Special Edition:
Vol. 56, Issue 11
The The Fashion Fashion Issue Issue Est. 1981
The Paisano
October 31 - November 7, 2017
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio Community /PaisanoOnline
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Pollution couture By Robin Molina Staff Writer
Fashion is the world’s second largest pollutant. Practically every step in the production process, from cotton farming to laundering leaves a carbon footprint on the environment. There is no denying the allure of a new pair of jeans or shoes. The option to reinvent and reclaim ourselves through our sartorial choices has been ingrained in our DNA since prehistoric times. Today, that innate inclination is reinforced through our everyday lives, even more so with social media and the rise of fast fashion. So, if you wish to stand out from the crowd, do so with the knowledge and confidence that your clothes come from environmentally friendly sources. The textile manufacturing process combined with the rise of see-now-buy-now, fast fashion accelerates the rate of the carbon footprint. The process starts with cotton farming. According to Alternet.org, a website encouraging community activism for the environment and health care issues through strategic journalism, cotton is the world’s most commonly used natural fiber and is in nearly 40 percent of our clothing. It is also one of the most chemically dependent crops in the world. While only 2.4 percent of the world’s cropland is planted with cotton, it consumes 10 percent of all agricultural chemicals and 25 percent of insecticides. Continued onto Arts & Life on page 6 See ‘Fashion pollution’
Creative Commons
Looking to make it big in briefs UTSA students co-owner of international underwear brand By Vincent Valdez News Assistant
Photo Courtesy of Peyton Killburn
Lillian + E founder Ana Richie (left) sports the “Lola” ombré tasasel earrings from her gameday collection.
Marketing fashion on-campus By Isaac Serna Editor-in-Chief
A university campus is an ideal point of entry for a fashion business. From a marketing perspective, students are attractive. They are a defined group—18-30 demographic with a reputation of being impressionable. Businesses target students in their marketing campaigns, but no one has a better opportunity to promote their brand than a student herself. Ana Richie, sophomore sociology major began her jewelry line, Lilian + E, as a summer project; As her brand gained traction so did she. Richie handcrafts, “fun, simplistic earrings and accessories” for confident, bright and free spirited women. Her pieces have evolved from pom-poms and tassels to chain links and gemstones. “I free-hand my pieces.” Richie said, “I don’t measure-I use my friends as a reference.” Richie’s organic approach to her craft and business dealings, at times, are unplanned, but her methods are strikingly similar to a well-marketed fashion business. Fashion-line’s have three general marketing rules applied to their conception: the target customer, the brand story and the marketing mix. According to the Business
of Fashion, these principles are the means to a successful fashion company. A university tradition generates excitement; if a label targets their product to the source of the excitement it too takes part in the action. UTSA Football has gradually captured an audience, and Lillian + E adds to the overall experience with her gameday fashion collection. “I market to people who like to wear jewelry and dress up for gameday, and tassels are a big part of that,” Richie said, “In my website you can go in, and you can select your team. Lilian + E’s selection of gameday colorways fit collegiate and professional sports teams, like the ‘Runner orange and blue, and have grown upon request. Popular colorways reappear in her website, and she expressed a willingness to experiment with other colorways in response to customer feedback. Gameday fashion is a niche directed to her target customer, but Lillian + E jewelry is designed to reach a broader audience. “I grew up in the suburbs; I’m into the boho style,” Richie said. “I never really got into streetwear, though. A lot of other African American women do wear the style; it’s not me, personally. So when I started the brand, I wanted to change the Continued on page 2 See ‘Handcrafted jewelry’
UTSA Business major Chris Davalos, co-owner and operational manager of SHEATH Underwear, is excited about his company’s sales and latest line of underwear. The new underwear design features a unique red and black geometric-patterned waistband, luxurious modal and elastane fabric and Dual Pouch technology. “From the outside, they just look like really nice boxers, but it’s what’s inside that counts,” said Davalos. “They’re super stylish and super comfortable. You can wear them to the gym or wear them out on dates. They’re just all around revolutionary underwear.” SHEATH Underwear is best known for it’s innovative Zen Pouch, a simple and elegant design—located inside the underwear—which isolates the penis and the testicles from chafing against the thigh, a
discomforting feeling for men on hot days when perspiration is likely to occur. “I wear SHEATH Underwear every day, and if I don’t wear them, for whatever reason, I almost hate my life because it’s so uncomfortable,” said Davalos. The concept of SHEATH Underwear was born in 2007, when Davalos’ cousin Robert Patton, founder and CEO of SHEATH Underwear and U.S. Army veteran, was stationed in Iraq, where he experienced unrelenting desert heat. His military standard issue underwear failed to provide adequate support in temperatures that average around 125 degrees fahrenheit. He searched for underwear that could meet his expectation but to no avail, so he designed his own. The Dual Pouch design has increased sales to more than 900 transactions per month with customers in all 50 states, Canada and the U.K., according to Davalos. Continued on page 2 See ‘SHEATH’
Meditation and Spirituality at UTSA Student group holds open mediatation sessions By Emily Hubbard Staff Writer
UTSA students, faculty and staff are invited to join the Weekly Club for Applied Spiritual Technologies in the UC Oak Room (2.01.20) on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for group meditation and spiritual discussion. The Club for Applied Spiritual Technology (C-FAST) was formed in 2013 by Sharon Castro and is led by the organization’s current president, Javier Cardenas. “We have monks in there with the Hare Krishna movement, which is a movement that gained in the ‘60s,” said Cardenas. “They come around and offer words of wisdom and lead us in mantra meditation. Our main structure in the club is to open
up and all gather around, and our monk will play instruments. Our form of meditation is very instrumental. We will continue with chants which takes place as a form of prayer.” The group’s main goal is to have a place for students to feel comfortable and have a space to have open discussion on a variety of topics, according to Cardenas. “This is not a religious group,” said Cardenas. “We are open to all forms of spirituality, everyone has their own beliefs. Our monk gives us parables and words of wisdom and stories from scripts. We usually come in, do an opening mantra, meditate and play instruments, then further Continued on page 2 See ‘Students’
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UTSA President Eighmy appointed a 34-member Tuition and Fees Committee and a 16-member Weighted Student Credit Hour (WSCH) Optimization Committee. The Tuition and Fees Committee will explore tuition structure, examine market forces, seek input from UTSA’s internal and external stakeholders and weigh input from the Nov. 6 open forum in order to determine tuition rates. The WSCH Optimization Committee will examine factors that affect course enrollment and ways to optimize course enrollment.
Texas Rep. Eric Johnson and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met and discussed Confederate monuments located within the Capitol. Prior to the meeting, Johnson made a formal request to remove the “Children of the Confederacy” plaque because it displays historically inaccurate information stating that the Civil War was not a rebellion and its cause was not to sustain slavery. During the meeting, the Governor said he would ask the State Preservation Board to look into the history of the plaque.
U.S. A coastal storm, coinciding with the 5-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, is forecast to bring heavy rain and high winds to Northeast, especially New York and New England. The National Weather Service has issued multiple watches and warnings for the northern East Coast ranging from Washington, D.C., to Boston. Coastal areas could see wind gust of up to 65 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Lillian + E handcrafted jewelry reaches the university continued from page 1 narrative.” Richie described her jewelry to be similar to brands that inspire her: Altard State and Madewell being the most influential. Involvement in UTSA organizations have grown Richie’s network immensely. She is on the executive board of the Black Law Student Association at UTSA, a Student Government Senator, an active member of the NAACP UTSA Chapter, an advisory board member of the African American Studies Department and a Black Student Orientation Chair. Richie said her social media reaches a broad African American audience which helps promote her brand, but she intends to design her products to be as inclusive as possible through her decisions in outreach, marketing and design. “I love turquoise, I feel like it goes well with every skin tone.” said Richie. “The colors I use are very strategic.” Lillian + E is a handcrafted brand directed by Richie. As a buyer she weighs a range of factors in her decisions. She visits wholesale sites, festivals and local art and craft stores–it’s primarily a hand-selected process. Richie said particular chains that she uses are wholesale, but explained that despite receiving advice to fully adopt wholesale to cut expenses, she would rather strike her own balance between wholesale and other suppliers. “I still want my tassels to be handmade and other parts of it handmade,” Richie said. “So that I’m the creator of my jewelry.” Overlap of a southwest aesthetic sensibility and Richie’s late grandmother’s fashion sense and sensibility define the Lillian + E brand story. Lillian Snow Burley, Richie’s late grandmother, inspires the Lillian + E line. Burley travelled extensively, embraced cultures
Photo courtesy of Calasia Haynes/Creative Peaces
UTSA student, Skye Marsh, poses with Lillian + E products in the Texas Hill Country.
she encountered and acquired an impressive collection of jewelry that Richie, to this day, draws inspiration from. “She (was an) African American ivy league woman. She broke a lot of barriers,” Richie reflected. Richie has a range of goals for her brand’s growth which apply marketing mix principles. The marketing mix (or the 4 P’s) refers to four levels of a marketing decision: product, price, promotion and place. Richie’s brightly-colored accessories are nickel free and hypoallergenic, but ultimately Richie would like her brand to follow fair trade policy, a social movement which works to achieve better trading conditions, particularly in developing countries. Advocates of fair trade accomplish this by paying higher prices to exporters, as well as improving social and environmental standards, making it difficult for new brands to practice fair trade and offer their products at a reasonable price. “One day I would like to get to that stage where all of my jewelry is ethically made,” Richie said. Lillian + E product prices
range from $9.99-$39.99. With every purchase, Richie sends a personalized thank you and business cards. She works to ensure that each customer is satisfied with accessories that last. Etsy, an e commerce website, has helped young entrepreneurs efficiently sell their products. Richie enjoys Etsy’s accessibility and flexibility. It allows her to track what she sold, choose her payment options, build a tab, pre generate shipping labels and other helpful tools to ensure she can capitalize from her efforts. “It’s really like your paying rent,” Richie said. Etsy is Richie’s primary place of sale, but Lillian + E is available in a brick and mortar location. She works at Uptown Cheapskate and has developed a partnership with their management. There you can find Lilian + E pieces and examine them in person. Promotion propels brands into new territory, and Richie doesn’t take its power for granted. In addition to hosting giveaways and collection campaigns, Richie fosters partnerships with fellow UTSA students, who shoot
SHEATH
Meditation and Sprituatility
World The Spanish Government has taken control of Catalonia an autonomous region of Spain, after Catalan Regional President, Carles Puigdemont, and members of the Catalan parliament declared independence from Spain, by a margin of 70 votes to 10. Shortly after the Catalan vote, Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, fired Carles Puigdemont, expunged the Catalan parliament and ordered regional elections to be held on Dec. 21. Demonstrations for and against independence followed in the Catalonian capital, Barcelona, Spain, pushing the country into political crisis.
Science The Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii discovered what astronomers believe to be an asteroid visiting the solar system from another star. The object was dubbed A/2017 U1. Observations from other telescopes around the world suggest the object’s trajectory is at an unusually steep angle and probably no more than 400 meters across, zooming through the solar system at 25.5 kilometers per second. Astronomers are planning to measure the colors in the asteroids reflected light to figure out what it’s made of, a clue to its origin.
continued from page 1
Emily Hubbard/The Paisano
Members of C-FAST in the Oak Room.
continued from page 1 into some topics our monk has set out, like karma, reincarnation, yoga, ways of living and animal rights. “I feel like I’ve gotten positive benefits from the chanting; it’s something I look forward to every Thursday. It provides a sense of relief,” remarked Advaita, the monk for C-FAST. He also spoke about the club’s importance and how an open mind can build relationships with others. “We like to keep an open-door policy,” said Advaita. “We might have a topic and maintain the AMA format, Ask Me Anything: Where does the soul go after death? How does that happen? The difference between matter and spirit? “Spirituality, for me, is so beautiful because it brings people together. People with intelligent questions and inquiries that shed more-light on these topics and questions we have, or don’t necessarily find answers for in our curriculum. I think a lot of young people are thinking about it, but there are no outlets for them to have open discussions and feed that intelligence. I think we are pretty unique at the university, and not many clubs provide this type of opportunity. What is sacred is life, we want to honor life.” A dedicated member to the group and fellow UTSA student, Nico Huang, spoke out on the club’s importance and how it has impacted his life. “Personally, I feel like I would always come to this club, because we are all looking for a connection to something, we are all looking to connect,” said Huang. “Through music and sound vibration, this club offers an outlet to tap into that energy and experience something we take for granted on the daily. Personally, that’s why I come back, because I feel souls and the warrior mindset is very few and Advaita is one of them. When you can get one candle to light another candle, it starts a chemical reaction and lets everyone in on that fire. To keep that fire going is why I always come back.” For more information, or to join, visit Oak RoomUC 2.01.20 on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m or email Javier Cardenas at javier.cardenas@ utsa.edu.
her campaigns and model her products. “When they’re part of it and they’re having fun with the shoots students are more likely to post the pictures on their social media, which helps gain followers.” A stronger following and community partnership can drive Lillian + E’s mission by helping her customers tell their story through their wardrobe and accessories. “My grandmother, at 93, could remember where she wore this outfit and where she was going,” Richie said about a photo of Burley she shared. Burley’s distinct memory attached to her wardrobe, despite battling dementia, made Richie realize what someone wears can forever be part of their personal story. Students can tell their story through Lillian + E or through their own fashion business. A college campus is flush with opportunities to sell and network. Richie advises not to get bogged down in preplanning. Running a business consists of a lot of experiential learning, the knowledge that makes ideas flourish.
“We mainly sell through our website, sheathunderwear.com,” said Davalos. “That’s where 90 percent of our sales come from. We have one fulfillment center in Canada and one fulfillment center in Liverpool. When we get our wholesale from our distributor, some of it gets shipped to those fulfilment centers. They’ve helped out tremendously in terms of the international market.” SHEATH Underwear also sells their 2.0s and 3.2s styles on Amazon,
older versions of their underwear that feature the Zen Pouch, according to Davalos. Earlier this year, SHEATH sponsored Floyd Mayweather Jr., a professional boxer, for his U.K. tour. Currently, SHEATH sponsors several lower division UFC fighters and an elite team of U.S. Olympic athletes. “We feel like our company is worth millions of dollars,” said Davalos. “We were actually offered, in 2016, a $2 million dollar buyout. But they didn’t want SHEATH, they wanted our patent for the Dual Pouch and we didn’t really like that. We’ve
been building up this brand for years, and the money would completely destroy it. That wouldn’t be fair to our (loyal) customers.” SHEATH Underwear has over 700 online reviews, six lines of underwear and an online blog on physical and mental health. According to Davalos, wearing SHEATH Underwear is life-changing. For more information about SHEATH Underwear and their selection, visit sheathunderwear.com and take 25 percent off one item using discount code PAISANO.
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opinion Ditch the fashion degree Editorial The Fashion Institute of Design & Marketing (FIDM) in California is the most renowned institution of learning for fashion careerists, but professionals in the business don’t always advocate fashion degrees as the best course to break into the industry. UTSA does not offer a fashion degree. The most recognized fashion degree in San Antonio can be earned at the University of Incarnate Word (UIW). The Juren Sullivan Center for Fashion Management at UIW offers an “industry-driven, professional degree designed to prepare students for career opportunities available in the fashion industry including fashion production, fashion retailing, design and brand, sales force and product sales management.” But the truth is most students would be better positioned for success with a standard business marketing or communication degree paired with experiential learning related to fashion. The Business of Fashion (BOF) is a wonderful resource for students interested in careers the fashion industry offers. BOF is a London-based multimedia fashion blog for the “fashion creatives,
executives and entrepreneurs in over 200 countries.” The Career tab in the blog provides a running list of job opportunities including visual Merchandisers, buyers, sample coordinators, e-commerce photographers and PR marketing managers. Jonathan Elijah, UTSA alumus and sample coordinator for Neiman Marcus, met with The Paisano and shared his journey from the UTSA classroom to his corporate office in Neiman Marcus Dallas. His latest task as a sample coordinator was unpackaging a Zegna Spring 2018 collection and bringing it to the Adolphus hotel for a menswear shoot. Before the action began, he reviewed the designer’s notes for the products presentation and ensured his photographers understood what they couldn’t change about the shoot. The shoot and the repackaging was on a strict time crunch—the shoot began at 12 p.m., ended at 4:30 p.m., repackaged at Elijah’s studio and next-day shipped to Zegna’s buying office in New York. Before Elijah coordinated incoming and outgoing samples of designer collections for promotional photo shoots and managed an office of photographers and models, he was in the UTSA classroom earning a communication degree,
selling menswear at Nordstrom and racking up business internships with a number of companies, including HEB. Fashion is an art, but it is a business too. Whether a retail store or a fashion house–fashion business need to translate the lives of people into tangible products a consumer can wear. There is a series of interpreting how a potential customer will interact with a product. It starts with a designer’s sketch and ends with a smiling associate handing a bag to the customer. Much of this process is taught through experiential learning, but what can’t be taught is the intricacies of driving a business, such as understanding the marketing mix, advertising to a target customer, articulating a brand’s message. Business, communication or even e-commerce degrees can give students pursuing a fashion career the skills needed to propel a design, brand or industry forward and to gain experiential learning outside of the industry. In order to break in a student shouldn’t get stuck with a specialized degree if they can accomplish the same results with a general degree that offers more points of entry and opportunity.
Gender fluidity in fashion Commentary
By Ryan Thompson Staff Writer
It seems as though our clothing represents our gender identity from the time we are young. Little boys are dressed in blue onesies covered in monster trucks, and little girls are clothed in pink onesies with frills and bows sewed at the hems. My hypothesis is that one’s dress is usually the first mechanism we use to decipher if a person is a “male” or “female,” because it is the most outward expression of gender there is. It is how we keep from having that embarrassing slip-up of complimenting how pretty a woman’s little baby boy is or how handsome one’s little girl is. However, as we grow older, it is suddenly okay for boys to wear a little bit of pink here and there, and it’s okay for girls to wear a jersey of their favorite football team. Now, as I become an adult, it is clear just how gender-fluid fashion really is. Gender fluidity has become a popular topic within the “millennial” generation. Gender fluid means one whose gender is not fixed. That person doesn’t identify as male or female, but as gender fluid. Though it is a hot topic, I wouldn’t exactly say gender fluidity is a new topic. Gender fluidity has always had a place in high fashion, and
with terminology such as “tomboy” and “drag queen,” it has become more and more common to challenge gender roles in fashion. Popular artists of today such as Rihanna, who frequently turns men blazers into dresses, and Kanye West, who has made headlines in leather skirts, have spearheaded the gender fluidity movement as of late. The hip-hop community, frequently accused of hyper-masculinity, has slowly begun to evolve into a more open and accepting community with popular rappers such as Kid Cudi in a crop-top and Lil Uzi Vert doing… whatever Lil Uzi Vert decides to do. The line of acceptable deviations from the gender norms of fashion have become blurred, and I couldn’t be happier. Popular fashion lines such as Gucci have brought collections to Paris Fashion Week with men wearing exclusively womens clothes littered with lace and oversized bows, and as I flip through last month’s issue of “W” magazine, women in baggy men’s suits and oversized denim seem to be a new normal. The idea that fashion and one’s dress exclusively represent one’s identity as male or female has been shaken. When Rihanna hits the streets in a men’s blazer, it does not speak to her identity as a woman, nor does it challenge her femininity. It is simply a deviation. When Kanye West leaves the house in a woman’s skirt, it does not represent nor does it discredit his identity as a
man. Whether this deviation is a rebellion against social norms, or a deviation with no meaning at all, it still sends a powerful message nonetheless. Masculinity has been known to strike down vulnerability or to be regarded as a sign of weakness, and femininity has been known to emphasize women as cooperative and seductive. This can be extremely damaging to those who feel the desire to defy those norms and expectations. Fashion has become a firstline of defense for those outliers. Fashion has begun to separate itself from gender identity. It has become exploritive and inviting, proving that men and women aren’t so different. Fashion shouldn’t be used to emphasize the differences that do occur. Though fashion can be an integral part of one’s identity, it’s interpretation can still be left to oneself. Femininity can be expressed with more than a pink frill and a tutu. Masculinity can stretch far beyond baggy pants and fitted caps. Though it is much easier for people with celebrity status to challenge these gendered-fashion norms, the movement is slowly trickling down to us “regular” members of society. The less we label these members of society “pariahs,” the more likely we are to make progress within fashion that hopefully strikes progress in the entire gendered system. Let’s just hope that society can see this as a milestone, rather than a hurdle.
{ Photo Poll } By Emily Hubbard Staff Writer
Staying fashionable and up to date on the latest trends can be hard, but what is even harder to be able to afford them. The Paisano asked students: “If you had $50, would you rather spend it on one name brand piece or a set of pieces?”
Rachel Murphy Freshman Electrical engineering
Sheridan Aguilar Freshman Psychology
“I would much rather prefer an outfit. With that, you can put together different articles of clothing with them and on top of it is one thing to have a brand name, but that doesn’t mean it’s a quality item. You can find items from Goodwill or retail stores, and you can get more than going to stores, such as American Eagle or Hollister. When going to those stores you can only get a shirt or a pair of pants for $50 dollars.”
“I would rather spend it on an outfit because finding pieces that fit my style is very difficult. Thrifting is one of the main things that I do to find those certain pieces. Also, when you find a piece that is way cheaper than it would be in stores, it is extremely rewarding. I would say that thrifting is one of the best things that you can do when you’re trying to develop your own style.”
Javian Quinones Senior Business management
“My answer to that would be one piece. I’m a firm believer in quality over quantity, although it is nice sometimes to just go to a thrift store and pick up a whole bunch of pieces to put together. But if I had $50 I would just go ahead and get one nice t-shirt or maybe a hoodie.”
Ariel Rubero Freshman Criminal justice
“You can’t get a good brand name shirt for $50, so I would rather go thrifting. You know, if I am getting brand, I’m getting Ralph, Gucci, Louis Vuitton.”
Austen Shankle Sophomore Communication
“I would get a whole outfit because I could get more for my money.”
Freddie Bastart Freshman Electrical engineering
“If I had $50, I would spend it on a brand because I believe in quality over quantity.”
Jelani Bernier Freshman Electrical engineering
“I would rather get multiple shirts, because you can wear them more days of the week rather than one shirt.”
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The Paisano
Editor in Chief: Isaac Serna Managing Editor: Ethan Pham News Editors: Gaige Davila Samuel De Leon Arts & Life Editor: Enrique Bonilla Sports Editor: Frank Leal Web Editor: Ricardo Rodriguez Photography Editor: Chase Otero Magazine Editor: Samantha Ceballos Multimedia Editor: Kat Joseph Senior Copy Editor: Jessica Salinas Editor in Chief’s Assistant: Kenyatta Battle News Assistant: Heather Montoya Vincent Valdez Arts & Life Assistant: Katrina Clements Sports Assistant: Connor Zimmerlee Magazine Assistant: Natalia Brookens Diana Amaya Multimedia Assistant: Oscar Torres Business Manager: Will Stransky Marketing Manager: Valery Assad Marketing Assistant: Maya Halabi
Social Media Coordinator: Kristy Olson
Public Relations Coordinator:
Andrea Trejo Advertising Marketing Liaison: Jenelle Duff Distribution Manager: Ben Shirani
— STAFF —
Aidan Watson-Morris, Carlos Hughes, Danielle Throneberry, Justice Lovin, Helen Stransky, Wylie Kurkendall, Raquel Zuniga, Sofia Trevino, Ryan Thompson, Leah Feneley, Cade Brashear, Kimiya Factory, Joseph Mabry, Ricky Galindo, Briyah Phillips, Eric Pitty, Karen Gracia, Taylor Zamora, Brandon Armstead, Mackenzie Dyer, Vivian Gullien Emily Hubbard,
Pretty in pink Commentary
Commentary
Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons
By David Hinojosa Staff Writer
Last week, I reflected on how pink fits into fashion. Blue has been my favorite color ever since I was little. I would never wear pink—it wasn’t my favorite color. That is, until I bought my first pink shirt two years ago. Pink in one’s wardrobe is viewed in varying ways. Since pink is stereotypically seen as feminine, men question if pink makes them less of a man and hesitate to wear the color. Additionally, there is a stereotype that associates colorful clothing with homosexual men. Pink and blue have been socially constructed for gender. Over the years, gender barriers have been broken. Women now hold jobs that men once dominated – is the color pink another broken down social barrier? A wide range of male celebrities wear pink, such as soccer legend David Beckham and actor Brad Pitt. Men even wore pink in the 1920s; men sporting pink was mentioned in the classic novel “The Great Gatsby.” It wasn’t until the 1950s that pink was commonly
known as a feminine color, and even then the construct was broken by Elvis Presley. Fashion trends come and go, but they always cycle back. Lately I’ve noticed musicians on TV and models in men’s catalogs wearing long muscle tees that look like dresses, something I frankly would never wear due to societal norms I’ve grown accustomed to. My conclusion on the color pink is it’s okay to wear it, as long as it matches your outfit. This month I matched a dark pink shirt with white slacks. There are many variations of pink shirts to choose from, so it won’t take long to find something that works. I wouldn’t wear pink 10 years ago because of the perceptions people I knew had about men who wore pink. More recently I gave a pink button down shirt a chance, and it turned out to be a good choice. “Surprise!” It looks just as good as my blue button down shirt. Guys shouldn’t let societal expectations dictate the color of their clothing. Men can wear pink and look sharp doing it. Being risque is trying something new. It might work, or worst case scenario, be a simple wardrobe malfunction.
Clothing doesn’t speak for you
— MARKETING STAFF — Ethan Pham, Will Stransky, Jenelle Duff, Ray Hagimoto, Kat Joseph, Andrea Trejo, Maya Halabi
Josh Zollicoffer, Diego Lopez, Lizvette Hernandez, Audrey Vela, James Ayala, Noel Montenegro, Robin Molina Diane Abdo
— ADVISORY BOARD — Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias, Diane Abdo, Red Madden
The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tripoint and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301 © 2017, The Paisano The University of Texas at San Antonio's Handbook of Operating Procedures states in 5.03 that: The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) will not exercise control over the format or content of Student Publications, but will regulate distribution on campus. Student Publications will be free of censorship and advance approval of copy, and their editors and managers are solely responsible for editorial and content policies and decisions. Editors and managers of Student Publications will not be subject to arbitrary suspension/expulsion or removal from their positions within a Registered or Sponsored Student Organization (Student Organization) by the University because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of editorial policy or content. Student Organizations that distribute Student Publications are afforded the same rights and privileges as Student Organizations that do not distribute Student Publications.
By Leah Feneley Staff Writer
“Clothing is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” But if the clothing you wear has nothing to do with your personality, does your fashion really replace your eyes as the window to your soul? Yes, clothing is a form of self-expression, but it can also be misleading. I do not think that the “basicwhite-girl” UGG boots or the pastel hair dye you wear has anything to do with who you are as a person. I love when a person’s appearance does not mimic their reality. If you wear midnight black lipstick, ripped jeans and have an array of art upon your body, I do not presume that you are intimidating and should be feared. Black is not threatening. Black is poetic, and you can listen to Taylor Swift’s music while you wear it, without any judgement from me. Those who enjoy makeup should not be seen as inferior: mascara does not glue their eyes so shut that they cannot read the words of authors or solve math problems. The presence of a beautiful appearance does not mean the absence of intelligence in any person. If you wear cowboy boots, you should not be judged because people assume your primary music
By Briyah Phillips Staff Writer
It’s 2017; stores are stocked with curl styling creams, leave-in conditioners and curly hair products galore. Big, curly hair is admired and sought after, but this isn’t how it’s always been. Growing up, my hair was often seen as unruly, unmanageable and odd. For years, I wore my hair up in a ponytail, because I was taught that the natural volume of my hair was messy. In my later elementary years, I found relaxers, which are a conglomerate of chemicals strong enough to burn your skin. I used relaxers to permanently alter my bold luxurious curls into something more generally acceptable. At that age, I didn’t notice the discrimination; I just thought I was doing something wrong, that my hair was unruly because I didn’t fix it properly. But I was mistaken I wasn’t doing anything incorrect; society just saw my hair as incorrect. At that time in my life, my best hair days were when my hair was straight. It didn’t matter if my hair or skin was accidentally singed in the process, my hair was neat and that was all that mattered. Between the chemicals and the constant
burning, even when I didn’t straighten my hair, it never truly curled. It was a mess of waves that attempted to curl but were weighed down by the views of society. On days when I wore my hair “curly,” I would use giant headbands to keep it from being too big. But one day, my outlook changed while watching Disney’s “Brave.” The beginning of every naturalist’s journey is different, and mine started with a line from King Ferbus himself. In an imitation of his highly individualistic, seemingly rebellious daughter, he said, “I’m Merida, I want to stay single and let my hair flow in the wind as I ride through the land, firing arrows into the sunset.” I don’t know what it was about that statement-even watching it back now I don’t feel any bit of inspiration-but it caused me to want to let my hair go, to let it flow in the wind no matter what anyone said. At first, I wasn’t very confident. I did wear my hair curly most of the time but still felt the need to straighten it if I felt like dressing nicer. It wasn’t until I realized my curls weren’t as curly as they could be that I put the straightener down permanently. Now I wear my curls as my crown. I am confident without a care in the world for what people think because this is who I am. If society can’t accept my hair, I don’t want to be included.
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choice is country. I wear cowboy boots, and I have never square danced in my life. Some fashion pieces are just residuals from different past relationships. Human beings are not born with clothing and accessories to dictate our personalities from birth, so why should we view fashion as an important aspect of someone’s existence? As college students, we are chameleons. We inhabit many different forms. We are all just trying to figure out where we belong in this world, and we will go through many different fashion phases until we reach our final destination. But that does not mean that we should be judged or judge others based on the fashion phases we live through. A person’s character and true intentions cannot be determined based on their clothing. Just because someone is the most stylish of their friends, does not mean her passive aggressive attitude should be excused or tolerated. Just because they wear something that some might view as revealing, does not mean they do not deserve respect. Just because someone owns clothing from the most famous brands, does not make them better nor more successful than you. Clothes are not going to change the world; the people who wear them will.
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O C TOB E R 3 1 - NO V EMBER 7, 2017
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ARts & Life
Stunting on a budget The Come Up/In Search Of
Emily Hubbard/The Paisano
The Come Up/In Search Of
Emily Hubbard/The Paisano
PrayxPlot
Courtesy of Lewis Rodriguez
Behind the lens
Janai Cantu puts focus on SA fashion. By Isabel Camacaro Contributing Writer
Janai Cantu is one of San Antonio’s most influential photographers. Her work includes shooting the lookbooks of Chiq’tique and
Cantu at Local Coffee.
GreyMoon Vintage, blogger Chic in the Heart of Texas and the singer Storm Calista. Cantu believes one of the unique aspects of the San
Isabel Camacaro/The Paisano
O
ver the past year, vintage fashion has seen a come up from casual everyday life to high fashion. Because vintage fashion is one of the hottest trends right now, items are more accessible than ever: pop ups, online shopping, applications and old fashion thrifting. With vintage fashion comes an expression of different eras through patterns, textures, lengths, color saturation and accessories. Another great thing about shopping vintage is the ecofriendly aspect of it. Rather than contributing to fast fashion and ill payed laborers in foreign countries, one can reuse and recycle all the great trends from before. Don’t be afraid to branch out, mix and match and create a new look through the old. All things from frilly to streetwear and everything inbetween goes when it comes to creating a personal look.
Thrifting is taken to a new level through local businesses.
By Emily Hubbard Staff Writer
You may only ned to raid your parent’s closet to hit the mark in the fashion world, but if not, here are some unique businesses in the San Antonio area to shop but on a budget. PrayxPlot is the perfect option for someone interested in street style, and their unique designs are bound to catch an eye or two. With bold patterns and strong expression, the brand’s hand-made items are like nothing on the market right now. Through expertise in screen printing and hand stitching, Jon Tyson has built his inventory, consisting of hats and accessories, prints, tees/tanks, jackets and sweaters, button-ups and bottoms. Right now, T-shirts and hand-stitched hats are favorites among local buyers, so catch them quick! Find PrayxPlot on prayxplot.com or through the @prayxplot handle. What’s better than a two in one store? Visit 607 W Hil-
Shop Rare at Brick at Blue Star
Antonio fashion scene is the ability to embrace Latino culture and effortlessly incorporate it into the local fashion scene. “I’ve seen people wear Frida Kahlo stuff. I saw somebody wear a Mexican flag bandana the other day and they wrapped it on their head–that was pretty cool,” said Cantu. In addition, Cantu notes, “People here are very bold about mixing their patterns. For example, a military looking jacket with a pink spurt, things like that.” Cantu’s personal style has also evolved over the years; “I actually used to be more into dressing like a hipster,” she said. “I would wear beanies a lot, Free People, but lately I’ve been trying to do more chic,” said Cantu. “I never like to feel uncomfortable in what I wear, but I also don’t want to feel too casual. So, I’ve been trying to balance (that). “I also really like the desert,” said Cantu of her recent style direction. This statement is reflected in her work and her style: the name of her blog,
Emily Hubbard/The Paisano
Jana in the Desert, is the most obvious example. “This summer I wore a bunch of bandanas and bolo ties. I haven’t worn them that much lately, but I really like wearing hats. I love jumpsuits too, even though I’m short. Sometimes I have to cut the legs,” explains Cantu. In addition to the desert, music has also been a great source of inspiration for Cantu, one of the reasons she became interested in fashion in the first place. “Music has influenced the way I dress, definitely.” She includes The Beatles, Fleet Foxes, Zella Day and other indie artists among her most important influences. “I used to listen to ‘70s era, ‘60s music when I was younger.” In fact, one of her favorite ways to get her “creative juices flowing” is to find images of photo shoots from the ‘60s and ‘70s. She also mentions that male musicians’ girlfriends certainly play a hand when finding inspiration since they often have “the best clothes, ever.”
debrand and you can explore In Search Of as well! If you haven’t heard of it, don’t feel too bad; the shop is still a newbie to the area. Owners Isaac Mello, Laura Mora, Nathan Gonzalez and Brianna Estrada handpick items from the ‘80s, ‘90s and early ‘00s era to keep each and every one of you stylish all times of the year. Whether it is swim suits and tank tops or windbreakers and jeans, The Come Up and In Search Of has an array of choices. Bringing some of the hottest brands (Levi’s, Wrangler, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Sport, Guess and many more), the shop provides customers with the essentials for the perfect look. Less than 15 minutes away from UTSA students, the shop is not only affordable but also accessible. Looking for something to do? Make sure and check out their monthly events held with an array of pop ups, food, drinks and live music; it is a great opportunity to cop some new items and meet new people! The Come Up and ISO are located at 607 W Hildebrand Ave. Visit them online at thecomeup.tictail.com or @ thecomeup via Instagram. ISO can be found online at isosatx.com or @shopinsearchof via Instagram. Being open for only a For those trying to put themselves out there, she recommends using Instagram as the platform of choice. Cantu has found that most of her work is actually accomplished through reaching out to models and brands through the image sharing app. She also suggests staying active and using hashtags effectively in order to cre-
year this past September, Shop Rare is the baby of the bunch, but don’t let this fool you, their marketplace is filled with everything funky and fashionable. Kristine Haynes and Katalya Bustos are the dynamic duo behind the scenes, showcasing on trend brands while also promoting the local art and music scene that San Antonio has to offer. Their marketplace consists of an array of vendors, changing from event to event, which is guaranteed to have an eye catching find. Being one of the larger events, it is not hard to rummage around for hours, intrigued by all the pieces and aesthetic atmosphere. The apparel and accessories tend to verge toward the ‘90s and early 2000s styles, however, other eras can be found depending on the vendors. On a budget? No worries. The vast selection, there are items even for the penny pinchers. College can be hard, but with Shop Rare, stunting doesn’t have to be. Have some free time? Check out their Instagram page for information for future pop-ups and events through the @shoprare. marketplace handle. Happy thrifting!
ate and maintain a relevant audience. “Try to look for local boutiques, photographers, models or bloggers whose style you like that way you get a feel for the local scene.” Her social media presence is well established in the local fashion community, and we will be seeing more of her work throughout the year.
Model Kennedy Marie featured in Cantu’s “Pre-Fall 17” Look Book.
Courtesy of Janai Cantu
OCT OB E R 31- N OV E M B E R 7, 2017
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Fashion Pollution continued from page 1
Cotton farming can severely impact a region’s environment by filling nearby rivers with pesticides and fertilizer, creating a public health crisis and settling onto farm fields, contaminating the soil. Regions being affected by cotton agriculture include Pakistan’s Indus River, Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin and the Rio Grande in the U.S. and Mexico. Other fabrics, such as polyester and nylon are not biodegradable and an estimated 70 million barrels of oil are used per year producing virgin polyester. C&EN.org, a site for the scientific organization of the American Chemical Society, reports the textile industry uses more than 8,000 chemicals to make 400 billion square meters
of fabric sold annually around the world. On average, more than a half trillion gallons of fresh water are used in the dyeing of textiles each year. The dye wastewater is discharged, often untreated, into nearby rivers, where it reaches the sea, eventually spreading around the globe. According to the World Bank, 20 percent of global water pollution is caused by textile processing. Greenpeace, a global, independent campaigning organization that uses creative communication to expose global environmental problems, reports one river in particular, the Citarum River in Indonesia, “disturbing amounts of nonylphenol, an endocrine disruptor, which can be deadly to aquatic life.” The water is also high in alkaline metals, “equivalent to that of lye-based drain openers and had apparently not even received the most basic of treatment.” Greenpeace described the discharge as “highly caustic, which will burn human skin coming into direct contact with the stream and will have a severe impact on aquatic life in the immediate vicinity of the discharge area.”
After clothes are produced, the chemical still remains in our clothes and only comes out after a few washes. The long-term harm to the environment by the textile manufacturing process will prove difficult to reverse, which is all the more reason to make prevention efforts now. While it would be ideal to convince textile manufacturers to change their production methods, it is difficult for them to adopt an environmentally friendly method of production for a few reasons. It can be expensive to change machinery, a new production process would involve massive amounts of effort in restructuring companies, all while maintaining consistent production output. It is unknown when the textile industry will change its process, if ever, but until then consumers can do their part to minimize the damage by implementing eco-friendly purchasing habits. A few simple habits to implement include selling or donating clothes and buying used or vintage clothing. There are local stores such as The Come Up, that carry good quality vintage pieces (remember pieces can also be
tailored to reflect changing styles, ala skinny jean or fitted blazer). Sites such as eBay.com, Amazon.com, Poshmark.com, ReFashioner.com and thredUP.com make buying and selling used or vintage clothes easy. Many bloggers also sell their used clothes, which are usually still in style, for a fraction of the original price. That’s not all bloggers are doing, one blogger in particular, Miroslava Duma expressed
her concern for the environment and has raised awareness of fashion pollution by creating Fashion Tech Labs Venture Inc. In an interview with Porter magazine, Duma shares how she partners with investors, engineers and scientists to experiment with different materials spanning nanotech, biotech and smart textiles. Duma mentions that most new innovations often sound like science fiction, noting scarves made from citrus fruits, leather grown from stem cells, blouses made from moisturizing milk protein and T-shirts infused with “anti-microbial” peppermint oil that can be worn up to 20 times “with zero bad smell.” That’s not all, she also brings up, “a hoodie, say, with solar panels that can charge an iPhone or jeans that harvest energy from sea, wind, even the moves you make as you walk.” Her mission and motivation is to “stop the fashion industry being the world’s second largest polluting industry after oil,” and believes in “running the fashion industry on 100 percent renewable energy and resources.” All of this to say, fashion pollution is a serious but temporary situation and can be helped. Starting with raising awareness and taking action, however big or small, real change can be created. So, this fall as pumpkin spice lattes hit the airwaves, create a sense of hygene and induce purchasing impulses, consider the environment before the next purchase. If purchasing new is unavoidable, consider buying good quality staple pieces that last years and never go out of style. A little black dress, a good pair of jeans or a strong pair of work shoes are great possibilities.
Graphic by Chase Otero/The Paisano
Full-time mom full-time mogul Christina Coker balances motherhood, award-winning blog, modeling and her social media/marketing empire–all in heels. By Katrina Clements Arts & Life Assistant
In the blogger community, it is easy to forget there is a face behind the pretty pictures. Christina Coker, creator of Champagne Taste Beer Budget, doesn’t leave room for misconception. Coker moved to San Antonio from Germany eleven years ago. Five years ago, Coker decided to make her blog a business and create something that could support her and her four children. She describes her blog as “life and style,” because she doesn’t want to confine her posts to just one aspect of her life. Coker said “San Antonio quickly became home.” She has since found inspiration in what she refers to as the culture community, because “all of the art, food and fashion communities intertwine.” In the San Antonio blogging community, she has experienced immense support from other women in her profession. As the followings of their blogs grow around the world, creators can forget about the original intention for why they started out. Coker said “the only numbers I really pay attention to are the number of women who directly reach out to me.” Hearing from women shows the direct impact she’s making. As a single mom of four and a successful blogger, she
always gets asked ‘How do you keep it all balanced?’ Coker described her life as “just my kind of crazy. I kind of thrive off chaos, and we are definitely a ‘get up and go’ kind of family; we don’t really like to sit still.” Coker’s days are filled with client meetings, giving back to the community and spending time with her kids, she refers to as her “entourage” or “the minis.” Each day is packed with fun for her and the kids, whether it be photoshoots, TV segments, going to one of the many museums in San Antonio, having one-on-one mommy dates or Friday movie nights. Coker and the minis try to give back to the community in as many ways as they can such as volunteering at the food bank, fostering animals or going to the fire station and handing out cupcakes. “I hope that doing these good deeds with my kids ingrains in them to pass on the kindness and continue to treat people how they want to be treated.” Her number one priority is guiding the minis through life and teaching them about the world. “My kids are very aware that they are privileged and what that word means,” Coker said. To her, the biggest part about being a mom
and an influencer is empowering people and surrounding herself with “like-minded people and go-getters.” Coker strives to empower her children and push them to be whatever they want to be. She said “I always tell my kids–dream all you want to dream, but don’t let it stop there. You have to go after it, you can’t just have a dream and think that’s it; you have to chase it down. Can’t is not a word I really allow them to say, because there is always another way.” The message Coker wants to send with her blog posts is that she is just like the rest of us, and although she is an award-winning blogger, she keeps it real and states that “even in my house there are dinosaur chicken nugget nights.” As readers, we have to remember that there is a person with real world problems, and that nobody has it all together all the time. Coker looks at the life she adores and says, “I definitely found myself a little later in life, and I wish someone would have sat me down when I was 20 and told me all of the things I know now. And doing what I do is my way of giving back and telling my younger self and people like me, ‘you got this girl.’”
The chaos of Coker balancing four kids, all while enjoying every little ‘imperfect’ perfect moment.
Courtesy of Christina Coker
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Sports The best and worst uniforms in college football Some of the good, and not so good looks around NCAA football
Wyoming Cowboys brown and yellow uniform combination.
By Connor Zimmerlee Sports Assistant
I
n college football, outlandish and creative uniforms have become a staple. From Oregon’s various uniform combinations to Alabama’s two classic uniforms, schools are identified by the uniforms they wear on Saturday. In recent years, there has been a movement to come up with creative alternate uniforms for teams to wear each weekend. As a result of this, we have seen some great, and some not so great, uniforms in college football.
Worst Three: 3. Miami (Ohio) The combination of red and white are two of the easier colors to pair in terms of creating a good uniform. It is rather hard to mess up such a classic color scheme, yet the Miami Redhawks managed to do so. To start off, the helmet is a mess. There seems to be an attempt at some sort of a design on the helmet, but it is undiscernible what this graphic is supposed to represent. While the white pants salvage this uniform to a degree, the red shoulder pads with the word “Miami” on them did not pan out.
Ryan Dorgan/Star-Tribune
As a result, “Miami” appears to be “Mimi.” The final, and maybe the worst, characteristic of this uniform is that the trim around the numbers is a shade of gray that doesn’t match the rest of the uniform. 2. Tulane This uniform, unlike Miami’s white pants, does not have a single feature that make it any less of an eye-sore. Their uniform sports three different unnecessary shades of blue. The stripe down the middle of the helmet is one shade, while the stripe on the shoulder pads appears to be a lighter shade. To pile onto this already hideous uniform, the trim on the numbers is yet another shade of blue. However, the worst part about this uniform is the shade of gray they chose for both the tops and the pants. The shade of grey is somewhere between a dark gray and light gray that is rather unpleasant. 1. Wyoming Under no circumstances should the color brown be the primary color in any uniform color scheme. The University of Wyoming does not seem to have taken this warning into account when designing their uniforms. Not only did they make brown the primary color, they paired it with mustard yellow pants to ruin any chance of this uniform looking remotely
Notre Dame football’s classic white and gold look.
good. Wyoming’s uniforms are without a doubt the worst uniform in college football for a multitude of reasons. Aside from the obvious hideous color combination, they feature a random webbing design on the shoulder pads. Due to the horrid color combination and random graphics on the shoulder pads, the Wyoming Cowboys sport the ugliest uniforms in college football.
Top Three: 3. Oregon “U of O” Oregon is no stranger to crazy and creative uniform combinations. The Ducks seem to bust out a new and even more inventive uniform every weekend. The uniform on this list, however, is a simple uniform that pays homage to the past. These vintage uniforms offer a throwback with the “U of O” decal on the helmets. Additionally, the crisp combination of light yellow and green make this uniform sharp and appealing. Oregon even added a splash of their modern selves, throwing Puddles the Duck on the shoulder pads. 2. UCLA Bruins A school rich with football tradition, UCLA is known for the classic baby blue and gold color scheme. The first aspect to look at when
Daniel Hartwig/flickr.com
observing this uniform is the baby blue tops. This color is iconic in sports culture, and UCLA perfectly pulled it off. To complement their baby blue tops, the Bruins sport matching gold helmets and pants to complete the classic look. Perhaps the best-looking part of the uniform, and the subtlest, is the logo on the helmet. UCLA’s script logo is one of the most recognizable in college football, and its inclusion on the helmet makes this uniform one of the best in college football. 1. Notre Dame It is common amongst college football for teams to come out with crazy uniform combinations every weekend. Despite this trend, the most recognizable uniforms continue to be the classics that don’t change. And perhaps the most recognizable of any classic uniform is that of Notre Dame. Along with a rich winning tradition, these uniforms are a staple for The Fighting Irish. The navy-blue tops perfectly complement the clean golden pants Notre Dame wear every Saturday. But what stands out the most is the helmet. The classic solid gold helmet is synonymous with both college football and Notre Dame, making these uniforms the best college football has to offer.
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The top customized cleats worn by players in the NFL By Connor Zimmerlee Sports Assistant
Josh Norman’s “300” cleats (#6).
Master Tesfatsion/Washington Post
Taco Charlton’s “Taco Supreme” cleats (#2). Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News
JJ Watt’s “Texas Strong” cleats (#10).
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Shana Lockwood/USA Today sports
Number Ten: J.J. Watt “Texas Strong” In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Houston citizens were devastated. Thousands lost their homes and had almost nothing to bring them hope. Enter J.J. Watt, the face of the Houston Texans football team. Sporting cleats emblazoned with the Texas flag, Watt showed support not only for his city, but for Texas as well. Along with the $37 million he raised, Watt’s cleats helped rally the state of Texas together in support of Houston. Number Nine: Golden Tate “Never Forget” 9/11 will forever be remembered as one of, if not the worst, tragedies to ever happen on American soil. 16 years later, athletes continue to honor those who lost their lives that tragic day. Rocking the Jordan 13 player exclusive (PE) cleats, Tate honored the fallen in his own way. Through his cleats, Tate paid tribute to the victims of 9/11 with class. Number Eight: Odell Beckham Jr. “Supreme OBJ13” Odell Beckham Jr. is known both for his flashy one-handed catches as well as his creative cleats. Every week seems to bring a new, even more creative pair than the week prior. Along with this, Beckham is consistently one of the best dressed players in the league, rocking streetwear brands such as Supreme. Beckham brought both worlds together with these clean solid gold cleats. Number Seven: Christian McCaffrey “Bruce Lee” Drafted number eight overall in the 2017 NFL draft, Christian McCaffrey was dubbed the savior of the Panthers
offense. His ability to make defenders look silly with his elusiveness is often compared to the quickness of Bruce Lee. Both men are quick on their feet, shifty and extremely hard to contain. These cleats pay tribute to a martial arts icon, but also are a nod to McCaffrey’s skills. Number Six: Josh Norman “300” Josh Norman, one of the more controversial players in professional football, is known for his trash talk. However, he is also one of the premier corners in the league, able to shut down opposing team’s star receiver week in and week out. To recognize this, Adidas hooked up Norman with Spartan inspired cleats, as the Spartans were perhaps the toughest army to ever exist. Much like Norman, beating the Spartan army was a tall task for any military. The company recognized Norman’s inability to be beaten, much like the Spartan army on the battlefield before him. Number Five: Marshawn Lynch “Camouflage” Marshawn Lynch is one of the most recognizable football players of the last decade, leading the Seahawks to one Super Bowl title in two appearances. Lynch came out of retirement to play for the Oakland Raiders, so he switched to the classic silver and black color scheme. To honor this, Lynch was hooked up with silver and black camouflage cleats. The camouflage pattern, paired with the iconic color scheme, make for a well-done pair of cleats. Number Four: Doug Baldwin “SYSA” Prior to the 2017 season, the NFL had strict uniform rules that prohibited players from wearing custom cleats that didn’t have one of their team’s primary colors during the game. In week 13, however, they implemented #My-
CauseMyCleats, which allowed players to wear custom cleats that promoted a charity they wanted to represent. Doug Baldwin’s cleats, which had a sleek tiger stripe design, represented the Southern Youth Sports Association. Number Three: Dez Bryant “Throw Up The X” Dez Bryant is highly regarded as one of the best receivers in the league and is one of the faces of Jordan brand. It isn’t uncommon for Bryant to trot out different Jordan sneakers in the form of cleats, ranging from Jordan 11s to Jordan sixes. With these two pairs, Bryant rocked both an all-white and all-gray snake skin Jordan low cleats. On the back of the cleat is a subtle homage to Bryant’s signature touchdown celebration, in which he throws up the X. Number Two: Taco Charlton “Taco Supreme” With perhaps the most unique name in professional football, Taco Charlton is also a future star in the making. Partnering with renowned cleat customizer Kickasso, Charlton truly put his mark on the league with these cleats. Featuring a cartoon taco punching at the Nike swoosh, these cleats are a true representation of Taco Charlton. Number One: Jarvis Landry/Odell Beckham Jr. “Batman and Joker” Coming out of college together from LSU, Beckham and Landry were considered two of the best receivers in the 2014 draft class. The two were best friends in college and always challenged each other to one-handed catch battles at practice. Upon entering the league, the two maintained their close friendship and showed it with their cleats. Landry sported the Batman pair, and Beckham pulled out the Joker pair. Both cleats show the true bond two of the league’s top receivers share.
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