signature style
SS8
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table of contents
04
05
contributors
letter from the editor
06
10
french riviera
flower beards
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20
beachwear
clueless clothing
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26
student highlight
hard meets soft
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ANNIE SHER
fashion abroad
behind the cover CHANEL SUMMERSET
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contributors kaitlin dunne EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
samantha donohue, MANAGERIAL DIRECTOR david dacres, CREATIVE DIRECTOR sunny chen, LAYOUT DIRECTOR maddie rodden, PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR christine rosato, HEAD STYLIST noelani stevenson, BEAUTY DIRECTOR ali zildjian, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ruthie schmidt, PUBLICITY DIRECTOR nani suzuki, PUBLICITY DIRECTOR PHOTOGRAPHERS amelia casparian, bryan edwards, olivia fuller, kimberly ly, katherine rijo, margaret riordan, caroline washington STYLISTS naomi berger, nicole eisenberg, hannah honan, zach oscar, margaret riordan BEAUTY TEAM lex greene, kaela makins, georgia miller WRITERS lili christie, natasha lane, joyce lee, margaret riordan, julia rosenbaum, deborah xie COPY EDITORS drey darnis, olivia maddox LAYOUT TEAM aaron oh, jojo rinehart-jones, molly tracey MODELS kaja bielecka, jiaheng cai, keon garrett, katie gisondi, nina hernandez, julie katter, cole keller, nadav konforty, connie lorente, katherine mcnally, hannah meisels, noemi meli, thomas morris, kwamz odamtten, emmett orgass, annie sher, chanel summerset, vinny tran
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letter from the editor I’m going to be honest: I am a magazine junkie. Back in high school, I would buy a new magazine—anything from Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar, from W Mag to Bullet Magazine—to read on the train ride home from school. It was a ritual. Coming to college, I found myself desperate for a similar fix. Luckily, a few weeks into my first semester at Hamilton, a group of upperclassmen decided to start Hamilton’s first and only fashion magazine. I immediately jumped at the chance to be a part of it and I’ve been on Signature Style ever since. As my last semester on the Hill and as my last semester working on Signature Style comes to an end, I wanted to do something unlike any of the past seven issues. Despite the fact that every spring semester, we release a spring/summer-themed issue, we’ve never really highlighted the fashion from these seasons. In this issue, we try to do just that. Amidst the snow and below freezing temperatures, we created warm and fun content inspired by the scarves and dresses from the south of France and by the swimwear and cover ups found on the beaches in Miami. We wanted to showcase the easy, carefree and radiant side of fashion we often forget while trapped in the tundra of upstate New York for a few months. By the time this issue comes out, the snow will (hopefully) have melted and the sun will (probably) shine and we can all rock outfits inspired by SS8.
With love,
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French Riviera
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photographer: bryan edwards stylists: hannah honan, christine rosato makeup artists: kaela makins, georgia miller, noelani stevenson
katherine mcnally
The endlessly long Central New York winters
percent of the world’s super-yachts). The area’s close
are a far cry from the breath of spring air that is
proximity to the sea influences the trend’s cool
French Riviera fashion, leaving us yearning for
colors, harkening to the sea and vacation-wear and
the nautical-inspired patterns and fresh colors to
often made of breathable material that exude luxury.
come with the changing of the seasons. The style
The tourist center boasts 71 miles of coastline and
is named after the translation of the Côte d’Azur,
beaches, 18 golf courses and 3,000 restaurants, with
the
the
nearly every day of the year benefiting from sunshine.
Mediterranean coastline in the southeast corner of
The French Riviera is typified by clean lines
France known for being one of the first modern
and a cool color palette, like blues and whites with
resort areas. Once a remote and lower class
occasional pops of brighter pastels. Striped patterns
community, the British upper class visited in droves
are hugely characteristic of the trend, borrowing
after a nobleman named Henry Peter Brougham
from the nautical tradition, in addition to sailor
built a villa in Cannes. It quickly became a symbol
dresses. Cover-ups and beachwear are also a large
of a person’s status to vacation in the French
element of French Riviera: with bikinis and
Riviera, and even today it represents glamour,
coverups, reminiscent of resort wear from the 50s
conjuring images of wealth and over-indulgence –
and 60s. Its relaxed but lavish vibe translates to a
think sunbathing on super-yachts (yes, that’s a real
number of different breathable materials are widely
thing – the French Riviera hosts up to ninety
drawn from, such as chambray, lace, chiffon or linen.
geographic
location
that
describes
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While the current idea of French Riviera style exudes privilege and wealth, we here at Signature Style believe in making fashion a fun method of selfexpression accessible to all. Even in Clinton, we can take inspiration from French Riviera and incorporate these color palettes, textures and clean lines into the campus wardrobe. To start small, with the spring weather rolling in, experiment with cool blues and clean whites, and leave behind the dark color palettes, black jackets and furs. Certain elements of French Riviera are apparent in fast fashion retail stores, such as the off-the-shoulder, loose-fitting tops with clean lines, and the jumpsuits made of breathable fabrics. If seeking items that are not mass-produced and budget friendly, scour the racks of the nearest thrift store for clean white dresses or flowing chiffon – although, potentially stay away from the used swimwear sections. Perk up a black jumpsuit with a colorful headscarf that’ll cover up a bad hair day. Or choose a slightly louder pattern, incorporating checkered fabrics made of breathable material that’ll be sure to impress. Pair with a pair of bold sunglasses to exude an effortless elegance. French Riviera as a style may come from elitist roots, but the style is for everyone. To disregard the history behind clothing would be ignorant, but to constrain those clothes to just those wealthy enough to buy designer dresses for every day of their vacation negates one of the most powerful things about fashion: everything is accessible in one way or another. Styles can be copied with things just sitting in your closet. Name-brand clothing can be found for cheap at Rent the Runway or flat-out copied by department stores. If there’s a will, there’s a way to wear it. –joyce lee
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noemi meli
“If there’s a will,
there’s a way to wear it.”
hannah meisels
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flower
photographer: kimberly ly stylist: zach oscar
beards 10
Although flower beards may be most often associated with Tumblr blogs and hipsters, its legacy actually dates back to the hippie movement’s Summer of Love in 1967. Young people everywhere were festooning their hair with blossoms and flower crowns. They were inspired by the words of Scott McKenzie when he sang, “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.” And while the burly 21st century men crowding our Google searches don’t quite evoke the idea of ‘Flower Children,’ the notion of peace and harmony with nature still persists when we see blooms spotting men’s facial hair. Another association some can’t help but make with this craze is the juxtaposition of a stereotypically feminine image – flowers – with a masculine image – beards. The men in our shoot – Emmett Orgass, Thomas Morris, and Keon Garrett – don’t try to bridge this divide by softening their expressions or wearing feminine clothing. They remain stoic and removed, as if to question the viewer’s doubt or discomfort with the contrast their look provides. The range of colors in the men’s clothing, skin tone, and hair each have unique relationships to their flowers’ hues. Keon’s pink blossoms pop against his rich, black beard; Emmett’s white t-shirt picks up the light accents at the center of his violet flowers; and the blonder streaks of Thomas’s long, brown hair are enhanced by the warm yellow tone of his blooms.
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Society may pressure women more than men to accessorize their hair, yet as we enter into an era of man-buns and flower beards, we should be asking ourselves, how can we divorce ornamentation from predetermined associations? How can we encourage further personal choice,
expression regardless
of
through gender?
–julia rosenbaum thomas morris
emmett orgass
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keon garrett
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beach 14
wear photographer: bryan edwards stylists: hannah honan, zach oscar makeup artists: kaela makins, georgia miller, noelani stevenson 15
connie lorente
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nadav konforty
Almost 70 years ago, the bikini made its fashion
Loose fitted items of clothing define this fashion
debut on the Paris runway. While such a daring fashion
trend. Baggier button-downs as well as flowy skirts and
choice was controversial at the time, it sparked the first
dresses allow for both style and comfort. Summer styles
notion of beachwear as a fashion statement. From the
usually play with patterns, colors, and textures, as
invention of the bikini, to the reinvention of the
opposed to more basic and looser forms of
one piece, to the increasing importance placed on
clothing. Loose fitted clothing usually has softer colors
accessories, beach style is more of a fashion statement
that match well with white. However, this past
than ever before, and it has become an annual trend
summer season, clothing stores were dominated by
influencing all corners of summer style. Heavily
light blues, navys, and bold reds. Beachwear has become
influenced by minimalist and European styles,
heavily influenced by stripes – particularly in navy and
beachwear – like all other trends – has its staples.
white colors – ruffles, and tassels. Mixing and matching
katie gisondi
vinny tran
these patterns, textures, and colors to incorporate into
classic aviator trend. Beaches have seen everything
your wardrobe will give your beach ensembles a more
from larger, rounded frames in bold colors and
youthful and fun-loving vibe that is perfect for the
patterns to sleek, skinny shades that celebrities like
warmer months.
Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have been sporting
The two accessories of choice this past summer
recently. While the sunglasses trend has been given
season were sunglasses and sandals. While these items
more leeway, summer sandals have become more
have always been summer staples, they’ve recently been
refined, focusing on more minimalist styles. Sandals and
revamped to fit more modern trends. Presently,
slip-ons have reverted back to basic whites and browns
sunglasses are more of a statement piece than a
with very simple designs that enhance basic summer
complementary item. Recent styles have allowed for
style and allow for more experimentation with other
more room to experiment with sunglasses outside of the
accessories, like statement sunglasses. 17
While the clothing and accessories you wear to the beach are important, the focal point of beachwear is, of course, the swimsuit. The swimsuit is another article of summer clothing that has returned to more basic trends. Solid colored triangle, bandeau, and off the shoulder bikini tops have been seen everywhere, adding to the simplicity of the season. One pieces have been making a strong comeback over the past few years, and this summer is no exception. Simplicity is key. Solid colors and stripes with the addition of ruffles and tassels have been reoccurring themes in swimsuit designs these past few years. Summer style has always been defined by European fashion trends as light, flowy, and simplistic, and this next season is no exception. However, while summer fashion has been leaning more towards the basics, it doesn’t mean you have to as well! Mixing and matching basic pieces from the season with statement colors, patterns, and accessories can create a unique look more attuned to your own personal style. –natasha lane
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CLUELESS Are you a sucker for rom-coms? If so, there is a good chance that you have seen the movie Clueless at least ten times. With Alicia Silverstone’s one-liners (as IF!), Paul Rudd’s infectious smile, and multiple characters rocking timeless 90s outfits, it comes as no surprise that the film has remained so popular over the years. Clueless is known for Cher’s iconic plaid yellow skirt and matching jacket, Dionne’s eccentric hats, and too many collared shirts and high socks to count. While many of these outfits and accessories are paid homage to in various avenues of pop culture – most noticeably in Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” music video – and have been the inspiration for Halloween group costumes, there are also plenty of ways to steal the 90s style in Clueless and incorporate it into your everyday life at school.
CLOTHING 20
photographer: katherine rijo stylists: naomi berger, nicole eisenberg makeup artists: kaela makins, noelani stevenson 21
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julie katter
nina hernandez
Skirts are one of the best ways to immediately ascend into 90s fashion heaven. While plaid is always preferred, a skirt with any pattern or color provides a playful and feminine flair to an outfit. Not only do skirts provide more excitement than your everyday black jeans, but they can dress up even your simplest t-shirt or sweater. While showing your bare legs might seem a little intimidating, and even chilly during cold winters, wearing a pair of sheer tights or over-the-knee socks provides both necessary and trendy coverage. Finish the outfit off with a cute pair of platform sandals or kitten heels and you’re good to go. Cher, Dionne, and Tai have also mastered the art of experimenting with texture in their outfits. Whether you pair a tweed skirt with a chunky-knit sweater or a silky tank top, contrasting textures is a sure way to elevate your look and stand out. Making your outfit look like a set by matching textures is even better and certainly something Cher would approve of. While the rules may be rigid according to the fashionistas in Clueless, there are endless ways to add elements of 90s fashion into your everyday outfits. –lili christie
julie katter
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photographer: amelia casparian stylist: naomi berger
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student highlight
ANNIE SHER What’s your favorite clothing item to shop for?
Nothing is going to look good if I don’t feel comfortable, so
Jackets! I always have to try to stop myself from buying
it’s never worth pushing myself into wearing something I’m
a bunch of really different and bold jackets. Last fall I bought
fidgeting in all day. Comfort is half about being confident in
a military print and a shearling jacket, and I absolutely love
what I’m wearing and half about physical comfort, so I always
them. I just think they’re the perfect way to spice up an outfit.
like to strike that balance, which to me is different every day.
You can take a basic shape like a blazer and be really creative with the shape or print.
What piece of clothing in your closet do you reach for the most?
Do you have a style icon? How and why do they
Belts. Once someone told me that the difference between a
inspire you?
standard and a stylish casual jeans-and-tee-shirt outfit is a cool
I’m very inspired by my mom, who is the most stylish person
belt, not to mention the practicality of not having to pull up
I know in real life. Her motto is “less is more,” which I always
your jeans. I don’t think I’ve ever bought a belt, to be honest.
find funny because she definitely doesn’t shy away from bold
I grew up in a house of five women/girls so there’s a lot of
choices – for the past few years her favorite outfits always have
sharing (stealing) that goes on. I think most of mine were
a pop of sparkle. But I guess it makes sense because she
originally my older sister’s, who loves thrifting, so I get some
always makes it look very effortless and casual. She knows
really cool ones from her. My favorite is one that’s black with
how to balance boldness, comfort, and elegance, and has
a big silver buckle. It looks like a smaller version of a belt you’d
demonstrated to me that style is a great way to be creative
see in a western. So if I wear it with a really simple outfit, it’s
and confident in everyday life.
a nice little statement piece.
How has your style evolved over the years?
–ali zildjian
I remember in high school I was super boho – Free People was my absolute favorite. While I haven’t completely gotten rid of that part of my style, I think I’ve incorporated it into a more eclectic mix that’s just more me. I really like that now I sometimes look boho, sometimes preppy, sometimes bold, sometimes minimalist, etc. It’s nice to feel more like I can just follow whatever mood I have when I get dressed. I think in high school I didn’t understand that you can have that versatility. Now I never want to force myself into a style just because I think that I need to stick with some sort of trademark. When you wake up in the morning, how do you decide what to wear? Other than the weather (thank you CNY), I mostly decide based on comfort. Usually I’m debating whether I can commit to wearing pants or not. I love jeans, but sometimes my legs just need a little more freedom in a dress or a skirt. 25
HARD meets
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Soft grunge: the effortlessly chic, fashionably rebellious style fashionistas lust over while listening to the American Idiot CD they dug up from their middle school emo phase. Derived from the punk styles that rose as its own subculture during the 90s and 2000s, soft grunge tones down some of the intensity of punk with modern twists and less aggressive pairings. Gone are the days when this look exclusively lived in the dark and sweaty mosh pits of underground concerts; as punk culture began to become more mainstream, the grunge look became desirable, but in a more sophisticated way. In our modern day, this style has evolved to incorporate fun with chic and allows for some simple, yet creative ways to elevate any outfit.
soft photographer: caroline washington stylists: nicole eisenberg, christine rosato makeup artists: lex greene, georgia miller 27
kwamz odamtten
jiaheng cai
With a leather jacket or a pair of Doc Martens, an outfit can transform from casual to something instantly more edgy. The key to soft grunge is subtlety—pick a statement piece and pair it with something more relaxed to achieve a vibe that balances badass with relaxed. Even small accessory pieces can incorporate soft grunge into your daily wardrobe. A fun choker or dark sunglasses can bring an outfit to the next level, or even just red lipstick paired with a black top. But the most important thing to remember in achieving a true soft grunge look is that the outfit should be both comfortable and freeing. Punk culture grew from teens wanting to break free and truly express themselves in any way they wanted. It’s a subculture built on a generation finding their voice in a world where everyone wanted them to keep quiet. So throw on that leather jacket and wear your badassery like the statement piece it should
kaja bielecka
be as you carry the legacy of the grunge that came before. –ali zildjian
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cole keller
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fashion abroad IN BUENOS AIRES 30
There is an infectious ease about Buenos Aires that
Another local who encompasses the Argentine way of
seeps into your pores upon entry to the Argentine airspace.
style is Camila Dagum of Córdoba, a young fashionista who
Despite its vibrancy as an incredibly lively and cosmopolitan
enjoys the intersection of professional and expressive style.
city, Buenos Aires escapes the crowded, rushed, hustle
In talking to Cami about her style she described her personal
and bustle that plagues most other major cities. In March,
style as elegant sport. With an affinity for sportswear looks
locals are sucking up the last joys of summer, basking in
Cami weaves her personal style into her work routine:
the seemingly never-ending sun and enjoying lunches
“My favorite look is composed of a blazer with dress pants,
that draw well into American dinnertime. It is this very
accompanied by sneakers and a t-shirt.” For a taste of couture,
joie de vivre that defines Argentine style so eloquently.
Cami showed me Santiago Artemis, a haute couture designer
People wear a mix of joy, leisure, and vibrancy, which
who champions unique designs and maintains a strong
perfectly matches the air of the country and its residents.
Argentine identity in his line. Artemis’ clothing has a zeal for
Strolling through the Sunday Markets in San Telmo among crowded booths full of handmade treasures like iron
texture and color, with his Fall/Winter 2018 runway show radiating like a metallic parade of high fashion presents.
and brass jewelry and freshly made dulce de leche, allows you
In Buenos Aires nothing comes with haste – instead,
to experience an overwhelming sense of collective glee. It
Argentines handle life with care, love, and an appreciation
seems that Argentinians walk around thankful every day for
for leisure, which is most evident in how they dress. Each
the sun that shines. A woman draped in white cloth parades
outfit, while in line with citywide trends, works as an
up and down the cobblestone streets in a long flamenco style
expression of joyful individuality for every passerby to see.
red skirt, a cropped and embroidered button up, five inch
–margaret riordan
platform sandals and a black headscarf intertwined with at least three braids. What at first glance appears to be an extravagant shawl is actually the woman’s own handspun fabric that she sells at the market every Sunday. This woman has created her own business, and serves as her best publicity as heads turn every time she passes by. Her platform shoes are the only identifiable trend in Buenos Aires. Platforms are everywhere, mostly because they are the practical choice for a city of cobblestones. And while at night the city morphs into a cloud of black, the preferred boliche attire, during the day Argentines represent a refreshing variety of colors, eras, and attitudes. At the markets I got a chance to sit down with Tommaso Spinzi, a well-established interior and lifestyle designer based in Milan and Australia. Currently located in Buenos Aires, Thomas gushed over the style of Argentines that strikes the perfect balance: “Buenos Aires style is quite relaxed and sophisticated at the same time. It is refreshing to see how it evolves and changes just by going from one suburb to another.” Spinzi, dressed in overalls, a newsboy cap, white leather trainers, and an open cardigan-linen hybrid jacket, cherishes finding influence in his travels. Tommaso discovers style in the outside world as much as he does in others’ clothing. He often pulls from interior design, motorbikes, and especially anything bespoke. 31
behind the cover
CH ANE L SUMM
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ERSET
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How would you briefly describe your style?
I wouldn’t say that I stick to a particular style. I really like to dabble in everything and dress depending on my mood for that day. Sometimes, I dress on the preppy side and wear a collared shirt with some converse; other days, I bum it out with an oversized sweatshirt and ripped jeans; other times, I dress grungier with a choker, high-waisted jeans, and platform boots. I also own a considerable amount of clothes from Hollister because I worked there during my high school years. What has been the biggest influence on the development of your personal style?
Honestly, I live in the clearance section of a variety of stores, ranging from Target to Lord & Taylor. If I have an important event to go to, like a wedding or a formal, I’ll splurge on an item, but for everyday wear, I can usually find some fashionable pieces in the clearance section. I also recently got into thrifting too which is amazing. How does it feel to be the model on the cover of Signature Style? Does it give you any new fashion inspiration?
I am super excited to be on the cover! Ever since I took my pictures in September, I have been harassing David with questions about which pictures are being chosen and when the issue is coming out, and he has been very kind about answering me. Some of the outfits were definitely out of the realm of what I thought looked good on me, but I was pleasantly surprised! My favorite outfit was the red two-piece; it showed me that I need more wide-leg pants in my life. Finally, what does fashion bring to your life?
For me, fashion is another way that I can express myself. It feels nice when people compliment what I’m wearing, but how I feel when I wear something is more important. –deborah xie
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photographer: olivia fuller stylist: margaret riordan
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SS8