Youth by The Avenue Magazine

THE AVENUE Vol. 6 Issue 1

the color comeback

THE AVENUE Youth | Fall 2017 Vol. 6 Issue 1

President Daniel McGorry

Treasurer Meredith Fisher

Editor-In-Chief Shelby Robin

Head Photographers J Brimeyer and Greg Hackel-Johnson

Senior Creative Director Samantha Isaacs

Photographers Bryce Dearden, Louise-Audrey Zenezini, Hanna Cormier, Grey Lancaster, Estelle De Zan, Gwen Friedman, Franny Kuth, Zenith Hakemy, Danica Woo, Diya Khullar, Halle Butler, Allie Kuo, Ellie MacLean, Rashod Blades, Jasmine Rayonia, Simran Gvalani and Abigail Manos

Creative Director Halley Husted Communications Director Halle Butler Communications Associates Victoire Cointy, Kaitlin Jahn and Mikaela Amundson Deputy Editor Dana Dworkin Beauty Editor Morgan Chemidlin Lifestyle Editor Tova Lenchner Men’s Fashion Director Michelle Rodriguez Women’s Fashion Director Valerie Butler Senior Graphic Designer Fernanda Fiszner Graphic Designers Sarah Ceniceros, Phoebe Lasater, Sarah Porter, Karina Masri and Claudia Bracy

Writers Kiley Choi, Julia Germain, María García-Mauriño, Estelle De Zan, Sofia Bergmann, Taylor Driscoll, Emily Perez, Louise-Audrey Zenezini, AJ Addae, Anne Koessler, Aya Albakoush, Catherine Barna, Hannah Keller, Alana Bates, Madelaine Millar, Cali Simmons, Maureen Porter, Phillip Zminda, Jaclyn Mendoza, Allie Kuo, Maddie Casey and Nicolette Quinn Stylists Annie Wu, Moana Yamaguchi, Catherine Barna, Bethany Wong, Ariana Matos, Abigail Manos, Kristen Flaherty and Alex Hackel-Johnson Models Connor Smith, Heather Offerman, Sam Shpall, Tifffany Liew, Sasha Sanon, Adelaide Megard, Dominique Ryan, Aishwarya Bhadouria, Maks Jakobsze and Rohan Soorabathula Makeup Artists Aneri Shah, Dana Dworkin, Tiffany Yu, Nadine Nakouzi, Diya Khullar and Rachel Rong

letter from the editor Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the title of YOUTH mislead you. At The Avenue, we see youth as not just an age; we see it as a state of mind. A youthful spirit is what you will find inside this issue. In 2017, the world is a complicated place and possessing a youthful spirit is especially important. The mindset of youth sees a future of possibility and fashion can be a way for us to carry that state of mind with us. This is especially necessary today in the wake of major societal issues. Is it possible that trends from millennialsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; childhoods, trends that represent a simpler lifestyle, are making a large comeback in the styles of today because of the element of nostalgic comfort they provide? We, at The Avenue, would venture to say yes. Overall, society puts less value on those above a certain age and fashion is a strong example. To be fashionable, must one also be young? That is not 100% the case and we see the fashion industry starting to embrace seniors with style. Despite this, one qualification to stand out in the fashion industry of today is a youthful spirit, whether or not your age matches that title. At The Avenue, we believe you can find inspiration everywhere which is why we are talking about fashion of every generation, young and old. Yes, there are luxuries of youth, but you in no way need to leave those luxuries behind as you age. Keep your youthful state of mind as long as you can. In the world of fashion, age is not treated as just a number, and in this installment of The Avenue, we delve into the complex relationship of age and fashion.

Shelby Robin Editor-In-Chief

table of contents

Forever Young: Streetwear and the Youth

Makeup Judgments

Primary Colors Don’t Equal Primary School

The Effects of a Gendered Childhood

Senior Citizens Fashion Inspirations

Botox and Beyond

Are Models Being Cast Too Young?

Eye of the Beholder

Queer Styles Are Not Your Next Fad

Inspiring Instas of the Young and Old

Sexualization of Young Girls in School Dress Codes

Marketing Makeup to Kids?

Too Old For Trendy? Dressing “Age Appropriate”

Fenty, A Beauty Line for Everyone

5 Signs You’re an Old Soul or a Young Soul

Younger Now

Why Patterns and Colors Should Not Be Left in Childhood

Embrace No Makeup!

Fashion at Every Age

Young Hollywood Stars on the Rise

Why Are Urban Girls Dressing Like Farmer’s Daughters?

Styling 2000s Trends

The era of streetwear is upon us, and we are not complaining! For decades, luxury brands have dominated the fashion industry, and have been the deciding party as to what is trendy in the fashion industry. But recently, streetwear has reached a new level of hype. Think back to Fashion Week, where pictures circulated of the attendees in the streets of New York, Paris, Milan, and London, more so than some of the runway looks. And why is that, you ask? Because the influence of streetwear on society is bigger than ever before. Streetwear is, according to Wikipedia, “a style of street fashion rooted in Californian surf and skate culture and has grown to encompass elements of hip hop fashion, Japanese street fashion, and modern haute couture fashion.” It is known to have started amongst members of various urban youth subcultures. The mixing of upscale and high street brands has been a trend for years, but only recently has it been recognized to be what we now call “streetwear.” You often see people style vintage Levi’s and thrifted t-shirt with a Gucci bag and Balenciaga shoes. The two opposite worlds merge into one to create an aesthetic and style category of its own, and no one is representing this street style movement better than the youth of today.

We can safely say that the rise of social media influencers has lead to the shift in our sources of trends and information. Social media platforms have kick started career paths for young creatives where they can showcase their style and individuality. Young Instagram stars have found a way to influence the fashion industry like never before. Whether they are incredibly in tune with what’s in, or starting the trends themselves, it seems that the youth are always first to hop onto the bandwagon of what’s hot. Who would’ve thought that Adidas three-stripe track pants could be worn with heels and a crop top on a night out on the town? Hailey Baldwin, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid all did! The appeal of this style of dressing also comes from its accessibility. Young people of today are constantly looking for unique ways of expressing themselves, without having to break bank. With the rise of streetwear, they have been able to do so successfully. Athleisure, casual, comfortable clothing designed to be suitable both for exercise and everyday wear, has also emerged and been prominent in street style. Many people strive for comfort, and the popularity of athleisure in the fashion industry has made the idea of mixing practicality with high fashion socially acceptable (again, not complaining!).

It’s young influencers like Luka Kabbat and Hailey Baldwin that showcase outside of the box outfit combinations that represent this style so well. Some teens, like Jaden Smith, have been dressing eccentrically for years, and as a result, are ahead of the game. Not only can we gain inspiration from these young stars on their awesome instagram accounts, but we can also get a taste for their style through their work and collaborations with high street and luxury brands, like Jordyn Woods x boohoo, and PrettyLittleThing Shape x Stassie.

“Young people of today are constantly looking for unique ways of expressing themselves, without having to break bank, and with the rise of street wear, they have been able to do so successfully.” Streetwear is booming, and it’s just the start of something big. Some advice, don’t overlook the youth of today, because not only are they extremely in tune with what is in and trendy, they are the trendsetters of our time. I think we could all learn a thing or two from them.

Models: Rachel Rong, Rebekah Orr and Sam Wagenvoorde 9

Model: Aurora Levin-Peter

When I was thirteen years old, I wore makeup for the first time. One day, while my older sister was out with friends, I snuck into her room and tried on her eyeshadow, applied a few dabs of lip gloss and a little bit of mascara. After seeing myself in the mirror, I felt beautiful. I went to school that day feeling empowered by my glossy lips and mascara-coated lashes. I was in awe; how could something as small as a tiny bottle of drugstore mascara give me so much confidence? Maybe it was simply the idea of it, but something about wearing makeup made me feel invincible. Today, I still feel the same way when I wear makeup. No matter what day of the week—may it be a Tuesday, a Friday, or even a Sunday. The odds are that if you see me, I’ll most likely be donning sparkly eyeshadow, contoured cheeks and jet black eyeliner. Everyone has their own reasons to wear makeup. For some, makeup is a way of expressing their personality; a way of showing off personal style and individuality. For others, makeup brings out self-confidence and feelings of security: a little bit of concealer can make a world of a difference to my self-esteem when I’m having a bad skin day—or week. To put it simply, makeup is worn by different individuals for many unique and personal reasons. Yet, there is still a plethora of controversy surrounding the topic. Because of such judgments, many individuals feel the need to hide their makeup use. Over and over again, I see others, and even myself, attempting to explain the choice to wear “so much” makeup or even pretending to be bare-faced, when the opposite is quite obviously the truth. Why do we, in today’s society, feel such a need to justify our makeup habits? Why do we feel like we have to explain to the world the choice to wear a certain amount

of makeup? Prevailing stereotypes and judgments about how someone is “supposed” to look are so heavily embedded into our society that we just can’t seem to get away from them. There is a constant bombardment of attitudes regarding makeup decisions—many of which are offensive, or at the very least, annoying to deal with. I first started wearing liquid eyeliner when I was in high school. After many attempts at trying to perfect my liner wing, I finally decided to give wearing eyeliner to school a go. However, when I got to class, I immediately felt judged. One of my male classmates took one look at me and laughed. He jokingly berated me with questions of why I chose to wear makeup, and who I was possibly trying to impress by doing so. In the moment, I embarrassedly laughed his comments off—but deep down inside, I felt humiliated. Countless makeup wearers go through similar situations where they feel judged due to their makeup choices; however, sometimes it is for not wearing makeup at all. A friend once recounted an incident that took place during the week of final exams. Exhausted from many late night cramming sessions in the library, she showed up to a group study au-natural and totally makeup-free. Immediately, she was faced with questioning from a classmate on this decision to be bare-faced. Feeling the same shame that I felt for wearing “too much” makeup, my friend left the class early so that she would have time to go back home and put on makeup. As social media, society and other people continue to try and dictate how much makeup we should wear, it is imperative that we remember that how much makeup a person chooses to wear is that individual’s (and only that individual’s) personal decision. For all the makeup-wearers out there, remember that you are free to make your own choices regarding makeup. Let’s stop with the constant judgments; wear that lipstick and contour with pride.

Primary Colors Don’t Equal Primary School As we get older, we wear darker colors to be taken more seriously. To look professional, we hide our youth behind navy, black, and grey office wear. To look cool, we veil our creative expression behind a layer of black Adidas sportswear. But it’s time to embrace those colors we left behind when we got too old for Gymboree and Justice. It’s time to be young and fun again! Don’t get me wrong. While there’s something so classic and chic about black and white, fading into the background like a secret agent, 2017 is all about being bold and standing out. Wearing bright red, yellow and blue does exactly that.

As we get older, we wear darker colors to be taken more seriously. To look professional, we hide our youth behind navy, black, and grey office wear. To look cool, we veil our creative expression behind a layer of black Adidas sportswear. But it’s time to embrace those colors we left behind when we got too old for Gymboree and Justice. It’s time to be young and fun again! Don’t get me wrong. While there’s something so classic and chic about black and white, fading into the

This is especially good news for anyone tired of being trapped in a never-ending wardrobe of neutrals. The oldfashioned gentleman style consists of monochromatic and earth tones. But thanks to icons like Pharrell Williams and Tyler the Creator, colors have been reincorporated into men’s wardrobes. From jeans and sneakers to blazers and slacks, men’s fashion is starting to echo the rich, vibrant feathers of the most colorful and most beautiful male animal: the peacock. Don’t get overwhelmed, I’m not asking you to conduct your next business presentation in a bright yellow suit (although that would definitely make you memorable). All I’m asking you to do is, the next time you’re at Zara or H&M, consider trying on the red sweater next to the beige one you came into the store to buy.

Models: Zahra Amiji, Andi Stess and Kwame Fordwor

And if you’re concerned that adding the primary colors will make outfits too complicated, don’t fret! Adding color to your outfits can be as simple as switching a solid white tee for a solid yellow tee. Pair it with blue jeans, grey joggers, black sweats—any toned-down thing you would’ve worn the white tee with. This little trick of using colored basics instead of your go to grayscale basics is so easy and goes a long way. Another example: a simple switch from a pair of black/white socks to a pair of red socks can completely transform a conventional classic—white shirt, blue jeans, white sneakers. A pop of color adds a refreshing change to that overdone look, and will certainly grab attention from passerbys. If you pull it off, it’ll also show off your mature fashion sense and sophisticated style. By adding primary colors to your wardrobe, you’re unleashing a world of opportunities for personal expression. Colors can convey very powerful messages. Let’s start with red: This primary color is often perceived as very masculine and authoritative. So when women wear red it’s especially provocative and says to the world, “Forget your conforming gender roles and revel in how awesome I look.” Part of red’s allure and power is that it’s

largely about being seen. It reminds us of the attention grabbing red of a STOP sign, the passionate color of love but also of bloodshed. If you want to express power and command attention, anything from a red dress or jacket, to something small like a scarf or pocket square, will get the job done. On the other hand, if you wanted to convey calmness, wear some blue. Why can you browse Facebook or Instagram for hours on end without getting tired? Unlike its provocative cousin, blue actually calms the mind while keeping it awake and focused. From the sky to the sea, blue is often associated with depth and stability. While blue is probably the most prevalent primary color in your closet (at the very least you have a couple pairs of blue jeans), think about going further than denim this season and branching out to embrace blue sweaters and jackets to appear more chill or wise. Last but not least we move to the most joyful and youthful color: yellow! The warming yellow of sunshine, the silly yellow of emojis, the loud yellow of NYC cabs...Yellow makes us happy, optimistic and energetic. But yellow is not

an easy color to pull off so take baby steps when warming your wardrobe up to this color. Stick to basics and one piece of yellow clothing per outfit, as a lot of yellow (like a yellow business suit) can be very overwhelming. The next challenge is to mix the colors. Are you ready for it? Take inspiration from our outfits here. You can calm the zestful yellow tee and striking red socks with navy blue jeans. The next time you visit Urban Outfitters notice their selection of two-toned primary color clothing. The blue and yellow wool turtleneck from UO pictured can be worn with a cute red or blue skirt on warmer days, and for a more casual look you can even wear it with black leggings, boots and red Uniqlo socks. Of course, to be “outstanding” on the streets, in the classroom, and yes, even on the playground, try a statement shirt from UO and a bright pair of primary-colored pants. Red, blue and yellow shouldn’t be left behind in your fifth grade Crayola box, pay homage to these colors and to your youth by bringing them back into your life.

The Effects of Gendered Childhood

When I look back on my childhood, I can’t remember a time I made my father more uncomfortable than when I performed an interpretive dance to “Crush” by Mandy Moore for him when I was six. Beyond the questionable song choice, it was silly for me to think my dad, who spent his weekends on his ham radio set or hiking a nature trail, was the best audience for my moves. However, hindsight tells me that this performance was an attempt to show my dad how happy music made me—how even a song as simple as “Crush” could inspire an entire routine to express the joy it brought me. And how badly I wanted him to approve of that joy.

Models: Karen Tran and Jack Mazzeo

Prior to my performance, my love for pop music was a secret because, frankly, millennium pop never felt like it was meant for boys to enjoy. Boy bands like NSYNC were the perfect crushes for young girls, while pop stars like Britney Spears sang about loving men or their womanhood. Beyond their marketing, my sister and mother openly adored these artists, while my dad stuck to his Allman Brothers records. With the seemingly unmanly nature of the music and the lack of visible “manly” listeners, it seemed to me that pop music was something only for girls. And so, with my father’s tepid response to my routine, I locked my love of music in the back of my mind and threw the key away. My story is not unique; many kids conceal parts of themselves from others because they do not feel their gender is supposed to exhibit them. From birth, parents and peers treat children differently based on their anatomy and these differences have a profound impact on the child’s understanding of what they are “supposed” to be like. Nurses swaddle baby boys in blue blankets and girls in pink ones. Parents encourage their sons to be adventurous and take risks and their daughters to stay inside and be “mom’s helper.” They sign their sons up for football and bring their daughters to dance class. Even the media children consume depicts men as adventurous and heroic and women as subdued or damsels in distress. The combination of these subtle messages and the impressionable nature of childhood results in clear gendered expectations of behavior. In a conversation with New York Magazine, developmental psychologist Christia Brown stated that children not only understand their sex and gender but also the expected behavior for their gender by about two years old. These learned expectations extend from their interests to the toys they play with. Although toy stores may say toy trucks are for boys and kitchen sets are for girls, kids do not innately know what they can or cannot play with; the toys’ labels teach them. Brown stated that social scientists found that girls “don’t want to touch [a toy] if it’s labeled as boy’s toy,” but will express interest in the same toy if it’s presented as a girl’s toy. This phenomenon applies to boys too; a psychologist named D.B.

Carter found in 1987 that one boy loved playing with a toy truck until he realized the driver of the truck was a girl character and immediately abandoned it. This avoidance of “gender inappropriate” items can translate to avoiding activities and even career paths that do not align with their expected pursuits. Criticizing others for what they like because it isn’t typical for their gender, regardless of intention, can alter the trajectory of their entire life. When children do exhibit behaviors that are at odds with the expectation of their gender, they are often put back in line by their families or peers. When I spoke to college students about navigating gender in their childhoods, some boys said they were explicitly banned from joining their school choir or watching the Disney Channel because their families felt these activities were only for girls. The textbook “Gendered Lives” states that men tend to be more rigidly pushed to be masculine than women are pushed to be feminine, but that doesn’t mean women are exempt. One girl spoke about how she went to her ballet class in a t-shirt and pants to accommodate her hatred for dresses and was promptly asked to leave. These restrictive efforts not only limit children’s potential, but also cause literal psychological harm. A study from the American Journal of Men’s Health found that the number of gender policing acts sexual minority men experienced in their youth correlated with their rates of substance use and signs of distress in adulthood. When the messages telling us who we should be are impossible to escape, it is easy to let them rule us. We deny ourselves happiness because we don’t deserve to have it the way we want it; we conceal ourselves because it is easier to be silent than made fun of for our voice. But falling into the cycle of policing ourselves and one another only furthers the grip these messages have on us. Learning to exist in defiance of what we are told to be is challenging, but empowering work. In my second year of high school, I auditioned for my school’s musical without any expectation of making it. I did. And from my humble role as a chorus member came true, authentic joy to be performing music—along with four more high school musicals and three years in an a cappella group in college. After seeing me sing a solo in a musical, my family told me they had no idea I could sing. I would never have either if I continued to deny myself the happiness I found in things I, as a boy, didn’t think I could like. Regardless of how we are raised, we cannot let the forces that tell us what we need to be take precedence over who we know ourselves to be. If we all consciously try to unlearn the ways we force ourselves to be things we’re not, we can create a more supportive, loving and open future—and know ourselves better along the way.

Sources: nymag.com, nytlive.com, uaf.edu.pk, journals.sagepub.com

Before her blog Style Rookie took off and she became the cultural phenomenon she is today, Tavi Gevinson was a seventh grader dressing like a 70-year-old. Or rather, dressing with the eclectic look that you almost never see on Abercrombie-clad middle schoolers. Prints on prints, statement hats and hairpieces, oversized sweaters, you name it. Here was this tiny human, with outfits seemingly plucked from a grandmother’s closet and the racks of a thrift shop, slowly captivating the fashion world with how she juxtaposed looks of old and young. Even back in 2010, Gevinson was ahead of her time— these looks demonstrated that fashion knows no age. This is becoming even more apparent today, with fashion icons who are headed into their seventh, eighth and even ninth decades of life. Older people typically haven’t been featured in fashion magazines and runways or praised for their style. However, age inclusivity and diversity in the past year or two has brought seniors to the forefront of the fashion world. 21 models over the age of 50 walked the Fall 2017 runways in New York, Paris, Milan and London, which may seem like a trifling number but is truly an improvement over the five from Spring 2016’s runways, according to a report from theFashionSpot.

It’s about time we start embracing these women of seniority, and taking style cues from their looks, refined after many years of experience and experimentation. Iris Apfel is always the first to come to mind, because there is nobody quite like the 96-year-old interior designer and icon whose enormous round-rimmed glasses are recognizable from a mile away. The self-labeled “geriatric starlet” has an enviable collection of pieces, which you can catch glimpses of in “Iris,” Albert Maysles’ documentary about the nonagenarian. Apfel was also the subject of the first one-woman show at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, her collection of high and low-fashion pieces drawing in museumgoers. Besides her signature glasses, Apfel is always adorned in vibrant, clunky jewelry—specifically multicolored bracelets that sit on her wrists like an extended sleeve and necklaces that make even more of a statement when layered together. Of course, Apfel also has a knack for leaning towards fabrics that jump out at you with their colors and detail. This sort of bold and lively look is consistent among other older starlets such as Helen Ruth Van Winkle, better known by her Instagram handle @baddiewinkle, and Jean and Valerie of the older style blog Idiosyncratic Fashionistas (@idiosyncraticfashionistas). Winkle is the more provocative of the bunch, flaunting her figure in crop tops, slip dresses and even a half-sheer, head to toe camo outfit. There is no denying she is rocking the looks better than some of her younger counterparts can. The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas show a little less skin but are still popping with colors and patterns that light up their Instagram feed with all sorts of quirky outfits. Layering is key, and all of these ladies are not afraid to pile on the accessories or limit a look to just one statement piece. It’s the combination of these more outrageous pieces that make an outfit stand out, and that is what sets apart the young and old when it comes to fashion. In our teens and beyond, we find ourselves concerned with what others think about our appearance and whether or not our style is relevant and acceptable. But hopefully there comes a point when we toss those notions out, and that seems to be a secret that these older fashion icons have been in on for quite some time. Take it from Apfel herself.

Models: Jaclyn Mendoza, Alex Johnson and Olivia Mastrosimone

“Life is gray and dull, you might as well have a little fun when you dress.”

America is obsessed with looking young. This fact is nothing new—in 1894, Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde said that “The youth of America is their oldest tradition,”—but in the age of Instagram, the obsession has reached new heights, and new products and techniques have emerged to feed society’s craving. They range from topical creams to invasive surgeries, with the only limits being the consistent drive to be perfect, and the money that one is willing to spend. These various procedures have evolved through time, each with their own histories which have led to their growing popularity in the modern day. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and gives strength and elasticity to the skin. Before the development of any formal skincare or cosmetic procedures, it was the presence of high levels of collagen in the skin that kept it looking young and subtle. In the modern day, one can augment natural production with skincare that includes collagen, which prevents wrinkles and helps to make skin appear younger and healthier. These skincare products come in a wide variety of forms—from sheet masks, to topically-applied liquids, to even a drink. Natural collagen production can also be increased through the process of micro needling, which is when hundreds of tiny punctures are made in the skin of the face. The body produces more collagen to heal these little wounds, firming the skin and minimizing pores. This process does require special tools—pricking the skin with a standard needle will only lead to a dot of blood.

Blood, however, has its own niche in the quest for youth. In the early 1600s, Hungarian Countess Elizabeth Bathory was convicted of the murder of 80 girls, whom she had killed and drained of their blood. She bathed in this blood in an attempt to keep her skin looking youthful. The modern, legal version of Bathory’s skincare regimen is the Vampire Facial. In this process, a doctor draws blood from the recipient’s arm, centrifuges it to separate out the plasma and then uses micro needling to put the plasma back into the face. Although its effectiveness is still up for debate, the Vampire Facial has the notable proponent of Kim Kardashian, who popularized the procedure in 2013. Eyelash extensions were the next youth-seeking procedure to develop, and they are pretty much exactly what they sound like. In a semipermanent process, individual lashes made of silk, mink, synthetics or even real human hair are glued onto your real eyelashes. If properly maintained (that means no oil or water on the eyes), the extensions can last a little under a month. The extensions can still be worn with makeup, but nothing liquid—and absolutely no mascara. At the end of their eyelash life cycles, the extensions can either be professionally removed, or they will eventually fall out on their own. Eyelash extensions can be traced all the way back to 1899, when the Dundee Courier published a story advising doctors on how to sew hair from people’s heads onto the edges of their eyelids. The updated, less horrifying version has become popular over the last 5 or so years.

Model: Hanna Cormier

Botulinum toxin, the active ingredient in Botox, was first identified in the 1890s, but it wasn’t until 1992 that it joined the beauty community. It was then that the first study was published by Dr. Jean Carruthers and her husband in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, claiming that the toxin could be used to remove wrinkles. It works by targeting nerve endings and preventing muscles from contracting, which means that while it’s effective on smile and frown lines, it won’t do anything for wrinkles caused by gravity or sun damage. The use of Botox is on a steady rise—in 2016, 7 million Botox procedures were performed, up 797% from the year 2000. The minimally invasive procedure is most popular with people in their 40s and early 50s, but a minority of people do get Botox as young as their late teens or early 20s.

and local level rather than the federal. This makes it much easier for low-quality pigments to make their way into the tattooing process, which can result in severe allergic reactions or the formation of nodules (little bumps under the skin). The modernized version of tattooed makeup is microblading, the drawing on of individual brow hairs using a special microblading pen with semi-permanent ink that fades within about two years. The process has a more natural finish than normal tattooed makeup, giving it added appeal for many. As with any tattoo, the process can result in infection if not done with high-quality and sterile products.

Anyone who has spent any time on Instagram in the last year would notice the rise of the big and beautiful lip trend. Fuller lips tend to look younger, because they lack the fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging, and one way to achieve this youthful look is with lip fillers. The first lip augmentation procedures can be dated back to the early 20th century when paraffin was injected to create larger, more shapely lips, and was quickly deemed a failure. The modern lip fillers, which usually use hyaluronic acid, have risen in popularity 53% from the year 2000. Many attribute this boom to Kylie Jenner, who has been open about using lip fillers, in addition to her now-iconic lip kits. Depending on what fillers and methods are used, the procedure can last between 3 months and a year. Permanent or tattooed makeup dates back to the 1980s, when it was first used to recreate eyebrows for sufferers of the condition Alopecia, which causes hair loss. The procedure eventually developed into tattooed eyeliner, lip liner and eyeshadows. The procedures have all of the normal risks associated with getting a tattoo, plus one other: the FDA classifies the ink in these procedures as a cosmetic, meaning that it is regulated at the state

Sources: medicalnewstoday.com, nbcnews.com, botoxcosmetic.com, plasticsurgery.org, nytimes.com, fda.gov, glamour.com

The modeling industry has always been criticized for its unhealthy and inappropriate corporate culture. Although the working environment has improved significantly over recent years due to the increased acceptance of models of all sizes, there are still enormous pressures plaguing the majority of the field to be unrealistically “beautiful” and slim. Researchers from Northeastern University, Harvard University and the Model Alliance found in a 2016 study that over 62% of models polled had been told by someone in the industry to lose weight or change their size; about 54% were told that there would not be any more job opportunities if they did not. Along with this intense obsession with thinness often comes a dangerous drug culture and sometimes even pressures for cosmetic surgery. This toxic coercion is a lot for adult models to handle, let alone vulnerable underage models. Since the very advent of supermodel culture, however, there has been an alarming trend in the industry of casting girls aged 16 or under for various adult-oriented

campaigns. John Casablancas, founder of the legendary Elite Models in 1977, signed Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Cindy Crawford when they were only 15 to 16 years old. Another model who has become a household name, Kate Moss, was cast by Storm Model Management at the age of 14, and has since spoken out about how uncomfortable and inappropriate some of the shoots she was forced into were. In a 2012 Vanity Fair interview, Moss describes how Corinne Day had told her to take her clothes off at age 16 during her iconic shoot for The Face, and how they told her “if you don’t do it, we’re not going to book you again.” She attributes her clinical anxiety for years afterwards mainly to shoots like this. And let’s not forget the scandal involving late British photographer David Hamilton, who rose to fame through his work involving girls as young as 13 participating in shoots that verged on pornographic. Shortly before his death, he was accused of rape by one of his past models, who would have been 13 at the time.

Multiple luxury fashion giants have participated in this underage model trend as well, most notably Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, and Dior. Miu Miu’s sweethearts, Hailee Steinfeld and Lindsey Wixson, were cast at ages 14 and 15, respectively. Dior cast 14-year-old Sofia Mechetner as the face of their runway show in July of 2015. Often these models are not only minors but also immigrants who may not be granted the same protections as Americans or Brits. Current celebrity and social media culture certainly does not help. Minors look to celebrities and social influencers who have thousands of likes and millions of followers and want to be like them. As a result, young people have been increasingly changing their makeup, clothing and behavior to appear much older than they are. Male YouTubers have racked up millions of views by participating in the “Guess Her Age” challenge, where they take pictures from young girls’ social media and try to pinpoint how old each one is. Since girls have been presenting themselves as older and older, many of the guesses regarding their ages are incorrect. Female minors are rewarded for this behavior with likes, comments and other forms of attention— oftentimes inappropriate attention—which gives them a reason to continue the trend and causes them insecurities surrounding their immaturity. Nancy Jo Sales supports this statement by sharing information she found in the process of writing her book, “American Girls: Social Media and the Secret Life of Teenagers.” In a 2016 Time Magazine article, Sales describes how she traveled to ten different states and interviewed over 200 young girls. Her research indicates that the rise of selfie culture has led to increased competition and sexualization, since “validation is only a tap away. And one of the easiest ways to get validation is by looking hot. Sex sells, whether you’re 13 or 35.” Not only is this obsession with looking mature detrimental to self-esteem, it also shortens girls’ innocence, takes away much of what should be a carefree period of their life and exposes them to cyberbullying and an eager audience of online predators.

This is where the paradox lies: Underage models are continually being cast to wear products intended for older audiences, but when young girls see these models they want to appear older like them. The use of minors as models is therefore unhealthy for two groups, the first being the children who see these advertisements and fashion shows and want to look as though they have a higher level of maturity—one they may not be able to handle. The second group harmed are the underage models themselves because they are subject to a stressful, self-esteem-crushing and unhealthy work environment. Why does the adult global fashion industry have such a preoccupation with extreme youth? What can be done to prevent such damaging and dangerous practices going forward? Thankfully, some changes are already being made. In 2013, legislation was passed in New York State that declared underage models the same rights as underage actors and actresses, including rights to breaks and limited work time. At the beginning of September 2017, Kering and LVMH announced they are creating a new charter that prohibits them from casting models who are under 16 and/or smaller than a U.S. size 2. Additionally, the charter protects the 16 to 18 year-old age bracket with work time restrictions and parental supervision. Combined, Kering and LVMH own Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Celine, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Kenzo and Fendi, among others. It is a little too soon to be sure that these corporations will follow through. Vogue made a similar promise in 2012 and broke it in the same year by casting 14 and 15 yearold models for their magazines. The situation remains hopeful, though, and the industry seems to be coming to its senses regarding the various harmful effects that result from using child models.

Model: Kaitlyn Mangelinkx

Sources: vogue.com, vanityfair.com, wmagazine.com, nytimes.com, independent.co.uk, harpersbazaar.com

eye of the

BEHOLDER

What does Queer fashion mean to you? No, really. Have you ever had to think about it? Can you tell that someone is LGBT+ from just looking at them? Or are they just “trendy” and “quirky?” So then what exactly is Queer fashion and what does it mean to the community? It isn’t just clothing. Queer fashion in many cases is a practice taken through rejecting traditional norms of appearance and fashion. Many people in the LGBT+ community, if they are safe to do so, dress in the way most comfortable to them and that aligns with their gender identity. This presentation is an expression of the person they feel themselves to be or want to become, and often these ways of dress offer a larger picture in the form of codes or signals. Clothing was and still is a way for members of the Queer community to recognize each other without explicitly asking in order to find community and family. Many distinctly Queer fashion choices have permeated the mainstream fashion world and the runway are detailed below.

are you a boy or a girl? a note on androgyny Terms like “gender-bending” and “boyfriend jeans” have been circulating the fashion world for many years now. I’m sure you either have a pair of boyfriend jeans or clothing “made” for the opposite gender in your closet. Having those clothes don’t necessarily mean you are androgynous or “gender-bending.” It is the act and intention behind deliberately wearing those clothes that make it so. You can absolutely wear clothes that are marketed towards the opposite gender if it makes you feel good and if you aren’t a member of the Queer community, but you can’t just hop onto this “new” trend. Another trend that originated from the Queer community was the idea of unisex haircuts, shorter styles on people assigned female at birth and longer styles on people assigned male at birth to blur the lines of gender. Androgynous clothing and hair choices have historically been a signifier in discreetly letting people know that the wearer is a member of the

LGBT+ community as well as being an outward expression of their gender identity. Today these fashion choices are being used on the runway and reproduced in large retail stores for being “trendy” and “edgy.”

why do you look like a dude? butch lesbians In a similar vein as androgyny, many heterosexual celebrities have adopted off-duty outfits that mirror what have traditionally been looks of butch lesbians. The aesthetic is based on function over fashion and features looser clothing with more “masculine” elements like button downs and simple cuts. What once was a specific style for butch lesbians in the community has become a trend that all in the fashion world have used. Once again, that isn’t saying that people not in the community cannot adopt more “masculine” ways of dressing, but people should recognize the origin of the style and pay homage to it rather than adopting it as their own.

san francisco gays: the castro clone One of the less well known facets of Queer fashion started much more recently in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco during the 1970s. This style focused on the idealization of the working class and was usually worn by gay men. Pieces of clothing could include fitted t-shirts, tighter jeans and aspects from the greasers of the 50s as well as punk culture. The reasoning behind this trend was to emphasize the physique of the male body and to show off the muscles earned from working out at the gym. Sound familiar? The emphasis on masculinity and clothing choices reflecting the Castro Clone can be seen today with gym-goers, male athletes and bodybuilders.

so what does this mean and what do you do now? The contributions of Queer style to modern fashion are subtle but much more frequent than most people think. Queer fashion was and still is more about the social movement towards liberation and freedom of expression rather than adhering to society’s view of “fashion.” You might now be wondering what you can do. Support LGBT designers, companies, and brands. Familiarize yourself with LGBT history. Understand the important role that fashion has played for LGBT folk. Watch “Paris is Burning”, “Strike A Pose”, “KiKi” or other LGBT documentaries that cover the struggle and joy the community has gone through. Recognize and acknowledge the origin of the styles and how the Queer community has been persecuted and mistreated in the past (and in many cases today) for wearing the same things you deem “on trend.”

Models: Rikki Larios, Dana Zircon, Alice Kotowski and Allison Isaken 35

Instagram has become one of the largest platforms for daily lifestyle and fashion inspiration. After all, who can resist an aesthetically pleasing feed and the occasional glamour shot? From enviable toddler fashion to grandmotherly advice, instagram is no longer just for millennials as people of every age take the center stage. Here are the most inspiring instagram accounts of its youngest and oldest users. Starting with the youngest is 6-year-old instagramer Coco (@coco_pinkprincess). Unlike most child instagrams, Coco herself chooses each photo on her feed, adding her own presence and attitude to every post. Partnering with couture brands such as Gucci and Versace, this little girl is taking over the Tokyo fashion scene one post at a time. Fashion practically runs in her veins, as her parents own a vintage boutique in the popular Harajuku district of Tokyo, Japan. Coco uses instagram as an outlet to express her personal style, and she continues to inspire her growing fan base of 329 thousand followers to be themselves and explore their personal fashion pursuits. For more inspiration from a six-year-old, the account @scoutfashion is worth a follow. Mother and blogger

Sai De Silvia uses this instagram account as a photo journal sharing the everyday life and styles of her and her equally stylish daughter London Scout. This duo combined with a cohesive feed will surely bring a smile to your face and give you both fashion and travel inspiration. Focused on making major trends wearable in a micro-fashion form and visa versa, Sai and Scout make an irresistible pair, which is confirmed just by scrolling through the comments and seeing the support they have from their followers. And if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get enough of this duo, check out their equally cool blog scoutthecity.com and youtube channel by the same name. On the other end of the spectrum, this next account features some of the older faces on instagram. Photographer Ari Seth Cohen (@advancedstyle) was inspired by his close relationship with his grandmother and the lack of representation of older people in the fashion scene to develop a project focused on fashion from the eyes of those over 60. He set out to create this instagram as a place where the excitement and vivacity of the oldest generations can be seen in every post. Saying it best on his blog, Cohen explains that advanced style is dedicated â&#x20AC;&#x153;to capturing the sartorial savvy of the senior set.â&#x20AC;?

His blog, Advanced Style has grown into an empire of books, a documentary and this instagram page, all with a massive following. Featuring a medley of photos from bold looks found on the streets to mini-interviews with some of fashion’s biggest risk-takers, Cohen’s account encourages its followers to own their fashion, no matter what their age. Along similar lines, 68-year-old stylist and skincare master Linda Rodin runs her effortlessly cool instagram @lindaandwinks, which is named for her and her beloved poodle Winks. Each post is a snippet of her life from corners of her Manhattan apartment to personal looks both current and from former stages of life. Rodin has a history in the fashion industry first as a buyer and then stylist for Italian Vogue before she entered into beauty world founding her own line Rodin Olio Lusso. Both these ventures can be seen through her instagram as she shares a more personal take on recurring fashion trends and a lifestyle as effortless as her skincare line. This instagram will make you want to age as well as Rodin, and probably adopt a poodle too! Be it Coco’s sassy street-style selfies or Linda Rodin’s poodle pictures, none of these accounts sacrifice their personal styles to be someone or something they aren’t, and that is the charm of the instagrams of the young and old.

Sources: vogue.com, advanced.style

Sexualization of Young Girls in

School Dress Codes The sudden interruption of a speaker breaks the silence in the classroom, all eyes looking up. You hear your name announced, asking to see the principal at once. I was not late to school today. Everyone directs their eyes down to your bare shoulders and exposed thighs. This must be a mistake. The heat spreads across your cheeks as you rise from your seat, the shameful embarrassment sinking in as you notice that all eyes are on your skin. I did not do anything wrong. So why is this happening? This nightmare is very much a reality for many young girls today. Regardless of whether girls are wearing uniforms or following a dress code, the concept of what is appropriate for school has become a controversial issue of prejudice against young females recently. The strict dress codes that schools often enforce include covering your shoulders, wearing skirts that pass your fingertips, banning tight clothing like leggings, and even implying that more “developed” girls cover up with more clothing. Although it is important to ensure that girls are following an appropriate dress code, the severity and ridiculousness of these rules end up doing more harm than good. What does this say about the way we view young girls? Despite living in the 21st century, it is quite evident that young females are treated in a demeaning manner due to the sexist dress codes that are still in place today. Instead of teaching girls to accept their bodies at a young age, society has inherently shamed their bodies by sexualizing the way girls dress. Teaching girls that showing skin is a distraction in the classroom only reinforces the idea that girls must always be aware of their appearance for the sake of others. Instead of simply teaching boys to respect the way a girl dresses, society falls on the backbone excuse of “boys will be boys,” leading girls to believe that they are the ones at fault. Punishing young girls and shaming their prepubescent bodies normalizes the inappropriate behavior of slut shaming and degradation that has become so common among females as they grow older. Any disciplinary action

over breaking these dress codes, whether it is detention or even suspension, scares young girls into believing that people have the right to judge their bodies and use it against them. Thus, it is unsurprising that rape culture and sexual harassment are commonly understated issues now since girls are taught at a young age to value other people’s judgments of their bodies over their own. In fact, the American Educational Research Association revealed in its annual meeting that 1 in 4 middle school aged girls reported experiencing sexual harassment at school in 2014. There are solutions to help improve the issues caused by sexist dress codes. Instead of teaching girls to hide their bodies in fear of sexualizing the school environment, we should teach young boys to stop making this perverse connection of exposed skin automatically being sexy. Instead of sending girls home because their skirt was “too short,” we should transform these sexist rules into reasonable and safe ones to welcome and not degrade girls’ bodies. Most importantly, there is a great need to communicate effectively with the school districts in order for this to happen. Clear and persuasive words always prove to be the strongest route for creating change. It seems like every day there is a new story on Facebook about an 11-year-old girl who is reprimanded by her school for wearing leggings. Most people would think that in 2017, society would stop associating a child wearing tight clothing or showing skin as being promiscuous and sexual. Unfortunately, we are not there yet. Although some argue that this problem is overblown in comparison with other “bigger” issues, the environment of a young girl is crucial to her development and can severely alter her future in more ways than we can fathom. Above all, hopefully the day will soon come when young girls can wear their leggings in peace without the whole word thinking they can have any opinion.

Models: Mallory Thrall and Jessica Varner

These days, it’s all too common to come across beauty products and ideas being marketed to young children, specifically girls. Stores such as Claire’s, Justice and even huge chains like Walmart and Target sell makeup and other beauty products that are marketed to young girls. This trend of focusing on makeup and beauty at a young age brings up a world of questions. Why are adolescent girls so interested in beauty products these days? Is it ethical for young girls to be wearing makeup, and at what age should they be allowed to? Where do we draw the line? Can a kid truly be a kid when faced with these pressures to be “beautiful?” First, is the question of why these girls want to use makeup in the first place. An obvious answer could be that the mass marketing of beauty products can lead to this desire at a young age. This over-exposure creates a beauty standard for all women in our culture, and kids are exposed to that as well. Marketing specific to children only exacerbates this issue. Seeing makeup embellished with glitter, sequins and emojis—typical stylizations of marketing to children today—could associate these products with things that girls already like, and therefore want to purchase.

For example, lip glosses with small glittery charms and emojis attached to them flood Justice’s makeup department for kids, stimulating their desire to buy the products. Another reason that young girls may want to use makeup and other beauty products more today than they have in the past could be due to the huge rise of social media in recent years. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube are extremely popular with younger girls, and have made the use of makeup much more prevalent. Beauty tutorials and makeup looks are readily available to anyone with an electronic device, which more and more of pre-teen girls have access to today. Additionally, girls might be inclined to use makeup if they see their parents and role models doing so. Of course, this is not a new phenomenon. Kids have been following in the footsteps of these figures for as long as the idea of a role model has existed. The makeup industry only encourages this concept; for not only does it market makeup products aligned with children’s interests, it also markets makeup with an older, more mature feel. For example, Claire’s sells a smokey eye palette as well as fake eyelashes, black liquid liner and volumizing mascara. The intensity of the makeup and beauty infatuation that is passed on to kids increases with the rise of the beauty industry and beauty standards for adults.

Many of us look back on our childhood memories fondly, remembering the days when our worries were trivial compared to the difficulties that we now face. We knew our likes and dislikes, and we had not yet developed the mental complex to overthink whether these things would be accepted as “normal.” Obsession with beauty during this time period can erase this sense of youthful freedom, speeding up children’s development and skipping a crucial part of their lives where the stresses on their minds shouldn’t be greater than worrying about what flavor of ice cream they want. But is it actually an issue that these kids are wearing makeup? The problem with young girls wearing makeup, even if their reasoning is just for “fun,” is that, maybe subconsciously, the pressure to wear makeup is built into their self-esteem. The use of beauty products at a young age can contribute to the sexualization of girls. This use of makeup can lead to an obsession with outward appearance, material goods and meeting society’s standards of beauty. These infatuations take away from girls’ lives, prohibiting them from just being kids. Wearing and using makeup as if they were adults forces these girls to mature much too fast. It also contributes to the insecurity that is often seen in teen girls and adult women today; stopping them from being able to feel good about themselves. Learning the concept that makeup is equal to beauty at such a young age is dangerous; these children don’t have the capacity to differentiate between society’s standards, and true beauty and expression. How can a girl ever learn to “be herself” when she has been taught to play the part of someone else since before she could even spell her own name? As children, we are the most free we will ever be before we inevitably learn to conform to society’s standards.

So, the question remains: should parents let their young daughters wear makeup? At what age? And how much? Is there a difference between a full face of makeup and painting your toenails? This decision, obviously, is up to individual parents. The way adults raise their children is entirely up to them, and if they want to let their 3-year-old wear lipstick, that is their right as a parent. They should however, be aware of any hinderance they could be bringing on their child’s development and confidence. Of course, makeup and beauty can be innocently used for fun. Girls organically deciding that they want to play around with makeup or beauty products is not a societal issue. The real ethical dilemma involving kids and makeup is the marketing of makeup by large corporations to young girls, and the pressure placed on them by social media and celebrity influences. These phenomena instill the value that makeup is important for girls to “fit in” and be beautiful, forcing them to grow up so much sooner than they should. If not handled carefully, these societal pressures can hurt the self-esteem of young girls before they’ve even developed a concept of themselves, thus creating obsessions that hinder them from normal childhood activities.

Model: Emma Lord 42

Too Old For Trendy? Dressing “Age Appropriate”

“You’re too skinny.” “You’re too pale.” “You’re too different.” “You’re too old.” I can tell you, the word “too” was never my thing. We’ve all heard it, read it, listened to it way too many times. I mean, who decides whether you’re “too something to do something” anyways? If you were to ask me what I love the most about fashion is its inclusivity. I’m not talking about the fashion industry, although I wish I was. I’m talking about the sense of knowing who you are and letting that feeling show through clothes. Is there anything more fascinating than building yourself through simple pieces of cloth, through color and shape, through texture? I don’t think so. And you know what? There’s no race, no religion, no limits nor boundaries to that feeling of just being you. And of course, there is no age; you’ll never be too old to wear whatever makes you happy, no matter how many times someone tells you so. Unfortunately, not everyone would say the same thing. Scrolling down Google for a little bit of research on the subject of ageless fashion, all I came across were articles like “10 Pieces of Clothing That You Must Not Wear if You’re Over 60” or “20 Trends You’re Too Old to Wear.” Among these “over 60 don’t you even dare to try them on” items, we find pieces such as stiletto heels or crop tops. Even boyfriend jeans are considered way too much if you´re not in your 30s. Coming from an industry that has repeatedly taken the word “too” to a whole new level of stupidity and nonsense, it certainly didn’t surprise me to read all of that. We’ve just recently started seeing models that years ago were considered too fat or too short. They must really like the word “too” in the fashion industry to use it before every single adjective that describes the physical traits of people.

Complementary to these articles that thankfully teach you what must not be worn if you´re not in the early stages of your life, we find articles addressing the clothes that are indeed what you must wear if you want to behave like a proper lady and dress accordingly to your age. Apparently, black must be the dominant color in your wardrobe, and you should never dare to play with patterns. I mean, you’re not young anymore; get over it and stay away from those youthful trends! That was sarcasm, if you couldn’t tell. Although times are changing, apparently we can’t seem to get over our judgmental nature. We keep putting limits to the way we should be or act. It is still incomprehensible to me the reason why an aged woman with a tight dress is said to be someone who simply can’t cope with the fact that she is no longer young. Well maybe she just wants to embrace her body, a body that may have given birth or a body that has danced, lived and experienced so many treasurable moments for years. A body that deserves to be dressed freely. Between us, I’ve seen my grandmother pulling off short skirts better than I ever could. She and women her age all around the world posses something so valuable that we, the young generation, the Millennials, the cool kids, should be jealous about. They have wisdom and confidence and they know who they are. No magazine could ever bring them down nor tell them what to wear or what not to wear. I don’t know if I’ll live to see the word “too” disappear from the fashion industry’s vocabulary, but for now I’m just happy that my grandma doesn’t know how to use her computer so she’ll never get to read that she’s too old to be herself.

Fenty

a beauty line for everyone

Rihanna is an icon of our generation. Her music, style and overall personality are only a glimpse into the reasons why she is adored by countless, loyal fans. She is the epitome of a strong, successful and independent woman; and for that reason, her fans look up to her. Rihanna forever changed the beauty industry when she dropped her new makeup line, Fenty Beauty on September 8th, 2017. Although this is the star’s first venture into the beauty industry, she is no newbie to the world of fashion. Rihanna has always been a symbol of couture, evident in her domination of events like the Met Gala, as well as in her clothing line collaboration with Puma. However, Fenty Beauty is the singer’s debut in the cosmetic industry, and there is no doubt that her brand will change the industry for the better. In the age of celebrity fashion and makeup lines, Rihanna’s certainly stands out. The mission statement behind the line reflects Rihanna’s ideals of inclusivity, as well as the notion that everyone woman is beautiful. The line received a massive amount of attention for its large range of foundation colors. The foundation is officially called Pro Filt’r and there are a total of 40 different shades, making it one of the most diverse foundation color ranges on the market. Nars’ All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

has only half the range of shades Rihanna has, and comes at a higher price point. In her foundation line alone, it is evident that Rihanna put a massive amount of time and effort into creating a quality product that is wearable by all skin tones and ethnicities. Another product of the line that has garnered massive attention is her Killawatt highlighter. Specifically in the shade Trophy Wife which is a dazzling shade of gold that can be used as an eyeshadow, highlighter or wherever one wants a bit of sparkle. This multi-purpose, glittery highlighter is a fan favorite. The highly pigmented product complements both warm and cool-toned complexions; its buildable formula gives skin a subtle gold sparkle that will instantly bump it to the top of any makeup-lover’s list. The highly popular product has gained massive attention, quickly selling out in-stores during the first weeks of its release, leaving Fenty Beauty fans to flock to the online store in hopes to catch the latest restock. Other products in the makeup line include concealer sticks, primer and a lip gloss. These products are not only extremely high quality, but also have unique and beautiful packaging, which makes the beauty line even more superb. Rihanna also recently teased a holiday collection on Instagram

which dropped on October 17th. Products in the holiday collection include a holographic eyeshadow palette and bright lip shades. Seasonal makeup collections are one of the most highly-anticipated products during the holiday season, and after seeing how well Rihanna’s initial line has done, one can conclude that these new products will be even more popular once they are available in-store. One of the most important aspects of Fenty Beauty line is that it is based around inclusivity. Now, more than ever, humans are a divided as a global population. Society tends to point out flaw and differences, rather than highlight common humanity and beauty. Rihanna, however, hopes to express her belief that everyone is beautiful, and deserves products that make them feel this way. On the official Fenty Beauty website, Rihanna is quoted saying that “Fenty Beauty was created for everyone: for women of all shades, personalities, attitudes, cultures, and races. I wanted everyone one to feel included. That’s the real reason I made this line.” This idea of inclusivity is vital in a society where it can increasingly feel as though individuals are pitted against one another. Fenty Beauty is about inclusion—allowing wearers to experiment with makeup in order to define their own image. Rihanna is not the first celebrity to launch a beauty line, with one of the most prominent celebrity beauty lines of the moment being Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner. However, what makes Rihanna’s products special—and the line distinct from not only other celebrity beauty ranges, but also massive cosmetic companies—is that she has created a beauty brand for all. Rihanna has recognized the huge gap in the beauty industry, and has truly answered the desired calls of consumers. The makeup industry is on the verge of entering a new era of change. In this new beauty era, products will not be designed to suit an ideal image, but rather to suit the diverse consumers and artist who use these products. Rihanna, with her creation of Fenty Beauty, and its immediate success demonstrates that this is what makeup consumers desire. Out of all celebrities, it is no surprise that Rihanna is the one to change the beauty industry. Rihanna has challenged and redefined herself, as well as the music industry, and now she is reshaping the beauty industry for the better.

Models: Mollie Scott, Karen Tran and Taylor Smith

Sources: fentybeauty.com, refinery29.com

The Old Soul 1. The old soul is a mirror. While young souls tend to masquerade around the world with the mentality of “us versus them,” old souls often see the world as “I am, therefore you are.” Old souls have “reflective eyes” in that they see both people and the world as a reflection of their inner thoughts, emotions, and words. These souls are mirrors, ultimately reciprocating the world’s values and its own values in a consistent rhythm. 2. The old soul is introspective. With a vast world surrounding it, the old soul tends to think quite a lot, about a lot. To the old soul, even an inch of movement in their world yields a mile of introspection; each thought is a seed.

What does it mean to be an Old Soul or a Young Soul? Oftentimes, the “young soul” is regarded as a soul bound by freedom, electric spirit, and ripened exuberance. In contrast, the “old soul” is often regarded as a soul deliberately stitched together by age, wisdom, and resilience. Other times, however, it is almost impossible to identify with either side of the spectrum, as the elements of both souls can exist together within the same body. In order to understand the old soul and the young, it is important to be rid of the stigmas of the young soul and its perceived “naivety,” along with the appraisal of achieving the state of the old soul as a “destination.” Ultimately, being either soul can be a wonderful thing, and there are plenty of ways to tell which one you possess:

3. The old soul seeks purpose. Surrounded by constant movement, older souls tend to make efforts to discard the trivialities in life in order to move toward an organic way of living. Because of this, their nature is in consistent pursuit of answers regarding hunger for purpose and overall meaning in life. 4. The old soul is forever learning. Old souls tend to view the world as its teacher, in which lessons must be learned through experience, and will never age in meaning. To the old soul, lessons are timeless. 5. The old soul is sensitive. While “sensitive” can often have an unattractive connotation, old souls give it a satisfying meaning. These souls are aware of the feelings of others, in which they seldom ignore. When presented with the heart of another individual, old souls tend to hold it gently in the palm of their hands, with tenderness and endless consideration.

The Young Soul 1. The young soul rejects convention. As society tends to inflict its societal and institutional standards unto the young soul, the young soul often tends to reject them. The young soul can often resist to identify with institutional normalities, and quite usually ends up changing them.

Models: Charli Li, Jessie Herdman and AJ Addae

2. The young soul is expressive. Although all souls can be expressive, the young soul expresses like no other. The young soul is motivated by self identifying, individuality of any type, or even artistic creation. Though consistent expression is not a characteristic of all souls, young souls often manage to find a way to leave even the slightest mark on all that it touches.

4. The young soul is forever changing. The young soul is like a river; always becoming and unbecoming. Young souls tend to possess less experience than that of their older counterparts. Therefore, each experience seasons the young souls and their values, and gradually molds the spirit to fit into its vessel.

3. The young soul seeks. As the young soul navigates throughout the world, it seeks fulfillment. To this group, happiness is the ultimate measure of fulfillment. Although some may regard happiness as conditional, to young souls, contentment is a virtue.

5. The young soul is sensitive. The young soul is in osmosis with other souls, in that the movements of others can evoke passion within the soul. Words and actions of others often heighten the reactivity of the young soul, leading to internal development. To the tender young soul, the world is tough, but the soul is tougher.

Ultimately, the old soul cannot be old without presence of the young soul, and the young soul cannot be young without presence of the old. The opposite states of the soul are to be viewed as a spectrum in which not all can fully identify with, but can be content with. However, all are constantly changing, and can therefore possess both souls. All in all, both are spirits of magic. Own yours, and wear it proudly; after all, the first soul had to have been young sometime.

younger now

Patterns & Colors Should not be Left in Childhood

Color Obsessed? Not Since Elementary School

Bringing the Fun Back—On the Runways

My younger self never gravitated towards any colors other than bright blue or pink. At the store amongst the rows of oversaturated clothes, I could already picture myself walking to elementary school in my new threads, turning heads. By the time I was in middle school, neon was in. And when I say in, I mean there was not a day where I didn’t see someone rocking a pair of neon green converse or a highlighter yellow top. Then, as I moved through high school and into college, color slowly disappeared from my wardrobe, moving towards monochromatic outfits, and soon my closet was made up of three colors: black, white and grey.

In the past seasons, however, there has been a revival of color and pattern: funky, bright and most importantly appropriate for day to day life. In a world full of dark news and rainy days, colors emulate the happiness and fun that everyone needs a bit of in their everyday life. Vintage clothes have made a comeback the past couple of seasons, and with them, vibrant colors and prints. An emerging designer, Belgian singer Stromae, created his own line of wearable funky prints that give off 1980s vibes. The brand, named Mosaert, “consists of a capsule of cardigans, pull, polos and socks designed and produced in limited quantities in Europe” lists the site. The prints

Models: Sofia Bergmann and Juwon Lee

are whimsical, featuring geometric shapes, animals and florals, in standout colors that identify the brand. Missoni, an iconic fashion house, has always committed to using different textures and colors to make their unmistakable zig zag pattern stand out. This fall collection, muted oranges, reds and blues are dispersed through the turtlenecks and woven dresses. On the other end of the spectrum is Lilly Pulitzer. Known for their bright colors and feminine prints, their pieces are recognizable from a distance. Popular along the East coast and the South, Lilly symbolizes summertime and warm weather. Worn by young and old alike, it truly is a brand that demonstrates that color and patterns should not be left in childhood.

Daytime Affordable brands from Forever 21 to Zara are making it incredibly accessible to bring color back into your closet. If you’re weary to jump on board, begin with a few key pieces. For example, start with a patterned blouse, tuck

it into a pair of jeans and you’re on your way to work. Next time, try pairing that blouse with colored pants, or if you’re really up for it, patterned pants. Patterns within the same color scheme will work together, and some of the most commonly paired are animal prints and florals, as well as stripes and dots. Another great way to add color to an outfit is with a statement accessory.

Nighttime Take your color game to a new level by adding a bold shoe or handbag. Bright, bold hues can pop against a simple outfit and elevate your outfit to “dinner date with the girls” ready in no time. Another standout outfit could include pairing a funky patterned dress with a colored blazer or jacket. Toss your hair up, grab some lipstick and you are out the door! It’s time to be confident in color!

Our faces are a canvas for us to experiment on, blending color and lines. Makeup can be artistry; a way of expression, a way to change our presentation or simply for fun. However, the concept of using makeup to create a nomakeup look is a contradictory, and yet, an idea on the rise among young people. One would think that no-makeup would mean that no makeup products were involved. Yet, as brands such as Glossier and Milk grow in popularity, so does the trend of appearing fresh faced and natural while still wearing multiple products. Makeup has been a part of human culture for eons. It can be first traced back over 12,000 years ago to the ancient Egyptians. Using oils and minerals such as copper and malachite, they adorned their eyes and skin, much like

Models: Leilani Potgieter and Diana Steelman

people today still do. Perhaps the most iconic look of the Egyptians featured thick black lines done on both eyelids, connected with a line that then extended outwards, completed with Kohl. Kohl was made by combining the mineral galena and soot onto a wet palette, which then created a paste that could then be brushed onto the lids. A few millennia later, the ancient Chinese and Japanese would use henna to dye the hair and make designs on the skinâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;similar to what cultures in India and Northern Africa would use, and in some areas, continue to use today. Makeup was worn more primarily by the noble classes of ancient China. Both men and women focused much of their look on their eyebrows, which went through several trends through history; going from sharp arches to more curved brows. Meanwhile, in ancient India, much

like in the Egyptian culture, eyes were the focus of beauty. Ancient Indians would rim their eyes with kajal, made from the dust of the root of a plant. It was also believed that kajal brought good luck to the wearer. As time progressed, different materials began to be used to follow the trend of the day, often to the health detriment of the wearers. Arsenic, lead and mercury began to become incorporated heavily in beauty products. This inclusion of deadly materials was most often done without knowing how harmful the ingredients were to the wearer. Elizabethan women used to attempt to emulate the complexation of Queen Elizabeth by wearing white lead paint on their faces, which would in time cause open wounds and illness of the wearer. This would often, in turn, cause the wearer to put on even heavier amounts of the product, to hide their marked skin. Italian women would put drops of belladonna in their eyes to try to make them appear rounder and more attractive. These makeup wearers would become poisoned over time by their own quest to be “beautiful.” Makeup has only become a more integral part of many people’s daily lives in recent history as beauty and health standards have changed. While only worn by few in the upper classes of many societies before, the makeup industry today is worth more than $445 billion dollars. There are products for every conceivable imperfection imaginable—and more. Every quarter, new palettes, foundations and collections are released and bought by the masses. Part of the reason for the overwhelming growth of the industry in recent years can be attributed to social media. As soon as products hit the market, there are YouTube and Instagram tutorials, as well as reviews, blog posts, Tweets and more, admonishing or admiring the newest and latest “it” item.

used to lightly fill in brows and keep them from going wild. Sometimes a lip stain or pencil is applied, and mascara can be used finish a basic look. Of course, however, everyone’s view of what is considered “natural” makeup varies, and this list of used products can be expanded to include many others, such as bronzer and concealer. This no-makeup makeup trend is being most embraced by women in their mid to late twenties, and is seen often worn by celebrities such as Lupita Nyong’o, Demi Lovato and Alicia Keys, who in fact has sworn off all makeup entirely. Keyes has stated that she felt empowered after she stopped wearing makeup, stating that the “limitations that we put on ourselves” are tiring and unnecessary. Part of this statement can perhaps be explained by the decrease in skin blemishes seen by women in this age group, as good skin is an important part of the no-makeup look, though not necessary. As well, as people grow older, we often become more comfortable in our own skin, relieving some of the pressures that we put on our younger selves to constantly look put-together. This is not to say more elaborate makeup isn’t fun to wear, or a confidence booster when you want it. Makeup is, and will forever be an artistry. Whether you wear makeup or not is entirely up to you, and it should be decided by what makes you feel confident and comfortable.

This trend of the return to more basic, natural beauty looks could be seen as a reaction to a cultural explosion of highly curated and photoshopped looks. Wherever you look, it is almost impossible these days to see a woman wearing no makeup, whether it be a commercial or an Instagram video. Even in face wash commercials that promote a cleanser, the woman shown is often still wearing, at the very least, foundation—never showing the viewer her actual makeup-free skin. This may be part of the reason why 44% of American women feel that they are unattractive without makeup. So, what does no-makeup makeup mean then? Generally, it explains the process of using makeup to highlight your natural features through natural colors, and matte or glossy sheens. A BB cream or tinted moisturizer could be used to blur imperfections and even out skin tone, while a cheek tint like Glossier’s Cloud Paint could be used to add some color back into the skin. Then, an eyebrow tint could be

Sources: huffingtonpost.com, NBCNews.com, Forbesmagazine.com, Justluxe.com, timeinc.com

fashion at every age Fashion is ageless some might say. It is something that has an impact throughout all stages of our lives but its importance varies from person to person. What kind of role does fashion play throughout people’s lives? Well, we took the time to interview three people ranging in age, environment, and geographical location and this is what they said.

Aitana | 10 yrs old | European Elementary School Student What is your go to color-scheme? I like to wear a lot of blues and greys. How has your style evolved over your life so far? When I was younger I used to wear a lot of pink and red, and bright colors, but now I like to wear more blue. I think it makes me look older. In all the TV shows I used to watch all the girls wore bright pink and green and I wanted to look like them but now my style’s changed a lot. Do you choose clothes based on comfort or to make a statement? I always choose clothes that are comfortable. Does fashion affect your self-confidence? No, because I’m the same person no matter what I’m wearing. What do you think of uniforms? Do you prefer just putting on your uniform in the morning or choosing your own outfit? I don’t like the uniforms that I have to wear for school. I’d rather pick out my own clothes even if it’s easier to just wear the uniform.

Lara | 18 yrs old | Fashion Student at Pratt University How would you describe your relationship with fashion? I study fashion, I live fashion, I think about fashion; everything I do is somewhat connected to it. It’s not really an exaggeration when I say that it’s my life. Does your involvement in the fashion industry make you feel like you’re a part of history? I like to be politically active, but I don’t know if I’m part of history so much as I’m a form of a historian. For example, right now everyone’s freaking out like,“ They world is ending. Donald Trump…” so you see it reflected on the runway. A majority of them are fantasy themed because people want an escape. Who would you name as inspirations? Definitely my Spanish grandmother. When she was younger she worked at a sewing place so now I’m really inspired by Spanish fashion. Looking at Zara, Balenciaga, and Mariano Fortuny, I really like how they take traditional elements of Spanish culture and put them together in new ways.

Q&A Would you say that fashion is a means of self-expression? Yes. It’s an instant language so it’s a way of describing who I am without having to say words because I’m kind of shy, so it’s a way to make a first impression. I also see it as a way to exercise my creativity. Does fashion relate to confidence? So much. Because if I have a good outfit, I feel good. And when you feel good about yourself and it’s reflected in what you’re wearing, it’s easier to talk to people and go about your day. It also makes you more attractive. Do you think people's perceptions of you can change according to what you’re wearing? Definitely. Someone in a business suit is treated much differently than someone in a hoodie. In art school, what you’re wearing describes what kind of person you are so people judge you as an artist. Why is fashion important to you as a teenager? Youth culture oftentimes drives fashion because young people aren’t afraid to take risks. They take things they like and they make new things, which is so much more exciting. As a student you’re exposed to all these new ideas, new people, and new experiences so that’s reflective in the clothes that you wear.

Elena | Grandmother | European World Traveler Does Fashion affect your self-confidence? Yes, being welldressed always elevates my self confidence. How has your style evolved through the years? I’ve adapted myself to the fashion that people wear. You have to go adapting yourself to new fashion that comes out or adapting fashion to your age. What people have affected your style? Any favorite designers? One of my favorite designers is Valentino. Another one is the Spanish designer Felipe Valera who designs clothing for the queen of Spain. I am also a huge fan of the store Zara, who uses designers from all over the world. How does the place you live or your environment affect your fashion/clothing? I love how men dress in Milan and how women dress in Paris. Men in Milan wear a lot of black. The Italians dress very well and very elegantly. I love how women dress in Paris. They are all very chic and there is something special about their style there. What’s your favorite era clothing/fashion wise? My favorite time period was definitely during the 1960’s. I think it was because I was very young then. Youth definitely influences your fashion. I loved the bell-bottoms, the short shirts, and the high-waisted pants. Do you choose clothes based on comfort or to make a statement? Comfort is not the most important thing for me in clothes; the most important thing is if you like the style.

Every decade or so, there is a celestial shift among the stars in Hollywood as the next generation of influencers come into view. Being born into a famous family certainly helps with career advancement; however, many of these young Hollywood stars are becoming powerhouses in their own right. Many designers have begun to focus on this new generation of models and consumers by featuring Hollywood millennials in their ad campaigns. Dolce and Gabbana has curated a special group of social media stars to walk in their shows, and the front row is packed with fresh faces. Among Dolce and Gabanna’s Fall 2017 Fashion Week models were Kaia and Presley Gerber, who are beginning to make a name for themselves in the industry. Kaia, 16, and Presley, 18, are relatively new figures in fashion, but they are no strangers to Hollywood. Their parents are supermodel Cindy Crawford and tequila tycoon Rande Gerber, who introduced them to Hollywood’s inner circle at a young age. Both teens have modeled for major houses like Moschino, Calvin Klein and Miu Miu. Most recently, Kaia opened Alexander Wang’s SS 2018 show, making her the youngest model to open a show at New York Fashion Week. Along with his stacked modeling portfolio, Presley has expressed an interest in fashion photography, and often features portraits of his

sister on their joint Instagram account, @kbyp. Recently, Kaia and Presley announced that they had been chosen as the newest brand ambassadors for Omega, following in the footsteps of their mother, who signed on as Omega’s first brand ambassador in 1995. Presley has decided to forgo college in the interest of his modeling career, and Kaia continues to juggle her career and the busy schedule of being a high school student. Sibling power duos have been taking over Hollywood, and Delilah and Amelia Hamblin are the newest members of the club. Delilah, 19, and Amelia, 16, are poised to take on Hollywood under the watchful eye of their parents, Hollywood alums Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin. Delilah and Amelia were given permission from their parents to model just last year, and since then their careers have taken off. Both sisters are signed to IMG, arguably the biggest modeling agency in the world, and they have several major fashion shows under their belts. The sisters are featured together in Stuart Weitzman’s newest ad campaign. As their careers take off, Amelia has been working at a deli, and Delilah has enrolled at NYU for the Spring 2018 semester, with plans to study psychology. Several of Hollywood’s notable young stars have decided to pursue higher education at American universities while they develop their careers.

This fall, Brooklyn Beckham, 18, enrolled at Parson’s School of Design in New York with plans to study Photography. His semi-autobiographical photography book, “What I See” was released in June of 2017. Some of Brooklyn’s favorite subjects include his mother and former Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham, and his younger siblings. Beckham recently held an exhibition of some of his photos at Christie’s, with the proceeds from their sale going to the Grenfell Tower victims. Many members of Hollywood’s rising generation of stars understand that the platform they have become accustomed to can be used for advocacy. Amandla Stenberg, 18, made her Hollywood debut as Rue in “The Hunger Games,” and most recently starred in “Everything, Everything,” a film about a girl struggling with love and terminal illness. Offscreen, Amanda devotes her time to the Art Hoe Collective, which is led by gender-nonconforming teens and young adults determined to create space for queer artists of color. Seemingly overnight, many of these fresh faces have begun to make a name for themselves through their work as actors, models, social media wizards, and advocates. The next generation of Hollywood is rising, and their accomplishments make them a force to be reckoned with.

Brooklyn Beckham

From the hard work on the farm to the hectic days in the urban jungle; small town country fashion has made its way into the big city. Not just for feeding the cattle, these styles have all the country flair, minus the haystacks and cowboy hats.

We used to think of a farmer’s daughter as no more than Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. That sweet little girl from rural Kansas with her vintage gingham dress and pigtails, so unaware of what the big Emerald City had to offer. Today, the farmer’s daughter style does not stop there, but now includes a whole array of fashionable pieces for all types of girls. City slickers especially have taken to this trend.

And we can’t forget the classic overall. We used to see overalls on the farm and now they are walking on the runway. Brands like Calvin Klein and Vetement had models in patch-work denim and nostalgic cuts this year in various fashion shows. Overalls have reached a height we never thought possible for what used to be a wardrobe faux pas. Next up, flannels, which are comfortable and have colors ranging from warm neutral tones to more neon hues. Especially since fall is here, layers are back, and flannels are perfect for adding an extra layer without any of the additional bulk. They work for a casual daytime outfit, but can also be dressed up with a flowy skirt or pair of fitted pants and block heels for the perfect outfit to wear out on the town.

First off, denim. Denim is a gem that looks good on anyone and with everything. Different brands, such as Levi’s and Lucky Brand have showcased new denim styles that sport sewn floral patterns and a variety of colors that give old looks a new update. Even Disney launched a vintage denim collection this September with different prints and a light-washed style.

Two other big-ticket items are riding boots and neutral toned ankle booties that provide the same level of comfort and style. Riding boots are not just for riding horses anymore. They can pair great with skinny jeans or even a T-shirt dress and stockings, and be worn to class or on a date. They accentuate the legs and are a just beautiful fall fashion piece. Ankle booties come in a variety of styles

Model: Bethany Wong

and heel-heights, so everyone is sure to find something that works for them. All over campus, especially in the fall, these booties are making a statement. If you are looking for something unique, look out for some ankle booties with tassels for an especially rural gal vibe. One last item that has been very popular among college girls and millennials are the off the shoulder, ruffled blouses and dresses. These pieces are playful and go hand in hand with the portrayal of the sweet and kind farmer’s daughter. They can be found in a range of different styles—straight, cold shoulder, or even a more subtle exposure. Off the shoulder tops can give off a more casual look while also being the perfect amount of flirty. This is another style that can be layered as we see from designers like Tome and Gabriela Hearst from this year’s NYFW.

style can be very versatile. You can dress up or veg out in the variety of these pieces, and make them work for day or for night. Farmer’s daughter staples are easy to assemble into an outfit. Simplicity is key when finding clothes for our busy day to day lives, and so it is especially great when they can make you feel good about yourself. I bet Dorothy wants to go back to Emerald City now since farmer’s daughters are all the craze.

But, this does not explain how rural chic is making its way onto city street. For starters, most of the clothing farmers wear is practical and made of fabric that is easy to move in. When in the city, people are always on the go and want to feel comfortable while doing so. Not only that, but this

Throw a cheetah print fur coat over some denim on denim with glitter boots and pink shades—you’re either reliving your childhood or ready for the runway. Women’s fashion has always provided a beautiful depiction of the progression of feminism and the general state of female lives in society. Our long journey through the development of modern-day fashion has brought us to an era where women not only have the freedom but also the confidence to dress exactly as they choose—and the choices have proved fierce, ruthless and so 2000.

Until the start of the first World War, women were bound to suffocating corsets and heavy, long and immobilizing dresses—showing an ankle or a daring pattern was sacrilegious. When all the men went off to fight, women had to take over the jobs and could not do so with their restrictive wardrobes. Fashion then took a turn in women’s favor, meaning that shorter, more flexible and comfortable dresses were not only desired but necessary—this way, women could join the workforce and replace their male counterparts.

The revolutionary fashion trends that came about each decade following the war have kept women on a path towards self expression without scrutiny, shame or discomfort. The extent to which women have been able to push boundaries through fashion has always indicated the strength and spirit of feminism at any given point in history. After years of having to follow rules about length, tightness, color and pattern coordination, our generation of women is so avid in dressing exactly how they please that they’re turning every fantasy from childhood into reality. This fall’s Fashion Week is only one example that fashion is bringing that little girl in us back out marching in cheetah, velvet and glitter. It starts small with those plastic stretch choker necklaces that circulated the playground for a while, but stayed dormant for years—until now. Not only are chokers back, but they’re more versatile than ever. We have been able to take the idea of a small black necklace and run with it, allowing us to express some of our other favorite trends from childhood. Chokers now come studded, sparkly, colorful, lacy, velvet, silver and gold—the glamorous possibilities are endless. Over the last few years, chokers have manifested themselves into a loved accessory in today’s fashion. Every girl growing up in the 2000s wanted to be a ‘Cheetah Girl’, and it’s undisputed that there is nothing more stand-out, empowering and fierce than cheetah print. Of course, cheetah print isn’t for everyone but one thing is for sure: it catches the eye, and the intensity makes it intimidating. Fall Fashion Week had many fierce cheetah appearances with Gabriela Hearst’s full cheetah suit and Michael Kors’ sequin cheetah dress being only some fabulous instances. When you’re dressed in cheetah, it’s difficult not to feel the urge to “Strut like you mean it” as the Cheetah girls would say. Nothing screams unstoppable like a cheetah. Cher Horowitz from the film ‘Clueless’ was another envy of our childhoods. For a long time, her signature yellow plaid outfit was just that: hers. Now it’s everyone’s favorite. The schoolgirl look is back, just like cheetah, but this one seems to be easier for people to catch onto. The unforgettable denim extravaganza put on by Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears back in 2001 is making a slow comeback—emphasis on the slow. Although denim everything will still grant you some strange looks on the T, a double denim outfit or some cute overalls will get you compliments. Styling a denim jacket with denim pants has now become one of this years most convenient trends. It doesn’t even matter if the washes of denim match because all you need is a Britney attitude. Fur coats have always been a symbol of sophistication, class and wealth, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us didn’t want in. As girls in the 2000’s watched shows that sported edgy and unique fashion like Lizzie McGuire,

That’s So Raven and Hannah Montana, faux fur was the apple of many young eyes. Your mothers would lament at the thought of their daughters wearing pink fur jackets to school trying to copy Raven’s famous looks—today, we can’t get enough of it. Fur is everywhere, real or faux. Brands from Urban Outfitters, H&M and Zara to the biggest designers in the industry including Coach, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Gucci among others, are pushing all the boundaries with fur. Oscar De La Renta showcased a dress which had an entirely fur skirt during New York Fall Fashion Week. You can even find it on some shoes and accessories, i.e. the Rihanna Fenty Puma Slides collection, the fur-ball key chains and furry phone cases. It also seems like everyone at this point has jumped back on the velvet bandwagon going 100 mph. The Juicy Couture jumpsuits made of velour and terrycloth, essentially the child-fashionista version of velvet, were everyone’s favorite and the look is coming back in all different forms. It’s not just a plain sweat suit anymore; from dresses and pants to body suits and crop tops, you can find velvet on the red carpet and in your lectures. It’s on our sneakers, chokers, jackets, socks and even the well known swimsuit brand Frankie’s Bikinis sold velvet bathing suits this summer. The inner girl in us would never overlook the importance of bling. Glitter is no longer reserved for rave goers and little girls, and everyone in fashion is taking advantage of it. The new YSL boots completely bedazzled in rhinestones are already sold out. Bella Hadid walked in a full sequin dress for Carolina Herrera’s show in New York Fashion Week—and she wasn’t the only one sparkling down the runway. Rihanna’s Gucci bodysuit at Coachella that had her shimmering from head to toe was far from a fashion crime. The whole sequin and sparkle aesthetic is a favorite of ours all over again, and Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods wasn’t the only one who could pull it off back in the day. Designers all over the world are tapping into the 2000’s, and can’t get enough of those funky patterns and fabrics we were all crazy about. Society has come to a point where the feminist movement fueled a backfire on all wardrobe restrictions—the possibilities are endless and imaginations are soaring. So turn on some Disney Channel re-runs, drape yourself in denim and diamonds, bask in the soft touch of fur and velvet, and own the streets in cheetah and plaid. Why not? There’s absolutely nothing stopping your inner diva from coming out to slay.

Model: Adelaide Megard 70

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