April 2022: The Pop Culture Issue

APRIL 2022

THE POP CULTURE ISSUE

VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR FROM ELVIS TO SPICE GIRLS, HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO LOOKS.

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FRONT OF BOOK

04 Haute Online 08 Top 5 12 Editor’s Note 13 Masthead

SEAMS

18 Runway Realway 26 Lookin’ Like Lenny: Big Wool Scarves 30 Wristy Business 34 Living on the Laneige 38 Dare to Dermaplane 42 Andre Leon Talley 48 Andrew Garfield

22 Celeb Style

DIY

54 Doodled To-Dos 56 Make What You Love, Love What You Make 58 The 4 Elements of Skincare 64 Carrie’s Cosmos

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62 Gorgeous Gorgeous Girls Eat Green Goddess Salads

table of contents

WHO, WHAT, WEAR

74 Brick City Records’ Artists 80 Republic of Athens Records

70 Athena Cinema MIDDLE OF THE BOOK

86 Video Killed the Radio Star 114 Totally Bitchin’ 128 Best Wishes, Warmest Regards 140 Six Looks We Like - Celebrity Couples Fashion

CAMPUS CASUAL

100 Down the Rabbit Hole

156 Horoscopes 158 Quiz: Which Disney Channel Original Movie Are You? 160 There’s no place like fest…

BACK OF THE CLOSET

164 Let’s Strip Down the Issue 172 A Love Not Worth Dying For 180 Good On You, Good For World 188 It’s Your World, We’re Just Living In It 194 Making Sustainability Sexy 200 Rant/Rave: Corset Fashion

184 Fighting for Film Feminism OUTHREADMAG.COM | 3

HAUTE ONLINE Looking for a new internet obssession? Whether you want to listen to podcasts or watch some videos, we’ve got you covered virtually.

WORDLE If you have not heard yet, Wordle is taking over group chats and Twitter feeds everywhere. The daily game’s goal is guessing the five-letter word in six tries, with each guess’ letters highlighting green, yellow, or gray, depending on if the letter is in the right spot, in the word, or not in the word at all. The game is simple, fun to talk about with friends and family, and easy to share on social media by simply tweeting green, yellow, 4 | THREAD

and gray squares according to how one played that day — good clean fun with a no spoilers bonus. For word and game lovers alike, taking a break once per day to try one’s luck at the popular game is a welcome treat. To try for yourself, just search Wordle and click on The New York Times’ link, which should be the first to come up.

- CRISTINA FORMICHELLI

haute online

STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW The Stuff You Should Know podcast is not my typical listen, but it is slowly becoming one of my favorite casual podcasts.

The hosts, Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark, provide the perfect length and variety of a show. With about an hour per episode on the most random topics, from “Why Lefties Exist” to “How Fireflies and Lightning Bugs Work,” these two men give a very researched and educated rundown. Their language is informative, but not too heavy on complicated terms that the average person would not know or terminology that would lead to more questions than answers. Finding this podcast is like finding the perfect Netflix show with more than 7 seasons and decently long episodes; it is going to take you a while to get through with over 1,400 episodes starting from 2008. Stuff You Should Know is an interesting way to learn about all the most trivial topics you may have heard of, but not really knew the history behind it or knew the science of how it worked. Next time you find in your head asking yourself an arbitrary question, like “What are hot dogs actually made of?”, I can almost assure you SYSK’s got you covered.

- RILEY JAMES

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HOT ONES Though it has been around for a while, “Hot Ones,” the YouTube interview show, is always there to inspire me. The show features host Sean Evans asking celebrity guests questions as they try to devour wings with some of the hottest sauce created. On the YouTube account First We Feast, celebrities like Sebastian Stan, Jacob Elordi, Zoe Kravitz, and more take their turn answering interview questions about their entire careers while they work through 10 different hot sauces on wings. The episodes are typically in the 20 to 30-minute 6 | THREAD

range, and they are packed with not only some of the most indepth and wonderful interview questions from Evans, but also hilarious reactions from the guests who, more often than not, are terrible at handling the spice.

I could sit and binge-watch the episodes, all 17 seasons of them, and it is almost always the thing that makes me feel better when I am sad. To learn more about people you love in the public eye or just to have a good laugh, watch “Hot Ones” on YouTube.

- RILEY RUNNELLS

haute online

KURTIS CONNER If I could not love him anymore, Kurtis Conner continues to make me laugh on a daily basis. Conner has been on YouTube since he created his channel in 2014, and he is known for his stand-up comedy and perfectly delivered jokes. He does an excellent job of keeping up with what is trending on multiple platforms, like TikTok and Twitter, and relating to his younger audience

majority. He has videos ranging from reviewing a terrible movie to watching TikToks and TV shows and providing hilarious commentary throughout. The 27-year-old is able to laugh at himself while appropriately poking fun at others. His channel is like a black hole: you will get lost in all the content. Not to mention he and his girlfriend Jenna Allard are the most trendy

couple there is – I live for their couple content. Checking out Conner’s YouTube channel is just what you need when you are having a bad day and can make a good day, better.

- KAYLA BENNETT

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“THE CIRCLE” In my nightly search for a new reality show on Netflix, I came across a show called “The Circle.”

In this show, contestants compete for popularity through a social media platform called The Circle to win $100,000. They are all put in separate rooms and must gain the most popularity to compete for the highest rating. The tricky thing is, they can be anyone they want in the Circle; they can come in as themselves or they can be a catfish to be the most liked through deception. Through strategies like flirting, guilttripping, and little white lying, contestants gain alliances and trust, and also create enemies. In the ratings at the end of each day, the top two highest-rated players are named “influencers” and they collaborate to send one person home. With various plot twists, like adding new people and sending multiple players home in one night, it keeps you on your toes. Cliffhanger after cliffhanger, I found myself finishing three seasons in a week and a half.

- ELLA CALHOUN

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top five

SXSW One of the most incredible experiences I was granted the opportunity to have was attending South By Southwest.

A huge interactive conference with several film, music, and comedy festivals in Austin, Texas, it was an amazing experience.

The festival goes on for 10 days and it is a yearly occurrence, so if you could not go this year, you always have next year. I was able to meet so many people in the music industry, attend film premieres, and go to concerts.

Honestly, the number of things you can do there is limitless.

Austin also has some of the best food ever, so you can get a great variety of food because the streets are lined with restaurants.

You can go to many panels to hear different people speak on all sorts of topics. I was able to hear Lizzo speak, and many of my friends saw Dolly Parton perform. I have never been to such an interactive conference, or anything like this for that matter, and the opportunity to attend

was amazing. I cannot express enough how fun of an event this is. It is also a great way to meet people in the entertainment and media industry. Austin is a beautiful city and I was pleasantly surprised by the city, considering it is in Texas. Everyone should try and attend this conference! I know it is very expensive, and I was able to go through a program at the school, but it truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

- AMY SZMIK

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CURTAIN BANGS My everyday go-to hairstyle has recently been curtain bangs.

Maybe it is because all I see on TikTok are people using their Dyson Airwrap to create the perfect blowout look, or maybe it is because I want to live out my overly-voluminous hair dreams.

However, I do not have the money for the Dyson Airwrap – sad – but I do have the InfinitiPro

by Conair that works well for me.

Curtain bangs are exactly what is needed in order to shape my face and make it look like I tried that morning. They remind me of Matilda Djerf and her perfect hair and style. The bangs make me feel like I can show my personality even with my mask on: they are a great conversation starter even.

I think hair has a big part in how a person identifies, so curtain bangs are a fun way to do just that.

- KAYLA BENNETT

“RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE” It is not a new show by any means, but I have become even more obsessed with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” since my roommates allowed me to mooch off their shared Paramount Plus account.

RPDR is a reality competition among 13 to 15 drag queens who compete to be crowned the winner of the season they compete in. In each episode, the queens face a maxi challenge, such as having to impersonate a celebrity for the show’s Snatch Game (a play on the show “Match Game”) and occasionally a mini challenge as well. The show ends each week with a themed runway walk in front of a panel of judges and a lip-sync battle between the two lower-performing queens 10 | THREAD

of the week to determine who stays and who goes home. Other than the reality TV competition show element bringing me great personal enjoyment, I appreciate the messages of self-love preached in the show.

Throughout the many seasons, RuPaul encourages contestants to shut out the comments of their own “inner saboteur” to be the successful drag queen he knows they are, and RuPaul says at the end of each episode, “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you going to love anyone else?”

- JILLIAN CRAIG

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THIS IS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE Music and specific albums have shaped seasons of my life for as long as I can remember. I go through phases of a genre, artist, and even specific albums depending on where I am in life both mentally and physically.

Recently an album that I have had on repeat is the debut album

by Gracie Abrams, This Is What It Feels Like. This album tells stories of heartbreak, moving

on, healing, and questioning everything you know about life.

Gracie's songwriting and vocals take me to a dreamy and glowy space that has honestly gotten me through some of my toughest times over the past couple of months and helped me feel not so alone. One of my favorite tracks from this body of work is “Hard To Sleep.” This is a song about struggling with feeling

stuck in a place where you do not feel like yourself, and that is something that I think we all struggle with sometimes. I highly encourage everyone to give it a listen because you will most definitely not be disappointed.

This album makes me feel seen, related to, and absolutely and perfectly human.

- HUNTER GIBSON

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Happy spring, readers.

Thread is back with another pop culture issue, in which our entire staff gets to show off our incessant love and adoration for certain shows, films, celebrities, music styles, and more, all through the lens of fashion and culture.

If you’re like me, and a good majority of the staff, pop culture dominates your life. I view my relationships, my big life moments, and even mundane occurrences through the references of my favorite films, shows, celebrities, and more. We love to do our pop culture issue each semester because it’s a way for us to dive deeper into the content we really love.

Every aspect of this issue is a piece of pop culture we love; and because we love Thread and our readers, we want to share these pop culture loves of ours with you through one jam-packed issue.

In Seams, our celeb style this issue honors two of the most memorable trendsetters with basketball star Dennis Rodman (P.22) and actress and model Farrah Fawcett (P.24). For our profiles, we honored the late 12 | THREAD

André Leon Talley and his incomparable contributions to fashion and journalism (P.42), and the always relevant Andrew Garfield and his recent projects (P.48). In DIY, we’ve got you covered with ’90s style iron-on shirts (P.56), skincare for those on the go (P.58), and a cosmopolitan in honor of the Sex and the City reboot (P.64).

Additionally, our Middle of the Book shoots vary from specific shows and films to broader concepts, from Music Video Looks that have made a home in our heads (P.86) to Schitt’s Creek, the family comedy that took the world by storm (P.128).

In Back of the Closet, find out which Disney Channel Original Movie you are (P.158) and how to be your own main character (P.188).

Additionally, our PR Chief Amy Szmik and I both worked on features that discuss two topics impacting mental health through pop culture: high school nudity in media (P.164) and romanticizing toxic and unhealthy relationships in media (P.172).

We’re thrilled to bring you

these stories, shoots, and every other facet of content connected with this issue.

Don’t forget as you’re reading the magazine, either in print or digitally, to check out our website and social media for more content, both unique to this issue and behind the scenes for this issue. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy Thread: the pop culture edition.

Much Love,

MAKEUP DIRECTOR

Alexis Ky

HEAD STYLING ASSITANT

Grace Auble

MODEL LIASON

Aliyah Graham

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Kate Anderson

PHOTO AND VIDEO:

Tommi Hensler, Hannah Campbell, Zoe Cranfill, Riley Runnells, Grace Auble, Zelda Thayer-Hansen, Grace Braslawsce, Meg Rees, Ella Calhoun, Kate Anderson, Bre Severns

DESIGN:

Grace Sublett, Julia Greenwood, Dustin Emmons, Avery Allison, Kimberly Langhirt

EDITORIAL:

Tommi Hensler, Cristina Formichelli, Erin Finan, Carmen Szukaitis, Hannah Campbell, Tate Raub, Riley Runnells, Dori Gray, Julia Greenwood, Katie Johnson, Jillian Craig, Carlie Reese, Katie Millard, Mimi Calhoun, Kayla Bennett, Molly Wilson

FASHION:

Tommi Hensler, Carmen Szukaitis, Tate Raub, Kennedy Hall, Haley Mengerink, Makenzie Price, Riley James, Grace Auble, Zelda Thayer-Hansen, Willow Janson, Jack Wilburn, Sabine Bainbridge, Serenity Powell, Samantha Kruse, Mimi Calhoun, Alexis Ky, Alanis Nayder, Aliyah Graham, Ryan Maxin, Ella Musto

PUBLIC RELATIONS:

Tommi Hensler, Haley Mengerink, Amy Szmik, Sara Wagner, Sabine Obermoller, Justin Miller, Samantha Kruse OUTHREADMAG.COM | 13

Best Wishes, Warmest Regards, P.128

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From the runway to the streets, and everywhere in between, here are this season’s most sought-after trends.

CELEB STYLE P.24

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RUNWAY REALWAY

JUICY

BY DORI GRAY PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

It was the year 2002, and paparazzi captured the signature blonde pigtails of Britney Spears walking in London. Wearing a mustard Penny Lane coat and low-slung sweatpants, the star of her mismatched ’fit was a blue Juicy Couture tee with bold orange letters spelling out two short words: DUMP HIM. After launching in 1997, Juicy Couture quickly became synonymous with celeb off-duty style. Juicy clothing was artfully tailored to look stylish on any body type and consumers took notice. Founders Pamela SkaistLevy and Gela Nash-Taylor would gift their products to celebrities as a marketing tactic.

Consequently, candid photos of the brand’s classic velour and terry cloth tracksuits — and their signature “J” zipper pulls — appeared on glossy magazine pages, giving the brand more exposure. Even more enticing, Juicy was accessible luxury: for almost $200, one could twin with their favorite movie star.

Juicy Couture was a favorite brand of many 2000s darlings.

Both Spears and Tori Spelling gave their bridesmaids Juicy coords. Jennifer Lopez wore a pink hoodie-and-shorts set in her 2001 “I’m Real (Remix)” music video

with Ja Rule. The early-2000s reality show The Simple Life starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie was basically an extended Juicy Couture ad campaign.

And for Hilton, the loyalty is real.

“I love Juicy Couture’s velour tracksuits,” she told The Guardian in 2019. “I probably own 100 of them in every color.”

Not only was Juicy Couture flattering, but it was also fun. Tees with slogans like Spears’ “Dump Him” were popular, as were spinoff product lines with perfume, jewelry, purses, and even dog accessories.

In 2003, Skaist-Levy and NashTaylor sold the company to Liz Claiborne Inc., known now as Kate Spade & Company, but the founders did not part ways with their brainchild until 2010.

Then, Juicy was sold to Authentic Brands Group in 2013, and all U.S. brick-and-mortar stores closed. After striking a deal to sell products in Kohl’s beginning in 2014, the brand made a series of soft relaunches, rebranding its main collection to Juicy Couture Black Label in 2015, collaborating with designer brand Vetements for Spring 2017, and releasing its first runway collection in 2018.

The newer generation’s affinity

for Y2K style included a renewed appreciation for Juicy Couture by both celebrities and normies alike. Even Lil Timmy Tim, sorry, Timothée Chalamet, caught the vibe in 2020 and wore a baby pink Juicy hoodie from his personal closet in a GQ photoshoot.

In 2021, Forever 21 launched a Juicy Couture economy line à la Baby Phat, which served as a stepping-stone for the brand to make a full comeback to the masses.

The phrase “often imitated, never duplicated” holds true for Juicy, as countless brands have attempted to produce their own velour tracksuits.

Because Juicy has existed since ’97, broke college students can find “vintage” gems on resale platforms like Mercari and Depop. If that is too much work, simply pair any velour hoodie with matching slim-fit sweatpants, apply lip gloss, and slip on a giant pair of sunglasses to hide from the paparazzi.

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RUNWAY REALWAY

LONELY GHOST

BY CARLIE REESE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

“I love you say it back” is the phrase that made Lonely Ghost a staple clothing company. Lonely Ghost was launched in 2019 by social media influencers India Blue Severe (Indy Blue) and Bronson Christensen. The pair set out to launch a clothing brand that was inclusive and could make anyone feel loved. Featured on the brand’s clothing are phrases of fondness, such as “I love you say it back,” “text me when you get home,” and “it's cool to care.” Lonely Ghost is all about bringing people together in a safe place to be lonely together.

Their clothing items include T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, accessories, and, just recently added, home items. Shortly after Severe had her baby, Lonely Ghost introduced a kids line.

Adorned on Lonely Ghost’s tops are quotes that let its consumers show love in different quotes. “I love you say it back” is the quote that made its runs on social media and had everyone 20 | THREAD

obsessed. Lonely Ghost makes it cool to care about your friends and loved ones.

Lonely Ghost clothing collections come as “drops” that almost always sell out within just a few hours of the initial launch.

Most recently, Lonely Ghost decided to debut a physical store in Provo, Utah, called Ghost Grocery in late 2020. Severe and Christensen modeled their store as a typical grocery store with checkered floors, actual ghostthemed grocery items, such as paper towels and cereal, as well as, of course, their clothing.

Lonely Ghost is still a fairly new brand, but thanks to Severe’s social media influence, it continues to grow with every launch. It will be fun to see how they continue to grow in the future. A clothing brand company that spreads love to others and gives people a safe space is essential in 2022. Be sure to look out for more Lonely Ghost this year.

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Dennis Rodman Celeb Style

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BY KATIE JOHNSON PHOTOS BY GRACE BRASLAWSCE

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ennis Rodman retired from the NBA after 14 seasons, but his boundarybreaking style never retired. Rodman played for four NBA teams but, his style was never influenced by the city he was in. The style was always unapologetically himself.

Rodman never refrained from saying what he wanted to and he dressed how he wanted to no matter the trends, NBA standards, or the confines of masculinity. From his numerous stacked facial piercings, to his tattoos, and to his hair. With painted nails and makeup, he accessorized himself like no other NBA player.

In 1995, when drafted to the Chicago Bulls, Rodman said he was shocked they picked him because he thought he was “a little too eccentric for them”. However, eccentric is just one of the words to describe Rodman, let alone his style. Hair was a creative outlet for Rodman to dye a wide number of hair colors and styles while on the court.

The bright and artistic buzz cuts from the court in the 90s influenced style today with artists like Frank Ocean, Tyler The Creator, and Kid Cudi dying their buzzcuts and incorporating colorful, abstract designs into their hair.

Dressing like no other NBA player in the 90s, he wore cropped tight-fitting shirts, mixed prints, and faux furs. He also accessorized with scarves, bizarre hats and so much more. Rodman paired a lot of his outfits with typically feminine design styles like sparkles, lace, pearls, and other feminine articles of clothing like dresses and halter tops.

These style choices broke many stigmas around the NBA standards and men’s fashion. Rodman told GQ in an interview that he gathered style inspiration from attending gay clubs and drag bars. He went on to say he felt like he was a “sharp contrast” to fellow NBA player Michael Jordan, who was practically the main image of the NBA. Although he got lots of staring eyes in the 90s, Rodman’s style right in with the fashion of today and the ongoing blurring of gendered styles in fashion.

Now 60 years old, Rodman still sports the styles that made him known. Rodman challenged NBA standards and he made sure everyone can express themselves. Proving forever that fashion can never be too eccentric.

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Farrah Fawcett Celeb style

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BY CARMEN SZUKAITIS PHOTOS BY SARAH HOUPT

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early a decade after beginning her career, Farrah Fawcett finally gained the popularity that she most graciously deserved. She became a household name overnight in the mid-’70s with one photograph: the swimsuit poster. Fawcett posed in a red one-piece swimsuit with gold accessories and, of course, her well-known feathered hairstyle termed “The Farrah.” The image became one of the best-selling posters when it sold 12 million copies.

A few months later, in 1976, Fawcett acted in one of her most notable roles on television, Charlie’s Angels.

Although Fawcett continued her acting career until the early 2000s, she was critically acclaimed for her California girl style. From high-waisted flared jeans, to fabulous gowns, to her fluffy windswept curls, Fawcett’s style was one that people were trying to emulate (and still are). Fawcett’s fashion was about expression, and she was not afraid to think outside the box, break the rules, and try new styles. She was extravagant with fur coats and feather boas. Anywhere she went, she made a statement made with her outfit.

Fawcett loved to dress up in formal wear.

However, she was also into her laid-back, casual looks. Fawcett loved tennis and participated in many charity tournaments in Hollywood. There, Fawcett sported white sweat shorts, a polo T-shirt, and Adidas sneakers. Neutrals and preppy pieces were her best friends. She wore high-waisted jeans or light corduroy pants with white button-downs or knit sweaters and blazers.

Most notable is the iconic hair of Farrah Fawcett, which has been named after her. Her signature windswept hairstyle defined her look. The curls were fluffy and lush, falling just past her shoulders while the bangs swoosh upward to frame her face.

Fawcett’s hairstyle changed over her years in the public eye, however, the volume and curls always stayed the same.

Previous generations’ fashion trends always have a way of making their way back into our closets, and the trends that Fawcett set are still relevant in fashion today. She served the glitz and glamour of Hollywood while simultaneously keeping her style timeless and simple. Farrah Fawcett’s radiant energy, smile, and style captivated everyone, and we will not soon forget it.

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Lookin’ Like Lenny:

Big Wool Scarves

BY MIMI CALHOUN | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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With the change in seasons and the weather staying cool, everyone wants to stay bundled up and warm. What better way to do that than a scarf? The idea of scarves has always been around and popular, but now it is heading in a new direction. Watch out infinity scarves, it is the oversized wool scarves' time to shine.

Dating all the way back to 2012, when Lenny Kravitz wore a huge wool scarf out to the grocery store, oversized wool scarves started to have a moment.

Although oversized items have always been around, Kravitz’s scarf was almost comically large, looking more like a blanket than a clothing accessory. Attention sparked from the outfit, and it soon became the victim of memes and fashion discourse.

Who knew that it would come

back better than ever?

Oversized scarves began gaining traction in 2021, as fashion brands like The Row and Ganni added them to their Fall collections and fashion weeks.

Other companies followed suit, and soon enough, cable-knit and chunky scarves were seen on the runway continuously through the colder months.

In 2022, the big wool scarf trend has not shown signs of slowing down. Brands like Acne Studios, Begg & Co., Madewell, Anthropologie, and ASOS are just a few names that are hopping on the look. Companies have been churning out a variety of looks and styles for the accessory, and everyone is bound to find one that suits them.

Interested in styling and buying an oversized scarf? TikTok

has countless videos showing creators adding their own flairs, such as utilizing the balaclava look or pairing the scarf with clothing items like trench coats or puffer jackets. The brands mentioned have their own variations, but if you want to take on the challenge, YouTube has tutorial videos for crocheting and knitting chunky scarves, and Etsy has patterns for sale.

For some celebrity fashion references for the big wool scarf, notable people that are out there rocking the look are: Cara Delvingne, Dua Lipa, and Xu Minghao. All of them style and wear their oversized scarves in personalized ways, so there is a wide variety of inspiration to look to.

“IN 2022, THE BIG WOOL SCARF TREND HAS NOT SHOWN SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN”

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Wristy Business

BY ERIN FINAN

PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

With the ever-increasing necessity for mobile technology, mobile phone accessories have become almost as important as the phone itself. Adorning a mobile phone can lead to great forms of self-expression because there are plenty of options for decorating and styling a cellphone in a personal or trendy style. From cases to charms to beaded straps, there is sure to be an accessorizing piece for everyone.

P h o n e c a s e s a re b o t h fashionable and functional.

Finding a case that provides adequate protection against accidental phone drops while also serving as an extension of personal style can be a challenge.

There are many brands that attempt to serve both needs and execute them flawlessly. Two brands that are very popular are Wildflower and Casetify.

The brand Wildflower is a female-owned and operated iPhone accessories company based in Los Angeles. Wildflower creates expensive-looking and cute iPhone cases that are sure to fit any style.

Another cell phone brand is Casetify. Casetify strives to create phone cases that are both stylish and protective. It is a brand that focuses on self-expression, safety, and sustainability. Casetify makes cases for both iPhone and Android phones, as well as cases for iPads, Macbooks,

and AirPods. The brand strives for carbon neutrality, advocates for social issues, and donated $100,000 to COVID-19 relief funds in 2020.

A phone accessory that has grown in popularity in recent years is the Y2K-inspired beaded hand strap. Celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Dua Lipa have sported these new accessories on their social media pages and the trend has grown quickly over the past few years.

This trend is similar to the chunky beaded jewelry trend, and these accessories can be easily made at home or purchased (DIY for beaded jewelry can be found in Thread 's November 2021 issue).

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“IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO HOP ON A TREND OR JUST LOOKING TO ENHANCE YOUR PHONE ACCESSORIES GAME, THERE ARE PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR WHAT PHONE ACCESSORIES TO CHOOSE.” One can make these accessories using strings and individual charms or using beads in fun colors and designs, like flowers, smiley faces, stars, and more. Etsy is also a great place to find exactly the right beaded strap while also staying within a budget.

If you are looking to hop on a trend or just looking to enhance your phone accessories game, there are plenty of options for what phone accessories to choose.

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Living on the Laneig

BY KAYLA BENNETT PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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aneige originated in South Korea in 1994 and gar nered its name from the French word “la neige,” meaning “the snow.” What is the big deal about Laneige and why has it become so popular recently?

Thanks to TikTok, the new obsession with dewy skin, and the model-off-duty look, Laneige has been at the top of many people’s “must-have” lists. Specifically, the Lip Sleeping Mask has been the most popular. Many TikToks have talked about how “gorgeous, gorgeous girls” use the Lip Sleeping Mask all hours of the day, not just night.

Made for those with dry, flaky skin, most of the cosmetic brand’s products hydrate the skin, leaving it looking fresh and plump. But let’s be honest: the brand can benefit all skin types.

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hard on keeping the skin fresh, Laneige studies “Water Science” and works to master the art of true hydration – its hashtag is even #hydratewithlaniege. The brand claims on their website that whatever skin type or concern there is about one’s skin, there is a Laniege water science complex to answer it.

Some of their most popular products alongside the Lip Sleeping Mask are the Water Sleeping Mask and the Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer. The products, however, are not limited to only hydration; they also focus on rejuvenation and having a “youthful” glow.

Though Laneige has focused on having night products that can create results for the morning, any time of day is a good time to use their products. The products can be a great base for a full-glam or they can be used as the whole

makeup look – the flexibility creates endless opportunities.

The appeal of Laneige itself may come from the positive results, but the company’s aesthetic earns it some points as well. The brand keeps up a very trendy feel, creating a “fresh” feeling when used. The packaging even brings a little color into everyone’s life, adding all the more reason to give it a try. Laneige can be the newest step to a makeup-free look.

Laneige can be found on social media as well: @laneige_us on Instagram and TikTok. One can find and buy products both online and at Sephora.

Whether it is for an on-thego look or the look right before hitting the pillow, Laniege can be trusted to add liveliness into everyone’s routine.

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Dare to Dermaplane STORY AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY JULIA GREENWOOD PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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flawless complexion might seem like something only reserved for celebrities and TikTok filters, but in the new world of skincare, an old secret is coming back: Dermaplaning. Popular with many celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon and Elizabeth Taylor, dermaplaning helps enhance the natural glow of the skin.

Peach fuzz, rough skin, dirt buildup, and acne scars are problems we all experience, but with so many treatments out there, it can be hard to find a place to start. Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment used by dermatologists to combat these facial skin concerns. A small, thin blade is what removes dead skin cells, which can help minimize wrinkles and acne scars as well as even out the complexion. This blade is only “scratching” the surface of the skin so the body can produce new, healthy skin cells. Shaving and dermaplaning are not the same thing, as dermaplaning provides more targeted and effective exfoliation.

Dermaplaning can do wonders for the skin, but like most treatments, safety is the most important. Only certified dermatologists or estheticians should perform dermaplaning, as it decreases the risk of side effects. The side effects of dermaplaning include breakouts, skin infections, irritation, and skin redness. So, needless to say, best

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to leave it up to the professionals.

Those with acne-prone and active breakout skin should also not do dermaplaning treatments, as it may intensify the breakouts.

After the treatment, the skin is still sensitive, so it is recommended to avoid sun exposure, applying other topical treatments, and swimming in chlorine pools. It is also recommended to avoid wearing makeup or doing vigorous exercise, so take the opportunity to have a chill, self-care night.

Typically, most patients go in for dermaplaning treatments once per month. Treatments can also be costly, varying from $75 - $150 every session. On top of this, dermaplaning is on the gentle side of exfoliation and only works by removing cells from the top layers of the skin, so it may be less effective for those with deeper skin concerns.

Here is a friendly reminder: your peach fuzz, acne scars, and wrinkles are beautiful and do not need to be changed, ever.

But, if clear skin is the dream and all those lotions and potions are not working anymore, try dermaplaning. It might just become the next big thing in the skincare world.

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ANDRE L E O N TALLEY The legacy left behind from one of fashion’s finest.

BY KENNEDY HALL PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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ndre Leon Talley was an individual larger than life. Standing at 6 feet, 6 inches tall, Talley was not only grandeur in stature, but in personality as well, whose Andre-isms and pronouncements could be heard in the back row of fashion shows.

He was a well-respected, influential trailblazer and fashion journalist. Talley died January 18 at the age of 73. He left behind a great legacy and is considered one of the last great fashion editors of this time.

Talley was born on October 16, 1948, in Washington, D.C. His grandmother raised him in Durham, North Carolina, during the Jim Crow South.

As a child, he would read Vogue to escape the realities of the segregated South. In his memoir, The Chiffon Trenches, he mentioned that he dreamed of “living a life like the ones I saw in the pages of Vogue, where bad things never happened.” Vogue made him think about style, culture, and poetry.

Aside from Vogue, his grandmother was one of the biggest influences in his life and career.

Talley graduated high school in 1966 and attended North Carolina Central University, a historically Black college, where he studied French.

He furthered his education by getting his master’s in French Studies at Brown University, becoming the first person in his family to attend an Ivy League university. In college, Talley did not know who he was becoming at this time of his life, but he began to blossom. In 1974, Talley got an apprenticeship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the Costume Institute in New York City. And there, he became Diana Vreeland’s protégé. He worked at Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, Ebony, and Vogue.

Talley impacted the fashion industry tremendously and inspired a generation. He broke boundaries being the first Black person to be a creative director and editor at large at Vogue. He even fronted the Women’s Wear Daily Paris bureau. Talley was often the only Black person sitting in the front row at fashion shows or in the room. He created a lane for Black people within the fashion industry during a time when Black creatives were not invited into these spaces.

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“YOU DON’T GET UP AND SAY, ‘LOOK, I’M BLACK AND I’M PROUD,’ YOU JUST DO IT AND IT IMPACTS THE CULTURE,” Talley said in “The Gospel According to Andre,” his 2017 documentary. He experienced a lot of adversity and racism and was very vocal about the intersectionality of being Black and in the fashion industry.

Talley never forgot where he came from and the people who inspired him. His writings showed his immense knowledge of fashion history and his authentic and genuine love of glamour and beauty. He wrote in a way that made the reader experience the same emotion. He changed how people understand and view fashion today. His career has inspired many, and his influence will live on forever. In “The Gospel According to Andre,” he leaves it off with this advice: “Cultivate your own aesthetic and your own universe… and share it with people you respect and love.” Andre Leon Talley will never be forgotten the path he paved for Black people and his influence in the fashion industry.

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Andrew Garfield

From "tick, tick… BOOM!" to "Spider-Man: No Way Home", Hollywood’s golden boy is making a mainstream comeback.

BY TATE RAUB PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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Andrew Garfield has recently reminded the world how talented he is.

When Garfield first started out in the mid-tolate 2000s, his publicity was limited to a handful of smaller roles. Garfield worked in the short film, “Mumbo Jumbo,” and the TV shows “Sugar Rush” and “Swinging.” By 2007, he had a two-episode arc as Frank in “Doctor Who,” landed the role of Jack Burridge in “Boy A,” and played Todd Hayes in “Lions for Lambs” alongside actors Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise.

In Garfield’s 2010 breakout role as Eduardo Saverin in “The Social Network,” the film’s subject matter, which covered the creation of Facebook, showed important business meetings that called for a wardrobe heavy with business attire. In one scene, Garfield’s lines and outfit became a fan favorite.

As his character announces that he is going to sue Mark Zuckerberg, his three-piece suit and shoes are all black. Some fans of the movie have gone so 50 | THREAD

far as to reenact the scene and replicate this outfit on social media.

In 2012, Garfield made it to the big screen in what is possibly his most famous outfit, the SpiderMan suit. Becoming the second version of the web-shooting hero took Garfield from a breakout star to a household name. Five years after Tobey Maguire’s “Spider-Man 3,” “The Amazing SpiderMan” made the spider web design of the suit more subtle and brightened the shade of blue. The spider on the front of the suit remained in the same spot, but the spider’s hind legs were both narrowed and lengthened.

The film that earned Garfield his first Oscar nomination was “Hacksaw Ridge,” a drama set in 1945 during World War II. The film solidified Garfield’s status as a one-of-a-kind talent because of his portrayal of the lovable pacifist, Desmond Doss. Doss served in the army as a combat medic in World War II and rescued an estimated 75 men

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without firing a single bullet. He became the first Medal of Honor recipient to accept the award under these circumstances. This movie went on to earn many nominations and even more wins, including the American Film Institute’s Movie of the Year. These accolades further solidified Garfield as a household name.

At this point, nearly everyone with a Netflix subscription has watched “tick, tick…BOOM!” and Garfield’s portrayal of the famous playwright, Jonathan Larson, is quickly becoming one of his most well-known roles. Having already earned Garfield the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in Musical/ Comedy, at the time of publishing, he is also nominated for the 2022 Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

As rumors fly and many speculate about what he could possibly do next, the world would do well to keep an eye on what exactly the friendly neighborhood Andrew Garfield is up to.

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DIY

Crafting the most intricate of knick-knacks, working out the mind, body, and soul, and making the most delicious treats.

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Doodled To-Dos

BY CRISTINA FORMICHELLI PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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or those looking for a creative outlet, a way to stay organized, or a way to decompress, consider trying bullet journaling. Bujo for short, bullet journaling is essentially a bulleted way to journal, write lists, plan, or keep track of anything you want, really. The colors, doodles, and effort put into the self-made pages make for a personalized keepsake to be proud of.

. . . . .

MATERIALS NEEDED Dotted notebook Coloring supplies of choice (markers, colored pencils) Black pen/fine Sharpie Straightedge Extra paper (to test the colors on) STEP ONE: BUY OR COLLECT YOUR SUPPLIES A bulleted journal is essential for a bullet journal, but the utensils you use to fill it are entirely up to your individual tastes.

As for what exactly to buy or where to buy it, there are plenty of YouTube and TikTok videos out there with equipment recommendations, spread ideas, or general advice.

STEP 2: FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT TO KEEP TRACK OF Some people like to make personalized weekly spreads that resemble planners one would buy from a store, and some people like to make monthly or yearly spreads that keep track of different things, such as how many hours of sleep you get in a night or how many times you read in a month. Keep up with grocery lists, set goals and reflect when you have met them, or color in a square every day corresponding with your mood for an entire year. There are endless options to choose from. Pinterest is a great resource for finding tracker inspiration, as well as theme and design inspo.

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The theme can continue for a week, a month, or a year, but for the spreads to look like they belong together, a continuous theme is a great visual tool.

Do not be afraid to dive into your artistic talents, even if you do not believe you truly possess any. @itslacymae, @ bulletjournal.tlyz, and @bujo_creative are some TikTok accounts I have utilized in the past and continue to as I plan my monthly spreads. Pinterest is also never a bad place to look, and corresponding themes to holidays and seasons make for timely and festive themes. A divider labeling the time period decorated according to the theme is a great indicator that a new tone has been set for the upcoming pages.

STEP 4: GET TO DRAWING Use your supplies and a straightedge to map out, trace, or go straight into carrying out your page vision. Depending on how many pages you plan on making, you may need to set aside some time to do it all at once or a little at a time. Be strategic, though. If you plan on starting your first journal and the month begins tomorrow with little time to spare, you may need to wait so you can take your time and be proud of your work. Make sure to keep a color key somewhere within your pages so you know which color represents what in your designs.

STEP 5: KEEP UP WITH IT After spending so much time researching supplies, looking for inspiration, and laying out your pages, you get to actually fill them in each day. Designate a time during the day to unwind and relax as you fill out your journal. Make it your selfcare; light a candle, play some music, and be proud of your organization, talent, and newfound hobby.

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diy

Make What You Love, Love What You Make

BY MOLLY WILSON PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Graphic tee shirts are a staple in everyone's wardrobe in college. They are generally cheap and are ideal to wear to class or when working out. However, they do not always come with the best designs, making DIY graphic tees a college student’s best friend.

DIY T-shirts are an easy way to personalize your wardrobe with literally any cute design or photo you find on the internet. All you need is a T-shirt, an iron, scissors, iron-on transfer paper, and a printer.

MATERIALS: • T-shirt, possibly from the thrift store or your closet • An iron • Scissors • Iron-on transfer paper • Printer

INSTRUCTIONS: STEP ONE:

STEP SIX:

Find an image you want to print on the shirt online and save it. If you are familiar with photo editing software, try photoshopping some pictures together for an even more personalized design.

Place the transfer paper on the shirt where you want the design. Make sure you read the directions for your transfer paper. You may need to lay it face up or down depending on the brand of paper and the type of shirt you are using.

STEP TWO: Size the image to fit the shirt in the way you desire.

STEP THREE: Print the image onto the transfer paper.

STEP FOUR: Cut the image how you want it to appear on your shirt.

STEP FIVE: Grab your T-shirt and iron it until it is wrinkle-free prior to placing your design.

STEP SEVEN: Iron on the design. Make sure to iron the design for the specified amount of time according to the directions.

STEP EIGHT: Allow the shirt to cool and then remove the transfer paper.

Now you are ready to rock your new custom T-shirt or make another one, and beware: these get super addicting to make super fast.

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BY ERIN FINAN

W

ith the overwhelming amount of skincare products out there with so many promised benefits, it can be a daunting task to create a quick and simple skincare routine. A truly simple skincare routine only needs four elements, and the products used should cover a wide range of functions and provide the most health benefits for one’s skin.

The essential elements to a quick skincare routine are cleanser, a treatment option, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Different skin types have different needs and the type of skin one has will also dictate what products and essential ingredients you need in the routine.

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1

cleansers Cleansing can be the most stripping step in a skincare routine.

Therefore, it is important to prioritize hydration. Using a gentle cleanser that will not strip the skin of its natural oils and can supply the skin with additional hydration is important.

Key ingredients for these cleansers will be hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

A great product for this is the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

For more oily skin, however, the Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser is a substitute. It has the same hydrating ingredients while also providing additional exfoliation with salicylic acid.

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2

treatments A staple treatment option for a simple skincare routine is a niacinamide treatment. Niacinamide can be found in other products like moisturizers, but it can also be used on its own in a distinct formula. A niacinamide treatment on its own should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing.

A great product that includes niacinamide is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.

Another treatment option is an exfoliating treatment. There are many kinds of exfoliators and each has varying levels of effectiveness.

One of the most important things to remember is to avoid physical exfoliants, as they can be extremely damaging to the skin. Physical exfoliants should be swapped for a chemical exfoliant if available.

Avoid facial cleansers with

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microbeads or sugar scrub exfoliators. Exfoliators in any form function by removing dead skin cells from the surface layer of the skin which leaves the skin more vulnerable than usual and therefore should be applied at night when sun exposure is least likely.

For those who are new to chemical exfoliants, products with salicylic acid are a great place to start. It is a gentle exfoliator that can be found in cleansers or can be used in its own formula. Two chemical exfoliants that are slightly stronger than salicylic acid are AHA and BHA exfoliating treatments. Effective products that are focused on these ingredients are the Kale-Lalu-yAHA exfoliator from KraveBeauty and the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant from Paula’s Choice.

3

Moisturizer is not just for those with dry skin. The skin creates natural oils, and if stripped of those oils, it will compensate by producing more. Therefore, even those with oily skin should use moisturizer.

There are varying levels of moisturization and differences in skin types should be considered when deciding what to use. For those with dry or normal skin, a thicker moisturizer with glycerin and natural oils will be extremely beneficial. A product to fit these needs is the Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream from Youth To The People. For those with oily or combination skin, a light, water-based moisturizer that still contains hydrating ingredients is best. A product to fit these needs is the Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream.

4

sunscreen Sunscreen is the most crucial step in a simple skincare routine.

Any sunscreen is good sunscreen in this case! Whether one prefers a moisturizer with sunscreen mixed in or a sunscreen separate from other products, your skin will thank you for implementing sunscreen in your skincare routine.

For adequate protection from UV rays, however, try to find a sunscreen with around 30 SPF.

Those four essential elements to a skincare routine are really all one needs. Once you feel comfortable with these steps, feel free to add more products and ingredients like toners, retinols, collagens, and more. But if you do not have a lot of time to create a lengthy skincare routine with a lot of products, sticking to this quick and simple routine is really all one needs to have healthy and happy skin.

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GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GIRLS EAT GREEN GODDESS SALADS

BY MIA WALSH PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Start to finish time: 20 minutes Serving size: 4

S

alads can be boring. In fact, many people might say they are flavorless and bland. When the only ingredients present are lettuce, tomatoes, and croutons, it can become repetitive fairly quickly.

Enter: Green Goddess Salad. This salad and its dressing are amazing because they can be eaten alone with a fork, spread on sandwiches, or used as a dip with chips and crackers. Made popular on TikTok via Baked By Melissa, we guarantee this dish will not only give you a nice serving of vegetables, but it will also make you forevermore a “salad person.”

INGREDIENTS: Salad: • 1 small cabbage, finely chopped • 1 large cucumber, diced • 1/2 bunch of green onion greens, finely chopped • 1/2 cup of chives, finely chopped Salad Dressing: • 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar • 2 lemons, juiced • 1/4 c olive oil • 1 c fresh spinach • 2 garlic cloves • 1/4 c cashews • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 small shallot

STEPS: Step 1: Finely chop and dice all salad ingredients.

If the blender you have is low power, you can also dice salad ingredients for a smoother dressing.

Step 2: Combine in a large bowl. This can be the same bowl used to serve the salad.

Step 3: Combine all salad dressing ingredients into a blender, adding the liquids first. Add the lid and blend until smooth.

Step 4: Pour dressing over the chopped salad and mix until coated well. For best results, toss with a spatula or large spoon.

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Now you can enjoy your Green Goddess salad however you choose!

Remember to eat your vegetables and store leftovers covered in a refrigerator.

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Carrie's Cosmos

Get your Sex and the City on with our cosmopolitan recipe.

BY HANNAH CAMPBELL PHOTOS BY ZELDA THAYER-HANSEN

Nothing is more satisfying than a perfect pink cosmopolitan. The cocktail was popularized by the hit ’90s show “Sex and the City” and has been a hit ever since. Now, with the reboot “And Just Like That…,” it is time to reboot the drink. Here are some new and improved cosmopolitans to enjoy while watching the reboot.

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diy: make it

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INGREDIENTS:

WHITE COSMOPOLITAN

· 1 1/2 ounces citrus vodka · 3/4 oz Cointreau orange liqueur · 1/2 oz fresh lime juice · Splash white cranberry juice · Orange twist for garnish

REFINED COSMOPOLITAN

· 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, gin, or tequila · 3/4 oz of cranberry juice cocktail, a dash of pomegranate molasses, or a bit of raspberry jam diluted with water · 1/2 oz orange liqueur · 1/2 oz fresh lime juice · Lime wedge or lemon twist for garnish

PURPLE COSMOPOLITAN

· 1 ounce Absolut Vodka · 1 1/2 oz white cranberry juice · 2/3 oz violet liqueur · 1/4 oz lime juice · Optional: sugar and lime juice for a sugared rim on the cocktail glass

GLITTER COSMOPOLITAN

· 1 1/2 ounces vodka · 1 oz Lillet Blanc · 1/4 oz St. Germaine · 1/4 oz Carvella Limoncello · 1/4 oz Suze · Sprinkle of edible gold glitter · Lemon twist for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS: STEP ONE:

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled.

STEP TWO:

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

STEP THREE:

Garnish with fruit.

Now enjoy your cosmopolitan while watching an episode of “And Just Like That...”

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WHO, WHAT, WEAR A glimpse into some of Athens’ most captivating people, places, and events.

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ATHENA CINEMA Bringing Hollywood hits to your home.

BY TATE RAUB PHOTOS BY GRACE AUBLE AND PROVIDED

The Athena Cinema has been a focal point of uptown Athens for over 100 years and continues to be a pillar of the community.

When the cinema opened in 1915, it was originally called the Majestic Theatre, then Schine’s Athena, and eventually took its current name.

The theater was sold to Ohio University in 2001, which temporarily closed the building to complete major renovations. The theater reopened in 2002 and contracted to an independent manager. Later, a committee and Ohio University business students determined how the theater should continue to function within Ohio University’s mission as the lease of the building neared its expiration.

The joint effort of the committee and the students determined that the College of Fine Arts should run the theater. The theater reopened with new management in 2008 with former Athena Cinema employee and Ohio University alumna, Alexandra 70 | THREAD

Kamody, as the director.

Students are the main employees and are paid through Federal Work-Study, a federally funded program that helps college students pay for their education through part-time employment.

“Part of our mission is to be a shared space for the Ohio University and Athens communities,” Kamody said. “I think working with students and having community members come in and seeing groups of people that might not interact daily have a shared experience is a really unique part of the

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atmosphere at the theater.”

One of the Athena’s virtues that appeals to students is the price point of seeing a movie there. Regular adult tickets are $6.50 for an evening showing, matinee showings are $5, and all shows on Tuesdays are $4. At a Cinemark theater, for example, regular adult tickets cost between $12 and $13.50 for an evening showing, matinee showings cost between $9.25 and $10.75, and tickets on Discount Tuesdays cost $5.75.

“At the Athena, it was really accessible for a student budget,” Aries Targett, a former Ohio 72 | THREAD

University student, said. “Tickets were way cheaper, snacks were way cheaper, so it was easier to go with friends and spend some time with people.”

Since the theater opened, the price has always been inexpensive, charging only $0.05 per ticket in 1915.

Targett also said another appeal to going to the Athena is that it is a historical theater with “oldtimey charm.” Additionally, there is a distinct selection of movies shown, including many big-name movies as well as indie ones.

“We’re always looking to highlight different groups and

different films that wouldn’t necessarily be in the main industry blockbuster films you would see,” Kamody said.

Kamody and everyone else at the Athena work hard to craft the theater’s identity as not just a movie theater, but an art house.

They are continuously evolving the steps they take to get people in the doors and expose them to films from around the world.

The Athens Film Festival has been hosted at the theater for 48 years and is one of the longestrunning film festivals nationally.

The festival is very well-known in the filmmaking community for

who, what, wear

experimental film and brings in filmmakers from across the globe.

“We do a few other series that highlight different themes,” Kamody said. “Our sustainability series highlights environmental documentaries, and we work to get sponsors so we can offer free admission to get more people exposed to the films. We’re doing a couple screenings for Black History Month and next year we are partnering on a film series highlighting depictions of Appalachia.”

This past winter, the Athena held its 9th annual Holiday Film Series where the price of

admission is a cash donation to a local food pantry or a canned good.

“They’ve been doing that stuff since the ’90s," Nicole Shamblin, a 1996 graduate of Ohio University, said. “They were always an advocate for all of that stuff before it was cool to be advocating for that stuff.”

Shamblin and her husband, Andrew, went on their first date at the Athena.

“When you were at that age, you’re expecting it to be ‘nicer,’” Shamblin said. “You didn’t appreciate the authenticity of it, but really it was vintage, and it

was cool, and you didn’t know that it was cool until you reflect on it later.”

The Athena has survived economic recessions, wars, and pandemics while its marquee watched over Athens. In its 107th year, The Athena remains an unforgettable part of Athens. As long as the film industry continues to create entertainment that stirs emotions, the Athena will continue to bring people and ideas together.

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BY HANNAH CAMPBELL PHOTOS BY AMIR PHILLIPS

back to the bricks:

Brick City records artists take over athens music scene

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T

he close-knit atmosphere of Athens can be enticing for anyone, but the locality and sense of belonging are why some musicians crave to be a part of it.

Every year, Brick City Records, a student-run record label in Athens, chooses a few artists to sign and feature as Brick City artists. These students come from all different backgrounds and musical genres, but their love and passion for the industry bring them together.

Justin Krase, also known as Jay Kuzzo, majored in business marketing and analytics at Ohio University and graduated in December 2021. He started making rap music as a hobby before taking it seriously in college. The record label reached out to Krase before he graduated to sign on, and now he has begun recording songs in their studio.

Krase said his music is positive and uplifting while still maintaining a “gritty sound.” Some other artists he takes inspiration from are rappers Logic and K.A.A.N. because of their lyrical skills. His upcoming musical project titled “Fork in the Road” speaks to Krase’s current point in his life and deciding what career path he wants to follow in the future.

“It’s kind of talking about dictating that path between if you want to go into a full work field,” Krase said. “If you want to go fully into making music or just try to do a balance. So I definitely do pull from real-life terms in that sense.”

While many of the other artists signed with Brick City Records perform under the indie or alternative genre, Krase is the only rap artist that signed with the label this year. Krase said he is happy to be part of a collective that represents so many different times of artists.

Another Brick City Records band named Fullsend also hopes to add a new sound to the label.

Austin Harsh, the band’s vocalist and keyboardist, started the band during his sophomore year at Ohio State University.

Throughout the years, there have been changes to the band members, with drummer

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who, what, wear

Nico Linik and guitarist Adi Mars being the most recent additions to the band. Now, the band is looking to use its new members to reinvent its sound as groove and rhythmically oriented.

Their first single with Brick City Records, “Astroman,” will incorporate a new sound that represents a new direction and will set the band apart from other artists in the area.

“It's very much more rhythmically driven than any of our previous music, and that’s really enjoyable to me,” Bassist Alex Robinson said. “That’s kind of how I tend to play in a lot of live settings… and so I’ve enjoyed kind of shifting in that direction.”

All of the members currently reside in Columbus, so they were surprised when Brick City Records reached out to sign the band in late 2021. However, they wanted to expand their horizons and see what Athens music had to offer.

“The Columbus music scene’s great,” Harsh said.

“We’ve made many friends there.. but we saw Brick City as a great opportunity to kind of expand out into other parts of the state, get in front of a new crowd.”

Athens-based band and Brick City Records artist Rent Free has also expressed its gratitude for this unique opportunity.

Twins Paul and Weston Nern started playing music together about four years ago, with Weston playing the drums and Paul singing and playing guitar.

When they both came to Ohio U, they decided to start a band with a mutual friend, Michael Wells, as the bass guitarist.

Although the band had only played one show with Wells, it was enough for Brick City to reach out and ask to sign the band to the label late last year. While Wells is used to the studio environment, Paul said he is thankful to learn from this new atmosphere.

“My personal philosophy has just been to make the most of it,” Paul said. “You never know when (these) opportunities are gonna come around, so it’s been cool.”

The band uniquely described their sound as “post glam, heroin core revival,” referring to the age of ’90s grunge music. They draw inspiration from bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam, but Weston said his time in high school marching band influenced him the most.

“I feel like that kind of helps me as a bass player because a lot of bass is just rhythm,” Weston said.

“If you just understand patterns and stuff like that, it gets easier.”

Jay Kuzzo, Fullsend, and Rent Free will all perform at The Union on April 21, along with other Brick City Records artists.

Weston said the best parts of the Athens music

“It definitely beats practice or the studio by a mile,” Weston said. “Music’s always fun to play, but seeing music you’re playing get people to actually move and look like they’re enjoying it, that’s pretty rewarding.” scene are the chance to perform live and how grateful he is to be able to play in person after COVID-19.

“It definitely beats practice or the studio by a mile,” Weston said. “Music’s always fun to play, but seeing music you’re playing get people to actually move and look like they’re enjoying it, that’s pretty rewarding.”

Music from Jay Kuzzo and Fullsend can be found on their YouTube channels, Jay Kuzzo and Fullsend, and all of the artists can be found on major streaming platforms.

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SPIN THAT RECORD: ROAR HAS ARRIVED IN ATHENS

BY HANNAH CAMPBELL PHOTOS BY ZOE CRANFILL

T

he trend of vinyl records has been circulating for a few years now and has officially come to Athens. Whether someone likes the oldies or today’s top hits, Republic of Athens Records, or ROAR, has something for them.

The record shop officially

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opened in November 2021 and resides at 79 ½ E. State St. It initially started as a pop-up shop in Little Professor Book Center, 65 S. Court St., in July 2021.

However, the store received so much positive feedback the owner, Michael Wood, opened a permanent location.

Jonah Silverman, a sophomore studying music production and recording industry, currently works for ROAR as an intern.

Collecting records since middle school, he found himself frequently shopping at the ROAR pop-up shop before working at the new location.

Silverman said he has always wanted to work at a record store and was happy to hear ROAR was hiring.

“It’s something that I was always

“It’s something that I was always interested in,”

store’s website, taking invoices for new shipments, packaging and shipping orders, and working the front desk.

“Michael does a really good job of making sure I’m learning SILVERMAN all of the facets to run the store,” Silverman said. interested in,” Silverman said.

Madeline Shearer, a sophomore “It relates to my major, and it’s studying psychology, has been something that’s on a smaller collecting records since she was scale.” around 14 years old. She initially Silverman’s duties at the shop heard about the record store include updating inventory on the through Instagram and visited OUTHREADMAG.COM | 81

the day after its grand opening.

“It was really cool,” Shearer said. “I don’t think there’s a lot of places in Athens that sell vinyls and I really, really like the variety that they had.”

What especially caught Shearer’s eye was a display of different record players and turntables, both new and vintage, set up in the store.

“I think they really used the space that they had,” Shearer said. “It’s a pretty small shop, but I think they had everything set up really nicely, so everything was kind of easy to get to.”

Because there are not many record stores around the area, Shearer was especially excited SHEARER to see ROAR’s new space and

“I don’t think there’s a lot of places in Athens that sell vinyls and I really, really like the variety that they had.”

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have the in-person experience of picking out records.

“I know that this is a liberal arts college, and I know for fact there [are] so many people that collect vinyls, especially around here,” Shearer said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for people to find vinyls local, rather than having to travel to get them.”

Silverman said even though customers can order records online, having an authentic record store in Athens has gained so much support from

the community and is a wonderful experience for shoppers.

“People way prefer finding a record they like in a store rather than ordering it,” Silverman said.

“It makes you feel like you earned it.”

Sidney “Sid” Stephens, a junior studying linguistics, also works at ROAR as a clerk. Her duties include cleaning and pricing collected records, updating inventory to the website, and displaying products in the store.

Stephens said a store interaction between customers, such as listening to someone “obsess” over a certain artist or genre, is an unparalleled experience than ordering a record online.

“The whole experience is just really precious,” Stephens said. “So I feel that [connection] happens a lot with various customers of all demographics

and age groups. It’s really nice seeing the younger people are so into it.”

In addition to selling many different types of records, the store was also selected as a participant in Record Store Day on April 23. ROAR, along with other stores across the country, will sell exclusive releases from artists such as Taylor Swift.

Stephens said the store is still in the early stages of “figuring out its identity,” but encourages people to look out for more events and specials coming up.

“We have new ideas every week,” Stephens said. “We’re just super excited. It might be a really small shop, but the circulation is so frequent that every time you come in, there’s gonna be something new.”

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MIDDLE OF THE BOOK A look into Thread’s creative shoot concepts.

VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR P.84

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FROM ELVIS TO SPICE GIRLS, HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO LOOKS PHOTOS BY HANNAH CAMPBELL 86 | THREAD

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THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN’ – NANCY SINATRA

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I WILL SURVIVE– GLORIA GAYNOR

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JAILHOUSE ROCK – ELVIS PRESLEY

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VOGUE – MADONNA

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WANNABE – SPICE GIRLS

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THRILLER – MICHAEL JACKSON

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Down The Rabbit Hole PHOTOS BY ELLA CALHOUN

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We’re all mad here in Alice’s Wonderland

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PHOTOS BY MEG REES AND TANNER PEARSON

A modern twist on the advertisement aestheti

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80s ic.

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Best Wishe$ , Warmest Regards

See Thread’s recasting of the Schitt’$ Creek characters.

PHOTOS BY CORRIN SWITZER

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PHOTOS BY TOMMI HENSLER

Six Looks We Like:

Celebrity Couples

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BEYONCE & JAY-Z

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MACHINE GUN KELLY & MEGAN FOX

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BRITNEY SPEARS & JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

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BEYONCE & JAY-Z

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MACHINE GUN KELLY & MEGAN FOX

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BRITNEY SPEARS & JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

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CAMPUS CASUAL Light-hearted reads for the quiztaking, listicle reading, horoscope believin’ spirit in all of us.

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APRIL

HOROSCOPES

BY KATIE MILLARD ILLUSTRATIONS BY GRACE SUBLETT

PISCES FEB 20 - MAR 20

Get outside, Pisces. Your month just ended, and it was all about a mental health reset. As spring finally enters the scene, take advantage of the self-reflection you have indulged and the nicer, warm weather. Make it a goal to spend time outside every day — unless it is pouring then you are fine, promise — and feel yourself grow with the plants on the ground.

Reconnecting with nature will further the relaxing self-journey you began during your season, allow you to take what you learned about your mental health, and use Aries’ energy to start reaching new goals. Going outside and enjoying the springtime will do you wonders and further your journey of selfimprovement.

The stars are just stars and cannot tell us anything – April fools!

The stars have plenty to say this spring, so take a peek at your horoscope here

THIS MONTH’S SIGN This is your peak, Aries. Your sign is the

ARIES MAR 21 - APR 19 beginning of the zodiac year, and during this time

both the sun and the new moon are in your sign.

Your energy will be electric this month as you take hold of the flood of chances headed your way. A surprise invitation may surface for you, and you should seize it as a positive opportunity. People will flock to your enthusiasm and will look to you as a leader. Say yes to changes, chances, and anything that feels like a positive new start. Your infectious energy attracts great things, so say yes to even the smallest opportunity.

TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 20

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 20

CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 22

Let’s get to work, Taurus. It is nearly your season, so before you get to steal the spotlight, use the start of the new zodiac year to get in order. Treat this as a chance to rejuvenate your resolutions for 2022 and to commit to that routine you have been working on sticking to. Your natural grounded, hardworking nature pairs perfectly with the moon and sun right now, allowing you to capitalize on the energetic courage Aries brings to your natural passion. This makes it the perfect time to knock those big items off your checklist and double down on creating a routine that works for you.

This month, Gemini, you will be lucky in love. Your versatility pairs wonderfully with Aries season’s youthful energy, and you will tap into a romantic windfall. Your adaptable personality makes you intriguing to everyone you meet and love will especially be in the spring air for you. Be careful, however, as to not lead anyone on.

Positive attention can be addictive, but those who are on the other end of these spring flings can catch real feelings. Have fun and enjoy this time, but also be cognizant of everyone else involved. Whatever happens, it is sure to be an eventful, exciting time.

Be prepared to stand up for yourself this month, Cancer. With your ruler, the moon, in Aries, your usually calm nature will take a back seat. While your naturally nurturing and often non-confrontational demeanor suits you well, you occasionally let others’ reactions overpower your own. You may find yourself in some unideal situations, but during this time you will allow yourself to take up some more space and stand up for yourself.

Voice your feelings and advocate for yourself and the things you want. No one else can take a stand consistently for you, so learn from the Aries energy and assert yourself.

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campus casual

LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22

VIRGO AUG 23 - SEPT 22

Spend some time alone, Leo. Your Try something new, Virgo. Both natural infectious energy shines the sun and moon are in Aries, constantly, and it is easy to tell you the beginning of the zodiac are ruled by the sun. However, your year and the sign of impulsivity, star personality and magnetism can independence, passion, and be draining when accompanied courage. You like to weigh your by the flocks of problems thrust options and stick to the approved on you. Because you are someone script, but you should take the people are drawn to, you often opportunity Aries season brings to end up taking on the burdens of branch out. Now is the perfect time many others on top of your own. to use your organizational skills to Take some time off this month. embark on a new project or goal.

You cannot help anyone else if Your dedication paired with the you are drained, so allow yourself excitement of the season is sure to the opportunity to say no. Being produce something to be proud surrounded by people also means of, so long as you allow yourself you rarely get time to connect with the chance. Explore new options, yourself. Take time alone and you Virgo, and you will be better for it. will be able to better serve yourself and everyone around you.

LIBRA SEPT 23- OCT 22

Now is the time to act, Libra. As a fellow cardinal sign, the moon and sun in Aries is tapping into your natural affinity for action, creativity, and decisiveness. If you have been pondering a question for a while, it is time to go with your gut. You want things to be fair for everyone, which is wonderfully admirable, but not always possible. Trust your instincts and make a call. Waiting to decide can complicate your choice and leave anyone affected stuck in limbo as you choose.

Embrace the active energy you will feel and you are sure to make the right choices.

SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22- DEC 21

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 19

A new friend is heading your way, Scorpio. Your ruling planet is Mars, which is currently in Aquarius. The moon is sextile Mars, which is a fancy way of the stars telling you that you will have a lot of courage, activity, and resourcefulness. This will manifest in a new close friend entering your life. You naturally hold your cards close to your chest, but this spurt of bravery will encourage you to branch out a little and open up to someone new. Those who are truly important to you are ride-ordie friendships, and you will make another one soon. Look out for interesting new people, and allow this courage to deepen your trust. The person of a lifetime is waiting for you to let them in.

Live passionately, Sagittarius.

As a fellow fire sign with an impulsive nature, the traits that come naturally to you are often heightened during Aries season.

You will feel an exceptional pull toward your adventurous side, and this will lead you to wonderful new experiences. However, it may also spark a want to run to better things when something gets difficult – persevere, Sagittarius. Part of living passionately and independently means staying passionate about something, even when it gets difficult. Put in the work and you are sure to have a great month, as Aries season heightens your excitement and enthusiasm.

Embrace inner peace this month, Capricorn. You tend to work hard and give a lot of yourself, but after a while that can drain you. Give yourself some time to relax. If you live by your planner, pencil in a specific time you can take off and dedicate to self-care. Plan for an afternoon or evening to give to yourself: have a spa night. Even just a simple daily walk can do wonders for you. Yes, working is important, but if you burn out you cannot do anything. Take some preventative relaxation time and you are sure to be more successful.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 18

Collaboration will be your savior this month, Aquarius. Saturn is in your sign, which indicates a new perspective on community, friendship, and socializing. If you are offered a chance to work with others, whether it is hanging out with friends, a group project, or collaborating with a coworker, take it. While you enjoy your independence, it can leave you leaning away from taking advantage of others’ skills and talents. Recognize where people can supplement your weaknesses with their strengths, and look for opportunities to connect and work in tandem. Collaborating will give you the best outcomes, and you may learn something new.

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which Disney Channel Original Movie are you?

D

isney Channel Original Movies, or DCOMs, are a staple, core memory for any kid that was a Disney fanatic. They have participated in providing some of the most iconic pop culture references and are more than enough to make any Gen-Z kid nostalgic for the early 2000s-2010s. Curious to see how your personality matches these DCOMs? Take this quiz to find out which Disney Channel Original Movie you are.

3

Pick a go-to karaoke song:

BY MIMI CALHOUN

1

2

A Having a drink at a cafe

4

What can you not leave the house without?

A Some piece of jewelry

B Taking a nap in your room

B Your journal

C Spending time on college green

C Sunglasses

D Doing homework at Alden

D Your headphones

E Working out at Ping

E A hair tie

An ideal vacation would be:

5

One word to describe you:

A “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls

A Somewhere out of the country

A Sassy

B “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly

B Anywhere with a pool

B Smart

C A big city with a lot going on

C Rebellious

D Somewhere quiet like a cabin

D Shy

E A place you can be active

E Driven

Clarkson C “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers D “Good Time” by Owl City

6

After class, you can be found:

E “Promiscuous” by Nelly Furtado

Someone is buying you a drink, what do you choose?

7

What are your typical Friday plans?

A Boba

A Going to the bars

B Iced tea

B Watching a movie with friends

C Energy drink

C Seeing a show at The Union

D Lemonade

D Getting an early start on homework

E Water

E Having dinner on Court Street

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Mostly A’s You are “The Cheetah Girls.” You are an idealist with big dreams and a lot of motivation. People should watch out because there is no stopping you and all the plans you have going on.

Your love language is most likely gift-giving, and you can be a bit materialistic at times, but your big heart and good intentions make up for it.

Mostly C’s Yo u a re “ L e m o n a d e Mouth.” You have a rebellious side and do not particularly like to follow the rules or stick to the status quo. You are not one for following trends and because of that, people may not understand you or your taste in things. However, you are not concerned with what others think since you know what you enjoy and stay true to that.

Mostly E’s You are “Jump In.” More on the active side, you are the kind of person who always needs to be on the move and doing something. You are a social butterfly and would prefer to be out and about than at home relaxing.

Because of your diligence and perseverance, you are most likely the leader of your friend group and enjoy making the decisions for people.

Mostly B’s You are “High School Musical.” You know how to balance everything going on in your life. Most likely an ambivert, you thrive off of time with friends, but also thoroughly enjoy your alone time. School is also important to you and that is probably because you like staying organized and on top of things in order to achieve your goals.

Mostly D’s You are “Starstruck.” A little on the more quiet and reserved side during the first meeting, it takes time for you to warm up to people and show your true colors. However, once you do, the caring and supportive side of your personality shines through.

You can also be a bit stubborn, but that is only because you are a realist, and that is perfectly OK.

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There’s n o place lik e fest…

Here’s yo ur guide t o OU’s

fest seaso n.

Ohio University students have gone two years without a fest season, and due to the coronavirus pandemic, the senior class is the only class that has actually experienced a fest season. With fest season comes back-to-back weekends of partying, tedious outfit planning, and memories with friends that you may never forget. Well, honestly, you may forget some of the details.

BY MOLLY WILSON ILLUSTRATION BY ZOE CRANFILL

WEAR SHOES YOU DO NOT CARE ABOUT

PROTECT YOUR DRINK

WHAT TO WEAR

Fest season takes place over the course of the spring semester. We all know spring brings rain and mud. Your shoes will get dirty. People will step on your toes and feet and track all that dirt right onto your brand new white shoes.

Wear an old pair of tennis shoes that you will not be sad over when they are brown at the end of the day.

Some parties may supply alcohol or you may choose to bring your own drinks. Always be aware of your surroundings at parties – know who is around you. If you need someone to hold your drink, make sure it is someone you trust, and never leave your drink with someone you do not know. The best way to keep yourself safe from the threat of being roofied is to bring your own drink in a bottle that you can open and close. There is nothing wrong with cracking open a can or drinking the supplied beverage if you believe it is safe, but make sure you watch it the whole time.

Fest season is the perfect time to rock your Ohio U gear.

Dress casually; no need to dress to the nines if you are not feeling it. Jean shorts, tennis skirts, leggings, and jeans are all perfect options for the spring weather.

Feel free to DIY some Ohio U T-shirts, break out your spring wardrobe, or rock a hoodie. Remember to check the weather.

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WEAR A FANNY PACK

DO NOT RUN FROM THE POLICE

Nobody likes carrying a backpack or purse around Athens or to the bars. At packed parties, backpacks and purses can catch onto people behind you and possibly swiped by someone. Fanny packs are the best alternative.

You can fit your phone, keys, wallet, and more perfectly inside, and you may even have room left inside for a drink.

The Athens Police Department will be out during fest season. If Halloween was any indication, you need to be prepared for parties to suddenly shut down. When this happens, drop your drink and simply walk away from the scene. There is no need to panic and run away. That only draws more attention to yourself if you are underage.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH OPEN CONTAINER LAWS Regardless of your age, open alcoholic drinks on public property are illegal in Ohio.

Do not leave a party with an open drink. When you exit a house or yard to go home or to another party with an open drink, you are violating Ohio law. Do not risk it; consume your drink on the property of the house you are at and then leave.

e l u d e h c S March 18 — Milliron Fest on Milliron Street March 19 — Mill Fest on Mill Street March 25 — Congo Fest on Congress Street March 26 — High Fest on High Street April 8, 9, and 10 — Milf Fest (aka Mom’s Weekend) April 22 — Palmer Place Fest at Palmer Place Apartments April 23 — Palmer Fest on Palmer Street

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BACK OF THE CLOSET An in-depth look at today’s most buzz-worthy topics.

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A look into the oversexualization of teenaged television characters.

LET’S STRIP DOWN THE ISSUE

BY AMY SZMIK | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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A

fter the second season of the HBO drama “Euphoria” aired, there was a lot of discourse surrounding its excessive amount of nudity for a TV show about teenagers. The show included several explicit sex scenes, nudity, and an underage character in sex work. TV shows putting their teenage characters in sexual situations is nothing new. On differing levels, series like “Skins,” “Riverdale,” and “Pretty Little Liars'' have either included nudity or gotten very close to it. The glorification of teen sex is controversial, and the conversation surrounding its consequences is still ongoing.

“Euphoria’s” extreme nudity brought the conversation back to the forefront and left many wondering why there is a need to keep putting nudity in shows about underaged characters.

While the actors themselves are not underage and therefore perfectly legal, they are portraying students in a high school setting. Using actors who are adults allows the directors to put their characters in sexual situations. Norwegian drama “Skam” actually used actors who were teenagers, which did not allow for explicit sex scenes, but a rather subtleness about it without exploiting them.

TV shows float toward using adult actors because they want graphic sex scenes without the consequences. However, this can bring consequences to real teenagers and their relationships with sex.

Dramas geared toward teens are typically supposed to be relatable to the target age demographic. Even shows that are not all about relatability, 166 | THREAD

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like “Riverdale,” still leave an impression on young teenagers.

The media people consume, whether anyone likes to admit it or not, influences those who watch it. When teenagers see sex portrayed in violent or inappropriate ways like many shows include, there is a sense of normalization.

The character Kat Hernandez from “Euphoria” became a cam

girl as a way to “reclaim” her sexuality, but her character is 16.

Aria Montgomery from “Pretty Little Liars” began a relationship with her high school teacher and eventually married him.

Watching these storylines makes teenagers assume that engaging in inappropriate relationships and sex work while underage is normal. There are rarely any consequences for actions either,

which is normal in TV shows but not in real life. Teenagers will think camming or starting an OnlyFans is easy and not realize there are issues with that, including legal problems. They could also engage in inappropriate relationships without realizing they are being groomed.

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wrong. Exploring sex is a normal part of growing up and there is no shame in any of it. However, when a young teenager sees a 16-year-old character engaging in gratuitous sex, they will wonder why they are not doing that. In multiple scenes in the Spanish drama “Élite,” there are threesomes between characters aged around 17. “Euphoria” has more than enough sexual content in the series, and all season two main characters are 168 | THREAD

in high school. At that young age, most teenagers are not having threesomes and/or confidently stripping down. No shame to teenagers who have done that or can, but for many, it is simply not real life. For many, there are feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and romanticization toward sex as an adolescent.

“The sexualization of teens in the context of television exposes teenagers, and perhaps even children, to what they think is the

brutal reality of the world,” Annie Fink, a senior studying music production and the recording industry, said. “Looking back as a young adult, these shows create a false, dream-like narrative of how teenage life should go.”

While it affects all genders, girls are especially affected by the hypersexualization of characters on screen. The character Cassie Howard from “Euphoria” was naked in almost every single episode of the show’s second

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season. Attaching self-worth to sexuality because characters who are supposed to be relatable are always nude warps the perception of how young girls view themselves. According to a report done by the Parents Television and Media Council, ​​47% of sexual situations on television shows featured teenagers while only 29% featured adult women.

Young girls might think they have to hypersexualize themselves to fit what is trendy because the

characters they see on the screen are nude and having sex.

“The misconception of believing this is what high school is like creates a false sense for teenagers and the one trying to live in that fantasy and the dangerous world will probably face a lot of challenges, and traumas,” graduate student Joanna Azami, an english literature major, explained. “It is absolutely not a bad thing for teenagers to be educated.”

T h o u g h t h e re i s m u c h controversy surrounding the topic, not everyone is fully against it. Teenagers learn from what they see, and sex is a very normal part of life. Wanting to explore sex is something that teenagers would do even without the influence of television. The reliability aspect is what draws in an audience, and many teenagers relate to all aspects of characters sometimes.

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filmmaker Matthew Valdovinos said, “If I had a teenager playing out their favorite scenes from ‘Euphoria,’ as a parent, I may have a different approach. But, if I stop them at home, they would only go to a friend’s house to get their fix — a common theme from that show. Instead, I chose to embrace them as just that, a show. They allow me a glimpse into a new generation of problems and remind me what I was like when I was sitting in their places. Drug use, not using, having sex, not having sex: the pressures that came with being a teenager have been there before me and will continue long after I am gone.”

There is absolutely no shame in sex or having sex scenes on television. There are some problems with the oversexualization of teenagers, which is still an ongoing topic.

Some shows that include sex have received critical acclaim for their healthy portrayal of sex and sexuality, like the series “Sex Education.”

Sex is part of growing up and exploring; it is something that teenagers should understand.

While many teenagers are aware the sex they see in dramas is not accurate to real life, it is still important for teenagers to see sex portrayed in a way that can be relatable. There is a stark contrast between having sex in a teen show versus sexualizing the underage characters.

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A LOVE NOT WORTH DYING FOR Looking into how the romanticization of abusive or unhealthy relationships can negatively impact those watching

BY RILEY RUNNELLS| PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

“I’d die for you,” they said.

“I’d kill for you. I can’t live without you; you’re my one and only.”

It is likely people have come across these quotes in various film and television productions.

These “words of affection” are said within the context of relationships — specifically, intense relationships that utilize unhealthy methods of expression that are glorified as romantic by fictional media.

Shows like “Pam and Tommy'' and “Pretty Little Liars” and films like the “Twilight” saga or the “After” series are all some of the worst offenders of promoting these unhealthy relationships.

Often, this leads to misinformation spread through fictional projections about what is normal and healthy in a relationship, further leading to psychological damage. But why is it that they are promoted in this way? Carmen Pierce, a graduate student at Ohio University in her second year of the film studies program, believes the oversaturation of unhealthy relationships comes from the disconnect between what people 172 | THREAD

want to see and what is accurate to real life.

“It’s kind of like an ouroboros snake eating its tail because if we, as the general public, continue to consume this content, it’s supply [and] demand,” Pierce said. “If we keep eating it up, they’re going to keep making it.”

Pierce also cited the more recent phenomenon of hatewatching, where people watch content even though it is not something they are truly interested in. It becomes more of a catalyst for conversation between groups of friends or self-entertainment. There is also the premise of watching shows or films because of the actors in them.

Either way, the content will continue because no matter the audience’s motivation for watching a piece of fictional work, the industry creatives behind the project are still getting the revenue. This means as long as the demand exists, the supply will continue.

T h o u g h t h e a u d i e n c e ’s voyeurism of watching these relationships in a fictional sense can seem harmless, the

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psychological effects on the perception of real relationships can be extremely damaging.

Kristin Waltz, an advocate in the Ohio University Survivor Advocacy Program, or SAP, explained that oftentimes people equate intensity in a relationship with a healthy relationship.

There are a lot of romanticizing behaviors of intensity: doing anything for someone, instant attraction, thinking trying harder means getting love in the end, and more unrealistic and unhealthy tropes.

“Somehow we’ve convinced ourselves that’s romantic,” Waltz said. “I don't know how we romanticize that, but I think it's like, ‘They love me so much that

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they're gonna follow me around and give in,’ and it's awful.”

Waltz said these intense types of behavior have trained our brains to believe that is what real love and real attraction should be. Though the scenarios and pieces of media change over time, there are some tropes that have not and will not go away in regard to what is healthy or not in a relationship.

“I certainly don't think that it's new,” Waltz said. “I think what's new is that we're recognizing it and that we desire for it to change or to be acknowledged that it's not OK.” But let’s look at some of the characteristics to tell when a romanticized relationship is

actually a toxic one. Because SAP works with survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual and mental abuse, and stalking, Waltz is trained to understand the warning signs and help others identify them as well.

First, it goes back to the intensity in relationships. Waltz cited Bella and Edward in “Twilight” as one of the worst offenders of unhealthy relationship promotion. The vampire boyfriend and human girlfriend have five films and four books of unhealthy behavior.

Warning signs in “Twilight” include Edward watching Bella while she sleeps, his overprotectiveness to the point where he wants her to leave her father and not see her friends so

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he can keep her safe 24/7, and, in the second book/film, Bella’s reckless behavior putting herself in danger to get back at Edward for abandoning her.

“That film was made for a certain audience, right?” Pierce said. “Like we're not gonna say that was general public; that was for like tween/teenage young girls at that time. I think that gets into a psychology of what we're taught as young people to what we should want in a relationship is someone who watches over us. And it's taken too literal to its craziest degree in that film.”

This type of intensity is also present in the “After” film series, which follows Tessa, a good girl who just got to college and falls for Hardin, a bad boy who is allergic to commitment.

The films themselves stemmed from Wattpad fanfiction about Harry Styles, so already it was beginning on a fictional premise.

However, the first “After” film set up the series to have a PG-13, teens-and-early-20s viewership.

But the second film, “After We Collided,” then switched to an R-rating and perpetuated even more harsh abuse.

Anyone watching the films is made to root for Tessa and Hardin. However, the toxicity is more than present in every action: Hardin’s substance abuse due to mental health issues and his treatment of Tessa with possessiveness, overstepping, isolation from her loved ones, and more is made to be romantic, which skews the perceptions of those watching. More than that, though, is the way Tessa then makes excuses for him and stays with him in the hope that he will change his behavior, which sends the message to young women OUTHREADMAG.COM | 175

that behavior like that is OK and can be rectified.

Moving over to television, “Pretty Little Liars” is a prime example of unhealthy relationships as well. One of the main characters, Aria, meets a man named Ezra when she is at a bar underage, and though he is a college graduate, she still flirts with him and ends up making out with him in the bathroom. Quickly after, the two discover that Ezra is Aria’s high 176 | THREAD

school English teacher, but they continue their affair in secret until much later in the series. Their on-again/off-again relationship continues throughout the show and eventually results in their marriage. The age difference is not only romanticized but justified by the show’s creators.

“As people are growing up, I think we need to talk about things that are red flags,” Waltz said. “Like love bombing. I would say things like feeling that

super instant connection where everything is great, like the first time you meet and this is the person you're going to be with forever.”

A huge proponent of these red flags comes from Hulu’s show “Pam and Tommy,” which is arguably the worst offender of romanticizing unhealthy relationships. The show follows the whirlwind romance of model and actress Pamela Anderson and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy

Lee. Though the show mainly focuses on the leaked sex tape of the couple and the aftermath of that, it mostly shows the good parts of their relationship — and absolutely none of the mental or physical abuse Tommy enacted on Pamela throughout their relationship.

More significant than the reframing of abuse, though, is the fact that the show was created without Pamela’s consent.

“The show is about her sex

tape without her consent, and now this discourse is circulating on the internet that this show that we have made is now on the same pantheon of that original sex tape,” Pierce said. “I think that's, frankly, gross. It's also like, you’re flaunting this as this feminist stance of, ‘We're giving her story back,’ and ‘We're telling it,’ and ‘We now understand in the year 2022 how she was demonized and sexualized and fetishized,’ and I still think even

that language of saying, ‘We're giving her her story back,’ what do you mean? If she wanted to tell her actual story, like if Pam Anderson came out and was like, ‘I have this script that I wrote about my tumultuous trauma of those 1990s years’ and it gets greenlit, that's a story. That would be interesting. But I do think there's this weird undercurrent of sexism and misogyny that they're like trying to wrap it and sugarcoat it in feminism and it's OUTHREADMAG.COM | 177

the exact opposite.”

Waltz and Pierce’s concerns also come from the people who are not doing the extra research into understanding how Pamela was abused, and are just seeing the romanticized version on screen.

On a broader scale, they wonder how all of these toxic relationships impact those watching and how they can deeply skew perceptions of reality. The theory of cultivation describes this best, as it is a theoretical framework that longterm exposure to media shapes how the consumers of media perceive the world and conduct themselves, according to a report from Simply Psychology. This can apply to relationships, as people’s exposure to harmful, abusive relationships can impact how they see the world and interact with others romantically.

“I think there does need to be pressure to have things be a little more realistic,” Waltz said. “But as long as [unhealthy relationships] sell, as long as they are very popular, it's going to be very difficult to get people to change that. I think learning to recognize red flags, and if things are moving too fast, maybe we need to sort of reevaluate where

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we are. Recognizing that love is built over time and not in the first two times you've talked to them on an app or something.”

Pierce and Waltz encourage creators to make a change in perpetuating some of these unhealthy ideals. For Pierce, it mostly comes down to who is in the writers’ room.

“Who is telling the story?”

Pierce said. “Is it someone that

went through this? Is it the real person? Are there women in the writers’ room? Are there trans women in the writers’ room?

Are there people of color in the writers’ room? If you're going to tell a story like this, have the person telling the story be the creator. And if they're not behind the camera, if they're not the screenwriter, have them in the room at least. I think that's what

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a lot of modern, recent things are missing, like ‘Pam and Tommy.’”

On the flip side, it is not just up to the creators to make a change: viewers of these types of media can self-educate or work to better understand healthy relationships to avoid having their perspectives skewed by a film or television show.

“The people who are willing to address that publicly, I think that

needs to happen,” Waltz said. “I think the biggest piece to all of this is going to be open discussion about it. And with more open discussion, then perhaps fewer people will seek out that sort of content. But I think if someone chooses to watch “Twilight” but is going into it with eyes wide open, it's not going to impact their behavior and make them think it's OK to behave that way.

But I think with children, maybe those discussions are things that are good to happen ahead of time with parents or caregivers or siblings who can have those discussions.”

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GOOD ON YOU, GOOD FOR WORLD

BY CARLIE REESE | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Good On You is an online resource that is also good for the environment. According to an article on EcoCult, “fashion is responsible for 92 million tons of solid waste per year globally, representing 4% of the 2.12 billion tons of waste we dump globally each year.” So much clothing goes to waste every day. With fast fashion being so popular right now and trend cycles becoming shorter and shorter, it is clear to see why sustainable shopping is becoming increasingly important

in this day and age. Good On You is a trusted resource and app where one can find ethical clothing brands to shop from, as well as get helpful insight from short articles that discuss different topics about sustainable and ethical clothing.

The website was initially launched in 2015 in Australia by Gordon Renouf and a few other sustainability experts, states the Good On You website. Renouf wanted to give people a way to have better ethical consumer

practices. In an interview Renouf did with SupplyCompass, he said “Good On You is not only about making you feel good about your shopping. [Its] purpose is to create change.” He believes that Good On You will create change for the better, and so far it has.

Good On You states that it has thousands of different brands in its database, where it rates those brands on three different categories: people, planet, and animals. The people aspect looks at a brand’s impact on its

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workers across the supply chain, according to the business’s website, focusing on things like child labor, forced labor, gender equality, worker safety, fair wages, and the right to join a union. The animals category focuses mainly on whether a brand uses animal products and whether it tests on animals. The planet category focuses on a brand's resource use as well as its waste management. Good On You also looks at a brand's policies to address its other

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impacts on the environment.

The database adds up all three of those categories, and the brand gets a final rating to see how ethical it is and whether or not Good On You would recommend the brand. The final rating system includes five different scores: Great, Good, It's a Start, Not Good Enough, and We Avoid. If a brand wants to be “Rated Good On You,” it would have to have a rating of either Great or Good.

Those ratings help eco-conscious people choose a clothing brand

that will look good on them as well as have ethical practices.

Since fast fashion has made itself such a staple within the fashion world, it is becoming increasingly more apparent that the world needs a change in how clothing is produced and thrown away. More brands have started to adopt better ethical practices, but the world is still very far from a real change in the fashion industry. Good On You is great because it recommends users alternatives to unethical

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brands and helps people better understand the impact clothes they buy have on the planet.

It is very important for resources like Good On You to exist because they give consumers a place to see how ethical a clothing brand actually is. They give great insight into how to be a more ethical consumer and give people an opportunity to know more information about a brand's practices. In an industry where there is a vast amount of waste, giving people a way to combat

this is a high priority for the Good On You company.

Good On You has paved a way for brands to display their ethical practices, whether good or bad. It has given consumers a way to see what brands care about, and how what someone buys can affect the world they live in. The fashion industry will keep evolving as it always has, and having more ethical practices will help keep this planet alive and well in the future. It needs to be understood that the clothing

people buy has an impact on the world around them. “By changing fashion for the better, we can have a direct impact on issues like global warming, human rights, and animal rights,'' Renouf said in SupplyCompass’s article. So, together, let's all be better for the world with what we wear.

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FIGHTING FOR FILM FEMINISM: A look at the importance of feminism and family in Disney movies

BY KAYLA BENNETT | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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hen fairy tales are thought of, most people think about a woman, usually a princess, in distress being saved by a man, usually a prince. Thinking about the “traditional” fairy tales, women are oftentimes viewed as weak, in need of a rescue. Though, with the help of some Disney movies, this stereotype has been challenged more as the years go on.

“Brave,” which came out in 2012, stars a fiery redhead Merida who is trying to navigate a life for herself, by herself. She defies the traditions her kingdom believes she must follow and goes through an adventure, finding what it means to be confident and courageous.

In an article from Forbes, the author describes how “Brave” was radical from all the other Pixar movies.

Although Merida is still a princess, the movie embraced the feminist pathway Merida’s character takes.

The movie itself, however, has a lot to do with the idea that women, although shown to be strong and independent, cannot “get the job done” without the help of another woman – like when Merida and her mother had to work together to resolve the conflict. Although “Brave” was a step in the right direction, 184 | THREAD

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Merida is still a princess, not being able to relinquish herself from that title despite her fierceness.

In 2013, “Frozen” made its way to the big screen and made every little girl fall in love with a singing snowman and the idea of having ice powers. Although the movie promotes girl power and how a sibling’s love is stronger than a significant other’s, people were not happy.

In an article from Reel Rundown, the author claimed “the film is

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more about Anna and her juvenile fantasies as opposed to anything relevant and unique.” However, through Anna’s storyline, we see strength through vulnerability and we see the plotline of “women helping women.”

The beauty of “Frozen” is the ability to put the movie’s spotlight on both of the female leads, rather than just gearing the attention on one.

Though people have expressed concern about the ability to have a strong female lead, it lets little

girls feel powerful, rather than only appreciated, for their looks like Disney films in the past have portrayed.

Though making an advancement when it comes to gender representation in films, Disney has also had a troubled past of portraying non-European cultures.

An article from Polygon talks about how movies like “Princess and the Frog” and “Moana” were signs that Disney was trying to make a difference in the way they

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handled characters of color and their settings and cultures.

Recently, Disney+ released a new film, “Encanto,” which is set in Colombia. The movie follows a young girl, Mirabel, and her journey on keeping her family’s legacy alive. This was Disney’s first movie featuring an all Latino cast.

With the heavy focus on family, it is already unconventional compared to other films.

This movie has many qualities that makes it stand out from Disney movies in the past; it follows the plotline of saving a family, really embracing the idea of family ties and trauma.

An author with USA Today wrote about how the movie covers ways generational trauma has affected how Mirabel, her siblings, and her cousins were raised.

Throughout the film, Mirabel is cast out for being the only one in her family to not receive a special power. However, when she notices the magical house her family lives in is losing its power, she may be the only one willing to stop it. On a mission, Mirabel finds herself saving her family and the house – no one is having to save her.

In the end, Mirabel brings her family together and the film ends, and there were no love interests for Mirabel other than the love for family and love for the individual.

This was a huge step for Disney in the direction of diversifying their outlet.

W ith more movies like “Encanto,” one can only hope for more education to expand Disney audience’s perspectives.

The need for these movies is essential to challenging people to learn more about other people and cultures.

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It’s Your World, We’re Just Living In It

BY Carmen Szukaitis PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

I

t is easy to get caught up in the reality of comparing oneself to others on social media. It starts with the likes, the photoshop, and the unattainable and unrealistic beauty standards that are constantly pushed out, making comparisons become normalized. But it is not only social media that is forcing us to compare, it is so much more.

Words are powerful; they are easily internalized and ingrained in us, especially at a young age.

Statements like, “you are not good enough, smart enough, or pretty enough,” can cause a lot of damage to one’s self-esteem.

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Societal pressures leave us with guilt, fear, insecurity, judgment, and a sense of inferiority. How can we

“BEING THE MAIN CHARACTER IS A MINDSET, AND ANYONE CAN BE THEIR OWN.”

be the protagonists of our lives in a society molding us to have all the traits of a malicious antagonist?

Being the main character is a mindset, and anyone can be their own. So, put those rose-colored glasses on, and let’s talk about how to confidently start writing a personal narrative.

STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS. No more wanting what others have because there will always be someone with more — and less.

The comparisons must be the first thing to go when embracing main character energy. Stop looking at other people and thinking about not being as far along in life as them. That person is not sitting in the driver’s seat of your life, you are.

It does not matter if someone is in a different place than here.

FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT AND FOCUS ON THAT. Finding a passion is one of the most rewarding things because it gives a purpose to living. A passion provides a reason to wake up in the morning — something to look forward to. Whether it is baking, swimming, or becoming a nurse, it

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does not matter. Living by wants pushes one in a direction of self-determination to continue working hard.

ACCEPT YOURSELF AS YOU ARE. Take a look in the mirror. Find the imperfections, desires, dreams, strengths, and weaknesses. See all of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Accept it all because that is what makes you, you. Hannah Montana said it best: “Nobody’s perfect, I gotta work it.” As cheesy as it is, the message is there.

We are not perfect, we are human. Be your most authentic self and know that is enough.

EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY. Wake up with gratitude and grace.

Take in the little moments of every single day and appreciate them all.

Every day has new opportunities and endless possibilities. Today is a chance to rectify the mistakes of the past — a chance to be whoever you want to be. Believe in yourself and know that anything is achievable.

DESIGNATE A SET OF VIRTUES AND STAY TRUE TO THEM. Define a list of virtues and figure out what is most important. Kindness, patience, diligence, generosity, and humility are just a few examples of some. Find a self-love mantra, like “I am deserving of all that is good,” and practice saying it every day until you genuinely feel it in your core. Staying true to a few simple beliefs will amplify your energy; people will take notice, and more genuine compliments will come.

Stay true to yourself, and soon enough, you will be the main character of your life. Write your own story and design a new path; the world is yours to explore. Being the main character is simply a mindset and an outlook on life.

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y x e S y t i l i b a n i a t s u S g n i Mak

BY SAMANTHA KRUSE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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ith a deep appreciation for the earth, sustainable clothing brand Wolven was born. Kiran Jade is Wolven’s founder and CEO, and being raised by a Hindu Indian father and a Pakistani Muslim mother taught her the beauty of diversity.

Jade had a love for fabrics and textiles at a young age because of her mother’s influence, as she would go to fabric markets for her outfits. With Jade’s partner, Will Ryan, she created a brand that embraced different “shapes, sizes, cultures, [and] identities,” according to Wolven’s website.

Wolven’s passions and beliefs are in sustainability, diversity, body positivity, and artistic appreciation, the website reads.

The founders have taken these beliefs and put them into art, as they craft patterns on canvases before putting them into designs.

Inspiration is found in places like the founders’ cultures, family members’ henna designs, plants, and the wild.

Wolven is a transparent brand, as it displays how its production is certified. The company tests every garment for harmful substances, and that is proven by the STANDARD 100 by the OEKO-TEX label. Wolven also abides by Intertek’s Workplace Conditions Assessment program, which shows the transparency of the brand through both the supply chain and health standards, and holds the company responsible for environmental and business practices, the website informs.

“The Global Recycle Standard sets requirements that ensure accurate claims for recycled materials and responsible social, environmental, and 196 | THREAD

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chemical practices throughout production,” according to Wolven’s Transparency page on its website.

Alongside those standards, Wolven has invested in carbon offset initiatives. According to the brand’s website, it is partners with Climate Neutral and measures its “greenhouse gas emissions footprint [yearly], purchase[s] carbon credits to offset that footprint, and implement[s] plans to reduce [the brand’s] emissions moving forward.” Wolven’s carbon-neutral products and carbon credits support projects

like rainforest conservation and landfill methane capture, the website notes.

Wolven is distinct in the way it has split its production by ethically making garments in both China and Los Angeles. Activewear and swimwear are made in China, as they are ahead of the U.S. in environmental sustainability by creating initiatives like “clean energy production and recycled fabric manufacturing,” according to Wolven’s website. The brand’s products have a smaller carbon footprint because they are produced in China. There, the

fabric is made versus imported.

Tees and dresses are ethically made in Los Angeles; all modal styles are cut and sewn by small, female-owned sewer Vilma and Vilma’s team.

The brand uses recycled PET fabrics, which is a versatile fabric made by “breaking down discarded plastics and recycling them into textiles and apparel,” according to Wolven’s website. Producing this type of fabric generates fewer carbon emissions, and reducing these emissions is important to reduce climate change. Wolven’s

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products are even softer than cotton, as the brand uses a cellulose fiber from beechwood pulp that is sustainably harvested.

Not only are the garments ecofriendly, but so is the packaging.

Hemp twine wraps the items, then placed in “reusable, 100% recycled poly mailer[s] or biodegradable paper box[es],” Wolven’s website states.

Acknowledging that “11 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean” every year, Wolven has made a tribute to the oceans by collecting one pound of trash for every order. It shows support for the German association One Earth – One Ocean (OEOO), which created a concept to “free waters from plastic, oil, and chemicals,” Wolven’s

website explains.

Wolven’s mission is to “make sustainability sexy” by fighting for the planet while helping customers look amazing.

By creating initiatives and acknowledging its responsibility t o re d u c e i t s n e g a t i v e environmental impact, the brand has set out to change the activewear industry for the better.

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RANT/RAVE CORSETS ILLUSTRATIONS BY AVERY ALLISON

RANT

BY MOLLY WILSON

Look, I am all for a cute “going out” top, but corset-style tops are not it. Corset tops are not only tacky, but also perpetuate an unrealistic body standard.

Corsets were created to shape the female body by lifting the breasts, tightening the stomach area, and narrowing the waist.

They literally restricted women’s breathing and were created to make the female body look more “feminine.”

Corsets are one of the most non-body positive items of clothing not only because of their historical connotation, but also because they are meant to suck one in and give one the look of a more “flattering” flat stomach.

Now, I understand that not all modern-day corset tops are super tight with the purpose of making your waist smaller. However, by wearing tops that emulate that look, we are furthering the societal pressure put on women to be thin and pretty with a perky bust and curvy waist.

All of that should be reason enough to ditch corset-style clothing, but if you need more convincing, let me be the first to say that you can do better. That $5 corset top from Shein is not 200 | THREAD

doing it for you. There is no need to wear a lace corset top out to the bars with a pair of jeans and Nike Air Force 1s anymore.

There are better outfits out there, I promise.

I am not saying this as someone who has never worn a similar outfit to a party before. While I

have never worn a corset top, I do love a cute “going out” shirt.

But, I want to see more inclusive clothing styles at the bars. We should not reinforce the body standards that corsets were designed to create by wearing modern-day versions.

rant/ rave

RAVE

BY KATIE MILLARD

W ith another season of “Bridgerton” upon us, corset fashion slides into spring attire once again. The hit show helped spark the trend, as corset fashion is reminiscent of traditional corsets, worn in the Regency and Victorian eras and as early as the 16th century and 1600 B.C. The style dances with aesthetics, combining Regencycore with traditionally feminine aesthetics to create beautiful pieces.

While traditional corsets could be harmful to the wearer’s physical wellbeing, the popularity of contemporary corsets inspired brands to recreate the image of a corset without harsh boning and too-tight strings. Instead, modern corsets allow one to embrace the stunning look of a corset top without potential harm.

Corset fashion is particularly beautiful because, regardless of gender, corset wearers have the option to easily style the pieces in a feminine-presenting way. In the late 20th century, for example, Vivienne Westwood embraced corset fashion as a means of empowering women rather than containing them, such as with her intricate 1990 Portrait Collection corset. This concept

allows anyone who wishes to reclaim their femininity a simple, beautiful option that, while formfitting, caters more to the Jane Austen-type romanticization of the garments than to the male gaze.

Corsets also look good on everyone. Whether one styles a corset as a full top, or uses a shorter option to simply accent their outfit, it is a piece everyone can enjoy regardless of age, gender, or size. The goal of corset fashion is not to slim the waist or tell people they should look a certain way. It is rather the reclaiming of an article of clothing seen as traditionally binding into something inclusive and positive.

Many think of corset fashion in the traditional sense, but the style has been recycled into something contemporary to wear proudly. The occasionally controversial corset fashion may be a ladylike style with strings attached, but those strings are something to be laced up and celebrated.

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My right to be me is tied with a thousand threads to your right to be you - Leslie Feinberg

ARTIFACTS GALLERY celebrates individuality and camraderie We invite you to shop with us ARTIFACTS GALLERY 2 W STATE STREET | ATHENS, OHIO @athensartifacts

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