POLISHED Magazine fall '22

The Digital Age represents the technological reality we live in now and will experience in the future. My inspiration and vision for this issue was the metaverse and technology being used for good and bad. The editorial shows elements of futurism and virtual worlds colliding with nature. By using wires, keyboards, and electronic devices, the editorial captivates and invites you into a digital world outdoors, showing that technology is everywhere. The trend of long skirts takes inspiration from the 90s and shows the comfortable nature and versatility of the garment. Each article is written and crafted to perfection, featuring new and exciting businesses in the Boston area.

I am proud of this issue and thankful for each member involved with POLISHED. This publication is a special group of accomplished students who never fail to let their talent show. Thank you to the POLISHED advisors and the School of Fashion for the opportunity to be Creative Director. Dive right into The Digital Age.

Publisher Founder Creative Director

Co-Managing Editors

Lasell University

Lead Editor Art Director Associate Art Director Art Editor

Associate Art Editor Editors

Richard Bath Sydney Pesaturo Kiersten Brown Liah Brown Oliver Pruett-Reed Dylan Wilson Amelia Capron Kaitlyn Johnson

Julia Figueiral Angela DeFelice Maggie Powers Spencer Villinski

The advancement of technology has started to blur the line between the internet and reality. Medical advances and scientific breakthroughs have helped to further our knowledge about the world around us. Still, with every stride, a shadow follows. This issue features a look into technology through an opinion editorial, walking us through the positives and the negatives of the growing virtual landscape. Many brands have shifted to an e-commercestyle approach, but some brands are still showing in style. Read about the luxurious brand Sneaker Junkies in “Royal Kicks”, and how they continue to keep it classy on Newbury Street, or build the perfect constellation of self-expression with “Stunning Studs”.

We would like to congratulate the entire POLISHED team for another amazing issue. The resilience and commitment to perfection is what continues to make the magazine amazing. Thank you to our dedicated readers; we will create fun and exciting concepts to share in future issues to come.

Technology is a gray area for most. It has affected the medium of design in many ways. Speeding up projects, nondestructive editing, and visual changes in real-time are just some to note. However, technology will not foster the act of creativity in our minds. We need to take technology for what it is, a tool to release our creativity and share it with the world. Even though we are connected through technology, it is not the same as a face-to-face connection.

My team has taken our theme of technology and made amazing layouts that correspond with that idea. Working together in a collaborative space where critique is key, we thrive off each other’s comments. All the ideas from the team made this issue possible, one person couldn’t do this alone. Whether we are connected through the Internet or in person, our team effort is what drives POLISHED.

Lead Stylist Assitant Stylist Stylists

Editorial Photographer Models Media Directors

Nicole Catania Lucia Gagliano Joshua Algarin Caleigh Bain Kayla Campbell Maddie Young Dylan Wilson Mo Bangaz

Christopher Felt Kylee Megna Jacqueline Minasian

Nicole Reusch

Social Media Team

Kim Nguyen Andrew Buxton Anna Cardinale

Alexa Cerone

Rebecca Donovan

Emma Fandel

Julia Figueiral Hillary Gherardi Erin Houlihan Brooke McFarland Trinity Pickering Patrick Rigaud

Blog Director

Assistant Blog Director Blog Writers

Jonah Rubin-Salzberger Margaret Sheridan Emma Sparling Faith Costa Samantha Vega-Torres Trinity Pickering Payton Hebert Jessica Shore

Faculty Advisors

Lynn Blake Gregory Cass Stephen Fischer

Designer: Julia Bolton & Kate Lodge Writer: Kiersten Brown

OP-ED: TECHNOLOGY 12

Designer: Jaylin Brown & Erin Tilley Writer: Adrianna Marchi

THE DIGITAL AGE 14

Retailers: Global Thrift Store, Fits the Vibe, SoWa Vintage, Diversity Consignment, Vintage Backroad, Salvage Angel, Sydpes, Kiiix Online, Spicie, STYLEDBYJOSHALG, & Thrifted For You

Designer: Madison Raymond & Dylan Wilson Writer: Caleigh Bain

Designer: Emma Blenkhorn & Caelan Watson Writer: Liah Brown

Location: Larz Anderson Park Photography: Dylan Wilson

TREND REPORT 22

Designer: Kaitlyn Johnson & Haylee Skoog Writer: Kassie Fisher

A NEW SPIN ON PING PONG

TUFTING IN THE CITY 24 Designer: Ciarra Chasse Writer: Abi Brown

THRIFTING FOR A LIVING 28

Designer: Amelia Capron & Lauren Martin Writer: Cameron McNeil & Cameron Villnave

ROYAL KICKS

Designer: Chloe Kinteris & Jamie Kinteris Writer: Spencer Villinski

Mo Bangaz, Christopher Felt, & Kylee Megna

Retailers: Fits the Vibe, Diversity Consignment, SoWa Vintage, Kiiix Online, Spicie, Vintage Backroad, & Salvage Angel Photography by Dylan Wilson

ON THE COVER MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of POLISHED Magazine is to promote and highlight the diverse and vibrant culture and fashion scene of Boston and the surrounding area.

POLISHED Magazine is produced by the Lasell University School of Fashion with graphic design support from the Graphic Design League at Lasell University. Visit us at graphicdesignleague.com

POLISHED Magazine is printed by Wing Press - beau@wingpress.com

Photography Courtesy of Fits The Vibe, Unlocked Gallery, Camera Clothing, NROR Art, and Queen’s Lane

Boston’s Historical Stroll: Nov 18th-Dec 31st (Select Fridays and Saturdays)

Everyone’s heard of the historic Freedom Trail, but this holiday season, the iconic guided experience transforms into a magical winter spectacular. Travel through the streets of Boston with a guide from a Charles Dickens novel to explore the beautiful lights and Christmas trees adorning the famous landmarks of the city. Still missing that little bit of Revolutionary gusto? Take the receipt for your holiday stroll experience to any historic museum to receive a special discount on purchases!

SoWa Winter Festival 2022: Dec 7th-Dec 11th

Spend the day exploring one of Boston’s most artistic districts, at the 7th Annual SoWa Winter Festival. With over 100 vendors, the SoWa Power Station is transformed into a shopper’s wonderland. Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Enjoy a holiday cocktail and stroll through the aisles of handmade trinkets and treasures. ‘Tis the season to shop local!

L-Street Brownies 119th Annual Polar Bear Plunge: Jan 1st

Join America’s oldest polar bear club for a dip in Dorchester Bay! A tradition started by the L-Street Brownies in 1904, many residents and visitors of South Boston will gather on Carson Beach at 9:00 AM and run into the open and frigid waters. All are welcome to participate to take a chilly dip, if you dare!

LaTasha Barnes’ The Jazz Continuum: Jan 19th-Jan 21st

In partnership with the Celebrity Series of Boston, dancer, choreographer, and educator LaTasha Barnes facilitates a beautiful exploration of the transformation of jazz music throughout the decades, and how these continuations were connected to the evolution of Black American Social Dance. www.celebrityseries.org/productions/latashabarnes/?utm_source=bostonusa&utm_medium=listing&utm_ campaign=2023listing of Boston

Boston Public Library’s “Black Is”.... Reading List: Feb 1st-28th

In observance of Black History Month, the Boston Public Library publishes a list of literary works that depict the narrative, history, and experiences of the African American Community. The selections range from children’s books to literary classics. While the list is published in February, it is available for viewing all year round.

Carrie Underwood: The Denim and Rhinestones Tour: Feb 17th American Idol winner and country mega-star, Carrie Underwood returns to TD Garden for The Denim and Rhinestones Tour. Joined by rising Country Musician Jimmie Allen, Underwood is sure to put on a performance that crowds of all ages will love! Tickets are on sale now, and one dollar from every ticket purchased will be donated to the Tunnel to Towers foundation, a nonprofit foundation supporting veterans, first responders, and their families.

Boston’s 122nd St. Patricks Day Parade: Mar 19th

Returning for its 122nd year, Boston will hold one of the largest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the nation. The parade will kick off at 1:00 pm on West Broadway Street, and often lasts just over two hours. Be sure to get there early and grab a spot to witness the power of the green!

Shadows Cast: A Performance of Visual Excellence: Mar 30th-Apr 2nd

From director and visual performer Raphaëlle Boitel, comes a performative exploration into the darker side of the human psyche. Exploring the importance of unspoken truths or the lives we live in the shadows, this performance showcases a stunning mix of circus acts, dance, and cinematic inspiration. Performances will be held at the Emerson Paramount Center. Tickets are on sale now. https://artsemerson.org/events/shadows-cast/

Studs is a New York-based piercing studio and store with a current total of 13 locations across seven states, as well as an extensive online storefront. In 2019, Anna Harman and Lisa Bubbers created Studs to help customers design their perfect Earscape® — a customized and curated collection of piercings and earrings through which one can express themself. Studs also offers “ear-ducation” resources & content including advice on how to style earrings, news about current trends, and the process of getting and caring for a piercing. They have a formidable online presence, the growth of which was spurred in large part by the COVID-19 pandemic, but their brick-and-mortar stores offer customers a piercing experience like no other. Studs pierces with single-use needles, akin to a tattoo parlor rather than a mall store’s piercing gun. Their storefronts, however, are nothing like either, full of bright colors with illuminated signs and neon acrylic decor. By functioning as both a piercing studio and store, Studs bridges the gap between earring retail and the piercing itself, with the added convenience of customers being able to choose from a wide selection of earrings as soon as they get a new piercing.

Studs shared information about the brand’s history, vision, co-founders, and their love of “(ear)ristible puns.” The idea that would become Studs began when Harman, accompanied by Bubbers, had her second ear piercing performed at a tattoo shop.

“. . .The two saw that there was a hole in the piercing and retail market (pun intended),” said Studs.

Lisa Bubbers, who serves as Studs’ Chief Brand Officer, earned her degree at the University of Pennsylvania. After working in business development, she too joined a startup, where she would focus on marketing for five years. She subsequently returned to consumer brands to become a consultant for marketing strategies, brand creation and transformation, and business growth. Anna Harman, now Chief Executive Officer, attended Princeton University as an undergraduate student, followed by Boston University Law School. She practiced as an attorney but later went on to serve in key roles for styling and retail-based startup businesses. Prior to Studs, Harman would gain a decade’s worth of involvement in operations, retail, finance, and consumer companies.

With prior experience and insight into business management and the future of retail, as well as a friendship lasting over a decade, Harman and Bubbers took the gap in the piercing market as an opportunity for change.

Studs truly brings together the best of both worlds, but it also introduces an original take on the industry, starting with atmosphere. The brand’s idea of the modern piercing experience is clearly reflected in its locations, which, while unique, share an instantly recognizable style. Studs studios feature bright white walls, floors, and counters. Colorful accents, light-up signs, and eye-catching earring displays add vibrancy to the canvas on which customers’ experiences are created. The design of the stores makes it obvious that piercings and earrings are at the core of the company and has the additional power to draw in potential customers and greet them with a warm, welcoming environment.

Growing remarkably fast for a new business, Studs first arrived in Boston in May 2021 as a pop-up store in the Seaport District. The location at 100 Seaport Blvd. remained open until mid-January of 2022. They made a quick comeback to the Boston area and opened a Newbury St. studio before the month was over, followed by an additional Chestnut Hill location in March. Studs will celebrate its third birthday with locations coast to coast, thanks in large part to the efforts of its co-founders.

It’s clear Bubbers and Harmon have a combined resume fit for running a successful business, but just what is the hole in the piercing market that Studs has fit so perfectly into?

“The company offers a modern solution to the previously outdated ear-piercing industry and the cumbersome process surrounding it. For years, there’s been a gap in the market comprised of antiquated mall brands, tattoo parlors, and high-end boutiques that are either unsafe, intimidating, or overpriced,” said Studs.

A walk through a local shopping mall will probably yield one or two jewelry stores that offer in-store piercing services. While such businesses, often part of a chain, are accessible in terms of location and price, they are also notorious for their use of piercing guns. Typically, these devices have no sharp parts — instead, the spring-loaded gun forces the blunt post of the earring through the ear. The high force used can bruise and unevenly tear tissue, leading to a longer and more difficult healing process — or, outside of the earlobe, it risks shattering the cartilage of the ear.

While piercing guns may have single-use parts that are disposed of, many of their components are both reused and impossible to sterilize. It can also be difficult to guarantee that the piercers at such stores have the training required to perform their jobs safely. The convenience of a chain store piercing often comes at the cost of accuracy, which is an especially significant problem with a long-lasting form of body modification such as an ear piercing. So where else is there to go?

Tattoo shops, in addition to their titular form of body art, may additionally offer ear and body piercings. Their piercing process is more likely to utilize piercing needles, which are hollow, specialized, and sharpened so that less force is necessary. Instead of relying on blunt force, piercing needles allow for a more controlled process, resulting in a more accurate piercing. Traditionally, ear piercings aren’t the parlors’ primary focus, therefore, limiting the inventory of the jewelry itself. After getting a new earlobe piercing, the earrings must stay in for about six weeks so the tissue can heal around them. It is highly important for the earrings to be both highquality in material and in line with the customer’s preferences, which a tattoo shop’s selection may not be able to achieve simultaneously. Studs’ inventory offers sets of earrings for those interested in changing their look all at once, as well as a constantly growing variety of studs, hoops, chains, cuffs, and all sorts of shapes for all sorts of piercings.

They also provide a sizeable selection of flat-back earrings, which are low-profile, easy to clean, and less prone to poking or catching on outside obstruction. Studs also offers a variety of metals, from earrings made of 14k gold or implant-grade titanium, and fashion earrings for fully healed holes, thus providing options for those of all skin sensitivities.

The Studs technique is highly personalized, sharply contrasting the traditional piercing process. Professional consultants work with customers to map out what piercings suit them — everything from a simple, solo stud to a constellation of earrings. The brand recognizes that piercings have incredible potential as a live art form and encourages its clients to explore just what they want to say with theirs. Studs is a fantastic option for any customer, whether health-conscious, trendconscious or simply looking to try a new twist on self-expression.

Anya Misage

Photos Courtsey of STUDS & Griffin Bryan

PRIDEFUL

The Theater Offensive is a performing arts group focusing on the support for the Queer, Transgender, Black, and Indigenous People of Color (QTBIPOC) community, including a platform where the public can join their programs. True Colors: OUT Youth Theater is an example of one of the longest running programs, fostering a community for youth to feel represented in theater. Other programs that Theater Offensive supports is Queer Family Series and Queer (Re)public. These provide workshops to teach those the art of acting. Since its inception, the theater has evolved its programs, values, and mission. Over the course of the last six years, the theater’s intention has shifted. The theater now has a mission statement with seven aesthetics. Aesthetics are typically known as a set of principles concerning the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art. This develops a safe environment for creativity to shine under the theater lights, with productions that can be shown in person for an audience’s enjoyment.

The goals of the theater are expressing ideas of wholeness and emotional tenderness, unrealities, space and segregation and honoring the kitchens, medicinal and healing, lineage and time travel, edge + queering and ambidextrous, and lastly (be)longing. Celebrating these ideas is key in the troupe’s productions. The theater is fueled by acceptance, change, growth, and openness. Cheyenne Myrie is the Director of Institutional Advancement and Tonasia Jones is the Director of Programs for the troupe. Myrie and Jones discussed their focus on these values through topics such as intersectional practices, perspectives, and frameworks, the sharing and shifting of power, disability justice, and collective care. Those who find themselves wondering what this theater is about can find the answer by discussing who benefits from the performing arts. The troupe’s “People First Practices” and commitment to decolonization and unsettling help to create spaces where people are fully accepted.

“The theater really is for everyone, from folks in the very early stages of their career [and on]. Outside that, we are a community organization where we focus on adapting into and meeting the needs of a greater Boston Area,” said Jones.

To meet the needs of the Boston area, the theater program plans and coordinates community events, from Dungeons and Dragons meetups to Drag Storytime at the public library. Creating environments for people with diverse backgrounds allows the theater to further strengthen its outreach in Boston.

Reaching all members of the community can be difficult, but The Theater Offensive has benefited from the positive effects of the digital age. Their work is able to travel far outside of the Boston area, using innovative social media techniques. The flexibility and engagement that digital resources offer present the theater with an unexpected asset to leverage. COVID-19 presented itself as a hurdle in traditional forms of advertisement, but since expanding to digital experiences and meetings, they are able to embolden and support people from New Orleans to New York.

“I don’t think we will ever stop hybrid,” Myrie said.

The troupe recognizes that society once enforced a set of norms that have historically ignored the validity of the queer and transgender community, so they fashioned the term, “Unrealities.” An unreality, defined by The Theater Offensive, is a way of centering the experience and brilliance of queer and transgender individuals through imagined worlds. The Spell, a structural framework for manifestation and spiritual connection to the QTBIPOC community, helps to build the worlds that are imagined. The Spell helps to provide practice spaces and positive reinforcement for the members and followers of the organization; through a presentation that demonstrates lived experiences hidden from view but gives power and meaning to their kin lives.

Wholeness and emotional tenderness is a part of The Spell and works with an emphasis on taking care of oneself, one another, and the surrounding community, which can be referred to as “People First Practices.”

This particular aesthetic allows for the troupe to create spaces where people are fully seen and heard. Creating these open forums emphasizes collective care and healing as core values of the theater. QTBIPOC identities deserve spaces where they can showcase their unique individuality. This is important because it helps to highlight QTBIPOC identities, both current and those that have been previously overlooked, in order to inspire and shape the future. Spaces where people can be their whole selves and have their experiences acknowledged, validated, and respected.

Innovation is a key motive for the theater. Gracefully representing the history of the community is difficult for many organizations. The theater’s intention is to keep moving forward and to be open to everything, especially change.

“I want people to come into a space where they can see a show that talks about many different intersections of their life and they don’t have to put a part of themselves on hold. That impact for me is to really embolden and support everybody who comes in contact with the work that we do,” Jones said.

Struggling to find a place of belonging is something everyone will go through, and the theater is not an exception. The Theater Offensive does not just offer a place for everybody, but they also seek to uplift anyone in need of support. Part of the “People First Practices” of the theater is providing food for the community, as well as working with artists and giving them a space to be heard and seen.

Through these aesthetics, the theater continues its journey of activism using the art community and has plans for even more expansion, including a new space located in the Fenway opening in the near future.

For those interested in finding a way to be involved, the theater is always looking for volunteers. Anyone able and willing is encouraged to donate. These donations to the theater fuel its operations to keep providing for the Boston community.

@outoffensive; thetheateroffensive.org

Caleigh Bain

Photography Courtesy of The Theatre Offensive & Ava

Portraits & Prints

Boston-based artist, Jay LaCouture specializes in screen printing and portraits. His art combines digital mediums, as well as classic silk screen techniques to bring his creative visions to life. The pursuit of perfection within the world of art is often a central part of the artistic process and often influences the selection of the medium. The medium helps to push the narrative of the piece and allows the viewer to admire not only the vision but the process itself. Using bold colors and realistic depictions, LaCouture sets himself apart from fellow artists working in the screen printing industry.

Traditional screen printing is an older art form, with varying degrees of difficulty. The process begins with a stencil of the desired design. From this initial layout, multiple screens are developed based on specific colors and shapes. The screens are then layered with pigment, and pressed onto the surface, to create a replica of the desired image. These screens are reusable, and this amazing feature allows the artist to train their hands to new levels of perfection.

“Art is like fitness, you warm up your hands and your eyes to see in a different way, translating [an idea from] my hand onto what I am creating,” said LaCouture.

The inspiration to create is continually changing. Being an artist is not only an occupation, it is a lifestyle. It is a constant race to keep up with trends to stay relevant in the ever-changing world. From shapes in nature to patterns on wallpapers, the creative eye pulls to items that appear interesting and fun. When inspiration fades, the abstract mind finds a new muse to stay motivated. This is the norm for LaCouture. This way of thinking has stuck with him throughout his years as an artist and will continue to be the source of future works. Although inspiration strikes fast, it can take months to achieve an original vision.

Completing trial runs before the final product is crucial to print work. Like any art medium, mapping out a plan will make the end goal more obtainable. It often reminds artists to step back and reflect. LaCouture often gets hyper-fixated on what he is creating, that he exhausts himself, as many creators do when they are working around the clock on one particular piece. He uses a geometric style of art as a way to create an ever-changing landscape of inspiration and possibility. The endless combinations of shapes assist LaCouture with breaking the cycle of repetition and preventing him from hitting the wall of stagnation. A balance is created when searching for more than one inspiration.

Like inspiration, printmaking is visible in all aspects of life. In a department store alone, the medium can be found on anything from graphic t-shirts to towels. LaCouture emphasized this within his teaching career at Lesley University. As a self-taught screen printer, he found it difficult to teach based on a set curriculum, as the universities often like to have industry professionals with an educational background in their field. He wanted to help his students learn the ways of creativity, by giving them internships to explore their own creative process, rather than a set of rules to follow.

He has worked with many interns over the years, teaching the craft to the next generation, but LaCouture makes sure to provide every student with personal advice. He emphasizes the importance of accountability. Setting goals for the future and allowing your creations to aid in forging industry connections is the continual responsibility of an artist. Connecting with people that are willing to take you from point A to point B is a way of learning that will benefit how much you can handle in the future. This persistence and drive are where the inspiration will develop.

“If you are going to do it [art], play the long game, people come in and out of your lives. If you put the work in and invest in people, you will be able to foster the relationships with the right people,” said LaCouture.

Apart from the world of teaching, LaCouture owns a fully manual print shop. Modern-day mass production print shops often work on million-dollar machines, with little to no human assistance, but LaCouture takes pride in doing everything by hand for all of his clientele. Every piece he creates runs from his brain to his fingertips, allowing him to control the process from start to finish, but being a hand-crafting artisan in an urban landscape can be a daunting task. Unlike mural artists, printmakers work on a smaller scale, with less public outreach, but it hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his artistic visions.

Running his own print shop gives him the opportunity to be surrounded by the art that he loves while paying the bills. Although immersed in his artistic medium all day, he chooses to separate passion from profit. While LaCouture finds joy in creating personal art, it only sometimes provides the stability of a stereotypical nine-to-five. This division of work and play allows LaCouture to express himself as an artist, a visionary, and a business owner.

Within LaCouture’s constantly growing collection of artwork, there are many styles, mediums, and subjects, so he finds it difficult to name favorites. While he leaned toward portraits, he felt human portraits posed abstract and interpretive questions like who the person was, inside and out, and why he chose to draw them. He tries to lean away from abstraction, focusing more on a straightforward interpretation. This is why many of his animal portraits stand out. Not only are they filled with vibrant colors, but it eliminates the reflective thought process of discovering the subject. While he views these past works fondly, the age-old question remains on his mind, what’s next?

LaCouture is focusing on the future, using different avenues, and pursuing new ideas to see the bigger picture. While this may not be as clear as it once was in the ever-changing art scene of Boston, he will continue to pursue art as long as he is able.

@jayantidesigns; jaylacouture.com

Liah Brown

Photography Courtesy of Jay LaCouture

In this ever-advancing technology-centered world, it can be hard to distinguish the fine line between using technology as a tool to help us or abusing technology to the point that it will pose a threat to society. How does one find that point and how do we ensure that we won’t cross it? A lot of good has come out of technology. Communicating and sharing knowledge has never been easier, and as a result of this, lives have been saved, cures have been found, and new inventions have been created. That being said, technology is a lot more powerful than one might think and has also caused a lot of problems in the world. It has been used to lie, steal, and destroy lives, economies, and even nations. As exciting as it is to see new technologies be unveiled and released into the world, it is important to stay in touch with reality and not become fully dependent on these new exciting tools.

Without a doubt, technology is an extremely useful tool in a variety of fields. Technology helps with time efficiency and assists in things like cooking, cleaning, communicating, working, and traveling. Technology has advanced the world in so many ways and it is nearly impossible to imagine life without it. The world is changing with quickly evolving technology changing our lives positively and negatively. While this can be a scary concept to grasp, it is important to think about the ways technology is striving to change the world for the better.

Technology has given humans the power to complete tasks that once took hours or even days to complete in a matter of seconds with just the touch

of a button. Computers surround humans in their daily lives and many wouldn’t know how to live life without them. Phones, cars, refrigerators, washers, and dryers are just a few examples of machines that wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the gift of technology. Contacting a person on the other side of the world can be easily accomplished in minutes or even seconds. The way we learn, communicate, and entertain is now almost entirely reliant on technology. An article from the Medium, previous studies have shown that there are just over 17 billion internet-connected devices in the world, roughly two devices for every person on Earth, Medium, April 2020.

The future of healthcare is currently being built with various digital healthcare technologies. These include artificial intelligence, VR/AR, 3D printing, and nanotechnology. An article from The Medical Futurist explains how digital technology for healthcare can transform unsustainable healthcare systems into sustainable ones. These budding advancements can equalize the relationship between medical professionals and patients, provide cheaper and more effective treatments for disease, and could even help win the battle against cancer.

It should come as no surprise that technology has found various ways to make itself present in the fashion industry, both on the runway and behind the scenes. In 2018, French luxury designer, Maison Margiela, put on a fashion show that had an interesting twist. Many of the models were wearing VR headsets while walking down the runway, as well as wearing

smartphone holsters on their wrists and ankles. One last technological touch added to the show was one model wearing a TV down the runway, which was streaming a show as she walked. These unique touches to the Margiela fashion show are perhaps indicators of what the future of the world will look like: fully and completely centered around technology.

It is hard to escape from technology and screens, especially since they are so prevalent in daily life. Technology is everywhere, and it is here to stay. The overuse of technology has negative effects on mental and physical health and well-being. Social comparison and cyberbullying all stem from what we see online. While the long-term effects of screen time are still being studied, it has been concluded that excessive internet use is linked to anxiety and depression. Excessive screen time can even disrupt sleep, especially if that screen time is right before bed.

Technology does a lot for society, but does it do too much? Slowly but surely, technology is evolving in ways that decrease the job market. Many companies prefer to use machines over hiring humans because the machines are able to do the same jobs more easily and efficiently, therefore eliminating many traditional entry-level positions.

Cashiers have been replaced by self-check-outs and factory workers have been replaced by machines, just to name a few ways machines have taken the place of human workers. The number of manufacturing jobs

in the United States has dropped by almost 30% in the past twenty years and only continues to decline, according to a Berkley Economic Review.

Technology can easily turn into a very terrifyingly harmful tool for hackers, predators, and anyone using it with ill intent. Being as powerful as it is, it is difficult to regulate who uses technology and what they use it for. Many traffickers take advantage of digital platforms to target their victims. Every one in three victims of trafficking detected globally is a child, according to Inter-Agency Coordination Group Against Trafficing in Persons (ICAT) statement, showing that children in particular, can be vulnerable to online exploitation. Traffickers are able to use anonymous online services to commit crimes in secrecy and are able to operate across borders and in multiple locations at once.

Regardless of the good, the bad, and everything in between, it is an undeniable fact that technology is only going to get more abundant and powerful by the day. The perfect balance in technology use may never be found and there may never be a definite way to control and put a stop to technology abuse in this lifetime.

Technology is not all good, but it is certainly not all bad. Moving forward into the unknown, it is crucial to keep focused on all the ways technology improves and saves lives daily.

Adrianna Marchi

Photography Courtesy of Anthony Stancato Illustration by Erin Tilley

Mo (Left)

Long Sleeve: Salvage Angel

Shirt: Salvage Angel

Pants: Salvage Angel

Kylee (Middle)

Crochet Top: Spicie

Long Sleeve: Fits the Vibe

Skirt: Fits the Vibe

Heels: Vintage Backroad Christopher (Right)

Long Sleeve: Fits the Vibe (FRE)

Shirt: Fits the Vibe

Pants: Fits the Vibe

Boots: Diversity Consignment

Bracelet: SoWa Vintage

Necklace: Kiiix Online

Christopher (Left)

Long Sleeve: Fits the Vibe (FRE)

Shirt: Fits the Vibe

Pants: Fits the Vibe

Boots: Diversity Consignment

Bracelet: SoWa Vintage

Necklace: Kiiix Online

Kylee (Middle)

Long Sleeve: Fits the Vibe

Belt: Thrifted For You

Corset: Kiiix Online

Pants: Global Thrift Store

Boots: Fits the Vibe Mo (Right)

Long Sleeve: Salvage Angel

Shirt: Salvage Angel

Pants: Salvage Angel

Christopher (Left)

Long Sleeve: SoWa Vintage

Jacket: SoWa Vintage

Pants: STYLEDBYJOSHALG

Belt: Diversity Consignment

Boots: Salvage Angel

Necklaces: Kiiix Online

Kylee (Bottom)

Dress: Fits the Vibe

Belts: Salvage Angel & SoWa Vintage

Heels: Fits the Vibe Mo (Right)

Hoodie: Diversity Consignment

Pants: Global Thrift Store

Tie: Global Thrift Store

Shoes: Global Thrift Store

Sunglasses: STYLEDBYJOSHALG

Kylee

Dress: Fits the Vibe

Belts: Salvage Angel & SoWa Vintage Heels: Fits the Vibe

Kylee (Left)

Crochet Top: Spicie

Long Sleeve: Fits the Vibe

Skirt: Fits the Vibe

Heels: Vintage Backroad

Purse: Vintage Backroad

Christopher (Middle)

Long Sleeve: Fits the Vibe (FRE)

Shirt: Fits the Vibe

Pants: Fits the Vibe

Boots: Diversity Consignment

Bracelet: SoWa Vintage

Necklace: Kiiix Online

Sunglasses: STYLEDBYJOSHALG

Mo (Right)

Long Sleeve: Salvage Angel

Shirt: Salvage Angel

Pants: Salvage Angel

Trend repor T

F/W 2022

Nicole

Sweater: Trifted For You

Vest: Thrifted For You

Skirt: Sydpes

Boots: Global Thrift Store Taya

Hat: SoWa Vintage

Long Sleeve: Global Thrift Store

Vest: Thrifted For You

Gloves: Sydpes

Skirts: Sydpes

Boots: Global Thrift Store

Purse: Sydpes Egypt

Crochet Set: STYLEDBYJOSHALG

Skirt: Sydpes

Shoes: Thrifted For You

Hat: Vintage Backroad

Purse: Sydpes

Nicole

Skirt: Sydpes

Hat: Global Thrift Store

Scarf: Global Thrift Store

Boots: Global Thrift Store

Taya

Sweater: Thrifted For You

Vest: Vintage Backroad

Hat: Vintage Backroad

Egypt

Skirt: Sydpes

Bag: Sydpes

Boots: Global Thrift Store

Long skirts are back in style! The weather is changing and it’s getting colder in New England. Now is the best time to maximize your outfits with these staple pieces. Many designers such as Chanel, Chloe, and Diesel have been helming this trend to its fullest. There have been many styles of maxi skirts showcased on the runways such as knit, cargo, denim, and pleated skirts. Diesel’s cargo and denim skirts have been key players in reimagining the “Boho Chic” trend of the 90’s. Many of these designs have trickled down into local stores and thrift shops where you too can find a maxi skirt of your own. You can style these pieces with comfy knit sweaters, long dress shirts paired with loafers, and oversized jackets to redefine your outfits this season.

Angela DeFelice

Colorful, comfy, and creative are the three C’s that perfectly describe

Tutuland Boston, a creative studio space where you can learn to tuft your own rug, acrylic pour paint onto Kaws figures, or design your own iPhone case. The 3 C’s are the foundation that four business partners used to create a calming and memorable atmosphere. This niche market they have tapped into welcomes both walk-ins and reservations where customers can create their own pieces and memories. Within this space When talking with one of the partners, Lily Zhao, she expressed how important it was for her, Glenn Gao, Johnny Chan, and Jay Yu to have a calm environment. Getting to see the joy crafting brings bring to all the customers who visit is equally important to why the business was created and helps to embrace the environment.

“Every time the customer looks at what they created it will be a reminder of that moment,” said Zhao.

Tutuland Boston is located at 115 Brighton Avenue in Allston, Massachusetts. The location chosen is a highly populated area filled with restaurants and stores. The audience that tends to be drawn in is the younger crowd. When they first opened in July 2022, they weren’t expecting the business to grow as rapidly as it did. The popularity of the store seems to grow every day through social media influence. Many customers began to post about their experiences and the crafts they were creating. This studio creates pure moments of joy for not only the business owners but for every customer to create special moments with the people they care about.

The atmosphere and overall inviting feeling from the partners and the environment they have created is one of the best things about Tutuland Boston. Warm lighting, quiet music, and soft comfy yarns all around feed into the dream-like experience. It is not only a business, but a community. A heartwarming and touching story that Zhao shared was one time they got to assist with and witness a proposal happen in the store. This should tell you all that needs to be said about the type of lovely and welcoming environment that has been created and shared with the community.

Now you may be wondering, what is tufting? Tufting is the creation of a textile where yarn is threaded through a base to create shape and texture. This base is usually a mat. After it is done, it creates little u-shape loops on the back so the image is seen on the reverse side. The most popular type of tufted art is a rug. Tufting was developed originally as an old European craftsmanship of embroidering rugs and creating three-dimensional textile surfaces. In recent years, the craft has seen a new surge in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting growth of media usage. It has become a popular art form and a way to relieve stress

Skull Rug Courtesy of Tutuland Boston

within the upcoming generation. The rise of do-it-yourself decor became a popular pass time enjoyment over recent years, creating full-circle moments in history from back in the 1950s and 1960s. This craft could be considered both practical and a form of enjoyment, connecting people back to the physical world rather than a technological world. It reminds us to take time to further our creative skills and spend time with others.

Upon entering Tutuland, the customer will be asked to choose from preselected images or provide a reference image for personal inspiration. With the selected image it’s now time to get crafting! The chosen design will be projected onto the material where tracing will begin with a marker. After the image has been traced, a teacher will a demonstrate how to use the tufting gun, this includes the act of threading and beginning production. After that, it is time to go to the yarn wall and pick out the colors for the design. Now it is time for the real deal, the artist puts the tufting gun to the mat and gets started. Once the design is fully filled to the liking of the customer, instructions will be given on how to glue the back. The piece will then taken to the trimming room where it will be finished. This entire process takes a different amount of time depending on the size, but the small ones take about two to three hours whereas the mega ones can take about half the day. What could be better than spending a whole day with family and friends getting to be creative, chat, and laugh?

“Tutuland is my dream.” said Zhao.

All of the owners have a personal connection as to why they felt so driven to start a creative business. For Zhao, her passion started when she used to watch her grandmother sew and make things for her family. This ties her personal connection with why they wanted to foster a community around these crafts, to provide an outlet for others to come together and explore creative outlets. Some of Zhao’s personal favorite crafts are a tufted bag and personalized phone cases. When the store isn’t busy, Gao takes some time to work on his own creations. Most of the work that adorns the walls are Gao’s pieces, all of them unique, enlightening his commitment and enjoyment for the business.

While this business is in its early stages, they have already been looking into expanding to other states and cities, so that they can spread this community and space nationwide. Their current space is only about 1,400 square feet. It holds on average about six to ten people at a time, and there are plans to expand the growing customer base.

Every u-shaped loop in the tufting is like a member of the community who comes into the store, all getting to connect in this creative, comfy, and colorful studio, full of life and ready for your next creative venture. @tutuland.boston

Kassie Fisher

Photography By Bryant Lopez and Taya Brown

SPIN is a self-described ping pong social club founded in 2007 by two avid players and long-time friends, Jonathan Bricklin and Franck Raharinosy. Playing recreationally was not enough for them. They wanted to become a part of the USA Olympic Team. However, this is something earned through lots of hard work and practice. With this objective in mind, they decided to do it in a less conventional way.

What started as a passion for the game became a career, and lead them to create SPIN: the ping pong social club and restaurant where anyone can get together and share their love for the sport.

Bricklin and Raharinosy, while simultaneously practicing “night and day,” decided to throw weekly ping pong parties. Everyone was welcome regardless of skill level. These gatherings hosted all walks of life, from artists to bankers, in pursuit of enjoying the game and each other’s company.

In 2009, the parties inspired them to open the doors to their first establishment, located on Park Avenue in New York City. With its popularity and success, they would go on to open several more locations in major cities including Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, Canada, and as of recently, Boston.

It only seems fitting that they would attract like-minded employees who also share an interest in ping pong. One person who was hired in their corporate office, Malin Pettersson, has more than just an interest in the sport. Pettersson is a 14-time Swedish national table tennis champion. She first started playing when she was about four years old, which is when she became very dedicated to the game.

“I actually come from a ping pong family, and my older brothers were already playing. They were really good, and my dad was the coach, so it was kind of meant to be for me,” Pettersson said.

Naturally, Petterson was drawn to the opportunity to work at SPIN, which has allowed her to share her love of the sport with anyone who enters one of their locations. Working as the Director of Brand Experience & Culture, Pettersson assists in coordinating the openings

of new locations. From the very beginning, SPIN knew they wanted a location in Boston as it is one of the biggest cities in the United States. “We love cities that are vibrant,” said Pettersson.

When they decided to open in Boston, Pettersson discussed the importance of supporting the surrounding community and diverse clientele. They even have events for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a brain disease that impacts basic motor functions. She mentioned that there are several studies that suggest that those affected by Parkinson’s actually benefit from playing a sport that requires a lot of coordination, such as ping pong. Having events such as these allows them to practice their cognition in a safe and non-judgmental space.

As someone passionate about the sport, Pettersson believes there are many lessons to take away from learning the art of ping pong. She then went on to discuss why people, whether sports fans or not, benefit from learning the game.

“It’s a really great way of team building overall. That’s something we do really well at SPIN, you know, having groups of people and then doing team building around the ping pong table,” said Pettersson.

Group or solo, SPIN has something for everyone. While there, patrons can also check out SPIN Cafe which offers bar food and drinks. It should also be mentioned that there is a different menu for events that features more high-end food. They even have gluten-free and vegan options! There are a lot of good handhelds and finger food that are popular on the menu. In terms of must-try items, Pettersson emphasizes pizza and burgers, their best-selling items. If you are looking to pair these items with a good drink, the seasonal mule and Marty Reisman cocktails are among customer favorites. While there is the ping pong aspect of SPIN, lots of people will still come in just for food, drinks, and to watch a good showdown.

“Our food and drinks are also one of the unexpected parts of what you think of when you come into a ping pong place…there’s a giant bar, a

private bar, and then the communal area where you can sit and hang out and play some of our games, [such as giant Jenga and Connect Four] if you are not coming for the ping pong,” said Pettersson.

Reservations are highly recommended to get a table, and can be done online through SPIN Boston’s website. However, they do welcome walk-ins. Tables are available for up to ten guests, with reasonable pricing that fluctuates throughout the week. People of all backgrounds and physical abilities are welcomed, it is important to note that after 9 PM, it becomes 21 plus.

SPIN’s interior design team described the atmosphere as “upscale, surprising & pop art inspired”. A local artist who goes by the name Blind Fox assists the interior designers in creating a space that encapsulates SPIN’s energy. She does this through her mural work. At all SPIN locations, you can also find immersive art installations such as a bathtub filled with ping pong balls, which create fun photo opportunities. The artwork mixed with the ping pong tables is a uniquely mesmerizing scene. Due to these attributes, many people are naturally drawn to SPIN.

SPIN is the perfect place to have parties, events, or even just to have a fun night out with your friends. SPIN offers a welcoming and entertaining environment to keep you amused even if you are not planning on playing ping pong yourself. The SPIN team’s intent is to build social connections.

“People really unplug and actually hang out together. That I love seeing with all the time we spend on our phones and computers and everything else,” said Pettersson.

People from all walks of life have the ability to engage in a game and conversation. They find their friends and even strangers disconnect from their screens and enrich future connections. SPIN offers a safe and welcoming environment to facilitate these exchanges and to bring the community together, whether that is sharing a good pizza or competitive, fast paced game of ping pong.

@wearespin; wearespin.com Abi Brown

Photography By Ciarra Chasse & Dylan Wilson

THRIFTING FOR A

Located in Waltham, MA, Global Thrift is a local thrift shop that was founded in 1996.

The brand sells vintage clothing, as well as all kinds of antique items. The business draws in all types of customers, ranging from people searching for quality, affordable clothing to people who are simply searching for older, one-of-a-kind clothing that cannot be found anywhere else. How did the business get here in the first place? The owner of the shop, Cindy Pochesci, explained the journey the business made from a simple thrift store selling affordable clothing into a shop where everyone, from anywhere, can buy, donate, and even sell their own clothing. Being an alumna of Lasell University’s undergraduate program, Pochesci fondly remembered her times as a photographer for POLISHED Magazine. This community involvement would carry on into her career.

As can be distinguished, there are several benefits to shopping at a thrift store like Global Thrift. The clothing they provide will no doubt draw the attention of consumers and passersby. Because all kinds of people are drawn to different things that intrigue them, it can certainly be acknowledged that Global Thrift has something for all.

“It started out as a joke… I was in the rehab industry and wanted to do something to give back to the community. It was a way to do both…an idea I had and didn’t think would last,” said Pochesci.

From there, Global Thrift kept growing and evolving until eventually, it developed into a business that supported the community. Pochesci loved helping the community from the very beginning.

In the past, Pochesci worked at other places that supported donations and charity, providing assistance to those in need. She had also worked at a handful of rehab centers, always wanting to help out the less fortunate in one way or the other. Pochesci was also inspired by her prior interests. As a hobbyist herself, she obtained new and creative ideas from being a makeup artist. At a time in her life, she had worked for organizations such as the Boston Ballet, before pursuing the start of Global Thrift, unknowingly causing the success of the shop. Determined to aid those in need while also looking for a career, Pochesci attended Boston University where she graduated with a master’s degree in Business, ready to start her own organization.

Where does all of the clothing come from? Global Thrift is affiliated with charities which donate clothes to the less fortunate including shoes, socks, sweatpants, coats, and other articles of clothing. They obtain their inventory by purchasing clothing from different charities, like the Jacqueline Olivo Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides continued support to the homeless community. The Jacqueline Olivo Foundation’s mission is to provide clothing to the homeless with the goal of helping as many people as possible through different outlets, using stores like Global Thrift to advertise and draw attention to their cause.

Throughout the life of the business, Global Thrift garnered quite a reputation with its constantly evolving customer base. Thinking back to when Global Thrift began, the customers consisted of people looking for affordable clothing but it soon expanded.

“The customer base has changed a lot throughout the years,” said Pochesci.

Further elaborating on this, she claimed that recently she has been getting many visitors who “love the thrill of the hunt” when it comes to vintage clothing. What makes this process even simpler is that the items sold don’t have individual price tags, but rather everything is priced by category. For example, all gloves in the store are listed under one price or all coats are listed under another.

The business and its unique pricing model have since piqued the interests of business-savvy individuals. These consumers range from resellers to e-commerce moguls, and even those looking to recoup funds lost during the worldwide pandemic.

Upon visiting the shop, customers are greeted with a creative take on classic window advertisement. Painted couches and chairs with unique designs greet customers at the shop entrance. These pieces were created by different artists as an outlet for expression and serve as another example of community collaboration. The influence of art is found freely throughout the shop, with there even being a painting gallery inside. This artistic flair is what helps to bring the consumers through the door.

Many independent designers or small businesses dealing in clothing are permitted to set up their own pop-up stands within the shop while getting to keep all of the earned profits. Global Thrift has provided inspiration and motivation for people seeking the opportunity to start their own pop-up shop and sell all kinds of merchandise. Pop-up shops are small kiosks where one could advertise their products on the property of another, in this

case, different designers being able to use the grounds of Global Thrift. Pochesci allows brands and businesses to use a massive section of open space in the store. This collaboration enables any designer to advertise and sell their clothing while helping to support local businesses. She expanded on the idea after the pandemic which restored the livelihood of businesses and individuals affected by the unexpected financial difficulties of the last few years, including COVID-19.

From artistic collaborations to the focus on affordability and charitable contributions, Pochesci is determined to help people in need every step of the way and has gone to great lengths to do so. She exhibits her attention to detail and passion for unity through self-expression in every aspect of the business. She and the Global Thrift motto are wonderful examples of building community connections and will continue to demonstrate this successfully in years to come.

@global.thrift.store

Camron McNeil and Camron Villnave

Photography By Bryant Lopez

Located in the heart of Boston, Sneaker Junkies stands proudly, as a true bastion for sneaker and streetwear enthusiasts. The store’s exterior is not all that notable; it looks a lot like a brownstone you might find in a neighborhood such as the South End. However, it is the store’s interior that is sure to turn heads. If you are familiar with LeBron James’ cover story for GQ back in October of 2017, Sneaker Junkies’ Boston location echoes the same sentiment: sneakers and streetwear can be styled for royalty or great distinction.

Co-owner Bilal Jabar was kind enough to speak at length about the location. Jabar has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He has been a part of a number of smaller ventures but has always been interested in sneakers and streetwear. In short, he has a business-centric mind and has exhibited his entrepreneurial spirit time and time again.

Sneaker Junkies presents the idea that sneakers are a luxury and highly sought-after commodities in a very literal way. The interior of the store is fashioned after a palace. Picture this: a marble floor, gold ceilings, and well-crafted details from every angle. Taking notice of the hand-carved doors and antique chandeliers. The Boston location includes not only those details but plush red thrones with gold carvings to sit in and try on prospective sneakers.

Jabar also alluded to the mystique of Newbury Street and the notable reputation associated with it. Many retailers believe they have “made it” when they open their doors in the area. It is hard to deny this feeling as the name itself does suggest a standard of quality and excellence.

It is important to note that there are two locations in addition to the storefront on Newbury Street. These locations are more modern and sleek. They have a sense of continuity as a pair; they do not challenge your expectations of how a boutique carrying sneakers presents itself.

Sneaker Junkies opened its doors in 2007 at 251 Weybosset Street, in Providence, Rhode Island’s downtown area. Suddenly, that market was introduced to exclusive streetwear, sneakers, and accessories where there was previously a vacuum. Come 2009, the space was not big

enough to accommodate growing clientele, and things were relocated to Providence’s East Side. More specifically on Thayer Street, in the center of Brown University’s campus, where shoppers can find a single baby blue throne, a harbinger of what was to come at the Boston location.

All of which led to Sneaker Junkies’ third location. It originated in the summer of 2019, at 976 Chapel Street, right across from Yale University. Architecturally speaking, this is the most impressive of the trio, establishing a pattern between locations and their close proximity to Ivy League schools.

These days, sneakers are a massive business. In 2020, the global sneaker market was valued at approximately $79 billion, and in 2026, it’s projected to reach $120 billion, according to a Fast Company article. Sneakers have truly become coveted, highly regarded items in recent years, where they were once merely a symbol of athleticism. It feels increasingly rare these days to find a retailer without an omnichannel strategy in place; Sneaker Junkies isn’t any sort of exception. The website has been kicking since 2007 and has most certainly evolved over time, whether deliberately or via extraneous circumstances like the boom of e-commerce.

“We’ve had an online presence pretty much since the beginning. But it’s just developed a lot more with time. After the first two years we established our online business, and every year since then, it’s just progressed and developed…[Today] I am short-staffed, so now I am working as a sales associate and [this is an example of] things you face in today’s market where it’s not easy to really find a lot of help,” Jabar said.

Jabar also mentioned he is often in communication with vendors, as well as acutely aware of inventory.

“I go to all three of our locations each week. I’m in a different state pretty much, almost every day. Instead of having a report sent to you, or someone telling it to you, you actually get to see it yourself,” Jabar said.

With that, it can be argued that having a handful of locations is an advantage Sneaker Junkies has over its Newbury Street neighbors.

On this iconic Boston strip, there is no shortage of national brands,

who carry all sorts of merchandise at virtually every price point. Sneaker Junkies stands strong alongside these retailers with their attention to pricing and detail.

“Our product is more high-end. We have a premium product, but it’s at a fairly reasonable price compared to some of the other options on Newbury Street,” Jabar said.

When asked his favorite item in stock at the moment, Jabar asked if it could be from any location. After confirming it could be, he replied with the Nike Air Force 1 Low SP Familia, in warm colors red stone, and de sol. Interestingly enough, this sneaker has only been available for a few weeks, showing the ability of Sneaker Junkies to procure elusive, rare drops. The shoe is inspired by and fashioned for the Spanish-speaking world. Of the shoe, Jabar vocalized that some people aren’t too crazy about the shoe because of the colors, stating that they’re “a little more

out there.” Due to his large personal sneaker collection, he shared that he’s much more receptive to a more vivid, rare-looking sneaker.

If you are looking for your newest statement piece, your go to kicks are looking particularly cooked lately, or you are looking for a shopping experience and customer service worthy of a royal, give Sneaker Junkies a try.

@sneakerjunkies; sneakerjunkiesusa.com

Photography by Julia Figueiral

Spencer Vilisnki

Kylee (Left)

Long Sleeve: Fits the Vibe

Belt: Thrifted For You

Corset: Kiiix Online

Pants: Global Thrift Store

Boots: Fits the Vibe Mo (Middle)

Long Sleeve: Salvage Angel

Shirt: Salvage Angel Christopher (Right)

Long Sleeve: Fits the Vibe (FRE)

Shirt: Fits the Vibe

Pants: Fits the Vibe

Boots: Diversity Consignment

Bracelet: SoWa Vintage

Necklace: Kiiix Online

Pants: Salvage Angel