezy Ivy Leaguer, his lifestyle, who he was, and who he planned to command down the line, came off in how he dressed. That was varsity. Make no mistake, there is a very clear aesthetic to the look. It’s ingrained in prep culture, with slim (but not skinny), non-trendy fits, and classically masculine silhouettes. Ivy Trad is the excellent constant that modern menswear can fall back on at any point. There’s a reason that brands like Brooks Brothers, J. Press, and Ralph Lauren are perennially relevant and a great style reference for all men. They exemplify the put-together culture and style that have been laying it up since American prep was in its Ivy-cosigned hay day. 50 years have been kind to buttoned up varsity swagger. Does this all mean that adhering to the Ivy classics is a must to safely stay relevant? Absolutely not. Adhering to the classics is just another look. At a certain point though, every stylish guy will go through the basics and the staples; a tailored sport coat, some slim chinos, the crewneck sweater in navy. Focusing on the staples is one of the easiest ways to develop strength in your look. The ultimate goal is to carefully assemble an outfit before heading out for the day and to not give it a second thought while you’re too busy doing your thing.
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Back to Basics By Meg Rotter, Lifestyle Editor
College is one of the few times in a young adult’s life when late night study sessions and a demanding course load are the norm. Balancing your homework, student organizations and social life can leave little room for taking care of yourself. While eating healthy and exercising regularly are important to your overall health, keeping up with your beauty regimen helps promote selfconfidence, long-term skin health and overall mental wellness. With busy schedules and long to-do lists, finding time for the beauty basics can be difficult. This beauty survival kit is the perfect remedy to this problem, offering ease of use and convenient transportation. While your morning may be too hectic for makeup, tossing this kit into your backpack, along with your laptop and planner, will allow for quick makeup fixes later. This basic beauty supply will help emphasize your natural beauty and will make you feel more comfortable throughout the day. Follow this guide to get a few ideas for your own survival kit.
SETTING SPRAY:
Once your makeup is applied, you want it to last as long as possible. Enter: setting spray, a multipurpose facial spray. Battle makeup meltdowns during warm weather nap freely without leaving makeup on your pillowcase.
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THE ULTIMATE COSMETICS BAG FOR A BUSY COLLEGE STUDENT.
BOBBY PINS:
Where as most people with long hair keep their trusty hair ties around their wrist, many forget about the benefits of bobby pins. Secure stray locks, clip back overgrown bangs or create a makeshift paperclip with this beauty staple.
ROLLERBALL PERFUME:
We all know deodorant is always a must, but a touch of your favorite scent will attract admirers and compliments, boosting your mood and self-confidence. The rollerball dispenser offers easy application and prevents unwanted spills in your backpack or tote.
MASCARA AND EYELINER:
BB CREAM:
This light, hydrating cream is essential for your beauty survival kit. BB Cream hydrates your skin, evens out your complexion and corrects minor blemishes. While foundation offers a flawless finish, BB Cream will benefit your skin in the long-term, offering protection from aging and sun damage.
While these beauty fundamentals are often overlooked when in a rush, never underestimate the power of bold eyes. Lined eyes make you appear more awake and self-assured. Although it may seem like a pesky step, eye makeup can be one of the most crucial parts of your beauty regimen.
TINTED LIP BALM:
Tinted lip balm is the simplest way to give yourself an added beauty boost while still hydrating your lips. Because of its subtle coloring, you can apply tinted lip balm without a mirror, making it an easy pre-class ritual.
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GAME ON Sporty pieces become statement trends this season for the perfect cool girl uniform. Who says you can’t wear heels with sweatpants? Maddie Hailer photographed by Alexandra Folino Directed by: Kayla Cooke, Taylor Palmby, Alyce Wang and Roberto Leon Creative Directors: Alexa Carlson and Kelsey Daykin
Top: Silence + Noise Shorts: Zara Shoes: Lulu’s Sunglasses: Stylist’s own
Top: Charles And A Half Skirt: Stylist’s own Shoes: Lulu’s
Top: Nasty Gal Bralette: Urban Outfitters Sweatpants: Adidas Shoes: Lulu’s Earrings: Ann Taylor
By Haley Nippert, Culture Editor Photographed by Haley Nippert The best way to describe coming to a university as a transfer student is that you are handed a book where the first quarter of the story has been torn out. However, you are still expected to understand the entire novel, despite having no context for what happened beforehand. That feeling is only exacerbated when coming to a large university such as UWMadison, which has an entirely unique culture unto itself. One of the struggles transfer students face when coming to UW is adjusting to the pacing and environment of the university. It is difficult to see where you will fit in amongst UW’s 30,000 undergraduates, especially if you are coming from a small school. Deja Mason, a transfer from Cottey College in Missouri which boasts about 300 undergraduates, expressed her fears that people would not “be open to meeting [her] and if [she] would fit into the demographics of the school.” For Mason, delving into her passion for music and joining several of UW’s choirs made her transition easier. “Finding activities you like to do and reaching out to people [is] awkward,” she said, “but once you get over the initial fear, it gets better.” Students coming from outside of the U.S. face greater difficulties than simply transferring to a new school. Joanne Lee remarked that during her first year in Wisconsin it was hard only seeing
Begin Again: 16 | September 2015
A TRANSFER STUDENT’S STRUGGLE, IN THEIR OWN WORDS
her family through Skype. She “was jealous watching everyone else moving in and out of the dorms with their family,” when her’s was over 9,000 miles away in Malaysia. Exchange students, whether they remain a year or more, often do not see their families for months at a time. This also applies to students who transfer to UW from other regions of the U.S., who might not be able to make it home during breaks. This increases feelings of isolation and homesickness, regardless of how well-adjusted the student is otherwise. When integrating themselves into UW’s large student population, transfer students of different cultural backgrounds encounter problems that come with retaining their roots, despite outside pressures. David Menendez recalled his anger when students expressed the typical “melting pot” analogy. “I remember thinking that I didn’t [want to] melt,” Menendez stated, “I just wanted to be myself inside this huge culture.” Expecting students of other backgrounds to assimilate into the greater UW population erases part of their heritage, part of what
makes them who they are. To combat this, Menendez says befriending other students from outside the U.S. reminded him that “[his] background was special and that [he] should embrace it.” For Karina de-Bourne, an English student who attended UW last year during her study abroad, the culture shock she experienced was rather startling. “Coming from another English speaking country, you assume that as there is no immediate language barrier,” she began, “but the change is really different.” Even between countries that share a language, the differences are often substantial. deBourne was particularly surprised at the similarities between her UW experience and American college films, which contrasted greatly with her university back home.
It is easy to lose yourself as a transfer student who does not know where they fit in, especially at a large state school like UW. The Transfer House, now located in Tripp Hall, is a good place to start for students who fear how they will get on at a new school. Every student is in the same boat, so there is a common connection between residents that makes overcoming the initial awkwardness of socializing much easier. Getting involved in one of UW’s many clubs and finding students that share similar interests also eases the transition from transfer student to full blown Badger.
Even so, what really makes the difference for transfers at UW is the welcoming nature of students and the pride they have for the school. Whether they show this by throwing their arms around the strangers next to them during the singing of ‘Varsity,’ Barring communication problems, de- or by tossing on their university Bourne recounted a trouble common apparel and joining the bright red sea among transfer students of all kinds. of students that flood the streets of There is a vague understanding of Madison at any given time of year, this what you are doing at university, is a passion unique to UW and one having done it before, only now you that turns every transfer student here are in a new place, with new people. into a proud Badger. September 2015 | 17
A Part of the Industry Images Provided by Kelly Connor
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ARTS EDITOR MARGARET DUFFEY CHATS WITH VOGUE EDITOR KELLY CONNOR ABOUT ART, EDUCATION AND THE WORLD OF VOGUE RUNWAY. With a messy long, blonde bob encompassing her oversized-glasses framed face, a lanky 26-year-old in her favorite denim look at the moment can be found weaving her way through the crowds of New York City. The effortlessly cool vibe she exudes pairs seamlessly with a girly personality in order to produce a perfected version of modern day chic. The woman behind the glasses is Vogue. com Market Editor and Vogue Denim Editor, Kelly Connor. Fashion’s digital growth in recent years places Connor at the forefront of a constantly evolving industry. The recent integration of Style.com and Vogue.com to create Voguerunway.com expanded the fashion powerhouse’s realm of influence and was made possible by Connor and her Vogue.com coworkers.
Moda Magazine: Were you exposed to art as a child? Kelly Connor: Yes, my parents were very into art and my mother was on the board of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego growing up. MM: How and when did you decide on your major? KC: After my first semester at NYU. I was so inspired by all the art surrounding me that I figured I was in the best situation to completely immerse myself in something that I had always loved.
KC: May 2010 after interning at the magazine extensively during college. I have been working at Vogue and now Vogue.com for a combination of nearly 5 years. MM: Has your major helped while working at Vogue? KC: My background in Art History and in photography has greatly influenced my visual aesthetic. MM: What is a typical work day for you? KC: With the website, every day is different. We are constantly evolving and reinterpreting how we look at fashion.
MM: Did anyone try to convince you to consider a different major? KC: No, but I did have doubts about what career path I would take after college. MM: Where do you see the fashion industry going in the future? MM: What were your extracurricular KC: Everything is becoming more activities during college? instantaneous, and the digital space However, without her NYU bachelor’s KC: I interned at Tibi, Larry King is thriving. Because of these elements, degree in Art History and minor in Live (CNN), Vogue, Lanvin and Marc the fashion industry is becoming Studio Art, Connor may not have Jacobs. I was interning whenever I was something that everyone can feel a become one of the most powerful not in class. I was also on the board part of. women on the New York City fashion of the World of Children Awards NY scene before her 25th birthday. Chapter and am now an ambassador. MM: On the topic of fashion and the digital world, what led Vogue to create I interviewed Connor to find out MM: What do you wish you had Voguerunway.com? how her background in art plays a known going through college? KC: Vogue runway is the collections role in her career today and to give KC: Stop panicking. “vertical” for Vogue.com and a far fellow arts students hope that their less more robust channel for fashion conventional degrees can in fact get MM: When did you begin working at criticism, imagery, archives, and news them jobs in the “real world.” Vogue? than we have previously been able to
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house. It allows us, essentially, to be both the most original and dynamic website for style and culture in English in the world, and the premier site for fashion in every sense: catwalk, backstage, front row and street, women’s and men’s. MM: What is the purpose of Voguerunway. com? KC: Vogue Runway will provide designers and brands more opportunity for coverage. We are no longer a mere offshoot of print Vogue: we are a fully-fledged publication in our own right with market editors, stylists, and writers, photographers and videographers who bring fashion to an audience of tens of millions on our site and social streams. For us the reviews are only one part of a much bigger approach to covering the news, characters, pleasures, and stories that make fashion so special to people the world over. MM: How does it feel to be a part of such a major development for Vogue? KC: I couldn’t be more excited to have everything I love, and what we all love about fashion, in one digital publication. It’s a thrilling bringing together of talent. Personally, I am delighted that we are able to cover men’s extensively again. I think, more and more, the two industries are as one. MM: What is your favorite part of working in the fashion industry? KC: There is never a dull moment. MM: What is your advice for someone looking to get into the fashion industry? KC: Have a mentor and be 100% certain that this is what you want. MM: Do you have any advice to students currently pursuing arts degrees? KC: Dip your toes into everything that interests you. You will be surprised to learn what skills you do and do not have. This ultimately helps you decide on your career.
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