Signature Style 9 by Hamilton College Signature Style

SIGNATURE

STYLE

fall 18

in this issue 04

contributors

letter from the editor

facials

cruelty-free makeup

glitter!

flannel

holographic

comfy chic

student highlight: theo golden

the art of self-care

behind the cover: sacharja cunningham

contributors ali zildjian

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ruthie schmidt, CREATIVE DIRECTOR sunny chen, LAYOUT DIRECTOR maddie rodden, PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR christine rosato, HEAD STYLIST noelani stevenson, BEAUTY DIRECTOR nani suzuki, PUBLICITY DIRECTOR sophie boorstin, PRINT EDITORIAL DIRECTOR nina narayan, DIGITAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR PHOTOGRAPHERS amelia casparian, sam cho, bryan edwards, jerry tang, caroline washington STYLISTS naomi berger, nicole eisenberg, hannah honan, kathryn kearney, emilie matheson, pooja lucie willmann BEAUTY TEAM marqus green, sarah gyurina, zanny ham, kaela makins WRITERS sophie boorstin, lili christie, lilia harlan, joyce lee tiffany lopes, sophie menashi, lily qiu, lily williams, ali zildjian COPY EDITORS rachel lu, olivia maddox LAYOUT TEAM julia opatrny, pooja lucie willmann MODELS jake bolster, justin bower, sacharja cunningham, elizabeth egey, marie fouchÃ©, henry golden, theo golden, gianni hill, ash lalwani, juliette lily, m. ricio matt, xan mullings, bella nichol, montana sprague, paola tabet, emery taylor, ryan wall, andrew watson

letter from the editor This year has been a tough one. I have talked with plenty of people who confess how excited they are for 2018 to end. Through a national lens, we live in an America that is sharply divided and where stress over politics invades our lives on a daily basis. Just turning on the TV or catching up on the news can be anxiety-inducing. But even the familiar lull of the Hamilton bubble has wavered this past year. It’s all too easy to fall into a cycle of stress, and we often sacrifice our own wellbeing as we strive for a better GPA or even just to stay afloat in a class. We stay up late, we eat poorly (if at all), we lock ourselves up in our rooms for days at a time, and slowly, we forget to breathe. Even while I write this, I can feel my shoulders tense as I recount all the times I’ve done some of these things. At this top-ranked college with its excellent academic reputation, stress becomes the status quo. We lose our balance between work and play. Not to mention that in recent years the Hamilton community has taken quite a few blows. The outpouring of emotion and concern that came from last spring’s Town Hall showed an unfortunate truth: everyone on this campus is hurting, even if just a little. Facing this reality is how I found my inspiration for this semester’s theme: “glow.” To me, glow means everything from silly and fun styles with holographic clothes and glitter to a much more serious, and critical, inner glow. I wanted this issue to function not just as commentary on how to style clothes or glimpses into rising campus trends, but as a reminder to any Hamiltonian reading this to take care of yourself. Obviously a feature on facials isn’t going to solve all of your problems. But if an article inspires you to take a moment for yourself, whether to dress up and feel nice or just to assess how you’re doing on a basic emotional level, I feel as though my theme has done its job. Practice some self care. Drop by a friend’s room to chat. Make a mug of hot chocolate. Shower for more than 10 minutes (maybe even sing a little, if you’re into that). Take a deep breath. You are smart. You are capable. But you are also human. Treat yourself with some kindness. You’re going to get through this. With love, Ali

photographed by amelia casparian styled by christine rosato makeup by noelani stevenson modeled by montana sprague & paola tabet written by lily qiu

ollege is hard. As we get caught up studying for tests, remembering to do laundry, and dissecting ambiguous text messages it’s easy to forget that keeping a healthy body, mind, and soul is really the best thing that we can do for ourselves. One of the best ways to simultaneously better yourself physically and mentally is with nothing other than a facial. Many face masks are affordable and easy to use. Taking time out of your day to do a facial can leave you feeling energized and refreshed. It’s an A1 stress reliever and a semi-productive alternative to browsing through memes during your study break. Face masks give you a well-deserved mental break while doing wonders for your skin. They can be moisturizing, cleansing, or help acne. The wide variety of types allows all skin types to benefit. Clay masks and sheet masks are the top two most popular kinds right now.

A clay mask usually feels heavy on the skin and dries quickly. When you satisfactorily peel it off, it removes dirt and congestion, smoothing out the skins texture and minimizing the appearance of pores. But don’t forget that it’s important to be mindful of time. Clay masks usually should not be kept on for longer than 5-10 minutes, depending on the brand. Allowing it to dry for any longer could strip the skin of its natural oils, which we don’t want to do. A sheet mask is a cool, wet sheet that you rest on your face, generally made of fiber and soaked in a serum. Most sheet masks are made of botanical extracts and a lot of water. Your skin will absorb beneficial nutrients and will (hopefully) be left glowing and hydrated. Many have anti-aging benefits and they are the perfect way to boost your skincare routine.

cruelty-free makeup

photographed by bryan edwards makeup by zanny ham modeled by emery taylor written by tiffany lopes 8

egardless of whether you are a vegan, oppose animal testing, or are simply looking for a makeup alternative, there are several cruelty-free makeup brands on the market that create affordable and ethical products. Next time you go shopping for a new makeup product, make sure it has the Leaping Bunny certification logo on it to guarantee that it is cruelty-free. Here are some of my favorite ethical makeup brands.

TOO FACED

URBAN DECAY

TARTE

If you are looking for an affordable drugstore brand, NYX is a great option. The brand sells blushes, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and matte lip creams in a wide range of fun colors. Note: While NYX is Leaping Bunny certified, its owner, L’Oreal, is not. Top Products: Soft Matte Lip Cream, Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette.

If you are willing to splurge on designer cruelty-free makeup products, MARC JACOBS BEAUTY is the brand for you. The brand’s products are known for their stunning pigmentation, high quality, and long-lasting wear. Top Products: Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator, Re(Marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate, Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick.

is an innovative, chic, and trendsetting brand that sells high quality and unique products. Top Products: Better Than Sex Mascara, Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette. is a fan-favorite brand and is distinguished by its edgy and striking products. The brand’s Naked eyeshadow palettes have been best-selling for years, given their range of bold colors and incredible pigmentation. While the original Naked palette was discontinued earlier this year, you should check out some of the brand’s other high-quality products. Note: While Urban Decay is Leaping Bunny certified, their owner, L’Oreal, is not. Top Products: Naked 2 Palette, Eyeshadow Primer Potion, All Nighter Setting Spray. offers a number of natural products that are all free from parabens, synthetic fragrance, petrochemicals, GMOs, gluten, and–of course–cruelty. If you are looking for simple and eco-friendly products for beauty or skincare, take a look at Tarte. Top Products: Amazonian Clay Blush, Shape Tape Contour Concealer, Setting Superpower Powder Brush.

GLITTER!

photographed by sam cho styled by nicole eisenberg makeup by noelani stevenson modeled by julette lily & andrew watson written by lili christie

For years, the world of glitter was relegated to halloween costumes and concert-going attire. However, the narrative seems to be shifting. Glitter is entering a new chapter of its story, assuming a more mainstream role in our daily lives. Whether it’s been the center of bold runway makeup, or used as an accent to a simple look, glitter is making its way into more everyday fashion. This glitter craze opens the door to a lot of ways you can experiment with sparkle, both in understated styles and in daring statements.

Makeup is probably the most straightforward, yet the most exciting way to add a little glitz to your look. Cosmetic companies everywhere are revving up their glitter products, so there’s no shortage of material on the market if you are searching for inspiration. Glitter-infused highlighters have become increasingly popular. Using these, you can add some shimmer to your foundation that accentuates your cheek and brow bones to make them really pop. If you’re feeling gutsy, try to experiment with color on your cheeks, and see what hues match your personal style or are appropriate for an event you’re going to. You can go for a Pat McGrathinspired lip, adding a touch of red glitter on top of a red lip which makes your smile light up and immediately catches people’s eyes.

If you prefer a more subtle look, try to incorporate glitter into your eye makeup. Silver and gold glitter make for great eye shadows and will flawlessly match with almost any eye color and outfit choice. You can even find glitter eyeliner. This can give an understated, yet perfectly flashy emphasis on your eyes. Find what colors you’re drawn to when you do your own makeup, and then see how blending glitter in with your everyday choices can step up your style game. Makeup isn’t really your thing? Try a glittery nail polish instead! Glitter is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and being bold, so find what look is best for you and start catching some well-deserved light.

photographed by jerry tang styled by hannah honan, christine rosato, & pooja lucie willmann modeled by justin bower, henry golden, gianni hill, & ryan wall written by lily williams 12

Once the leaves start to change color and the Cider Mill opens its doors, many rush to their trusty flannels and snug sweaters to embrace the change of seasons. In the chilly Clinton weather, one brand stands out as a clear favorite: L.L. Bean. The Maine-based brand was founded over a century ago and has since been renowned for their wide variety of cozy, yet intrepid outdoors lifestyle clothing. You may recognize them for their ever popular Bean Boot. L.L. Bean and flannels are pretty much universally embraced at Hamilton, beloved by dark siders, light siders, and everyone in between. While these crunchy and cozy clothing items are cherished by many, their unfailing popularity can become repetitive without creativity. Here are some potential remedies to find a sense of individuality among the sea of flannels and Bean Boots on campus. Setting your outfit apart with a flannel does not have to be complicated. Start with something as simple as half-tucking the shirt into a pair of vintage jeans. This transforms a borderline frumpy look into something more chic. Flannels have always been great options for layering and getting creative with how you do it can really differentiate an outfit. Whether it be by tucking a turtleneck under a flannel, or adding an edge with a leather moto jacket on top, the possibilities are endless. Ditching the predictable jeans or leggings in favor of wearing a skirt or dress is another way to switch up this look. By adding a flannel to a more formal item of clothing, you can create a contrast that makes the outfit much more visually appealing. A combination of a grungy flannel and a refined skirt can bring an unexpected feminine flair to the typical fall outfit. The flannel can also dress down a more formal item and make it something more comfortable for class or walking around campus.

Vintage finds at the local Salvation Army or in a parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closet are some alternative, low-cost options to incorporate styles from brands like L.L. Bean into your wardrobe while exhibiting individual style. While it may require some digging and luck, second-hand finds like windbreakers, sweaters, and flannels from various outdoors-y brands can easily become staples in your wardrobe. These vintage items tend to be more unique due to their limited availability, compared to the renowned Bean Boot. An added bonus is that since these items have already been worn for some time, they are already broken in and therefore comfier than their brandnew counterparts. These pieces will evoke a sense of nostalgia that creates a timeless and effortless style, and are comfortable to boot.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flannels are pretty much universally embraced at Hamilton, beloved by dark siders, light siders, and everyone in between.â&#x20AC;?

H O LO G R A P H I C

photographed by bryan edwards styled by naomi berger & pooja lucie willmann makeup by kaela makins modeled by elizabeth egey, marie fouchĂŠ, m. ricio matt, & xan mullings written by sophie boorstin 19

t seems like fashion nowadays either embraces minimalism or makes crazy statements. Holographic pieces are nestled somewhere in the middle. They don’t have bright patterns or wild shapes, yet they aren’t basic neutrals either. Holo pieces are usually tight-fitting and eye-catching, so they make a statement but can also be paired with a normal outfit. This makes the full holo look perfect for events such as raves. Alternatively, including one holo piece in an otherwise simple outfit can really elevate an everyday look.

Pieces such as heeled boots, mini skirts, leggings, and crop tops make up most of the holo apparel, as they fit the crazy, rave-y theme. However, holographics are currently dominating the world of accessories. Anything from fanny packs, mini backpacks, phone cases, baseball hats, belts, and purses can be found in holo. Add any of these to an outfit and you’re ready to go to Ultra at 8, girls’ brunch at 9, and maybe even class at 10.

People might shy away from the holographic theme. Sure, it’s intimidating at first because it’s bright and eye-catching and whatnot. On the runway it’s mainly seen through giant, structured, reflective rainbow jackets, pantsuits, or abnormally high-heeled knee-high boots. And trust me, I would not want to wear any of those either.

Anything in holo will catch everyone’s eye, which is why it’s smart to pair a holo accessory with something denim or something black, so it makes the outfit, but doesn’t take away from the outfit either. With this idea in mind, it will be easy for people to start wearing holo more casually. And especially since it’s become so pervasive throughout cheaper chain stores, it’s not hard to find your signature holo piece.

comfy chic Maybe this is vain of me, but I like to look good. It’s not because I’m trying to impress anyone in particular; I just like feeling put together. It gives me confidence and boosts my overall mood. But we all have those days when we just can’t put that much effort into our look, and this makes things a little difficult. I mean, how am I supposed look cute and comfortable in PJs? First off, anything oversized is a good start. I love wearing large shirts or jackets that swallow me whole. Balance is the key to pulling off something oversized. If I’m going to wear a huge top, I tend to pair it with leggings or more slim pants. If I try to wear an XXL shirt with joggers, I end up feeling like a lump, and not a cute one. Sure, it’s extremely comfortable, but it’s not exactly the look I’m going for.

photographed by cat washington styled by emilie matheson & kathryn kearney makeup by sarah gyurina & noelani stevenson modeled by jake bolster, ash lalwani, & bella nichol written by lilia harlan

On the flip side of that, I love wearing shirts that are a little bit snug. As someone that compulsively tucks in everything they can, wearing something tighter and more cropped than pajamas prevents me from trying to tuck my shirt into my joggers. Again, it balances out the look: loose on the bottom, more fitted on top. If that isn’t warm enough, a fitted jacket over the tight shirt can add warmth and a little bit more oomph to some PJs that would be too simple otherwise.

There tends to be a lot less variety in the world of pants. As it gets cooler, leggings aren’t warm enough anymore and it seems like our only choices are sweatpants or joggers. Joggers are wonderful; they are warm and comfortable and still look good and put together with the right top. Although joggers are most people’s go-to comfy pant, my favorite item to wear in the winter is a pair of fuzzy, thick leggings. While traditional leggings aren’t enough to keep me from shivering in the Clinton climate, these pants are so warm. I have a plain, black pair that I practically live in when the temperature starts to drop.

Another important element is color. Winter tends to get rather dull and I find myself looking at a bunch of people decked out in shades of grey, and if I’m lucky, a little bit of navy or brown. A pop of color somewhere really helps to brighten up my mood, which is especially important in the long, sun-less winter months. An alternative to incorporating a bright color into a comfy look is using a good patterned piece or a flannel, just to add a little variety. Finally, we have hair. French braids are a good go-to because they keep hair out of your face during late-night study sessions and can be worn when you don’t feel like washing your hair.

As a plus, wearing braids with pajamas adds to the super cute and casual look. It also allows you to put on a warm winter hat if you are going outside (or if the heater in your dorm isn’t working that well) without causing any problems. Overall, though, I think the most important thing is to wear anything that makes you feel good and comfortable. I like balancing out what I wear and I like adding color, but that obviously doesn’t mean that everyone else should follow that. If it makes you feel cute and cozy, wear it!

THE ART OF SELF-CARE “Self-care” is a buzzword we hear everywhere. From clickbait articles on our news-feeds to campus- wide emails from every organization under the sun, self-care seems to be something everyone has been focusing on lately. And it makes sense—with a president pushing controversial policies and the Earth reportedly dying by 2030, we’re certainly living in a stressful time. No wonder so many people are focused on self-care. But what exactly does self-care even mean? In her book What You Really Really Want: A Smart Girl’s Shame-Free Guide to Sex and Safety, author Jaclyn Friedman defines selfcare as any practice that feels good— physically, emotionally, or both. According to Friedman, self-care can be something as simple as slipping into a pair of warm slippers or something as intricate as an hour-long guided meditation. Even with this definition in mind, it can be difficult to identify acts of self-care when you’re restricted to a college campus, because you may not have your own personal space. How can you take a relaxing bath if you don’t have your own bathroom, or do sunrise yoga when you have a roommate?

Ultimately, you might have to give up certain practices while living on campus, but there are great opportunities at Hamilton to practice self-care every day. Take advantage of the numerous resources like free access to the fitness center, nutritional counseling at the health center, or 50+ acres to explore in the Glen. Also, don’t be afraid to walk through your dorm hallway with a bright blue face mask on if using that face mask will make you feel good! In addition, organizations like Minds for Change and the Mental Wellness Collective provide on-campus programming all year to help keep your emotional health in check. When speaking to Erin Bryant ’21, co-president of Minds for Change, she explained that both organizations aim to “educate people about their mental health and the resources the campus has to offer.” “Our main goal is to help students deal with their own mental health issues, learn about them, [and learn how to] destigmatize them,” she continued. Bryant views self-care as “a mission towards self-understanding.”

If you’re still scratching your head for ideas of how to practice self-care on campus, here are 10 easy suggestions to get you started:

Take a run around the G-road loop.

Have some fresh, healthy juice at McEwen—my personal favorite combination is orange, carrot, strawberry, and spinach.

Gather your friends, make some popcorn, and watch a movie late at night on the big projector in KJ Auditorium.

Get some inexpensive, moisturizing face masks from CVS or Target to use once or twice a week.

Grab some wine and plan a potluck dinner with some friends on a weekday night.

Track how many (reusable) bottles of water you can drink in a day and reward yourself when you set a new personal record.

Check out a guilty pleasure book from Burke library and set aside time every night to read a few pages.

Have a Facetime date with your mom or best friend from home.

Treat yourself to a new piece of clothing that you can show off in class or on a night out.

10.

Buy a plant for your room.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that self-care is entirely up to you. Only you can determine what self-care means as well as what feels good for your body and your mind. written by sophie menashi

student highlight

Conformity, Rebellion, and Performance in Clothing Q: What is your attitude when you put clothes on in the morning? T: I’ve actually started getting in the habit of checking the weather app. I am used to layering things, and I get excited when I have something new to layer. I throw things on and mix in some other pieces if I want to. I’m really not a morning person, so I usually drag myself out of bed and look like Gollum. Normally, if there is an outfit I’ve worn before and I like it, I’ll wear it again. I would say I get way more excited about my clothes if I’m dressing up for something, or if I’m going out and want to look grungy and mysterious. Q: What is a basic everyday outfit that you like to wear? T: I really like button ups that have fun details on them, and I always wear black pants because they make my butt look smaller [laughter]. With black pants, I like to wear something more layered or something with a pattern on top, like a graphic t-shirt. But usually, I’m thinking of my clothes by layer: a colorful design on top with no complications on the bottom. Unless I’m wearing my parachute pants, which are kind of like elephant pants with a rope-belt. I’ll try to pair a busy piece with a calmer piece, because otherwise it’s too much.

THEO GOLDEN photographed by cat washington styled by nicole eisenberg interviewed by joyce lee

Q: On the flip side of that, what is a going-out outfit that you have been really proud of? T: For choir, Andi [a friend] and I wanted to put together the most ridiculous outfit: pineapple shorts, a button up, and a headband—that outfit was fun because it was so loud. Another time, I wore all black: fishnet stockings, a black shirt, and rolled up black joggers that have faux leather on the sides. I just like to wear fun and goofy things. It’s not the real adult world yet, and this is the time to go crazy. I also love Rocky Horror. I think everyone likes to dress a little ‘thotty,’ but I like when people come up with new things.

Q: Do you think the freedom to experiment with clothing is specific to Hamilton or college in general? In what way has our environment allowed you to experiment with style? T: I think it’s specific to college. College is like an adult world with training wheels. But I also think it’s a Hamilton thing, because if you went to school in the city, maybe you wouldn’t want to wear all the same things that you wear here. So yeah, I guess it’s both; you get a little taste of freedom being away from your parents, but you also know that you’re in a safe environment, and you can wear things that don’t conform to gender roles or societal standards. The only people who are going to judge you are your peers, which feels much safer. Q: Can you speak a little more about whether or not Hamilton feels like a safe space? T: It’s definitely not, but it depends on where you’re going. There are certain places I feel uncomfortable, but if I know where I’m going or if I’m going to my friend’s suite, I feel much better. It sucks that you have to be aware of certain things and I wish that Hamilton was a

safer environment than it is. I have a lot of problems with the way Hamilton handles these kind of issues, but they’re trying...or so they say. I think it depends on where you are; there are very different vibes at light side parties compared to dark side parties. I’m specifically thinking about who I am and my personal experiences. If you are someone who is defined as masculine and you wear a dress to a party, I don’t know if you would feel comfortable walking outside of Carn. I think of Jared Mandelbaum (‘18), who has a lot of confidence, but is a distinctive figure on the dark side. The dark side is talked about a lot at Hamilton. I’m not sure how much living on the dark side contributes to a selffulfilling prophecy where people think “I’m on the dark side, so now I have to wear these kinds of clothes.” In that way, there’s this idea of light side conformity, and dark side rebellion. I don’t think one side is good and the other is bad; I think both sides have good qualities, but that’s the general vibe in the most surface-level way. It’s impossible to talk about style on campus without talking about stuff like this, but it’s also impossible to talk about the divide without making generalizations.

Q: What are your thoughts on performative style? What’s the difference between clothing that fits a perception of who you are versus clothing that makes you feel confident? T: That’s interesting, because if I’m going out, I definitely wear clothes that are more performative—not in a way that I’m pretending to be someone else, but because it’s more theatrical. I don’t know if I would say I’m wearing a costume, because those clothes are still a part of who I see myself as, but if I’m not going to a themed costume party, I wouldn’t wear them. It depends on when I’m feeling theatrical versus when I want to focus on my life. I’m an artist and art major so I’m always covered in doodles and paint. This is the type of fashion an artist usually wears.

What you decide to wear when you’re going out is part of this personality you’ve created to have fun and draw attention. I guess everyday clothing is still performative, because you have a conception in your head of how you want people to view you. I definitely tend to dress in more of a grungy style, because I have that conception of myself. I base my clothing off of that conception, which in and of itself is performative. There are some pieces that I like but would never wear. I’ve been really into wearing stuff I find in the ladies’ pantsuit section where there are a lot of loud patterned shirts. In high school, I always gravitated towards more neutral clothes, but I’m trying to wear louder pieces.

artwork by theo golden

Q: What are some of the most nostalgic pieces you own? T: I have a lot of Tina’s [his girlfriend’s] stuff; I have her jacket and some of her sweatshirts, while she has one of my flannels that I stole and a lot of my shirts. I also have some pieces that belonged to my roommates, and some of Mayte Mendoza’s [a friend’s] stuff. Q: Has your style has shifted over time? T: I came out in high school, and I probably wore things that are similar to what I am wearing now. In high school, I would definitely wear things that are stereotypically feminine that I didn’t really like. There was a period of time when I dressed super masc, super bro— I would wear clothes that are very stereotypically bro-y, lots of tank tops, basketball shorts and things like that. There was also a time when I wasn’t sure how to flatter myself while dressing in a masculine way. While it was fun trying to figure that out, it was not fun trying to find pants that fit me. I have always gravitated towards a grungy vibe, but it was interesting to see how I shifted that aesthetic between masculine and feminine. My friend Cole, who is a trans-woman, came out at the same time I did. She came to school in full men’s suits, so we kind of swapped tips. It’s cool to see the evolution of shifting from an experimental zone to finally settling. Q: How would you describe your style now? T: Eclectic—I have a bunch of pieces from a lot of different places including vintage shops, antique stores, and thrift shops. I like to find statement pieces. I also like to layer on big coats which make me look like a hobo and help me stay warm. Q: Would you rather be naked all the time if you could, or keep clothes as a venue of self expression? T: I love being naked, but I would have to live somewhere warm. I like clothes as a form of

self-expression, but I think about how much money I could save. I guess the ideal life is to be one of those rich people who is naked in the comfort of their own home or backyard and nobody cares. That would be nice. Q: What are your favorite places to buy clothes? T: I love finding new thrift stores with people. I really like Savers, which is a big store nearby my house. I also love Philly Aids Thrift, and I have this coat that has been slowing decking out and has a patch on it. Q: Who are your biggest fashion influences? T: Ari Fitz—they are on Youtube and Instagram and have a very cool androgynous style. They encourage their viewers to express themselves, and they don’t give a shit about what other people say. I wish I was at that level. Q: Tell us about your online store! T: Oh yeah! It’s mainly for art and I’ve put some of my older works on there. It’s a Redbubble store where you can buy stickers and mugs. I really just wanted to do something with my artwork, and I had a really large selection of things people might be interested in. I wanted to do something I could get more revenue from and donate it to a project that revolves around trans-youth and clothing. Redbubble only gives me 15% of what I earn, but I can’t complain because it’s high quality stuff and I don’t have to print any of my shirts. I’d love to somehow make my own things, so I have a net revenue that I can donate to other people and organizations—that would be awesome. I can’t right now, because I’m not making anything substantial enough to do that, but for now Redbubble is a platform for me to get my art out into the world, and I have had people ask to buy my prints. You can find my Redbubble store under Wizard Bot, and you can follow me on Instagram at @ponyboyarts.

behind the cover

SACHARJA CUNNINGHAM 32

Q: How would you say that your style has developed over the years?

Q: There seems to be a sense of stylistic freedom you’ve been bringing up a lot.

S: I think a lot of it was after high school because all throughout my life I had a uniform, in elementary school, middle school, and high school. College was the first time that I didn’t have a uniform. We can wear whatever we want here, so I’ve been able to experiment with different clothes. Because I didn’t have that freedom before, I don’t think I really developed as strong of a sense of style as I could have. Now I don’t have to wear a set uniform ever. I can just wear what I wore for track workouts. I always wear a lot of athletic clothing. It’s what’s most comfortable for me. Right now, I feel free and flexible. I don’t really plan outfits unless I’m going to an event or it’s a Friday and I feel like putting effort into what I’m wearing. For the most part, I want to be comfortable.

S: Yeah, I do really like to coordinate. Even though I like to wear pretty casual clothes, I like colors. So if I’m wearing blue, I make it consistent throughout. That’s the one thing I really do try to pay attention to—color coordination.

Q: Do you think your style reflects who you are as a human being? S: I think so. I love to dance, so a lot of my clothing is clothing I could always dance in. I don’t like the uptight feel of professional attire. I’m a pretty chill, laid-back person. My clothes are somewhat loose and very easy to put on with no prep time. I just get out of bed and get going. I think my clothes are gendered towards my masculine side, but I think that I’m in touch with my femininity. I have some other clothes that speak to my racial and ethnic identity [a jacket with the colors of the Jamaican flag amongst them], but for the most part I would say my clothes reflect my gender identity. Q: And your comfy soul. S: Yeah, my spiritual identity.

Q: What’s your favorite outfit—and why? S: My solid blue workout sweater and blue/black shorts with grey lines on them. I think that’s my favorite outfit because blue is my favorite color. Also, if I’m wearing that it usually means the weather is good. And it looks good on my skin tone, so I think that’s important too. Q: How much would you say that your dancing influences your style? S: It definitely does. One thing I’ve noticed is that the social norm of what’s acceptable is to get really dressed up for dancing. Even here I see people go all out. But for me, I’m thinking about gender with that because to be pretty formal I’d have to be in a nice pair of jeans or a button up and slacks. For me, that type of clothing is not comfortable for dancing because I go all out. If I’m doing some squats I can’t be in a pair of slacks. Athletic clothing is also good at collecting sweat, so there’s a scientific aspect to it as well. Even a pair of dress shoes for me aren’t comfortable. I really treat dancing like it’s a workout. It’s basically Zumba for a couple of hours.

“Life hack: stay hydrated. Get informed. Get your 8 hours!” – Sacharja Cunningham

photographed by bryan edwards styled by christine rosato makeup by marqus green interviewed by ali zildjian