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CONNECTICUT COLLEGE VOL. 24
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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear Readers, It’s been a long winter and we are ready for all things Spring. It’s time to pull out the polka dots and pastels, among many other hot styles that are trending across the globe and are featured in this issue. As the seasons change we are excited to have some of our loyal contributors cycle back into our organization after their time spent abroad. We have eagerly pulled from their unique experiences and observations on fashion and lifestyle from all corners of the globe. From John’s street fashion tips learned in Shanghai to Elena and Kerry’s input on eating healthy locally, we bring you an array of voices from across our campus, but we don’t stop there! Reporting from New York City, Victoria Slater features Conn alumni Rebekah Kohan ’10 as apart of our article series “Where Are They Now?”. This series works to build a link between our club members and alumni who have continued on to build successful careers in the fashion, events, and design fields. In addition to Rebekah’s insight from her impressive career in PR at Coach, we also have the pleasure of featuring our newest contributors, Ann Monk and Kellie Quinn who will get you ready for an affordable and fashionable summer vacation. As we have discussed before, the fashion world is in no way perfect and we as a magazine and organization feel it is our duty to call out its injustices and facilitate a discussion to address the inequalities and imperfections within the fashion and beauty
industry. Sammantha Barth takes a critical lens in examining the problems with Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer and its lack of representation of people of color. Samantha eloquently states that, “The exclusion of people of color is so systemic that brands that include enough shade options for darker skin tones are seen as innovative. As important as diversity is, it should not have to be praised because it should be the norm. Acknowledging people of color as consumers who contribute to the economy, and more importantly, recognizing their existence as people, should be seen as standard rather than groundbreaking.” We are constantly blessed to be working with such an amazing and dynamic executive board. This issues MVP goes to Christian Carr-Locke, our head photographer. Both during our photoshoots and the editing required after, Christian goes above and beyond and we couldn’t produce this quality of photography without his talent. If you have any questions, recommendations, or concerns please feel free to email either of us (Yoldas: yyildiz@ conncoll.edu, Grace: gcarapez@conncoll.edu). In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this colorful and inspiring issue. We would like to leave you with the words of Alexander McQueen, “Give me time and I’ll give you a revolution.” Yours, Yoldas & Grace
CONTENTS
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2018 Swimwear
The Adventurer’s Travel Guide
The Camel Olympics
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The Right Path
John Pearson’s Guide to Shanghai
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
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A Look into Model Life
A Response to Tarte’s Concealer
Revamping the Victorian Look
Sitting down with Rebekah Kohan ‘10
Editors-in-Chief Grace Carapezzi & Yoldas Yildiz
Head Photographer Christian Carr-Locke
Executive Web Designer & Executive Producer Elizabeth Powell
Assistant Photographer Elena Erdekian
Creative Layout Director Alana Wimer PR & Marketing Director Haley Keegan Financial Director Adam Goldberg Senior Stylist Madison Barker Executive Copy Editors Jake Philbin-Cross & Loulou Broderick Events Director Victoria Slater & Hayley Zukerberg
A Guide to Creative Eating in Harris
Prabal Gurung Fashion Show
A Ridge of Their Own: Ridge 17
Models Davis Lemay, Jordyn Turin, Teo Mavrokordatos, Royalti Richardson, Sophie Xue, Nadine Clement, Erik Grant, Michael Iranpour, Mackenzie Kingston, Rory Martin, Aine O’Donnell, Nouhaila Oudija, James Ricciardi Contributors Samantha Barth, Jackson Bistrong, Isabelle Cookson, Kerry Dugandzic, Elena Erdekian, Quinlan Low, Ann Monk, Nina Nalle, John Pearson, Kellie Quinn, Victoria Slater Stylists Shae Albertson, Annie Breakstone, Chloe Hunwick, John Pearson
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2018 SWIMWEAR
This year’s spring and summer swimwear trends are taking over my instagram feed and I don’t mind. Some of the hottest trends this year include one pieces, nineties inspired trends, off-the shoulder tops, and more.
Text Kellie Quinn Images Google
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The 50’s and 90’s have resurrected this swim season. Everything from polkadots thigh-waisted bottoms are all over every swim line out there. Who wouldn’t want to channel the iconic Kelly Kapowski from Saved by the Bell. Take a time machine back to these inspiring fashion decades by sporting these looks.
Ever since one pieces came back into style, designers have become more and more creative with intricate cut-outs and patterns for these suits. The one piece is so versatile. While wearing your favorite suit you can throw on a pair of your favorite cut-off shorts and grab lunch or an ice cream.
Another trend that is quite new to the scene this season is off the shoulder pieces. This trend started in clothing and made its way over to swim. I especially love this style, because like the one piece, this trend can be easily transitioned to a full outfit for any post beach activity. The off the shoulder look comes in many styles from feminine ruffle tops to edgy t-shirt style tops.
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An Adventurer’s
Travel Guide Let us guide you to some of the hottest travel destinations on a budget. Text Ann Monk Images Ann Monk
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Text Yoldas Yildiz Images TSENYA 7
One of my favorite city destinations is Bangkok, Thailand. It’s incredibly vibrant and there is plenty of fun things to do for every type of traveler. Although Thailand has become more touristy in the past few years, this also means that flights can be cheaper if you plan it right. I spent three weeks in Southeast Asia during winter break this year, and I managed to snag roundtrip tickets from Vancouver, Canada to Bangkok for just $550! Southeast Asia is also one of the best places to visit on a shoestring budget, with hostels charging as little as $6 a night, often including breakfast and a free beer or two. When visiting Bangkok, seeing the Buddhist temples at Wat Arun and the grand palace are a must! They are absolutely majestic and intricately decorated with precious stones, gold paint, porcelain, and colored mirrors. Also, be sure to ride in one of the colorful, long-tail boats through the canals of the old city. Little
wooden huts and lush greenery line the waterways, giving you a glimpse of what Bangkok looked like just 30 years before. To experience the more modern side of Bangkok, head to Siam Paragon to stroll down second story sidewalks and admire the brightly-colored and creative statues that line the pathways. There is also a shopping center with a large variety of nice restaurants with delicious offerings. For cheap eats, be sure to wander the main street of Chinatown in the evenings to sample a huge variety of traditional street food. It can get pretty crowded, but that’s part of the fun! If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, visiting the Himalayan mountains in northern India is definitely a unique experience. Flights to Delhi are surprisingly cheap (especially in the off season), and then you can fly via a small propeller plane to the Kangra airport at the foot of the Himalayas. My favorite town to stay in is McLeod Ganj, a cute little town with steep, narrow roads
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and plenty to do. This village is home to the Dalai Lama and many Tibetan expats, giving it a unique and vibrant cultural scene. Visiting the Dalai Lama temple is a must, offering amazing views and a place for quiet contemplation. If you’re lucky, you could even see the Dalai Lama (provided he’s not on a world tour)! The food in India is quite cheap, and McLeod Ganj also boasts a variety of incredible Tibetan dishes. My favorite restaurant would have to be Carpe Diem, although every restaurant that I tried in town was amazing (and trust me, I tried a lot)! Lodging here is also quite cheap and perfect for anyone traveling on a tight budget. If the stunning mountain views from town aren’t enough, I highly recommend hiking right up into the Himalayas! Just follow the winding Triund Trail from the edge of town, taking in the panoramic views of villages far below. If you’re lucky, you could even see a troop of monkeys or a Tibetan herder with his flock of goats and sheep!
The trail ends on a mountain ridge with spectacular views of jagged, snow covered peaks. The trek can be done as a day hike, or you can rent a tent and sleeping bag and camp out on the mountain ridge. Although I enjoyed both experiences, I recommend spending the night if you have the time; watching the sun rise and set over the Himalayas was just magical! I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Costa Rica, and I just love the wide range of fun activities to do there. Although this country is well known for its rainforests, the beaches are also quite amazing and should not be overlooked. One of my favorite spots to go is Playa Dominical, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and central location. It’s also a great place for surfing, with several places to rent boards or take lessons located right along the beach. There are a surprising number of restaurants in town, so if you can’t decide what to get, I highly recommend Phat Noodle (an out-
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of-this-world food truck) and the laidback café Mono Congo. Dominical also has a nice variety of bars, from Latin dance clubs to little beach shacks. And be sure to check out Fuego Brew Co., a fun restaurant, bar, and dance club that has been built to look like a giant treehouse! If you’re looking for somewhere a little more remote, consider a visit to Drake Bay. Located on a peninsula in the southwest corner of Costa Rica, this hidden gem is only accessible by boat.
Because it’s so hard to get to, the beaches in Drake Bay are relatively untouched and absolutely stunning. It’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling and scuba diving and one of the best places in the country to see Reef Sharks and sea turtles. Drake Bay is also just an hour’s boat ride from Corcovado National Park, which boasts even more beautiful beaches and glimpses of monkeys, tapirs, sloths and other exotic animals. 11
THE OLYMPIC GAMES The excitement around the 2018 Winter Olympics was fueled by unbelievable feats achieved by athletes from all nations and backgrounds. Some of the most memorable moments included Chloe Kim becoming the youngest snowboarder to win Olympic gold, Ester Ledecka’s sensational run as a snowboarder to win gold in alpine skiing, and the unified Korean ice hockey team who made history through their show of incredible sportsmanship and teamwork, despite linguistic differences and a long history of politically charged hostilities. Fueling the spirit of the Winter Games is a long history of fashion and the battle among designers for a spot to showcase one’s collection at the opening ceremonies. Our executive board was inspired by the fusion of fashion diplomacy and activewear, which pushed us to create a photoshoot based on current and past trends in vintage street style activewear, and this past season’s sleek Olympic uniforms. While keeping in mind the French uniforms designed by Lacoste, the dynamic jackets and fuzzy hats designed by Luhta Sportswear for team Finland, and the Ukrainian national team’s vibrant and edgy sweat suit look, we designed a colorful shoot to unite our love for fashion with our admiration for values of gender equality through sport, respect, excellence, and friendship.
Models Nadine Clement, Erik Grant, Michael Iranpour, Mackenzie Kingston, Rory Martin, Aine O’Donnell, Nouhaila Oudija, James Ricciardi Text Grace Carapezzi Images Christian Carr-Locke, Elena Erdekian
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Nadine Clement, Rory Martin, Nouhaila Oudija, Mackenzie Kingston, James Ricciardi, Aine O’Donnell, Michael Iranpour, Erik Grant
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James Ricciardi, Erik Grant left Mackenzie Kingston
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Michael Iranpour, Nadine Clement, Mackenzie Kingston, Rory Martin, Nouhaila Oudija, Aine O’Donnell, Erik Grant
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Rory Martin, Michael Iranpour, Aine O’Donnell, Nadine Clement left James Ricciardi, Aine O’Donnell
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Rory Martin, Michael Iranpour
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James Ricciardi, Aine O’Donnell Right Michael Iranpour, Rory Martin
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James Ricciardi, Nouhaila Oudija, Rory Martin, Michael Iranpour
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Nouhaila Oudija, Nadine Clement right Nouhaila Oudija
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Text Elena Erdekian Images Elena Erdekian
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When it comes to living on a dining hall diet, it can get tough to find ways to eat healthy while still enjoying your food... However, with a positive mindset and a little creativity, there are tons of simple ways to create tasty and healthy meals!
If you have time to eat breakfast, try to eat something light and quick. Eat something that has a good balance of protein and carbs to give you enough energy for the day. Always make an effort to have some side of fruit; even though fresh fruit isn’t always available, bananas, apples and oranges are usually conveniently located to grab and take on your way out. Don’t be afraid to bring in your own food to enhance meal; sometimes I’ll bring my own avocados (they’re totally worth it). Although tempting, avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium such as bacon, sausage and breakfast potatoes. Of course in moderation, those are totally okay to eat every now and then, but try not to make a habit of eating them every morning. Suggestions: -Peanut butter and banana on whole wheat toast drizzled with honey -Plain yogurt, berries (or bananas), organic granola (located across from baked goods in Harris), drizzled with honey or peanut butter -Avocado Toast on whole wheat bread, light butter and red pepper flakes -Spinach and feta omelette, grapefruit, breakfast potatoes
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Lunchtime at Harris has plenty of yummy and healthy options for whatever you’re in the mood for. If you’re craving a sandwich, the deli line in Harris has a variety of freshly made sandwiches and wraps. The ready-made salads on the left side of the line change daily and make tasty sides. You could also make your own sandwich, wrap or panini using the many ingredients in the deli and salad sections. If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, the new flatbread pizza in Harris is delicious and (somewhat) healthy! The slices are thin and small, and the cheese is light and not greasy. Suggestions: -Grilled chicken, red onion, tomato, corn, black bean and guacamole on flatbread with side of green peppers -Turkey, spinach, swiss cheese, cucumber, pesto mayo quesadilla with side of grapefruit and sliced red peppers
For dinner, focus on having a balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables. My go-to sources of protein are grilled chicken, egg whites or eggs sunny-side-up, veggie burgers, tofu, and grilled/baked salmon or cod. For carbs, try to have some grain such as brown rice or quinoa, or a vegetable like sweet potatoes. Make sure to always have some fresh green vegetable such as cucumber slices, green peppers, broccoli or spinach. Dining halls can be tough because there are unlimited refills, so try to moderate your portion sizes and resist having seconds to prevent overeating! Additionally, stick to water and avoid sugary fountain drinks to reduce your calorie intake. Suggestions: -Grilled chicken, sweet potato, onion, yellow pepper, bean sprout tacos -Grilled chicken, brown rice, cherry tomato and guacamole taco with side of red peppers and sweet potato salad -Spinach, cucumber, egg white, carrot, veggie burger, hummus; spinach, grilled chicken, feta cheese, quinoa, cucumber, green apple, onion, olive oil -Baked cod, cooked carrots, quinoa salad, sliced potato 31
SPOTLIGHT ON A LOCAL RESTAURANT: THE RIGHT PATH I was excited to learn about Right Path when it first opened in New London, simply due to the fact that vegan options for eating out in this area are sparse. However, I was even more thrilled when I went to Right Path for the first time, because not only was their vegan cuisine delicious and fresh, but their mission went beyond food. As their mission statement says, “By making a conscious decision to eat well, be well, and live well we awaken our true nature which is to live in harmony with each other and the earth.” As a yogi of over eight years, I value the idea of connecting what is on my plate to what is in my mind and around me. By eating vegan, I’m not just eating healthy. I’m choosing a path of non harm, Text Kerry Dugandzic Image The Right Path
sustainability, and peace. Right Path is not just embracing veganism because it’s trendy and trying to accommodate food allergies. They’ve chosen to open this restaurant because of the same core values that I share. It is for this reason that, when eating at Right Path, you’ll occasionally see a homeless New Londoner come in and receive free food or a smoothie. You’ll see human rights advocacy posters and community garden flyers. You’ll feel welcomed and whole. In an era of disconnect and apathy, places like Right Path are trying to spur the winds of change. This is the future of food: wholesome, healthy for you, and good for the earth.
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A LOOK INTO
Text Jackson Bistrong Images Jackson Bistrong As wisely stated by the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, “The secret to modeling is not being perfect. What one needs is a face that people can identify in a second. You have to be given what’s needed by nature, and what’s needed is to bring something new.” Having published two previous interviews and profiles on top models, I continuously find myself growing and gaining insight into the nuances of the modeling industry and what it takes to rise in high fashion. This piece features two interviews with friends of mine, Rudy Dean Akers and Emily Butcher. Rudy and Emily glean bold insight on the ins-and-outs of the industry based on their careers and life experiences.
I get more and more excited every time I do these interviews because they allow me to develop a greater understanding and appreciation for something I used to consider to be basic and easy work for people with strong-jaws and chiseled features. My good friend from high school, Brian Altemus, proved to me early on that this was untrue and since then my understanding of the fashion world has drastically increased and matured. Can’t get enough? Follow these two on instagram - @rudyrudyrudyrockineverywhere and @emilybutcher1 - to support and trace their progress and achievements. Deuces galore.
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MODEL LIFE
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EMILY BUTCHER
Age: 21 City – Born/Live: I was born in Surrey, England but I now live in London. Years Modeling: Three and a half years Agency/Agencies: Next London, Milan, Paris, Miami, Wilhelmina NY, M4 Germany.
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What is fashion to you? I’ve learned to see it as an art form since doing this job. It’s a way of expressing yourself and being creative. After seeing the amount of energy and passion that goes into it all, I know it’s far from being frivolous and the industry has a lot of depth to it. When and how did you first get involved in modeling? In 2014, after I had finished school, a family friend put me forward for it— I had no idea and was actually preparing to go to University for English and drama. I decided to take the opportunity and went to NYC. My aunt and uncle live there and model too, so they put me in touch with a great agency who I signed with. I’ve been modeling ever since. What is your life motto? What’s meant for you won’t pass you by. Being a model, it’s almost imperative you stay in great shape. What does your workout routine look like? It varies but I try to workout 4/5 times a week (that doesn’t always go to plan haha) I live alone so I like taking classes for the social side of things. I love boxing, barre classes, reformer pilates, a good run.. whatever I’m feeling like on the day. How much pressure is there to stay in shape? It comes with the territory. It’s expected and part of the job. I guess it’s a blessing to have to be fit and healthy for your job. I have a lot of reservations with it though, there’s not just a pressure to stay in shape, there’s a pressure to stay a particular size, which may not be achievable for all women (and men) in a healthy way, especially if that means compromising your health in order to work, that’s really where I have issues with it. What is the ideal day for you? Well ideally I’d be riding horses on a beach somewhere tropical haha… but if it’s a normal day off, I’d get up, workout, have breakfast with friends, go to a museum or gallery, see something or somewhere new.. always a tourist! Then I’d have people over and make dinner. Do you have a favorite model? Yes, quite an obscure one, she’s very successful but not many people know of her because she doesn’t have social
media. Her name is Edita Vilkeviciute. She’s just very classic, elegant and has shot some incredible editorials. What and/or who inspires you most as a model? Funnily enough, being at work is what inspires me the most as a model. It’s an industry where most people are there by choice and because they’re passionate and excited about what they do. It’s hard not to feed off of that and be inspired to do your best work. Deserted Island – One book, one movie, one food for the rest of you life – what are they? Book: The four agreements, Food: Mangoes, Movie: If it’s for the rest of my life then it’s got to be a classic, so I’d say Grease. What is one thing about modeling that most people don’t know that they should? We can’t really make plans, we usually find out our schedules for the next day the night before.. so we’re always kind of living on the edge and that makes us unreliable! It’s good to have family and friends who are understanding! Have you seen Zoolander? If so, how accurately would you say they portray the modeling industry? Haha, it’s very exaggerated and would be hilarious if it was actually like that! My model friends are some of the brightest, most inquisitive, driven and intelligent people I know. There’s a misconception that models are self-absorbed and air headed. It couldn’t be further from the truth in my experience. What is the best lesson you have learned from working in the fashion industry? How to be comfortable in my own company, to be okay with being alone. I’m either traveling, commuting, casting, living by myself or staying in a hotel. It’s a good lesson to learn because when you’re happy with yourself and your own company, the people in your life can only add to your happiness, they don’t make it. Still learning with this one, it’s a process! Do you think you’ll do work in fashion after modeling? I think I’ll always indirectly keep a foot in it in some way.. it’s a hard industry to walk away from once you get used to the excitement of it.
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RUDY DEAN AKERS Age: 22 City – Born/Live: Born in Tampa, Florida but I currently live in NYC Years Modeling: Two years Agency/Agencies: Next Miami; Wilhelmina NY, LA, London
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What is fashion to you? It is the ability to express yourself however you imagine
hot outside and you are just drenched— it’s a weird time
When and how did you first get involved in modeling? I was in Miami area at the time and went to an open call for Next Miami and was blessed by my current agent Ron with a contract
Do you have a favorite model? Although he’s a skateboarder, he’s worked in fashion, so I would say Dylan Rieder What and/or who inspires you most as a model? I’m inspired by everyone around me who is working hard dedicated to their craft
Who is your favorite designer you have modeled or walked for? My favorite show that I’ve done was Macy’s Front row because it was on E and my mom could watch it at home in Florida What personal and professional accomplishments are you most proud of?I love staying in shape and staying on my game so what comes from that is what makes me proud. I really like working hard for something and seeing results What is your life motto? Teamwork makes the Dreamwork Being a model, it’s almost imperative you stay in great shape. What does your workout routine look like? I just like to stay focused on my own things. It’s easy to get caught up with what others are doing especially with social media, so I think waking up early before people have time to post about their workout helps me a lot staying focused on myself How much pressure is there to stay in great shape? It’s more of a mental pressure than actual people telling you to do anything. At the end of the day it’s all on you and I think that’s why I enjoy this industry, it will very quickly weed out the people who think it’s not hard work and they’re going to receive tons of money etc… I just pressure myself because I know where I would like to be in the future and the things I’d like to accomplish, so I believe little steps everyday will take me where I want to go What is the ideal day for you? Wake up early to see the sun rise and from there see who wants to skate and go do that all day What are your favorite and least favorite parts about fashion week? Favorite is seeing all my friends in town. The worst part is when it’s real real
Deserted Island – One book, one movie, one food for the rest of you life – what are they? Book would be the dictionary, one movie would be Forrest Gump and the one food would be salmon or something lavish like that Have you seen Zoolander? If so, how accurately would you say they portray the modeling industry? It is about 100% spot on, that movie is hilarious What is the best lesson you have learned from working in the fashion industry? My chest is too big You know my strong-jawed handsome friend Brian Altemus. How did you guys meet? He’s arguably the most handsome man to have graced this planet we call earth. I was blessed with his meeting at the glorious agency of Next Miami. I walked in and I said “This guy is arguably the most handsome man to have graced this planet we call earth”… I imagine he said similar things to himself thus blossoming into a beautiful friendship You are the creator of #TeamHandsome on Instagram… Tell me a bit about that? Technically speaking I brought it more to the light, the OG team handsome is Dylan Rieder and Austyn Gillette so shoutout to them and RIP Dylan one of the greatest on a skateboard ever Do you think you’ll maintain the #TeamHandsome even after you’ve stopped modeling? Oh ya I’m #TeamHandsome for forever Do you think you’ll do work in fashion after modeling? Hopefully, I really enjoy it so where ever it takes me I’ll be very open and appre-ciative
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Revamping the Victorian Look Inspired by the resurgence of timeless victorian styles, theLOOK designed this shoot to guide your wardrobe for this transition period between seasons. Behind the gentle patterns of lace, tweed, and ruffles are a group of badass girls who are making a difference on our campus and in the wider world.
Models: Davis Lemay, Jordyn Turin, Teo Mavrokordatos, Royalti Richardson, Sophie Xue Images: Christian Carr-Locke Text: Grace Carapezzi
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Sophie Xue
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Teo Mavrokordatos Left: Davis Lemay, Jordyn Turin, Teo Mavrokordatos, Royalti Richardson, Sophie Xue 45
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Jordyn Turin, Davis Lemay, Royalti Richardson
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Jordyn Turin, Teo Mavrokordatos, Sophie Xue, Davis Lemay Right: Jordyn Turin, Davis Lemay, Royalti Richardson
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Davis Lemay
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Sophie Xue, Teo Mavrokordatos Left: Davis Lemay, Jordyn Turin, Teo Mavrokordatos, Royalti Richardson, Sophie Xue
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Prabal Gurung Fashion Show Couldn’t make it to New York Fashion Week? Don’t worry, Nina’s got you covered.
Text Nina Nalle Images Vogue
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Prabal Gurung’s fall 2018 show On February 11th, I attended Prabal Gurung’s pre-fall 2018 show along with Connecticut College seniors Sophie Xue and Nayla Tohme. The event was held at Spring Studios in TriBeCa, a popular fashion week venue. The venue has a discreet alleyway entrance ideal for celebrities, and a more public entrance cluttered with WWD clad photographers who documented the arrival of Prabal’s guests. At this point we learned that even with tickets, it was difficult to get into the show. Our PR representative guided us to an alternative entrance through the garage. After several rounds of security checks, a lot of waiting, and a few phone calls, we were guided to an elevator that lead us up to the show. As we entered, we were confronted by a beautiful view of the cityscape on the left side of the runway. We rushed to find seats in the third row, facing the skyline. In the front row sat designer Rachel Zoe, and fashion blogger Shea Marie. Across from them we spotted Olivia Palermo. Other celeb sightings included Laverne Cox, Offset, and New York fashion week’s ubiquitous Cardi B. An elaborate mandala was drawn onto the floor in the middle of the runway. This represented
Prabal’s inspirations for the collection: the marrying of Eastern and Western style. Prabal continued his advocacy for feminism in his new collection, as we saw in last year’s show with his infamous “This is What a Feminist Looks Like” slogan tees. The collection embraced femininity through bold colors, delicate lace, hand embroidery, and pearl-adorned details. The color trends included scarlet reds, azure blues, and pitaya pinks. Prabal stated that these colors were inspired by his home in Nepal. The show was opened by Gigi Hadid, and was appropriately closed by Bella. Also featured in the show was plus-sized model Ashley Graham who wore a long sleeved scarlet dress with shoulder cutouts. The models sported slicked back hair with zigzag headbands. Bella took her time closing the show—her long strides accentuated the drapery of her dress. When the show finished, Prabal jogged out in a modest T-shirt and jeans and waved to his audience as we applauded. At the after party we got a chance to talk to him and take photos. It was refreshing how down to earth he was. Prabal’s humble character was the cherry on top of a great experience.
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Bella took her time closing the show—her long strides accentuated the drapery of her dress.
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Text John Pearson Images John Pearson
YOUR GUIDE TO BECOMING A SHANGHAI SOCIALITE & FASHION MODEL
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America has been known as the land of opportunities, however, if you want to start a fashion career, Shanghai is the place to go to. Shanghai has been known as the Paris of the East, and it’s not because they both have French architecture. Shanghai has been named the fashion capital of East Asia and it is rapidly becoming one of the most international and cosmopolitan cities in the world. With a population of 24 million, there are so many different looks and fashions that melt together that create a unique style. In 2017, Shanghai was also the home to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and an extensive fashion week. The Look: Whether you are going out for a casual coffee, or hitting up one of the expat friendly clubs, everyone dresses to the 9’s in Shanghai. Your Shanghai survival kit should include: A New Fade, Oversized Clothes, English Gibberish, Millennial Pink and a Bao Bao. First things first in Shanghai, you need a new haircut. You can get a haircut in Shanghai that includes a wash and massage for 5 USD and it is great. You sit down in the barbers chair show him a picture the hair your going for and a few minutes later you have a fade! It seems that regardless of what you asked for, the only haircut in Shanghai is a fade or undercut. The fade instantly makes you look like your apart of a Kpop group but actually looks great and gets you ready for Shanghai’s high fashion lifestyle. Next you need to update your wardrobe. A current trend throughout China and East Asia is what I like to call English Gibberish. Fashion companies put out clothing in English that may or may not make sense to a native speaker. The result is a comical but yet very trendy appearance for Shanghai natives. You will come across people wearing shirts displaying sentences such as F**k you, you F*****g F**k. Whether or not the owners know what their clothing says, it makes for an interesting style that definitely catches the eye. Oversized clothing has been in for a while but Shanghai has taken it to another level. Shanghai residents love to wear a giant overcoat and oversized button ups. The style is unique and elongates the body. As a student, there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity to try
some of this funky fashion on. The color of the season was without a doubt Millennial Pink. This soft pastel encompassed every aspect of the Shanghai lifestyle. The pink was seen in waves on street, subway and shops. This soft pastel found a home among Shanghai’s millennials promoting its popularity to no end. I hope to see more of this color in the Spring and Summer as it really is a great shade. Issey Miyake, a Japanese designer has made a lasting impact in Shanghai with his new Bao Bao bag. The Bao Bao bags are geometrically patterned bags that range from writlets to backpacks. To understand how popular these bags are imagine the Vineyard Vines tote bag in New England, and that’s how popular they are. They are a new trend that retails for around 300 USD for a wristlet size, but if you know where to go you can get a knockoff in Shanghai for 8 USD. When my mom came to visit, she stocked up on 15 of them! Fashion week: The geometric patterns don’t stop at the hand bags. I was able to have the chance to go to a few events during Shanghai fashion week and the concepts looked as if they belonged in The Jetsons. Matching the aesthetic of the Shanghai Skyline, the futuristic fashion could break into the Western Hemisphere, pushing the modern look to a more metallic and ridged fashion. Having the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show in Shanghai was definitely a moment for Shanghai to display their top designers and models, securing their place as a city of high fashion. Overview: Whether you’re in Shanghai for a weekend, or a couple of months like I was, there was no way to avoid fashion. In Shanghai there are more malls per square mile than another other city in the world. With a city full of wealth and high-end shops, there is a need to strive to be innovative on the fashion front. This also gives fashion opportunities to almost anyone living in the city. While I was in Shanghai, I was able to arrange a few photoshoots with photographers who were building their portfolio to break into the modeling world. No matter who you are, there are endless opportunities to take advantage of in this one of a kind city.
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WITH A CITY FULL OF WEALTH AND HIGH-END SHOPS THERE IS A NEED TO STRIVE TO BE INNOVATIVE ON THE FASHION FRONT. 61
A Response to Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer Text Samantha Barth Image Tarte
Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer has been universally deemed a holy-grail product due to its high coverage,staying power, and blendability. Nearly every beauty guru has been singing the praises of this Ulta-exclusive product since its release in 2016. Naturally, Tarte’s announcement about launching a Shape Tape foundation gained a lot of hype. However, this publicity turned negative once the shade range was revealed. The product was released in two formulas, matte and hydrating, and out of the fourteen shades in each formula, only three were designed for deep skin tones. While Tarte offers lighter shades in a variety of undertones, and the differences between the light shades are subtle, the shade
difference in each of the darker shades is drastic. Thus, it is clear that not as much care and effort was made into creating shades for people of color. While white makeup-wearers are easily able to find their perfect match, people of darker skin tones are unable to use the product due to its lack of availability in their shade. Naturally, the shade range reveal was met with backlash, to the point where Tarte disabled the comments on their instagram posts showcasing the foundation. Beauty gurus Jackie Aina and Alissa Ashley collaborated on a video entitled “Black Girls React to Tarte Shape Tape Foundation,” in which they criticized the lack of diversity within this line. White beauty gurus also ex-
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pressed their disappointment; for example, RawBeautyKristi never bought the foundation to review in the first place, explaining how she could not in good conscience recommend a product that not everyone would be able to use. Tarte responded to the controversy in an intagram story in which they acknowledged that “ the final shade range that we launched was definitely not representation of all of you. It may be too little too late, but we can assure you this was not meant in any kind of malicious way…. We wanted to get the product out as fast as possible, & we made the decision to move forward before all the shades were ready to go. We know there is no excuse, & we take full responsibility for launching this way.” This statement is too little too late, especially since they apologized on a temporary platform Although the Shape Tape controversy has been receiving a lot of coverage (pun intended), this instance is not unique. Foundations such as the Fenty ProFilt’r and the Maybelline Fit Me offer wide shade ranges, but the lack of diversity in the cosmetics industry has been, and continues to be, a prominent issue. Since the 1930s, cosmetics have either been created with the aim of mak-ing people of color appear whiter, or without people of color in mind at all. Many of the first cos-metic products marketed to women of color were hair lighteners and skin bleachers. Now, brands such as Tarte, as well as others such as It Cosmetics an
Almay, offer lackluster shade ranges that exclude people who are of darker skin. The beauty industry thus idealizes white fea-tures, perpetuates Western beauty standards, and discourages people of color from embracing their natural features and skin color. By not including shades for people of color, makeup brands are not acknowledging the existence of people of color. Furthermore, the issue of inclusion and diversity is not just about makeup: people of color are continuously erased and not represented in other contexts beyond the beauty industry. The disrespect of people of color and their sys-temic exclusion from white spaces perpetuates the idea of whiteness being the norm. Tarte has since added ten additional shades for deeper skin tones, but it appears as though the expansion of their shade range is coming as an afterthought. Although more people will be able to use the product, many have expressed on social media that they still did not plan to buy the foundation. The exclusion of people of color is so systemic that brands that include enough shade options for darker skin tones are seen as innovative. As important as diversity is, it should not have to be praised because it should be the norm. Acknowledging people of color as consumers who contribute to the economy, and, more importantly, recognizing their existence as people, should be seen as standard rather than groundbreaking. 63
Alumni, Where Are They Now? Rebekah Kohan, Class of 2010 Text Victoria Slater
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Last summer, I had the pleasure of interning in the same office as Rebekah Kohan ’10. She was my boss’ boss, and I worked under Rebekah for three fabulous months in Public Relations at Coach. The wide open office space allowed for a constant flow of conversation and collaboration among the PR team members and I was lucky enough to be a part of it all. Rebekah is now the Senior Manager of Global Communications at Coach, creating and managing press strategies for mens- and womenswear. She was mega-busy in the first months of 2018, leading up to Coach’s February 13th fashion show, an event that PR, and the Events team within PR, plans. Below is an email interview I had with Rebekah to give you an insight into where this Camel is now.
theLook: When did you graduate? What did you study at Conn? Were you on theLook? RK: I graduated in 2010, so unfortunately the Look was not around when I was at Conn! I majored in Art History with a minor in Economics. theLook: What other jobs did you have between Conn and your current job? RK: I took advantage of summer internships during my time at Conn. I spent the summer after my sophomore and junior year interning in the PR department at Calvin Klein. This internship solidified my interest in PR and I knew this was the route I wanted to take post college. After graduation, I spent six months in London working at Modus Publicity and another six months in the accessories department at Vogue- both invaluable experiences! Prior to my current role at Coach, I worked in the PR department at Bottega Veneta, first as Worldwide Communications Assistant and subsequently, North America Communications Coordinator. theLook: What does a day in the life look like in your position? Rebekah Kohan: My day-to-day completely varies! My overall responsibility is to help build a global press strategy and implement all press initiatives for our women’s and men’s ready-towear and accessories collections. This involves securing and strategizing press for key media
outlets in print publications and digital outlets. A typical day could involve pitching a new handbag, or meeting with press to show them the new collection. We just presented our Fall 2018 Runway show on February 13th, so my days leading up to that event were filled with seating charts, invitation prep, and celebrity dressing requests. There is never a dull moment, which I love! theLook: Did you see yourself in a job like this 10 years ago? RK: Definitely! I always knew I wanted to work in the fashion industry, I just didn’t know in what capacity. I reflected a lot on my summer internships in order to narrow down my interests. I knew working in editorial or design wasn’t the right fit for me, but I loved the exposure to product. Working in public relations enables me to work directly with product, while also brainstorming innovative ways to promote the brand and specific initiatives. theLook: Do you keep up with any camels? RK: Every day! Some of my closest friends are fellow Camels and were bridesmaids in my wedding- in fact, it was one of my best friends from Conn who introduced me to my husband! I would not be who I am today without the friendships I developed at Conn.
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A LOOK IN RIDGE17
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Text Sam Rodiger Images Elizabeth Powell
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“We aimed for a very nautical aesthetic. Many of the decorations were taken directly from sailing regattas throughout the country to ensure the authenticity of our home furnishings.� 71
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