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s t n e t n o c f o e l tab
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Contributors
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Letter from the Editors
Behind the Cover: Sweet 16
11-14 Professor Highlight: Lisa Trivedi
15-18 Fashion Abroad: London & Paris
19-22 The Hair Necessities
23-26 Streetwear
27-32 Swimwear
33-36 Pious Fashion
Contributors Sophie Boorstin and Grace Halligan Co-Editors-in-Chief
Alexia Assimakopoulos, Managing Editor Courtney Connerely, Layout Director Mahi Ghia, Beauty Director Aisling Mockler, Head Stylist Laura Radulescu, Editorial Director Sophia Viscarello, Photography Director Piper Williams, Publicity Director Photographers Sarah Ferdinand, Kaitlyn Fudge, Jack Grossi, Peter Huleatt, Amanda Sedaka, Dave Yi Stylists Jordan Che, Charlotte Clark, Louisa Croizier, Naomi Drew, Anais Geronimo, Emmy Goodwin, Jason Le, Matt Mirkovic, Bridget O’Brien, Isabella De Pirro, Maggie Nye Beauty Team Ashley Cheffolway, Eva Pearlman, Chris Tolan, Anna Villamil Writers Claire Campbell, Lydia Gross, Carson Halabi, Phoebe Leonard, Sage Lively, Eric Miller, Farzam Mir, Julia Radomisli, Anna Sakamoto, Maeve Zimmerman Copy Editors Emily Jiang, Madison Lazenby, Miriam Lerner Layout Team Max Ganem, Grace Halligan, Andrea Hayman, Maeve Luparello, Satchel McLaughlin, Ellie Silk Models James Ball, Madeleine Bartlett, Khady Gueye, Christa Ingabire, Andy Jian, Theo Karavolas, Emma Kerkman, Jules Mancuso, Edwin Mensah-Boateng, John Myles, Jack Nelson, Krithika Ravishankar, Jude Rouhana, Anna Sakamoto, Max Steffey, Professor Lisa Trivedi, Madeline Pittel, Ben Ziegler, Lingli Zou, Maeve Zimmerman
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Letter from the Editors As this semester warms up and graduation creeps closer, we are getting sentimental and feeling especially grateful for our time working as Editors-in-Chief of Signature Style this year. We have both been contributing to the magazine since our freshman year — Sophie as a writer and Editorial Director and Grace as Layout Director and on the beauty team. We’ve absolutely loved being a part of the mag over the years. Leading such an amazing group on campus has been an amazing experience and we feel so lucky to have gotten to know so many talented people at Hamilton and have learned so much from y’all. As editors of Signature Style, we hope that our magazine inspires you to find your own personal style and carry yourself with confidence. We have both found this publication to be a source of inspiration for us, so we hope that you feel the same way. Even while working through the pandemic and navigating all of the changing guidelines, our executive board and general board remained resilient through it all. We truly could not have done what we’ve done without the help of our amazing e-board, so thank you to Alexia, Aisling, Laura, Courtney, Piper, Sophia, and Mahi for all of your hard work. Since this is the sixteenth issue of the mag, this semester’s theme is, of course, Sweet 16! We’ve treated our last semester on Sig Style as a celebration of all the work of our teams and we hope you can join us in celebrating this exciting milestone! As always, we want to extend a huge thank you to our friends and to the Hamilton community for helping us along the way and for being our biggest supporters. It’s crazy to think that our time at Signature Style - and at Hamilton - is coming to an end, but we could not be more thrilled to leave our magazine in the hands of next semester’s e-board We know that Aisling and Anna will do amazing things as EICs next semester and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us all. We hope you enjoy this issue, and Happy Sweet 16!
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Jack Nelson
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Sweet 16
written by Julia Radomisili & Sage Lively
Andy Jian
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Andy Jian is a junior from Acton, Massachusetts. He majors in Mathematics with a double minor in History and Economics. In his three years on campus, Andy has become involved in numerous activities, including working at the rock climbing wall, leading orientation trips, and working as a barista at Fojo Beans Cafe. We sat down with Andy to talk about all things fashion. Andy said he loves wearing overalls, but his favorite article of clothing he owns is his kimono cardigan with mid-sleeves. He notes, “I’ve never had a jacket or a thing that’s done that, and it feels cool.” When asked about the item he wears the most, Andy described a Tony Hawk brand corduroy jacket. He explained that his friend found the jacket at a thrift store for just five dollars during his sophomore year of high school. Andy also talked about his appreciation for Hamilton’s fashion culture. When we asked him about his style icons, he told us that his icons are just the people he sees around campus wearing cool outfits. He added that he felt especially inspired by an “unnamed man in commons who had a cool floral button up.” He also said that, in general, he feels as if “at Hamilton, people aren’t really judging you if your clothes are too ‘out there.’”
On this note, Andy said he has become more comfortable wearing what he wants to, and he has started to depart from his daily button-ups or Brockhampton t-shirts. When he decides what to wear in the morning, he first thinks about his activities for the day, be it working at Fojo (in which case he avoids wearing white or open-toed shoes), or the climbing wall. He said he feels most confident in his white and black striped overalls that made an anonymous Jodel commentator call him the “main character.” Andy said his favorite coming-of-age movie is Kiki’s Delivery Service and he joked that his own real-life coming-of-age moment was when he smoked for the first time on his childhood playground with a neighbor. Jack and Andy met on their first-year orientation trip and lived in Dunham together as Jans during their first year at Hamilton. This year, they lived together again. The duo modeled for a Signature Style photoshoot during their first year at Hamilton. Jack and Andy said because they had such a great time at that photoshoot, they were thrilled to shoot with the magazine again for this semester’s Sweet 16 birthday themed issue, which pays homage to the fact that this is Signature Style’s 16th issue.
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Jack Nelson is a junior from South Salem, New York. He works as a music director for WHCL, leads orientation trips, and frequents Recoup and Soup. Much of Jack’s look is reminiscent of “Jared Leto in the early 2000s.” Yet, he was not always a lover of ‘muddy colors’ and small brands. Jack recalls his sixteen-year-old self’s fashion sense, when he would solely wear Patagonias and khakis. He joked, “If I wanted to get really wild and dress up, I’d wear a flannel.” Though he never had his big ‘“Sweet 16 moment,” Jack has gone through his own style evolution over the years. Jack’s only experience with a “real” Sweet 16 was his junior year of high school when he attended one. He said, “It was in a fire department because the girl’s father was a firefighter.” Here Andy interjects, “I feel like they shouldn’t let firefighters have...” “...daughters?” Jack asks. “Yeah,” Andy replied. They have the kind of friendship where they finish each other’s sentences, even if the result is nonsensical. Jack said that the only thing he took away from the party was a free fidget spinner and “thematically, also the innocence of youth.” It was part
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of a long series of growing up. Jack explains further: “I would say I’m not of age yet. I’m still waiting for it to come... maybe when I’m 26? Things will be good.” Firehouse sweet sixteens, pooping his pants at lacrosse games, gazing at whales at the National History Museum with his mother -- these experiences are all part of his own unique coming of age story. Now that he’s grown past his Patagonia days, Jack looks back, saying, “I realized I was timid, and I realized that my modesty was an obstacle to my authenticity.” He adds, “expression is only limited if you confine yourself to boundaries. I’ve worn dresses before, and that’s fun!” This story was met with a supportive “you rock them” from Andy. All Jack needs to feel confident now is “just sweatpants, no shirt, tearing it up on the basketball court.” If the clothes are ‘muddy’ and ‘loose enough to dance,’ he’s good to go. Jack’s beliefs around fashion boil down to this statement: “the more we grow as a society -- more fashion-forward, the more we’ll learn to love each other and see the beauty in the mundane.”
contributors: models: Jack Nelson, Andy Jian photographers: Sarah Ferdinand, Sophia Viscarello, and Jack Grossi layout: Maeve Luparello beauty: Chris Tolan, Anna Villamil stylist: Anais Geronimo
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Professor Highlight:
Lisa Trivedi written by Carson Halabi
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Professor Lisa Trivedi, chair of the History Department, welcomed me into her home on a sunny Saturday afternoon in April. We sat in her living room eating spanakopita, chatting about her research interests and our mutual love for strappy sandals. From the first few minutes of our conversation, I could tell her relationship with fashion reached far beyond merely putting an outfit together. Professor Trivedi’s style ties together her upbringing, personality, and a keen appreciation of culture. Trivedi grew up in a beach town south of Los Angeles, surrounded by a large family of Indian immigrants. She came to the east coast for her undergraduate education and finished college in three years-- she strongly advises against this. Professor Trivedi says, “I was a little bit crazed as a college student, I will admit it. I was very focused academically.” However “crazed” she may have been, it paid off. Prof. Trivedi earned her M.A. from the University of Chicago and her Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. She is a modern South Asian historian with a “fairly eclectic” interest in nationalism, colonialism, gender history, and postcolonial theory. Her newest focus at Hamilton is urban planning and architecture. In 1997, Prof. Trivedi moved to New York. She told me how she transitioned from being surrounded by family in a cosmopolitan place to upstate New York, which is pretty homogenous, and where she had no family: “It was a big adjustment.” Although Prof. Trivedi was far from her family, she held fast to the fashion sensibility inspired by her upbringing. There were plenty of weddings and gatherings among her large extended family that showcased traditional Indian textiles. This cultural context continues to draw her to finely-made fabrics. She explains, “I have a lot of cotton, silk, and wool. I seldom buy something synthetic. I don’t like the feeling on my skin, and I don’t like the production of that kind of stuff.” Prof. Trivedi’s staple items are fabricfocused: a black cashmere turtleneck, wide-leg Armani pants, and a chocolate-colored Burberry shearling coat – the only winter coat she plans to happily keep when she retires to a warmer climate. Prof. Trivedi’s family influenced her interest in fashion. Her mother was a utilitarian dresser, but her father had a distinct style: “My father was a very fashionable individual. He grew up in Bombay, and in the early 1950s, I think Bombay was a lot more cosmopolitan than people in the United States could possibly imagine. There are many stories of him
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Fast Facts Style Icon: Audrey Hepburn Favorite Designer: Diane von Furstenberg Favorite Shoe: Sandals, of all kinds Favorite Season: Summer Favorite Trend: Bright colors Least Favorite Trend: 90s grunge
contributors: model: Lisa Trivedi photographer: Amanda Sedaka layout: Max Ganem
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and one of my uncles dressing like Elvis Presley, strutting their stuff on the streets of Bombay, usually in these all white ensembles. I really wish I could have seen that. He would just wear whatever he wanted to.” Prof. Trivedi tends to stick to a classic style, but she also loves vivid color. She told me that contrasting colors that appear to clash in the West are common combinations in India. “People here will be like, ‘Oh my god, you can’t do that. It’s too much.’” In India, the more you pile on, the better. Prof. Trivedi delights in the arrival of spring shades. She explains, “Usually in the second or third week of April, I’ll see the buds of the trees, the leaves just opening… there’s a haze of green. I’m looking for that green. I’m always looking for that green.” Observing particular hues in the natural environment speaks to Prof. Trivedi’s attention to detail. She cares about how clothing is made, which she attributes to her grandmother, a seamstress: “I grew up scrutinizing how things are put together. Like dresses where the patterns don’t match up on the seams…it sounds like such an obnoxious thing to say. But I notice those things because of her.” I asked Prof. Trivedi about self-expression, and we discussed professional wear, gender, and using clothing to display– and sometimes feign– confidence. Teaching allows Prof. Trivedi to express herself through clothing: “It’s not like I’m a banker or a lawyer, where you have to dress kind of conservatively. That makes it possible for me to do whatever I want to do.” Prof. Trivedi dresses somewhat modestly to assert herself as a woman. She also embraces the movement away from gendered clothing. She notes that “sometimes [she] likes to do something really androgynous because that is part of [her] personality. But there are also times when [she] likes to be feminine.” Fashion functions as a buoy for Prof. Trivedi: “There are times when I am really tired or stressed out, so I use clothing as camouflage. And it’s pretty effective; it’s kind of amazing.” In her younger years attending major academic conferences, this effect was especially important to Prof. Trivedi, as she says that “clothing gave [her] a sense of control in a situation where [she had] little control.” Professor Trivedi gave me a sneak peek into her closet, which she organizes primarily by color. She showed me her collection of saris, boxed for warmer weather. Noting her careful curation, I asked her how people in their twenties should shop in a socially and environmentally responsible way. She says, “It’s just about buying less. So many of our problems, psychological and otherwise, we deal with through consumption…I think that’s the habit that has to be broken…if you buy high-quality things that are pretty timeless, you’ll have them for years.”
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FASHION ABROAD
contributors: writers and models: Maeve Zimmerman and Anna Sakamoto layout: Ellie Silk
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Anna Sakamoto London, England
Bloomsbury is a historic, academic neighborhood nestled between Fitzrovia and King’s Cross in Central London. I have been fortunate enough to call it my home for the past semester. University of London buildings stand on every corner in Bloomsbury, where undergraduate and graduate students fill the narrow sidewalks. Many of them can be seen sporting cropped puffer jackets, like the 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket or faux black leather styles. Others stick to oversized wool coats. Students tend to pair these jackets with wide-leg, low-waisted jeans or polyester flare pants and Nike Air Force 1’s or Dr. Martens. I have yet to see someone wearing sweatpants, basketball shorts, college crewnecks, Nantucket Red, or Birkenstocks with socks to class. And I swear I am not trying to throw shade at Hamilton fashion… [continued on Page 17]
Maeve Zimmerman Paris, France
Living in Paris, one of the art and fashion capitals of the world, has been an amazing experience. After arriving in January, I soon noticed that Parisians had mastered the art of layering; while Parisian winters might not be as brutal as those in Clinton, it can still get quite cold. Chunky scarves and long coats are essential, and warm accessories like furry bucket hats, balaclavas, and mitaines definitely had their moments this season. Beauty and history saturate day-to-day life in Paris. Art, architecture, and fashion are everywhere to be found and constantly overlap in exciting ways. One of my favorite department stores, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, is an example of this intersection of architecture and fashion... [continued on Page 18]
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Anna continued... Down the road from my flat is Oxford Street, a bustling shopping center lined with every international fast fashion chain you could possibly think of. After spending countless hours folding and hanging up merchandise as a sales associate at ZARA last summer, I have become quite skilled at pinpointing apparel from seasonal collections. My point being that every Londoner and their mother wears ZARA. That being said, there are a variety of second-hand shops across London as well. Curated vintage stores in Covent Garden and Notting Hill are on the pricier side, whereas charity shops, like Oxfam and Vision Foundation, are more reasonable options. Outdoor and indoor markets are also lively places to taste new cuisines and drinks, and of course, to shop. Unlike American cities, European cities are extremely walkable. I’ve found that the best way to absorb a metropolis is by people-watching, and the best way to find your own style is to wander without a set destination. I’ve taken fashion inspiration from pedestrians and passengers on public transport, and I’ve found myself noticing how styles change at different stops as new passengers board the tube. Since I plan on pursuing a career in fashion after Hamilton, I have been listening to the Business of Fashion podcast to learn more about the industry. I like to tune in while window shopping and strolling past designer boutiques in Mayfair. My budget, while tight, does not restrict my gaze from wandering to the intricately-crafted handbags, shoes, and garments elegantly displayed in shop windows. At museums – which I frequent often – I see numerous students who look like they probably study art or fashion. Their outfits are effortless, distinctive, and would undoubtedly be reposted on Pinterest. On the topics of museums, The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is especially known for its fashion history collection and textiles. I plan on returning soon to see the Fashioning Masculinity: The Art of Menswear exhibit to learn more about the evolution of menswear and the intersection of masculinity and gender. London has provided me with a space to experiment with my style, become independent, and appreciate anonymity – something that is sparse at Hamilton due to its size. Freedom and endless possibilities make me excited to live in a city post-graduation. I cherish every moment spent abroad and encourage
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Maeve continued... Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, or “La Coupole,” is famous for its ArtNouveau-style dome. Made in 1912 of iron and stained glass, the dome forms a flower over five levels of stores. I always like to head straight to the third floor, which hosts the smaller, more affordable French brands, as well as the (Re)Store department, which boasts a large section of secondhand clothing and responsible fashion. In (Re)Store, you can find vintage sweater vests, blazers, silk scarves, and long coats, all of which are wardrobe staples in the Parisian closet. My favorite part of living in Paris has been the abundance of incredible art museums and exhibitions. My favorite exhibitions to date have been the Morozov Collection at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, Hockney’s A Year in Normandy at the Musée de l’Orangerie, and Monet / Rothko at the Museum of Impressionism in Giverny. “Yves Saint Laurent in Museums” is an especially extraordinary exhibition open in Paris right now. The massive exhibition spans a total of six museums, including my favorite: the Musée National d’Art Moderne at the Centre Pompidou. The show celebrates the 60th anniversary of Yves Saint Laurent’s first fashion show on January 29, 1962. The exhibition at the Centre Pompidou presents Yves Saint Laurent’s garments alongside the artworks that inspired them, such as paintings by Piet Mondrian, Henri Matisse, and Etel Adnan. Being surrounded by so much art and history these past few months has been a truly inspiring experience. The iconic Haussmannian buildings, Art Nouveau metro entrances, intricate gardens, heavenly bakeries, and local flower markets have so much charm. I am continually amazed by the incredible fashion here, as well as all of the adorable tiny dogs on the metro. I am definitely excited about springtime in Paris and look forward to all of the new trends, styles, and exhibitions that come along with it.
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the hair necessities
written by Claire Campbell
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Over the past few years, 1990s trends have reappeared in many areas of fashion, and hair is no exception. Bouncy, voluminous blowouts have become especially popular for both special occasions and everyday wear. Loose curls, layered haircuts, and face framing pieces are all the rage, and there are many ways to achieve this classic look. The insanely popular Dyson Airwrap – a combined hairdryer and styler that employs special aerodynamic technology to style and curl hair – is perhaps one of the most flashy, yet effective ways to get this 90s blowout look. Influencers popularized the Airwrap via social media, drawing thousands of views on videos of the device with its seemingly endless interchangeable attachments and versatile use. Yet, given the Airwrap’s steep price of $550, few people can afford to put this TikTok famous tool to use. Moreover, being able to use the Airwrap in the first place certainly depends on the type and texture of your hair, as it doesn’t perform well on all kinds of hair. Although Airwrap styling videos can be entertaining to watch, there are a myriad other methods for achieving a perfect blowout for a fraction of the price. Platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram allow people to share their techniques to achieve a voluminous blowout style, from heatless overnight hair wrap methods, to more cost-effective heat tools. Hair rollers, made of velcro or plastic, have also seen a massive comeback. These tools help to hold and set a recently formed curl to create the bouncy, effortless blowout look. Other influencers and hair gurus suggest switching to a cooler setting at the end of your blowouts to really “set” the style and make it long lasting. Large rollers and loose, voluminous curls give a modern update to the iconic “Rachel” from Friends haircut. Another popular technique is using hair oils on a finished style to achieve a sleek shine, compared to the heavy-handed hairspray versions of years past. This final step allows for a more polished and put-together style. Blowout styles stand in stark contrast to another trendy hairstyle: the slicked-back bun. Marketed as a classic “model off-duty” staple, the softness and fullness of a blowout differ from the precise and sharp aesthetic of the slicked-back bun. Working best on second, third, or even fourth-day hair, products such as Olaplex styling cream and hair oil help to keep the hair tightly wrapped and pulled away from the face. While opposites, both the bouncy blowout and the sleek bun are versatile for different occasions. It’s definitely interesting that these two completely contrasting hairstyles gained popularity around the same time. Another style that’s seen a recent resurgence in line with the comeback of the 90s has been the iconic claw clip. Now only do claw clips work well with curls, braids, and straight hair alike; they are an easy, cost-effective, and super stylish option for those days when you just want your hair out of your face. Smaller claw clips – more of an ode to the 2000s – are another great alternative for pulling back the front pieces of your hair. The wide array of choices, from butterfly designs to pastel colors to funky patterns, make claw clips a versatile way to incorporate your signature style into your everyday hair looks.
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With social media’s strong influence on trends, especially in the fashion and beauty industry, the process of “getting ready” has quickly become a popular type of content in and of itself. “Get Ready With Me” videos, featured on TikTok, Youtube, and Instagram, span a wide array of topics. They range from tutorials on achieving a particular hairstyle to creators asking their viewers for live feedback on outfit choices. These videos are quick to make and share, and they can reach a large audience. “Get ready with me” videos also provide a bit of personality to wide-reaching trends because each creator puts their own spin on their routine and their look. As a result, social media can be a valuable tool for learning about new trends and techniques. I personally enjoy these videos because of the way influencers approach the same trend in completely different ways, so I like seeing how individuals create their own personal style. The simplest and most effective way to find what works best for you and your hair is by sampling different techniques and modifying them to work for your hair type, style, and personality. Watching others experiment with trends and trying out new hairstyles, devices, and techniques is certainly a fun way to explore the creative outlet that hair offers.
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contributors: models: Madeline Pittel, John Myles, Lingli Zou, Christa Ingabire photographers: Amanda Sedaka, Kaitlyn Fudge, Dave Yi layout: Andrea Hayman stylists:Naomi Drew, Jordan Che
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written b y Eric Mil ler
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*this pho tograph feature artwork in the KT s SA Linda Jo hnson G allery
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The past few years have been somewhat unusual for the fashion world. The pandemic has given us fewer occasions to dress up and fewer opportunities to debut new outfits. Throughout these nebulous times, aesthetic development has become uniquely fragmented. In this way, the COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to reevaluate their outlook on and their place in the world. For example, some people who had never had an interest in video games flocked to Animal Crossing. Others, pushed by the boredom and loneliness of quarantine, chose to experiment with cooking and baking, evidenced by the difficulty of finding some ingredients during deep quarantine. However many, including myself, found refuge in niche communities across the internet and social media, specifically the archive fashion corner of Instagram. Accounts like @yungstarbeam and @ memesaintlaurent offered new spaces for the development and discussion of aesthetic tastes as well as cynical, but good-natured commentary during bleak times. These accounts also served to document a marked shift in men’s street style fashion – one that reflected a similar nihilistic attitude. The same people who wore bright Supreme x North Face puffers and Chicago Jordan 1s in 2016 now dress head to toe in Chrome Hearts, Rick
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Owens, and Alyx. Of course, one could chalk this up to the fact that the rap scene, which heavily influences streetwear, simply evolved. After all, in this same timeframe, Playboi Carti’s wardrobe went from that of a hypebeast with his mom’s credit card to a vampire going through his punk phase. But such a drastic pivot in contemporary men’s fashion trends implies a less straightforward cause. The all-consuming darkness of Rick Owens DRKSHDW and the binary black/white tonality of Alyx pieces completely do away with the decadence of color. Color suggests abundance, variety, and celebration. At the height of the pandemic, basic goods were scarce, every day was the same, and it rarely felt like there was much to celebrate. At the same time, the atomized existence brought on by COVID created a “judgmentfree” opportunity for people to try new things. More men began to paint their nails, wear jewelry, and experiment with their gender expression during this time. In this vein, streetwear trends are unique in the sense that they rarely differ based on gender. Baggy joggers, fanny packs, beanies, and high top sneakers can be seen on just about everyone. While many iconic women have sported the oversized streetwear silhouette,
Billie Eilish can certainly be credited in part with popularizing this emblematic look. Many streetwear trends that are marketed towards a more female consumer base – notably graphic hoodies, carpenter pants, and longer shorts – have been prevalent streetwear styles popularized in part by social media and the rise of content creation. This specific stylistic strain truly embodies the newfound wisdom that what we have and know is fleeting, similar to a cultural near-death experience. We now know what it is like to live without concerts, nightlife, loved ones, and even toilet paper. In this darkness, we realized just how superficial the ostentations of pre-COVID life really were, with its stigmas, unspoken rules, and corporate worship. As we hopefully emerge from the pandemic soon, now is a better time than ever before to adorn your favorite streetwear looks, and take to the sidewalks with confidence. If it could all disappear tomorrow, why not be yourself today?
contributors: models: Max Steffey, James Ball, Edwin Mesah-Boateng, Emma Kerkman photographer: Jack Grossi, Peter Huleatt layout: Courtney Connerly stylists: Jason Le, Charlotte Clark beauty: Ashley Cheffolway, Eva Pearlman
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swimw
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wear
Written by Phoebe Leonard
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With the snow and cold weather (hopefully) on its way out, and with summer finally on the horizon, it’s time to move on to the best season of the year. For many, this means thinking about all things beach, pool, warm weather, and most importantly: swimwear. New swimwear styles are set to take over this summer season, and there is surely something for everyone. Remember the hold that Justice tankinis had on middle school girls all those years ago? Well, tankinis are back, and they are more elevated and stylish than ever before. In line with the recently popularized look of the long-line sports bra, modern tankinis feature a more cropped style than we have seen in the past. These elevated tankinis work perfectly for the ready-to-wear swim trend, where bathing suits are paired with clothing pieces to create more everyday outfits. By pairing a tankini top with a sarong or denim shorts, you can create a versatile, summery look that can be worn even miles away from the beach. Moreover, this exciting ensemble can be easily achieved using clothing and swimsuits you probably already own. In addition to the return of the tankini, onepieces are back and are thankfully here to stay! Bikinis have dominated the swimwear scene for most of the 21st century, and while the bikini is great for lying in the sun and getting an even tan, the mobility of a one-piece is truly unmatched. The added coverage makes swimming laps and playing beach volleyball much less of a risky activity compared to a bikini, and the extra fabric of a one-piece allows more room for details like trendy
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patterns, ruffles, and cut-outs. High-leg and scoop back styles are making waves as an ode to 80s swimwear, as what was once old is now new again. Looking at current swimwear trends, the excitement is all in the details for this summer. Microglitter is taking its well-deserved spotlight. A microglitter bathing suit offers a fun, trendy and more elevated look without being too overwhelming. You can dress it up with statement jewelry, or alternatively dress it down with more neutral and muted accessories. With endless bikini, tankini, and one-piece styles to choose from, the microglitter swimwear trend offers much room for versatility. In contrast, mens swimwear trunks are seeing a resurgence of pastel colors, fine stripes, and other muted patterns. The shorter 5-inch inseam, popularized by Patagonia baggies, is also here to stay for mens swimwear this summer. While shopping for swimwear can certainly be daunting, there are many options for everyone’s price point. Popular brands like Triangl, LoveShackFancy, Onia, Solid & Striped, and Summersalt, which is also a great choice for size-inclusive pieces, are amazing options if you have some flexibility. More budget-friendly options to look at for trendy swimwear include Target, Abercrombie, Aerie, and H&M among others. Larger department-style stores also regularly have amazing sales on swimwear, so it’s worthwhile to check out sites like Revolve and Shopbop for major discounts on designer swimwear styles!
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models: Theo Karavoulos, Krithika Ravishankar, Madeline Bartlett, Jude Rouhana, Khady Gueye, Ben Zeigler photographers: Amanda Sedaka, Dave Yi, Peter Huleatt layout: Grace Halligan stylists: Matt Mirkovic beauty: Anna Villamil, Chris Tolan, Eva Pearlman, Ashley Cheffolway
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In addition to the bathing suits themselves, cover-ups and accessories also play a fun and essential role in summer swimwear fashion. Linen pants are a musthave this season. They are breathable and comfortable, and work well as both a cover-up or stand alone option. Straw hats are another indispensable summer accessory that allow you to look fabulous while providing shade and protection from harmful rays. Chunky, oversized sunglasses, featuring square, round, and cat-eye shapes, are also back for this season. These pieces, while trendy, are also classic and versatile, and pair well with a variety of bathing suit styles. A linen pant, straw hat, and oversized sunglasses are timeless staples for just about anyone’s wardrobe. This only highlights a fraction of the styles we expect to see this summer. No matter which of these trends you choose to take on, curating your own creative and personal summer look is a must. So grab your sunglasses, a beach towel, and your favorite bathing suit, and get ready to make some waves this summer with your swimwear styles.
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Pious Fashion Written by Farzam Mir Layout by Satchel McLaughlin
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The veil in Islam has become increasingly
politicized and a subject of fierce debate throughout the Western world in the past decades. In particular, public and government discourse in countries such as the United States and France suggests that a significant amount of people believe that Muslim women are subjugated to the will of their male partners to veil. However, many Muslim women voluntarily embrace the veil in attempt to practice modesty and to demonstrate commitment to their faith. While the headscarf is typically thought of as a barrier to fashionable dress, Muslim women continue to prove that a veil can not only be styled, but done so in a beautiful manner. Across the world, Muslim women have developed what can be titled as pious fashion. Pious fashion describes how Muslim women can simultaneously interact with their faith and be exceptionally fashionable. In Islam, Muslim women who veil typically fashion one of four types of headscarf: the chador, niqab, burqa, or most popularly worn in the West, the hijab. These types of headscarves originate from different Muslim countries and have their own individual histories. The veil can be styled in unlimited ways, as headscarves come in a wide variety of colors, fabrics, and patterns, and there are many kinds of draping techniques. Although much of the Western public conceptualizes the veil as one of the ultimate symbols of oppression, Muslim women illustrate its internal and external beauty through their creativity with styling the headscarf. On social media outlets, there are Muslim content creators who post outfit ideas, fashion hacks, and various tutorials for other Muslim women, thus providing them with information about ways to fashion the headscarf. For online shoppers,
there are many new and upcoming companies who specialize in headscarf fashion for Muslim women, with some emphasizing their commitment to using sustainable fabrics and production methods. Since Muslim women are victims of Islamophobia and prejudice daily, it is crucial that they have access to outlets such as personal style to ensure they have safe spaces to interact with like any other person should. In fashion shows in Milan, New York, Paris, and elsewhere, Muslim women styling the hijab have consistently exhibited the beauty of
“Pious
fashion describes
how Muslim women
can simultaneously interact with
their faith and be exceptionally fashionable.”
the veil and have drawn outstanding public attention as they walk down the runway. Think Fashion created a runway event titled “Modest Fashion Week” which helps to provide a fashion space for Muslim women and exemplifies the diversity that modest fashion has to offer. Even more notable, Anniesa Hasibuan became the first designer to present a New York Fashion Week collection that presented each look with a hijab. The public, and in particular Muslim women, now have even more opportunities to witness the beauty of pious
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fashion, as some of the world’s best designers and creators continue to amaze us with their brilliance. After 9/11, the American Muslim community became largely removed from public spaces as a result of Islamophobic backlash, and so, it is important to recognize the significance of Muslim women and apparel entering a predominantly white and male industry. American model Bella Hadid, who shares Palestinian and Jordanian ancestry, has shown solidarity with the Muslim community. She has used her large social media following to raise awareness of the discrimination that Muslim women who veil face: “Although different forms of the hijab and head coverings are starting to make an appearance in fashion, let’s still remember the daily struggle, abuse, and discrimination Muslim women face on a regular basis because of their faith and what they stand for.” Whether within the fashion industry or in public spaces, Muslim women are challenged with navigating a misogynistic and Islamophobic path. In France, a country considered by many as a center of fashion, the government has instituted and continues to create legislation regulating religious symbols in public spaces, which has disproportionately victimized Muslim women who veil. Attempts to eliminate the veil from public spaces are not exclusive to France and are widespread across many Western countries. Muslim Somali-Norwegian model Rawdah Mohamed criticized proposed legislation in France, that was intended to regulate the veil, through her creation of the hashtag #handsoffmyhijab. Muslim women and allies of the Muslim community have bravely spoken up against these heinous acts of Is-
lamophobia and discrimination of an innocent people. Whereas Muslim women are still discriminated against for wearing the veil, white women are now receiving praise for fashioning other beautiful headwear such as berets, sun hats, or babushkas which are typically associated with white cultures around the world. The hypocrisy of accepting headwear that represent specific white cultures, yet disapproving of headscarves that represent Islam, demonstrates how fashion helps to identify the deeply-rooted relationship between racism and Islamophobia in the Western world. All cultures should be appreciated, not only for their external beauty, but for the beauty which can only be properly appreciated through internal reflection and acceptance. There are women who suffer from misogyny due to unjust Islamist policies in Muslim countries such as my motherland, Iran. However, it is not appropriate to assume that all Muslim women in the West are subjugated to oppression because they are veiled. Muslim women, like any other person committed to their religion, will dedicate themselves to remain close to their faith. In doing just that, Muslim women have shown the true beauty of the veil. Through vibrant colors, intricate or simple patterns, and quality silks, Muslim women, the veil, and pious fashion are beginning to rightfully receive attention after decades of ongoing Islamophobia.
“Through vibrant colors, intricate or simple patterns, and quality silks, Muslim women, the veil, and pious fashion are beginning to rightfully receive attention after decades of ongoing islamophobia.”
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*The executive board believes it is important to note that while Anniesa Hasibuan contributed significantly to pious fashion, she is currently serving time for embezzlement.
“Although much of the Western public conceptualizes the veil as one of the ultimate symbols of oppression, Muslim women illustrate its internal and external beauty, through their creativity with styling the headscarf.”
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