Strike Magazine Boca Issue 05 by Strike Magazines

GIRL UNTAMED

By Sage Holaway

UNTAMED

CONT ENTS Fashion 08 10 14 16 22 24 26

Digging Through Mom’s Closet Again? Same. Nothing But Net and a Nice Gucci Set Fashion in the Metaverse The Y2K, Futuristic, Denim-Inspired Dreamland of FW22 The Art of Dopamine Dressing #STRIKETRENDWATCH Animalia

Beauty + Wellness

All Out of F*cks to Give Strike Says: Love your Boobs! The Toxic Relationship We’re All Stuck In Hair is Temporary, Swag is Forever Healing and Reconnecting With Your Inner-Child

34 38 39 40 46

Culture 50 62 66 68 72 76

Girl Untamed: Dani Klaric Euphoria Has a Chokehold on Gen-Z It’s Emma’s World, We’re Just Living in it It’s the End of the F*cking World People-File What is Sexy?

Science + Tech

UNTA

WTF is an NFT Electric Vehicle Revolution The Fourth State of Matter Where You At?

86 88 90 96

MELANIA ZILO Editor in Chief

FASHION AND BEAUTY SAGE WEST Head of Fashion Communications FRANCESCA CELLA Styling Director ELLA CHAN, ALI TARNOWSKY Fashion Assistants ALLY NELSON, NICOLE RUIZ, KEKE MENTOR, KENNEDY CARBERT, SAM SCHOONOVER, BRANDON BROWNSTEIN, ALYSSA CHIMENTI, CHLOE SMEADER, CHLOE MCCOMBIE, MADISON TURNER Stylists SARAH GLYNN Beauty Director KALLYANI PRAKASH Key Artist

MERCHANDISE FRANKIE NAPPI Merchandise Director NICOLE ESPINOSA Merch Assistant

PRODUCTION LOGAN RELIFORD Production Director EMMA SAUNDERS, MALENA BRINSON, VALORIE WISEMAN, SAGE HOLAWAY, ADRIANA HURTADO, MAXIMUS WILLIAMS, KIMARA PRETLOW, SARA BAUM Photographers ROMINA AMAT Video Director CHARLOTTE PERELLA, MALENA BRINSON Videographers

EDITORIAL JOLIE TANNER Editorial Director ANIKA CHHABRA EIC Assistant GRACIE WIPFLI Senior Editor EMMA SAUNDERS, MARIA PAULA GONZALES, EMILY FIORINI-CASAMAYOURET, BELLA KUBACH, LILI JAHROMI Content Writers

ART AND DESIGN SERENA BRUNO Art Director ADRIANA GIOENI Head Designer AVA ZUM TOBEL, SABRINA SYLVESTER Graphic Designers

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS CINDY ALONSO Castings Director YAZI LOWTHER, ZANI HODGE Castings Assistant HAYLEY ALDRICH Marketing Campaign Director JANELIZ MORALES, MEGAN SIMPSON, MAXIMUS WILLIAMS, SARAH GLYNN Marketing Assistants BROOKE MCCOSKEY Head of Social Media KALLYANI PRAKASH Community Manager LORENZO BIONDO Content Creator

e v lo

a letter from ^

m the editor Over the past couple of years, as everything was at its darkest, we chose to let our creative expression light the way, proving once again that art will always save the world. 2022 brought the emergence of newfound liberation from the status quo, and it feels freeing to allow ourselves to be brave enough to choose self-expression. This notion has been reflected in designer collections throughout the season as we witness a shift in the industry towards embracing inclusivity, spontaneity, and sustainability. We wanted to create an Issue that reflected these values. Inspired by the jarring 2021 film, Don’t Look Up, Senior Writer Emma Saunders examines the very real sociopolitical and environmental crisis the earth is facing, forcing us to reflect on our own complicity in the destruction of the world as we know it. The art accompanied by Saunder’s piece is a stark deviation from light-hearted visuals that fill the rest of the Issue’s pages and draw from elements of the Surrealist movement that emerged in the aftermath of World War I. Our Art Director, Serena Bruno, pays homage to this revolutionary movement that aimed to see the world in a new light and allow audiences to experience a new side of political activism.

There is also a particular reclamation of power that coincides with celebrating the unfiltered self. Content writer Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret, uncovers this in her article, What is Sexy, as she reflects on the struggles of removing ourselves from the male gaze and reclaiming what it’s like to feel sexy, not for the pleasure of men—but ourselves.

boundaries or limits. This Issue is just a glimpse into what young creatives are capable of. We are loudly unapologetic and unafraid to challenge the status quo. These pages are what the word untamed means to us. As you flip through, don’t be afraid to ask yourself: What does it mean to you?

To capture the vibrant essence of this Issue, we turn to Dani Klarić, Miami’s most loved creative entrepreneur whose art and taste celebrate individuality and the color pink. In my sit-down with Dani, we discuss all things inspiration, self-reflection, and her ever-evolving passion for art. Photographed surrounded by her very own curated collection of art and furniture, Dani’s authentic spirit shines true. Every corner of her home is a museum of self-expression and personality.

Melania Zilo

For me, The Untamed Issue is about growth, both personal and creative. I set out to do something different this season, a test to see how well I could color outside the lines. I wanted to prove that sometimes more is more, an inner battle with my minimalist nature. It was a privilege to showcase my team’s creativity and talent in a way that knows no

Love,

digging through mom’s closet? same.

written by emily fiorini-casamayouret art by adriana gioeni

ave you ever stolen clothes from your mom’s closet? The answer is yes, and if you said no—you’re lying. The reason for this? Trends come and go while others simply stay buried amidst paparazzi pictures of the past. Many try to ignore trends and simply dress however they want, but it’s nearly impossible to filter out specific styles that will eventually cycle back. As of today, and in terms of what to wear, people tend to dress in whatever they want, also thanks to TikTok. People aren’t dressing exclusively in one brand to fit in with the rest. At the same time, while the argument can be made that TikTok

influences a certain group to dress a particular way, such as in Shein trends, the rise in individuality has also affected fashion. While trends may still exist and continue to come and go, people don’t pay as much attention to them as they used to. Notably, designers have the power to bring certain styles back from the dead, their inspiration stemming from what their parents once wore when they were younger. Cute, right? Although to customize and personalize these designs, looks have to be modernized into fitting an ever-fluctuating society.

However, designers aren’t the only ones harnessing this power over the next fashion craze. Fashion magazines such as Vogue and Elle predict trends in their style watch columns, similar to talk shows like Fashion Police and The View having considerable influence on what others wear. While discussing how the rich and famous are dressed, these outlets decide whether the outfits celebrities wear are hot or not. In doing so, they are pushing the popularity of trends favorable to the majority. Boho chic in the late 2000s was one of the first examples of recycled trends. While reminiscing on the 1970s groovy patterns and earth tones, the fashion industry put a Y2K twist on this hippie style. Picture every casual look from Serena Van Der Woodsen in Gossip Girl. Sparkly scarves were paired with floral maxi dresses, wedges, fringe boots to match the fringe bag, and who could forget hair feathers? I think it’d be wrong not to credit Blake Lively for this 2007 trend. Stranger Things was another show that influenced the return of past fads. Clothes worn by the cast gave everyone that nostalgic feel, even though most of us weren’t born yet as the show was set in the 1980s. Since its release in 2016, Stranger Things has influenced many trends, all while urging viewers to wear the same things our moms did when they were our age. Thanks to Eleven and Maxine, think mom jeans, high-waisted jeans, funky patterns, band tees, and big scrunchies. The trends that reappear most frequently are sourced from the 1990s. Many different trends come to mind when you think about this era, such as butterfly clips, icy makeup, baby tees, low-rise jeans, and platform shoes. Someone who continuously bodies this style is supermodel Bella Hadid. Her forte is athleisure, and she always kills it. She struts on and off the runway in anything she wears, but her personal style mainly serves big 90s model-off-duty vibes. Realistically, this craze should be deemed timeless, as it’s still popular today. In the early 2000s, many 90s trends continued to permeate our wardrobes. For girls, though, glitter and all things sparkly were a must-have. Similarly, low-rise jeans were also recycled with added flare to mimic those iconic 70s bell bottoms. Recently, the fashion gods have decided that the 2014 Tumblr girl lives again, subtle nodding to shades of gray, tennis skirts in every color,

stockings, beanies, and the essential winged eyeliner. 2014 was also a time ruled by Doc Martens that left your ankles with bruises, but it’d be so worth it to complete the outfit. With soft grunge influences from artists like Lana Del Rey and VSCO girls competing for similar attention in pastels and skater dresses, all Tumblr girls had one main goal— to look like an American Apparel ad. For this particular fad, you sort of just had to be there to understand its power, and I believe many people are happy it’s finally making a comeback. When discussing aesthetics that recycle, it is easy to look back and laugh at the ridiculous things we would wear to stay on-trend. The most iconic example of this is dresses over jeans. Almost every female celebrity of the early 2000s participated, including Anne Hathaway, Selena Gomez, and even the Olsen twins. But, Ashley Tisdale and Miley Cyrus were repeat offenders on this one. Seriously—these women walked the red carpet in dresses over jeans for some odd reason. It baffles me that they saw themselves in the mirror, said okay, and went in public. It’s either jeans or a dress. Just pick one, please. Another thing I hope never to see again is jorts for men. For those of you who don’t know, jorts are jeans cut to the length of shorts. Honestly, seeing people wear these immediately warrants many red flags. Not only was it horrendous, but it would also usually be styled with a muscle tank, ruining the vibe even more. It was not cute then, it is not cute now, and it will never be cute. Last on my trend hit list are jeggings. Not only were these pants tough to get on, but they also suffocated your legs in the process. They were usually more jean than legging, which certainly wasn’t the ratio I think anyone wanted, and for those jeggings that were more leggings, that made them tacky and plain ugly. Not sure how this was ever “in,” but let’s try to forget it altogether. One way to look at trends is by picturing a circle that doesn’t stop growing because, while some styles may come back, others emerge in new varieties. The best part is that more and more people are wearing whatever they want in today’s age, and we see old trends perfectly suit specific personalities. After all, the purpose of fashion isn’t only to look and feel good but also to serve as a form of self-expression.

WRITTEN BY ANIKA CHHABRA ART BY SERENA BRUNO 10

hen you think of basketball, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Tall guys in shorts trying to make a ball into the hoop? Maybe even all of the Kardashian’s ex-boyfriends or husbands? Well, they’re both right. Basketball has always been a sport that somehow intersects with fashion. I guess A-list celebrities sitting courtside wearing this season’s new Rick Owens and accessorizing with overpriced popcorn watching tall sweaty guys shoot hoops is riveting. Basketball games themselves have become a hub for anyone and everyone to show out. Now obviously, we must pay homage to the it-girls and guys who started it all. The holy trinity of courtside fashion, if you will, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Drake. If someone is ever sitting courtside at a basketball game, chances are it’s one of the three, and they will be there attending as if it was New York Fashion Week. But, the question remains of how courtside regulars’ fashion sense transferred over to the actual players.

Well, I propose to you my theory: the Kardashian boyfriend to well-dressed athlete pipeline. The year was 2010; a newly single Kimberly Kardashian found herself in the arms of yet another, Kris Humphreys. We all know Khloe was the original sister with an NBA boyfriend, but Kim always got the hype for it. Somewhere along the lines of their steady and long relationship staggering over 72 days, Kim instilled some kind of fashion sense in this man. Just gracing the Nets with her presence in Christian Louboutins definitely made an impact, whether it was to the wooden floor or the actual players. However, Kimberly has recently passed the torch to her little sister Kendall Jenner. We can sit here and argue that Kendall Jenner being the highest-paying model in the industry is an injustice to society, but that’s not what this article is about. Kendall Jenner, nepotism baby, horse girl, and Tupac Shakur spirit animal enthusiast, is the girlfriend of NBA Phoenix Suns player Devin Booker. Kendall’s experience working in the fashion industry has undoubtedly granted a sense of style that perfectly matches her street-style boyfriend, Devin. The same scenario as Kim, only Kendall never really instilled this onto his image. Devin Booker has always had a sense of fashion; Kendall simply elevated it a bit more. Although, I don’t want to talk about the intersection of fashion and basketball by claiming that the Kar-Jenner clan had everything to do with this phenomenon without crediting the men who paved the way for fashionista basketball athletes.

Let’s start with a little basketball fashion history 101, shall we? The biggest name in the sport’s history, Michael Jordan, started to create the shift in basketball fashion by creating the legendary Nike Jordan’s. Before he came along, basketball players were still hitting the court in converse. Jordan changed this during the NBA All-Star dunk contest in 1988 by showcasing his new Air Jordans cementing the iconic jump man logo seen on Jordans today. Little did he know that would be a pivotal moment in fashion history, pioneering sneaker culture and providing inspiration to Miley Cyrus’s infamous song “23.” Following this, we have my favorite, Dennis Rodman. You know, that guy on the $60 Urban Outfitters shirt you wear every day to class, yeah, him. Rodman has been very well known for everything but playing offensively throughout basketball history. That being said, Rodman parted the red sea and paved the way by introducing crossdressing, exotic piercings, and crazy-colored buzz cuts. Can you believe someone did it before Frank Ocean? Blurring the lines between masculine and feminine fashion, you could say Rodman was, in a sense, the Kurt Cobain of basketball. He is by far the coolest player who encouraged others in the industry to dress however they felt comfortable, and I think that’s beautiful. Oh yeah, and of course, Dennis Rodman also was the muse behind… well, just type into Spotify “Dennis Rodman,” and you’ll find a plethora of songs with his name attached to them. None of which were good, so don’t even bother, honestly. Allen Iverson appears next on the basketball fashion hall of fame timeline. Hip-Hop culture was a significant influence in Iverson’s life, which showed through his style. Not only did his style influence players in the league, but also his appearance. Allen Iverson was one of the first NBA players to have cornrows and tattoos in basketball. Lastly, this man inspired yet another major song, “White Iverson” by Post Malone. In brief, if it weren’t for these guys I just mentioned, your boyfriend probably wouldn’t have anyone to steal outfit ideas from. Anyways, getting out of the 90s and back into today’s time, let’s talk about more cool tall dudes who dress nice—woohoo. As a Miami native, I am obviously a big Miami Heat fan, but not just because they’re tall and hot. Oh no, wait, yeah, that is actually why. Anywho, the surge of the pre-game photo ops is definitely what

FASHION IN THE

metaverse

Imagine you're in a digital chatroom. You have a virtual reality headset on and are exploring this new world with an avatar that looks like you. Except, instead of wearing plain sneakers, you're wearing Balenciagas. After several successful fashion weeks in New York, London, Paris, and Milan, something has begun to stand out in the fashion world—designers are starting to host runway shows in the metaverse and on other online platforms. Let me help explain the concept for those who don't have a crypto boyfriend. Basically, the metaverse is a virtual reality world that simultaneously blends physical reality, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). Although, it's different from the internet because it's composed of persistent virtual worlds that continue to exist even when you're not connected. Think of our beloved and deeply missed Club Penguin, except that the metaverse has people instead of penguins. The biggest misconception about the metaverse is that users can only join through AR or VR, but that's not true. This cyberspace can be accessed via laptop, phone, or gaming console, making the overall experience metaversal. There are many niche groups within the metaverse, includ-

ing a large group of people interested in fashion. Blueberry Entertainment, a company familiar with the metaverse, has sold 20 million units of virtual clothes. Founder Mishi McDuff explains, “I don't see why [designers] wouldn't want to offer these collections to everyone from anywhere in the world.” Honestly, McDuff makes some great points. Just imagine the possibilities for big fashion houses to sustain thriving markets not only in our physical world but in the virtual world as well. Some designers have already begun their transition towards this digital market. Remember the Balenciaga and Fortnite collab? Yeah, it was $475 for a plain t-shirt that said “Fortnite” with the Balenciaga logo underneath. But that’s not the point. The point is that both parties have expanded in potential customers. Those who play Fortnite may now be interested in Balenciaga and vice versa.

guests to download the app fifteen minutes before the show. However, it was geared more towards those familiar with the virtual world since the show took place amidst a super busy NYFW. Compellingly, when both virtual and physical shows can coexist, the fashion industry becomes much more accessible to those around the world. This transformation is pretty big news for the metaverse and the fashion community because we can now look forward to attending shows virtually instead of adhering to an in-person requirement. Companies adjusting to this will give fashion a whole new range; there may even be meta stores where users can shop just as we do in person. On par with our physical and digital worlds, self-expression reigns and will always be something important to us as humans. Thanks to the metaverse, digital identity will soon possess the same level of importance as physical identity.

Recent fashion weeks have exemplified a transition to this virtual landscape. For instance, Jonathan Simkhai was the first designer to host a completely digital fashion show comprised of physical pieces on Second Life's virtual platform. In order to attend, the invite-only event required

BY EMILY FIORINI-CASAMAYOURET ART BY MELANIA ZILO

Enter the Y2K, Futuristic, Denim-Inspired Dreamland of Fall/Winter 2022 Fashion Month Claiming that FW22 Fashion Month was eventful would simply be an understatement. Teeming with events, Fashion Month took place from January 15th to March 8th, 2022, and while it is fair to say it was quite a busy month, who would really be surprised? We are in the roaring twenties, after all! But don’t worry, we have recapped all the looks that defined Fall 2022 Fashion Month just below. Now, where to begin?

written by gracie wipfli art by sabrina sylvester 16

Kickstarting this jam-packed month, the Men’s Autumn/Winter shows were presented in Milan and Paris from January 15th to January 23rd. One of the most prominent trends reflected the contemporary departure from traditionally masculine silhouettes. For instance, Fendi’s January 15th show featured elegant satin detailing, tweed coats, and schoolgirl Mary Janes, the brand aiming to “[reimagine] a gentleman’s wardrobe for the New Roaring Twenties that breaks all boundaries of the sartorial archetype.” However, Virgil Abloh’s final menswear collection with Louis Vuitton was undoubtedly the most celebrated and poignant show of the week. Overall, the collection highlighted the late designer’s mastery of “awareness towards [his] own mortality,” incorporated in Abloh’s take on the modern suit, meticulous styling, and signature streetwear. Preceding Menswear, from January 24th to January 27th, Paris Haute Couture served a wide array of looks displaying expert craftsmanship and ethereal extravagance. Most strikingly, the Schiaparelli show on January 24th exhibited utmost ingenuity, Daniel Roseberry stating, “I wanted to do something that looked totally unlike anybody else. Nothing else should look like this.” The monumental collection featured a distinctly black and white color palette, simple yet precise tailoring among every garment, and large, enchanting gold structures mimicking planets in orbit. On January 26th, the houses of Alexandre Vauthier and Viktor & Rolf also debuted similarly dazzling collections. Many sequins and feathers adorned Vauthier’s elegantly crafted gowns, blazers, and coats. Equally alluring, although perhaps more uncanny, Viktor & Rolf ’s peculiar yet fascinating collection included exaggerated necklines, trench coats, and Dracula-inspired silhouettes.

From February 11th to February 16th, New York Fashion Week once again occupied the streets of Manhattan. Continuing the momentum from the previous season by embracing unabashed variations of femininity, A-line maxi skirts were a popular preference among many houses such as Jason Wu, Altuzarra, and Peter Do. More specifically, Jason Wu’s glamorous collection highlighted elegance in vividly colored maxi skirts, Altuzarra’s wanderlust-inspired February 13th show accentuated strength in its floor-length wool skirts, and Peter Do’s February 15th show accented more neutrality in long, pleated skirts. Either way, in tandem with the previous season, these collections have proven that “with extreme fashion comes extreme hemlines. It doesn’t matter if you go long with a maxi skirt or opt for a barely-there micro-mini, as long as you’re picking one side of the hemline battlefield to stand on.” As for trending hues throughout the week, brown tones and marigold shades definitely stood out among a widespread neutral color palette. For example, Helmut Lang’s February 11th collection displayed a striking mocha pantsuit, and Victor Glemaud’s February 13th show included

muted tangerine jersey dresses. However, Telfar Clemen’s closing day “post-seasonal mega-collection” titled “PERFORMANCE” was perhaps New York Fashion Week’s most showstopping event, Clemens stating, “This is the place where we can experiment, where we can talk to people directly without having to censor ourselves, without having to talk through an audience of mainstream media or whiteness. It’s not about how many people are watching it, or how many more bags we can sell, it’s literally about freedom.” Following New York, Milan Fashion Week took place from February 22nd to February 28th, widely displaying a variety of royal blues, broad-shouldered coats, lingerie ensembles, and leather garments. Early in the week, Fausto Puglisi’s February 23rd Cavalli show garnered attention for its use of sexy, sharp torso cut-outs and the designer’s classic animal print. Still, perhaps the most intriguing part of the Cavalli show was Puglisi’s surprising integration of tartan into five of the collection’s looks, allegedly collaborating with Queen Elizabeth II’s tartan maker to create these plaid textiles. Altogether, the Cavalli show was successful in that it communicated a discerning yet markedly sexy aura. Also taking place on February 23rd, Kim Jones’ Fendi show similarly received significant buzz. Jones’ looks seemed to recall a particular softness often reflected in Y2K trends, implementing a multitude of sheer fabrics, pastel hues in contrast with richer tones, and ruffles in tweed jackets and leather ensembles alike. Although, Glenn Martens’ Diesel collection was likely the most memorable runway of February 23rd and possibly one of the most dazzling Milan shows in general. At this point in the month, not only was Martens presenting his collection for Diesel, but he had also previously presented his first couture show for Johnpaul Gutierrez only a few weeks prior, all while prepping for his future Y/Project collection the following month in Paris. Martens’ Diesel runway was a reclaiming moment for the house, represented by Y2K, youthful, edgy, pop-revival garments such as his floor-length denim coat and distressed logo t-shirts. Undoubtedly, some of the most eye-catching looks were the three models painted in shimmering baby pink, marigold, and cerulean body sheen while wearing skin-hugging matching mini skirt sets and dresses. Next, on February 24th, Simone Rizzo and Loris Messina hosted Sunnei’s noticeably fast-paced show. The collection was broadcast to viewers digitally, displaying models quite literally running down a concrete strip runway, almost dead-pan embodying the mentality of “model-on-the-go.” Dressed in sleek, minimal garments with pops of vibrant cerulean, cherry red, and pale yellow, the designers “used a new technical fabric that extends and stretches, perfect for layering.” Lastly, on February 26th, Bottega wowed spectators, creative director Matthieu Blazy stating, “The idea was to bring back energy, a silhouette that really expressed motion, because Bottega is a bag company, so you go somewhere, you don’t stay home. This collection basically is a journey.” Blazy’s looks showcased various constructions of leather in a cotton mimicking white tank top, blue denim mimicking jeans, darktoned pantsuits, and buttoned overcoats. Overall, if Bottega aimed to exude energy, this collection only amplified those same qualities.

Wrapping up Fashion Month, Paris Fashion Week began February 28th and concluded on March 8th. On March 1st, the Saint Laurent show was elegantly backlit by a glimmering Eiffel Tower as models cascaded down the runway in glamorous, sophisticated silhouettes. The collection was said to be “Belgian-inspired,” likely due to creative director Anthony Vaccarello’s Belgian roots, highlighting an abundance of primarily monochrome garments in dark brown, black, and the occasional cream hue. Similar to Milan, the Saint Laurent show focused on a more covert, mature manifestation of sexiness. Acne Studios offered a more contemporary vibe in their March 2nd runway, which strove to amalgamate “ideas and feelings.” Unconventionally, the show was also soundtracked live by the legendary electronic musician Suzanne Ciani, thus adding to the eccentric feel. The house’s collection included patchwork denim skirts, leather double-breasted trenchcoats, and oversized quilted dresses. All in all, Acne Studios presented a relatively futuristic, explorative, yet elevated and refined take on current fashion. The Rick Owens March 3rd Winter collection comparably exhibited lighter tones in their garments while recalling “Cecil B. DeMille’s 1930s Art Deco black-and-white interpretation of the bible.” Amidst the foggy runway, Owens’ modern take on mortality featured stark white streamlined coats and dresses, exaggerated shoulders, a variety of extended capes, and a discernible nod to Ukraine in the yellow and aqua blue combination looks, Owens stating, “We’re an industry that has to support a lot of people, there’s no reason to make an excuse for that. We are people who express the best that aesthetics has to offer. And that’s of great social and cultural value.” The following day, on March 4th, Jonathan Anderson’s Loewe collection centered around the word “primal,” his pursuant vision for the house displayed in multiple surrealist, avant-garde looks such as dresses with car-shaped hemlines or accessorized balloons. March 6th saw the Givenchy collection sticking to relatively monotone shades, implementing primarily dark greens and black into their seventy-one looks consisting of abundant leather and streetwear-inspired silhouettes. Finally, the house of Miu Miu took to the runway on March 8th as Fashion Month’s closing industry show. The collection was noticeably sport-oriented, reflecting a playful take on traditional tennis fashion. As Miu Miu has had a significant influence over the Y2K wave, each look incorporated variations of low-rise pants, lingerie influences, sheer tops, crystal-encrusted dresses, knitted socks, and, of course, the house’s signature micro mini skirts. Sadly, another Fashion Month has come and gone, and thus begins the waiting game until next season’s collections. For now, let’s all reflect on the feverish trend towards Y2K, the resurgence of denim mania, futuristic interpretations of modern fashion, experimental implementations of leather, and dark-shaded color palettes featuring the occasional pastel or jewel tone. Until next season!

THE ART OF DOPAMINE DRESSING

ll in favor of wearing clothes that make you feel good inside? Say less! Isn’t that what fashion is all about—self-expression and wearing an outfit that represents you? Whether you’re rocking a pair of New Balance 550s or a top from Depop, if it makes you want to bounce off the walls, that’s all that matters. But wait, what does fashion have to do with feeling good? Good question. Of course, I have the answer because I would never leave our audience hanging: Dopamine. Dressing.

Initially, dopamine dressing came to life when fashion psychologist Dr. Dawnn Karen found that choosing our clothes could positively impact our mood, “Brighter colors can not only offer a mood lifter but a much-needed escape from the negative emotions associated with the pandemic, such as fear, panic, anxiety, and stress.” In other words, bright colors are a slay. I’m going to say this now, and there is no turning back—I’m a neutral colors fan and forever will be, but sometimes a bright pink top is the way to go because it signifies playfulness and excitement. I look at it as if you're manifesting that for yourself for the rest of your day. You pair your bright pink top with white cargo pants, and you’re already setting your day up for success. Color psychology is a big part of all of this, actually. Each color emits a different characteristic. For example, green radiates safety and renewal, whereas blue transmits tranquility and patience. So, when putting together your next outfit, try incorporating a bit of color psychology. Depending on where you’re going and who you’re going to be seeing, pair specific colors together and ask friends what they think. Did they feel the characteristics you were trying to emulate with those chosen colors? Now you’re probably asking yourself, “WTF is dopamine?!” Let me break it down for you. Strike science lesson! Dopamine is the primary feel-good neurotransmitter. Serotonin and dopamine are considered “happy hormones,” regarded as essential chemicals for our brains. These chemicals are considered messengers between neurons, the working units that your brain is made of, profoundly affecting your mood, attention, and motivation. When the brain has low levels of dopamine, you feel down. But, when you have high dopamine levels going back and forth between neurons, you are bound to feel pretty great. So when your brain is expecting a reward, dopamine is released while creating feelings of pleasure which tells your brain, “Hey that was fun, let’s do this again sometime,” and it reminds us to do different activities

written by maria paula gonzales photography by max williams art by sabrina sylvester

that will provide us the necessary dopamine kick. There are different ways to achieve and keep your dopamine levels in check. Get reasonable amounts of sleep (I should take this advice), exercise, meditate, expose yourself to sunlight, and more. However, perhaps the most fun way to do this is the fashion route, baby! Fit checks and dopamine, how do these two mix? Well, just like last night’s date that brought you an immense amount of dopamine, the immaculate outfit you wore also offered this chemical. You already knew that, though! There’s no denying that happiness wasn’t oozing out of you when you put those clothing items on your body. From the textures of the skirt to the rich colors of the top, it all blended so well together, and it made you feel radiant when looking in the mirror. That’s what dopamine dressing is all about. Grab the gem embellished denim vest hanging in your closet and make an outfit because you’ve been dying to wear it out, even though you didn’t know where the “appropriate” place to do so would be. All the time is the appropriate time if it makes you happy. Life is too short to wait for the perfect event or moment to wear an article of clothing. For example, take a look at Tik Tok creator Mary Skinner and her “get ready with me” videos. It could be as simple as going to the grocery store or, in Mary’s case, a sample sale. In her TikToks, the creator wears leather pants paired with a crewneck and grey trench coat. She accessorizes with a black baseball cap, mixed metal jewelry, and the “Lou Lou” bag by Saint Laurent. This outfit could be simple, to some! When finishing the video, my first thought was, “she looks confident and comfortable in that outfit!” It might be all neutrals and darker colors, but sometimes it doesn’t take much to feel like you’re on top of the world. Also, comfort is key. Colorful or neutral, wear whatever the f*ck you want. That’s what “dopamine dressing” entails. We live in a time where we see so much of the same thing, and it’s easy to get clouded by what everyone else is doing. Then, once you take a step back and look at yourself, you’re left thinking, “Am I even wearing what I like? What do I even like?” Now listen, there will be days where sweatpants and a hoodie seem like the best option. I get it! Nonetheless, on the days when you do feel an ounce of effort inside of you, I suggest picking an item from your closet and creating an outfit surrounding it that makes you feel like your best self. It’s good for the soul.

NDWATCHFW22STRIKETRENDWATCHFW22STRIKE

The Untamed Issue

STRIKETRENDWATCHFW22STRIKETRENDWATCHF IKETRENDWATCHFW22STRIKETRENDWATCHFW22

n this season of fashion in the simulation, designers brought us a new set of trends for the Fall. Some we loved almost as much as the SS22 Miu Miu LowRise Mini Skirt, and others we hated more than every season of Chanel combined. But as always, I, your Fashion Fairy Godmother, am here to give you the rundown on what’s in this season and what’s most definitely… out. I’ve compiled a list of trends that we predict will be making their way into the hearts and closets of your favorite fashion girlies this Fall.

So strap in because this is #STRIKETRENDWATCH FW22 Edition.

The

BOLD Pump

After presenting their SS22 collection featuring the beloved Medusa Aevitas Platform Pumps, Versace has the girls in an uproar, fighting their hardest to follow suit. Notable designers like Valentino and GCDS have hopped on the trend, designing their own rendition of the bold platform this season. And while this iconic pump in any style will have us clawing for our wallets, you and I both know that no shoe is better than the original.

Polly Pocket Shoes

Also known as the forbidden snack, more famously known as “Bubble Shoes” on social platforms like TikTok, these rubber booties are becoming more and more popular this season, a common favorite being the Bottega Veneta Puddle Boots. This fun footwear is perfect for us grown-ups who want to take a trip back in time to childhood. However, they should probably come with a “not for consumption” warning label.

Fifty Shades of Latex

*Jump scare warning* Congratulations to Julia Fox, who has just received a few more options to add to her wardrobe. It seems that full-body latex looks are this season’s sexiest trend. Featured in the FW22 collections of designers like Versace and Schiaparelli, latex apparel seems to be a fan favorite. It just may not be so suitable for the office.

The Micro Skirt

Still in the ranking for the top trend in fashion after yet another season is the one and only mini skirt. Although, I’m not sure there’s enough fabric there to even call them that. First place, of course, is the coveted Miu Miu mini. Following closely behind and coming in various styles are Diesel’s leather minis and Chet Lo’s obscurely textured skirts. Despite our hatred for leg day, it seems like this microscopic garment (more or less) is here to stay.

Boots with the Fur

Best paired with apple bottom jeans, this trend has been all the rage since the early 2000s. And it seems to be making a comeback this season. Look to designers like Miu Miu, Ottolinger, and Chet Lo to rock this cozy trend. Extra points if you wear them with a bikini in the snow, and even more if you’re somewhere in Aspen.

written by sage olivia west art by serena bruno

Blacked out

We all made fun of Kim (or whoever was under there) at the Met Gala, and yet, somehow, this all-black look has become FW22 season’s newest trend. Soon you’ll be questioning if your bestie was really at the function or if they sent a body double in their place. I blame Balenciaga and Azelia Banks, respectfully.

The Duffle Bag

Last season it was the Jumbo tote, but we aren’t downsizing anytime soon, contrary to what you might think. This season is all about the duffle, the bag that will have you always prepped and ready for a vacay. Ranging from small to large and coming in all shapes and sizes, such as the Telfar duffle, these bags can fit your hand-saniteezy and even the weight of your family’s expectations!

Hot Pink

Millennial pink is dead, and so is Millenial fashion (not sorry). But one thing that’s in for sure is hot pink. As for this season, Valentino’s FW22 collection was largely comprised of entirely hot pink garments. This may have surprised spectators and was certainly an interesting move on Valentino’s part, but we think they were onto something with the limited toned capsule. Could hot pink be the new color of the season?

Business Bimbo

Looks like the workplace just got a new uniform. From reimagined suit dresses to cropped blazers and mini skirt combos, designers like Coperni, Miu Miu, and Versace have essentially redefined what it means to dress “professionally.” You can now kiss the days of stiff blouses and uncomfortable business trousers goodbye.

That’s all for now. Don’t let the Medusa pumps hit you on the way out. See you next time when we’re back with another...

Styled by Sam Schoonover and Chloe McCombie Photographed by Logan Reliford, Adriana Hurtado, and Sara Baum Hair and makeup by Sarah Glynn and Kallyani Prakash Art and layout by Serena Bruno Jewelry by Vitaly

Photographed by Val Wiseman Art and layout by Adriana Gioeni

NAILS BY @PASTELNAILS

All out of f cks to give BY emma Saunders

s a society, we have been trained to conform, follow the lead of others, and be tamed by societal rules. We people please, we bend to benefit others, and in turn, we lose focus of who we are at our core. Giving a f*ck can be so exhausting. Maybe it’s time we ran out of f*cks to give. How do we get anything done if we constantly worry about what other people think? Society is made up of rules and invisible hierarchies, and all of these feed off keeping people uniform. Some may think that not giving a f*ck translates to selfishness, but it’s quite the opposite. It’s about not giving into societal norms simply because they’ve always been there. It means allowing for positive change. This is not to say all rules should be broken, such as ones that separate right and wrong. Realistically, the unspoken, unwritten rules are the ones that wreak the most havoc on our lives. As members of society, we all have a role in creating and perpetuating social

norms. An example may be the way we dress. We are taught from a young age to follow the “dress code” at school. Even though there is no dress code in our adult life, there are trends that we follow, which can be a sort of dress code. Many of us tend to stick to it, even if we don’t like the clothes we wear, simply to fit in and blend. Whether or not we admit it, we all care what others think of what we post on social media, how we talk, how we dress, and how we act. At the end of the day, we all seek validation and crave feeling connected to people, so we conform to fit a mold that we think will achieve that. The truth is, no matter how much we conform, the only way to find those connections is by being true to ourselves, and people who match your energy will find you. Like energy will find each other; as soon as you become fully aware of who you are without influence, who you are at your purest state, you will find where you belong. 37

Strike Says Love Your Boobs! Most people in this world desire something they simply cannot have, whether it be a different eye color, a bigger home, a faster metabolism, or endless youth. In my experience, and I’m sure many others can relate, I have always wished for big, voluptuous boobs. Growing up, I wanted so badly to be that girl, considering guys typically idolize the slim thick body with an hourglass shape, cute bubble butt, and of course, large perky boobs. Plenty of the young women I was surrounded by felt the same, but as I matured, I questioned what “perfect” boobs even were. Why do people find them so intriguing anyway? After all, your breasts are literally just sacks of body tissue. As girls develop into young teens and, eventually, young adults, most realize that many full-bosomed individuals want nothing more than to have smaller boobs, and vice versa. I consider it fair to say that many of us itty-bitty-titty girls never saw the perspective of larger-breasted women. I was once friends with a girl who, in my opinion, had a fabulous pair of boobies, but all she ever did was talk about her longing to get a breast reduction. "Why would you ever get rid of them?” I always asked, and every time, she would begin to compile an endless list of why she hated them. “I want yours, they are a perfect size,” she said. I would think to myself, “the perfect size?!” She wanted what I had, and I wanted what she had; we both desired something genetically unlikely.

Even so, heavy-breasted women often say that gravity is not on their side, and they are constantly receiving unwanted attention. But younger me would never be able to fathom how attention from guys could be unwanted. Well, maturity teaches you that: one, boobs are not the only thing putting you in the spotlight, and two, attention from guys is very much unwanted a lot of the time. The same goes for women with smaller boobs; some fashion pieces highlight their chest, giving them unwanted attention. We just cannot win. Women as a whole should build each other up and encourage one another to love every inch of ourselves, especially our boobs! I mean, honestly, all breasts serve the same purpose anyway—nourishing our offspring. Why exactly did so many girls and I spend a ridiculous amount of time craving different boobs when essentially, they all do the same thing? I will never be able to answer that question. The dangerous idea that we should compare ourselves to other women is toxic and stupid because there is only one you. Everyone is unique, just like your boobs! No one can control the way their body is designed at birth, so the only thing you can do is learn to love every part of yourself. Nonetheless, there will always be times when we look in the mirror and hope to see something different. When this feeling takes over, it is important to remember that while you may dislike something, such as your boobs, another beautiful female is staring at herself, wishing for a bust just like yours. You have to learn to love your boobs just the way they are. Big boobs are cool, and small boobs are cool too—all boobs are cool. So, love your boobs because they are pretty awesome.

written by lili jahromi art by melania zilo

The toxic relationship we are all stuck in by emma saunders art by melania zilo People are social creatures. Some more than others, but at the end of the day, we all have needs that must be met through interaction and cultivating relationships. Undoubtedly, a lack of socialization can have devastating effects on not only our mental but physical health as well. Socialization creates a release of dopamine in our brains, a natural response to things that bring us joy. This “reward” of dopamine for positive interactions causes our brains to literally become addicted with the feeling we get when socializing. The exact same thing happens when we mingle online as well, our brain cells receive that same rush from an Instagram notification or TikTok binge. When social notifications pop up on our phones, it doesn’t matter if it isn’t a physical interaction; our brain can’t tell the difference. Interestingly, this rush of dopamine creates the same feeling as eating your favorite food, kissing your s/o, exercising, and even using drugs. The scary part is it's completely involuntary. The brain is trained by things that make it happy. Have you ever noticed the feeling you get when your IG is flooded with likes and comments on your recent post? Or when you watch a TikTok that has you laughing out loud? Both release a dose of dopamine, enough to keep your brain completely hooked. The reward system in the form of a notification plays a key role in the love affair between people and their phones. When dogs are trained to do tricks, they are rewarded afterward, associating the praise with the action. When we pick up our phones, it’s not enough to keep us coming back, but when we see a text or notification, that little interaction causes a significant rush of dopamine and creates a reward system. On the flip side, when we pick it up after an extended period and see that our notifications are empty, there is a lack of dopamine, causing some real negative feelings. This can enact sudden states of loneliness, even though nothing in the real world has changed. You would think it would turn us off from wanting to check our phones, but it actually perpetuates the need for positive reinforcement and validation. According to a Harvard article, social networks design apps to target the Achilles heel, our dopamine-trained brain. This might seem minor, but it can be scary to realize just how many hours we spend staring at a phone if we check our screen time.

Sadly, this connection between people and their phones can take time away from genuine relationships, which humans need to thrive. Friends and partners are now competing with cell phones for the other person’s time and energy. Whether you choose to spend hours scrolling through Twitter or talking to a friend, the difference is that the metaverse doesn't have a shoulder to cry on or share your inside jokes. So, how do we end this toxic relationship? Well, a few methods have proven effective, such as setting your phone to black and white because our brains are attracted to colors and combinations that stimulate us; therefore, turning off saturation will mitigate some addictive elements. Another way to detox is to turn off your social media notifications, so your brain can begin to break free of that reward system. Then, if you choose to scroll, it’s voluntary rather than an uncontrollable response to a notification. If you find yourself reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up, even before getting out of bed, try moving it from your nightstand or create a new wake-up routine to find that dopamine in other things. There is a little world inside of our phones, but it’s not the whole world, and it’s definitely not a replacement for human interaction. Phones and even social networks have benefits, but it’s all about mindfulness and moderation, like anything else in life.

written by bella kubach layout by adriana gioeni

Hair is Temporary, Swag is Forever

airstyles are always making headlines; take Billie Eilish’s platinum phase, for example. Hair trends have been changing for centuries and come and go with the seasons. One year, bangs were out. Now, they seem to be back in. No matter the style, trends constantly change, and the beauty standard becomes more out of reach. Typically, women are the ones to have long, luxurious locks. Although, as the years go on, we see more and more men sporting long hair, some even dying it different colors. Often, society looks more skeptically at the men who choose to do this. Similarly, women are usually expected to be clean-shaven and essentially hairless aside from the hair on their heads. However, in recent years, many people have challenged the idea that women must shave to be deemed beautiful. Even celebrity icon Miley Cyrus has been spotted with hairy pits, sometimes dyed pink too. Ultimately, hair is just hair, no matter your gender identity. But, as it turns out, society does not always see it this way. Sadly, unshaven women are commonly viewed as unhygienic, while others jump to assume the sexuality of men who choose to grow out

or dye their hair. Either way, hair on any part of the body is temporary. It can be removed entirely with just a razor or a pair of scissors. Knowing how easy it is to alter hair, we start to wonder why society cares so much about such an easily modifiable part of our bodies. Although hair seems like a relatively unimportant part of our American life, people in other parts of the world believe it is significant to their culture or religion. For instance, Native Americans believe hair gives them power, connects them to nature, and is sacred. In India, some Hindu families have their hair cut and then taken to temples as offerings. In Ethiopia, women have hairstyles so intricate that they sleep on wooden headrests to refrain from messing them up. In Amish communities, shaving men’s or women’s hair is prohibited as they believe it differentiates them from their secular neighbors. After learning this, we wonder why there is so much room for judgment in Western society if hair in other religions and cultures is considered sacred? Initially, women began shaving their legs after a nylon legging shortage during World War II. Thereafter, society suggested that women shave to achieve a feminine, clean look. The first women’s razors were even advertised to make ladies feel bad about their body hair and embarrassed if they chose not to shave. This strange idea that body hair is unhygienic dates all the way back to the 1800s when Charles Darwin asserted he associated body hair with women being less developed and less sexually appealing.

As a result, many women are pressured to become virtually hairless. Hair is routinely edited out of images, and female models are expected to shave, wax, or receive laser hair removal. We rarely see models with body hair considered beautiful. Beauty standards have had control over women for centuries. They have made many women insecure, noticeably damaging young girls that migrate to the United States from other parts of the world as they try to grapple with this especially confusing concept. In America, we witness young girls pick up razors the minute they notice leg hair. Truthfully, we will not see a change in society’s point of view if we do not work towards shedding previous ideas that define restrictive femininity. Femininity has many different looks, and the length of one’s hair has no association with womanhood. Comparatively, men with long or unconventional hairstyles face these same judgments in society. For example, many private school dress codes prohibit men from having hair that falls below the collar. In contrast, women are praised for having long hair because, for some reason, it communicates femininity. Realistically, there is no reason why a man cannot be considered masculine if he chooses to grow out his hair or dye it an unconventional color. In recent years, we have seen many men reject this norm and dye their hair the color of their choosing. However, many schools and workplaces have more restrictions for men who dye their hair. Oftentimes, women with dyed hair are never given a second glance. In addition, Black men and women face similar discrimination for their hairstyles. For years, many African Americans felt societal pressures to chemically straighten their hair, get extensions, or wear wigs in order to be considered for more jobs. Underlying racism in America has imposed many prejudices for those that shy away from “traditional” hairstyles. In Western culture, this “traditional” style is usually naturally straight blonde or brunette hair. To many Black women, this is an unfair and unattainable expectation.

Similarly, Black men have felt like bigger targets of police discrimination if they have afros or dreadlocks. Black men and women have been asked to cut their dreadlocks to better acclimate to their workplace. However, knowing that hair is just hair, it seems unreasonable to think that the way someone wears their hair would correlate with their work ethic or capability to get the job done. Ultimately, discriminating against Black hairstyles is just another one of society’s ways to pressure individuals into conforming to what is deemed as “traditional” or “acceptable.” Society has tried its hardest to make us associate hair with hygiene. However, there is no true correlation. Having more hair than someone else in no way makes you less clean. The idea that unconventionally styled hair is to be labeled feminine or masculine is a concept that was constructed to make us feel bad about ourselves. Gender is not as binary of a concept as previous generations once thought, and finally, we see people acting on the confidence to defy these standards. Women with shaved heads and men with long hair have the right to feel beautiful despite what traditional male and female models look like in magazines. All in all, there are many standards in place throughout Western society that make it virtually impossible for people to have freedom over how they do their hair. Instead of stigmatizing body hair or different styles, we should encourage individuals to wear whatever makes them most comfortable. We must reject the idea that we need to please a greater audience. No one’s opinion matters more than your own. How can you be confident in your skin if you are uncomfortable? The debate on whether or not to shave should be an individual’s decision. Similarly, if men want to dye their hair bright blue and grow it past their collar, who is to tell them not to? At the end of the day, it is just hair. Furthermore, embracing your hair means not shaming the women who choose to shave or the men who have conventional hairstyles; it is coming to terms with a decision made solely by you! In 2022, may we free the nips and grow out our pits. Either way, we must love ourselves unconditionally and accept the traits that make us unique.

Styled by Keke Mentor and Madison Turner Photographed by Malena Brinson and Kimara Pretlow Hair and makeup by Sarah Glynn and Kallyani Prakash Intimates by Parade

e were all children once, unscathed and pure. We expected nothing but goodness from the world. As we grew older, though, the chaos of society and its people made impressions on us, both good and bad. Children may not understand all this turmoil and heartache, but it still leaves a lasting impact. We have all experienced trauma, big or small, and healing these wounds may not have been a priority at the time of childhood. It may have slipped the mind of our busy parents or caretakers who probably needed healing themselves. Although it may seem like what’s past is past, those memories and pain-bodies come up in our daily lives whether we realize it or not. As we begin to heal our inner child, we will soon realize that many of the things we experience daily, whether anxiety, OCD, or our fears, all stem from someone or something in our childhood. The further we go into life, the further away we stray from the child we once were, but that pain that we endured, those memories, are still inside us and won’t go away on their own. It is up to us to heal that little person inside who is still battling those same feelings even years later, helping to cultivate the most important relationship of all, the one we have with ourselves. It is part of self-care and vital to personal growth. Maybe your inner child needs healing, or perhaps just some reconnecting from when someone back then wasn’t there when you needed them. Now, you can be there for you. According to Dr. Stephen Diamond, “True adulthood hinges on acknowledging, accepting, and taking responsibility for loving and parenting one’s own inner child.” The first step is to acknowledge that your inner child is genuinely there. Picture yourself as a child, whatever stage of life it may be. Pay attention to the feeling you get when you see them and notice what may be missing from their life, whether it be attention, a role model, or even love. See them, feel their presence, and begin to realize that they were there all along. It may be helpful to meditate, listening to that inner child and what they truly need. Be kind to this person as you would any other; this is the most vital form of self-love. Listen with open ears and an open heart. Tell them what they needed to hear at that moment. Journaling may be beneficial in connecting with yourself and getting everything out in the open. Having this connection is beautiful; it’s personal and honest. Rather than this child simply being a stage in your development, they can be a person you turn to when you need respite from the world's chaos—someone who sees life through different eyes, someone who needs you just as much as you need them. Writing down memories from the past can also help you visualize this wounded child and figure out what they need. According to Dr. Diana Raab, writing and meditating can effectively bring out the emotional pain being held onto. When we aren’t distracted, our emotions kept at the surface tend to come out, which is an excellent opportunity to write them down and listen to what you are feeling. Raab says it is essential to “give voice to your pain,” and that by literally speaking to this child inside us, we can offer healing, simply by saying “I love you,” and “I hear you.” She says even pulling out an old photo of yourself as a child can also help. Keeping up this dialogue and relationship with your younger self allows healing by giving that child what they were denied back then. Acknowledging their pain, telling them everything will be okay and that they are loved. To reconnect with your inner child is to have a true sense of enlightenment and mindfulness, something that many adults are not equipped with entirely. It will allow so much growth to occur, finally giving that child the freedom to speak up, feel loved, and live without the pain of the past.

written by emma saunders art by adriana gioeni

HOT HEAL

PEOPLE THEIR

COLOR INNER

TO CHILD

NOW IT’s YOUR TURN! paint, color, scribble, the next page is all yours...

art by serena bruno

DANI KLARIC 50

Meet Dani Klaric, interior decorator, thrift goddess, and creative entrepreneur. Maybe you recognize her as that one girl from TikTok with the ‘foot fetish’ painting in her living room? You know what I’m talking about. Dani and I decide to meet for breakfast on a Friday morning. Our place of choice? A quaint vegan cafe in the heart of Midtown, where you’d be silly to think you were getting a latte for less than six dollars. It’s still winter in Miami, but you couldn’t tell with all the New Yorkers walking around in spaghetti straps, boy shorts, and Salomon kicks. I spot Dani through the window, and she instantly lights up; her energy is soft and approachable. This is our first time meeting in person, but as I greet her with a hug, there’s a feeling of comfort, like I’m here to catch up with an old friend. We stand together, staring blankly at the menu; indecisiveness already seems to be one of our shared traits. There’s a faint scent of fresh cookies, sage, and gentrification in the air.

Dani picks a corner booth, and we sit down to eat. She shares her weekend plans in between bites, and we gush over the mood board for our upcoming editorial shoot. I ask about her recent trip to Italy, where she spent her days frolicking in vintage dresses with her best friend, visiting museums, and buying herself an engagement ring as a declaration of self-love. When she’s not online unboxing eclectic vintage art deco lamps, taking spontaneous road trips to source dream pieces for clients, or escaping to Europe for Fashion Week, Dani can be found in her sunny Miami apartment listening to The Doors on vinyl and playing dress-up in her closet (which, by the way, looks like it was pulled straight out of a scene from 13 Going on 30).

Written by Melania Zilo 51

Dani has already garnered almost 650,000 followers in just a couple of years, creating content for the pretty pink princess pixies at heart who swear they were born to the wrong generation. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised in Miami, Dani knew she wanted to be an artist ever since she was little. “I was always the girl who wore weird clothes with neon shoes, and everyone would be like, ‘Oh, Dani is so cool. We love her, but why is she so weird?’ My best friends were supportive growing up, but I definitely felt like the odd one out for being passionate about art,” she shares. Dani’s media presence emerged when she began posting Youtube videos in Spanish. “I’ve always wanted to be a content creator. When I was thirteen, I started a Youtube channel where I would make these weird little videos.” Dani would later grow up to attend the Design and Architecture Senior High School in Miami for fine arts. However, her freshman year was cut short when she got sick and spent over 100 school days in and out of doctor appointments and hospitals trying to solve her mystery illness. “After many misdiagnoses, it turns out that my social anxiety and stress were eating my body alive. That’s when my family and I decided that I would spend some time taking care of myself, and in the meantime, I would do high school online.” At just 16 years old, young Dani graduated from high school and was ready to take the creative world by storm. With this newfound free time, she decided to focus on her growing passion for film. “At the time, my dad was a public speaker, so he would travel all around the world to speak at conferences,” Dani says. “I had already graduated high school online and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, so I decided to go with him.” Together, they traveled all over

Latin America, and while her father was busy working, Dani was left to explore her new stomping grounds. “Traveling is really what brought me to my passion for film,” she admits. Inspired by the likes of Casey Neistat, Jack Harries, and Finn Harries, Dani started making videos on the road, vlogging her trips and all her new experiences. At 18, Dani made the brave decision to move to LA and dive into the film industry. “I remember making a PowerPoint presentation to convince my parents this was something I could do,” she reflects. “At that point, I was filming a lot of content, slowly becoming financially independent. And I just never ended up going to college.” In LA, Dani and her cousin Andy decided to open a film company together, taking clients from wherever, whenever. “Andy would go to bars and come home telling me that he found us new clients. We first started out making these low-budget music videos for random people we met along the way.” As their company grew, the duo realized their next move was to Colombia, where they would expand their production company to Latin America. “At this point in my life, I was like, film is the only thing I have,” she shares. “Because I didn’t go to school for it, I was obsessed with perfecting my craft and trying to convince myself that I was good enough and that this is exactly what I want to do with my life.” Although, her infatuation with film didn’t last as burnout slowly set in. As they took on bigger projects, Dani became exhausted. “Andy and I would do everything ourselves. He would produce, and we would do catering, transportation, camera, the gear, everything! I woke up one day, and I told Andy that I was done. Everyone thought I was joking because this had been my dream since I was 16. Even though I had already made up my mind, I was terrified of saying it aloud.”

Styled by Francesca Cella, assisted by Madison Turner and Chloe McCombie Photographed by Logan Reliford and Sage Holaway Hair and makeup by Sarah Glynn Art and layout by Serena Bruno Green pants by Nicole Castañeda

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Klaric was in Miami visiting family. “I had just given up on my dreams of pursuing film, I couldn’t go back to my home, and I was confused about what I was supposed to be doing with my life.” Eventually, Dani decided to move to Miami for a fresh start. “‘I told myself, ‘Ok, Dani, you’re going to do whatever it takes to survive in the creative industry.’ I would do whatever it takes to stay in an industry that I love than work a job I hate and be miserable. So I refused to do anything else.” A privilege she doesn’t take for granted. 57

Dani’s life completely changed when she opened a TikTok account with her best friend for their thrift business @thisispeachtree, which quickly became a hit as the girls showed off their new thrift finds and colorful apartment. “Our living space was relatively small and wasn’t in great condition, so the big question was, ‘How do we make this place feel good?’” After receiving overwhelming support for their joint account, Klaric decided to open a personal account where she filmed everything from thrift finds to interior decor. Around that time, Dani reconnected with her current boyfriend, Marcello Peschiera, AKA Bello, AKA Bellows Film Lab—Miami’s hottest corner for film enthusiasts, artists, and local it-girls that need their 5 a.m. Club Space photos developed by noon on Sunday. “That’s when he asked me to decorate his new store in Wynwood. He’s the person that really opened my eyes to this new world of interior decorating, showing me, ‘Look, you can make this into a career.’” Dani’s official claim to fame was her viral Tiktok that took the audience along on a film lab decorating journey. “The video blew up, and I got a ton of new followers and gained a new interior decorating client shortly after. And that’s the story,” Dani says with a smile. Two years later, Dani has now opened her own company and attracted many new clients with her eccentric flair and timeless interior taste. Perhaps interior decor has become her unique way of storytelling, as Dani states, “I love being creative in this way. If you can envision it, you can make it happen. There’s nothing paint can’t fix.” While her path was not a straight one, Klaric is finally starting to find herself, carving her way with grace and confidence (and lots of leg warmers). Soon, Klaric will head to the concrete jungle where dreams are made and expand her empire, but for now, we sit together peacefully, sipping our silly little drinks and soaking up the warm Miami sun shining through the window. Everything is just right; we are exactly where we need to be.

has a chokehold on gen-z written by bella kubach art by serena bruno

or years it felt like television shows featuring high school students only portrayed teenage characters either singing or dancing in a hallway. Everyone appeared happy, and the actual content was relatively light. But, how many of us can honestly say that these shows accurately represented our high school experience? Next to none. Although, many of us can admit that we finally saw representation when Sam Levinson released Euphoria on HBO in the summer of 2019.

a shorter haircut and what seems like a better version of herself—someone who does not need reassurance from others. Overall, Jules’ character comforts many viewers who struggle with gender identity and do not feel represented in television. In addition, Levinson includes the representation of teens that turn to substance abuse as an outlet. For instance, Zendaya plays drug-addicted and emotionally unstable Rue. We watch as her father’s death takes a significant toll on her adolescence throughout the show. She had always struggled with mental illness, but her father’s passing marks the start of this addiction. Rue explains to her peers that she feels much more at ease when under the influence because it felt like her brain never rested when she was a child. She was constantly obsessed with the number of ceiling tiles and would become trapped in her thoughts. We watch Rue attempt to recover after she overdoses; however, the last episode of season one alludes to relapse.

Most noticeably, Euphoria discusses topics typically glossed over by other TV shows as it addresses gender identity, drug addiction, abusive relationships, body image, and the pressures imposed on women in contemporary society. For many of us, it was also the first time we saw a transgender woman star in a leading role on television. Hunter Schafer, the actress who portrays the character Jules, is Rue’s (played by Zendaya) love interest. We watch Jules develop as a character throughout the first season and discover her backstory. Learning about what she had been through helps viewers understand Jules’ constant need for love and In season two, Levinson captures just how ugly addiction can get. Rue indulges in more serious drugs as the season affirmation. progresses until a final breaking point arrives. Here, Not to mention, including a transgender character in a show Levinson reflects just how difficult it is for those reliant on geared towards an adolescent audience is a power move, to drugs to get clean while also going through withdrawals, and say the least. As a society, we have finally made progress watching a teenage girl suffer like that was a heartbreaking on coming to terms with the concept that gender is non- experience. This aspect of Euphoria definitely brings binary, and there is no label on what is considered feminine awareness to how severe and devastating drug use can be. or masculine. In season one, it seems very important to Jules In that current moment, it may seem thrilling and exciting, that womanhood is expressed through her hair, makeup, but it has the potential to leave lasting impacts on you and and clothing. However, Jules returns in season two with your community. 62

Not only does Levinson show the reality of addiction, but he also uses Euphoria to shed light on abusive relationships. We see Maddy, played by Alexa Demie, and Nate, played by Jacob Elordi, become involved in a toxic relationship. Despite the abuse Maddy endures, she truly thinks she is in love with Nate. Sadly, many individuals in abusive relationships are stuck in this same cycle. They start to have a warped perception of love and begin to think they may even deserve the harm inflicted upon them. Levinson has to shine a light on these dynamics because they are more common than one may think. Being in an abusive relationship does not always mean physical violence is involved, but Euphoria certainly portrays all aspects of a toxic partner. Previously, romanticizing this trope may have been considered desirable. I’m sure we have all heard someone in our lives claim they love toxic women/men. However, Euphoria paints a realistic picture of abuse and just how serious it is. Throughout both seasons, we see more authenticity than we typically would in other television. Prominently, we watch as Kat, played by Barbie Ferriera, struggles with body image. Kat tries to embrace her body type in season one by abolishing all previous beauty standards, claiming, “There is nothing more powerful than a fat girl who doesn’t give a f**k,” as she confidently struts through the mall wearing an outfit she loves. Later, Kat opens up about how she was embarrassed by her body type for years, eventually coming to the realization, “Honestly, who gives a s**t!” The more confident she feels, the more powerful she becomes. At the end of season one, we see Kat enter a relationship with a boy that makes her feel beautiful. However, as season two rolls around, she struggles in this relationship because she cannot understand why she doesn’t love him even though he treats her well. This is a struggle that many of us face and is hardly ever talked about on TV. Typically, the guy gets the girl, and everyone lives happily ever after. Levinson challenges this idea and introduces more realistic struggles in Euphoria. Further, Levinson also includes an abundance of symbolism that can be overlooked if you do not pay attention. For instance, each makeup look that characters wear is symbolic of their emotions and behaviors in the episode. Euphoria’s makeup artist, Donni Davy, really changed the makeup game when reintroducing glitter and jewels. After watching the show, many became inspired to try Euphoria makeup, including bright, bold looks that we do not see every day. Although testing these looks and stepping out of your comfort zone might make you feel a little uneasy at first, it’s fun and allows us to do something just for us. Typically, bare

faces and minimal makeup appease the male gaze, while Euphoria-style makeup completely defies it. Nevertheless, each crazy makeup look worn by the Euphoria characters is symbolic. For example, Davy did an “animalistic and fierce” look on Maddy for an episode that takes place the day after she fights with her abusive boyfriend, Nate. We also see Davy use less bold makeup on Sydney Sweeney’s character Cassie to portray her desire to appeal to the male gaze. Davy claims, “she’s trying to garner interest from male jocks, so her makeup looks a little bit more tailored toward a conventional sexy look.” Next, Davy uses more symbolism in Jules’ makeup look the day after a traumatic experience at the carnival, including bright red eyeshadow on the inner corner of her eye. She claims that the look was supposed to represent “how she’s dealing with these stressors. It’s not very healthy looking.” Overall, Davy makes an effort to include Jules’ mood while staying true to her character. After Euphoria’s release, we saw many people running to the store and purchasing makeup items to recreate Davy’s looks. Similarly, we see that many clothing items characters wore in Euphoria sold out almost immediately after the show’s release. This begs the question, why does Euphoria have Gen-Z in a chokehold? The only logical explanation is to credit its authenticity and how realistic we find it. High school is incredibly impactful, and this show represents our experiences unlike we have ever seen before. It discusses controversial topics, but makes us feel more understood. For the first time, many adolescents felt representation and could relate to many experiences endured by the Euphoria characters. Euphoria has a huge impact on many of today’s makeup and fashion trends, but most importantly, it has given us an alternative perspective. Experiencing high school was one thing, but watching actors live out similar instances on screen opens our eyes to the many different aspects we may have overlooked at the time. As of now, there is no telling how much more of a chokehold we will find ourselves in, especially now that season 3 is confirmed and on the way.

IT’S EMMA’S WORLD 66

we’re just living in it

Emma Chamberlain Goes From YouTuber To Entrepreneur, And We Love To See It

The YouTuber and podcast host to business owner pipeline has become extremely common in the digital creative field over the last few years. I’m not complaining; no one come for me! I’m just stating a well-known fact. Ask anyone. If you were to list all the YouTubers that slowly transitioned into the podcast space and also have some sort of business, there would be far too many to count on two hands. But, it’s all about adapting while also expanding your audience. Businesses are ever-growing and have the potential to expand alongside your audience as time passes. Emma Chamberlain knows this all too well. Chamberlain is currently racking up billion-plus views, hosting a flourishing podcast amongst her (mostly) Gen Z audience called “Anything Goes,” and her bonafide coffee company, Chamberlain Coffee, has been nonstop growing since its launch in 2019. It’s safe to say she’s exploring a wide range of possibilities for herself at the spry age of twenty. Oh, let’s not forget the subtle flex of regularly partnering with brands like Louis Vuitton and Pacsun on influencer collaboration, sponsored content, and marketing campaigns. Look at her go; they grow up so fast. Over the last few years, especially since she’s gained a larger following, brands have obviously caught on to Emma's impact on her audience. She could thrift the most questionable skirt and decide to post it on Instagram because she genuinely loves it, and it will nonetheless become a trend. Not to mention she’s one of Pinterest’s biggest “It Girls.” Almost every outfit Emma has ever posted on social media is on Pinterest. Everyone is trying to replicate her looks; she’s effortlessly chic in an “I don’t care what I look like, but I did thrift this entire outfit” way.

written by maria paula gonzales art by melania zilo

Fashion aside, Emma has recently decided to step back from posting regularly to Youtube, which is how she initially began her digital career. The twenty-year-old creator uploaded a podcast episode titled “the truth about youtube,” where she discusses in-depth (for almost an hour) where her head is at regarding the video platform she’s utilized over the past six years. “The pressure to be a weekly YouTuber, 365 days a year, is unrealistic, yet it’s the standard,” Chamberlain said in the podcast episode, “It is the standard that YouTubers hold themselves to but yet it is an impossible thing to keep up mentally.” I mean, she couldn’t be more right. She has to think about content all day, all the time, while also being in the public eye. It must be a lot to handle. Girl deserves a break, and it’s nice to see creators not go full burnout mode. Props to Miss Emma, though; creating content for Youtube, having a weekly podcast, and being an active part of Chamberlain Coffee is no joke. In the meantime, if you have not listened to “Anything Goes,” I strongly recommend it. Emma is wise and very strongly opinionated, which I absolutely am here for. She speaks on friendships, relationships, favorite products, and growing up. It’s a great time. I remember finding Emma’s Youtube channel back in early 2018 and thinking, “she’s herself.” It didn’t take much for her to get hundreds and thousands of views in the span of a few weeks. Fast forward a few years, and now it doesn’t take much for her to get millions of views in a few days. Emma has always been authentically herself, which is why people gravitate towards her. Whether she uploads a dollar store haul or a day in the life, it’s genuine. That’s it! There’s not much more to it, and that’s why her content works.

IT’S THE END OF THE F*CKING WORLD “When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned, only then will we realize that one cannot eat money.” - CREE INDIAN PROVERB

hat value does money have once life on Earth no longer exists? What does it matter how much crypto, gold, or paper is worth? As a society, we spend so much time coming up with ways to make a profit, but at the end of the world, money has no value without human life. Humans are the only species on Earth who have such disregard for our home planet, the same one that gives us a place to live and thrive. The world is crumbling around us; temperatures and sea levels are rising, the Earth is on fire, and ice caps are melting. Rather than attempting to erase some of the damage, humans look the other way in denial even when our own neighborhood is underwater or on fire. According to NASA, the Earth’s temperatures are the highest they’ve been in the last 2,000 years, and Arctic sea ice is declining by 13% each decade. Still, money remains the priority for so many who call this world home, and greed often takes overall precedence. Before long, parts of our world will be underwater. According to NASA, global sea levels have risen about 8 inches in the past 100 years; however, this has rapidly increased due to greenhouse gas emissions in the past decade alone. Cities like Miami could soon be underwater, the million-dollar homes along the coast flooded. Yet, construction continues. We turn a blind eye to the truth about climate change. We’ve been told the Earth is dying for decades, but we haven’t looked towards the problem. We don’t look up to see the sky falling. We look away from it. We look to our places of comfort. We focus on things that won’t matter when human life ceases to exist. We distract ourselves by shopping, going out, and watching television. We all know what is to come, but we can’t accept the truth. We think that maybe if we ignore it

just a little longer, it will go away. Maybe if we drink from reusable straws, all the plastic in the ocean will start to disappear. Maybe if we buy clothing made from organic cotton or recycled plastic, it will all be okay. Brands will greenwash plastics and push fast fashion to make money, claiming to be “eco-friendly” and “sustainable.” The companies who market these products see an opportunity to capitalize on sustainability, but in reality, as long as they make their profit, they don’t really care. While efforts put forth to remedy this problem, such as electric vehicles and alternative power sources, are nice in theory, it might be too little too late. For the time being, if we want any chance at living a little longer on Earth, sustainability need not be a trend but a means of survival. Money cannot erase the damage done. It cannot bring back the forests, the animals that have gone extinct, or the temperature down. It will only cause more destruction. If we have any chance at getting back some good karma, greed and consumerism must stop. Humans can’t look the other way in the face of a global crisis, especially when we are the cause. Money can’t buy us a new planet unless, of course, we figure out how to live in space like the Jetsons. Maybe it was foreshadowing—maybe flying cars and spaceship homes are the future. This story seems to align with ours: the advanced technology, the futuristic auto designs, and finally, Earth being uninhabitable. It might not be so bad, considering the views on the way back from work would truly be out of this world! After all, The Jetsons was set in 2062, which is not too far into the future. Perhaps we’re right on time.

Written by Emma Saunders Styled by Brandon Brownstein and Ally Nelson Photographed by Emma Saunders, Val Wiseman, and Sara Baum Hair and makeup by Sarah Glynn and Kallyani Prakash Art and layout by Serena Bruno Dress by Retro Stage

PEOPLE FILE story by Grace Wipfli art by Ava zum Tobel

ersistent throughout much of modern-day media, consumers are constantly being force-fed the same two or three faces. But why? More specifically, why are Kendall and Bella’s symmetrical faces plastered atop every handbag, sunglasses, jeans, and makeup campaign ever? Seriously, I need to know—why can’t I run from them. Shouldn’t these media outlets reflect more than just one portion of society? Although many industries, including advertising, fashion, and film, have made admirable strides in developing more diverse casting methods, there is still much work to be done in reaching full and equitable representation. In a recent survey by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Textiles and Fashion, it was revealed that sixty-eight percent of employees had experienced or witnessed discrimination in the fashion industry based on appearance or beliefs. Of these findings, the largest group at seventy-three percent stated this was based on body image, followed

by ethnicity, age, disability, gender, and religious expression. Further, in an annual 2021 Fashion Month study on the season’s overall casting trends, the report disclosed that diversity in size, gender, and age markedly plummeted, citing a fifty percent drop from the previous Spring 2021 castings, “there were only nineteen plus-size model castings, making up a paltry 1.16 percent of castings… We hope to see substantial upticks across all fields.”

equally accessible to all qualified candidates, and in 2021, sixty-five percent of all employed models were white. In the words of activist and writer Lottie Jackson at the Fashion Roundtable, “true representation is about authenticity, empathy, and collaboration. In fashion and politics, we must do everything to ensure that a full spectrum of identities are heard, valued, and showcased in the most creative of ways.” Thus, this is where People-file steps in.

Sadly, prejudice rampant among similar industries displays a lengthy history of institutionalized bias. For instance, according to a 2022 Statista report, forty-two percent of responding Americans wanted to see more racial diversity in advertising. However, based on employment data in the United States, it was calculated that Hispanic or Latino identifying employees accounted for only seven percent of the advertising sector, fifty percent of employees in fashion reported that a career in the industry is not

Meet Gabrielle Lawrence, founder of People-file, the alternative casting database. What started as a “personal project” for Lawrence quickly surmounted into becoming a well-known cultural phenomenon utilized by many large-scale brands. Established in 2016, People-file aims to discover unknown, unique, and underrepresented talent, “We believe in casting that is diverse in every form, through race, religion, social and economic statuses. We love all people.” This innovative database seeks to find exclusive

talent through traditional agencies, street casting, social media, and various other unconventional methods of casting for advertising, fashion, and film. Most significantly, People-file does not act as a talent agency but instead provides a platform for underrepresented individuals. Wielding a strong focus on finding unknown unique talent, the creatives behind People-file believe “there are lots of interesting people out there from far and wide that could go unnoticed… we are always looking for new faces to add to our casting database.” Notably, some of the casting database’s most high profile clients to date have included Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Zara, Stella McCartney, Awake NY, i-D, Retro Superfuture, Farfetch, DAZED, Arena Homme, anOther, Alexander Mcqueen, Adidas, M le Monde, JW Anderson, Simone Rocha, Stussy, T magazine and Fantastic Man. Reflecting on spotlighting different variations of beauty in the media, Lawrence admits, “It’s such an important element of any production. I’m really drawn to street-casting as it’s really about finding

those unknown characters who are somewhat unaware of their beauty.” Similarly, People-files Instagram acts as an incredibly influential medium of visibility and outreach for their talent. The company’s account features a wide assortment of individuals and posts many unique faces, Lawrence ultimately hoping that “with the growth of social media platforms, people will be able to be scouted digitally anywhere.” Whether you’d like to face it or not, the media industry is preferential in representing particular features and faces— the statistics don’t lie. However, more importantly, the state of our culture doesn’t lie either. While these sectors have made significant progress over the past decade in diversifying the entirety of casting procedures, this is not synonymous with inclusivity, and younger generations are beginning to awaken to the fervent need for representation. Working tirelessly to reflect a more realistic population of consumers, People-file is paving the way for much more inclusivity and representation, all the while urging the industry, as a whole, to follow along in stride.

“I’m really drawn to street-casting as it's really about finding those unknown characters who are somewhat unaware of their beauty.”

WHAT IS

SEXY?

By Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret

oes my natural figure and what I choose to wear make me less deserving of a man’s respect for me as a human being? This is the age-old question that women constantly ask themselves. Dressing in what would be considered provocative, today’s society is leaning towards not caring about what women wear. However, boomers continue to voice their ancient opinions. As a female, such degrading comments are almost inevitable when in public. Even in a baggy t-shirt and sweats, no one is safe from slut-shaming and other inappropriate comments. As normalized as it has become, this issue targets violence towards primarily young women. Gen Z and Millenials are stepping up to fight this display of sexism and finally reclaim the male gaze, feeling sexy not for the enjoyment of men—but ourselves.

Styled by Kennedy Carbert and Chloe Smeader Photographed by Sage Holaway, Emma Saunders, and Max Williams Hair and makeup by Sarah Glynn and Kallyani Prakash Layout by Adriana Gioeni

The “traditional” beliefs of older men (and even some women) are deeply rooted in their minds by society. Only a few decades ago, many believed the institutionalized purpose of women was to be in the service of a man, cooking, cleaning, and raising kids. Women were not to expose themselves too much, or else they wouldn’t find a man to support them. While times have changed and we’ve shied away f r o m such harsh dress codes, these stigmatizations are still prominent in schools. For girls as young as those in elementary school, dress codes are implemented. That means no spaghetti straps, no tank tops, and no shorts or skirts shorter than the length of your arm. Even in school, my classmates and I didn’t understand why such rules existed. Imagine wearing a polo shirt with khakis in South Florida’s scorching 80 degrees. Itchy, uncomfortable skirts were allowed, yet I still saw many friends pass out from the heat. We were conditioned to understand that we must comply with these dress codes from a young age. Growing up, not much changed. After grades K-12, Karens, Kevins, and other conservatives continued to give us their unwanted opinions on how we were dressed. There were comments like, “Does your mom know you’re dressed like that?” Or, “My mother would never let me leave the house in that!” And, of course, “You’ll never find a respectable man in that outfit.” You’d think that as times have changed, so too would people’s mindsets… I guess not. But that’s a conversation for another day. Considering that boomers still cry over teens wearing crop tops, it’s fair to say some things never change, one of those being the idea that sex sells. This concept has been a thing since, well, forever. Even in the 1950s, Marylin Monroe’s style led her to become a sex symbol. Of course, she was a good person, yet somehow she’s most known for her face and body (thanks to society). Pondering this idea, Playboy also comes to mind, and they too have been around since the 1950s. Although, the gentlemen’s magazine is now moving towards sex positivity and artistic expression on a new platform to keep up with the times. Along the same lines, TV commercials have always taken advantage of “sex sells” by using pretty actors or suggestive language to catch viewers’ attention. Even Rihanna has taken advantage of this tactic. Her lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, recruits exclusively hot people to serve as ambassadors in promoting her brand and expanding its reach. However, within fashion, nudity is often ignored. The “Free the Nipple” campaign has been around for about ten years now, and showing your breasts is now considered high fashion as a result. The most iconic example was when Rihanna wore a naked Swarovski dress by Adam Selman in 2014. Another paradigm would be any Kate Moss party outfit from the 90s ever. In reality, seeing nudity on the runway

is nothing new. Similarly, female nudity appearing on television is not deemed a big deal when compared to male nudity. Take, for example, HBO Max’s Euphoria. Ask any guy who isn’t watching this show to explain why they refuse, and they most will say it’s because they don’t want to look at an actor’s manhood. No one bats an eye when Cassie takes her shirt off, but god forbid a penis comes on the screen. Why the double standard? The male gaze has unfairly placed men on a pedestal while objectifying women for a long time. Essentially, the male gaze justifies sexualizing women and treating them as anything less than human, that the male desire is what matters most, and that women should simply comply. Initially, this idea came from provocative female characters seen in movies and TV shows. These characters would feed into men’s fantasies, later affecting women’s self-esteem, reinforcing male entitlement, and manifesting in catcalls, staring, and uncomfortable remarks. Although past generations have significantly suffered due to demeaning comments, Millennial and Gen Z women have had enough and are reclaiming that same male gaze. When choosing what to wear, some men believe we’re doing it solely for their attention and pleasure. For this reason, we must combat the male gaze and be unafraid to wear what makes us feel sexy. The male gaze is everywhere, and unfortunately, it’s not going away unless we as a society do something about it. We perceive so many different forms of media every day. Television, films, music, social media, advertisements, and more contribute to the way we see society. Not to mention, those mediums are a reflection of our beliefs and ideals as well. However, in terms of what is sexy, there is a common theme: confidence. For instance, in Euphoria, Maddy reassures Lexi while doing her makeup that “90% of life is confidence. And the thing about confidence is no one knows if it’s real or not.” Not to be dramatic, but it changed how I perceived confidence while battling insecurity for so long. And of course, who are we not to take Maddy’s advice? The way she carries and values herself in the show reflects her confidence. This tends to reign true in any other culture as well, modest or not. Certain countries don’t let women show much skin or any at all, although how they carry themselves and their self-assurance goes a long way, representing self-worth beyond mere looks. Many believe that being seen as sexy only goes as far as what you do or don’t have on, or whether or not you won the genetic lottery. In actuality, it mostly consists of a reflection of your true self. All of us can be sexy with confidence, and not only will that poise help us look hot, but also live a better life.

What The F*ck is an NFT? R

ight when everyone thought they understood the concept of cryptocurrency, NFTs (more specifically, questions asked by the finance bros) made us doubt ourselves once again. Initially, we only had to understand Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and blockchains. But now, we are left clueless again, wondering: WTF is an NFT? First, you may be wondering whether there is truly a difference between cryptocurrency and NFTs. The short answer is yes. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are fungible, meaning you can easily trade one bitcoin for another; it will possess the same value. However, NFT stands for non-fungible token, a term describing items that cannot be exchanged or replaced with assets of the same value. In other words, no two NFTs are the same. Think of an NFT as a SHEIN dupe. That SHEIN skirt may look similar to the one made by your favorite brand, however, it is not of the same value and is in fact not the same as the original. NFTS are units of data that authenticate digital content on blockchains. Such content may include drawings, music, GIFS, video game items, trading cards, and even memes. In addition, NFTs often allow artists to monetize their digital art more efficiently, whereas previously, digital art could be screenshotted and saved free of cost. Therefore, NFTs have made it easier to own and sell digital content. Almost all NFTs are sold on the Ethereum blockchain, but they can also be purchased through other online marketplaces, including OpeanSea, SuperRare, Nifty Gateway, and Foundation. If you are still unfamiliar with crypto lingo, you may be unsure of what a blockchain is. Blockchains are a set of blocks (transactions put into groups) that form a database and record information. In essence, they store the data of most cryptocurrency transactions, making it very challenging to hack the system. Nonetheless, any artist willing to sell

their pieces digitally runs the risk of facing technological errors. If this occurs, the artist could be left without the money they are owed. Although the internet seems to be crypto-crazed and obsessed with NFTs, there are definitely some precautions to take before diving into this dimension. For instance, many cybercriminals are using the hype to their advantage, promising to disperse NFT information via an Excel sheet but instead wind up sending the receiver malware. Even worse, this intrusive software can grant cybercriminals the power to access your webcam and personal information. Also, theft can more easily occur within NFT marketplaces when unverified creators list pieces for sale, quickly becoming a more serious issue if the image is stolen, duplicated, linked with a token, or sold on a different marketplace. If this happens, the link to the original work is lost, and only the fraudulent reproduction turns a profit. This is rather frustrating for the original artist as it costs money to sell NFTs on the blockchain; Ethereum NFTS currently sitting anywhere between $70 and $300 to sell. Although, before doing so, NFTs must be minted or “coined” prior to sale. Minting NFTs gives them value, just as real metal coins must be minted when created under state authority. After an NFT is minted, a smart contract is signed that allows the NFT to be stored on a specific blockchain. Essentially, this contract assures that the artists will receive compensation every time the NFT is sold. However, smart contracts are not entirely legally binding and could potentially leave artists unable to retrieve lost money. Clearly, there are risks in place for buyers and sellers of NFTs, and at this point, you may be asking, what’s with all the craze? Selling NFTs has the potential to make the artist a lot of money, and purchasing an NFT gives the buyer digital ownership over this

work. Thinking about it in terms of the physical realm, imagine it’s as if anyone can buy a copy of their favorite painting. However, only one person can own the original. NFTs are similar in the sense that almost anyone can screenshot and save digital content, but if you own the NFT, you technically own the content. This idea of ownership has caused a commotion among the crypto community. Moreover, NFT owners can also collect art in hopes of increasing its value. Once the value increases, they could sell the piece and turn a profit. Yet, some NFTs are more valuable than others. For instance, Logan Paul sold video clips that can also be viewed on YouTube for up to $20,000. Even a GIF of the Nyan Cat sold for $600,000. Other NFTs can be purchased through online games, such as virtual items like guns or swords. This is considered a major flex in the gaming community as users would not be able to regularly purchase these specific items. If your interest is piqued and buying NFTs intrigues you, there is a simple way to get started. First, you must choose the marketplace you want to browse. Then, you must discover which type of currency you will need. Typically, NFTs are bought with ether, the Ethereum network currency. Ether can be converted from U.S. dollars on exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini. After this, you will need to create a digital wallet to store your currency connected to a marketplace where NFTs can be purchased. Once you have connected your digital wallet with an online marketplace, the buying can begin. Oftentimes, NFTs are sold through an auction-style system where potential buyers can place bids, although other sites that may allowyou to buy the NFT without bidding for a set price. There is an abundance of marketplaces that all sell different types of NFTs and have their own sets of rules. For instance, NBA Top Shot sells

written by bella kubach art by ava zum tobel

sports collectibles; meanwhile, Axie Infinity sells video game items. No matter what kind of NFT you are looking to buy, you must go about it cautiously. The amount of electricity needed to run the Ethereum network has frequently led to carbon emissions, so there is a possibility that buying and selling NFTs could affect our environment in the future. Overall, NFTs do not look like they will be going away anytime soon. The global NFT market is projected to exceed $3.5 trillion by 2030. Many believe that NFTs are here to stay, and they must not be considered a fad as they have already immersed themselves in pop culture. Some of the most popular memes, including “Grumpy Cat,” sell for thousands of dollars. There is even a possibility that future NFTs could contain celebrity memorabilia. All in all, we can admit that NFTs are the latest craze amongst the crypto-community. However, there is no telling how much money people will pay to “own” their favorite image or meme. 87

THE FUTURE IS

ELECTRIC

iven the acceleration in 21st-century technology and its impact on how we interact with the world at large, it is fair to assert we are currently living in one of the most transformative times in human history. However, if you haven’t already noticed, the electric vehicle is one of the most popular innovations invading the consumer market today. Interestingly, the number of electric cars, buses, vans, and heavy trucks on our modern roads is expected to rise from the 10 million we have now to 145 million by the end of the decade. More importantly, it is predicted that if “governments increase efforts to meet international energy and climate goals,” this amount could soon surpass 230 million. So, buckle your seatbelts because we are entering a major paradigm shift, and the electric vehicle revolution is here. Believe it or not, electric forms of transportation have actually been in development for quite some time now. The first electric vehicle (EV) prototype was introduced in 1832 by Scottish inventor Robert Anderson, although 88

BY GRACIE WIPFLI ART BY AVA ZUM TOBEL

his initial version was more of a motorized carriage. Batteries, AKA galvanic cells, powered this fledgling EV, so the carriage wasn’t necessarily practical and could not transport passengers very far. The concept of electric vehicles became much more viable after a late 1880s development in rechargeable batteries, thus increasing popularity in the United States and Europe. In 1890, the first patent on electric carriages was granted to Scottish chemist William Morrison, his groundbreaking vehicle featuring front-wheel drive, four horsepower, and a whopping top speed of 20 mph. While this early model focused on optimizing battery life rather than actual mobility, it nonetheless inspired a slew of subsequent inventors in further developing EVs. Fast forward about ten decades, and these vehicles continue to attract considerable attention and extensive scientific research. Launched in 2008 and serving as the world’s first-ever “all-electric sedan,” Tesla’s Roadster unveiled a “cutting-edge battery technology and electric powertrain,” with the company’s newer models being able to reach a record 0-60 mph

acceleration time in just 2.28 seconds. Nowadays, Teslas have quickly become a widely recognized EV; in fact, the Tesla Model 3 was the world’s most popular plug-in electric vehicle with worldwide unit sales of roughly 501,000 in 2021. Although, as interest in this innovative technology continues to rise, so too does the competition, development, and stakes. Let’s begin for now with the positive benefits electric vehicles may offer. First, electric cars are more energy-efficient than traditional gas-powered vehicles. The term “energy efficient” refers to the amount of energy from the fuel source converted into actual energy for powering the wheels of a car. Thus, electric vehicles provide a much better option as their batteries convert upwards of 59 percent energy into vehicle movement as opposed to gas-powered conversion rates of 17 percent. In other words, you’re probably wasting your own time at the gas station by exerting more energy to receive less payoff. Bummer. Another positive aspect of electric vehicles centers around their high performance and low

maintenance. For instance, “EV motors are not only quiet and smooth but require less maintenance than internal combustion engines.” On top of this, these vehicles allow a far more enjoyable driving experience as the motor reacts incredibly quickly with substantial torque and more digitally advanced technology. Yet, regardless of perks and features, the most apparent benefit of electric vehicles is the positive contribution they can make towards improving air quality in towns and cities, “With no tailpipe, pure electric cars produce no carbon dioxide emissions when driving. This reduces air pollution considerably.” While there are certainly positive aspects to this revolution, there are also, unfortunately, a few downsides. Arguably most noticeable are the extreme price tags paired with these vehicles, the average upfront cost sitting at a steep $56,437, not including the regularly replaceable battery packs. Despite this, fuel savings, taxes, and state incentives can help offset this cost when available. Another setback to electric vehicles concerns the distance they can travel per full charge, many models ranging between a measly 60 to 120 miles. In contrast, regular fuel-powered cars can travel up to an average of 300 miles per full tank of gas, “with even more fuel-efficient vehicles getting much higher driving ranges.” Such disadvantages are only exacerbated by a scarcity of public charging stations and the expensive cost of home charging stations, including “$500 for the Tesla home charger and another $500 to $6500 in installation costs, depending on the home's existing power capacity and wiring.” So, an electric vehicle may not be the right car for you as of now if you take frequent road trips and travel long distances. But don’t get too complacent just yet because the full force of this revolution is quickly approaching. Consider this: a recent study from the primary research service BloombergNEF estimated that “By 2040, more than half (57%) of passenger car sales will be electric, while electric buses will completely dominate the market, comprising more than four-fifths of sales (81%), according to clean energy analysts.” The main factors stunting widespread EV adoption have to do with the aforementioned issues pertaining to hefty price tags, a lack of charging stations, and short driving ranges.

But are these disadvantages truly able to bar this market's global potential? It looks as if no, the president of the European Association for Electromobility, Espen Hauge, stating, “that these issues are well on the way to being solved, with hundreds of new models coming on to the market over the next few years, with ranges of 200 miles or more.” Further, the United States Federal Government has begun highly incentivizing a nationwide switch to electric vehicles, offering upwards of $7,500 in tax rebates. Although it will likely take some time to phase out gasoline cars entirely, most automakers plan to transition into fully electric production by 2035, “There are plans for more than a dozen EV and battery factories in the U.S., including four new GM plants in Michigan, and others in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. FedEx, Walmart, and Hertz have made huge EV orders.” As for recent developments in the electric vehicle industry, Teslas in tunnels are now a thing! In 2021, The Boring Company, an American infrastructure construction service founded by Elon Musk, won approval from local officials to move forward with building a network of vehicle tunnels underneath Las Vegas. Coined the “Vegas Loop,” passengers will be able to take Tesla rides to and from the hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, the new football stadium, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and McCarran International Airport. The construction firm is also in talks to build a transit system in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While some critics have said that the tunnel systems are nothing more than a less efficient version of the subway, if handled correctly, this could likely be a significant win for public transportation. In the meantime, expect to see newer 2022 electric vehicle models by leading automakers such as Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, and more. With the hopes that EVs will soon become more accessible, potential buyers must first consider what works best before proceeding. Overall, similar to any other purchase, individuals must assess their current, tangible need for an electric vehicle in tandem with personal factors and total car usage. However, considering that electric vehicles are highly forecasted to appeal in wider mass markets- get ready to ditch the gas pump because the future is here, and it’s electric.

Styled and curated by Alyssa Chimenti and Nicole Ruiz Photographed by Logan Reliford, Kimara Pretlow, and Adriana Hurtado Hair and Makeup by Kallyani Prakash, Sarah Glynn Art and layout by Ava zum Tobel Jewelry by Vitaly

oung people tend to overwork themselves, and considering how the modern world operates, this lingering stress can make our days feel like eternities. Nonetheless, it is needless to say that everyone could benefit from an occasional night out. Maybe even a weekly night out? Hitting the town is meant to be an untroubled, carefree break from the tension of day-to-day life, so why do these environments leave many women feeling even more stressed? Sadly, ladies have been conditioned to fear the dismal probability of date rape, being taken advantage of, drink spiking, and harassment—just to name a few. Vulnerable environments like first dates or walking alone at night undoubtedly make most females feel unsafe. Two of the most common precautions recorded to avoid sexual assault include “informing others of your location” and “not drinking too much.” Is there even a question as to why girls can never let loose? Seeing as this is the twenty-first century, it is a damn shame that women still have to take extra precautions during a night out and about.

While it may seem as though we have made significant progress, the world still owes it to women to find a better way of handling this frightening reality. For instance, drink spiking dates back to 1903, yet similar cases have only increased over the past decade. The United Kingdom Essex Police reported that back in 2019, only sixty-nine drink spiking instances were caught. Now only imagine the sheer number of cases

that went unrecorded. Further, according to Stephanie Rivero, the assistant coordinator for CARE to Stop Violence at the University of Maryland, over ninety percent of sexual assaults involve alcohol. So, what’s the solution? For women to not drink? Luckily, most of society has recognized that this is a detrimental problem for everyone, specifically women, that needs to be addressed. It is a daunting topic to discuss, but in order for feminism to prevail, we can not brush it under the rug. As of late, there have been several attempts at finding a solution. In 2014, Mike Bokman and Frank Mills created DrinkLock, a tamper-resistant cover to be placed over one’s drink. Although this invention boasted a lot of potential, one major downside stemmed from people forgetting to actually put the device on their drinks in the first place. Likewise, tracking devices such as Life360 and Apple’s Find My Friends were also created to solve similar issues. As long as the user’s phone is powered on, both apps allow you to check your family and friends’ whereabouts immediately. If the user chooses, both Life360 and Find My Friends have the ability to notify contacts when they leave or arrive at certain places. However, like most other apps, there are noticeable flaws. Unless the user pays the money, Life360 only allows two locations to be set up, and while Find My Friends is phenomenal, it only works for Apple devices. So, if one of your family members has an Android, you’re out of luck.

One of the most significant disadvantages is that neither app works without service. Many nightclubs are located in areas that do not have good signals or provide extremely laggy internet. Thus, if you are separated from someone in your group throughout the night, Life360 nor Find My Friends would be helpful, and there would be virtually no way for them to get in touch with the group if they are put in an uncomfortable or threatening situation. Thinking about yourself or a loved one being in that dangerous position makes you want nothing more but to find a real solution that works, despite lousy service. Fortunately, a new innovation currently under development may prove groundbreaking in the face of the women’s safety epidemic. We constantly hear startling incidents about such impending danger, and women worldwide are yearning for the key to a resolution. Could we potentially find the answer in this new app? Combining Bluetooth and emerging micro-location technology, Where You At is the newest application that allows users to see the precise location of their friends. Founded by university students Tamzin Lent and Olivia Leigh, Where You At does not depend on a secure internet connection, unlike Life360 and Find My Friends. Crediting her co-founder, Leigh states Lent “saw time and time again that herself or her friends were being put in unnecessarily dangerous situations. They didn’t need to be that dangerous; they just were because there was no solution. The fact is that when you go out clubbing, are drunk, and in a dark, crowded place with no service, that’s when you lose your friends. The situations can be a bit annoying to incredibly dangerous. She felt the solution needed to be made.” Remarkably, Lent and Leigh’s app uses Bluetooth to connect groups of friends, meaning that you can be in contact no matter where you are—whether in the woods, in an alley, or anywhere without a remote connection, “This is a good solution to a big problem we have now which is a lack of connection in venues, and this addresses that,” Leigh explains to us. Another unique function of Where You At is its ability to pin specific individuals during your night out, meanwhile creating a virtual group that displays each person’s actual position. Where You At also differs from other standard apps because users can view the distinct whereabouts of their friends within specific layouts of clubs or facilities, unlike Life360 and Find My Friends, which only show the building or street the person is located. This new female-founded platform can even pinpoint the exact seat where your friend is sitting! How does this work? Well, the Where You At team partners with and explores specific venues themselves. Following this, the team meticulously maps out the venue and transfers these layouts to the app. The accuracy will be enormously helpful in the future.

In addition, Where You At also allows users to press an SOS button that instantly warns their circle of friends about an emergency. You can also see where the SOS button has been called, which will also be immensely useful. The app had been on trial across the UK for months and was recently released in March of 2022. Leigh informed us that the app will launch in moderation across the UK, stating, “We are gradually launching this just to make sure it is safe and that the technology is one hundred percent effective.” When asked about expanding the app’s reach to the United States, she admits, “We would love to. The next few months are just about testing because we need to make sure everyone can use this technology effectively.” Impressively, Cambridge University awarded Where You At for its innovation before the app was even ready for testing, “We won the Downing Enterprise award in a start-up competition, receiving a cash and a pitch prize which allowed us to get the technology off the ground further,” explained Leigh. Since then, the app has been recognized by notable platforms such as The Guardian, Time Out, Dazed, We Rave You, Varsity, and Lippy Magazine. The developers also have a strong partnership with Night Time Industries Association, an organization in the UK that significantly impacts the nighttime economy by sustaining relations with policymakers. From alcohol to creepy strangers, every single nightlife venue has safety risks. Unfortunately for women, society has not positioned us to sit back and relax, so preparing oneself for potentially dangerous situations is essential. However, it is not fair for anyone to live in a constant state of worry, especially during a time that is supposed to be enjoyable. Innovations such as Where You At will hopefully alleviate similar concerns, and working diligently to solve this issue will eventually allow girls, and all people, a genuinely pleasant night out. Conveying her excitement regarding the app’s release, Leigh states, “We are excited to hear the experiences of this app making people feel safer. Literally, one story like this would be enough to make us all feel good and excited about pushing forward.” Therefore, we must continue taking the steps and precautions necessary to one day get to that place. But, in the meantime, Where You At is giving women the desirable hope of one day walking the dark streets without fear.

written by lili jahromi art by serena bruno

written by lili jahromi art by serena bruno 97

prada uchiha “VOL 0”

Strike Magazine Boca Issue 05

Articles inside

Strike Magazine Boca Issue 05

The Y2K, Futuristic, Denim-Inspired Dreamland of FW22

Nothing But Net and a Nice Gucci Set

The Art of Dopamine Dressing

Digging Through Mom’s Closet Again? Same

Fashion in the Metaverse

Strike Says: Love your Boobs

The Toxic Relationship We’re All Stuck In