May 2021 by Thread Magazine

MAY 2021

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thread

18 Runway Realway

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

SEAMS

22 Celeb Style 26 Bump it Back 30 Le Petit Purse 34 Not All It’s Cracked Up to Be 38 Frosted Face 42 One Direction 46 5 Seconds of Summer

54 Patched Together

DIY

52 Duck, Duck, Designer! 58 Dancing on My Own 62 Jar-cuterie 66 Pixie Punch

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WHO, WHAT, WEAR

70 Whatever Makes You Happy 82 Gigi’s Country Kitchen

76 Inferno & Co.

MIDDLE OF BOOK 100 112 126 140

Retro Rollin’ Hangin’ out in Y2K Most Likely To... Six Looks We Like: Decade Do-Over

CAMPUS CASUAL

88 Fatal Attraction Recreation

156 Horoscopes 158 Quiz: What YA Book are You? 160 Banned Bandz

BACK OF THE CLOSET

164 170 178 192 200 206

Kamala Harris Fashion Forecasting Evolution of Fashion Thread Exec: Where are They Now? Bee Better Rant/Rave: Depop Resellers

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HAUTE ONLINE Looking for some new podcasts to listen to? Whether you want to listen to some true crime or history, we got you covered virtually.

THAT’S MESSED UP True crime podcasts have become increasingly popular throughout the last few years, and finding one that’s different from the rest can be a bit of a challenge. That’s where the That’s Messed Up podcast comes in! Run by comedians Liza Treyger and Kara Klenk, the two dive into the show “Law and Order: SVU” and talk about the crimes each episode is based on. Treyger and Klenk bring a new perspective to true crime podcasts by basing their episodes off of “Law and Order: 4 | THREAD

SVU” plots. Refreshing and compelling, the two hosts keep the listeners hooked without making the podcast too morbid. Being comedians, our two hosts still manage to keep some comedy in it without being disrespectful. Covering all sorts of topics, they delve into many crimes that aren’t talked about on other crime podcasts. The unique concept for this crime podcast makes it a must to listen to, especially if you are a “Law and Order: SVU” fan. - AMY SZMIK

haute online

1916 1619 is a limited podcast series hosted by The New York Times that delves into how slavery has made America what it is today. Hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, the podcast starts with a history lesson. Many learned about slavery while in school, but 1619 takes it a step further. It’s not just about the cruelties that Black people faced, it points out how many aspects of modern life were either built off the backs of slaves, or directly stolen from them by white people who gave no credit. There’s a whole episode tying modern rap and R&B to the melodies of slave songs and Black hymns. Titled after the year frequently cited for the arrival of the first slave ships hitting American shores, Hannah-Jones does more than state the facts. She

tells stories documented by real people who fought for their lives and for their rights. From the untold story about the birth of democracy in the U.S., to the effects that slavery had on our current economy, this podcast is a lesson in culture. - HANNAH PRIDEMORE

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INVISIBILIA Science podcasts aren’t for everyone, and not every science podcast is the same. Some require prior knowledge to even understand what’s going on. Invisibilia from NPR, though, is different. Yes, it’s a science podcast that explains certain aspects of human life, but it feels like it’s so much more than that. Invisibilia is Latin for “invisible things” and hunting down and studying the “unseeable forces [that] control human behavior,” is what the podcast is all about. Every episode discusses a different topic, so stand-alone listening is an option, but the show is so good that I recommend listening to every episode. 6 | THREAD

Handling topics like race, immortality, synesthesia, and smelling Parkinson’s disease in people, it’s easy to get hooked. There’s been a handful of hosts, but Alix Spiegel, Hanna Rosin, and Lulu Miller do most of the talking. It was announced in the summer of last year, though, that the show is being reinvented and Yowei Shaw and Kia Miakka Natisse will be the new hosts. The new season just started, but there are plenty of episodes in the backlog that should hold people over until more drop. - HANNAH PRIDEMORE

haute online

THE SCHOOL OF SELF IMAGE Tonya Leigh is proof that it is never too late to find your true, unapologetic self. As a critical care nurse turned lifestyle coach and podcaster, Leigh has experience with the art of finding Self Love. The “French Kiss Life” podcast was started with the intent to help women live their lives more freely, and with “joie de vivre”. This is a podcast all about finding your true self, and not being afraid to be who you truly are. Each episode dives into a different way that women can live their lives more elegantly and with more passion. Following her rebrand in 2019, many episodes consisted of ways to bring more joy into your life, and how to clear your mind so that you can think more fluently and make more intentional decisions. After spending time in France, Leigh has experienced the French way of life, inspiring her to start the “French Kiss Life” podcast based on what Paris taught her. But over the last year, she has turned her podcast into something that is more fitting for her lifestyle and what she knows best. The newly redesigned “School of Self Image” podcast and personalized coaching experience is teaching women how to love themselves. Many people understand how it feels to not fully understand

themselves on a deep level, to see themselves in a negative light, and to look in the mirror and feel embarrassed or selfconscious. Leigh is working to make women feel more confident, think highly of themselves, and see themselves as the remarkable human beings they are. “School of Self Image” is all about bringing luxury, style, and love back into your life, whatever that may mean for each person. - SAVANNAH DAWSON

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5 TOP

Find out the top five things that our exec board is inspired by right now.

PERCY JACKSON While many people our age read Percy Jackson and Rick Riordan’s other mythological sagas in middle school, I actually first picked up The Lightning Thief in April of last year and have been hooked ever since. I’m a sucker for getting lost in a fun and easy book, and my boy Percy and his antics check every box. They’re funny, action-packed, and dusted with the addictive we’re-doomedto-die-young-but-friends-tolovers-anyway trope (Percabeth forever). And, of course, more easy-to-love characters join the cast with every series. An escape into the world of Greek gods and Camp Half-Blood was exactly what I needed to avoid the reality of this past year. - CRISTINA FORMICHELLI

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top 5

ATTACK ON TITAN I am obsessed with the anime “Attack On Titan”. It is currently, at the time I’m writing this, the most popular show in the United States, surpassing Marvel’s “WandaVision”. A show with such an intricate plot, great character growth, and amazing animation, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Based on the manga of the same name, it follows Eren Yeager as life as he knows it is behind walls. All of humanity is gone and the threat of titans, large humanoid creatures walking around, looms. I really can’t tell you much of the plot without spoiling all the huge plot twists that happen, but I can highly recommend this to anyone who wants to see a great action show with a lot of mystery. The manga is on its last chapter, which came out in early April, and the show will be ending soon as well. There are 4 seasons; all can be found on Hulu or Crunchyroll, so I definitely suggest picking this show up! It’s so worth the watch. - AMY SZMIK

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FILM PHOTOGRAHPY In honor of our 10 year anniversary, I wanted to talk about something I have been really into these past few weeks. I lately have been getting more into film photography — and beyond just mini polaroids. I love the “throwback,” natural look film cameras give; it shows raw, real wear and tear, and I just love that. I also enjoy the extra time and energy it takes to develop these photos; it makes them extra special, and each one is unique. You can develop these on your own or get them done at a shop, but it’s no easy task! I encourage everyone to take a step back in time and test out some film cameras for a new, authentic aesthetic for your photos. - LINDSAY O’NESTI 10 | THREAD

DENMAN BRUSH The Denman Brush is my go-to product right now! It has been an absolute game changer for styling my curls. The D3 Original Styler 7 Row brush has given me more definition than any hair product has before. I’ve never had an established hair routine; it was always a little scrunch, shake out, and hope for the best. Now I have somewhat of a routine: I use the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, then brush out my hair with the brush right out of the shower. I’m no longer hoping for the best; it always looks great! - GRACE SUBLETT

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS Since this is my last Top 5, I felt like I had to do something memorable and noteworthy. This was hard for me, until I thought about the one show that I’ve been procrastinating watching the season finale of because I don’t want it to be over yet. “What We Do in the Shadows” is a comedy series based off of the 2014 mockumentary by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. Following four vampires, one familiar, and their trials and tribulations as they navigate the modern world, this show is outrageously funny and full of comedy guest stars (Nick Kroll has to be my favorite one so far). - HANNAH PRIDEMORE

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Editor’s Note Welcome back, Threadies! Oh, how bittersweet this issue is. It’s been a long time coming and I’m so sad that I have to say goodbye, but I know that you will be in great hands after I graduate. I owe so much of my personal and professional growth to this magazine, and I don’t know where I would be without it. Thread means so much to me, as I’m sure it means a lot to you all, too. I’m so proud of each and every one of you and the hard work and dedication that you have put into making this publication during one of the most difficult semesters for collaborative projects, and I can’t wait for you all to see the end result. This is our 10-year anniversary issue, so of course we had to go all out! There’s a mix of throwback and history stories to peruse through in Seams. Definitely check out our Celeb Styles on Elton John (P.22) and Dua Lipa (P.24) and our Runway Realways on Stella McCartney (P.18) and Engineered Garments (P.20). Feeling nostalgic for some early 2010s music? Our profiles on 5 Seconds of Summer (P.46) and One Direction (P.42) should help cure the heartache. Our DIY section has some intensive crafts that you can try your hand at this summer, like a patchwork denim corset (P.54). Want to work out but the gym isn’t for you? Check out the story on “Just Dance” workouts (P.58) 12 | THREAD

and learn how to incorporate the video game played at every middle school sleepover into your daily routine. Check in with old Thread exec in our “Where Are They Now” story on page 192. For a deep dive into our new vice president of the United States, check out her profile on page 164. And if you’re feeling in the mood for a history lesson, check out our stories on iconic Oscar looks (P.186) over the years and a brief history of fashion from Ancient Greece to this year in my story on the “Evolution of Fashion” (P.178). Thank you for giving me the opportunity to run such an amazing publication. Have a safe and happy summer!

Forever and always, Much Love,

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hannah Pridemore

MANAGING EDITOR Emily Gayton

BUISNESS MANAGER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

DESIGN DIRECTOR Grace Sublett

WHO,WHAT, WEAR AND CAMPUS CASUAL EDITOR

PUBLIC RELATIONS CHIEF

VIDEO CHIEF

PHOTO CHEIF

PHOTO EDITOR

FASHION DIRECTOR

DIY EDITOR

WEB EDITOR

COPY CHIEF

Amy Szmik

Lauren Britt

Lindsay O’Nesti

Kailee Richey

Mack Wagner

Jillian Craig

Lily Gephardt

Leanna Siupinys

Caleigh Kinney

Cristina Formichelli

PHOTO: Peyton Farrell, Corrin Switzer, Emma Friend, Kailee Richey, Clovis Lavigne, Abby Kelman, Meg Rees, Lauren Britt, Kate McCarthy, Leanna Siupinys, Bre Severns, Andrew Guidarelli, Madison Salyer, Ella Calhoun, Mack Wagner, Sophia Daugherty Munoz DESIGN: Grace Sublett, Riley Runnells, Ian Lucic, Tati Alston, Mia Walsh, Lanie Shea, Emily Allen, Sarah James, Riley Runnells, Maddie James WRITERS: Hannah Pridemore, Amy Szmik, Savannah Dawson, Dori Gray, Kayla Bennett, Sarah Todack, Maddy Fink, Cristina Formichelli, Lindsay O’Nesti, Jillian Craig MODELS: Nia Caldwell, Chloe Green, Destiny Reynolds, Grace Miller, Samantha Kruse, Xavior Motley, Ilyaas Motley, Maddy Sayler, Nahom Kahsay, Abbey Kongos, Dylan Hollenbacker, Connor Dawson, Grace Barcaskey, Justine Orr, Molly Florimonte Martine McLaughlin, Caleigh Kinney, Meg Mcdulin, Lindsay O’Nesti, Aaron Bryan, Colin Tube, Paul Devlin, James Carney, Dominick Ferrante, Dante Catanzarite, Lauren Britt, Mack Wagner, Lilah Gagne, Aaron Byron, Nijah Turner, Sophia Daugherty Muñoz, Brian Moran, OU FACES MODELS OUTHREADMAG.COM | 13

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SEAMS

From the runway to the streets, and everywhere in between, here are this season’s most sought- after trends. FROSTED FACE P.38 16 | THREAD

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Runway Realway Stella McCartney’s Spring 2021 menswear and womenswear collection certainly came ready to take away the fashion world’s winter blues. McCartney has set out with her new collection to rebrand the way fashion is thought of with a new sustainable, zerowaste future ahead for the line. The McCartney A to Z Manifesto: Spring 2021 is a diverse collection with a wide array of colors, patterns, and ideas; the ideal collection for every individual alike. From vibrant, colorful patterns to sleek, elegant business wear, this collection has something for everyone. Not only is there the element of streetwear that has been popular throughout 2020 and into 2021, but there is also a touch of the recent business casual blazer obsession sprinkled throughout as well. The constant of this collection is its elegance — less skin is the new sexy. Whether it be a vibrant, floral dress or a beige pantsuit, each piece from this collection is conservative, yet playful in many ways; a new trend for 2021, but catching on quickly in the industry. Prada’s debut of their Spring/ Summer 2021 womenswear line has many blazers and pantsuits, and the Spring 2021 Ready-ToWear men and womenswear collection from Jacquemus shows light and airy dress shirts, maxi dresses, and suits as well; these two alone show the reseting for the upcoming spring and summer. This season for Stella McCartney includes a great deal of 18 | THREAD

long flowing maxi, lace-patterned mini dresses, and silk blazers with pleated skirts. McCartney’s A to Z Manifesto focuses on moving away from fast fashion, something the industry consistently comes back to. Stella McCartney has always been passionate about the impact of her clothing on the environment. For example, her all-vegan purses are inspired by her increased emphasis on environmental impact, which is a sustainable effort that she has included in her collections for various years, but with this collection in particular, she has put forth what she believes in with each article of clothing instead of just a select few. Each item is associated with a letter of the alphabet from A to Z, describing a word that is aligned with her manifesto of what a fashion brand should be — S for Sustainability, T for Timeless, A for Accountable — which gives us a glimpse into what she believes are the most important things that the fashion world should be moving into. College students with any style can easily recreate these looks, as this collection is diverse in many ways. Whether it’s someone that enjoys bright, flashy colors or softer tones, the main idea of the collection is that elegance comes in many shapes and forms. By partnering a pair of neutral knit pants with a flowing floral top, or a vibrant red sweater with a blazer and white ballet flats, it’s not difficult to find a look that matches every type of preferred style.

BY SAVANNAH DAWSON PHOTOS BY PEYTON FARRELL

S tella McCartney

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BY DORI GRAY PHOTOS BY CORRIN SWITZER PHOTOS EDITED BY CORRIN SWITZER

d e r e e n i g n E s t n e m G ar

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Designer Daiki Suzuki’s Engineered Garments has never been a brand to shy away from quirky layering or pattern mixing. Though the brand started in 2002, Suzuki is a true veteran in the garment business and his designs draw inspiration from classic American fashion. Engineered Garments’ items are utilitarian and outdoorsy in theme, while visually hinting at high-end. Suzuki is also a cofounder of the fashion company NEPENTHES, and he explained to Ssense that neither he nor cofounder Keizo Shimizu, Needles brand designer, are sensitive to trends. “I guess we play with size and proportion,” he said. “We make clothing that makes us look good when we try it on.” The Fall 2021 menswear collection provides a pleasant alternative to the everyday “sweater weather” uniform. An autumnal color palette is primarily utilized for the 45 looks, and pockets and backpack straps are abundant. “Wrinkled” dresses and trousers further enforce the brand’s effortless style, and coordinating hats of various designs serve as finishing touches. From suits to jumpsuits to cozy fleece, Engineered Garments delivers a collection full of unexpectedly flawless combinations. According to Hypebeast, Suzuki served as the creative director for Woolrich Woolen Mills between 2006 and 2010, and there are definitely a few Woolrich-esque moments by way of warm-hued

plaids in this collection. One look consists of loose, straight-legged khaki trousers, a high-buttonneck hoodie, a plaid flannel, and a vest. A deep red beanie that matches a pair of derby shoes ties it all together. Ten of the looks include womenswear, and one of the most inspired ensembles is a loose, plaid suit over a leopard-print button-up, complete with an evergreen beret, an army-green quilted jacket, and a plaid neck scarf. To replicate Engineered Garments’ Fall 2021 menswear collection on a budget, the keywords are loose and layers. Keep the color palette fallinspired, straying away only for a dark blue, charcoal gray, or black. A straight-legged trouser paired with a plaid flannel button-up will work as the base. Then, layer a slightly-cropped hoodie, a vest, and an open anorak jacket. Don’t be afraid to mix textures and patterns. If the final result looks like a GQ-worthy outfit, that’s exactly right.

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CELEB STYLE

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ElTON JOHN BY KAYLA BENNETT

PHOTOS BY EMMA FRIEND

Since the beginning of his music career, Elton John has mastered the element of catching the audience’s eye. His notable style has led his stage presence to be even more unforgettable than his songs alone would have. Whenever he walks on stage, the audience never knows what to expect, but they do know that they won’t be forgetting the experience. In his early days, John had some extraordinary looks. In the 1970s, feathers were his go-to accessory. He either wore his big feather costume, full of vibrant colors, or kept it casual with his “Bird of a Feather” shoulder pads, inspired by Cher. He would later make appearances in similar costumes in “The Muppet Show” and “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”. Another one of his popular looks is the bedazzled Los Angeles Dodgers uniform that he wore for his performance at Dodger Stadium in 1975. Following close behind is his Statue of Liberty outfit, worn for a portrait session in New York City circa the 1980s. A few other appearances worth mentioning include the Donald Duck costume he wore in Central Park circa the 1980s and his King Louis XIV outfit for his 50th birthday

party in 1997. Although every outfit is worth an homage, these are some of his most extravagant. Eventually, John’s style went from lavish stage costumes to expressive suits and his definitive pairing of tinted sunglasses. He expressed his emotions and feelings through his wardrobe and knew his style was passionate. In an interview with Billboard, John once said, “I can’t believe how sartorially crazy I was, particularly in the ’70s!” Dressing like John is an ideal way to make a statement. Blazers are a staple, and paired with slacks, monochrome pieces, and matching patterns, there’s no stopping the slew of compliments that are bound to ensue. The more flamboyant the colors and patterns, the better. A frayed jacket is always a step in the right direction. Glasses are of utmost importance, but not just any glasses. Heart-shaped, colored, bedazzled, or all three would have “Elton John” written all over them. Elton John used his music as well, as his clothing choices, to express himself. He was not, and still is not, afraid to be his most authentic self, and, for that reason, his audience loves him.

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DUA LIPA BY RILEY RUNNELLS

PHOTOS BY KAILEE RICHEY

Dua Lipa is known for her husky vocals, her second studio album “Future Nostalgia”, and her no-holds-barred style. She makes red carpet attire Vogue cover-worthy and her streetwear is always on point. Her ethereal, positive presence is further reflected through her stunning, colorful fashion choices. It’s hard to put Lipa’s personality and music style into words, as she’s constantly changing and evolving. Her fashion sense follows suit, bringing flashes of cottagecore, VSCO-chic, Y2K, baddie vibes, and everything in between. Her most notable looks typically include a midsection slit, mini dresses, or jeans and cute tops. But most notable here is loosely used, as it does not include her unforgettable red carpet fashion and can’t ever fully encapsulate her true sense of style. The Albanian-Brit started her music career at 14, where she was covering songs by other artists on YouTube. Lipa gained mainstream fame with her single “New Rules,” which landed high on the U.K. and U.S. charts. Initially, Lipa rocked more of a sporty-meets-Lady Gaga style, with fitted t-shirts and skirts offset by outlandish dress and shoe combinations. However, as 24 | THREAD

her sound and persona evolved, so did the sleek nature of her fashion sense. With the “Future Nostalgia” era, Lipa became the pinnacle of a fashion influencer. Between her personal style and her red carpet/music video looks, Lipa hasn’t forgotten her sporty roots. In November 2020, Lipa announced her partnership with Puma as the headliner for Puma’s “She Moves Us” campaign, which aims to empower and connect women through sports and culture. Her announcement came with pictures of herself sporting the athletic wear. Puma also sponsored her “Studio 2054” virtual performance, where she wore some looks from the company. Lipa always looks put together. If she’s wearing a black power suit, it’s met with idyllic shoes, jewelry, a purse, and a slick hairstyle. Arguably the most impactful, yet most subtle, part of her outfits are the accessories she pairs. Without them, the outfit would just not be as fitting to Lipa’s style. Between her ambassador position with Puma, her red carpet fashion, and her ever-changing street style, Lipa is an ideal example of a musician who understands the true complexity of fashion.

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Bump it BACK BY DORI GRAY PHOTOS BY CLOVIS LAVIGNE PHOTOS EDITTED BY CORRIN SWITZER

t’s 5 p.m. on an average school night and Nickelodeon’s endless infomercials seem like they’ll never give way to “iCarly”. Then … “Are you tired of flat, boring hairstyles?” a voice asks over a theatrical shriek. Soon enough, glowing before and after footage has you considering if you, too, should “bump it up with Bumpits.” The early 2010s had many memorable hair trends. With Bumpits, hair chalk, and feathers, there was never a dull moment in the school hallways. Looking back may invoke feelings of major regret, but at the time, those trends were the pinnacle of style, and no one could tell us any different.

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BUMPITS Bumpits are hair inserts designed to give hair the illusion of having volume at the crown. The contraption had 13-yearolds looking like middle-aged southern belles, but Beyoncé and Hilary Duff were rocking the look, so it easily caught on. There was also a Hollywood Bumpit that took the trend to a new height, but everyone silently agreed to pretend that didn’t exist. The everyday spinoff of this style was simply The Bump — no hair insert needed — and it involved bobby pins, a lot

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of hairspray, and glitter eyeshadow. Nowadays, except maybe at a dance or cheer competition, it’s unlikely to find today’s teens rocking a hair bump. HAIR CHALK Hair Chalk was a fun way to temporarily “dye” hair for those blessed with a mane light enough to properly display the bright colors. Fans of Hayley Williams — then known only as ‘the lead singer of Paramore’ — could slide orange chalk down their hair and feel a little

bit edgier. Technically, color highlights never went out of style, and hair chalk still has its loyalists. However, there are now a plethora of better temporary hair dye options on the market. One of those options is Poser Paste from Good Dye Young, a vegan and cruelty-free company cofounded by the aforementioned queen of vibrant hair, Williams herself. FEATHERS Kesha, Selena Gomez, Bella Thorne, your best friend — who didn’t have a feather in their hair?

Feather hair extensions could be clipped, glued, or fastened into anyone’s hair. Because the feathers came in different sizes, patterns, and colors, people could express themselves individually while still jumping on the bandwagon. As the feathers fell out of growing strands, the trend fell out of the spotlight as well. The world may never know why hair feathers were so exciting for such a specific period of time, but having a feather really had everyone feeling like the main character.

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BY SARAH TODACK PHOTOS BY ABBY KELMAN

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Impractical or fashion-forward? Tiny bags are making an impact on the fashion community whether it likes it or not. With some only the size of a mouse, critics of the trend argue that they are practically useless due to their small size. But that isn’t stopping designers. The most notable brand creating these bite-sized bags is Jacquemus. The company’s smallest bag for sale, the “Le Chiquito”, costs $510 for a leather bag about the size of a hand, but this isn’t even their smallest purse. Jacquemus sent models down the runway of his Fall 2019 Ready-To-Wear womenswear presentation with bags so small that they would barely fit Apple AirPods, according to the Huffington Post. These bags might be

impractical if one has quite a lot to carry, the price adding to the impracticality. But outside of everyday use, the bags have brought something new to the fashion world. These bags are debonair, especially when paired with a full look. Fashion influencers — like Kendall Jenner and Chiara Ferragni — have been seen sporting bags of “tiny” size, but how can the everyday fashionlover hop on the trend? Styling these bags as accessories to make a statement rather than as a functional item seems to be common for fashion influencers and models. One way of doing this is by constructing a monotone outfit — a set of casual beige suit pants and a blazer — with a micro bag of a vibrant color to stand out.

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For audacious dressers, a white micro bag could be the needed contrast to a colorful and multipatterned look. Another idea is to dress as one typically would, while strategically matching the bag and shoe colors to tie in the accessory factor of the purse. No matter one’s personal aesthetic, the bag has a place in every wardrobe. Just maybe not ones as expensive and luxurious as the Jacquemus. More affordable options can be found on Etsy, where every purchase supports small businesses.

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If these bags were viewed similar to sunglasses or jewelry, critics might understand the appeal. If their impracticality is what’s stopping those from investing in the trend, there are slightly bigger alternatives such as small crossbody bags, big enough to fit a phone and credit cards, while still smaller than the average bag. Nonetheless, the creative possibilities for innovative outfits are endless. Are tiny bags just impractical enough to try, or will this be another trend to sit out?

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NOT ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE

BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE | PHOTOS BY MEG REES

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Oh, crackle nail polish. Used to make even the prettiest of nail polish colors look distressed and oh so very “punk rock.” At least that was the goal, the execution might have missed the mark a bit depending on how well someone was at actually applying nail polish. It’s definitely not something easily perfected in middle school, when it felt like it took at least two years for the base coat to dry before color could be added. For those who are blissfully unaware of what this article is covering, crackle nails were a short-lived trend that peaked in 2013. Labeled as an “overcoat,” black, white, or even pink if you could get your hands on it, could

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be painted on top of a neutraltoned base coat. When the overcoat dried, it would splinter, or “crackle,” leaving a chipped look across the entire nail. While the distressed look is nothing new, taking it to nails was an interesting concept. It’s so easy to chip nail polish anyway, why not do it intentionally and stay on trend? Sally Hansen dominated the crackle nail polish game, being cheap and accessible definitely helped, and it can still be purchased today if one looks hard enough. There might not be as many colors as there were in its heyday, but if the nostalgia hits and it feels like the best way to work out that energy is by painting nails like it’s

2013 again, go for it. The trend came with mixed reviews, though. It was definitely geared more toward middle schoolers and high schoolers and less for people with 9-5 jobs who had to look as polished as possible. In 2012, The Huffington Post wrote a whole article about why the trend had to end, and while some might have disagreed at the time, it definitely overstayed its welcome in the opinions of others. As stated before, it’s completely possible to try your hand at this trend now, be it a recreation of prepubescent nail designs or a first-time attempt. For those who prefer gel over regular polish, don’t fret. Crackle gel sets can be found online with a quick google search, but they can come with a hefty price, as they more often than not come as sets meant for salons and not single-person use. Make sure to apply a clear base coat and a neutral base color before applying the crackle overcoat, and don’t forget to seal it all in with a top coat. Crackle nails might not have made it past everyone’s poppunk phase, but they definitely made an everlasting mark as a staple look in early 2010s fashion. They’re not for everyone, and are definitely not as versatile as a French tip, but if the mood to mix up the nail look arises, maybe pick up a bottle of crackle nail polish at the store next time.

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INK YF D D MA BY

Y SB TO O | PH

ITT BR N E UR LA

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t’s no question that the early 2000s were a pivotal time in the fashion and beauty industry. From low-rise flare jeans and velour Juicy Couture sweatsuits to chunky statement jewelry, the 2000s were not short on trends. Makeup looks alone have drastically changed since then. As the desire for a round face has transformed into intensely chiseled cheekbones, a variety of looks have been created in the past two decades. But one of the most famous early 2000s trends is the rise of the frosty makeup look. The most notable contributors

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to this trend are Christina Aguilera, Paris Hilton, and, of course, Britney Spears. These blonde bombshells are partially responsible for putting this look on the map. Frosty makeup typically focused on cool shadows, like light blues and purples, shimmery silvers, and sparkly whites. These shadows were applied all over the eyelids with little definition added; no cut creases to be found. This look was often paired with a rosy, almost glowing-fromwithin cheeks look by using an ample amount of pink blush. Additionally, celebrities were never caught in a matte lip; the early

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2000s were strictly about glossy lips. When attempting to achieve the frosty makeup look in modern times, try using these products to make it a bit easier. For frosty lips, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna has frosted metal lipsticks that are great at recreating that early 2000s glistening look. Loading up on liquid highlighter is an easy way to achieve dewy skin without looking oily, and Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty liquid highlighters are great products to try for this. Apply them with a damp sponge on the highpoints of the face and lightly set with a

translucent powder. Lastly, to really get the frosted eye look, shimmery pot shadows like ColourPop’s Super Shock shadows in the shades Birthday Wish and Like A Shot really embody the early 2000s pop star aesthetic. The beauty community is a constantly evolving and transformative industry, with trends coming and going all the time. From matte liquid lips, blush, and highlighter to laminated eyebrows, it is very possible that the early 2000s frosty makeup look will come back in style twenty years later.

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one direction A Deep dive into what makes them beautiful BY SARAH TODACK PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

he year was 2012. We were living while we were young, with the remnants of summer in the air and newly purchased Union Jack shirts to show off at school. It is hard to imagine the early 2010s without a certain United Kingdom-based boy band influencing our music and fashion choices. The One Direction infection, as it was commonly called, made many individuals’ early teen years, as fans were doing anything and everything to support their favorite band. However, One Direction was not only about the fanfare: the band had huge influence over an entire generation, inspiring young teens to adults.

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The band still has a loyal following made up of active fans and reminiscent past “directioners,” a term for their fanbase, years after their official hiatus announcement was made in 2015. This goes to show the intensity of their influence over pop culture and the lasting effects such a monumental band can make. One Direction got their start on the United Kingdom “The X Factor” in 2010, where each member — Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson — auditioned individually, but were grouped together after not passing the boot camp episodes. The group did not win the X 44 | THREAD

Factor, placing third, but quickly boomed to worldwide success after their hit single “What Makes You Beautiful” released in 2011. No one could turn on the radio or walk into a store without hearing the fun and flirty summer single. This was the first time music felt a boyband boom since the late 90s to early 2000s, and it left an impact on the industry, less successful groups rising out of nowhere only to fail in competing with the five boys from across the pond. One Direction led a successful five-year career, with heights like winning Billboard’s New Artist of the Year award in 2013 and a total of seven Brit Awards — the British equivalent to the

Grammys. According to Forbes, the band earned an estimated 75 million dollars in 2013, becoming the second highest earning celebrities under thirty. Their career ended after a worldwide stadium tour, continuing after the departure of Malik in March of 2015, and the release of their last album “Made in the A.M.” featuring the quartet. However, fans still look back at the many years of music fondly and even support the members’ solo careers. Most notably, Styles has had a successful solo career in terms of acting, music, and continuing to influence the fashion industry with his risk-taking looks. Styles recently won a Grammy for Best

Pop Solo Performance with two other nominations. Despite the popularity of their solo careers, fans still yearn for a reunion. Tomlinson told “The One Show”, “I think it’ll happen at some point: we’d be stupid not to. I think we’re kind of exploring and enjoying ourselves individually.” Fans continue to stay hopeful of a reunion, but whether this happens or not, the icon that is this boyband will live on. One Direction served as a source of light and happiness to a whole generation: banding together individuals from all over the world.

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5 Seconds of Summer How one band’s style influenced pre-teens everywhere. BY CRISTINA FORMICHELLI PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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AUSTRALIAN BAND 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER’S Calum Hood, Ashton Irwin, Luke Hemmings, and Michael Clifford set the standard for Tumblr girls in the 2010s. Google “5SOS fashion” and stumble across troves of “aesthetically-made” Pinterest edits featuring black skinny jeans, band tees, and flannels galore,

which have defined the look of pop-punk lovers everywhere and the basic go-to concert look that’s still alive today. Nowadays, the bandmates have traded in their “Self-Titled” and “Sounds Good Feels Good” looks from their first two albums for the “Youngblood” and “CALM” album eras of dressier black ‘fits and chains.

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Bassist Calum Hood is scarcely seen without a solid-color, typically black, undershirt. Hood revealed in an interview with GQ that Target sells the Hanes brand shirts for around $10. Like his bandmates, Hood doesn’t shy away from a good chain, which pairs well with his tank top, dressier pants, and belt. The occasional graphic tee will sneak its way back into his wardrobe, with hints of nostalgia of graphic muscle tees of years past. Drummer Ashton Irwin tries to wear polka dots every day, a look influenced by Buddy Guy and Yayoi Kusama, who both sport the pattern often. Irwin also likes wearing black suits, a style choice inspired by Johnny Cash. He describes his sense of style as having an older influence and a look “for the battered and broken.” Irwin’s traded in his muscle tees and bandanas for chains and button-ups, and the only things he’s breaking are records and hearts. 5SOS’s guitarist and lead vocalist Luke Hemmings isn’t afraid to be bold or bend a few fashion rules. Straying away from graphic tees, Hemmings still makes use of solid or distressed t-shirts and is a big fan of a good button-up and jacket. No one says f*** toxic masculinity like Hemmings, as he’s known to rock glitter, eyeliner, and even owns a pair of custom women’s boots. Although he remained mysteriously off the grid for most of 2020, no one should be 48 | THREAD

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surprised when he’s back on the scene and looking incredibly puttogether and trendy. Lead guitarist Michael Clifford is rarely seen without a hat, beanies and snapbacks being the styles he’s most often photographed in. Clifford favors comfort, with t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets being his go-to for street-style and just chilling at home. As for red carpet looks, he’s known to sport jackets and button-ups buttoned all the way and untucked rather than tucked in. His hair has recently been a constant blonde, a huge contrast from when he’d dye it a new vibrant color every month or so. Not only did their fashion influence an entire decade of

teen girl fashion, but they do good with their own merch too. Their clothing brand Friends of Friends raised money in support of the fires that raged across Australia in 2020, and they most recently partnered with We Need Crew to release a merch line to support stagehands and others affected by COVID-19’s impact on the live concert industry. There’s no doubt that the punk rocker girl look inspired by everyone’s favorite Australian band left its impact on today’s concert and mainstream fashion. The nine-year-old band’s fashion and music influence has only just begun, as 5SOS’s momentum is only moving them upward and onward into future success. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 49

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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. JAR-CUTERIE P.62 OUTHREADMAG.COM | 51

DUCK, DUCK, DESIGNER! BY KAYLA BENNETT PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Money is an essential, so why not have something fashionable to carry loose change around in? Get ready to receive a plethora of compliments on a new accessory that you can respond with, “Thanks, I made it!” Duck Tape wallets are a way to personalize and express yourself in a simple, yet creative, way. Bringing back all the 2000s feels, Duck Tape wallets create a feeling of youth and bring back sentimental memories. Find a way to fabricate your own twist on this 2000s staple and feel the craftiness of sweet youth appear once again.

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MATERIALS:

STEP FOUR:

Choice(s) of Duck Tape Ruler Scissors Sticky Velcro strips (optional)

Using a different (or the same) color Duck Tape, line the 4 inch by 8 inch pieces together and tape the bottom and both sides.

STEP ONE:

STEP FIVE (OPTIONAL):

Start by setting a layer of tape on a surface in which you can pull off adhesive. Line up about 8 inches worth of tape horizontally on top of each other and 8 inches of tape vertically, matching up the pattern. Make sure the pieces are overlapping about a quarter of an inch.

STEP TWO:

Peel the tape off of the surface, turning it over to the non-sticky side. Place the same length strips of tape on the back side, sticking the two pieces of tape together.

STEP THREE:

Cut the piece of tape in half, creating two 4-inch horizontal strips of tape, keeping 8 inches vertically.

Fold the wallet in half, and on the two sides, place Velcro strips for extra security.

STEP SIX (OPTIONAL): Open the wallet back up and repeat steps 1 & 2 but keeping the Duck Tape strips 2 inches by 4 inches, creating pockets for cards. Tape the pockets inside using the same instructions in Step 4.

What’s glorious about Duck Tape wallets is that there are multiple ways of creating different looks. YouTube has a plethora of videos flooded with different patterns, structures, and more. One can never have too many Duck Tape wallets, so they’d make for a wonderful, crafty new hobby.

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r o w h c t a P im

n e D

BY LINDSAY O’NESTI PHOTOS BY LAUREN BRITT

t’s no question that “Bridgerton” made its impact on the fashion world. As TikTok became flooded with videos on where to find nice corsets and how to style them with everyday outfits, DIYs were the obvious next step of the sequence. Crossing this current trend with the upcycling tactic of patchworking denim to repair or adjust clothes makes for individual corsets that can be dressed up for a night out, dressed down for hanging with friends, and the finishing touch to any dress fit for a ball.

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INSTRUCTIONS

Trace out the sewing pattern on any kind of paper. Use your specific measurements to create the patterns, adding 1-2 inches for the inseam. There should be two front pieces and two back pieces, but substitute these according to your design. Don’t forget to trace out the desired straps.

MATERIALS • Paper • Writing utensil

Tear apart the old jeans and other denim scraps. Make as much solid fabric to work with as possible, so tear at the seams. Having a seam ripper helps as well.

• Denim scraps/old jeans • Scissors/hole puncher • Pins • String of choice • Sewing machine/ materials • Seam ripper (optional) 56 | THREAD

Place the traced patterns on the fabric, making sure to trace on the desired side. Don’t forget to leave an extra inch or two to sew the pieces together.

Machine sewing is recommended, but hand-sewing methods work as well. Sew the pieces together with the correct sides facing each other. Try to check the garment sizing on yourself frequently.

Once the garment is sewn together, use scissors (or even better, a hole puncher) to create the corset holes up each side of the fabric on the desired side for the lacing part. Grab the string and thread it through like a shoe with it on your body or a dress form if possible.

that’s all there is to it! You can intermix all kinds of designs or patterns; buy some from Etsy or find free ones on Pinterest. Forget Daphne Bridgerton; you’re the main character now, with a killer corset you made with your own hands to prove it. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 57

Dan M BY RILEY RUNNELLS PHOTOS BY PROVIDED ILLUSTRATION BY RILEY RUNNELLS

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ncing on My Own

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hough the COVID-19 pandemic increased the neighborhood family walks trend, it also put a damper on comfortability with going to gyms and working out with friends. Some people tried at-home workout programs through YouTube or other sites, but others (myself included) lost all motivation to

MATERIALS • COMPUTER OR TV • YOUTUBE OR GAMING SYSTEM • WATER • AMPLE ROOM

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work out. However, there’s an easy way to get your body moving and stay in shape all while having fun: playing “Just Dance”. It doesn’t matter what version of “Just Dance” you play, and you don’t even need a Wii or other gaming system to set it up. Just follow these steps and you’ll be fit and fun:

diy:work it

Gather physical materials. If you’re using YouTube instead of a gaming system, make sure to prepare a playlist of “Just Dance” songs you like. I recommend “Rasputin”, “Pump It”, “Party Rock Anthem”, and “Promiscuous Girl”. You can make different playlists for different moods, and it helps when you don’t have to take a break to switch the video.

Turn on your playlist or load in your “Just Dance” disc and start moving! Especially if you do some of the harderranked dances, you’ll break a sweat in no time.

If you’re using a gaming system, go to wherever it’s set up and make sure to give yourself a lot of room to move around. If you’re using YouTube through a TV or computer, move wherever is most comfortable in your space. I

Don’t forget to take some water breaks and have fun with your makeshift workout. Moving your body in any capacity is great for you; it’s not about the intensity of the workout, it’s about the effort taken to get out of bed and get moving. So grab a Wii remote, put that work in, and dance like nobody’s watching. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 61

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Jar-cuterie BY MADDY FINK PHOTOS BY KATE MCCARTHY PHOTOS BY CORRIN SWITZER

Charcuterie influencers, such as Marissa Mullen (@thatcheeseplate), have created a popular niche on social media that consumers did not even realize they desired until it was at their fingertips. They’ve quickly risen to popularity, but these are not just cold cuts and crackers thrown on a plate. From salami rivers, to artisanal crackers, to cute brie cutouts, to rosemary garnishes, the options are endless when assembling the perfect charcuterie board. The newest charcuterie trend is “jarcuterie” and it takes charcuterie to another level. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a charcuterie board in the form of individual jars. Great for picnics or hanging on the porch, these little jars are for the individual and come with no worries of spreading anything.

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diy: make it

MATERIALS AND INGREDIENTS NEEDED: Feel free to substitute ingredients to fit your diet. 1. Jar 2. Kebab skewers 3. Cutting board 4. Knife 5. Cashews

6. Cherry tomatoes 7. Grapes 8. Strawberries 9. Cheddar cheese 10. Pepper salami

11. Hot capocollo 12. Hot calabrese 13. Prosciutto 14. Carrots 15. Crackers

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Make sure the jar is clean, the produce has been thoroughly washed, and the kebab skewers are cut so they can properly fit into the jar.

STEP 2: Fill jar with cashews, leaving a bit of space at the top, and then top with cherry tomatoes

STEP 3: Take kebab skewers

and pierce the strawberries and grapes. Set aside.

STEP 4: Cut up the cheddar

cheese with a knife and pierce with skewers. Set aside.

STEP 5: Fold the sliced meats

(not including the prosciutto) in half and again into quarters to get them looking neat and tidy. Pierce these with skewers as desired (I placed the hot

calabrese and pepper salami together and did a separate skewer for the hot capocollo.) Set aside.

STEP 6: Gently roll up slices of

prosciutto. This meat is very delicate and can rip easily. Do not pierce these with a skewer.

STEP 7: Now that the prep is

done, begin filling the jar with the set aside skewers. (I placed the grapes and strawberries in first and then added the meat and cheese at the end.)

STEP 8: Place the prosciutto and carrots in wherever space is left. At this point, the jar should be full enough to avoid any food from falling out.

STEP 9: Place crackers on top and your jar is complete!

Unfortunately, we will not be grazing party-sized charcuterie boards together for a while, so the individualized “jarcuterie” trend is a good way to still enjoy cheese and deli meats while keeping safe. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 65

Pixie Punch BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

There’s something about cartoon and video game food that looks so good. The pizza in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, the candy in “The Misadventures of Flapjack”, and everything in the “Cooking Mama” universe look so delectable and it’s a shame that food in reallife doesn’t always imitate art. Luckily, though, many people on the internet have taken it upon themselves to recreate classic animated food, leaving everyone else to reap the benefits of their creativity. This recipe from @sincitybartender on TikTok recreates the sparkly Fairy Tonic from “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:

INSTRUCTIONS:

- 2 ounces whiskey (for a nonalcoholic substitute use four tablespoons of nonalcoholic vanilla extract) - 1 oz. lemonade - ½ oz. pomegranate syrup - ½ teaspoon edible glitter - 3 oz. club soda - Ice - Fancy glass (optional)

STEP 1:

Mix the whiskey, lemonade, pomegranate syrup, and edible glitter in a large glass with ice.

STEP 2:

If transferring to a fancy glass, do so here without the ice.

STEP 3:

Top the drink with club soda.

You don’t have to be a Hylian (elf-human hybrid) to enjoy this easy recipe that looks as pretty as it tastes. If you’re feeling like a pro-mixologist, try adding floral liqueurs like elderflower for a more made-in-the-woods taste. 66 | THREAD

diy: make it

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WHO, WHAT, WEAR

A glimpse into some of Athens’ most captivating people, places, and events. GIGI’S COUNTRY KITCHEN P.82 OUTHREADMAG.COM | 69

Whatever Makes You

HAPPY We’re all smiles for this brand curated for people who don’t fit into a category.

BY RILEY RUNNELLS PHOTOS BY LAUREN BRITT PHOTOS EDITED BY LAUREN BRITT

Paige Kirby had an unhealthy relationship with clothing and fashion – and she was tired of it. “I was kind of stuck in this rut,” said Paige. “I thought to look good in trendy clothes I had to lose weight – I had to be like a stick figure. And I’m a normal size… there’s nothing wrong with my size.” Paige, an Ohio University senior studying strategic communication, deeply felt the lack of body type representation in fashion, especially when it came to styles that are seen as the most popular. After feeling fed up with not seeing the sizes or styles she wanted, Paige decided to create her own brand instead. “I wanted to have a collection of clothes where women felt the same thing: like they didn’t have to lose weight to look good in clothes,” said Paige. With body positivity and increased representation at the forefront of her mind, Paige 70 | THREAD

created Whatever Makes You Happy: a brand for people who are tired of trends being unattainable and unflattering toward certain body types. Paige wrestled with the idea for a while, initially dreaming it up her sophomore year of college. In starting the brand, she broke it down into baby steps: she started saving up money, got her business license, and started looking into vendors. But she didn’t really have time to commit to it until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “This summer, my internship was canceled because of the pandemic,” said Paige. “And I thought, ‘You know what, it’s the perfect time to start this business.’” Whatever Makes You Happy officially launched in June of 2020. Paige uses Business-tobusiness (B2B) wholesale to buy from brands that sell exclusively through wholesale. She receives shipments and sends out orders

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all from her off-campus house on Congress Street. In keeping with the theme of representation, Paige tries to feature a lot of different styles on the website. From cottagecore pieces to trendy California vibes, her goal is for all of her customers to be able to find something that speaks to them on the website. In addition to clothes, Paige has a self-care section of the website that features vegan, cruelty-free products like sugar scrubs, bath bombs, and candles. This addition was the brainchild of Paige’s mother, Erin Kirby, who serves as the self-care section’s buyer and candle-maker. 72 | THREAD

“I think it’s really beautiful that she’s so supportive and really loves to help out,” said Paige. “Her background is in finance so she helps me a ton with that. And it’s surprisingly one of the easiest relationships – we definitely are way different people and have two different business styles, but she keeps me motivated and on track with a lot of things.” Erin wanted to contribute not only because of her endless support for her daughter, but also because she has more time on her hands now that she’s an empty nester. “It was just a way for me to find a little bit of a hobby and then

still contribute to her business,” said Erin. Although quarantining gave both Kirby women time to buckle down and focus on the logistics, the pandemic’s impact on the economy certainly made Paige nervous. In order to combat this, she made sure the website didn’t rely on selling out of product to be able to stay afloat. All of the money she makes is poured right back into buying more clothes for customers, and she tries to keep her products in an affordable price range, with self-care products varying from about $8 to $20 and clothing varying from about $25 to $50, depending on

the type of piece. The first launch was meant to be a test to see if people would be interested, and Paige had no idea she’d get the response she did. “The response was way overwhelming,” said Paige. “This summer, I reached goals and I beat records of my own that I was definitely not expecting to. I can’t even describe the feeling. It was just so overwhelmingly beautiful that people were paying attention and they were ready and willing to support.” Paige is right around her 200th order. Though she still gets excited when she sees it’s a customer she doesn’t know, OUTHREADMAG.COM | 73

Paige is extremely grateful to have received a great deal of support from people she does know, mainly her friends. She even has involved her friends in collaborations with the business, including social media posts and modeling the clothes for the website. Lily Miles, a senior studying psychology, is one of Paige’s friends who has modeled the brand and describes Paige as the ultimate hype-woman during the photoshoots. “She was like, ‘Can you be one of my models?’ And I was just so excited,” said Miles. “I’ve done a couple of her releases and because she’s such a close friend, to see that professional in her come out and how well she does it… she empowers me.” Paige has also featured Miles on Whatever Makes You Happy’s Instagram account, which Paige emphasizes is a key part to building the brand. “It used to be all content that I created and now it’s more and more user-generated content,” said Paige. “And that’s a beautiful thing that almost brings me to tears. That means that I’m doing my job; I am creating a community, and they are finding inspiration off of each other.” Paige plans to continue this business after she graduates from school and hopefully turn it into more of a full-time job rather than a side project. In the future, she hopes to get into self74 | THREAD

manufacturing so she can further expand her clothing size range and create more gender-neutral silhouettes to appeal to more than just women. She is also researching more ways to make the brand more eco-friendly. But for now, Paige is happy with the brand she’s created and the satisfaction she’s given to customers. Her friends are quite proud, too. “I think she is just a wonderful woman,” said Miles. “Ever since I’ve known her, she just empowers others and literally is just sunshine. I really feel like anyone that buys her clothes, they feel amazing in them. You would think you have your own boutique and you want your style to be out there, but she really lets everyone express their own style through her clothes.” This experience has been particularly special to Paige, not just because she’s doing something she’s wanted to do for so long, but also because of the collaboration with her friends and, especially, her mom. “She has been selling products since I think she was in the third grade, whether that be making her own jewelry or various other things through the years,” said Erin. “She’s always had that background, so it didn’t surprise me when she was met with the challenge of ‘I don’t really have a summer job now, and so I think I’m going to start this business.’ She’s always been successful, so I

who, what,wear

knew she would put forth her best foot with this venture, also.” Paige has met her goals and set new ones for the business, but that’s never her main concern. No matter where she’s buying from or how many people are visiting the website, her first and foremost concern will always be creating a community for people to feel seen, and find whatever products make them happy. “I don’t want anyone to look at a page and think that ‘I don’t

belong here because I don’t see somebody like me,’” said Paige. “The whole idea behind the items that I pick are so women feel like they have a place where they can shop and have this community that they can look at via my social media and see themselves. I definitely never want to base my business off of claims. I’m more of ‘Here’s what I’ve got right now, here’s what it looks like and I’m always gonna keep trying to do better.’”

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INFERNO & C Grit N’ Grinding with Dante’s Inferno BY RILEY RUNNELLS PHOTOS BY BRE SEVERNS

76 | THREAD

CO.

who, what,wear

CALLING ALL HELL-RAISERS, RABBLEROUSERS AND STRAIGHT UP PLAYER HATERS: Dante Catanzarite has the brand for you. Catanzarite’s clothing business Inferno & Co. was a way for him to explore something he’s passionate about: the boundaries of fashion. Creating pieces for people who possess his brand motto, “Grit N’ Grind”, is what inspires Catanzarite’s creativity. “I love that because grit is something that every person just has – you just have it or you don’t,” said Catanzarite, a senior at Ohio University studying integrated media. “There’s no color, race, creed; anybody can have grit. My mission for this was to try to build a message and a brand around something that everybody can get their heads around. What does grit mean? It’s striving for something relentlessly. People like me, at least, like surrounding ourselves with people who have passions – they have goals, they want to go somewhere in life. That’s the message with the brand is; have some grit, have some drive, have some end goals but don’t take yourself too seriously.” Catanzarite started the business from the ground up. He had dabbled in fashion before with an Instagram page full of custom embroidery pieces, but wanted to take his love of the industry to the next level. Inferno & Co. began right as the COVID-19 pandemic was OUTHREADMAG.COM | 77

picking up speed. In quarantine, Catanzarite had time to build his business. He taught himself how to use Adobe products like Illustrator and Photoshop to design the clothes, found manufacturers, figured out his business model, and got everything figured out. During the process, he roped in two friends, Jacob Harb and Cody Ruple, to help him with the logistics of the business. Ruple helps with “running the numbers” and making sure the information is all compiled in a concise manner, and Harb is the director of operations, making sure they stay up-to-date with orders, the website runs smoothly, and more. “When Dante told me the idea of the brand at first I loved it, as well as everything it stood for because I know exactly where he drew a lot of his inspirations from, and I wanted to help out as much 78 | THREAD

as I could,” Harb, who has been close friends with Catanzarite since middle school, said in a message. “Granted, it took a lot of convincing and proving it to him, which I’m very thankful he gave me the opportunity to do this with him and help him out.” Inferno & Co.’s website launch and first drop happened in the first week of September, 2020. He had another launch in the first week of November and a spring release the first week of April. As of now, the brand sells sweatshirts, t-shirts, caps, and more, with a lot of the inspiration for the designs coming from Catanzarite’s rugby roots. As a member of the OU Rugby Team, Catanzarite has seen an overwhelming amount of support from his teammates while starting Inferno & Co. — he even used some of them to model the clothes.

who, what,wear

“With rugby, there’s a certain culture,” Catanzarite said. “The rugby guys are going to really support you, no matter what. Rugby is a sport where if you play, you take care of your own. I really wanted to give back to those guys… I thought a sliver of what I can do is to let them model, because I know they’re excited about the brand. It brings me joy that other people are actually getting behind this.” One of his OU rugby teammates, Will Brumfield, listened to Catanzarite talk about starting a clothing brand for months. Catanzarite would bounce ideas off of Brumfield and their friends, and they all felt a sense of pride in what Catanzarite was creating. “When he talked about making a clothing brand I always thought it was cool, but I thought that’s all it would be, just talk,” Brumfield, a senior studying environmental engineering, said in a message. “He took an idea and made it a legitimate business in, like, eight months, which is wild to me. The man is as determined and motivated as anyone I’ve ever seen, especially at this age, and I think he can take this company wherever he wants to. Not many people can build a clothing company from scratch or rock a handlebar mustache. Dante is doing both in style.” There are also several products on the website that act as a OUTHREADMAG.COM | 79

play on words or pun. One of Catanzarite’s goals with Inferno & Co. is to not take himself or have his customers take themselves too seriously, so he designed a “Cancer Sticks” beanie as a play on big tobacco companies and is currently working on a design to play off of a famous beer. The clothing is a combination of his rugby vibes and streetwear styles, so there are a lot of colorful designs and prints, as well as tattoo-style artwork and a vintage aesthetic. Catanzarite will get a clear idea in his head, make the design, pick out the fabrics with the manufacturer, iron out the stitching details and sizing logistics, and then place the order to eventually sell on his website. Aside from its own products, Inferno & Co. also has a sourcing side to the business. The garment sourcing means that anytime an organization, company, or club needs pieces of clothing, Catanzarite can get it for them. This is where he has seen the most growth in the business. “I don’t ever see it as ‘Hey, this is another clothing company that’s competition,’” said Catanzarite. “I always see it as ‘Hey, it’s another clothing company, we can do business together, we can grow each other,’ because when they grow, I grow, and vice versa.” Between his creativity in the business and savvy with the 80 | THREAD

sourcing side, Catanzarite’s friends aren’t even a little bit shocked that he’s finding success with Inferno & Co. “I think Dante’s work is important because I love wearing his stuff,” Brumfield said in a message. “But outside of that, I think his clothing company fills a very niche lane of fashion that not a lot of people have explored. His branding is excellent and his clothing company embodies a mindset that I think is prevalent among a lot of the people that both me and Dante affiliate with, and I feel, and I know Dante does as well, a lot of people can identify with [it].” Harb and the rest of Catanzarite’s friends know that the true genius of the business

who, what,wear

lies in the branding, connecting everyone who is passionate about the Grit N’ Grind motto. “I think it’s important work that Dante’s doing because in a way, it helps connect everyone who wants to get gritty and embrace the grind,” Harb said in a message. “We’ve all done things we don’t want to do, but it’s not about what we do, it’s how we do it. Sometimes you have to do the dirty work that no one else is willing to do. That is true grit and grind, and that is what we stand for.” After he graduates, Catanzarite is looking to get a warehouse, some printing equipment, and continue pushing the business in the direction it needs to go. But with all he’s accomplished,

Catanzarite doesn’t feel a great sense of pride. He doesn’t mean this in a negative light, but in true Grit N’ Grind fashion, he knows that this is just the beginning of his business. “I’m going to take this business to the highest potential it can be, and then some,” said Catanzarite. “I’m 21, not even out of college yet, but I’ve got a great foundation. I’m all about pivots and taking next steps. I hope it goes as far as it’s supposed to. I don’t know if it’s supposed to or not, but it’s up to me and Cody and Harb and anybody else who joins and everybody who really supports me. And I’m just going to try my hardest to build it. I’m very optimistic.” OUTHREADMAG.COM | 81

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Gigi ’s Country Kitchen BY KAYLA BENNETT PHOTOS BY ANDREW GUIDARELLI

Gigi’s Country Kitchen has held a place in Athens at 105 N Plains Road since 2011. Open every day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the restaurant’s specialty is serving up breakfast and lunch. In fact, this year, on Nov. 1, Gigi’s will be celebrating 10 years of providing for the people of Athens. In recent years, Gigi’s has gained traction and has

been able to expand their customer base. A momentous contributor to Gigi’s growing popularity was Joe Burrow, quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals and an alumnus of Athens High School. “I’ve never been a big football guy, but if I was ever watching college football growing up it was the Tigers, so I was kind of familiar with the French Cajun lingo, and go with the EAUX type thing, so we throw ‘Geaux Joe Burrow’ in French Cajun style on our sign,” said Travis Brand, owner of Gigi’s Country Kitchen. “Marty Smith, from ESPN, interviewing Joey in Death Valley on the field, says ‘how cool was that, this Gigi’s restaurant in the Plains kind of gave you a shout-out –– how’s that feel?’ And they for some reason, for the next three minutes straight on national television, just talked about Gigi’s and our omelets, cornbread, biscuits, and all these different things. So that began the madness, the following two years where it was just absolutely unbelievable.” This began a whirlwind of excitement for Gigi’s and really helped put their name out there. Speaking of the name, Gigi’s obtained its name from Brand’s grandmother, who was a voice of reason to him in his childhood. With her active involvement within her area through fundraising and more, Gigi left an inspiring legacy. She was diagnosed with terminal cancer, but still OUTHREADMAG.COM | 83

managed to raise $30,000 for cancer patients who could not afford treatment. Gigi also encouraged Brand’s dream to open a restaurant. When she passed away, Brand knew what the name of the restaurant would be and knew it would always be more than a name to him. In Athens, there’s endless and constant support coming from the community. Gigi’s customers have created a binding loyalty to the restaurant, especially amidst the pandemic. “It really dawned on me that we meant something to people when we started seeing people come in, alumni, saying ‘we came back for homecoming and we had to come to Gigi’s’, like wow, weird,” said Brand. “That was five years ago when our first group of graduates were coming back that had eaten here since they were 84 | THREAD

freshmen –– coming back for their first year as alumni. I was like ‘wow, we are a part of people’s [stories]’… It’s kind of odd and special, and neat; we watch get to watch people’s children grow up.” Brand expressed his gratitude and humbleness for the support he has for the restaurant’s new customers and regulars that they see often. He said that he enjoys when college students eat at Gigi’s and appreciates how easygoing, courteous, and generous they are as tippers. Gigi’s customer demographic varies in all ages, and all are always welcome with open arms. “I’ve been going there since they opened because I happen[ed] to retire the same year that they opened in 2011,” said Bob Wiseman, a Gigi’s regular. “There was a long time that I was going in pretty early for

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breakfast and then going in for lunch too, so I was a ‘two-a-dayer.’ I backed off of that in the last couple of years, but you know it’s my favorite place to go.” Although customers contribute to the impact of Gigi’s success, behind the scenes, the achievements of Gigi’s Country Kitchen could not be as immense without the hardworking, brilliant staff, which consists mostly of Athens locals. “Our staff –– I have [to] first and foremost say, is absolutely second to none,” said Brand. “I don’t care what it is, what I’m doing in this world; if I’m going into battle, and that’s whether we’re cooking food or handling a zombie apocalypse, my crew is absolutely the reason Gigi’s is Gigi’s.” The staff is always developing new ideas to better Gigi’s and create the welcoming atmosphere

everyone appreciates. “There was one case that there was this gentleman who had just moved to the Plains area,” said server and dining room manager Jessica Shaulis. “I think it was his second or third time ever coming in, and he walked through the door and I was like, ‘hey, do you want your usual?’ I think it was a breakfast bowl at the time… and a coffee. He sat his coffee down at this table after he had sat down, he stopped me and he introduced himself, and I obviously introduced myself back, and he said, ‘I just want to thank you,’ he’s like, ‘I just recently moved to the area and it’s nice to come to a place and be recognized.’” The city of Athens has also allowed Gigi’s to build relationships with other local diners. The owners connect with each other, whether it’s talking about sales at OUTHREADMAG.COM | 85

the grocery store, helping each other with hardships, or sharing each other’s posts on social media to build up support for one another.

cards just to make sure that Gigi’s was receiving the business they deserve. Brand said that these instances make him feel like he and the rest of his staff have not only a direct “COVID HAS BEEN THE family, but a huge family in AthBIGGEST OPPORTUNITY FOR US ens. During COVID-19, this TO SEE THE LOVE AND has allowed Gigi’s to keep up SUPPORT WE HAVE FROM through the challenges the THESE PEOPLE,” SAID BRAND. business is facing. Gigi’s is home to a plethora of Amidst the pandemic, customdelicious menu options, including ers have still made an effort to omelets, soups, salads, burgers, come out and make sure Gigi’s and a whole list of breakfast stays afloat. There have been local specials. It will continue to hold a doctors coming in to buy a meal spot in Athens’ heart and create for the health department anonya friendly atmosphere that’s mously. Another local business available for anyone and owner came in and bought gift everyone’s enjoyment.

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A Fatal Re-Attraction A fresh take on Fatal Attraction March 2011. PHOTOS BY BRE SEVERNS

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Retro Rollin’ PHOTOS BY MADISON SALYER

Modernizing the ’70s

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Stay fierce, babe!

PHOTOS BY ELLA CALHOUN

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PHOTOS BY MACK WAGNER

MOST LIKELY TO...

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Six Looks We Like: Decade Do-Over PHOTOS BY SOPHIA DAUGHERTY MUNOZ

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CAMPUS CASUAL Light-hearted reads for the quiz-taking, listicle reading, horscope believin’ spirit in all of us. SPRING HORSCOPES P. 154

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SPRING

HOROSCOPES BY JILLIAN CRAIG

ARIES MAR 21 - APR 20 It’s all about you, Aries! This month is expected to be prosperous for you, as you can expect to be fruitful in your finances and opportunities that present themselves to you. This month is also a good time to address and make progress in your personal relationships with the people you live with. Take this time to reflect on yourself and the people in your life, and don’t be afraid to drop people who do not present an equal partnership in your relationship.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 20 This spring holds personal magnetism and drive for Geminis. You’ll find yourself hearing good news from someone close to you in your life, and you’ll experience new opportunities that will open doors to your dreams and ambitions. Although you may be ready for rest, the full moon at the end of April will drive your productivity to either complete a project or even find a new job.

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Spring is in full swing, and so are the changes the signs are experiencing this season. Does your spring hold success, or will it bring you more drive and ambition? Read more to find out!

THIS MONTH’S SIGN Money is no object to you this month, Taurus, but your desire to spend money will also be your biggest motivator to work for it. As the sun transitions from Aries to Taurus, you’ll notice yourself embracing pleasure at any possible chance. Indulge! Enjoy the things that make you happy. You’ll also notice yourself focusing on the future and taking steps toward achieving those professional dreams. An unexpected shift could occur this month for you, Taurus, but it can make or break you depending on your alignment. TAURUS APR 21 - MAY 20

CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 22 Success and fulfillment of your goals is coming your way, Cancer! You will have multiple opportunities to show your capabilities in your professional life. Whether it’s a new promotion or a chance for good publicity, the opportunity is there — all you have to do is reach for it. This season will be filled with various events and good times with people in your own network. The universe is taking special care of you this season; it’s your time to shine.

LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22 Live in the moment this season, as people in your life will make you feel as though you are loved and belong. This month will give you an opportunity to expand your perspective and broaden your worldview, possibly through school or even traveling. Like the other signs, you’ll find yourself fired up and ready to tackle anything in your professional life. At the end of this month, you’ll find yourself more emotional as you address issues in your family and personal life.

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VIRGO AUG 23 - SEPT 22 Your sense of ambition will continue this month, Virgo. You’ll find yourself hustling in your professional life to achieve all that you desire, and people will notice. This is also a good time to reflect and analyze the nature of your relationships. Are you giving or taking? This month is the time to investigate that. You’ll find yourself stepping out of your comfort zone and broadening your horizons; look to see what new ideas and perspectives you can discover. At the end of the month, you’ll attain a newfound ability to communicate and express yourself, so don’t be afraid to speak your mind!

LIBRA SEPT 23 - OCT 22 You’ll be feeling yourself this month as you experience feelings of confidence in yourself. Use this energy in your professional or academic pursuits, as this season will be packed with work that will pay off in the future. In their love life, Libras will be fruitful and can expect to find a long-term relationship or find their current relationship become something more serious. Toward the end of the month, the full moon will bring you a pleasant surprise that could be a new reward, such as a raise or promotion.

SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21 Expect to work on your schedule more this month, as you and your productivity become busier. Like Libras, Scorpios can expect to find a loving, long-term relationship if they are single, or discuss more serious plans for their current relationship if they are not single. By the end of this month, you’ll see all the effort you’ve put into achieving your goals come to life.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21 This month is a time for relationship self-discovery for Sagittarius. Whether it’s a professional relationship or romantic relationship, more progress can be made when working together instead of trying to go at it alone. For the Sagittarius who doesn’t have that special someone yet, now is a time to discover what you’re looking for in a romantic partner. Additionally, if you’re looking to find someone, now is the time to do so, as your passion and desire to follow your heart swells this month. The rest of the month will be packed with appointments and productivity as you get busier with assignments that come your way.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 19 You’ll be continuing your productivity streak this month, Capricorn, until the later half, when your focus will shift to romantic relationships. You’ll find yourself opening up to people in the romantic aspects of your life, as the sun will bring you romance and creativity. This is the perfect time for Capricorns to make dating and finding their perfect person a priority in their life. The end of the month will bring opportunities to grow and expand either your social or professional network.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 18 This month brings passion and pleasure for Aquarians. If you’re thinking about looking for a relationship, this is the month to try. This is also the month for Aquarians to try to conceive, if that is what they’re trying to do. Your communication skills will also be heightened this month and you’ll know just what to say and how to say it. You can also expect to spend more time at home, and this time may be spent on updating your space or confronting important family issues. Like many of the other signs this month, you can also expect a reward in your professional life in the form of a raise, promotion, or another related achievement.

Pisces can expect to confront their family predicaments at the beginning PISCES of this month. Whether it’s completely leaving or simply tackling the issue FEB 19 - MAR 20 head-on. Pisces will also find themselves fixated on love and romance this month. Finances and wealth will improve for Pisces this month as they, too, will find themselves with a new job or raise. This is also the perfect time for Pisces to speak their mind and their truth with improved communication skills. At the end of the month, Pisces will break through and out of their comfort zone and experience success, or possibly a failure, in something pertaining to publicity, media, or academia. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 155

WHICH YA

BOOK

ARE YOU? BY JILLIAN CRAIG

ILLUSTRATIONS BY PROVIDED

Were you the kid who devoured Warrior Cats books in school? Or were you the one who always had your nose buried in one of the books from the Hunger Games series? Take this quiz to find out!

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WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT HAIR COLOR? A.) An unnaturally dyed color B.) Recently dyed darker C.) All-natural

WHICH TV SHOW CHARACTER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH MOST? A.) Detective Olivia Benson from “Law and Order: SVU” B.) Bart Simpson from “The Simpsons” C.) Elena from “The Vampire Diaries”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY OR PASTIME? A.) Activism and protests B.) Exploring the outdoors C.) Getting ice cream or coffee with friends

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO PAIR OF SHOES? A.) Gym shoes B.) Combat boots or Doc Martens C.) Sperrys

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR? A.) Black B.) Pale yellow C.) Baby blue

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? A.) Count Chocula B.) Lucky Charms C.) Honey Nut Cheerios

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IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY A’S, YOU’RE “THE HUNGER GAMES” Dystopian novels really took over the YA book world for a while and you did not shy away from them. You are fierce and unafraid of authority or anyone who stands in your way. You tend to stand out from the crowd, but you always do your best to protect those who need protecting.

IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY B’S, YOU’RE “TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD” You’re still trying to figure yourself out, and that’s OK! You are maturing and on your own journey of self-discovery as you become more of an adult, just like Scout. You’re always learning new things and never shy away from adventure.

IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY C’S, YOU’RE “THE FAULT IN OUR STARS” You are no stranger to love and romance. In fact, it’s what you seem to be drawn to. Whether it’s romantic comedies or romance novels, you enjoy the happiness that comes from love and reading all about it. Although this book is tragic love, you still relish in it like no other.

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BANNED BANDZ BY JILLIAN CRAIG PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Silicone pink rabbits, glow in the dark dinosaurs, purple princess tiaras, and more were all the rage over 10 years ago when the Silly Bandz craze began. Kids of all ages sported them at the peak of their popularity, and even got in trouble with teachers for playing and trading the silicone shapes in class. Silly Bandz first came to the U.S. in 2009, when they hit the shelves in a Learning Express store in Birmingham, Alabama. By the end of the year, Silly Bandz could be found in stores along the East Coast, and by 2010 they were located in 8,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada. Silly Bandz were first created in 2002 by the Japanese design team Passkey Design, Yumiko

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Ohashi and Masonar Haneda. The silicone, animal-shaped bracelets were designed with the intention of promoting sustainability by discouraging people from simply throwing them out. Originally sold under the name Animal Rubber Bands, Silly Bandz won the Best Design award at the 2003 Japanese National Competition. Prior to reaching Learning Express in 2009, they were available at The Design Store at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City in 2005. Today Silly Bandz are not exactly extinct, just not as easily found in stores. However, they can be found on eBay, Amazon, and even the Silly Bandz website.

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BACK OF THE CLOSET

An in-depth look at today’s most buzz-worthy topics. BEE BETTER P.198

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Kam

ala Harris

Madam adam Vice President Presid is n BY MADDY FINK PHOTOS BY PROVIDED ILLUSTRATIONS BY SARAH JAMES

ow speaking

ust a little over ten years ago, America had strictly only white, and usually old, men holding the highest offices of president and vice president of the United States of America. As we all know, in 2008, history was made by former President Barack Obama when he was elected the 44th president of the United States and, more importantly, the first Black president. It took America over 200 years to get a Black president in office, and still, no vice president up until this point had been anything other than a white male. The obvious question crossed many Americans’ minds: would a woman ever hold the office of vice president or president? After the loss that Hillary Clinton faced 162 | THREAD

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in 2016, it seemed as if women would never be taken seriously when it came to running for the highest office. That was until the 2020 election cycle. Kamala Harris came from an activist background. She grew up in Oakland, California, as the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants. Both Harris’ mother and father were civil rights activists themselves, taking their daughter to protests and rallies at a young age. Harris and her sister, Maya, even planned their own successful protest against a ban that prevented children from being allowed to play in front of their apartment building. Harris went on to attend Howard University and majored in political science and economics, following her undergrad career with law school. After graduating from law school, Harris ended up back where it all started for her, in Oakland. 164 | THREAD

Harris was passionate about being a lawyer from the very beginning of her career. While her family and friends were unsure of her career choice because the intense scrutiny lawyers often face, Harris knew she wanted to make a major difference in her community, even if it gave her a controversial reputation. Throughout Harris’ legal career, she mainly focused on teenage prostitution issues and helped victims seek justice for their experiences. However, her legal career does have some questionable moments, such as her stance on prison reform, truancy in schools, and marijuana legalization, but she seems to have evolved her opinion to be more liberally aligned on those topics. She eventually took her legal knowledge and experience

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and ran for California state attorney general, becoming the first Black woman to hold the position. Harris gained national recognition as attorney general, later moving on to become a California state senator. Harris provides great representation for women who are successful without the nuclear family dynamic we so often see in society. She has been a career-driven woman from the start, but she didn’t let this get in the way of her personal life, though. She met her nowhusband Doug Emhoff in 2013 when the two were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. The couple married a year later. While Harris has no biological children, she does have two stepchildren. Her blended family dynamic is an accurate representation of what so many families across the country look like and it is nice to see the

second in line to the presidency have a not-so-typical family. While Harris was serving as a senator for California, she decided to throw her hat in the ring along with dozens of other notable democratic candidates and run for president in the 2020 election. Harris wanted to run and make a difference in our country, especially after four years with another man in office. Many were excited for Harris to run, but many were also hesitant to support her because of her controversial legal record. She came out strong initially, doing well in debates and even nailing now-President Joe Biden on the issue of bussing. However, in December 2019, Harris dropped out of the presidential election, quickly drawing speculation that she would be the vice-presidential pick for whoever became the democratic presidential nominee. Harris often

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avoided questions asking if she was going to be Biden’s VP pick, but speculation grew. Finally, in the late summer of 2020, Harris was officially announced as Biden’s pick for vice president. After being formally announced as Biden’s VP, Harris quickly got to work campaigning during the election cycle. She dealt with her conservative colleagues purposely mispronouncing her name at rallies and other microaggressions that women of color have been facing for decades. Republicans were not taking her seriously, and it reminded many of the treatment of Clinton in 2016, but at least then conservatives and Republicans mustered up enough respect to pronounce Clinton’s name correctly. The vice presidential debate was held in early October 2020 in Salt Lake City, where Harris and former Vice President Mike Pence faced off. Many were excited but nervous to see how the two were going 166 | THREAD

to interact, but Pence is known for being slightly more civilized than his running mate when it comes to debates. The two had a successful debate and many news outlets and commentators crowned Harris as the winner. This debate was pivotal for on-edge voters, swaying them toward the democratic ballot. This is also where Harris coined the nowinfamous “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking” slogan, which was a moment that women all over the country could relate to, as being overshadowed and interrupted by men is not a new concept. Just a month later, after many nerve-wracking days of waiting to see who was going to win the election, Biden and Harris were officially announced president and vice president of the United States of America. The country rejoiced, tears were shed, and many felt like this was the beginning of a new and brighter chapter in American history. A chapter that will focus on getting the COVID-19 pandemic under

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control, advocate for people of color and the LGBT community, and will hopefully have Americans not refreshing Twitter every minute to see what the president tweeted next. Biden may be the oldest sitting president, but Harris made even bigger history by becoming the first female, the first Black, and the first South Asian vice president. Regardless of political views, having a woman of color holding the second-most powerful office in the land is something that everyone should celebrate. This is a big step toward having a woman one day becoming the next president, and it wouldn’t be possible without Harris and all that she has accomplished.

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Fashion Forecasting BY SAMANTHA KRUSE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

he ’90s are known for their trends and the fun fashion that came along with them. From the iconic hairstyles to the infamous velour tracksuits, statement pieces and necessary basics can be found in every teen magazine. With inspiration from ’90s movies and icons, the trends have come full circle and found their way back to us. For this fashion forecast, I predict that we will see a lot more fun pastel colors, more platform shoes, and more sparkles coming our way.

CLOTHES

Velour tracksuits: The iconic matching combo is stylish and an easy piece to throw on when running errands, grabbing lunch, or just hanging around the house. It gives a cute, but casual impression and seems to have a color for every mood. Even Kim Kardashian has dug back into her ’90s roots as she has released her own Skims Velour Tracksuit. This trend is on its way to being a new staple to our wardrobe.

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Overalls: Not only were kids rocking this style during the decade, so were adults. Denim, colorful, and corduroy overalls were trending at the time, and will be a great piece for spring. They can be styled with a turtleneck, plain short sleeve t-shirt, graphic t-shirt, and an oversized sweater to be added over the piece. This very versatile trend would go well with a bucket hat or a bandana.

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SHOES

Platform flip flops: These flip flops will make their comeback this summer and give us that extra boost of height we appreciate. When I think of this trend, I cannot help but have the Lizzie McGuire show pop into my head. Even though this was an early 2000s show, Hilary Duff, who plays Lizzie, follows this ’90s style and wears her signature orange platform flip flops. These shoes come in all sorts of colors and are ideal for a flowy summer dress or even just pairing them with shorts or jeans and calling it a day. 170 | THREAD

Platform clogs: Cute for all seasons, these shoes can be dressed up with some socks or just slipped on bare feet. Leopard print and neutral-colored clogs will be a trend that goes well with a pair of jeans. There are low heel platform clogs and a higher heeled variety to choose from.

ACCESSORIES

Thick headbands: These are a great accessory, as there is a variety of sequined, velvet, and printed headbands to choose from. They are definitely a throwback to the ’90s, as the iconic Cher from the movie

Clueless inspired us with her velvet and printed headbands that she paired flawlessly with her outfits. The thicker headbands will be coming back into style and will go nicely with any outfit picked to pair it with. Butterfly clips: These fun little clips bring back childhood

memories; now they are back in the fashion world. There is an assortment of bright-colored and neutral butterfly clips that look great with any hair color. Pin back pieces of hair with these for a cute and fun look or use them to secure smaller braids, making the clips standout. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 171

Fruity jewelry: Studs and dangly fruit earrings will be a fun piece to add to the collection for this spring and summer. Some popular ones will be strawberries, lemons, and cherries. Dangly fruit earrings would be a statement piece that could go well with a solid-colored blouse, sweater, or dress. The fruit studs would be a more casual piece that would be ideal for everyday wear. This jewelry will add more color to outfits and would pair nicely with other gold and silver jewelry.

HAIR

Hair jewels: These small, adhesive jewels are a fun way to add accessories to hair. There are a variety of different shapes, colors, and sizes, including stars,

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hearts, and circles that go on small strands of hair. These jewels are an easy and cute way to style hair, while also drawing attention to those beautiful locks. Bubble braids: These braids are stylish and can dress up any outfit. They are simple when starting directly from a ponytail and using small elastics to create the “bubbles.” These can work with long or short hair. For longer hair, create the bubble braid with a ponytail, letting down the hair and gathering certain sections of smaller strands to braid, or even going from the roots and braiding down. For short hair, try to braid from the roots all the way down (depending on how long the hair is). Gathering smaller strands to create small bubble braids in hair

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is super cute as well. These braids are cute for any season and add a new way to style hair.

MAKEUP

Bright eyeshadow: Think of any color of the rainbow, because these colors are coming into trend for eyeshadow and brightening up any look. In the 174 | THREAD

’90s, stars like Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani wore fun pink colors on their eyelids, making their whole look light up. Electric blue was also a popular one that is coming back, as it makes any eye color shine. These fun shades will be an interesting summertime trend to try out. Body glitter: Glitter is not only

fun for wearing with makeup, it is also an easy way to add some glow to the skin. Brushing the shimmer on the chest and lightly on shoulders is a great way to get that sparkling summer look. Body glitter would go beautifully with a tube top, or a blouse, or a tank top, and a flowy skirt. The ’90s are back and are

bringing their dainty accessories, luminous glow, and colorful makeup with them. This fashion will brighten any wardrobe, creating a fun look for the spring and summer. These trends are heading our way, so be ready for these exciting styles.

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The Evolution of the Industry There’s no question that fashion has changed drastically over the course of human history. There are so many trends and pieces to account for that there’s no way we could list them all here, but it wouldn’t be a throwback issue without a highlight reel of some of the most notable fashion looks from ancient history to modern day. Here’s a quick rundown, thanks to the Fashion History Timeline created by the Fashion Institute of Technology. BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

ANCIENT HISTORY Roman Clavus • Vertical bands running down the front and back of usually white tunics • Could be simple or detailed (florals, animals, mythological scenes) Egyptian Linen Headdress • What most people think of when they hear traditional Egyptian fashion • Brightly colored, stiff linen that was meant to frame the face of the pharaohs who

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wore them King Tutankhamun usually depicted with one Peplos • Greek outerwear usually worn by women • Sleeveless, long piece of wool, silk, or cotton pinned at the shoulder and belted at the waist • Usually ankle-length, many Goddesses depicted wearing them at knee-length Kohl • Popularized by the Egyptians •

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Black, gray, or colored eyeliner also worn for eye protection • Worn by men and women Toga Picta • Celebratory Roman toga worn in honor ceremonies • Usually dyed purple with gold embroidery • Loaned to people for specific occasions, emperors the only people allowed to own them Himation • Greek cloak worn specifically over the left shoulder • Worn by men and women, but women often used them as veils • Could relay class status depending on how it was worn MIDDLE AGES Barbette • 1200-1350 CE • A linen wrap worn under the chin and pinned at the sides • Worn by women when they were wearing other head coverings to keep it all in place Tablion • Popular in the fifth through tenth century • Colorful embroidered panels attached to the front of cloaks • Accessory worn by Byzantine emperors, empresses, and other important figures Dalmatic Tunic • T-shaped, Byzantine tunics with wide sleeves • Usually adorned with woven tapestries OUTHREADMAG.COM | 177

14TH CENTURY Cochineal Dyes • Red dyes taken from cochineal beetles, usually found on prickly pear cacti • Popular in Southern Mexico and Guatemala • Used for clothing and home décor Labret • Lip piercing usually used to indicate wealth and beauty • Popular in Aztec and African cultures, but had slightly different meanings Pattens • Platforms with wooden soles worn over shoes • Meant to protect feet from mud • Sometimes depicted as long and pointy, but usually looked like modern sandals Poulaine • Soft, slip-on shoes with long pointy toes • Popular in Poland • Toes were stuffed and whale bones were inserted for support Doublet • Fitted men’s jacket that became cropped over time • High-standing collars • Could be sleeveless or long sleeves Dagging • Decorative element added to the edges of clothing • Fabric cut into different shapes, like scalloping • Some viewed the act of wearing dagged clothing as sinful 178 | THREAD

15TH CENTURY 1400-1409 • Womenswear • Large, draped garments known as chemise became popular • Houppelandes, outerwear with high necklines and long sleeves • Roll of fabric known as a bourrelet worn between two cones of hair directly on top of the head. These cones are also known as “a pair of temples” • Menswear • Fitted clothes • Strong use of color and ornamentation • Class status revealed through the type of fabrics used

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1410-1419 • Not much changed from the previous decade, but it all got a bit more extravagant 1420-1429 • Wool became popular • Traditional robes seen among men Chaperon • Wrapped headdress with long tails draped over the shoulders Stomacher • Triangle-shaped panel meant to fill the opening on the front of gowns and bodices • Stiff and highly decorated Spanish Farthingale • Hooped skirt worn under many layers of clothing • Gave women a triangular silhouette • Could be made of wood, rope, or whale bone 16TH CENTURY 1510 • Cloaks became common • Slashing technique used to expose the fabric underneath

cloaks Low, square necklines Puff sleeves that became fitted from the elbow to the wrist 1570-1579 • Extravagance is back • Womenswear • Chemises and embroidery • All about having a wide silhouette • Doublet-style bodices • Menswear • Heavy padding known as a peascod was worn at the waist to create a wider shape • Doublets paired with stockings 1580s • Black became a popular dye among the elite • Standing collars were back in fashion 1590-1599 • Womenswear • Bodices made to flatten the chest and recede the waist • Hanging sleeves with huge skirts • •

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Ruffs, removable pleated collars, were paired with jewelry • White became popular as a sign of purity • Nature-themed embroidery • Menswear • Jerkins, jackets worn over the doublet, were paired with doublets, tights, cloaks, and boots • A loose and slightly distressed aesthetic became popular • Meant to make men look more melancholic Bombast/Bombasted • Padding used to structure clothing to create a specific 180 | THREAD

silhouette Usually made of wool or horsehair • Helped people achieve the wide looks in the stomach, shoulders, and thighs that they were going for 17TH CENTURY • All-black outfits with white accents in the collars and cuffs became common among Europeans Wampum • Shell beads used in headbands and belts to create images and patterns • Popular among Indigenous Americans, wampum is Algonquian for “small •

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shell beads” Often white or purple, given as gifts and in ceremonies before colonizers appeared Quillwork • Also popular among Indigenous Americans • Used to add ornamentation to textiles • Porcupine quills are plucked, washed, dyed, dried, and softened • Used on ceremonial wear Chantilly Lace • A specific style of black lace used to create four-point or six-point stars Rebato • Large, standing lace collar supported with a wire • Worn by both men and women Falling Band • Also known as falling collars • Flat, white, layered collars with lace edges worn by men • Rested on the shoulders, like little capes 18TH CENTURY • All about opulence 1700-1709 • Womenswear • Mantua: Jacket-like bodice with a pulled back overskirt; think Cinderella’s stepsisters • Fontange: linen cap with layers of lace and ribbon, loose curls left in the front to offset the bonnet • Lots of lace and basic pieces • Heels with pointed toes were on the rise • Menswear •

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Super colonial, think Founding Fathers-chic • Long coats over basic pieces • Open sleeves with tight fits • Wigs worn with threecornered black hats 1778 • Strong emphasis on the figure, aka tight clothes • Pointed-toe heels with embellished sides, known as Louis heels, became popular 1783 • Chemise dresses put a new spin on the original chemise, also known as a “robe en chemise” • Added a waistline, puffed sleeves, low neckline, and full skirts to the simple design • Usually made of muslin 1787-1789 • Less flamboyance in menswear • No silk and ornamented outfits

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No wigs, moved to wideawake hats 19TH CENTURY Akwete • Decorative cloth full of weaved colorful geometric patterns • Popular among Igbo women in Nigeria and can still be seen in clothes today Moccasins • Soft animal skin • Have been around longer than the 19th century, but this is when they were first taken note of • Could include feathers, leaves, or beaded flowers • Imported silk added as time went on Bark Cloth • Fabric made from tree bark, usually ficus • Found in East and Central Africa • Technique used before weaving was popularized • Have a symbolic meaning and commonly used at healing ceremonies Back Apron (Negbe) • Oval-shaped decorative 182 | THREAD

pad that covered a woman’s backside • Seen amongst Mangbetu women in Africa • Could by dyed with plant fibers Boubou • African robe, popular in Senegal • One large rectangle of fabric draped down the shoulders to billow out across the body • Often stiffly starched and indigo blue • Meant to give the illusion of height Muslin • Cotton, wool, or silk plainweave textile • Durable and used in many outfits as it could be dyed or left undyed 20TH CENTURY • Post WWII brought about a surge of whimsical and fairytale-like fashion • Flowy skirts and playful patterns Rise in Black fashion designers • Ann Lowe, 1960s • Most known for designing Jackie Kennedy’s wedding

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dress Emulated the romantic vibes seen immediately after the war • Used narrow silhouettes with empire waists and low-scoop or square necklines • Patrick Kelly, 1980s • Lots of color, typical ’80s vibes • Form-fitting dresses • Broke the mold of the alluring runway supermodel 1981 Princess Diana’s wedding dress • The dress to end all dresses • Ivory, silk taffeta with lace, sequins, and pearls • Full skirt, puff sleeves, boned bodice, and 25-foot train • Still inspiring wedding dress designs to this day 1994 Princess Diana’s “Revenge Dress” • A form-fitting off the shoulder chiffon black cocktail dress • Designed by Christina •

Stambolian Worn to a dinner the night her husband, Prince Charles, announced his infidelity on television 1990-1999 • Super casual grunge vibes, want to look disheveled • Minimalism and oversized for the win • Biker shorts, Keds, slip dresses, and cargo pants • School style: blazers, khakis, oxfords, and pleated skirts 21ST CENTURY • Kicked off the millennium with a mix of different fashion choices • Low-rise, wide-leg jeans with crop tops, now known as the big pants, tiny shirt look • Scene and emo fashion influences can still be seen today • Grunge made a reappearance • Now we’re back to Y2K •

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Os Ico

BY DORI GRAY PHOTO

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scar ons

OS BY PROVIDED

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It’s that time of year again: awards season. Beginning in February, it’s an exciting time for fans of the entertainment industry, and every win, loss, and social media post leads Hollywood to the final show, the Oscars. The 93rd Academy Awards took place April 25, and while plenty of discourse could be had about which actors were nominated and what films were snubbed, the main event is arguably the one before the event — the red carpet. The Oscars red carpet is something fashion lovers can look forward to; trends are often predicted, and small designers can get large exposure. Plus, it’s just fun. The annual awards ceremony has taken place since 1929, and it’s fascinating to see how fashion has both evolved and come full circle right in front of the paparazzi’s lenses. From outlandish to outstanding, the following are some of the most iconic fashion looks to be worn to the Academy Awards, listed in chronological order. GRACE KELLY, 1955 Grace Kelly, soon to be Princess of Monaco, wore a stunning mint green gown by Edith Head to the 27th Academy Awards. She won Best Actress for The Country Girl, and looked every bit the part of a princess while doing so.

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DIAHANN CARROLL, 1969 In 1969, Diahann Carroll looked absolutely ethereal while presenting in a light pink gown with a flowing, sparkly sheer overlay. It’s giving couture fairy godmother meets The Supremes elegance. CHER, 1988 Serving looks at the Oscars is a pastime for Cher. While all of her head-turning gowns by Bob Mackie are iconic, 1988s beaded “naked dress” definitely stole the show. DEMI MOORE, 1989 Demi Moore went the DIY route for the Oscars in 1989. While the corset-bike shorts-gown trifecta has made its fair share of ‘worst dressed’ lists, it’s kind of a look? Very 80s.

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Shout out to Demi for being a crafty queen! MADONNA AND MICHAEL JACKSON, 1991 Are words even needed here? Madonna, an icon, wore Bob Mackie in the style of Marilyn Monroe, an icon, in 1991. She took Michael Jackson, an icon, as her date. It’s all very … iconic. LIZZY GARDINER, 1995 Yes, those are real American Express Gold cards. And, yes, Australian costume designer Lizzy Gardiner did make a dress out of the cards, and wore it to the 1995 Oscars. She won Best Costume Design, naturally. CELINE DION, 1999 Who could forget Céline Dion’s drapey backwards suit by John Galliano for Christian Dior?

Honestly, the sunglasses and the hat elevated the 1999 look. BJÖRK, 2001 Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Björk’s 2001 Marjan Pejoski “swan dress” might just be the most notable Oscars look of all time. It’s been parodied by the likes of Miley Cyrus (or was it Hannah Montana?) and Ellen DeGeneres. And, Valentino even debuted an updated couture version in 2014 — minus the ostrich eggs. HALLE BERRY, 2002 Halle Berry wore a flattering burgundy Elie Saab gown to the 2002 Oscars. Not only did she look amazing, but she also made history that day, and became the first Black woman to win the Best Actress award.

ANGELINA JOLIE, 2004 Angelina Jolie’s 2012 Atelier Versace Oscars look may have sparked a meme, but the satin Marc Bouwer gown she wore in 2004 is the definition of timeless. FAN BINGBING, 2013 Known for her immaculate red carpet style, Fan Bingbing did not disappoint in a fuchsia Marchesa ballgown at the 85th Annual Academy Awards. It’s refreshingly bright, and the cut is both elegant and especial. PHARRELL WILLIAMS WITH HELEN LASICHANH, 2014 Pharrell pulled up to the 2014 Oscars in Lanvin tuxedo shorts … tuxedo shorts. It was a moment. (Try not to pay attention to the fact that he was also not wearing socks.)

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LUPITA NYONG’O, 2015 Lupita Nyong’o has not had a single miss on the Oscars red carpet. Her 2015 pearl-covered custom Calvin Klein Collection dress further solidifies this fact. BILLY PORTER, 2019 Billy Porter’s 2019 Christian Siriano tuxedo gown. That’s it. That’s the tweet. JASON MOMOA WITH LISA BONET, 2019 Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet coordinated in pale pink Fendi at the 2019 Oscars. The ‘fit itself was a statement, but the custom Fendi scrunchie on Momoa’s wrist truly pulled the look together. JANELLE MONÁE, 2020 Janelle Monáe’s 2020 hooded Ralph Lauren gown had 168,000 Swarovski crystals attached, and it took 600 hours’ worth of hand embroidery to apply them, according to WWD executive editor Booth Moore. The outcome? A glittering masterpiece.

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THREAD EXEC:

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Though the reasons for joining and positions on the staff may differ, alumni reminiscing on Thread recall the experience career-wise and emotionally as unforgettable. “I love that publication like it’s my baby and everybody that’s a part of it is always going to be family,” said Samantha Güt, a 2019 graduate and former design editor. In honor of the 10th anniversary issue, we wanted to spotlight some alumni who dedicated their college years to build and continue Thread’s legacy at Ohio University. BY RILEY RUNNELLS PHOTOS BY PROVIDED ILLUSTRATIONS BY RILEY RUNNELLS

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Annie Cercone YEARS AT OU: 2007 - 2011 FORMER ROLE AT THREAD: Asst. Design Editor ADVICE FOR GRADS AND STUDENTS: “Enjoy all the resources that are available to you.”

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Cercone has been working as a freelance designer for the past two years in Los Angeles and is now in Portland, Oregon. With her variety of clients, Cercone spends her day taking meetings with current or new clients and working on the various projects she’s commissioned to do. Her day-to-day differs, as she makes her own schedule freelancing. While in school, Cercone joined Thread to meet people, flex

some of the design skills she’d been working on, and for her love of collaboration for putting together a publication that she felt was extremely unique. Thread was where Cercone was able to hone her design skills and gain great experience. “It’s super valuable in that way just to give you that experience of, like, creating something with your peers,” Cercone said.

“IT’S SUPER VALUABLE IN THAT WAY JUST TO GIVE YOU THAT EXPERIENCE OF, LIKE, CREATING SOMETHING WITH YOUR PEERS,” ANNIE CERCONE

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Holly Fisher

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YEARS AT OU: 2007 - 2011 FORMER ROLE AT THREAD: Photography Chief ADVICE FOR GRADS AND STUDENTS: “Take as many risks as you can while you’re in college.” Fisher works as a film producer and is currently between Brooklyn and Los Angeles. She’s mostly worked with ad agencies producing commercial content, and most recently worked on the New York Times campaign called “The Truth Is Worth It”, which she describes as her proudest project. While in school, Fisher joined Thread because she was close friends with the woman who began the publication and wanted to help her get the ball rolling. At Thread, she handled

a lot of the production for photoshoots; handling casting, locations, and creative direction, Fisher did it all. It wasn’t until she left OU, however, that she discovered the proper term for that position is film producing. “I didn’t know that could be a job — I thought that was just the situation I was in at OU,” Fisher said. “But it’s actually become my full-time job.” She’s grateful for her lifelong connections and friends she made there, as well as the opportunity to discover her passion for production. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 193

Samantha Gut YEARS AT OU: 2015 - 2019 FORMER ROLE AT THREAD: Design Director ADVICE FOR GRADS AND STUDENTS: “When it comes to your work (in college), treat it like you would if you were giving it to someone at an office... it’s getting you into the mentality of working in the office.”

Güt works in Florida as the lead designer for the Orlando Business Journal, where she designs and lays out the issue each week while making the stories visually interesting through graphics, photos, and other design elements. She also creates infographics in each issue. While at school, Güt joined Thread for her “13 Going on 30” moment, being a part of a magazine. She researched Thread before she got to OU and knew she would be a part of the publication and one 194 | THREAD

day design director. She refers to Thread as the staple of what she’s doing now. Being design director for two years not only helped her understand how to work with a staff, but also taught her how to art direct and how to be a better designer in general. “There’s so many different people that are expressing themselves and using their creativity through their clothing, and I just thought it was awesome to get to see that from this magazine,” Güt said.

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Alex Vella YEARS AT OU: 2016 - 2020 FORMER ROLE AT THREAD: Design Director ADVICE FOR GRADS AND STUDENTS: “Apply early for jobs [and] reach out to contacts you know.”

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Vella lives near Cleveland, Ohio in Aurora, where she works for Sherwin-Williams and is currently a part of its IT rotational development program (SWAT). With the program, she’ll do two nine-month rotations. She just finished her first rotation as an IT analyst/developer and will be starting her next rotation on the User Experience (UX) Team. While at school, Vella joined Thread to get involved in extracurriculars with her design major and

meet more people. Thread was something that stood out in her interview with Sherwin-Williams; it showed the company she was able to balance her time well and have good organization skills, as well as having the creative background with software like the Adobe suites. “I loved how much I learned about InDesign and Illustrator,” Vella said. “You just get that extra knowledge that you might not necessarily get in the classroom.”

As Thread grows and changes, so does its staff. While new generations of writers, designers, photographers, and more contribute to the publication, alumni are taking the skills they learned and applying them to their postgraduate jobs. One thing they all have in common: Thread left a lasting impact on them in every aspect of their lives. “I can’t believe a vision I was told about on a local city bus in Spain is still an ongoing thing that so many people are involved in. It’s pretty cool,” Fisher said.

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BEE BETTER

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BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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ocks have been a necessity in most outfits and an added fashion staple in others forever. Some serve specific purposes (I’m looking at you, knee-high softball socks,) but most are just run-of-the-mill for everyday wear. Bombas understands this need as it sells, according to them, socks guaranteed with 100% happiness, but it also donates a pair for every one sold. That’s the brand’s schtick: one purchased equals one donated. 100% happiness is a hefty statement to live up to, but it says it's done this by fixing all of the “small things,” like toe seams, pilling, and sock slippage, to help make its products last for years for both customers and the shelters that receive them.

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Bombas might have started out with socks in 2013, but the company greatly expanded its product line since then. Launching shirts in 2019 snowballed into neutral and skin-toned underwear in January of this year. Its skin tone line includes five different shades, while its neutrals are more the average underwear color (blue, red, gray, etc.). It also built up variety in its products. It doesn’t just sell socks, it sells ankle, calf, quarter, compression, knee-high, and no-show socks. And all of these come in different prints and patterns. Gender neutrality has not reached the Bombas site just yet, as the products are broken up into men and women categories. All of the products listed above

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are donated to homeless shelters FAQ page that counters the bias and organizations helping those (internalized or not) that people in need each time a purchase is may have about homelessness. made. At the time of writing this From answering why someone article, Bombas’ donation tracker may choose to be on the on its website says it donated street to how to help homeless 47,549,788 items to over 2,500 people while also making sure community organizations. it maintains its sense of self and Bombas claims that its products dignity while it’s experiencing are “designed for donation,” a difficult situation, it helps its as the company meets the consumers truly understand requirements listed by homeless its cause. It even tackles the shelters for donation items. It bigger picture and says that works with “giving partners” to even though money is a good make these donations and has way to help, it cannot solve over 3,000 partners in the United the whole problem. Bombas States. It even has calls for support “WELCOMED 1,159 NEW and services to a waitlist for other organizations to GIVING PARTNERS, SPENT be in place to join when space supplement the either frees up or it 340 HOURS VOLUNTEERING change that money decides to expand VIRTUALLY AND IN PERSON, can bring. its partner network. If this alone For people looking DONATED 15,265,116 PAIRS doesn’t mist the to donate directly OF SOCKS, AND ORDERED eyes, wait until you to a shelter or 180 PIZZAS TO A LOCAL hear about the work work with one in that Bombas did FAMILY SHELTER.” its community, it to help during the has a directory on pandemic. It’s kept its website. While it’s making a a monthly track record starting in difference through donations, March 2020 of what it has done Bombas also hopes to bring to help. For an abstract, it says awareness to the issue of that it has “welcomed 1,159 homelessness through the work new Giving Partners, spent 340 that it does. hours volunteering virtually and This is all fine and dandy, but in person, donated 15,265,116 donating an item for every item pairs of socks, and ordered purchased isn’t a revolutionary 180 pizzas to a local family idea. Bombas doesn’t just donate shelter.” It also donated PPE and its products, the brand is also disinfectants to its partners active in making a real difference in March, donated 100,000 in people’s lives. On its website, pairs of socks in April, people can find a homelessness and donated $250,000 to OUTHREADMAG.COM | 201

organizations fighting for justice for the Black community and partnered with The Ally Coalition to donate socks to the LGBTQ+ community in June. And it hasn't stopped there. Bombas is truly about giving back to the community, and it shows through its work and extracurriculars. Speaking of assisting the Black community, Bombas can be added to the long list of companies that took a stance with the Black Lives Matter movement

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during the demonstrations last summer. It states on its website how systemic oppression and inequality disproportionately affects the Black community, leading to a greater chance of homelessness. For numbers to back up this claim, according to its website, the U.S. census, and the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 40% of the U.S. homeless population is Black, but Black people only make up 13% of the general population in

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the United States. While systemic issues require big governmental change, donations never hurt the cause. Knowing this, Bombas donated $25,000 to four organizations picked by its Black employees. This was on top of the $50,000 donated to each organization in June. Those picked were A Second U Foundation, Sister’s Circle, National Bail Fund Network, and The Marsha P Johnson Foundation. It

also launched The Black Hive Collection this February, where every pair of socks bought from that collection, a pair was donated to someone in need in the Black community. Bombas has done a lot, there’s no questioning that. It’s a lot more than the simple buy-onedonate-one model and the company’s history of community activism that proves it. Bombas works for real change, and it can inspire us all to Bee Better.

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RANT/RAVE DEPOP RESELLERS

ILLUSTRATIONS BY GRACE SUBLETT

RANT

BY AMY SZMIK

I’ve seen the whole trend of reselling thrifted clothes all over my TikTok. I cannot even begin to describe how many times I’ve seen videos of people going to thrift stores and buying an absurd amount of clothes, just to resell them at ridiculous prices. I get the reselling trend, I do, but why do we need to resell thrifted clothes? The trend is essentially buying out a ton of clothes from a thrift store and reselling them on apps like Depop or whatever. They’ll buy all these super cheap clothes and try and pass them off as authentic vintage clothes for absurd prices. It’s the dumbest thing ever because it’s literally a scam. These are clothes from thrift stores. Thrift stores are known for having LOW prices so it’s affordable and accessible for people who can’t spend as much money on clothes. Not just that, but there are a lot of cute items in thrift stores, and they’re affordable for college students who want to shop on a budget. Why do people feel the need to buy a ton of clothes to just 204 | THREAD

resell them? That’s genuinely so greedy in my opinion. It’s a waste of clothes and completely unethical. You’re literally pricing a $7 shirt for like $40; how do people support that kind of business? I don’t understand why you can’t just resell your OWN clothes that you don’t need anymore. I always see people on TikTok post about it, and then other users will show how much they raised the price. It’s unethical because not only are you taking a ton of clothes from people who actually need to shop at thrift stores, but making it unaffordable for them as well. It’s basically capitalism (don’t get me started on that) and gentrifying fashion and thrift stores. Please do not support these kinds of businesses and their unethical methods. I can assure you, just buying clothes at thrift stores yourself will save you plenty of time and money.

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RAVE

BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE

I completely agree that reselling thrifted clothes at outrageously high prices can be unethical. There is no way to justify something like that. It’s ridiculously privileged and horribly tone-deaf. It doesn’t make you an entrepreneur or a #girlboss because you’re not running a business, you’re running a scam. What I don’t have a problem with, though, is people who buy thrifted clothes,

alter them, and then resell them at reasonable prices. These people are putting in the work, making the clothes their own products, and not charging a ridiculous amount of money for them. These businesses are few and far between when it comes to the thrifted reselling niche, but if you look hard enough, you’ll find them. Not everyone can make custom pieces from scratch, so I completely understand finding a base product (like a shirt or jeans) and then going from there. Be it adding a collar, cropping or hemming, adding patches, or re-sizing, these products are now different from how they were bought, making them original products. Also, the people who do this do not usually buy out a whole thrift store of its trendy clothes. I follow one person on TikTok who does this and they do a great job of explaining their process. Vas Halastaras (@vas. hal) buys clothes from thrift stores and alters them to look more androgynous/gender nonspecific. The name of their store is Odd Bloom on Depop and every product is recycled or upcycled. The idea of thrifting resellers immediately sounds bad, and I completely agree. The people who do this are vultures and need to reevaluate what they’re doing, but not everyone is bad. If you want to get into this business, try to be more like Halastaras. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 205

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May 2021