TABLE OF C Letter from the Editor.....4-5 Masthead.....6-7 The Rise of Alt Latino Artists.....8-9 Top 15 Songs for Every Quincenera.....10-13 The Birth of Streetstyle.....14-15 Love Yourself.....16-17 Ariana Grande’s Iconic Fashion Looks.....18-19 FABSCRAP.....20-23 Alexia Hill Poem.....24-25
2
CONTENTS
3
Letter from th Hello, and welcome back to The Chic Mag. In this issue, The Chic Mag writers focused on fashion, music and Hispanic Heritage Month. With stories ranging from fashion’s role in the world of music, emphasis on Hispanic musicians and their impact on the music industry, as well as a look at some of the best fashion looks at this year’s concert festivals. As you read through this issue, you will see the impact fashion has on the music industry and the musical icons we all know and love. Additionally, you will see the cultural impact that musicians of Hispanic descent have brought into their music and how that culture has diversified and continues to change the music industry in various ways. With much anticipation and excitement, we introduce to you, the October issue of The Chic Mag. Enjoy.
4
the Editor.
5
6
LAUREN LIPPERT -- PRESIDENT AUTUMN SCHIEFERSTEIN -- VICE PRESIDENT MORGAN COLE -- CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF ASHLYN ROBINETTE -- CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF GRACE COPPERTHITE -- MANAGING EDITOR KENZEL WILLIAMS -- CO-SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR ELLA HO CHING -- CO SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR RILEY ANDERSON-- DIGITAL ASSISTANT CAMERON RUBNER -- MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR GABRIELLA HERRAN -- CONTENT DIRECTOR MAJA PEIRCE -- CREATIVE DIRECTOR ALEXIA HILL -- GRAPHIC DESIGNER SYDNEY HUYGE-- GRAPHIC DESIGNER DAVID ULLOA -- WRITER ALEXIS WATKINS -- WRITER DAILYIN MORALES -- WRITER ASHLEE ELLIOT-- WRITER
ALEXIS HUERTER -- WRITER
7
F
or better or for worse, the term “Latino/a artist” is fading away from the music industry at large as more artists of Latino descent, such as those who are presented, are simply labeled as “artists.” Despite the term “Latino/a artist” fading away, the musicians presented in this list continue to incorporate aspects of their Latino/x/e culture within their music.
Chicano Batman Chicano Batman is a four-piece group of Latino artists who come from different Latino backgrounds, according to a biography from KCET, a public broadcasting service in California. The group members include: Bardo Martínez, who is half Colombian and half Mexican; Eduardo Arenas, who is Mexican American; Gabriel Villa, who is Colombian; and Carlos Arévalo, who is of Salvadoran and Mexican descent. Compared to other Latino artists, Chicano Batman has taken a different approach to its music as they did not cross over from one language to another. A prominent example of this is their version of “This Land is Your Land.” In its version of the song, Chicano Batman sang the song in both English and Spanish (“Spanglish” for slang). Chicano Batman expressed cultural pride in this song by singing portions of it in Spanish while expressing American patriotism. In addition to “This Land is Your Land,” Chicano Batman has produced albums that include Spanish
8
and English songs. An example of this is its “Cycles of Existential Rhyme” which include psychedelic rock songs, such as “Para Agradecer,” that are sung entirely in Spanish. The sounds of Chicano Batman resemble the Latino rock artists who came before it such as Carlos Santana. However, Chicano Batman differs from them as each song has a unique experimental sound to them.
Cuco Omar Banos, also known by his stage name, “Cuco,” is a Mexican American singersongwriter who brings Latin flair into the indie-music category in a way that allows him to break out of the Latino category without completely abandoning Latino elements. For example, in one of his most known songs, “Lo Que Siento,” which translates to, “What I Feel,” Cuco interlocks Spanish and English to sing about how the girl he likes makes him feel. The song has instrumentals that fit more of a lofi and indie category but the lyrics give a Chicano rap vibe that infuses English with it. Cuco continues to cross-intersect Latin elements into several of his songs. He remixes older well-known Mexican songs with more modern instrumentation that fuses with the Spanish lyrics. One song that Cuco particularly does this on is, “Piel Canela.” The original song was
The Rise of A Latino A
made by the Mexican trio Los Panchos and is categorized as a “bolero song” because the song is used for bolero, a Spanish dance characterized by sharp turns and stamping of the feet. Cuco’s version uses the same lyrics and melody as the Los Panchos version but has a more upbeat instrumental. Cuco not only manages to make his own style without being boxed in as a Latino artist who only makes Latino music, but he also allows himself the opportunity to experiment with more mainstream music and infuses Latin elements without feeling the need to be categorized to one specific genre.
Alternative Artists
Omar Apollo
Omar Apolonio Velasco, or Omar Apollo as most of us know him by, is a Mexican American singer-songwriter who sings in both Spanish and English. Apollo is best known for his Spanglish-language infused retro-soul and R&B music. His latest album, “Apolonio,”, showcases this mixture of Latin elements and modern R&B with songs such as “I’m Amazing” and “Dos Uno Nueve (219).” On “I’m Amazing,” Apollo raps and sings in both English and Spanish on a R&B beat. He continues to defy genres with “Dos Uno Nueve (219),” which layers Latin-infused instrumental with Chicano rap and brings a more modern sound to the table. The song is an ode to Apollo’s hometown 219 area code in Indiana. Apollo mixes Latin influences within his music in a way that defies being tied down to one genre (Latin)
but rather mixes various genres to fit his own individual style.
Kali Uchis Karly-Marina Loaiza, better known by her stage name, Kali Uchis, is a Colombian American artist and singer. Uchis is very vocal on her Colombian roots, and she ensures that it is heard in her work. “Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios),” her latest album which features the hit “Telepatía,” has not only led Uchis to become widely known on a mainstream level but this album is also her first ever Spanish record and showcases her Latin background in a way that is not strictly categorized as the Latin genre. Uchis mixes both Spanish and English on the hit record, “Telepatía,” and mixes it in with R&B, reggaeton and a pop feel. Despite this being her first Spanishinfused album, Uchis’ music is not to be categorized within just the Latin genre but also pop and R&B due to the different instrumentation mixed in with Spanglish on various songs. These artists all embrace their Latino roots in one way or another without feeling boxed in or categorized within the Latino genre. Using Latin influences, these artists imbed the Latin elements they grew up with and are inspired by into their own style. By implementing their Hispanic culture into their music and mixing it with various other genres, these rising Latino artists are breaking barriers within American mainstream music. By: Gabriella Herran and David Ulloa
9
15 15 Essential Essential Quin Quin T
he playlist of the quinceañera, or “quince,” has evolved with every passing generation, but there are some songs that are consistently played and it would not be a quince without them. A quinceañera is the celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday and her transition from girlhood to womanhood. The Latino/x/e community is a diverse group of people with equally diverse genres of music, so every quinceañera is different and the playlists vary. However, the atmosphere of a quinceañera does not change. It is a celebration that can have hundreds of guests from different places. Family members that may have not seen each other in years, or may have never even met, come together as one. For one rare beautiful night, the entire family celebrates and dances to music that has transcended generations. This article will provide a non-ranked list of the 15 essential songs for every quinceañera. “Las Mañanitas” by various artists This song is not only sung on 15th birthdays, but on most birthdays within the Latino/x/e community. “Las Mañanitas” is a piece sung by various artists including Vicente Fernández and Cepillín, a Mexican clown who hosted a Spanish TV show. The timelessness of this song is best captured in the Cepillín version of the song. In
10
his version, Cepillin asked the birthday person how old they are and proceeded to list ages from 1-100. Cepillin then said that their age does not matter and wished the birthday person a happy birthday. In Cepillin’s version, the combination of his soft voice and keyboard at the opening of the song reminds the listener of their past childhood birthdays. The opening is then followed by a loud trumpet that starts the celebration of a wonderful occasion. “El Son de la Negra” by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán The first version of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Mariachi Vargas for short, was formed in 1898 as a quartet, according to a biography by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. “El Son de la Negra” has become one of their signature songs and is essential for any quinceañera that has a mariachi present. When the lyrics are translated literally, they are a bit of a mystery. However, the opening trumpet of the song draws the listener’s attention while the fast tempo keeps their attention. Even someone who does not know how to dance the fast traditional dance of Ballet Folklorico, cannot help but tap their feet to the steadily increasing tempo. The opening yell, also known as “El Grito,” and synchronized voices of the mariachi make a person release their immense joy in the form of “El Grito.”
nceañera nceañera Songs Songs “Baila Esta Cumbia” by Selena y Los Dinos Is it a quinceañera if there is not at least one song by Selena? Selena y Los Dinos’ “Baila Esta Cumbia” calls their listener to get up and dance to the beat of the cumbia. If the infectious beat of the song does not make a person dance, then it will at least make them bop their head to the sound of the cumbia. “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee The lyrics of this song are sensual, to say the least. Due to their content, they cannot be directly quoted. However, this song did what few Latino/ x/e musicians have done. It “crossed over.” In other words, the song gained popularity among both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking listeners. The lyrics might not get the listener’s attention, but the fast yet graceful rhythm takes over the listener’s body and makes them want to yell “despacito.” “El Sinaloense” by various artists A banda classic. Banda (band in English) is a traditional Mexican music genre that is usually
upbeat with dancers performing moves such as dips and jumps in their dance. The song’s loud trumpets at the beginning are a sign for people to get up and dance (or at least learn how to dance banda on the fly). “La Puerta Negra” by Los Tigres del Norte Norteños are a traditional music genre originating from the northern regions of Mėxico with influences from German polka in its use of the accordion. “La Puerta Negra” is a song about a person who is in love with someone despite their parents disapproving of their love. Like most Los Tigres del Norte songs, the lyrics are deep. But the accordion and brass just make a person want to dance. This song was originally released in 2015 as a bolero (a Latino music genre with jazz influences) by Natalia Lafourcade, but it was rereleased three years later as a cumbia. The song describes a person who is deeply in love with someone, but the person they are in love with does not feel the same way and only seeks to play with their love. Like the previous song, the lyrics are deep, but the beat and voice of the singer are a cry of emotion.
11
“La Chona” by Los Tucanes de Tijuana Los Tucanes de Tijuana was the first norteño group to perform at Coachella, according to a 2019 Rolling Stone article. What song does a norteño group play to hundreds of festivalgoers? They play “La Chona,” of course. “La Chona” is an upbeat song that combines the cowbell, accordion and several other instruments to tell a story about a woman who becomes the center of attention at a club by dancing the “Quebradita,” a fast traditional Mexican dance that sometimes involves flipping a female partner in the air. “Propuesta Indecente” by Romeo Santos Bachata is a music genre that originated in the Dominican Republic. Romeo Santos’ popularity among bachata listeners in the Dominican Republic and beyond led to him being dubbed the “King of Bachata.” Like “Despacito,” this song cannot be quoted due to the nature of the lyrics. However, the beat and Romeo Santos’ voice transports the listener to the streets of Santo Domingo and makes the listener want to learn how to dance the bachata. “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” by Celia
12
Cruz Celia Cruz, also known as the “Queen of Salsa,” describes life as a carnival in this song. “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” called out those who state that life is bad. Celia Cruz said that life is beautiful if a person chooses to live their life singing rather than crying. Essentially, Cruz said that life is more beautiful if a person chooses to live a life of joy. The trumpets and the percussion of the song only add to the joyous and powerful lyrics.It is not only an ultimate addition to a quinceañera playlist, but it is an epic party song. “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony This song is bold. Released in 2013, “Vivir Mi Vida” is about a person declaring that they will live their life to the fullest. The singer chooses to live, laugh, and dance rather than let life roll over them. In the HBO documentary “The Latin Explosion: A New America,” this song was used in the soundtrack to express the pride of being Latino. Listeners are overcome by the trumpets and percussion of the song which create a feeling of freedom. “Tragos Amargos” by Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos Nortes It’s not a quinceañera, or a party, if this isn’t the final song played. “Tragos Amargos” is about a
Photos by Becerra Govea
person drinking alcohol to cope with the sadness of being left by their lover. However, the person in the song chose to stay put in case their love returned. Unlike many of the other deep and emotional songs on this list, this is a slower-paced norteño. However, it will make the listener cry out “te voy a esperar (I will wait for you)” even if they have no one to wait for. “El Noa Noa” by Juan Gabriel This song is Juan Gabriel’s ode to a nightclub that he frequented in Júarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, according to a 2019 Rolling Stone article. The song not only describes the nightclub as a joyous place “where everything is different” and the atmosphere is friendly, but for four minutes and 17 seconds, it makes the quinceañera a place “where everything is different.” It may be the guitar. Or, it may be the lyrics. It could be a combination of both that creates the feeling of pure joy. Whatever it may be, this is simply a happy song. “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo If there is a defining song of the late ‘90s Latino/x/e culture, it is “Suavemente.” This song won two Billboard Latin Music Awards in 1999 and was nominated for a Grammy for best tropical performance. A listener may not know that this song contains a detailed description about being kissed
softly upon their first time listening to it. However, Elvis Crespo’s opening lyrics and the gradually increasing tempo of the song will grab the listener’s attention and keep them swaying side to side to the beat of the song. “El Rey” by Vicente Fernández Vicente Fernández, or as he is sometimes referred to, “Chente,” was not forgotten in the creation of this list. “El Rey,” or “The King” in English, is about a person who has reached the metaphorical top but is lonely. However, the person in the song will continue to live their life the way they desire. Since this is a song sometimes used as the “last call” before the party wraps up, it is only fitting that this list ends with “El Rey.” The Latino/x/e culture cannot be represented by 15 songs alone. If a reader wants to learn more, they must immerse themselves in the culture. Readers should visit the new upscale Mexican restaurants on Central, but they should also visit the small shops of Mercado de Cielos at Desert Sky Mall in the Maryvale area of Phoenix. The Latino/x/e culture is diverse and beautiful so readers should enjoy the journey of exploring each nationalities’ culture. By David Ulloa Jr.
13
The Birth Of Str T
here is no denying that hip-hop and fashion go hand in hand. Today, we can clearly see the vast influence that hip-hop has had on the fashion industry. Sneaker culture, baggy jeans, chunky jewelry and so much more have their origins in these genres. The collaboration between musicians and stylists in the 1990s has paved the way for other hip-hop and R&B artists to express themselves today. In the late ’90s, it was normal for R&B artists to be seen in dress suits and hard bottom shoes. Just look at Soul 4 Real’s “Candy Rain” music video or (a personal favorite) Mint Condition’s style in their “Breakin’ My Heart” video. In the music video you can see the group wearing suit jackets, collared shirts, slacks and dress shoes. With hip-hop came the alternative trends that offset the norm for most artists at the time. Artists in the ’90s such as Aaliyah, Lil Kim and Mary J. Blige influenced a generation and those to come to incorporate their own style into their brand. Musicians in the genre popularized what is known as “streetwear” today, but we cannot forget to pay homage to those who worked with the artists to put looks together and create a lasting impact.
14
There is one woman in fashion who many people feel made a huge contribution to streetwear, and that woman is Misa Hylton. While listening to The Business of Fashion Podcast (BOF) episode “Misa Hylton’s Enduring Impact on Fashion,” I was able to learn about Hylton and her creative process. According to The Business of Fashion podcast, Hylton grew up in Mount Vernon, New York, with her mom and would go to stay with her dad from time to time in East Orange, New Jersey. During her time in New Jersey, she was exposed to styles in the hood that she began to put her own twist on. For Hylton, her first time working with styling was with what she put on her body, and she first started styling her family and friends. She would put together her own pieces and even made prom dresses for her friends. As an adult, Hylton began to style R&B artist Mary J. Blige. Hylton worked with Blige to incorporate what was being worn in the streets into what she would be wearing on stage and on the red carpet. Blige and Hylton were able to incorporate street style into Blige’s first album. For once, girls in the hood felt seen. This exposure is what Hylton believes started the merging of fashion houses and street style. Another star who resonated with the looks Hylton was putting together was Lil’ Kim. The two worked together to create groundbreaking looks with the use of chunky jewelry, monochromatic looks and colored hair. Hylton’s style went against what was “feminine.” Wearing baggy pants, oversized shirts and even bringing leather into the mix, was a step in a new direction. This look is what Hylton calls “tomboy chic” and artists like Aaliyah incorporated this into their brand as well. At the time, these looks were not
reetstyle taken seriously by the fashion industry. It was hard for Hylton to forge her own path; brands did not want to work with her because they did not see streetwear as something legitimate. Hylton would be invited to fashion shows wearing outfits she styled, only to return to the following year to see those same looks replicated on the runway. Hylton believes the money that Black creatives were able to generate is what first caused fashion houses to incorporate street style into their brands, creating streetwear as a luxury! Although they were biting off of her style, she still struggled to get into any fashion houses to design pieces. One brand, MCM, finally allowed Hylton to work her magic (they even opened their archives for her) and the rest is history! Designers like Hylton made it possible for hip-hop and R&B artists to showcase their own alternative styles. By bringing alternative styles to the forefront, Hylton opened a door for others to follow through. Rico Nasty, Doja Cat and Lil Uzi are just a few of the artists who exemplify how big of an impact Hylton and other designers like her have made. Although their styles are not exactly the same as what she was doing, it still has an alternative element. Her desire to represent youth culture and even add in a “rock element” into her pieces created some big ass waves and we’re still seeing ripples from them today.
By: Alexis Watkins
15
recommend most if you are curious enough to give this album a listen.
A
s one of the biggest acts in the world, BTS is a name many are familiar with. The South Korean boy band consists of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. The group debuted in 2013 and has become a prominent force in the music industry with multiple hit songs and millions of album sales. While the group’s sales are impressive, their versatility as artists is even more remarkable. From hiphop to R&B, BTS constantly challenges themselves by experimenting with their sound and themes every release. One album that embodies this idea is “LOVE YOURSELF: Tear.” “LOVE YOURSELF” Tear” is a part of BTS’s LOVE YOURSELF series, a three-part album series that explores the theme of learning to love oneself before being able to love others. The series began on Sept. 18, 2017, with the release of “LOVE YOURSELF: Her” and ended with “LOVE YOURSELF: Answer” on Aug. 24, 2018. Released on May 18, 2018, the album is the second installment of BTS’s LOVE YOURSELF series and features 11 unique tracks. Together, the songs tell a story of heartbreak and self-love. “It points out that a made-up, fake love eventually leads to break up,” said RM at the album’s 2018 press conference. “I wanted to say that the key to all love is loving oneself. The album tells the story of a boy who faces a breakup.” To this day, “LOVE YOURSELF: Tear” is considered one of BTS’s best works because of its diverse tracklist, emotional themes, and stellar production. Dailyn’s 7 Stand out Tracks: Although I could spend hours talking about all of the 11 songs on “LOVE YOURSELF: Tear,” I will withhold and instead showcase the seven tracks that I
16
“Fake Love” (“I grew a flower that can’t be bloomed in a dream that can’t come true”) Starting with the title track, “Fake Love” is an emo hip-hop song that uses grunge rock guitar and trap beats to create a dark and unusual vibe. The lyrics talk about the effects of a failed and even toxic relationship. This ‘fake love’ made the person feel like they had to wear a mask to hide their emotions, but they ended up losing themselves in the process. “134340” (“Tell me how am I not as good as that moon”) “134340” references the minor name designation given to 134340 Pluto after it was downgraded to a dwarf planet. The members personify Pluto by comparing its removal from the solar system to the aftermath of a breakup. ‘Pluto,’ who once held significance to its star (the Sun), now spends its days alone, still orbiting around the Sun and watching it shine from afar. The song even references the dwarf planet’s temperature, comparing it to its now cold heart through the lyrics, “My cold heart is 248 degrees below zero.” BTS expertly blends genres such as jazz, lo-fi, hiphop, and R&B to create an almost dreamlike sound, making the listener feel like they’re floating through space. “Paradise” (“Your dream is actually a burden”) Influenced by the ideas of Marxism, “Paradise” is an R&B track that acts as a resting point for those who feel pressured to have a dream. The song itself feels like paradise with captivating vocals and beats from beginning to end. “The world never teaches you how to dream, but it always promotes competition,” Suga said on the message of “Paradise” at BTS’ 2018 press conference. “I’d like many of those
who are tired from the competition to listen to this song. I’d like those tired souls to find rest through ‘Paradise.’” Shortly after the song’s release, in a live stream, RM went into depth on the inspiration for his lyrics. “We think we must have one. If you don’t have a dream, you are not living a life,” he said. “I think that’s not cool. People think we must have one. We think we must accomplish our goals and make our dreams come true. It’s not bad. We all have dreams. But I didn’t always have a dream. Sometimes I have and sometimes I don’t. The dream I had last night is also my dream. Based on those thoughts I wrote the lyrics.” “Love Maze” (“Trapped in a maze of decisions”) “Love Maze” is another R&B-influenced track using a maze as a metaphor to describe love. RM has praised the song as one of his favorites off of the album. In his live stream, he excitedly told listeners, “Let me give you a tip. You have to go outdoors and listen to this song.” “Magic Shop” (“You’ll find it, the galaxy inside you”) A BTS album wouldn’t be complete without a song dedicated to their fans. Co-written by J-Hope, Jungkook, RM, and Suga and co-produced by Jungkook, “Magic Shop” is a pop track that takes a different approach to comfort fans. Instead of telling their fans to cheer up and stay positive during hard times, BTS instead shares how they can relate to those experiences and emotions. “Magic Shop is written for the fans…During our concert, RM said to the fans, ‘You found us and acknowledged us, and that makes you capable of anything.’ This song is based on those words,” Jungkook said at BTS’ album press conference “When you’re down and tired and want to escape from the reality, open the door inside you, and there will be a magic shop, in which you’ll find the seven of
us waiting to support you and console you.” “Airplane pt.2” (“You’re the ones who’re better at playing celebrities”) “Airplane pt.2” is a Latin pop song that takes inspiration from “Airplane,” a song from J-Hope’s first mixtape. The lyrics express the members’ thoughts when they’re on tour and their journey as a group. With its alluring vibe and creative choreography, “Airplane pt.2” is a track you don’t want to skip. “Outro: Tear” (“Goodbyes are, for me, a tear”) RM, J-Hope, and Suga close off the album with “Outro: Tear,” a rap and hip hop song that perfectly expresses the pain of a breakup with each member having a different perspective. “The word ‘Tear’ is interesting,” RM said during a live stream “’Tear’ in English. You can shed tears and tear paper. The word symbolizes what a breakup means to each. It was tears for me, tearing apart for Yoongi (Suga). For Hoseok (J-Hope), it was fear of talking about after the breakup. Tear, tear, and fear. These are three themes of this song.” While the song is about a breakup, it is also about BTS. “Outro: Tear” was written when the members were experiencing a challenging time mentally to the point where they considered disbanding. In their movie, “Break the Silence,” Suga revealed that he wrote the lyrics for his members and shared how they ended up crying together while listening to it. “LOVE YOURSELF: Tear” is truly an unforgettable album because of its outstanding production and emotional themes. Many listeners will find themselves relating to the lyrics or simply enjoying the captivating beats. I highly recommend listening to this album, even if it’s just one song.
By: Dailyn Morales
17
When one thinks of the word “iconic,” they often envision someone who is wellrounded, established, and overall influential. They’re widely known everywhere, and their impact is like no other. While there are a few people that fit this definition, only one continues to embody an icon.
stronger and more confident. This era also ultimately helped push Grande into the fashion, music stratosphere. Everyone was trying to emulate her over-the-knee boots looks and half-up half-down hairstyle.
It was her 2016 album, “Dangerous Woman,” that truly proved that Grande had found She is Ariana Grande. (or owned) her style. Although her half-up While her name speaks for itself and her look was the epitome music and vocals need no introduction, the of who Grande was in evolution of fashion throughout her music career is renowned. From her classic half-up the spotlight, her tight ponytail has definitely ponytail to oversized sweatshirts and overproven to be just as the-knee boots, everyone knows Grande’s noteworthy. Designers style. such as Virgil Abloh It’s no surprise how she’s able to combine her helped create her “Dangerous Woman” street style with her music. looks, reflecting the darker, sexier, and Grande’s early years of music, specifically her 2013 “Yours Truly” era, focused on a girly more mature sound of her music. This approach to fashion. She was seen wearing era not only helped matching skirt sets, floral prints, cat ears (of further her career, but course), her classic half-up hairstyle, and it also showed Grande’s over-the-knee boots. Her bedazzled heels evolution from her and sparkly outfits were exclusive to “Yours ‘newbie’ eras to her Truly.” Her style was harmonious with her transformation into music – playful with girly undertones – but a powerful woman she was still trying to find her sound. who was not afraid to express herself through In 2014, she released her album, “My her music and fashion. Everything,” which screamed traditional Her street style was more oversized, thus Audrey Hepburn. The songs were soft and launching the trend of oversized sweatshirts wispy, mirroring her fashion in this era. with over-the-knee boots. Black leather and While she showed growth throughout her Levi jeans were also a huge part of her tour performances, her fashion still channeled wardrobe, making for a more edgier look than her “Yours Truly,” young, adolescent-teen ever before. This was HER era. stage. Between her iconic cat ears and sparkly one-pieces, the difference between the “Yours Truly” era and the “My Everything” “Sweetener” and “Thank U, Next” in 2018 and 2019 showed how vulnerable Grande era was nearly unnoticeable. The only minor can be. It also proved that her vocals are progression was in her vocals – they were
18
not the only thing going for her, but just how meaningful her lyrics truly are and the impact they have on others. With that being said, her outfits didn’t correspond with her emotional albums but instead were filled with bright colors and patterns to help celebrate her growth and overcoming tragedy. Her tour outfits were designed by Donatella Versace and showed how even throughout the years, she continues to put a spin on her classic matching sets and high heel outfits. By combining both albums, she was able to convey her story in a beautiful, compelling way that encouraged self-growth. Not only did she open up to the world through her songwriting, but her fashion ultimately made her even more successful than ever before.
It’s evident that even throughout the years, she still manages to reconstruct her most iconic looks and still make them trendy. The world knows what her trademark is, high ponytail and half-up looks. The world knows who oversized sweatshirts and over the knee-boots are associated with. Over the years, Grande has effortlessly made a profound impact in the music industry and fashion world. That in itself is why she is iconic. Story by Lauren Lippert Photos from Instagram
In a completely different direction, her 2020 “Positions’’ era embodies the bright colors and bold fashion of the ‘60s. This is seen in her current fashion as well as throughout her music videos. Whether it’s an argyle printed jacket, an all black ensemble, or extremely tall high heels, she encompasses an elegance that is like none other and has found her rawest form of self-expression. This refinement is also showcased in her music. Not only are her vocals impressively crisp, but this album shows just how much she’s grown in her life. It’s filled with upbeat songs and happy tunes, a complete contrast to her previous two albums. This new era has similar “My Everything” undertones by bringing back a modified, grown-up version of her half-up half-down hairstyle that matches her ‘60s theme. She is the embodiment of grace.
19
20
21
T
that each pound that’s crea consumers results in 40 pou here’s a way to be sustainable commercial waste, accordin while working with most textiles thanks Leonard’s “Story of Stuff.” to New York-based recycling service FABSCRAP, where Arizona State Tevzadze added how the fas University alumna and community industry didn’t pay much at coordinator Dhamar Romo Chavez the amount of waste that co shares tips to fashion students about were creating. how to avoid consumer waste. “I still remember the glamor Chavez described how clothing and that we were a part of the in textiles that are thrown away daily are where we can afford to buy one of the contributors that “make the and not really be cautious a fashion industry be one of the most sensitive about [sustainabil wasteful industries globally.” didn’t take that too seriously,” Over Zoom on Sept. 3, Chavez talked Tevzadze said. to fashion professor Irina Tevzadze and the ASU fashion program about This is where how much waste is produced in the FABSCRAP fashion industry, the work FABSCRAP steps in. does to prevent it and how to be more According to sustainable while working with textiles. its website, the company Tevzadze told Chavez that the is a nonprofit ASU fashion program is “all about model that has sustainability and we as a faculty been operating encourage students to be even more for five years serious about this huge problem.” and is based in Brooklyn, New York. It wo Chavez opened with a study done by fashion brands like Marc Jac the New York Department of Sanitation Macy’s and Express and hel that estimated New York City residents become more sustainable. throw out 200,000 tons of clothing and textiles every year, which makes up 6% FABSCRAP has three differe of the waste stream. To get a better that go over the process of picture, Chavez compared the weight textiles and making them re to the Brooklyn Bridge. according to its website.
“T too big to and adm
22
“200,000 tons is 14 times the weight of the Brooklyn Bridge. So another way to think about this is we would need about two Brooklyn Bridges to hold the weight of how much New York City is producing in textile weights per year,” Chavez said.
The first step is to recycle. T company provides clients w bags and a pickup service th the bags to FABSCRAP’s wa the Brooklyn Army Terminal to Chavez.
Businesses also create a lot of waste, not just consumers. Chavez said
“We can sometimes get 40 t per day and we receive abou pounds of fabric waste ever
ated from unds of ng to Annie
shion ttention to ompanies
rous time ndustry new things and really lity]. We
average,” Chavez said. Then the fabric is consolidated and put into trash bags that are sent out to volunteer stations, which leads to the next step.
FABSCRAP has pop-up shops in places like Philadelphia and Chicago to reach and impact other communities that are outside New York, Chavez said.
FABSCRAP also gives its clients reports One person is stationed at a table and that contain statistics including the sorts the given bag of excess materials total number of waste collected, tons by different kinds of fabric like spandex, of carbon saved and the percentage wool and cotton. According to Chavez, of how many textiles are diverted from there’s a bin for spandex because it’s landfill. not recyclable and can heat up and ruin the machinery. “We’re making these data points really remarkable and tweetable for The material [companies] so it generates excitement that can be over how to recycle and also allows reused will them to share our service to others,” be sent to Chavez said. FABSCRAP’s shop and Tevzadze shared how the ASU fashion to its online program also spoke with the assistant store, which product developer of the intimate leads to the company Wacoal America, Sonja Tabb, third and final who also worked with FABSCRAP. step: shop. “They really encouraged us and the The shop is at future generation I would say to have a FABSCRAP’s closer relationship with [FABSCRAP],” warehouse Tevzadze said. and is “a little bit more of a thrift store experience,” Chavez said. Chavez encourages all brands and designers to reach out and work with Each item is sold by pound or by yard. FABSCRAP. They also have a mendable section where designers can use the fabrics “As far as the communities we interact provided to mend and make them with, it’s one of the things I find the wearable again. most extraordinary for FABSCRAP,” Chavez said. “There is no one too small FABSCRAP’s online website launched or too big for FABSCRAP to interact in 2018 and includes anything from with and that is really admirable to me.” scrap packs to yard packs. Chavez encourages creators to look through For more information, visit FABSCRAP’s their website for potential use. website at www.fabscrap.com or contact education@fabscrap.org. “There’s lots of creative ways to make By: Alexis Huerter requests through the online store and we are eager to help in whatever way we can with the materials available to us,” Chavez said.
There is no one o small or too g for FABSCRAP o interact with d that is really mirable to me.”
orks with cobs, lps them
ent steps utilizing eusable,
The with laundry hat takes arehouse in l, according
to 50 bags ut 8,000 ry week on
23
I tried to pick away at the feathers of your insecurities,
made you lighter, made you a l
but maybe I need to reflect on myself more clearly.
Poem Alex
24
lover, only to end up hurting me.
saw you as a mirror, as an opportunity.
the only way to grow is to let go of hate and negativity and flow, fly with the dandelions of love and serenity.
m By: xia Hill
25
