October 2022: The Modern Arts Issue

All dressed up with everywhere to go ...

FRONT OF BOOK

WHAT, WEAR

OF THE BOOK

CASUAL

BACK OF THE CLOSET

HAUTE ONLINE

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

“BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL”

Some might recognize the name Charlotte D’Alessio from Instagram or the modeling world, but what people may not know is that she is a podcaster on the side. Titled, “Between Good and Evil,” D’Alessio brings guest stars like Kelsey Kreppel, Cindy Kimberly, and Devon Lee Carlson onto her show where they discuss topics ranging from their career to advice for their listeners. D’Alessio will also sometimes post by herself and give her advice and thoughts on topics that listeners want to hear or that she relates to. D’Alessio originally ran a blog on Tumblr that was also called “Between Good and Evil,” where

many users would comment for advice and she would offer her thoughts. After a few years, she created her podcast which I happen to really enjoy. I would say fans of Emma Chamberlain’s podcast would enjoy D’Alessio’s. Her podcast is calming and something I tend to listen to in the background or if I want to relax. For anyone who is looking for a lifestyle or advice podcast (which you can also watch on YouTube as well) I highly suggest “Between Good and Evil.”

PHOTO CREDIT: CHARTABLE

As a true crime podcast lover, one might think I have no shortage of options for entertainment. However, true crime dives into the most horrifying realities of real peoples’ lives, so I am incredibly picky as to who explains true crime cases to me. Until recently, I exclusively listened to one podcaster but have finally found a second source: “Morbid.”

“Morbid” is everything I need in a true crime podcast. I began my journey into the true crime world with “Crime Junkie,” and because that was all I listened to for months, the podcast has carefully molded my expectations. I need conscious podcasts that respect victims, try to help cases, and select stories I am unfamiliar with. More specifically, I prefer co-hosted podcasts that do not try to make the story sound creepy on purpose by masking their voice. Finally, the two hosts should have a relationship outside of the podcast because this makes the podcast all the better to listen to.

After months of searching, these weirdly specific podcasting needs have been met with “Morbid.” Ash and Alaina, the hosts, are practically sisters

(despite technically being an aunt and niece duo). Their chemistry comes alive as they keep listeners in the loop with their own lives in brief updates before each episode and throughout the show as they feed off one another.

Their best work, of course, is the actual true crime reporting. The pair always cites their sources and encourages listeners to explore the materials they used for their research. The pair are also incredibly conscious of victims and dedicate the majority of episodes to making those hurt or lost come alive to really stress the weight of the loss. Family members of victims they have covered have gone on to promote the show as a positive example of reporting on a lost loved one.

For those interested in true crime, “Morbid” is a must-listen. Their well-researched episodes range from 45 minutes to two hours, and they release multiple a week so fans are always satiated. They combine hard work with personal expertise (Alaina being an autopsy technician) for a fantastic and respectful podcast.

- KATIE MILLARD

For someone into psychological thrillers, “Severance” on Apple TV is definitely worth checking out. The show follows Mark, played by Adam Scott, and his severed life. In this dystopian world, people can choose to have an implant put into their brain that “severs” their home and work life. One will not have any memory of the other. The work self, or “innie,” knows nothing about a person’s personal life, friendships, and hardships, while the home self, or “outtie,” knows nothing about what happens at work and only knows about a person’s personal life. Essentially, every character in this show has two different personalities based on

whether they are in or out of the office. When a curious new employee is added into the mix, a lot of questions arise for everyone working in the office. A sense of discomfort grows as the show progresses and the audience learns more about what is really going on behind the scenes. The twists and turns along with the beautiful camera work and set design really made this show one of my favorites of the year. This show will leave your jaw on the floor.

- MEG REES

BEREAL

BeReal is an amazing photo-sharing application designed to eliminate the stigma of perfection on social media. The app will randomly alert users at any time throughout the day when the time comes to “be real,” and users will take a frontfacing and rear-facing photo to capture what they are up to in real time. There are no filters, no editing, and no follower counts. I really love this application because of the simplicity and the way that the app encourages users to be true and share their lives. The app also only notifies users once daily, so they do not feel overwhelmed when looking at their feed. Users also have the option

to leave a realmoji or a comment on all of their friends’ posts and are able to interact with them in a special way. Realmojis are actual reactionary pictures of your face you can take before posting or take on the spot to share how awesome you think your friends’ posts are. Overall, I have found BeReal to provide an incredibly positive online environment, and I believe that BeReal is the start of an amazing movement to eliminate the standards for perfection in our media.

CORRIN

PHOTO CREDIT: CALLA KESSLER

MAXI SKIRTS

TOP

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

I am studying away in Washington D.C. this semester, which required me to buy a ton of cute yet professional workwear for my classes and future internship. There is always a struggle of finding affordable, appropriate options that I actually feel good wearing. Maxi skirts are one of the few items that meet these requirements. While some may consider them to be old-fashioned or conservative, I love the playful and polished aesthetic they can bring to a simple outfit. For a casual shopping trip, try dressing down a satin maxi skirt with a cropped camisole and sneakers. Pairing a knit maxi skirt with a colorful long sleeve top creates a cute look for the office that is just the right amount of work and play. There are a ton of different cuts, materials, and patterns to match any items in your closet. Even if you are covering up, you can show off your style.

- HANNAH CAMPBELL

In April of 2009, a small group of students from the University of Michigan put on the first ever production of an insanely funny musical parody based on one of the most famous franchises of all time. The musical was titled “A Very Potter Musical” and ran for only one weekend. Since then, StarKid Productions (also known as Team StarKid) has been creating hilariously written and expertly crafted musical comedies parodying other popular works as well as shows featuring original storylines.

With the huge increase in popularity for Broadway musicals especially among younger generations, Team StarKid has gained a lot more attention in recent years. Unlike most professional Broadway shows, a majority of Team StarKid’s shows are available to watch outside the theater setting. The shows are free to watch on YouTube, making them extremely accessible.

Not only are the comedy elements of StarKid

musicals on point, but the musical aspects are big hits as well. Some of their most popular songs are on par with some of the greatest Broadway showtunes. Songs like “Kick It Up a Notch” from “Starship,” “Inevitable” from “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals,” and “Happy Ending” from “Twisted” are some great ones and definitely worth checking out.

Team Starkid is a wildly creative and talented group of people who make shows that can be enjoyed by anyone. Even if you are not an avid musical watcher, I would suggest giving StarKid Productions a try. Their shows are free to watch and are a great introduction to the musical theater world for those unfamiliar. Honestly, the shows are just really fun and offer an all-around immensely enjoyable viewing experience

ERIN FINAN

Now, everybody knows about the mini ring lights that clip onto a phone for selfies. People who were just as obsessed with them as I was will want to listen to this secret. While I wish I could get into a professional photo studio for every Instagram post and selfie, this is not at all realistic. However, my new favorite light, the Commlite CM-L50 LED Camera Video Light, has instantly enhanced my selfies to look much more professional. When I first bought this light, I was a bit skeptical because I had no idea how the light would work, but it was truly impressive. The light is incredibly convenient and portable because of the small size, and it can be thrown into a bag when running out of the house. Furthermore, the light clamps onto the back of a phone to give excellent lighting no matter the location. The Commlite CM-L50 LED Camera Video Light immediately enhances photos by creating the perfect lighting at any time of the day. I recommend this light to anyone that wants to get that perfect photo.

- CARMEN SZUKAITIS

SKIMS SOFT LOUNGE LONG SLIP

As I am writing this, I am sitting in the Skims dress. That is how good it is. The Skims dress is the perfect combination of comfort with a sleek design. I will admit at first I thought the Skims brand was overhyped. This was until I found myself at the Nordstroms in Seattle when I realized that all that hype was warranted. All the various shades of Skims clothing were hung up neatly in the middle of the lingerie section. The soft material hugs my curves in a way that other pieces of clothing never have. Despite how form-fitting the Skims dress is, it makes me feel so sexy and confident. The dress is perfect for hanging around the house or dressing up with a pair of heels for a great going-out look. While the $78 price tag was not pretty, this dress made me feel the purchase was worthwhile. This might be some of the best money I have ever spent.

- JULIA GREENWOOD

PHOTO CREDIT: COMMLITE

Music has always been such a huge part of my life and along with that, live music has been even more important to me for as long as I can remember. I have been going to see my favorite artists on tour ever since I was super little, and the activity is something I have always felt super passionate about. Over the summer, I was able to go to Lollapalooza, which is a huge music festival in the middle of Chicago. This was my second time going to Lollapalooza and I do not think there will ever be a year that I do not go now because the experiences have truly been some of the greatest in my entire life. The environment in the festival is so magical and unforgettable, and the

event takes place in my favorite city of all time. The festival takes place over four days in Grant Park and consists of eight stages spread out with food, merchandise, and activities. The event is absolutely worth all the hype, and I am not the type of person who enjoys being in a crowd, so that has to count for something. There is nothing better than getting to watch your favorite artists look out at a crowd of thousands of people and you get to see the “I made it” feeling on their face. Lollapalooza gives you that and it is truly magical.

HUNTER

PHOTO CREDIT: ASHLEY OSBORN

Welcome to the new school year, Threadreaders! It’s time to talk about one of my favorite things—Thread , of course. This year, Thread has made an effort to showcase our creativity in the most elaborate ways.

With the help of the hardworking and passionate executive board and staff, we have been able to successfully execute our first issue: “The Modern Arts.” This issue is bringing modern appreciation to the art that we all know and love.

Paying tribute to artists like Andy Warhol, Leonardo da Vinvi, and Vincent Van Gogh, this issue has a type of art for everyone. Using elaborate outfits, makeup looks, and settings, we hope to pull our audience straight into a painting.

We cover a lot in this issue, like the new The Row Resort collection (P.20) and how to style pearls (P.26). We also highlighted the College of Fine Arts at Ohio University (P.152) and analyzed the objectification of women throughout art (P.170), among many other things.

Our Middle of the Book shoots are back and have a way of making the people looking at them feel as though they are walking through their favorite art museums. Titled “Let Them Eat Pizza,” “Some Tears Left to Cry,” “Statuesque,” and “From Aphrodite’s Eye,” these shoots are sure to make a lasting impact to anyone who lays eyes upon them.

As for updates with Thread , we now have a robust multimedia section, led by Julia Greenwood and Kat Frazier. Together, the two and their talented staff have produced 11 videos for this first issue. All content can be found on our YouTube and social media accounts. Speaking of our social media accounts, Amy Szmik and the innovative public relations team have conceptualized new ideas to engage people on our Instagram and TikTok.

With our amazing photo team, Meg Rees, Corrin Switzer, Ella Calhoun, and Grace Braslawsce, we have more photos taken by staff in this issue than any in recent years. We wanted to give the opportunity to highlight more students’ work and provide a more elaborate visual element to our magazine for audiences to engage with.

Being back on campus in full swing has allowed us to be hands-on during all shoots, and having our dedicated fashion team, Samantha Kruse, Riley James,

Mackenzie Price, Grace Auble, and Alexis Ky, we have been able to see the magic happen in person.

The final look of our magazine is curated by Grace Sublett and our creative design staff. And of course, the magazine would not be complete without all the comprehensive stories written by the skilled editorial staff, all edited and directed by Erin Finan, Katie Millard, Hannah Campbell, and Carmen Szukaitis—the most driven editorial team we could ask for.

As soon as the year started, Hunter Gibson has helped coordinate fundraisers that will support Thread throughout the year as we continue to grow our magazine and its capabilities.

And a special thanks to my right-hand woman, Dori Gray, for helping all of our Thread dreams come true.

All that being said, this magazine is made by a group of passionate people, and we hope it finds its way to all the equally passionate people out there.

None of this could have been possible without all of you, our lovely, loyal readers. Thank you for the continuous support of Thread , and welcome to the best year yet. Now introducing “The Modern Arts” issue.

XOXO,

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kayla Bennett

MANAGING EDITOR Dori Gray

BUSINESS MANAGER Hunter Gibson BUSINESS STAFF Karmia Gabriel

EDITORIAL

COPY CHIEF Erin Finan

SEAMS EDITOR Carmen Szukaitis

DIY, WWW, & CAMPUS CASUAL EDITOR Hannah Campbell FEATURES & BOC EDITOR Katie Millard

EDITORIAL STAFF Olivia Rohling, Sabine Obermoller, Tate Raub, Isabella Coneglio, Morgan Mugwira, Maggie Hackworth, Katy Snodgrass, Kendall Bergeron, Maggie Valentine, Carlie Reese, Riley Peeden, Abbey Menza, Mimi Calhoun, Lucy Riley, Riley Clark, Abby Jenkins, Savannah Dawson, Megan Goss, Dori Gray

DESIGN

DESIGN DIRECTOR Grace Sublett

DESIGN STAFF Avery Allison, Hadley Fain, Aliza Dutt, Zoe Cranfill, Julia Greenwood, Kim Langhirt, Zoe Geiss, Carly Hart, George Koloski, Lauren Salter, Maddie James PHOTO

PHOTO CHIEF Meg Rees

PHOTO EDITOR Corrin Switzer CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ella Calhoun CREATIVE DIRECTOR Grace Braslawsce

PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF Aliza Dutt, Sophie Neilsen, Kat Frazier, Zoe Cranfill, Abbey Sucher, Kenta Kato, Amir Phillips, Tora Blamer, Mackenzie Daniels, Anna Parasson, Zennia Lam, Megan Goss, Ambriell Shannon, Sophia Parrillo, Hadley Fain

MULTIMEDIA

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR & WEB EDITOR Julia Greenwood VIDEO EDITOR Kat Frazier

MULTIMEDIA STAFF Madeline Navratil, Kae Walther, Zoe Cranfill, Kenta Kato, Kim Langhirt, Bryce Auster, Carly Hart, Megan Goss

FASHION

FASHION DIRECTOR Riley James

FASHION DIRECTOR Samantha Kruse DIRECTOR OF FASHION COMMUNICATIONS Makenzie Price HEAD STYLIST Grace Auble MAKEUP DIRECTOR Alexis Ky

FASHION STAFF Hadley Fain, Olivia Rohling, Lucy Walter, Sabine Obermoller, Serenity Powell, Tate Raub, Dani Bell, Sophie Neilsen, Lucy Curtin, Kandace Shepherd, Kae Walther, Katy Snodgrass, Kendall Bergeron, Emma Snyder-Lovera, Alexia Ashley, Olivia Trowbridge, Zoe Geiss, Bella Johnson, Mimi Calhoun, Ambriell Shannon, Melanie Geiger, Tanner Smith, Zennia Lam, Molly Florimonte, Megan Goss, Kennedy Hall, Fiona Mack, Annabelle Sorge, Bella Bolin

PUBLIC RELATIONS

PUBLIC RELATIONS CHIEF Amy Szmik

PUBLIC RELATIONS STAFF Fiona Mack, Sabine Obermoller, Emma Snyder-Lovera, Abby Jenkins, Dori Gray, Sarah Wagner

Thread’s Executive Board 2022-2023

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kayla Bennett SEAMS EDITOR Carmen Szukaitis

MANAGING EDITOR Dori Gray

Hannah Campbell

WWW, &

BUSINESS MANAGER

Hunter Gibson

FEATURES & BOC EDITOR

Katie Millard

DIRECTOR Grace Sublett

COPY CHIEF Erin Finan

Frazier

Switzer

MAKEUP

FASHION DIRECTOR

James

DIRECTOR

Kruse

Calhoun

PUBLIC

CHIEF

Szmik

Braslawsce

SEAMS

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

MOVE OVER DIAMONDS, PEARLS ARE A GIRLS’ BEST FRIEND P.26

RUNWAY REALWAY: SCHIAPARELLI

BY HANNAH CAMPBELL

PHOTO BY PROVIDED

Designer Elsa Schiaparelli was born in 1890 in Rome, Italy. She moved to Paris in the late 1920s and opened her couture house. By 1935, Elsa had dominated the haute couture industry and expanded into jewelry, perfume, and more.

The designer was known for innovative and powerful pieces. Standout items included skeleton dresses, high shoulder suits, and the invention of the color “shocking pink.” These designs were highly controversial, especially in comparison to her competitor Coco Chanel.

After Elsa’s passing in 1973, the Schiaparelli brand did not continue until its revival in 2012 by house ambassador Farida Khelfa. The brand began its return to modern fashion, but creative designer Daniel Rosenberry ignited its official comeback.

Rosenberry discussed how the line is labeled as ready-to-wear, but it is inspired by “kinky Parisian excess.” It takes all of the elements of traditional garments and makes them absolutely exaggerated.

Rosenberry was able to incorporate the multi-dimensional, avant-garde elements of Elsa’s original designs. Despite the line being ready-to-wear, this collection will definitely have its presence known to all.

Standout silhouettes include jackets and tops with structured

shoulder pads, bohemian-chic flowing gowns, and new takes on the traditional “little black dress.” The collection is also simplistic in its color scheme, only showing black, white, and silver garments.

The garments speak for themselves, but the accessories are certainly the cherry on top. Over-the-top hats and other headpieces continue to demonstrate the nontraditional nature of the collection and still somehow perfectly complement the outfits paired with them.

The comeback is always greater than the setback, and that is exactly what Rosenberry proves through the ready-to-wear fall line.

PHOTO

VOGUE

COURTESY

Runway Realway

The Row Resort 2023

BY SAVANNAH DAWSON PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s highend fashion line, The Row, has been around for 16 years. Not only did they come out on the other side of the pandemic strong, but they also are trail-blazing their collection of monochromatic maximalists for their Resort 2023 collection. The Row has always focused on having and being the best of the best—the best fabrics, the best designs, and the best details. One thing that remains consistent with each collection is the elegance and timelessness of each piece.

With mostly black and white fabrics combined with elongated sleeves, long hemmed dresses and pants, and built-in scarves, there is a lot to take in with each part of this collection. The Resort 2023 collection was their first to hit the runway after a two-year hiatus from shows, making it a make-or-break moment for the Olsen’s in Paris. This collection was a variation from the norm for them, as their minimalism faded a bit with showy collars and large outerwear that engulfed the models as they walked the runway.

So, what does this mean for The Row as a brand? A “phase” would not be the right word to describe what direction The Row is starting to take. Although minimalism returned

in their recently released Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear collection,

we get tastes of the entire previous collection: the return of the grand outerwear, long sleeves, and pops of red here and there.

The juxtaposition between the two collections seems extremely intentional, as though they are giving the fashion community small tastes of what they showed within the Resort 2023 collection. Maybe the Resort 2023 collection was just a glimpse into what the cards hold for The Row’s changing image.

PHOTO CREDIT: VOGUE

COURTESY OF THE ROW

TINYJEWISHGIRL

BY SAM KRUSE PHOTOS BY TORA BLAMER

Clara Perlmutter, known as TinyJewishGirl on social media, is a fashion influencer. Her eccentric and flamboyant style has increased her followers on TikTok and Instagram.

Perlmutter started on TikTok during the pandemic as a way to channel her creative style. She began posting try-ons of clothing and styling different outfits together. Oddly enough, she did not first go viral for her outfits but for her body hair. She received hate comments and supporters simultaneously, boosting her views.

Her TikToks now consist of “get ready with me” videos, styling new clothing pieces, what she’s wearing to events, and outfits of the day. These videos get thousands of views, and some of her most viral videos have reached over 3 million.

Perlmutter’s style is versatile and constantly changing. Colorful clothing, accessories, and shoes are her staple. Her style does not fit into one category, and she prides herself on individuality. Her wardrobe consists of streetwear,’90s fashion, mixing patterns, and anything visually appealing to her eyes. In Paper Magazine, she says, “I love something that aesthetically seems like it has no grip on reality.” She is all for grandiose.

She has accumulated a lot of her clothes from Poshmark and secondhand marketplaces. She loves designer brands, but her closet does not solely consist of high-end fashion. She collects clothing unique to her, whether secondhand Chloé or an unknown brand.

Perlmutter shaved her head in January, and her new look has only added to her style. She has posted many videos since, styling accessories and other pieces with her new look, and she looks beautiful and confident.

Lately, on her Instagram, she is styling pink gogo boots, high striped socks with gym shoes, plaid mini skirts, and pink tutus. Even her makeup is a fashion statement alongside her outfits. Clara Perlmutter has not disappointed with her eccentric style, and her followers eagerly wait for more of her evolving fashion.

MONA LISA

BY LUCY RILEY PHOTOS BY SOPHIE NEILSEN

Lisa Del Giocondo, known in the art world as “Mona Lisa,” was the face or rather the smile behind the adorned painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. The woman’s identity was speculated from its origins and not fully revealed until the early 2000s at Heidelberg University. Originally named Lisa de’ Gherardini, she grew up as part of a noble family in Florence, Italy. Her community described her as a fixture of beauty and elegance. After her marriage to a wealthy Florentine merchant, Del Giocondo met the famous artist and became a figure in his art. While her personal stylistic take on the Renaissance remains somewhat of a mystery, her beauty and De Vinci’s talent introduced a new standard for the era.

The painting’s dark simplicity, in colors and textures, contrasted the vibrancy of the Renaissance period, much like the long-held debate between minimalism and maximalism. The painting depicts Del Giocondo in a natural element with earth-toned clothing and a softfaced smile that holds the message of this masterpiece. The slight, mysterious curve in her lips has ranged in interpretation, whether that be enigmatic and sensual or saddening and reflective. Her understated clothing choices proved not to date the painting, making her smile a timeless fixation for decades. “As far as possible avoid the costumes of your own day… Costumes of our period should not be depicted unless it is on tombstones, so that we may be spared being laughed at by our successors, ” De Vinci said.

The redefinition of modern art, in turn, has continued to have a long hold on music, art, and fashion. Del Giocondo’s influence took on the music industry through various genres, from Nat King Cole’s song, “Mona Lisa” to her appearance in Beyonce and Jay-Z’s collaborative music video in 2018.

However, the painting’s largest mainstream influence outside its current French residence at the Louvre seems to be in the fashion world. Her influence on modern art of the 1500s has translated into a love affair with runway and fashion photography. More recently appeared in shows like the Dior Fall-Winter 2019 collection, featuring an intricate “Mona Lisa” inspired knitwear piece. She is even showing up in collaborations like the bag collection between Louis Vuitton and Jeff Koons, seen on the arm of Kendal Jenner and others.

Del Giocondo appears to have influenced those influencing us. So, does the argument hold that Lisa Del Giocondo was the original inspiration for the many variations of the “That Girl” movement more recently introduced through social media?

MOVE OVER DIAMONDS, Pearls are a Girls’ Best Friend

BY MAGGIE HACKWORTH PHOTOS BY CORRIN SWITZER

The timeless gemstone first emerged in the fashion scene as early as 420 B.C. Pearls are the oldest gem known to man, possibly because alterations are not necessary to reveal their beauty. Pearls appear in art, jewelry, and even medicinal practices throughout history and are thought to have mystical and healing properties. While pearls have a strong history of other uses, not just jewelry, they are a timeless accessory that has grown throughout the ages.

Enriched in a deep history, one of the earliest references to pearl embellishments was in Iliad by Homer. The author describes the goddess’ pearl earrings as “glittering gems.” The earliest evidence of pearls being used in jewelry, a majestic necklace containing 216 pearls dating no later than the fourth century, was found in a region of Iran. By the early Middle Ages and well into the 20th century, necklaces, earrings, rings, and crowns included pearls and other gemstones in their designs.

In the early Middle Ages, some medicine used pearls. Many believed that pearls were a remedy to cure eye diseases, consumption, poison, minor illnesses, and to increase general health. Interest in the healing properties did not stop there; some believed that pearls also have a majestic virtue, signifying humility, innocence, and purity. Pearls were believed to have various health benefits such as financial gains, positive thoughts, and knowledge.

During the Spring-Summer 2022 season, brands such as Chanel and Tom Ford helped reintroduce the classic accessory into runway looks that were dazzling and eccentric. Celebrities gave life back

to pearls and aided them in their comeback into the world of fashion, like Hailey Bieber and Billie Eilish, who took the pearls off the runways and wore them as everyday accessories.

Fascinated by the genuine beauty of pearls, in the last decade pearl jewelry has caught the eyes of the fashion industry. Pearls are having their time in the spotlight and are shining bright as ever. While many knew pearls for being a posh and classic accessory in the past, now they are

much more playful and allow for more versatile styles. Not only can pearls enhance an outfit, but they can also bring an outfit to life. They are stylish and adaptable accessories that come in various forms, including earrings, necklaces, rings, chokers, headbands, and many more. One does not have to fit into a particular social class to participate in this new surge of pearl accessories. Enriched by such a profound history, pearls are a great trend to get into.

The Reign of the Headband: Introducing the Modern Tiara

BY SABINE OBERMOLLER PHOTOS BY GRACE BRASLAWSCE

Headbands are making a comeback. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about headbands for this generation is Blair Waldorf from “Gossip Girl.” She was constantly matching her outfits to her headwear, something that would make her stand out from the other characters instantly. Whether you want to add flair to an outfit, get away with a bad hair day, or even just keep your hair out of your face, headbands can help.

The rise of luxury headbands made high fashion brands such as Prada come out with their own padded satin headbands that sell for $550. They also designed some headbands with crystals that they describe on their website as “a sophisticated and emblematic accessory of Prada collections.” Despite Prada having some of the most luxurious headbands on the market like, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, and Miu Miu, among other brands, have come out with headbands equally as luxurious.

While modern headbands are more flat and colorful, tiaras are another accessory used as a luxury headpiece. They are much more intricate and delicate and give a touch of royalty to the person wearing them. Nowadays, many brides use tiaras as wedding headpieces, as well as

pearl headbands. Not only are luxury headbands becoming popular again, but ‘90s style headbands are also trending. Those tight cloth headbands that many used during their childhood are a more casual way of adding headbands to a fit. Lululemon has come out with some of these tight headbands used for sports to keep hair in place and accessorize while exercising.

With the rise of headbands, influencers now show many ways to style them and show their followers where they get theirs. An influencer talking about these accessories is @headband_ gal on TikTok, who has a large collection of Prada headbands and shows which one she chooses to wear according to her outfits. Another TikTok creator with numerous headbands is @ mirandamweiland, but the difference with her is that she doesn’t talk about the brands; she simply has a wide array of different preppy headbands.

The thing to keep in mind is that there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars to incorporate headbands into a wardrobe. Many brands and stores sell affordable headbands with their own designs, and the high couture ones even inspire some. TikTok and Instagram are good platforms to get inspiration on how to dive into rocking a headband.

READ MY LIPS

BY OLIVIA ROHLING | PHOTOS BY ZENNIA LAM

Lipstick is believed to have been around for hundreds of years. The practice started with Egyptian women who made their own with a mixture of oils, waxes, and crushed gemstones and then wore them to show their social status. Regarding the creation of lip gloss, Max Factor specifically made the product for actresses starring in black and white films to wear in the 1930s.

Nowadays, lipsticks and lipglosses have evolved beyond the timeless red that has been usually associated with the word “lipstick” or the glossy pink thought of when seeing the word “lip gloss.” For example, Jeffree Star Cosmetics sells a variety of shades in their Velour Liquid Lipsticks line. The company offers shades like “Royal Blue” and “Muted Sage Green,” both of which have been sold out on the website as of Sept. 2022. NYX Cosmetics also sells some funky colors of their “This is Juice Lip Gloss.” Colors like “Kiwi Kick” (an emerald green) and “Passion Fruit Snatch” (a

vibrant purple) are both a part of the line. Lipstick and lipgloss have evolved to be much more than the well-established ruby red or sassy hot pink.

As these uncommon colors have hit the aisles of stores like Ulta and Sephora, the question is, “Who in the world would wear blue lipstick?” As with most makeup, lipstick and lipgloss are typically used to enhance one’s natural beauty. So, why colors like blue and green? An answer to that question: Lip art.

@missjazminad, on TikTok and Instagram, has posted many pictures and videos of various lip art looks that she created using all kinds of lipsticks, pigments, and glosses.

Makeup has generally started to turn away from a technique to enhance one’s natural beauty to be used more as a form of art, self-expression, and an outlet for creativity. Instead of the typical paint and canvas or pen and paper, why not lipstick, lip gloss, and lips?

My Eyes Are Up Here

BY JACK WILBURN PHOTOS BY HADLEY FAIN

Brushes and eyeshadow palettes have become passé, while unconventional materials and impressionistic looks are taking the makeup world by storm. The abstraction of the eye elevates makeup artistry from a means of beautifying to a bona fide art form.

One artist who works to elevate eye makeup is Ophelia Liu, winner of season two of Netflix makeup reality competition show “Glow Up.” Liu’s Instagram, @in.templum.ophelia, showcases looks using a liquid silicone agent to create a chrome mold that drips from her face. In conjunction with a stark pop of green, the look embodies a futuristic and alien aesthetic. Liu also creates looks using crystals that are methodically placed to appear as if they drip from the skin. Her artistry combines elements of horror and beauty that leave a delightful, unconventional impression on those who see them.

Another artist who shuns convention is Court Kennedy on Instagram — @gothwok. Kennedy uses clippings from publications to create a collage of letters in each of her makeup looks. The messages these letters send range from silly recitations of popular videos to important statements concerning social justice. One of Kennedy’s looks, in particular, indicates a simple black eyelid in a half-circle shape which she covers in gloss, providing an unearthly black sheen, and she surrounds the look with a glossy

tear and miniature star details. The clippings for this look said, “I still believe in good days”, a quote from music artist, SZA, which reflects the personal and emotional nature of Court’s artistry. Not every look is so serious, one reads, “Buy a man eat fish, he day, teach fish man, to a lifetime.” This phrase is clearly nonsensical, as it is lifted from a Twitter meme, but paired with paper butterflies and a glittering gray eyeshadow look, the silly message is concealed in unorthodox artistry.

The most undiluted version of unorthodox artistry is using no physical materials at all. Makeup has entered the virtual space, making more precise and impressionistic images than any physical product ever could. Instagram user, @animegvrl, uses the virtual space in her makeup artistry, mixing elements of the digital and physical worlds in her looks. Her most recent look pictures elicate, arcing, and crossing lines that inhumanly decorate the edges of her eye. She uses the same for her lips, which have an elegantly altered and indubitably alien shape. Her looks hold ambiguity in what is traditional makeup and what is digitally altered, making the viewer question their relationship to the reality of the digital space. Many people think that good art holds aesthetic value and causes the viewer to think about the art in relation to them, and these artists’ looks achieve both.

King of Pleats, Issey Miyake, remains renowned for famous pleating technique even after recent passing

BY CARLIE REESE

MIYAKE

IS SEY

The late Issey Miyake was a Japanese fashion designer known throughout his career for being the “King of Pleats.” Miyake paved the way for other Japanese designers, being one of the first Japanese fashion designers to show in Paris. His revolutionary eye for design and new techniques has made him one of the greats in fashion. Miyake’s designs continue to be cherished and loved even after his recent death in 2022.

Miyake was best known for his pleated clothing as well as his Japanese-inspired designs, such as origami. Miyake released an offshoot of his main label, Issey Miyake, called “Pleats Please” in 1993. The label was centered around his patented pleating technique so that the garments would never lose their shape. This revolutionary technique, called garment pleating, gave Miyake the title of “King of Pleats.” His Pleats Please line has found a new form of popularity with a younger generation during the past few years. The line’s comfort and fashion-forwardness have made Miyake’s pleats a staple clothing piece for the last 30 years.

His innovative pleat technique changed the fashion world forever. Having pleats that could be worn daily without losing their pleats was unheard of. The revolutionary technique included 100% polyester fabric that was cut much larger than the actual finished garment. The fabric was then placed between paper and put into a

“Clothing is the closest thing to all humans.”

ISSEY MIYAKE

heated press. This technique made permanent pleats that could be washed, dried, and shipped without losing shape, bringing perfect pleats to the everyday wearer.

Perhaps Miyake’s most famous runway, which showcased his new technique, was his SpringSummer 1995 ready-to-wear collection in Paris. The collection contained many wonderful looks, but the five pleated dresses with movement built into the garments were most impressive. All five models walked down the runway barefoot with the fabric bouncing around their bodies. The looks were fun, intricate, and just overall very well-designed. He brought fun experiences to the runway while simultaneously showcasing his famous pleated technique. Fashion has always been about expressing oneself, and Miyake believed this wholeheartedly. Miyake believed in art and fashion. He shared his beautiful vision with the world and has created a number of global fashion brands that will be loved for years to come. Not only was Miyake a stepping stone for other Japanese designers to make a way for themselves in the industry, but he also had a pure love for design and fashion. A true imaginative designer through and through. The fashion industry will forever mourn the loss of one of the greats. “I am most interested in people and the human form,” Miyake told TheNewYorkTimes.

Dylan Mulvaney

TikTok creator, Dylan Mulvaney, shares daily anecdotes from her journey discovering fashion, makeup, and lifestyle as a transgender woman through her “Days of Girlhood” series.

BY RILEY PEEDEN ILLUSTRATION BY CARLY HART PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

TikTok’s “For You” page is quite unpredictable. Within the span of only five minutes, one can watch sorority girls dancing in unison, a little boy singing about corn, or even Addison Rae’s mother flirting with Yung Gravy. The main component that makes the app so popular is the uncertainty of what will come up next.

One content creator who people can rely on to provide consistent entertainment is Dylan Mulvaney. Mulvaney updates her followers with her series, “Days of Girlhood,” where she shares anecdotes from her life as a transgender woman. She rapidly gained popularity last year for documenting her first 100 days of being a girl. In these videos, one can see Mulvaney embrace her femininity in multiple facets, primarily through her clothes. Her fashion sense demonstrates that women do not have to conform to traditional clothing to be professional and respected. This can be seen as she rocks a mini dress with bows and feathers to a business meeting.

Mulvaney’s style is quite versatile, as she usually wears frilly dresses in pastel hues during the daytime and dark colors with edgy silhouettes for her nighttime activities. On occasion, she even shows off her oversized Princess Diana T-shirt paired with heart-shaped sunglasses. Her duality shows that fashion is fluid and nonrestrictive. Her fashion sense has inspired me to try new styles.

Another part of her girlhood journey has been experimenting with makeup. Mulvaney herself admits that her skills in the makeup department are lacking; however, she is never afraid to wear colorful eyeshadow or a daring shade of lipstick. She has recently partnered with major makeup companies such as Charlotte Tilbury, Urban Decay, and Milk Makeup, showing her followers that one does not have to be a beauty guru to enjoy the art of makeup.

Mulvaney is not only adored for her fashion and makeup skills but also for the positivity she puts

out with her content. She ends each of her TikTok videos by saying “Love ya!” and giving a kiss to the camera. Her positivity is infectious. When people watch her videos, they feel like they are on FaceTime with a close friend.

As a transgender woman, she is very transparent about the adversity she faces. Instead of hiding this part of her life, she highlights the struggles with grace. By doing this, she educates her fan base and creates a well-informed community. Her influence has gotten so large that Kate Spade invited her to New York Fashion Week. The designer dressed her, and then she hosted the TikTok live stream for Kate Spade. Mulvaney’s success by being her authentic self online is well deserved, and it’s inspiring to continue watching her girlhood journey.

BY DORI GRAY PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Surprise,Brooch! I Bet You Thought You Had Seen the Last of Me

Introduced in the Bronze Age, early brooches started as a more functional accessory and were used to pin clothing items together, according to Art UK. Over time, brooches evolved to become fashion statements, political messages, and even symbols of mourning. After Prince Albert’s death, Queen Victoria notably donned brooches made of his hair, as recorded by the New-York Historical Society. Now, the brooch is a genderneutral accessory, back in the fashion limelight thanks to vintage lovers and in-vogue celebrities. At the time of writing, the least expensive brooch on Tiffany & Co.’s website is $300. Well, who needs Tiffany & Co. when a custom brooch can be made at home?

PHOTO CREDIT: MASTERCLASS

To the side, arrange beads and charms in the desired formation.

To add dimension, string beads onto short head pins. Using the jewelry pliers, curve the top of the head pins into a small, closed loop.

If using small safety pins, string beads onto the safety pins, keeping in mind that the pins will hang upside down. Close the pins and seal the clasps with heavy duty craft glue. Let dry.

Use jewelry pliers to carefully open the spring of a quilters safety pin. Slide beads, charms, and/or short hair pins onto the side of the quilters safety pin with the clasp.

If using small safety pins, string them onto the same side of the quilters safety pin, using the small spring coils as loops.

Use jewelry pliers to carefully re-form the quilters safety pin’s spring coil.

If the coil cannot be redone, simply glue together the two beads closest to the curve of the quilters safety pin. Then, use jewelry pliers to create a new, coil-less edge.

Pin your new DIY brooch in a place for the world to see. Location suggestions include backpacks, denim jackets, lapels, and wedding dresses.

LINES

Free Hand

1. Take a preferred writing utensil and scribble shapes without lifting it up from the paper. There is no uniformity to this, so draw circles, ovals, or any other desired shape. Make sure to connect the lines so there are no openings.

2. Fill the small sections with any sort of pattern. Hearts, dots, lines, squiggles, or squares. There is no wrong design.

Circles

1. Draw different sized circles on a piece of paper, and don’t worry about how circular they actually are.

2. Fill each one with patterns. Utilize multiple patterns in each circle or stick to one design. Play with the empty space by adding color or a black and white theme.

Spiral

1. Starting from the middle of the page, make a line curving towards the edge of the page. Continue until there are multiple lines going off the page.

2. Turn those lines into sections by adding patterns into the empty space. Experiment with different designs as you work with negative space, textures, and colors.

IT’S

TURN:

BAR(R)E BASICS: DANCING FOR BEGINNERS

BY KATY SNODGRASS ILLUSTRATIONS BY JULIA GREENWOOD

Finding a preferred method of exercise can be extremely difficult, especially with new workout trends coming and going almost endlessly. As a former dancer, I struggled to find an exercise routine that targets strength, flexibility, and agility without being in the gym for hours at a time. That was before I started attending barre workout classes.

Barre classes combine different physical elements from ballet, yoga, strength training, and even Pilates to deliver a low impact but musclebuilding workout. Barre is great for targeting core and glute muscles because of the required isometric movements that are performed in class. According to Dr. Edward Laskowski from the Mayo Clinic, isometric movements are, “The tightening of a specific muscle or muscle group. This causes contractions within the muscle which helps strengthen the specific muscle being used through multiple repetitions.”

The use of isometric movements makes barre a perfect class for beginners as the exercises are usually of a low intensity and allow for room to work up to more difficult skills.

There are some must-know basic ballet moves that nearly all barre classes will utilize to bring out

First Position

the ballet aspect. The most fundamental moves revolve around foot placement and creating a stable base starting with the feet. There are five rudimentary feet positions used in ballet, three of them are most commonly used in barre classes: first position, wide second position, and fourth position.

The other fundamental movements are the French terms “plié” and “relevé,” meaning “to bend” and “to rise” respectively. Pliés help engage the ab muscles as the movement requires one to bend at the knees without removing heels from

Third Position Fourth Position

Second Position

Position

Easy, Peasy, and Pleasing

BY MAGGIE HACKWORTH

BY MEG REES

Most people, generally, only know how to do one thing with fruit salads and that is how to eat them. Fruit salads are both delicious and visually pleasing for the eye to look to. They are tasty dishes that can have a variety of different fruits in them, sometimes served with the fruit juices alone or with homemade syrup to go along with the dish.

Depending on the fruit used, they can be healthy, or they can have as many grams of sugar as a Butterfinger. Fruit salads are

easily one of the most versatile dishes to be served. Want to make a fruit salad that is not only delicious, but also pretty to look at? Here is a monochromatic-inspired fruit salad that will make your mouth water and your Instagram feed aesthetically pleasing.

Salad Dressing:

Cup Honey

Teaspoons Lime Zest

Tablespoons Lime Juice

Fruit Salad:

Kiwis

Cups Honeydew Melon

Green Apples

Cups Green Grapes

Star Fruits

Dragon fruit

1. Slice the kiwis, starfruits, honeydew melon, and green apples. Cube the dragon fruit.

2. Combine all the fruits in a large bowl.

3. In a small bowl, mix the honey, lime zest, and lime juice.

4. Pour the dressing over the fruit salad, and for the best results, toss the bowl to combine.

5. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

6. Enjoy!

DON’T BE TONIC, KEEP YOUR GIN UP

BY TATE RAUB PHOTOS ALIZA DUTT

Fall is here, but that doesn’t mean every drink has to be switched out for something pumpkin flavored. While putting lavender and lemon together may seem odd, a lavender and lemon

flavored gin and tonic is a wonderfully refreshing combination of flavors. Feel like an experienced potion maker with this color-changing, purple drink just in time for spooky season.

GIN AND TONIC:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 oz. lavender syrup (premade or homemade Ingredients on next page)

• 2 oz. gin (use Empress 1908 if you want it to change color)

• 1 juiced lemon

• Tonic water (amount is up to preference)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Step 1: Add gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup into a glass over ice and lightly stir.

• Step 1A (optional): If you’re feeling extra, pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain over fresh ice.

• Step 2: Top off with tonic water and stir until well mixed.

D.I.Y. LAVENDER SIMPLE SYRUP (OPTIONAL):

INGREDIENTS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Step 1: Add lavender buds, water, and sugar into a saucepan and bring to a boil.

• Step 2: Once boiling, turn the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for five minutes while stirring to ensure that the sugar has fully dissolved.

• Step 3: Take the pan off the heat and let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes and up to two hours (the longer it sits, the stronger the lavender flavor).

• Step 4: Once the mixture is cool, strain and pour it into a container and store any extra syrup in the fridge.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: FASHION FROM ATHENS’ FINEST

Fashion is evolvling, learn from the ones who know what’s best.

BY ABBY JENKINS

PHOTOS BY MEGAN GOSS

Ready for ’90s minimalism? Midi dresses over jeans? Ballet flats?

Predictions for the upcoming fashion trends on campus are coming in hot and coming in ways we may have never expected.

Three students at Ohio University who have a keen sense of style and are in pursuit of a fashion career were asked about their lives as retail and fashion merchandising majors as well as their own personal wardrobes for their day-today life. These students look past clothing popularity and social media trends and decide to dress more to suit their own personalities and their own comfort. Additionally, these students preach the importance of sustainability in the clothing industry, increasing the longevity of closets, and above all, wearing what makes you, you.

“Just wear what you want,” said Madison Miller, a senior and the president of Fashion Associates. “And don’t worry about what other people think. Life’s too short.”

Switching from a double major in psychology and sociology, Miller felt she needed a more creative outlet in her life.

Pursuing an education in retail and fashion merchandising gave her the fulfillment she was looking for. Like many other students on campus, that is what fashion means to her.

“Similarly to Madison, I always found fashion to be a really good creative outlet for me,” said Brigid McSteen, a junior. “I’m from Athens, which is a pretty small town. So, experimenting with clothing was really a way for me to express my personality.”

McSteen explained her love for the history of fashion and an incredible internship opportunity she had in New York last spring where she worked behind the scenes for fashion week in February. Miller and McSteen’s interest in fashion started at a young age. From styling outfits in their younger days to the very first time opening Instagram, fashion had become a part of these girls’ future lives from the beginning.

Now, as upperclassmen, their futures are beginning to take shape with their love for fashion at the helm. In addition, the students were asked to predict future fashion trends to look for around campus soon.

“I would say more sustainability in

“Just wear what you want. And don’t worry about what other people think. Life’s too short.”

MADISON MILLER

products is becoming more prevalent in the fashion industry,” said Kaitlin Fout, a senior who has worked directly for a boutique for three years. “A heavy topic we talk about in class is sustainability because the textile world is one of the most populated areas in America and in the world, tons of waste from fast fashion and a lot of clothes in a landfill. It’s just a really big issue.”

In addition to talking about sustainability in fashion, Fout said she hopes to work somewhere in Columbus for one of the larger retail corporations present there. She also loves crocheting her own

pieces to wear.

All three students expressed their love for thrifting and how saving on one-of-a-kind thrift finds is worth more than any new designer purchase. They said now is time to stop spending over $30 on a shirt but splurge on a nice pair of jeans or shoes.

“Looking into the different looks of the near future,” said McSteen. “I am really into midi dresses over jeans. I tried it the other day, and I went to class and I loved it.”

The students said Crocs are not so popular, and ballet flats are making their way onto the scene. Some students recommended dressing down formal pieces with sneakers and getting the chance to wear an old dress in a whole new way. With whatever is coming next in the everchanging world of trends, there is no limit to what fashionable piece could become the next claw clip or Dr. Martens’ loafers.

These students have shown that wearing what you love is the best trend, and you do not need to spend a crazy amount to achieve the look you are going for. No matter what is in your closet, you can still look amazing.

“I would say more sustainability in products is becoming more prevalent in the fashion industry.”

The Athens Photo Project: Working with mental health through a different lens

BY KENDALL BERGERON | PHOTOS BY ALIZA DUTT

The Athens Photo Project helps people navigate mental illness through artistic expression. The organization proves that art can provide vast mental health benefits, which is a severely undervalued notion in the mental health field.

The Athens Photo Project, or APP, was founded in 2000 by Elise Mitchell Sanford. Everything began when Sanford had just completed a Master of Fine Arts in photography, sparking an interest for the art in one of her family members with a mental illness.

She noticed an improvement in her family member’s demeanor as he continued with photography; it provided him with a creative outlet that clearly had mental health benefits.

Recognizing the great potential photography had for mental health treatment, Sanford reached out to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, or NAMI, to organize the APP’s first class. More than 20 years later, the APP works each year with artists, photographers, instructors, and volunteers to provide 30week courses that help people navigate mental health through the arts. These courses consist of classes that meet once or twice a week depending on the course. All necessary equipment for the classes is provided by the program, which eliminates financial barriers for those who would like to join.

Through photography, the APP provides its members with social fulfillment, a deeper understanding of self, and a fresh world perspective.

Jess Fritz, a COMCorps arts & wellness coordinator for the APP, said there is always an undeniably visible development in the artists’ feelings from the beginning to end of each round of the classes. Fritz said the artists’ behaviors, feelings of self-worth, self-perceptions, and social connections are completely reformed by the end of their classes.

“We always hear, ‘APP changed my life,’ or ‘APP saved my life,’... it’s like its own magic,” said Fritz.

The APP staff do not directly counsel their artists to promote these changes. Rather, the staff provides them with an outlet for their creativity and self-expression, and the artists see their own counselors and therapists independently.

“We are not art therapists; we are artists,” said Fritz.

This is perhaps the most substantial achievement of the program. The APP has proven in

its 22 years of existence that the power of the arts can improve mental health by directly

JESS FRITZ

addressing one’s hardships and traumas and the stigma they’ve faced because of them.

Tina Trimmer, the executive

director of NAMI Ohio, agreed that the APP is effective in their efforts to improve mental health through the arts.

“(Making art) is a legitimate way for some people to seek out ways to express their feelings and get things out on the table so they don’t have to keep them inside,” said Trimmer.

Trimmer said the program is also a great way for people who are experiencing mental illness to fill their time in an artistic and productive way. Furthermore, the program helps them to

“We are not art therapists; we are artists.”

participate in society and gives them opportunities to work with other people and organizations.

“(People who have a mental illness) are people like you and I, looking for satisfaction and ways to feel fulfilled in life. Any opportunity we can provide to engage people who are feeling ostracized from society is going to help their mental health, undoubtedly,” said Trimmer.

As for the future of the program, Fritz said there seems to be a new addition. This new addition is a peer support model

based on a training course the APP held last year for the artists that had been with the project long term to become workshop facilitators.

The goal is to eventually send teams of long-term APP artists to other mental health focused locations such as residential addiction recovery facilities, inpatient facilities, and shelter homes. At these locations, they can direct short term workshops with the APP method.

The objective is to be able to reach people in the community

who may not be able to access the APP studio. Fritz said these short-term workshops have potential to ignite the creative spark in people and, at the very least, encourage them to view themselves as creative entities.

“Sometimes even just a session or two can start that creative spark and benefit [those experiencing mental illness],” said Fritz.

You can reach the Athens Photo Project via their website: www.athensphotoproject.org.

RANDOM HOUSE: Find the beauty in the longhistory and randomness

BY CARMEN SZUKAITIS | PHOTOS BY AMBRIELL SHANNON

Random House found a home in uptown Athens about 42 years ago. Located at 12 W. State St., this eclectic store is open seven days a week. Monday through Saturday, the store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, the store is open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Billie Sarchet originally opened the space in March 1980. During that same year, in April, a good friend of Sarchet, Jim Jezik, began working alongside her. Jezik said he worked around three days a week buying and selling items for consignment for the first five years. In 1985, Jezik purchased the store from Sarchet because she became burnt out from running Random House. Today, Jezik still owns and runs the store.

Random House is not just a simple antique store. Lynn Garbo, a current employee, said they sell everything, not just antiques.

“It’s not really an antique shop,” said Garbo. “That name just kind of tagged on to Random House because people thought it was the publishing company, Random House. So, the other girl that used to work here just said antiques because we had antiques, but it is actually random, eclectic everything. We have a few people that consign, artists that consign some things, a huge record department which is vintage.”

Random House sells antiques, used furniture, records, electronics, musical instruments, jewelry, typewriters, clothing, shoes, cameras, books, local art, and so much more.

Jezik has no shortage of items in his store and never has a problem sourcing more. Because of the long history and randomness of Random House, people know to contact Jezik when they have something to get rid of. Jezik also goes to yard sales to find items that he may potentially want to put in the store.

The randomness of items helps the store thrive in a town like Athens. There are items for professors, students, and parents at Random House; anyone could find something there. Random House has

a distinctive vibe that is unlike any other store in Athens. Garbo said college kids get excited to see their extensive record collection when they enter the store.

“Furniture goes real well, and records go well because they’re popular again, even miscellaneous stuff,” said Garbo. “We have some old military stuff, old jewelry, cufflinks, and stuff that are slow going. But the biggest turnover, I think, is furniture items and dishes, kitchen stuff and albums, of course.”

Garbo said many students come in and say, “I’ve been here three years, and I (have) never been in the store.” Many students are unaware of Random House and the store’s deep-rooted history in Athens. The distinctiveness of the store makes it an interesting and fun place to spend some time looking around. Random House is a store that is welcoming to all and has items for any type of person.

For more information, Random House can be found on Facebook and Instagram, @RandomHouseAthens.

OF THE

LetEatThemPizza

PHOTOS

Some Tears

Left to Cry

…but not too many, these tears are expensive

BY KALI KNUDSON

PHOTOS BY ANNA PARASSON

Statuesque

Where the art is set in stone

FROM APHRODITE’S EYE

BEAUTY

PHOTOS BY ZENNIA LAM

CAMPUS CASUAL

Light-hearted

OCTOBER HOROSCOPES

WRITTEN BY MOLLY WILSON ILLUSTRATIONS BY MADDIE JAMES

This month’s sign: Libra

Libra, Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

Now is time to have fun, Libra. This birthday season, you will be given new opportunities and will experience new friendships and individuals. You might notice your social circle expanding this month. Think positively about the new additions, but continue to tread lightly. Choose wisely who will make an impact on your life. Do not fear change, and prioritize personal growth.

Scorpio, Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Take some time for yourself, Scorpio, because this October might have you feeling out of sorts. As your birthday nears, some big changes are heading your way. Do not fear the unknown or get lost in overthinking. The idea of change will be worse than the reality. This month, you might find yourself feeling edgy or easily irritated. Have a spa night and prioritize self care in the midst of the worry.

Sagittarius, Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Do not overanalyze, Sagittarius. October will be a positive month, but do not get lost in the details of your life. Think holistically and be empathetic toward yourself. You might find difficulty in maintaining patience this month, so forgive easily and cherish the love you will receive. Appreciation, monetary gains, and support will be in abundance for you this month. If things start to go your way, it is not an accident.

Capricorn, Dec. 23 - Jan. 19

Ambitious capricorn, things will finally fall into place for you this month. October will signify progress for you, which will happen naturally. Although this goes against your hustle mentality, take a step back this month and focus on harnessing energy for specific tasks. Focus on your mind, Capricorn, and think positively about consistent progress in all aspects of your life.

Aquarius, your personal life is about to flourish. This October, you might need to take time to adjust your thought processes professionally. Personally, you will find luck and spontaneity within your friendships and romantic relationships. Cherish all that comes to you this month. Focus your energy on maintaining a clear vision for yourself and work toward fulfilling those goals.

Pisces, Feb. 19 - March 20

Pisces, the moon is in your sign, so take advantage of that by channeling assertive energy. If you have been wanting to do something new or start a new project, now is the time to do so. Get those ideas in the works! You tend to be emotionally sensitive, so do not be afraid to share your thoughts on the things happening in your life. Lean into the chaos, sweet Pisces.

This month, Aries, you will hit a lucky streak. In only a couple days, on Oct. 9, the moon will enter your sign at its fullest. Be prepared to take advantage of the passionate and fiery energy that will wash over you and seek out new socialization opportunities. October is a great month to try new things, brave Aries. Start a new relationship or friendship. Stand up for yourself. Say “yes” to everything and do not shy away from new or exciting options October presents you with.

Taurus, April 20 - May 20

Let go of people who no longer serve your best interest, Taurus. This month will be defined by achieving goals and thinking practically. If people in your life do not support those interests, do not be afraid to focus your energy on those who do. You might feel a need for greater security, so spend your time building relationships that support you. Think on a small scale and do not get caught up in large tasks or thoughts.

Gemini, May 21 - June 20

Keep calm, Gemini. You might feel conflicted between what you want and what you need this month. Your emotions might run high. Allow yourself to feel those emotions, but think practically with them. Stay content with what you have now, and be patient with your friends and romantic partners.

Cancer, June 21 - July 22

This might be difficult, Cancer, but use this month to avoid overthinking and try not to take life too seriously. As a sign that is in tune with their emotions, do not get stuck worrying about short-term problems. Take October to stay active both physically and mentally, and do not let yourself fall into a rut. Try something new and take initiative this month, and you will see success.

Leo, July 23 - Aug. 22

Leo, step outside your comfort zone and lose sight of competition. You might feel an internal conflict within your personal and professional life. Hone in on your family and friends. You will overcome hurdles you have been working to move past for some time this month. Remember to keep sight of your vision. Taking a passive approach this month will be best, Leo. Make sure to

Virgo, Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Relax, Virgo. You have a systematic, practical, and logical outlook on life, but take some time to enjoy the things that do not make sense. Do not make rash decisions or let your emotions get the best of you. Do not worry if you feel angry this month. The things that seem to be causing you issues now will subside as the month progresses. Take time to sit with your thoughts as you will find accomplishment in peace.

WHICH PERIOD OF ART ARE YOU?

WRITTEN BY MIMI CALHOUN ILLUSTRATIONS BY MADDIE JAMES

Even though art is continuously changing over time, it still remains a form of expression and a respected medium. With so many different art periods across the world, there is something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. The variety present within different artistic styles can say a lot about the type of person who enjoys each one. Want to see how your personality matches up with art through history? Take this quiz to find out which period of art you are.

1. If you could describe yourself in one word, it would be: a. Romantic b. Determined c. Creative d. Introverted

3. You would say your aesthetic is: a. Cottagecore b. Grunge c. Y2K d. Light academia

5. What is your favorite season? a. Spring b. Fall c. Winter d. Spring

7. An animal you identify with most is: a. Bird b. Tiger c. Rabbit d. Cat

2. Your utensil of choice is: a. Spoon b. Fork c. Spork d. Chopsticks

4. What are your ideal weekend plans? a. Doing something creative b. Watching a movie c. Seeing a live show d. Reading a book

6. What is your favorite movie genre? a. Romance b. Adventure c. Comedy d. Animation

Mostly A’s: Renaissance

You are “Renaissance.” You are a romantic and prefer to stick with traditions. You are type A with everything you do. The light academia aesthetic is probably very appealing to you, and there is a good chance you dream of visiting Europe while on vacation. You are studious and pride yourself on your intelligence and work ethic.

Mostly B’s: Minhwa

You are “Minhwa,” a Korean style of folk painting, which makes you bold and powerful. You have a determined

Finding Home in the Arts

BY TATE RAUB PHOTOS BY AMBRIELL SHANNON

The first thing one sees on the Ohio University College of Fine Arts’ website is, “Don’t just find your place in the world. Create it.” Bold, simple words to introduce what has the potential to be someone’s academic home for the next four or so years of their life.

Scroll down a bit to find the School of Art + Design and then ‘B.F.A. Studio Art.’ Within this branch of the school, getting a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree provides the opportunity to take foundations, art history, and studio classes that create the building blocks necessary for undergraduate students in the program. Within the College of Fine Arts as a whole, the ceramics, film, and printmaking programs are world-class and highly regarded.

Once they have the essentials, which are generally wrapped up at the end of their second year, students declare a concentration in one of seven areas: ceramics, painting + drawing, printmaking, photography + integrated media, art therapy, sculpture + expanded practice, and digital art + technology.

“There’s just a lot of really unique opportunities,” Jenna Tucker, a junior studying studio art, said. “I got to help my professor build a kiln over the summer … (it) was actually a part of a summer apprenticeship, which is really cool. And I know there’s a lot of different programs that will hire apprentices over the summer.”

While she loves and appreciates the program, Tucker said that a common misconception people have about it is thinking it will be super easy. She said that it’s certainly fun, but requires putting in a lot of time and effort to get as much out of it as possible.

Noel Reed, a senior studying environmental studies, has had a slightly different experience in the Fine Arts program. His interests in art were piqued by the prospect of getting into art somehow so he decided to take a couple of foundations classes to get a better understanding of the program. Fast forward to his junior year and he had declared a studio art minor.

For Reed, his work in studying the environment bleeds into his favored art forms of sculptures and ceramics. He has a vested interest in how things like urban planning and the current political, economic, and architectural systems are perpetuating environmental degradation.

“I’m currently working on my thesis,” Reed said. “(Which) is going to be a creative project but I’m also going to have to write a 25-page paper explaining why I’ve made the creative decisions and showing all of the research that went into the thing I made.”

Tucker and Reed each explained that they, as well as their peers, greatly enjoy the community of the fine arts program. The students and faculty work closely together to build an environment in which students are valued and there are plenty of opportunities for them to share their art with their peers and anyone else who places high value on creativity.

For more information about the program, check out the website and check out the respective social media platforms for all of the different schools and programs within the college.

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MET GALA MUST

BY CARLIE REESE ILLUSTRATIONS BY AVERY ALLISON

MEMENTO MORI, A LATIN REMINDER that everyone must die. The phrase is a constant reminder that life ends no matter who we are. Hearing that a beloved celebrity that one looks up to has died is an almost earth shattering realization that even they can pass away. Celebrities are always seen as more than and are put on a pedestal and worshiped, so hearing of one’s favorite celebrity death reminds us that they are human too. Many celebrities that have passed away continue to leave their legacy on the world today. Their fashion, music, acting, and art continue to live on way past their deaths.

When celebrities pass away, the normal thing for people to do is look back on that celebrity’s life and their influence on culture. For many, their fashion and art has continued to inspire younger generations. Kurt Cobain, David Bowie, Princess Diana, Tupac, Gianni Versace, Marilyn Monroe, and many others’ fashion continue to live on even after death.

Fashion lives on forever. Trends and styles go in and out but almost always come back reimagined. In 2022, a number of trends have resurfaced including Y2K and ’90s fashion, just to name a few. With trend resurgences happening almost every month these days, we also see the resurgence of new and old fashion icons.

Marilyn Monroe is perhaps one of the most famous women in modern history. She was an actress, model, and an overall enthralling human being. Her sudden death shocked the world in the early 1960s when she

was only 36-years-old. The blonde bombshell’s death appeared to be mental health issues, as she had taken a number of prescription pills and was found dead in her home. Monroe is still remembered today as one of the it-girls in fashion in the ’60s. She was revolutionary at the time, a fashion icon. Her unmistakable dresses are still loved and cherished even over 50 years later.

Monroe’s style always fit well with her blonde hair and curvy body. One of her most famous looks included a gown by Jean Louis. The gown was embellished with over 2,000 rhinestones, and she wore it while singing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. This dress was given another life when Kim Kardashian arrived at the 2022 Met Gala in the same exact dress that Monroe wore decades earlier. Kim also sported Monroe’s famous blonde hair for the Gala and showed that Marilyn Monroe’s style will live on forever. Though her death was tragic and unexpected, her beauty and fashion continues to have new life as the years go on.

Another famous celebrity death that shocked the world was Princess Diana. Diana was a beloved figure around the world, as she was part of the royal family and married Prince Charles in 1981. She quickly became named “the People’s Princess.” She was loved almost universally not only in the U.K. but across the whole globe. She did a number of humanitarian efforts all over the world and raised awareness for mental health, domestic abuse, HIV/AIDS, and much more. She was caught in a controversy when she was photographed shaking hands with someone with AIDS, as there was a huge stigma around the disease. Since people thought that one could get AIDS just by touching another, Diana proved this wrong with just one photograph and gave people struggling with the disease a newfound love and respect. Princess Diana’s death was mourned world wide when she passed away in 1997.

Though she was loved deeply for her personality and humanitarian efforts, Princess Diana was and still is to this day a revered fashionable woman. Being a princess in the royal family had some perks because Diana was always dressed to a T. Whether she was at a gala event she was going to or just out and about, the “People’s Princess” always looked her best. Diana’s street style look has made the rounds once again: she often wore biker shorts under an oversized crew neck with a pair of sneakers. People are still seen wearing

different versions of this outfit today.

Princess Diana will forever remain a pop culture icon. Her fashion and charity work leaves her one of the most remarkable people in the past few decades. She continues to be honored to this day with many celebrities citing her for their fashion inspiration as well as blockbuster films and TV shows have been released about her.

Steering away from the elegant and more regal side of fashion with Princess Diana and Marilyn Monroe, there are many celebrities that have passed away that influence the street style looks that are seen today. This is especially common with the resurgence of ’90s fashion within the past couple years with styles worn by the likes of Kurt Cobain, and his signature grunge look, and the late rapper Tupac’s street style.

Kurt Cobain was one of music’s golden boys, as he and Nirvana defined an era of music. The grunge music era arrived in the early ’90s and was based out of Seattle. Music was not the only thing that was being described as grunge at the time. Fashion had made its way into the grunge genre as well. Cobain was one of the artists that was spearheading this grunge movement, music and fashion wise.

Cobain was a beloved musician in the ’90s. His band, Nirvana, rose to popularity in the early years of the decade and remains adored and admired to this day. The band is considered one of the first groups to launch the grunge scene into the mainstream. Though the band was met with love and success from all over the world, Cobain still dealt with substance issues and mental illness struggles. Cobain tragically passed away in 1994 by taking his own life. This was an almost instantaneous end to the ’90s grunge era and sent many into a time of mourning.

Cobain and the others in the grunge genre also had a certain style that many could be seen wearing in the ’90s and even now in 2022. Grunge could be described as a type of rock music but also a style including usually loose, baggy fitting clothing. A staple of the grunge style that Cobain could always be seen wearing was the flannel and baggy jeans. Cardigans and baggy sweaters were also part of the style. Grunge is an almost undemanding type of fashion. The style does not seem like much goes into it because the clothes are always loose fitting and comfortable.

The grunge style and Kurt Cobain continue to influence the world today decades later. Kurt was often seen wearing dresses which was met by criticism in the early ’90s as he was a man. In 2021, Kid Cudi paid homage to Cobain during a Saturday Night Live performance by wearing a custom dress inspired by Cobain’s trailblazing style. Nirvana and Kurt Cobain showcase that their music and fashion can live on forever. Grunge style has made its way back into people’s closets and continues to be a cherished genre and fashion.

There are many more celebrities that have passed that continue to leave their legacy on today’s culture. People like Olivia Newton John, Mac Miller, Betty White, Amy Winehouse, and others have left an incomparable crater in society. Seeing these people pass is saddening, but knowing that their art and life continues to live on through fashion and art is comforting. These celebrities are a reminder that our life is fragile as well, so living life to the fullest is key because everyone must die at a point. Memento Mori.

Most people see graffiti as an act of vandalism or a disruption of someone’s property because of the preconceptions of graffiti artists and the laws that are put in place to prevent the practice. Graffiti is an intricate and underrepresented art form with a rich history. A lot of artists use graffiti as a way to express themselves in a nontraditional art form. Graffiti is not just letters that someone puts on a wall but rather a

Graffiti has been around for thousands of years and has been an important piece of ancient history. Much of the ancient graffiti found in Pompeii exposes the lifestyles and drama many of the citizens shared. On one of the walls in this Roman city in southern Italy, there is a piece of graffiti that roughly translates into “You love Iris, but she does not love you.” This piece offers a rich insight into the love triangles of the residents of Pompeii. Ancient graffiti provides an intimate connection to the citizens of that time period and exposes some important parts of history. Throughout time, graffiti artwork has changed from figure drawings in ancient caves to the more modern version, which requires a lot of technical

Modern graffiti emerged around the late 1960s and early 1970s. This new form of art began to take

“You love Iris, but she does not love you.”

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off and was very popular throughout major cities, specifically in New York City. People began to write their names or “tags” on buildings throughout the city. Early on, “taggers” were people who associated themselves with street gangs and used graffiti as a way to mark their territory. Throughout the 1970s, people had a lot more freedom with graffiti. In the 1980s, stricter laws were put in place to criminalize acts of graffiti. Some people may look at these laws as beneficial to the cities, but others look at these laws as an infringement on artistic freedoms.

Some of the most influential artists started their careers in the streets. Keith Haring’s artistic career

began in the streets of New York City where he used distinctive drawings as his own “tag” and marked many subways. Between 1980 and 1985, Haring produced hundreds of his recognizable artwork throughout the city. Haring’s graffiti became so popular and influential that he made his work into a successful career and was able to market his art and sell his work as T-shirts, toys, buttons, and posters. Although his work received criticism from others in the art world, he received strong support from his friends, fans, and his mentor, Andy Warhol. This allowed Haring to become one of the most influential artists of his time.

Banksy is another influential artist that gained

popularity from street art. The pseudonymous street artist started his career in the streets of London and Bristol, England, in the early 1990s. Banksy’s pieces are politically charged and have a significant underlying message behind them. Oftentimes his artwork is freehand, but he utilizes stencils as well. His edgy themes spark controversy as they include images like rats, apes, policemen, children, members of the royal family, and more. to create satirical pieces that criticize controversial political topics. Around 2013, Banksy took to the streets of New York and began selling some of his pieces as well. Banksy is known worldwide for his work and even though his remains unnamed, his work is truly unforgettable. While many male graffiti artists have received a lot of recognition and fame, many female graffiti

artists go unnoticed as graffiti is still a relatively male-dominated art form. In recent years, female graffiti artists have been embracing their femininity through graffiti artwork and have been getting positive attention from it. One reason for underrepresented female graffiti artists is that there tend to be fewer women in the field of graffiti artwork. Many female graffiti artists also tend to be overlooked. A female graffiti artist known as Maya Hayuk has a lot of her artwork on walls throughout Brooklyn, New York. Hayuk is best known for creating colorful and abstract murals with a sort of psychedelic visual experience. Her creative pieces are not only displayed on walls but are also available to purchase in print forms. Even though there have been some success stories within the graffiti artworld, the practice is

still widely viewed as a criminalized art form. While graffiti is illegal in most cities, there are some areas or walls where graffiti artwork is legal and encouraged. There are about 1,977 legal graffiti walls in cities around the world including Queens, New York; London; and more locally, Athens, Ohio. Athens has a wall dedicated to graffiti artwork that encourages students and members of the Athens community to creatively express themselves. Built in 1926, students first began painting the wall in 1967. In 2001, the original wall was torn down to provide space for Bentley Annex, and pieces of the original art wall were sold to raise money for the new university center. Now rebuilt, the wall is constantly changing and oftentimes has artwork related to current political or social events. Athens’ graffiti wall is an incredible creative outlet that

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adds some more color and artwork to the city of Athens.

There are a lot of negative connotations associated with graffiti art, but in reality, graffiti brings color and life to a city and allows artists to convey socially important messages or just creative expressions of their own. Graffiti carries emotions and feelings that are not just found in art galleries. Art has so many meanings and is expressed in many different forms, but graffiti is such an important aspect of art because it goes against tradition. While not everyone’s cup of tea, graffiti is a culturally rich and significant form of influential artwork that allows for a beautiful expression of emotions, feelings, and socially significant commentary.

Shades of Blue

BY ISABELLA CONEGLIO ILLUSTRTIONS BY ZOE GEISS

PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Understanding the undeniable relation between mental health and art is important. Artists often project and display their mental health through their pieces, allowing themselves to explore emotional creativity, which has the power to heal certain traumas and psychological wounds.

Artwork tends to be the translation and expression of emotion onto sheet music or on canvases. Throughout history, mental illness has been projected through paintings, music, and literature by many acclaimed artists. An extremely prominent artist who displayed mental illnesses through his artwork is Vincent Van Gogh, who, throughout his lifetime, experienced anxiety and bipolar disorder.

Van Gogh had depicted himself in raw lighting through his paintings. In addition to two selfportraits of him with his bandaged ear, which he personally cut off, Van Gogh created “Still life with a plate of onions.” This piece was colorfully flattering but when studied closer, the use of his personal belongings clearly displayed his internal feelings. Across the oil-based canvas lay his pipe and tobacco. Placed next to those items is a handbook, an empty bottle of absinthe, and a letter written by Theo, his younger brother with whom he frequently discussed his art. Van Gogh experienced mental illness until his death in July of 1890.

Another influential artist of the 20th century was Pablo Picasso, who had bipolar disorder,

“I put my heart and soul into my work and lost my mind in the process.” -Vincent Van Gogh

numerous anxiety disorders, and depressive episodes. This can be directly seen in most, if not all of his work. Considered his most famous period of painting, Picasso’s “Blue Period” is thought to be reflective of his mental state at the time. With cold tones darkening each brush stroke, this period from 1902 to 1904 directly represented his emotional state. Pieces like “The Old Guitarists,” “The Tragedy,” and “The Blue Room” express his desperation and lack of hope. Soon after this, Picasso’s darkened outlook gave rise to his “Rose Period,” which took place between 1904 and 1906. During this time, colors bled from blue to warmer reds and pinks. It was during this time, through pieces filled with a ravishing array of soft colors like “Woman with Loaves” and “Garçon à la Pipe,” that he found a healing light from the darkness of his life.

Throughout history, mental illness has been depicted through various art forms, most predominantly, music. For most of her young life, Billie Eilish, a self-made artist and pop culture phenomenon, has experienced mental illness.

PICASSO’S

PICASSO’S ROSE PERIOD

Eilish has relayed such feelings in her music from the beginning of its production. Through songs like “TV,” “Ocean Eyes,” and “BORED,” she has expressed her rawest forms of grief, depression, and self-depreciation. She connects with her fans by singing about her irregular relationships, body dysmorphia, and outlook on society. Similarly to Van Gogh, Eilish has left underlying symbolism of her mental state in her artwork, leaving it up to the viewer to interpret its meaning. Singer and songwriter, Demi Lovato, has been vulnerable in the media regarding their mental health. They were diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 18 and have experienced alcoholism for most of their adult life. Over the last decade, Lovato has since used their platform to express themself and become an inspiration to others. More recently, Lovato released their hit song “Sober,” which depicts a story of their ongoing struggle with substance abuse. Much like Picasso, Lovato has expressed their struggle, relapse, and ultimately, their redemption through their art.

One can acknowledge the vast healing that comes with creative freedom. Artistic expression may act as a medicine for some, while for other individuals, it allows a connection with the world. This is a world in which they express themselves, their emotions, and experiences freely. Art, in all of its forms, is a universal language for every voice. Ultimately, a correlation between mental illness and creative freedom is apparent throughout human history. It is through an artist’s depiction of emotion, experience, and life that we further connect with the art itself. In more ways than one, art has left our society with an opportunity to connect with one another.

PHOTO CREDIT: TIDAL

PHOTO CREDIT: INTERSCOPE RECORDS

PHOTO CREDIT: MASON POOLE

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Beautyisintheeyeof thebeholder

BY RILEY CLARK ILLUSTRTIONS BY ZOE GEISS PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Women and art have long coexisted in a world dominated by men. For so long, women have been the subject of invasive, assuming, and oversexualized art produced from the male gaze. The objectification of women in all fields is no light offense. From the film industry to the music industry, and even in everyday life, sexism is more real than ever. Young girls are products of a world plagued by male ideals.

Renaissance art, surfacing between the 14th and 16th centuries, hosted many iconic portrayals of the female nude in painting. This shift from gothic artwork to an expression of the human body in sculpture and painting brought forth many famous male artists.

estranged men planting their sexual desires on a canvas. Pieces like Titian’s “Venus of Urbino” and Gustave Courbet’s “Le Sommeil” are, to this day, considered ravishing by many. Appreciating the uniquely divine art that is femininity is one thing; however, ignoring artists’ blatant objectification of these women by placing value in the nudity is another.

Nobody ever questions male genitalia in art forms. Most often expressed in sculpture, there is no prominent underlying fetish surrounding the male body in art. Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam,” one of the most famous male nudes, is regarded as a religious piece rather than a nude.

The boundless cultural effect this era had was arguably the founding seed of modernday feminism. Women began actively bringing notice to this gender-rooted issue. In 1985, a group of female artists united over their awe of an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art that showcased 165 artists, including 17 female artists.

In 1486, Sandra Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus,” an iconic nude, pictured the period’s idealized version of a woman. The long, luscious hair, elegant skin, and large breasts defined this era’s perfect female figure. Being a time of heavily Christian themed art, many regard this radical piece as the birthplace of the expression of sexuality through painting.

This exploitation of women was, as the times allowed, blown off as expressionism rather than

The newly formed group of feminists titled themselves the Guerilla Girls and started a movement. With posters, billboards, books, magazines, stickers, and postcards, these women wanted to bring attention to discrimination in art.

Still, nearly 40 years later, the Guerilla Girls challenge the art world. A poster of theirs reads, “Do women have to be naked to get into the Met Museum? – Less than 5% of the artists in the Modern Art sections are women, but 85% of the nudes are female.” This feminist group’s fight sparked a movement encouraging many women around the world to have their voices heard.

People are organizing all-female gallery shows to bring awareness to and celebrate female artists of today’s world. “The Nasty Women Art Show”, “NSFW: Female Gaze”, “Champagne Life”, and “Feminine Product” are just a few shows that boasted female work. Passionate leaders of the feminist movement embrace what being feminine means to them, and part of that is uplifting other women from the retroactive statusquo of the female nude and celebrating this as art, not as a sexual fantasy.

This movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression has a different definition for every person. Being a woman is subject to its definition by anyone but those who feel they have the authority to place restraints on another’s femininity. Although the art world today is still male dominated, the reimagination of the female body in art is one large step toward claiming back femininity.

PHOTO CREDIT: GUERRILLA GIRLS

PHOTO CREDIT: GUERRILLA GIRLS

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The who, what, and wear.

Everything you need to know about fashion’s biggest night of the year.

BY KATY SNODGRASS PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Met Gala must knows:

The carpet is decadently rolled out, and today’s hottest celebrities are ready and waiting to walk it. The paparazzi impatiently buzzes about, anxiously anticipating the arrival of their photo subjects. Who will be the best dressed of the night? Who will wow the audience with their unique styling? Or who will fall flat on their face by thinking too far outside the box?

The first Monday of May brings one of the most anticipated fundraisers in pop culture. The Met Gala is a night to celebrate and push the boundaries of fashion through elaborate costuming by some of the top designers from around the world. Where only the elitist of the elite will receive an invitation. But the Met Gala was not always this fantastical production that seems to grow with each passing year. The

event started with the simple dream to have an institution dedicated to the preservation of theatrical costumes.

In 1948, American fashion publicist and pioneer, Eleanor Lambert, founded the Costume Institute Benefit. At the time, the event was a midnight dinner fundraiser that helped finance the newly created Costume Institute with invitations open to the public for $50 per ticket. According to Vogue, it was not until the ’70s when the magazine’s former editor-in-chief, Diana Vreeland, became involved that the benefit became the elaborate ball we know today.

However, Anna Wintour changed the game again in the ’90s when the ice queen of fashion stepped up to the plate and took over the Gala. Wintour is credited with the shift in the guest list to revolve more around the pop culture stars that Vogue posted in their stories. This is also when the over-thetop, intricate costumes became expected of Met Gala attendees as the celebrity budgets seemed limitless.

Wintour also selected the theme for the Gala each year, which set the stage for each respective year’s focus in fashion. Themes vary from celebrating important designers, such as 2011’s “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” theme, to bold statements of how the outside world impacts the world of fashion. Examples of these themes would be “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Church” in 2018, “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology” in 2016, and “Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century” in 2004.

Although some of Wintour’s themes are lost upon us and the invited guests, the designers usually display their most distinctive pieces fitting within the chosen theme. Over the years, certain celebrity stylings during the Met Gala have brought great influence into the world of fashion and pop culture. In no particular order, here is Thread’s list of some of the most jaw-dropping stylings in Met Gala history.

CHER IN BOB MACIKE – 1974

Throughout Cher’s decades-long career, she has always been a style icon, pushing the boundaries of sexy stylings for women. Cher’s revealing dress from the 1974 Met Gala is no exception to that.

JACQUELINE KENNEDY ONASSIS

IN VALENTINO – 1979

One of the more surprising Met Gala attendees was Jackie O herself. She stunned the crowd in her sleek and strapless black gown, presenting herself in a new light to the public

PHOTO CREDIT: RON GALELLA

PRINCESS DIANA IN DIOR – 1995

Lady Diana also surprised the world by attending the 1995 Met Gala in a form fitting silk gown that was almost lingerielike. Diana was also in an era of rebranding herself to the public, following her divorce from Prince Charles.

KIM KARDASHIAN IN THIERRY MUGLER –2019 “CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION”

RIHANNA IN MAISON MARGIELA AND CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN – 2018, “HEAVENLY BODIES: FASHION AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH”

The 2018 Met Gala brought some of the most recognizable and memorable looks of all time. However, Rihanna’s pope-inspired garment that was entirely encrusted in jewels and pearls must take the cake. Anna Wintour even called it a “very triumphant look.”

Kim Kardashian really stepped up her game for the 2019 Met Gala, seemingly defying the laws of physics with the size of her waist. Kim’s latex “wet T-shirt” dress was Mugler’s first design in 20 years and caused quite the controversy over how she was able to cinch her waist to such drastic proportions.

GalleryFashion

PHOTO CREDIT: RICHARD CORKERY

PHOTO CREDIT: KARWAI TANG

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STEPHEN

FashionGalaMet

MARC JACOBS IN COMME DES GARCONS – 2012 “SCHIAPARELLI AND PRADA: IMPOSSIBLE CONVERSATIONS”

While Jacobs’ name is widely known in fashion as a designer, his redcarpet appearances are far less recognizable. However, in 2012 Jacobs experimented with androgynous fashions, combining a beautiful lace see-through dress with a pair of men’s boxers underneath. Although nothing special in today’s world, at the time, Jacobs’ ensemble was groundbreaking.

TAYLOR SWIFT IN LOUIS VUITTON –2016, “MANUS X MACHINA: FASHION IN AN AGE OF TECHNOLOGY”

Any die hard Swiftie is very familiar with this look. In her most distinct “bleachella” era, Taylor sported a sexy chrome dress and a bleached bob hairdo. It is believed that several songs of Swift’s songs were written about the tumultuous love triangle created that night, making this night infamous among Swift’s fans.

PHOTO CREDIT: RAY TAMARRA

PHOTO

MAZUR

KENDALL AND KYLIE JENNER IN VERSACE – 2019, “CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION”

The Kar-Jenner clan have some of the greatest pull in the world of fashion and beauty in the United States. Kendall and Kylie’s 2019 Met Gala looks were no exception, being used as inspiration for everyday stylings and even Halloween costumes.

BLAKE LIVELY IN ATELIER VERSACE –2022, “IN AMERICA: A LEXICON OF FASHION”

As one of the co-hosts for the 2022 Met Gala, Blake Lively went over the top with the theme and continued her tradition of matching the Gala carpet. The oxidization of the Statue of Liberty inspired Lively, and she recreated it through her immaculate color changing dress.

GalleryFashion

PHOTO CREDIT: NEILSON BARNARD

PHOTO CREDIT: JAMIE MCCARTHY

FashionGalaMet

LADY GAGA IN BRANDON MAXWELL –2019, “CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION”

Gaga’s grand four-layer reveal on the Met carpet in 2019 is no doubt one of the most iconic looks from the Gala in recent history. She perfectly encapsulated the different eras of her career through four distinct looks, completely taking the theme of Camp and running with it.

YOURBODYISART,FINDYOUR

MEGANGOSS|

PROVIDED

YOURFIT YOURFIT

To anyone looking for an ethical, stylish, and inclusive brand to include in their wardrobe, TomboyX is the way to go. Founded by couple Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez, TomboyX is a size and gender inclusive undergarment line designed for the comfort of all. The company’s website features tucking underwear, compression tops, swimwear, and other products that all adhere to high ethical standards.

Dunaway and Gonzalez founded TomboyX in 2012 and have since worked hard to turn the company into a B corp, which is a type of corporation that meets certain ethical standards regarding environmental impact, employment, and governance. The couple prides themselves on inclusivity within their company through their values and high quality products. According to the company’s website, TomboyX has a diverse employee base that is 30% LGBTQ+, 77% female led, and 35% BIPOC, and the brand is conscious of who represents them as a company. Those who work for TomboyX are well cared for, receiving unlimited paid time off and 12 weeks of parental leave.

TomboyX has sustainable certifications throughout its sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, and shipping to ensure that the life cycle of the materials falls in line with the brand’s sustainable values. Through its conscious practices, TomboyX helps customers take a step away from consuming and participating in fast fashion that negatively impacts the world today.

The TomboyX clothing line focuses highly on gender inclusivity and acceptance within its clothing. The brand’s collections focus on garments not often seen in mass clothing

production that cater to people of all genders. The brand’s “Gender Euphoria” line consists of tucking bikinis, compression tops, and more items that help people feel more comfortable in their skin. Gender euphoria is a term coined for the feelings of happiness and comfort one has after seeing their body the way they would like and feeling like their true selves. Having clothing lines that help people be more true to themselves is extremely important and was a main goal of Dunaway and Gonzalez’s when creating TomboyX. Gender inclusive companies are sparse and very important for those looking to feel more comfortable about themselves.

Along with being gender inclusive, TomboyX carries products in a wide range of sizes. Many people struggle to find clothing made to fit them, and with there already being a lack of gender inclusive brands, TomboyX has made a point to cater to all body types. The products range from 3XS to 6XL to ensure they can provide products for everyone. TomboyX uses volunteers with all body types to model its clothing lines, making sure everyone can see themselves thriving in their brand no matter their size, gender, or sexual orientation.

Through the brand’s efforts to be a conscious company by practicing “radical visibility and inclusivity,” TomboyX has qualified as a B corp. TomboyX takes pride in this certification and uses the title to continue following the company’s values: accountability, fearlessness, diversity, trust, and unity. Dunaway and Gonzalez work hard to ensure TomboyX fosters a safe and inclusive environment for everyone who encounters the brand.

RANT/RAVE GLEE

ILLUSTRATIONS BY GRACE SUBLETT

RANT

BY MAGGIE VALENTINE

After three failed attempts, I cannot bring myself to like “Glee.” The bad storylines and terrible music covers make the show unwatchable. While watching the show, I cannot help but get angry at the character of Rachel Berry, played by Lea Michelle, who is an overdramatic, annoying, and generally terrible person. Michelle gets a lot of praise for this role, as her performances outshine the rest of the cast, while in reality, people overlook the actress’ terrible personality and accusations of racism she received on set. I think about this every time I see her face on the screen, and it is not just Lea Michelle that has a controversial history. There are other cast members on the show with poor reputations, which brings the focus away from the comedy and to the real-life actions of the cast. I find the performances on the show cringe-worthy, and I cannot believe they went on tour and people paid to

see them perform with a lower budget and bad costumes. No character did any musical artists any justice, and there were times when I skipped through the covers because I couldn’t bear to hear a good radio tune be completely demolished by some B-list actor. Any scene with Matthew Morrison’s character, Will Schuester, was unbearable and half the time he acted like a student rather than a teacher. I will admit the show made me laugh on occasion but only because of lines delivered by Sue Sylvester, played by the outstanding Jane Lynch. Without her, this show would not have the cultural impact it has today. I respect those who enjoy the show but most seem to have a hard time with anyone who criticizes the show. This is shocking considering how non-serious this show is. “Glee” is fun to hate-watch, but there are several other shows I would rather watch before I willingly watch “Glee” again.

RAVE

BY HANNAH CAMPBELL

“Glee” is one of the most controversial shows out there. The cast takes weird approaches to popular music, the comedy is borderline offensive, and the drama on and off-screen is truly intense. I love every second of it.

Growing up, I fully identified as a “gleek.” I watched every episode multiple times and constantly listened to music from the show. Even with the crazy amount of memes of how weird or cringey the show was, I still believe it is an iconic one.

The storylines cover a wide range of topics, many before they were popular in teen shows and movies: LGBTQ+ issues, sexual health, and what life is like after high school and college. The show’s creators were able to find actors like Chris Colfer, who were able to connect to these issues, and convey the show’s message even better. Despite the drama and many storylines that the show portrays, what makes it so amazing is the music.

Each of the cast members has a special way of singing another artist’s cover and

make it sound like they wrote the song themselves. They were able to connect with the music on such a deep emotional level.

Lastly, watching Jane Lynch play the neurotic Sue Sylvester is absolutely hilarious. She is able to roast anyone on anything, and I still quote many of her infamous lines in random conversation. She is rude, offensive, and obnoxious, and that is why I love her.

Being a previous theater nerd myself, I remember how cringey my previous performing days were. “Glee” is exactly that: a little cringey but lovable. I was absolutely shocked to see the cast perform “Push It” in the second episode, but every theater kid has a performance that they look back on cringe on. It is part of the enjoyment.

The TikTok memes are funny, but the show truly kills. I guess you will have to watch for yourself if you are a loser like me.