THE LOCATION ISSUE | SEPTEMBER 2017
DIGITAL VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1
DIGITAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Maggie O’Connor
IN THIS ISSUE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Shannon Maiers FEATURES EDITOR Amber Mitchell FASHION EDITORS PRINT Liv Verlande Alana Valko DIGITAL Audrey Klomparens Blake Pittman DESIGN EDITORS PRINT Katie Beukema Xinyi Liu DIGITAL Aliya Falk PHOTO EDITORS PRINT Becca Rudman Benji Bear DIGITAL Mackenzie King VIDEO EDITOR Paige Wilson
02. masthead
06. photogaphing paris
04. from the desk of the editor-in-chief
18. from ann arbor to reykjavík
DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Elena Odulak PUBLISHER Lauren Ayers
.
ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR Sabrina Zayek MARKETING DIRECTOR Carly Dineen-Griffin ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Ellen Toal DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Christi Suzuki FINANCE COORDINATOR Connie Zhang EVENTS COORDINATOR Allison Powell OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kristin Swad SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Serena Pergola
Our mission is to inform, inspire and engage deeply with the University of Michiga provide a marketable media platform for students to push the boundaries of what
Index | Volume 4 Issue 1
22. fresh faces .
an campus community at the intersection of student and professional life within the fashion industry. SHEI Digital is intended to t has traditionally been possible within print without compromising the level of quality associated with the SHEI brand.
THE LOCATION ISSUE celebrating self; unifying through culture
written by Maggie O’Connor photographed by Amber Mitchell layout by Aliya Falk
Letter from the Editor | Volume 4 Issue 1
I
wr i t e t h i s fro m Espresso R oyale on S o ut h Un i ve r si ty, my g o - to stud y spot . Fro m m y va n t age p o i nt, I ca n see student s b u s t l i n g , d o d gi ng o n e a n o ther. T he new s c h o o l yea r bri n g s a k i n d of burning o p tim i sm t h a t a l way s ma kes me want to f re e ze t i me, and a l l o w my sel f to be s u s p e n d e d i n th ese fi rst co u p l e of weeks u n til I a m re a d y to settl e i nto a rout ine. In c rea t i n g t hi s i ssu e, th e fi rst of t he s c h o o l yea r, m y tea m a n d I ha rnessed t he e xcit ed en e rg y o f the n ew yea r to p roduce s o m et h i n g t h at b o th bu i l d s on tradit ion an d m ove s u s for wa rd . S ep ara t ed by mi le s an d t i me zo n es, so me of u s home f o r t h e s u m mer, so me cra mme d into tin y a p ar t men t s fo r su mmer i nternships, o th er s t r avel i ng Eu ro p e, we fel t it was f i tting to b r i n g l ocati on to the foref ront o f o u r c o n ve rsa ti on s. We wa n t ed to u n d e r s t a n d h ow env i ron men t (i n t erms o f b o t h c l i m a te a n d cul tu re) i n fl uences p e r s o n a l s t y l e fo r the i nd i v i du a l . An swer i n g t hi s q u esti o n to o k u s across th e w o r l d , q u i te l i tera l l y. In thi s issue, Fe atu res Ed i tor Amber Mi tch el l ref lect s o n h er t i m e t r avel i ng th rou g h o u t Europe an d i n vest i g a t e s the street sty l e of Paris, L o n d o n , R ey k j av í k , a nd ou r o wn home of An n Ar b o r [ Fro m Ann Arb o r to R eykjavík , p .1 8 ] . Af t e r a summer spen t i n Paris, D ig i t a l P h o to Ed i to r Ma cken z i e King s h are s a ser i es of brea thta k i ng photos [P h o to g r a p h i n g Pa ri s, p . 6 ] , whi ch feat ure b o th t h e ro m a nce a n d co o l of th e people wh o i n h a b i t i t . Acco mp a n y i n g h er wor k, s h e wr i t es c a nd i dl y a bo u t the surprising au t h en t i c i t y o f Pa ri si a ns sh e met th ro u g h o u t t h e su mmer. A d d i t i o n a l l y i n th i s i ssue, we i n troduce
our new board, a vibrant and t ale n te d te am of st udent s. In t his year ’s boa rd s h o o t, a Sept ember issue t r adit ion, w e w an te d to showcase t he individual p as s io n s and personalit y of each of o u r te am members. Photo Editors Becca R u d m an and Mackenzie King capt ured o u r te am in honest moment s, as we spent th e d ay meander ing around Kerr ytown an d M ain St reet . Through t hinking about ours e lve s as individuals, we began to t hi n k ab o u t SH E I’s ident it y as an organizat ion , an d as a publicat ion. We realized t hat alth o u g h o u r print and digit al publicat ions ex is t as tw o separ at e ent it ies, bot h st r ive to e m b o d y t he same ar t ist ic and editor ial in te g rity t hat is at t he core of t he SH EI b ran d . Thus, we are ver y proud to ann o u n c e to our readers t he new t it le of ou r m o n th ly online magazine: SH E I Digit al. As we begin t he new school ye ar, I u rg e ever yone to t ake t he t ime to a p p re c iate t he oppor t unit y of being in you r lo c atio n at t his moment . Being a st ude n t at th e Universit y of Michigan, you h ave th e unique and f leet ing oppor t unit y to le arn , creat e, and f ind what f uels yo u . D o n’ t wast e t ime. We know we won’t b e w as tin g ours.
PHOTOGRAPHING PARI
IS
LEARNING TO LIVE WITH HONESTY
W
hen I first learned that I would be spending the summer in the iconic city of Paris, I immediately began scouting out every style guide and what-to-pack-as-aParisian article I could Google. Every Instagram fashionista and blog guru had me convinced that the only way I was going to fit in with Parisians was by wearing dark denim, stripes, and scarves. I had Pinterest boards full of ballet flats and blouses. Before I even arrived, my pre-determined view of classic Parisian fashion dominated my expectations for the city, and my packing list. Upon arriving, these expectations quickly diminished as I discovered the incredibly unique and diverse
sense of fashion that the people of Paris had to offer. Now, don’t get me wrong, I saw my fair share of horizontal stripes, scarves, and denim attire. However, these pieces were styled to create something much more complex. Parisians urbanized their classic look into something unique and modern-it was fascinating. Their style embodied glimpses of the classical fashion that Paris is known for, but with distinctive twists that expressed diversity, style, and individuality. Women wore strapped heels and matching silk scarves, which complemented their jewelry, or brought out the subtle pattern of their skirts. Each look was carefully curated and effortlessly elegant.
In meeting many wonderful Parisian individuals, I came to learn that although always grasping at the realm of being “fashion forward,” the people of Paris maintained a connection to their romanticized and classic Parisian style, which was essential to their identities. Seeing such impressive means of fashion and sense of style, and the complex relationship between fashion history and its evolving present; I became immensely curious about what was so distinctive and remarkable about Parisians’ fashion . While photographing the people of Paris, I was lucky enough to meet a man named Stephan, who shared with me some valuable insight on how the history of
Parisian fashion fits into the idea that people are attracted to the authentic. Unlike modern displays of fast fashion, vogues, and fleeting ‘fashion movements,’ Parisians opt for style more deeply rooted in the long-standing history of a city that they adore. There’s a reason people collect records and there’s a reason people add film grain to their Instagram photos – people have a desire for and attraction to the old because it feels more exclusive and undiluted by short-lived trends. Fashion is intrinsically connected to nostalgia and the longing to have that imagined authenticity of another time. For me, this was so reminiscent of the feelings I had about not just Parisian fashion, but
Paris as a city. Something about it felt more authentic, more real, more nostalgic than other places I’ve been. I learned a lot from the people of Paris . Throughout my time in the city, I couldn’t shake the persistent feeling that I was living with a bit more honesty. The sensation of being inspired by an iconic fashion center, while also projecting my own style with new transparency, has allowed me to be more honestly myself. I have come to discover that the people I’ve met in Paris seem to be a little more careful with their choices, how they make those choices, and who they make them for. I think that’s the part of the phenomena of the romance,
nostalgia, and elegance in Paris. The people of Paris see no pressure to give off a certain persona unless it be real, honest, and authentic. I think that’s why it’s very nostalgic to document fashion here, and it feels very honest and genuine to be a photographer, because you’re able to capture a moment of individuality just as it is, without the pressure of it having to be anything else. So, should you be so lucky to spend a few days or years in the city of Paris, ditch the what-to-pack blog posts and let this incredible city both surprise and inspire you.
written and photographed by Mackenzie King layout by Aliya Falk
FROM ANN ARBOR TO REYKJAVIK A LOOK AT FASHION’S LOCAL INFLUENCE
T
he culture of the places that we each call home have an effect on fashion that is often overlooked. As University of Michigan students, we are in an ever-changing arena, forced to shift from tailgate to interview in record speed. We learn to incorporate maize and blue creatively and experiment dressing in ways that merge individual taste with the functionality required for a busy, always-changing lifestyle. Although the simple nature of being a college town influences decisions on what to wear, certain trends are Ann Arbor staples. The close proximity of our city to Detroit has resulted in the popularity of Shinola watches and our cold winters have led to unique outerwear combinations that stand out as chic on the coldest of days. As I traveled through Europe this summer, first as a fashion student in Paris, France and then to check a few places off of my ever-growing bucket list, I found myself deeply interested in the striking difference in street style between each individual city that I visited. Inhabitants, despite being separate people with varying interests and styles, shared commonalities in the manner that they presented themselves. In Paris, a place hailed as the fashion capital of the world, outfits found on the streets or in cafes and bistros exhibited the perfect balance of chic and effortless. Not one person looked as though they were trying too hard and even my professor at the Catholic
university that I attended dressed in loose, flowy pieces that looked as if they had been quickly thrown on before she left for the metro. Sneakers and jeans met blazers and button downs, and shirts were often worn oversized and tucked in carelessly at the front or side. Solid, often neutral colors or simple patterns such as stripes also made frequent appearances. Although Parisians are often critiqued for being aloof, their style of dress instead reflects an attitude that values taking time for leisure and wellbeing. Slow, rich meals with multiple courses, an appreciation for every sip of wine, early store closings, and a month-long holiday from work all testify to this way of living in the same way that their fashion does. Nothing is taken quite too seriously. As Parisian fashion appeared to be influenced by an underlying ideology, the street style that I found in the small city of Reykjavík, Iceland clearly responded to the demands of climate. As a place that is cold the majority of the year and rarely reaches above 55 degrees in the summer months, residents tie weather resistance into their fashion statements. Chic boutiques that I walked past creatively positioned outerwear and thick sweaters, one store even capitalizing on Iceland’s individual fashion with the slogan, “Waiting for summer since 1926.” Lots of layering and accessories such as backpacks and scarves helped complete outfits and bright colors added a pop to chilly days. Almost every
look was both thoughtfully curated enough to turn heads on one of Reykjavík’s lively sidewalks and functional enough to wear through a thunderstorm or day long hike outside of the city. Very intrigued by this multi-faceted nature, I started to consider how I could respond to Michigan’s unpredictable weather with similar pieces. Although often placed in the same arena as Paris, London also presented a style quite distinct from the other places that I visited. In comparison with Parisian effortlessness, Londoners dressed in a way that appeared polished and carefully thought through. Basic color palettes and patterns worked together to form something completely classic. With such a large emphasis on cycling in the city, including separate lanes and road signs, fashion often came with the ability to perform “on the go” and outfits included shoes and bags that made self-transportation possible. An individual’s style is certainly dictated by their preferences and personality, but it is impossible to ignore the way that location plays a role. The weather, values, and ideas of each city shape how people dress, creating a style that stands out as especially unique. With Ann Arbor as our city, we each have the opportunity to contribute to its collective fashion by integrating the personal touches that we love.
written by Amber Mitchell layout by Aliya Falk
FRESH INTRODUCING THE
photographed by Becca Ru
FACES 2017-2018 BOARD
udman and Mackenzie King
Maggie O’Connor Editor in Chief I think that people curate personal style for the same reason that they listen to a particular genre of music, see plays, or collect things. As human beings, we have an intrinsic need to find meaning in our lives, and culture gives us an outlet for that. Fashion sets itself apart from other forms of culture in that it is intimately tied to identity. It is an artform that we literally live in, and that we project out to the world, wherever it is that we go. There’s always been an element of fantasy in fashion for me. I am so excited by fashion, because it gives us the opportunity to continually reinvent both ourselves and how we react to the world around us.
Shannon Maiers Creative Director SHEI has provided an outlet for me to work with incredibly creative people across all majors to make content that is unlike anything else on campus. It is inspiring to be apart of a community with people who are so talented and passionate about what we do. SHEI has truly shaped my college experience in ways that go beyond the content we have created.
Lauren Ayers Publisher As cliche as it may sound, I have always loved fashion. When I was little, I was the epitome of a girly girl - constantly dressing up in tutus and tiaras and asking my brother if I could do his makeup. Growing up, fashion was a way to express myself. My family moved around a lot, and I was constantly making new friends. I found fashion and the clothes I was wearing to be an easy way to represent myself and who I was. Over the years, I have learned that fashion is so much more than that. I love that fashion connects me with an entire world of art, empowerment, and self-expression. I love that fashion is constantly evolving in a world that is always pressing for change. I love that fashion can be classic or of-the-moment. Lastly, I love that fashion helps me celebrate myself and others.
Xinyi Liu Print Design Editor I discovered SHEI my freshman year at Festifall, what really drew me in was the flyers they were handing out. I thought they were really well designed, and after flipping through some of the issues, I knew that this was an organization I wanted to be a part of. I remember how excited I was when I received my first design assignment. It was refreshing because it was a project driven purely by self motivation and interest, something that I hadn’t felt in a long while. SHEI was a huge stepping stone for me, I received a design internship after my freshman year due to the work I had produced for SHEI, which then led me to a plethora of other opportunities. I am grateful to SHEI, and my 18 year old self for applying to the organization, and I am incredibly excited to continue contributing to it.
Katie Beukema Print Design Editor While fashion can be an outlet for self expression, it can also promote social causes and provide an outlet to spark change. People like Lauren Bush Lauren are using fashion as a way to promote unity and social change. Being able to express values and cultures as well as promote change through fashion allows for a new forum to communicate these ideals. That’s an incredibly powerful thing people tend to overlook.
Aliya Falk Digital Design Editor Joining SHEI was the best decision I’ve made at college so far. As a freshman, I knew I wanted to be a part of something that would give me room to grow and experiment with design. I’m so happy I found such a supportive, professional, creative, and talented group on campus that has allowed me to do that. As I embark on my sophomore year, I’m excited to delve even deeper into what SHEI has to offer!
Becca Rudman Print Photo Editor One of my biggest goals in portrait and editorial style photography is to make people feel better about themselves. I like to think that I have the ability to use my photography to show inidivuals the beauty that I see in them, even if they don’t see it in themselves. That’s why this year I am really excited to make a statement by making SHEI a “retouch-free” magazine. Editorial should inspire body positivity not tear it down.
Benji Bear Print Photo Editor Before SHEI, I limited myself to street photography. Aside from getting over the taboo of taking a picture of a stranger (and that takes a while), it was easy, with strolling passerbys needing no direction from me. Easy, that is, compared to a posed shoot, which I didn’t think I’d be good at telling a model what to do or what clothes to wear. When I passed by the SHEI booth at festifall, it seemed SHEI embodied everything that made me feel uncomfortable as a photographer. Plus, I was wearing sports shorts, an old shirt, and shoes that definitely clashed – not the image of a fashionista. But, I decided to go to the mass meeting, and then send in my portfolio, and accept a spot on the photo team because I wanted to face head on what made me feel uncomfortable. Then I had my first SHEI photo shoot, and oh man, that was so… not bad! It was actually fun, and sure maybe awkward for the first few moments, but quickly eased into feeling natural. I felt silly for feeling so anxious. Against all odds, I quickly became friends with the other photographers and those eccentric people on the fashion team, and slowly built up a fashion sense (although I stand by sports shorts and clashy shoes at times). SHEI helped me break out of my shell, and I’m honored to help SHEI grow as a Print Editor this next season!
Mackenzie King Digital Photo Editor I have always been searching for people who had the same creative drive as I did. I wanted to be a part of something I could build and grow. I wanted to be a part of creating something that made an impact. That’s what I have found with SHEI, an entire family of creative individuals who work together to create something powerful and influential.
Sabrina Zayek Accounts Director Coming back for my second year at Michigan and SHEI I was a lot more confident, which really helped me to work with teams on fashion to produce higher quality deliverables. I still reference the first shoot of that year because it was the first time I felt as though I had a true grasp of what a fashion spread needed. It had a ton of glitter, glamour, and a hint of grunge, which definitely fit into my style aspirations at the time. Being able to put my name to that shoot and see it in the digital magazine was so exciting because from beginning to end I had nothing but a good time.
Carly Dineen-Griffin Marketing Director I wouldn’t consider myself a “fashion” person per se, which is why people sometimes get confused when I tell them how much I love SHEI. But I’m here because I’ve found a family that means so much to me that I’ll do anything it takes to show off how talented and amazing they are. SHEI is so much more than a fashion magazine. It’s showing up to late night meetings fresh out of the shower and in my obnoxious pajamas and not caring one bit because I’m with a group of people who love me for me. Literally no one cares if I look like a sea slug; they care how my day was, how my exam went, if I need any help organizing flyers for the next event. SHEI has become my family, and I’m pretty damn lucky that I found them at Michigan.
Liv Verlande Print Fashion Editor I know I’ve found the true essence of an outfit and executed accordingly when I look in the mirror and see someone who exudes drama and vibrancy staring back. I look dynamic but balanced and I recognize this crispness that lets me know I’ve done well. Walking around, living my life, knowing that I’m occupying my space in that way makes me feel powerful.
Alana Valko Print Fashion Editor There are no rules in fashion. Without much consequence, we have the freedom to present who we are to the world. Fashion enables us to blur the lines of what we cannot express with words. We feel personally empowered every single day just with how we choose to express ourselves, fashion playing an invaluable role to this expression.
Blake Pittman Digital Fashion Editor When I get dressed in the morning, I search for inspiration in what I anticipate the day has in store for me. On days I plan to be more laid back and casual, I go for a pair of sweats or joggers and a classic tee. If I plan on dressing up or seeing some friends, I’ll throw on a pair of booties and a leather jacket. To me, style isn’t a “box” and it’s not something that you have to adhere to. It changes with you, your moods and your life. If I want to be girly, I will be. If I want to be edgy, I will be. And if I want to be lazy, I will be!
Audrey Klomparens Digital Fashion Editor I was named after Audrey Hepburn. She is timeless, elegant and strong. Every day I try to embody that type of spirit, and it all starts with my style. Fashion really has a way of creating confidence, and I find that especially helps me in business, which is what I am studying. I always feel at my best and ready to take any challenge on when I am emanating her spirit and grace.
Kristin Swad Outreach Coordinator I am constantly surrounded by creative and passionate people on SHEI, reminding me to think outside the box. SHEI is all about showcasing fashion and culture in a positive, academic light, which cannot be found anywhere else. SHEI has given me so many opportunities to expand and discover my interests. Every year SHEI is creating quality publications and events, which is something I am very proud to be a part of.
Christi Suzuki Distribution Coordinator I am always looking to push myself out of my comfort zone whether that be socially, professionally, or even just personally. When it comes to chasing opportunities, I want to get to the point where I’m contemplating less and acting more. The first step for me is being more assertive in my professional ambitions. Part of me thinks I should just go skydiving already because maybe once I’ve thrown myself out of a plane, throwing myself into high stakes possibilities will seem like nothing.
Serena Pergola Social Media Coordinator SHEI is my outlet to express myself through creativity. Fashion tells an individual story to each person who is touched by it. I find this concept empowering and aspire to touch numerous lives through this medium. SHEI is the perfect opportunity to begin this journey.
Allison Powell Events Coordinator Having worked in retail, interned in the fashion industry, and being a part of SHEI, I have seen the power of clothing that makes us say “That is so you!” That “you” feeling is not a dress that falls just right or jeans that button without pulling around the waist; it is a deeper attainment of one’s self. When something is “so you” it gives you a feeling that you have become more yourself somehow. That feeling is so important and is brought to consumers every day not only through clothing, but through being a part of the culture of fashion.
Amber Mitchell Features Editor There’s something about being able to flip through a print publication that truly inspires. Growing up, I used to find myself weaving through the magazine aisles at the bookstore, picking up different copies to look through. Although recent revolutions in technology bring new opportunities for media to be accessible, the world of print is far from dead. As the SHEI Features Editor, it’s really exciting for me to watch people get to see and hold their hard work in print and I think that sensory process is really important to reading as a whole.
Connie Zhang Finance Coordinator In an effort to infuse social responsibility with empathy and respond to social, political, and economic problems, many designers have taken up active roles in the conversation to enact social change. Earlier this year, Sophie Theallet, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford publicly boycotted dressing First Lady Melania Trump and during NYFW, Christian Dior and Prabal Gurung emblazoned their new collections with feminist slogan shirts. But beyond the public displays of resistance to the new presidential administration, the fashion industry has intrinsically transformed: civic responsibility should escape no aspect of society and certainly not one as public and influential as fashion. From the Somali-American hijab wearing Yeezy model to the Planned Parenthood collaboration with the CFDA, fashion has taken up a crusader role in the quest for societal justice. While many perceive this industry as superficial and materialistic, I for one believe that fashion has the proven ability to unite our differences through a creative outlet, attract attention to the crucial issues our society faces today, and spur social change within a new demographic of individuals. In the words of Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman, “You can’t complain unless you participate.”
Ellen Toal Advertising Coordinator I think fashion can spark a change just as much as art can. Fashion is a way to express oneself and what his or her beliefs are. What you wear is the most obvious representation of who you are. You can use fashion to be whoever you want and that absolutely can spark change in a person.
Paige Wilson Video Editor I have considered myself an artist since I could pick up a pencil. Over the years, my artistic mediums have ranged from coloring to painting to sculpture to design to video. Being able to create artwork with many different mediums is a priority for me as I pursue a career in the creative field. SHEI has been the space where I get to explore relationships between several different creative worlds, including fashion, publication, and video.
Elena Odulak Digital Content Editor People say print and magazines are a dying industry, but I think we will always need a hard copy of creative content that is looked to for inspiration for our fashion and lifestyle choices. Even with all the exciting changes and possibilities with digital, there is something about flipping through the pages of your newly curated vogue that your phone just won’t give you! A mixture of both is essential.
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