Ellie Nan Storck ‘15 and Sophie Dietz ‘15
Editors-in-Chief
Assistant to the Editors-in-Chief Clara Gross ‘16
Exectuive Copy Editors
Hannah Feeney ‘16, Rachel Matson ‘16
Photography Director Emma Schlichting ‘17
Style Director
Leise Trueblood ‘16
PR and Marketing Director Alex Romagnoli ‘15 Assistant: Madigan Lyden ‘15
Blog Master / Web Design Director Ariana Taylor ‘16
Contributors
Cem Manisali ‘17 Madeline Harris ‘16 Elizabeth Green ‘15 Yoldas Yildiz ‘18 Chelsea Preston ‘16
Models
Julia Enos ‘16 Maya Sullivan ‘17 Chazz Higginbotham ‘16 Miles Keeney ‘15
Letter from the Editors Dear Readers, As wild as it is, we are sad to say that this is our last issue as Editors in Chief of theLOOK Magazine. Both of us have been members of the executive board since we were freshman, when the magazine was founded, and this publication has become a large part of our lives. It’s been wonderful to see it change and grow over the course of four years. A lot goes into the production of theLOOK. Weeks of planning, coordinating writers, brainstorming photo shoots and gathering clothing and models, becoming familiar with Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, and working together with all members of the club to create a clean, cohesive publication.That being said, we are happy to announce next year’s Editor in Chief, Leise Trueblood ‘16. Leise has been integral to the magazine’s creative development since she joined two years ago, and we are excited to pass the torch over to her and her talented executive board. Good luck, girls. In this issue, you will find a style-heavy spread of articles, with emphasis on recent fashion weeks and upcoming spring and summer trends. We also had a writer explore the upcoming Color Brave Monoglues, and another writer recount his experience working in a French pastry shop. The inpsiration for our photo shoot came from the abundance of snow we have had the pleasure (?) of recieving on campus this semester. Our models bundled up tight in Scandanavian patterns, bright reds and blues, and took an après-ski stroll arounnd campus on a sunny afternoon this past weekend. We hope you all have enjoyed the issues that we have produced. We’ve learned a lot of useful skills from this magazine, and we thank the founders that came before us for teaching us everything we now know. Stay warm, and have a lovely spring break! Sincerely, Ellie and Sophie
Table of Contents As Seen & Heard at the Oscars 5 Elements of Style 7 New York Fashion Week 9 L’Après Ski 11 Clara’s Street Style Picks 11 Pastry in Paris 23 Très, Très Chic 25 Clara’s Style Picks 27 Keep the Conversation Going 29 On the Fringe 30 Spring Break Fashion 31 Men’s Fashion Abroad 33
Behind the Scenes
As Seen & Heard “Call your mom, call your dad. If you’re lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet, call them” – JK Simmons, Whiplash actor
“I read… that winning an Oscar could lead to living five years longer. If that’s true, I’d really like to thank The Academy because my husband is five years younger than me.” – Julianne Moore, winner of Best actress
“We should talk about suicide out loud.” – Dana Perry, winner of best documentary
Images from: nydailynews.com, oscars.go.com, usmagazine.com
d At The Oscars
By Maddy Lyden
“I would like this moment to be for that kid out there who feels like she’s weird or she’s different or doesn’t fit in anywhere. Yes you do. I promise you do. You do. Stay weird. Stay different.” – Graham Moore, winner of best adapted screenplay for The Imitation Game
“Fear is the condom of life. It doesn’t allow you to enjoy things.” – Alejandro González Inárritu
ELEMENTS OF STYLE By Rachel Matson
I
n the midst of the young, blonde, and long-legged brigade of spring fashion, one model stuck out in this spring’s print advertisements. At age 80, author Joan Didion was featured in an accessories advertisement for French luxury brand Celine. The advertisement is simple, featuring Didion in large sunglasses, a black turtleneck, and a long necklace, looking at but not smiling for the camera. With no reference to her name, profession, or features, the average reader might interpret the advertisement as nothing more than an anti-ageist approach to fashion. Indeed, this is not the first time that an older woman has been featured in an advertisement this year. In just the past six months, 68-year-old Helen Mirren starred in a L’Oreal Paris commercial, 65-year-old Jessica Lange was named the face of Marc Jacobs Beauty, and 65-year-old Twiggy became a brand ambassador for L’Oreal Professionnel, among others. Critics have applauded such brands for casting models that resist the mainstream standards for beauty, but unlike Didion, these women have careers built upon a foundation of appearances. Didion is not a model, an actress, or even someone who frequently gives video interviews. She is one of America’s most prestigious contemporary authors, publishing over twenty novels, essays, and screenplays, most notably The Year of Magical Thinking and Slouching Towards Bethlehem. She is also the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including the National Book Award for Nonfiction, an honorary Doctoral of Letters from both Harvard and Yale University, and the recipient of the National Medal Awards and Humanities presented by President Obama. She is one of this centuries most intelligent thinkers and a pioneer of New Journalism. It could be argued that Didion is an ideal strategic choice for Celine. She has a background in fashion, having begun her writing career at Vogue as a copywriter and then as an associate features editor. Her personal style is reminiscent of Celine’s: effortlessly elegant, unintentionally skinny, and naturally cool. Overall, she is representative of the chic intelligence that Celine strives to achieve.
But Didion is an author. She is a woman defined by her thoughts and her words, a woman who once stated that she only felt “complete control” when sitting at a typewriter and famously wrote that “I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.” If Didion is defined by her words, then what does it mean to situate her in a generic advertisement that silences her voice? This is not the first time that Didion has been photographed, but by being photographed for the advancement of a product rather than her own work, her voice soon becomes delegitimized. Didion is not a novice to modeling; in 1989 she was photographed for Gap with her late daughter Quintana. Unlike this year’s Celine image, however, Gap’s advertisement called Didion by name and also identified her as a writer, acknowledging her illustrious career and her status as an intellectual thinker. If Celine wants to capitalize on Didion’s name recognition to advance their brand, then why cover her face in a wordless photograph? In order for the advertisement to become empowering, for Didion to break conventional model standards and for Celine to demonstrate that intelligence is beautiful, Didion needs to be recognizable.
Instead, the message is sent that it is Didion’s personal rather than her writing style that has the most value in society. After all, one of Didion’s most talked about pieces of writing is not any of her award winning essays, but rather the “packing list” that she included in her book of essays The White Album. The lack of any mention to her career or identity argues that although Didion’s name is enough to sell books, it is not enough to, and might even detract from, sell necklaces. Celine allows Didion’s visual worth to overshadow her writing, devaluing the power of her intelligence in the process. With the focus on her sunglasses rather than her words, Didion’s voice becomes nothing more than an accessory. While I applaud Celine for breaking the mold and selecting such a respectable model, it is clear that she is not being used to her potential. Didion’s silence robs her of her identity as a writer and a thinker, represented as little more than a mannequin.
Images from vogue.com
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: PRABAL GURUNG EDITION
By Sophie Dietz
Prabal Gurung is the guru of graphic color. The 36-year-old designer from Nepal launched his first collection in 2009. Although the brand is young, he’s already made a name for himself by creating an elegant and luxurious style that’s loved by many. I had the opportunity to work with the amazing PG team this summer as a Public Relations & Marketing Intern. The atmosphere of the showroom, friendships founded with the staff in the Hearst and Condé Nast messenger center, as well as marketing and styling projects was recipe for an incredible internship experience. The whole summer came down to one moment: Fashion Week. As THE event of September, working the PG fashion week show has become one of the greatest experiences of my life.
My supervisor invited me back to help with the execution of the February show, September’s lesser-known cousin— ironic since it shows what I believe is the most incredible season: Fall. As I arrived in New York on Wednesday night, I was anxious to get to the office the next morning. Thursday morning the PR & Marketing department was getting right back into the swing of things as they made backstage lists, confirmed seating arrangements, and styled celebrities and fashionistas for the upcoming show. As I took in the environment, I knew I was participating in something incredible. I was right; this season Prabal outdid himself. The collection was breathtaking, focusing on muted colors, attention to detail, and subtle perfection. The Swarovski adorned gowns and fur coats were enough to put anyone into catatonic shock, while the slip dresses and oversized turtlenecks caused a moment of stupor across the audience. As the show ended a whopping four minutes of heart stopping and breathtaking beauty later, the crowd was in awe as it said that this was his best collection yet. Look out for Prabal’s incredible AW15 collection, as I’m sure requests are coming in hot to feature his looks in publications across the globe!
Images by Sophie Dietz & @Refinery29
L’Après Ski
Photographed by Emma Schlichting Styled by Sophie Dietz, Ellie Storck, Clara Gross and Leise Trueblood Note: Any fur that appears in this photo shoot is faux.
By Cem Barbaros Manisali
Over the 2014-2015 winter break, Cem Barbaros Manisali, our male fashion and hair contributor, worked for a month as an assistant pastry chef in Paris, France. We asked him to write about his experiences, and perhaps give us a recipe. This is what he wrote: Pastry, they said. Unlimited sweets, they said. Limitless treats, they said... Gastronomical feats, instead. As my nasty shoes beat the “romantic” Parisian puddles on the cobbled, early morning street, I imagine lemon tarts. I taste them in my mouth. Mmmm so delicious. Let’s keep it professional, I think. It’s the first day. Boom. Let’s go. I open the door. At the counter is a short, stocky, baker-looking guy with a one-quarter smile on his pointed, ha-Ha! face. I look him in the eyes. “Je suis le stageur.” The man inspects me, shaved head to nasty shoes. “Aha! Le staguuueeeer.” I follow him to the hallway... “Ah, un moment...”
The guy shuffles off and brings back some white cloth. He throws it at me. I look at him kinda funny. He looks at me not funny. “Voila! Allez-y!”
Off he goes. There I am, standing in a hallway of a patisserie, holding a chef’s shirt in my hand. This will be my life for the next month. No lie though, that chef shirt is the look where it’s at. It’s so intense, one side buttons over the other. Like I’m a commander or something. Yes. The days roll by. I smile and I sigh. I have my lows, I have my highs. This is Iron Chef, except everyone speaks French. You make cakes. No monetary compensation for your early wakes. But this is France, this is real pastry, this is no fake. We are masters of the bake.
“Haha, tu es Monsieur Propre-la!” My choice of haircut and intensity for a spotless wipe has caused me to receive the nickname “Mr. Clean.” It’s not a bad nickname. Better than “broski”, I guess. My co-worker Wassim. Calls me nicknames. He’s always talking about America. He’s gonna go there one day, he says.
“Je veut travailler ici.” I humor it. I tell him: “Mais, Wassim, qu’est-ce que tu ferais aux Etats-Unis? Tu es un pâtissier. ”
He says he’ll do pastry. Pastries aren’t as nice there, I say. People eat Twinkies. Doesn’t matter, he says. Also doesn’t know what a Twinkie is but acts like he does. I’ll be waiting I say. For a long time. Been long since I took a break. Or maybe just three hours. Maybe it is me, who in the face of work cowers. Maybe I just want to look at these lovely towers & grey showers. Maybe I want to eat something NOT sweet and buttery. Yet still I chop these apples with this samurai cutlery. Full-fledged fighting for fertive freedom found, Yet still at alert of the chef’s yelling sound:
“Vite! Vite! Vite!” And another three have passed!
Been thinking. IT’S ROUGH. It IS. But it was fun as a motherfunner. And I learned a shipton. And I can make whip pastries like Indiana Jones. I’ll never be late again, they’ll just mark me tarty.
I don’t think I’ll forget this recipe, Sharing it after that story feels like necessity, You’ll start with the dough crust, the crumble, the crunch Wets first, all in a bunch Two eggs, and vanilla extract – a teaspoon will suffice, After all, we want the taste to be nice. Then the rest, the dry Keep them together, or at least try; Salt, a teaspoon; butter, two sticks; sugar, a cup; and three cups flour Throw it in the oven for half an hour. And now onto the paste You’ve got only thirty minutes, make haste First: butter, two sticks Vanilla extract, but three licks Crème, half a cup And heat it until its well boiled up. When boiled bubbles burst betwixt butters, It’s time to add the others Four eggs, and six yellows: Enough to feed about eight fellows, One and a half cups sugar, More sugar: for an American’s tongue, always gooder. Juice from three lemons Eight minutes left! Oh heavens! Eggs, yellows, sugar, and lemons: throw them in the boiling mix And whisk that mixture quick before it sticks! There you go, the filling is done But halt, it is not yet time for fun. Put this custard in the crust Me, you’ll simply have to trust; And bake it another forty minutes now, And when it’s over, cool it and enjoy the chow An adapted American-taste lemon tart Eating it is the best, best part.
Images by Cem Barbaros Manisali
Très, Très Chic By Madeline Harris
.
Paris
The fashion capital of the world, where chic is the norm. If you’ve never been, you probably picture Parisians wearing stripes, berets and mange-ing on baguettes. Ironically, this stereotype is, to some extent, true. On the other hand, we also think of Paris fashion as very glamorous. Upon arriving this past September, however, I immediately noticed that Parisian street style is very distinct. In fact, I was so struck by it that I focused a school project on this question: “Is there a uniform Parisian street style, and if so, how would you describe it?” My classmate and I interviewed merchants in stores we thought represented the Parisian style, and despite our brains overloading with French phrases, gained some interesting insight. After observing pedestrians around the city and speaking with locals, this is my conclusion about la mode Parisienne.
Let’s start with shoes. I would say about 80% of the people I saw were wearing white sneakers. Specifically, many of them wore the Stan Smith Adidas collection. Adidas or not, white sneakers were the trend. They look fresh and are super comfortable for walking everywhere. For pants, many people wore skinny jeans (blue, or black, sometimes with ripped knees). Even when it was 70 degrees outside in September, shorts and skirts were very rarely seen. Ah, the coats! I drooled over the beautiful coats in this city. The most popular trend of the fall season was navy https://www.pinterest.com/pin/535435843171791821/ pea coats, and trench coats were also very popular. I think Paris made me develop an obsession with this article of clothing…
Specifics aside, the street style is generally simple and pretty casual, while remaining put together. A merchant at the famous store Collette described the women’s style as chic with pretty plain colors, like black, blue, grey and white. The men’s style can be described as “workwear” and “sporty chic.” The women were generally a bit fancier than the men; guys would often wear sweatpants with sneakers and a cool jacket. Interestingly enough, one of the merchants we spoke with thought that the Parisian stereotype does exist somewhat and can be seen through fashion. We typically picture Parisians wearing slim fitting clothing, which is definitely true. As for the glamour, it is mostly seen during fashion week when everyone comes dressed to the nines.
Photos courtesy of Maddy Harris and Elle.com
Clara’s Winter to Spring Street Style Picks cedits: Tommy Ton, The Sartorialist, Face Hunter, Vanessa Jackman
Keeping the Conversation Going The Key to Color Brave Monologues By Marta Martinez Fernandez As an international student on campus, I have been involved both directly and indirectly with issues surrounding diversity and equity. Last week I met with Lamiya Khandaker ’17, SGA Chair of Diversity and Equity, in order to gain a better understanding about the Color Brave Monologues. Khandaker started thinking of a production surrounding issues of diversity and equity after a meeting with Dean Denard last semester. Denard had come across the concept of a color-blind mind-set after watching a TED talk, and through their conversation Khandaker decided to start an event where students could write their own stories about diversity and equity. Since our campus was already familiar with presenting monologues (As Told By Vaginas happening this month), they thought that Color Brave Monologues would be a suitable experience. The main goal of the Color Brave Monologues is to keep the conversation going about issues of diversity and equity. Khandaker stated that although our campus puts a lot of effort in creating events about diversity and equity, “it is always done in a way in which students don’t express themselves. Instead, they are being taught about these issues, and you can’t really teach diversity and equity.” However, people are able to sympathize with these issues if they hear them from a friend or familiar face. Currently, the settings in which these matters are introduced to the community lack emotion, and many students feel frustrated that their stories are not being heard.
other students in an effort to enhance empathy among students. Relating the Color Brave Monologues to our student body, Khandaker thinks that the main problem in terms of diversity and equity is the way in which we name and face them. As the Chair of Diversity and Equity, Khandaker is the only representative of a non-white minority in SGA. Khandaker says, “Even though I come from a specific background, I can’t represent every student on campus, I can’t be the voice of all of them, and that places a big burden on me. It kind of shows what this campus is like, where you have a major white population and then a minority population. Every underrepresented student has different ideas and concerns.” She also stresses the importance of the white-American majority to get involved in issues of diversity and equity, not only through the Color Brave Monologues but also in our daily life as students at Connecticut College. “I feel like it is not necessarily that white Americans don’t want to relate or associate themselves with underrepresented students,” Khandaker says, “it is that they don’t know how to approach each other.”
The biggest challenge that we are facing on campus is that we seem to be lost in the way to address these matters and how to make underrepresented students feel more included. Nevertheless, Khandaker also acknowledges that our campus and its offices try to engage with these issues. We just need to keep the conversation going, and not being afraid of talking about diversity and equity. Previous to the submission of the monologues, As Khandaker’s team is hoping to present hoping to there were other events happening on campus that adpresent a minimum of 20 monologues, it takes the whole dressed the same matters, such as the screening of the campus’s involvement to make a successful production. documentary sponsored by President Bergeron, I am not This initiative is not limited to students of color but is Racist…Am I? This event had an excellent rate of particaddressed to anyone who feels that they have a frustra- ipation and student involvement, including a following tion to share. It is for anyone who wants to address issues discussion. of diversity but might be too scared to share them, don’t know how to express their thoughts, or feels uncomfort- We need to open the conversation about issues that make able doing so in other settings. In addition, monologues us feel uncomfortable or that we are not close with, and can also be submitted anonymously. Monologues that the Color Brave Monologues will be the first big step toare not performed by their authors will be performed by wards a more diverse and equitable-friendly community.
On the Fringe By Maddy Lyden
Make this season’s 70’s inspired looks your own by adding a touch of fringe
H&M hm.com $129.00
Zara Zara.com $19.90
L*Space by Cocobelle lspace.com $75.00 Greylin piperlime.com $88.00
Trina Turk trinkaturk.com $168.00 Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Spring 2015
Topshop topshop.com $85.00
Get the runway look, off the runway!
Spring Brea By Elizabeth Green
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Ah, Charles Dickens may have overdramatized the French Revolution, but he sure was right about spring break. You’re pale and exhausted from midterms. The gym has been mildly neglected. And now, you want me to enjoy being practically naked all day, showing my pasty white skin to the world? While stressing about the woes of spring break the last thing you need to worry about is what bikini to wear in the Bahamas or what book to read in Saint Lucia. Ladies, I got you covered. “You a NastyGal? Yea…. Put Down 50 Shades” This spring break, pick up #GirlBoss. This fabulous story about NastyGal’s own Sophia Amoruso details the journey from vintage to vogue, making for the perfect beach read.
“My bikini brought all the boats to the yard” Want the experience of a wetsuit without the suit? Triangl is your one stop trendy-kini shop. These neoprene suits are sure to make you stand out below the H2O.
“We aren’t getting any younger” If you are going to be in the sun, it is essential you wear a hat. This black floppy hat from H&M is sure to keep your face in ageless perfection.
Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Green
ak Fashion This guide is meant for any and all spring break festivities. Here are three sunglasses picks from Urban Outfitters that are sure to help a sista out in any predicament she may find herself.
“Feeling bold:
Channeling Yonce:
In Hiding:
Rocking the round sunglasses is the sure way to prove your fashion acumen.
Because how bossy are these? Driver, roll up the partition. Fast.
Hey, we aren’t passing judgment. This spring break, do you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise…well don’t let anyone find you to tell you otherwise. Hide behind these bad boys.
Midterms are done. Your bag is packed. Your relationship with the gym is more consistent. Now for the pasty corpse…. Seriously girl, I GOT YOU. San Tropez is the best way to forget that New England weather ever happened. While the bottle is slightly pricey, it couldn’t be more worth it to get that “I just spent the summer in Spain” look. Bon Voyage, arrivederci, adios!
D
uring the winter break, I was lucky enough to return to the rainy —but not as cold— London. I haven’t been back to London (note that I didn’t use “home” ‘cause Conn’s now my home awww) since I came to Conn in August, so it was a nice opportunity to see my family and friends. One thing I did realise while being back in England is the major differences in fashion among both men and women. I can’t speak for the ladies, but generally the only thing guys in America wear is either a pair of khaki pants with a button down shirt or a pair of jeans/sweatpants with a sweater and L.L Bean boots. Going back to London was a breath of fresh air in terms of fashion; there are so many different styles and combinations that you just don’t see here in America. So I’m here to bring you guys some iconic British style and hopefully give you some new combinations (not that there’s anything wrong with what you’re wearing).
One of the most stylish people I know is one of my friends Jack Morrison, an 18-year-old young man from Hackney. Jack is currently on a gap year waiting to take his place at Oxford University to major in History and Politics. His fashion taste is very original but also very on trend in London. He manages to wear, balance and combine both vintage and store staples without looking like a pretentious hipster but while also looking original and trendy. He has simple skinny jeans from H&M, which are rolled up for added detail, and a simple white T-shirt. What makes his look extra trendy is his coat - this vintage piece from a company called ‘Palace’ is the ‘Cotch Jacket’. I wasn’t able to find any online, but ASOS and H&M have very similar ones.
Although looking very smart above, Jack also manages to dress down and still look as trendy and fashionable. In a more casual look, Jack is sporting a dark green Fred Perry ‘Parka’ jacket. I’ve personally had a coat similar to this too; they’re great and can be used in combination with your whole wardrobe, either with just jeans and a sweater for a casual look or combined with a button down to add an extra something to your style. London fashion is constantly changing and getting inspiration from all over the world. There are many more looks other than the ones pictures here. The diversity of London allows people to combine fashion from all over the world and create interesting and sometimes very brave options. If you want more inspiration, I would highly suggest looking at UK based fashion magazines and UK versions of American magazines such as GQ or look at big social media stars on Youtube like Jim Chapman, Alfie Deyes (PointlessBlog) or Zoella. Special thanks to my friend Jack Morisson for allowing me to use his pictures! Check out his store at www. lightworkclothing.co.uk
By Yoldas Yildiz Photos courtesy of Yoldas Yildiz
A special thanks to all contributors, students that helped out at the photo shoot, and students that donated clothing. We couldn’t have done it with out you!