SS Issue 2023: ZEST

ZEST

IN THIS ISSUE

COVER

photographed by Amanda Schweder

styled by Halle Maskery

hair by Vivian Sessions

makeup by Alexandra Leurck + Regan Hamilton

modeled by Katie Beckman

06 - 07

INTRODUCTION

introducing Zest

08 - 11

WAKE ME UP

written by Maddy Evans

12 - 17

BEES KNEES

photographed by Annie Henrichs

18 - 21

ACTIVATE

written by Anaka Bretzke

22 - 25

SAVOR

written by Evan Stefanik

28 - 33

Z IS FOR ZEST

written by Natalie Luci

34 - 37

FOTO AUTOMATICA

photographed by Ryan Singh

38 - 41

GOOD VIBRATIONS

written by Rhese Voisard

42 - 45

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

written by Nisso Sacha

46 - 49

TANG

photographed by Clare Mazzei

50 - 51

SUNKISSED

written by Maya Svec

52 - 55

FRESH FINDS

written by Abby Fribush

56 - 59

PLAY

photographed by Amanda Schweder

60 - 63

PASSIONFRUIT

written by Alice Momany

64 - 66

DAISY DUKES

written by Megan McConnell

67 - 69

IN LIVING TECHNICOLOR

written by Ava Shaffer

70

LAST WORDS

from the editors

EDITORS IN CHIEF

Anaka Bretzke + Ava Shaffer

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Amanda Schweder

PUBLISHER

Kate Buckley

DIRECTORS OF FASHION

Halle Maskery + Brennen McGill

DIRECTOR OF HAIR & MAKEUP

Sophie Mone

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Clare Mazzei

DIRECTORS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Annie Dima + Deanna Hay

COPY EDITORS

Abby Fribush + Alice Momany

DIRECTORS OF EVENT PLANNING

Jack Kerstetter + Brynn Pierce

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Sarah Holman

DIRECTORS OF MARKETING

Mia Brillhart + Taylor Shockley

DIRECTORS OF VIDEOGRAPHY

Jill Rimer + Zach Lawson

BLOG EDITOR

Natalie Luci

ADVISORS

Annie-Laurie Blair +

Sacha Bellman

STYLISTS

Fiyin Akomolafe

Lucia Amat Ayala

Kelli Amburgey

Katie Beckman

Mary Eisenhart

Katie Ellsworth

Alexa Hoover

Lilly Landenwich

Meggie Rasure

Ella Salvagio

Kate Stevens

HAIR + MAKEUP

ARTISTS

Reagan Hamilton

Julia Knoll

Alexandra Leurck

Katelyn Phan

Caitlyn Johnson

Elizabeth Maher

Vivian Sessions

Sophia Thompson

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tia Benson

Kenneth DeCrosta

Katie Gabe

Deanna Hay

Annie Henrichs

Max Rionda

Jake Ruffer

Rebekah Shook

Ryan Singh

Nyah Smith

VIDEOGRAPHERS

Lauren Harris

Emma Kremp

Angelina Silvestri

Ryan Singh

LAYOUT DESIGNERS

Lindsey Brinkman

Madeline Buecker

Macey Chamberlin

Caitlin Curran

Caroline Cilley

Grace Hall

Lauren Harris

Brooke Leibinger

Madelyn Liedel

Erin McGovern

Katie McNamara

Emely Villalba

WRITERS

Maddy Evans

Natalie Luci

Megan McConnell

Jack Sampson

Nisso Sacha

Evan Stefanik

Rhese Voisard

EVENT PLANNERS

Mia Brillhart

Adrienne Brown

Katie Ellsworth

Ava Hunt

Abbie Lyons

Abby Zielsdorf

COMMUNICATIONS

Anne Marie Arnold

Emily Bame

Emma Beck

Bronwyn Cantrell

Emma Kremp

Elizabeth Maher

Morgan Schramm

Taylor Slish

Abby Zielsdorf

MARKETING

Kelli Amburgey

Paige Anders

Kaleigh Fogarty

Hannah Graham

Maddie Kazmaier

Maddie McPartlin

Cole Pittman

Olivia Spencer

Lacey Walker

Ella Zawoyski

SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tia Benson

Gregory Engler

Princess Ford

Katie Gabe

AnnaGrace Harris

Ellen Long

Max Rionda

Morgan Schramm

Rebekah Shook

Ryan Singh

Nyah Smith

STYLISTS

Lucia Amat Ayala

Hannah Bowman

Mary Eisenhart

Megan Kesler

Nicole Gonzalez

Hannah Graham

Lilly Landenwich

Kate Stevens

SJ Weidner

BLOGGERS

Emily Bame

Halle Grant

Charlotte Hudson

Anne Kenny

Jane McKinley

Megan Nabozny

Marissa Rotolo

Maya Serrano

Taylor Shockley

Nyah Smith

Evan Stefanik

Lucy Sweeney

Ayden Wacker

Eleanor Wentworth

Letter from The Editors

Jo March from the novel Little Women once said: “I like good strong words that mean something.”

That sentiment is how I feel about Zest. It’s a word that commands attention. Bright, energetic, alive– there’s a power in that capital Z. It may conjure up images of lemons and rinds and yellow shavings, but to us, Zest is more than just a garnish.

This issue celebrates all that makes life enjoyable. Cups of coffee that refuel, fashion that empowers, food that unites, music that uplifts. Zest is all about the experiences that make us feel alive and fulfilled, the ones that spice up our everyday routines and evoke joy.

These sparkling moments are all around us, every day. For me, I find these joyful moments amongst the incredible team I have the privilege to work with. Amanda, Anaka, Kate and I are beyond appreciative of the innovative, motivated and creative team who have poured their best ideas into Zest. A thousand thank you’s to our directors, writers, layout designers, stylists, photographers, videographers, models, marketing, communications, event planning and digital teams, as well as our readers for their continued support and enthusiasm for UP Magazine.

We hope Zest reminds you to slow down, savor the moment and appreciate the extra garnish that turns a moment into a memory. There is nothing more exciting than the life you lead.

So add some Zest to it.

Much UP Love, Ava Shaffer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In elementary school, I’d spend hours of my free time stapling pieces of printer paper together and writing my own stories with marker-stained fingers. Inspired by the world around me, books and my experiences, I found a passion–or a Zest, rather–for something in life. Even now, I always find myself turning to writing.

Every one of us has a passion for something in our lives. Whether it’s for the people in our lives; cooking and creating new recipes; giving back to the community; writing and performing music; or creating fresh fashion ensembles. That Zest each of us have for something carries us through the sweet and bitter times, and no matter what it may be, that passion we have gives us that spark to keep going.

We hope this issue encourages you, our readers, to invest in what makes your life feel zestful, whatever it may be. To stay adventurous; savor the unexpected; and to pour your heart and soul into your passions.

Zest would not be possible without our amazing, dedicated and inspiring staff. To every one of our directors, members of our print team, business and digital department, thank you for sharing and expressing your passions with us.

Lastly, I would like to thank Amanda, Kate, and my incredible Co-Editor-in-Chief, Ava for everything. Working alongside each of you has been an amazing experience and I’m so privileged to have learned and grown with each of you.

Much UP Love, Anaka Bretzke EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ZEST

(n.) lively energy and vivid vitality; the exuberant enjoyment of life

“When one learns to savor the moment, they embody a zest for life.”

Written by Maddy Evans

It’s Monday morning. After cracking some eggs in a pan and popping bread in the toaster, you start brewing a cup of coffee. The rich aroma and warmth of the coffee drifts up to your face, and as you take the first sip, the day ahead starts to feel a little easier to take on.

Maybe it’s time to catch up with an old friend with an opposite schedule. There’s finally a Saturday afternoon that’s clear for the both of you, so you meet up at a local cafe. Hands cupped around your drinks of choice, you let your conversation join the buzz filling the room.

Coffee is something that wakes us up, boosts our mood and brings people together. It can be creatively crafted with different roasts and flavors. Or straightforward and reliable with just a little cream and sugar.

All of these can be found at Oxford’s locally-run coffee shop, Kofenya.

Hot cappuccinos; honey cinnamon lattes with oat milk; chocolatey mochas with raspberry; dirty chais and lavender matcha lattes are just a few of the drinks Kofenya customers can be spotted drinking.

Kofenya opened in 2003 after two 20-year-old Miami students wanted “a coffee shop that has a lot of space for students to

lounge, study, socialize,” as their website states. 20 years later, that mission has been met with great success.

“It’s a good place to study that’s open late and just has good vibes and good music,” said Tess CohenDumani, a Kofenya frequenter turned barista. “It’s chill, not super expensive, and feels comfortable to sit and hang around.”

Stepping off High Street into Kofenya, a customer is greeted by a buzz of conversation, typing on keyboards and the whir of an espresso machine. At almost any hour of the day, the room is lively and full of students, professors and families alike. Almost every square inch is used, with chairs lining a counter in front of the windows, cushy sofas tucked into corners and a large blackboard above the coffee bar detailing all the drinks and treats the shop has to offer.

The walls are decorated with colorful prints from local Miami student artists, one of them being junior Deanna Hay.

“The first time I went to Kofenya and saw the local art on the walls I knew I’d try to get some of my work hung up too,” Hay said. “My goal is always to display my work wherever I can. Kofenya has the perfect ambiance for student art and allows my work to be seen.”

Some customers are meeting with friends to chat and catch up, while others are hard at work with notebooks strewn in front of them.

Those passing through are standing by the counter, waiting for their to-go cups, while others have settled in for a while to lose themselves in a good book. Kofenya is an ecosystem of coffee and connection, and this passion is shown through the baristas that keep the store running.

Lyndsey Carter, a Kofenya barista since November, said the positive energy behind the counter is contagious.

“Everyone I've met that works at Kofenya is just unbelievably nice,” she said. “I've worked other jobs here in Oxford in the service industry that just did not have the same positive energy that working at Kofenya has in terms of the environment itself.”

Cohen-Dumani also praised the community that the cafe creates.

“It's just such a fun environment,” Cohen-Dumani said. “We always have something to talk about, and it's just fun…I feel like if I didn't have the coworkers like this that I got along with, it'd be a totally different experience.”

Not only do the baristas make drinks and keep up with the constant flow of orders, but they also choose the music playing in the store and offer drink recommendations to anyone who asks. Cohen-Dumani’s pick is the London Fog, or Earl Grey tea latte with a little bit of vanilla, while Carter’s is a Red Rocks tea with honey or an iced Gold Digger latte with oat milk.

From the student artwork on the walls to the artistic graffiti drawn in the bathrooms, Kofenya is filled with little moments that make it a unique and special place to the Oxford community.

“The reason people choose it over Starbucks or Dunkin’ is because it offers such a good energy,” Carter said. “We’re good people who love to serve good people.”

photographed by Katie Gabe

styled by Kelli Amburgey hair + makeup by Elizabeth Maher

modeled by Rakaep Mewael

layout by Caitlin Curran

Ingredients

2 ounces gin

3/4 ounce lemon juice

1/2 ounce honey syrup

Garnish: lemon twist

Directions

BEES* KNEES

Add gin, lemon juice and honey syrup into a shaker

Shake until well-chilled

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass

Garnish with a lemon twist

photographed by Annie Henrichs styled by Lilly Landenwich makeup by Sophie Mone hair by Caitlyn Johnson modeled by Maeve Talty layout by Madelyn Liedel

WHISKEY SOUR*

Ingredients

2 ounces bourbon

3/4 ounce lemon juice

3/4 ounce simple syrup

Garnish: orange slice + maraschino cherry

Directions

Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker

Shake up the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice

Add orange + cherry for garnish

COSMOPOLITAN*

Ingredients

2 ounces vodka

1/2 ounce triple sec, Grand Marnier

3/4 ounce cranberry juice

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1 orange peel/twist

Directions

Add the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice to a shaker

Shake for about 30 seconds until well-chilled

Strain into a martini glass

Garnish with orange peel/twist

Written by Anaka Bretzke

Athleisure is a perfect fashion hybrid: a mixture of both sportswear and leisurewear.

It’s skin-tight dri-fit tees paired with baggy sweats; yoga pants with an oversized sweatshirt; baggy basketball shorts and a hoodie; a matching bright-pink set of leggings and a sports bra with chunky platform sneakers.

The meaning of athleisure is defined differently from person to person. For Miami University sophomore, Lia Volpe, athleisure means comfort.

“A lot of people want to be comfortable in what they’re wearing every day.”

For junior Maeve Talty, it’s casual.

“I think that word really encompasses athleisure,” she said. “These days everyone wants a casual but put together look when doing day to day activities.”

Sophomore Giovanna Layne described it as versatile.

“I think people are obsessed with activewear because of how versatile it is,” she said. “I can wear leggings every single day but I can also wear the same pair to go do a three-mile run in. You can dress it up and dress it down.”

While athleisure has become every-day wear in recent years, the style was established in the late 19th century for people to wear exclusively for hobbies such as tennis and bicycle riding.

The athleisure movement is credited to American fashion designer Claire McCardell, who invented the concept of sportswear in the 1940s and ‘50s, according to an article in Vogue. As women’s role in society was rapidly changing, McCardell pioneered styles such as ballet flats and pockets into everyday women’s wear, making comfort fashionable. In her 1956 book, “What Shall I Wear,” she states:

“I like to be able to zip my own zippers, hook my own eyes. I need a dress that can cook a dinner and then come out and meet the guests,” she said.

Almost 40 years later, athleisure evolved into what we know today. In the 1980s and ‘90s, Americans shifted their focus to living a healthier lifestyle thanks to commercialized fitness centers and popularized at-home workouts. Celebrities such as Jane Fonda gained fame through their at-home work-outs, grazing television screens across America in bright neon leggings, print leotards, leg warmers and sweatbands.

This fitness movement along with hip-hop and skater cultures created a huge pop culture phenomenon in fashion, activating and normalizing the athleisure trend that is so popular and widespread today.

High-profile brands such as Nike and Adidas soon released their own athleisure collections in the early 1980s, realizing that gym clothes were more than just for working out. Influential figures such as Princess Diana sported biker shorts with baggy sweatshirts and blazers with baggy graphic tees.

According to an article from Businesswire, the U.S. athletic and athleisure apparel industry was the largest in the world in 2021, grossing $411 billion in revenue. By 2028, the industry is expected to reach $793 billion.

Athleisure has evolved into much more than just a trend, it’s a part of the American lifestyle. While many credit the COVID-19 pandemic for the rise in athleisure wear, athletic apparel was already growing pre-pandemic, mainly due to how prevalent the trend is among younger demographics, including Gen Z.

photographed by Tia Benson styled by Ella Salvagio makeup by Sophie Mone modeled by Halle Lieffers, Natalie Luci + Kanayo Offodile

“COVID brought in a lot of cozy wear since a lot of people were staying at home and inside,” said Meaghan Gilligan, a Miami senior. “

A lot of people were buying and wearing matching sweat sets. We were in a trend [post-pandemic] of buying clothes to go travel or go back to work or go out, but now we’re kind of heading in this direction of more of a fitness lifestyle.”

However, more recently the line between traditional gym wear and leisure style has become more obscure, proving that athleisure isn’t restricted for the athletic type.

“You want to be comfy and stylish,” Halle Grant, a sophomore and campus fitness instructor at Miami, said. “You can make [activewear] look cute without looking like a bum. If I put on a cute matching set I will feel better going to class.”

Many athleisure brands don't just offer cute, versatile pieces of clothing, but they have established sustainability efforts, diversity initiatives and launched workout programs.

In an attempt to lower its environmental impact, Lululemon established its “Like New” program, where customers can re-sell their gently used Lululemon gear for a gift card. From there, Lululemon freshens up the clothing to resell on its website at a discounted price.

Along with widespread sustainability awareness, many athleisure companies have incorporated inclusivity in their brand message by offering clothes for all body types. One brand in particular that has focused on this initiative is Aerie with its Offline activewear.

Over the years, activewear has become more than just something we sweat in– it can also make a statement.

SAVOR

photographed by Tia Benson styled by Fiyin Akomolafe makeup by Julia Knoll + Sophie Mone

modeled by Mia Brillhart, Clare Donahue

Sean Gross, Devin Million + Morgan Leflore

Written by Evan Stefanik

The last bite always tastes the best.

You savor it, crumple up your wrapper and cross the blackand-white tiled floor. You pass a “thank you” around with the servers and then through the green wooden door.

Maybe you craved a soup or a sandwich. Maybe you just like sitting for lunch uptown.

Remember Bodega – the delicatessen Oxford almost lost. Since 1989, it still cooks up hand-crafted meals with fresh ingredients every day.

Bodega’s manager Casey Hgindl led the reopening team in August 2022 while in training herself. But as a 12-year lover and laborer of food, she mixed in organically with her new and remaining Miami student employees.

“I love getting to know all the staff,” Hgindl said. “I’m older than the college students, so it’s fun to hear about their lives in school.”

Hgindl comes in early every day to prep the shop by baking bread, stirring soup and assembling the salads. Before anyone else stops in, she washes the dishes and sets up the dining room.

A couple times a week, she goes out back to unload a truckful of produce from local farms and groceries. The rest of the time she spends out front, facing comfortable Oxford residents, professors and Miami students.

Sometimes customers visit for more than casually checking-in with each other and end up pouring over their laptops and textbooks, filling the tiny space with conversation. Hgindl said Bodega buzzes the most on weekends from 113pm and again at suppertime.

One day, she hopes to open a restaurant with her husband. Until then, she enjoys Bodega’s commitment to specialty, local vibe and presentation.

“I prefer small businesses because it always feels a bit more like a family,” Hgindl said. “The small business route is great for learning.”

Hgindl only got the chance to join Bodega because Kofenya rescued it from closure.

The popular cafe across the street purchased it during the summer of 2022. Hgindl said Kofenya wanted to keep the

local legend around because it was a great way to combine two smaller partners.

People love the community not only within Bodega but even in Oxford’s greater food environment. Some, like Miami senior Ames Radwan, transferred their passion for it into their career.

Radwan writes for The Miami Student’s Food section and grew up helping out their parents in the kitchen. However, they finally discovered their pallet while stress-baking during the pandemic.

They needed something sweet before their exam the next day, so they unearthed a very old family chocolate chip cookie recipe. After their first experiment, they started making their uncle’s pasta from scratch.

Eventually, he sent them his pasta equipment out of pride for their growth.

“It had a snowball effect,” Radwan said. “The more time I spent doing it, the more I loved it.”

They continue their creativity now by finding one random item, usually from their explorations at Cincinnati’s international market, Jungle Jims, and basing the entire dish around it. Since they collect everything for potential use in their newspaper projects, their spice cabinet’s selection rivals actual spice stores.

For one piece inspired by The Miami Student’s rankings, they evaluated all the different renditions of potatoes one could get in Oxford and landed on Dividends’ baked potato soup as number one. In another, they chose their favorite dining hall soup and committed to spreading the good word to their readers.

As a vegetarian afraid of blood for half of their life, Radwan especially prefers greener eats and has no intention of reverting. Also managing eating disorders as a teenager, they constantly searched for a healthy equilibrium to avoid relapsing into starvation.

Radwan’s mom also rose to the challenge of providing appropriate dinners for them, like trying out Indian cuisine, hefty sides and improving upon salads, which they hated for the majority of their life.

Many other students inevitably pursue their curiosities in food and many branch out to plant-based substances. Miami Institute of Food’s director of farm operations, Charles Griffins, encourages that.

Although initially difficult to finance himself, he began farming as a boy and still celebrates every little accomplishment, solely because it means he completed anything out of the infinite chore.

“In terms of making a living, you can’t dabble,” Griffins said. “Your life depends on it.”

Griffins’ father owned a ranch where he used to wander about the surrounding woods and streams. He gathered apricots from his orchard religiously every summer, so when high school hit and time replaced his familiar landscape with nothing but construction, his hometown garden’s educational facility influenced him to build back better.

He gradually turned the knack for nature into his lifestyle and mastered the study of farming in higher academia, from Cincinnati State to across the world. Chasing his childhood dreams, he also invested in multiple miniscule farms in America.

Because he survived too much drought and a rapidly changing culture while residing in California, Griffins decided to focus his teaching in Ohio for its summer rain and stable attitude about farming. Despite Miami hiring him in 2017, he strives against the institutional method of farming instruction.

“The challenge is that I’ve never seen a successful farm that produces something and fulfills an educational objective,” Griffins said. “They work against each other in a way.”

But he also considers how the size of the Institute may compete with other farming entrepreneurs. Griffins advises anyone interested in the farming industry to cultivate fruits and vegetables first, as they generate the most profit.

Most of all, Griffins fears students forget about the great outdoors, so he does what he can for them to truly engage with food from its origins in the ground.

“Since the beginning of electronic games, no one goes outside anymore,” Griffins said. “It’s such an important experience for students to be at an [Institution] that runs like a farm.”

Griffins emphasized the people’s power, from volunteers to Oxford’s seasoned home chefs, to put their hands together to nourish the whole city. Hgindl excites the public to eat by repopulating what farms gift to her and telling a story with it for people to return to.

Radwan follows the same philosophy, frequently sharing desserts with their roommates. With nothing fun to occupy them during 2022’s stay-at-home blizzard, their apartment cleared their cupboards to concoct an Italian communion together.

Because as food delivered Radwan from their struggles, it heals whoever seeks it.

“There’s food for enjoyment, not just calories,” Radwan said. “Now, I want to eat. We all should.”

Z IS FOR ZEST

Written by Natalie Luci

The older adults in our life have so much experience and knowledge that is often left unsaid – but it is time for us to listen. This article provides a platform for two professors at Miami University, Doctor John Jeep (JJ) and Doctor Anna Klosowska (AK), to share their life lessons. The quotes pulled from this interview intend to inspire and ignite the spirits of the young adults reading them.

A ll is fair in love and war?

JJ: "No."

AK: "Yes."

B etter to be feared or loved?

JJ: “Loved.”

AK: “Loved, of course.”

C an you say you are satisfied with the life you’ve made?

JJ: “Yes.”

AK: “Yes.”

D id you ever have times when you thought you couldn’t make it through?

AK: “Oh, when I was young. So my advice for young people is the world is made for you to succeed in. Trust that it’s going to work out.”

E ver wonder how your life would be if you made one different decision?

JJ: “Occasionally… There’s more than one good decision. It’s not one decision is right and all the others are wrong.”

AK: “Oh, all the time. I’m the kind of person who revisits decisions… And my daughter taught me that life is always greener on the other side.”

F unny stories?

AK: “I’m a skier. And whenever I had a boyfriend I used to really try to impress him. We were going as fast as we could down the hill and there was a wooden fence and I cleared it… but it was really not safe. I think in retrospect with the wisdom of years, what you’re supposed to do with men is you sit back and you say, ‘Hm, I’m maybe interested, impress me.’ You don’t go, ‘Look how crazy I am!'”

G ratitude is tricky. Any tips?

JJ: “We are privileged, aren't we? So maybe it’s natural that it’s hard? On the other hand, if we pay attention to the real news like an earthquake and flooding and poverty and homelessness… this gets deep quickly! If I understand, much of what I have I didn’t deserve it or earn it; it was just there. That’s a form of gratitude I suppose… if you pay attention to what other people have done for you, that doesn’t seem to be difficult.”

AK: “Repeat to yourself that you owe people… It’s very [easy] to forget how much others have done for you… So always overdo the gratitude. And a handwritten note is always appreciated.”

H ow would you like to be remembered?

JJ: “Caring.”

AK: “I want my children to say I was a good cook but they never will. They’re much better cooks than I am.”

I f you could go back to any age, what would it be?

JJ: “Oh my… I’m not sure I could give you an answer. I’m happy where I am and I’ve been happy where I’ve been along the way.”

AK: “Oh, I would go back to when… I went to a French school and I had my best friend Stephanie and we did homework together… I remember walking in the streets and it was sunny all year. We had just the grandest time. I would love to be that age again.”

J oke you always tell?

JJ: “The optimist sees the half cup of coffee and says it’s half full. The pessimist sees the half cup of coffee and says it's half empty. Everybody else says it’s too little coffee.”

AK: “My mom and I have inherited the gene where we always spoil the joke. So my children are sighing and gritting their teeth. I’m not a good joke teller.”

K ey to happiness?

JJ: “Maybe it’s gratitude? To have meaningful work? But maybe that’s not something that everybody can have. That’s why I really feel fortunate because I know I like what I do.”

AK: “It’s different for each person… Maybe happiness is not the goal. Maybe the goal is something else? You don’t have to be happy, just be whoever it is that you want to be.”

L ife’s biggest lesson you learned?

JJ: “There are things over which you have absolutely no control.”

M oney can’t buy happiness, but what is one thing you’ve bought that brought you grea t joy?

JJ: “The townhouse we live in.”

AK: “My espresso maker!... Every morning I have the perfect cup. It’s such a small pleasure.”

N ames are important to people. Do you know the history of your family name, crest, or origin?

JJ: “Yes I do. It’s a German name… My favorite uncle… his uncle knew the creator of Popeye. So Popeye knew someone whose last name was Jeep… In the cartoon series Popeye, there’s a minor figure, it’s kind of like an animal but it’s not descript… it’s called Jeep the Jeep. So my uncle thinks maybe [it was named after them].”

AK: “Yes. My name is spelled with one ‘s’ in the middle and I understand that it used to be spelled with two, but my great-grandfather, who’s very democratic, felt that it was an aristocratic way to spell it so he changed the spelling.”

O pen up a bit… Who has influenced you the most?

JJ: “My family. My parents, my wife, my daughter, my granddaughters and my son-in-law. But people of course who were my teachers influenced me.”

AK: “When I was a child, I think it was my grand-mama. I would go there for the summer and my grand-mama would always order all the books from the library. Just being there and being loved by the whole family and spending time in the country, because I grew up in the city… A big garden, with fruit trees, and a gorgeous house with all sorts of objects from generations before.”

P lans you have for the future?

JJ: “Right now I want to continue working because I love working. And that also includes travel because I take students to Germany in the summer… And my first goal is always Florida with my daughter.”

Q uickly, can you name your favorite song and your favorite movies?

JJ: “Barry Lyndon; Billy Joel’s Piano Man or Judy Blue Eyes by Crosby, Stills & Nash.”

AK: “British movies like ‘Love Actually’ or ‘The Holiday’”

R emember your first job?

AK: “I started working as a graduate student… we had such a good time… it was at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. We had such great friends and it was marvelous.”

S hould we be practical or imaginative?

JJ: “Am I allowed to say both? Certainly both.”

AK: “Imaginative and practical… I think both are really important.”

T ell me about your first love.

JJ: “Oh gosh. My wife might be reading this right? A lovely person in high school.”

AK: “Oh, my first love! Of course, we were in elementary school and you would write your name with the other person’s last name. Oh, there was such drama. We were all in love with the same person, of course.”

U nasked questions lead to regret… Do you have any questions or comments you wish you’d said?

JJ: “Nothing that I can think of… I think I’m practical enough to know that it’s not gonna do me any good to dwell on it.”

AK: “Absolutely. I think in relationships, especially, I wish I was braver and asked all the questions and said all the words.”

V alues keep us grounded. What is one value you wish everyone would follow?

JJ: “Respect. Real respect. Not just an absence of disrespect.”

AK: “I think the Midwest Americans have it in spades; kindness and openness and taking care of each other.”

W hat do you remember about the place you grew up in?

JJ: " “Safe. Happy. It was a long time ago.”

X enomania means a passion for foreign things and customs. What is one place or culture in the world that you adore?

JJ: “Oh my gosh, only one? Certainly where I grew up (Saint Louis, Missouri and Münster, Germany).”

AK: “Oh my goodness. I’m instantly thinking of places I’d love to go like Thailand… Vietnam, Japan… Hong Kong, China, Singapore… Australia, and New Zealand. I’d love to travel some more.”

Y outhfulness isn’t defined by age… How old do you feel?

JJ: “Certainly a lot younger than my birth certificate.”

AK: “It’s so funny because I have a friend who is just a little bit older than me and she will never be more than 16 ½ . I notice that when you’re very young it’s off-putting when adults don't act their age. But sometimes I think we can stop noticing that we age. And that can be very unfortunate!”

Z is for zest. How can one find a zest for life?

JJ: “Persevere your passions.”

AK: “In life, there’s a lot of things that have to be done, but then reward [yourself] with something that [you] like. Sometimes it’s the recipe for when you’re feeling a little bit less healthy or happy. You can make small adjustments, it doesn’t have to be big.”

photographed by Clare Mazzei makeup by Alexandra Leurck

modeled by Dr. John Jeep + Dr. Anna Klosowska

FOTO AUTOMATICA

modeled by Lucy Biermann, Andrew Dellafave + Nicole Gonzalez

photographed by Ryan Singh

layout by Amanda Schweder

styled by Lexa Hoover

makeup by Sophie Mone

hair by Vivian Sessions

Written by Rhese Voisard

In all of its forms, music has the ability to amplify our lives.

The thrilling melodies outlining our best moments seem to be forever etched into the soundtrack of our lives, reminding us of memories we’ll always hold close to our hearts. There’s a power in music that extends beyond the realm of humanity, but looking beyond the velvet curtain might just offer a glimpse into the magic.

The band Under High Street is a talented group of students who’ve played their music in venues all across Oxford. Members include guitarist Beau Hartrum, drummer Evan Flagel and bass guitarist Dylan Brackis. Since the band’s beginning, Hartrum has graduated, Flagel is a senior, and Brackis is a junior at Miami University.

What started out as strumming guitars over bonfires turned into an on-stage performance when the band debuted on a Tuesday night in September 2021. The Miami students were

asked by a fellow fraternity member who was a manager at Bar 1868 to play a gig, and they didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity. After a few weeks of playing there, Under High Street was invited to play at the bar O’Pub, where they secured a regular spot on Thursday nights.

According to the band, this was a big step in the right direction, and it led them to book more sorority and fraternity events, as well as the most iconic bar in Oxford: Brick Street.

When the group first started out, they just needed what Flagel described as “an outlet to plug into.” Once they were able to channel their music into the world, their career really started to take off.

Performing live is an opportunity greatly treasured by the band. Taking their songs from the studio to the stage is a mesmerizing process – one they’ve seen redefine their original discography into something even more compelling.

“The number one thing I appreciate about music is improvisation,” Brackis said. “The people I like listening to are the people who go out every night and play differently rather than rehearsed solos.”

“You can only take it so far when we’re just in rehearsal,” Flagel added. “A lot of the really cool things that will have a song grow will be in the moment when we play it live.”

In addition to playing gigs, the band has been working on releasing their debut album. Over the past few months, the trio has compiled their top seven songs and is headed to Nashville to start recording.

Flagel described their album to be “mostly rock and roll with bluesy undertones and funky bass lines.”

“I think the stuff we’ve been working on is not only a good representation of us, but it ties us back to Oxford and each other,” Flagel added.

As far as hopes for the future, Under High Street aspires to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Their connections to Oxford have made performing here even more rewarding – especially as they’ve seen other bands come into formation.

“Fame is not the goal, just being able to play as much as possible,” Hartrum said.

The band emphasizes their desire for longevity as a group and how they are immensely grateful for each performance they put on together.

In addition to live shows, Oxford has been buzzing with another element of music appreciation: vinyl records.

Steve Schmoll has been running his record shop Black Plastic uptown since November 2022. He was inspired to open the shop upon realizing Oxford didn’t have a place that sold oldfashioned records. Schmoll believes in the magic that comes with listening to vinyl and found there is a sense of true satisfaction in owning a physical copy of the music you love.

Miami junior Noah Woods is a music enthusiast as well as a frequent visitor of Black Plastic.

“As soon as I got back on campus, I visited the store and met the owner, Steve. Steve is the coolest dude ever,” Woods said. “He helped me find certain records I was looking for and is fun to talk to. The store itself is awesome. They have so many records, but they also have posters, stickers, pins, rings, earrings and other little miscellaneous things.”

The walls of the vibrant shop are filled with albums from artists across a wide range of genres and stepping into the store transports the customer into a dynamic world composed of their favorite songs. While the turning of the century has brought about more convenient ways to listen to music, the art of the vinyl record is one that is cherished by many. There seems to be a timeless element captured within the ridges of a record, one that goes beyond the speakers of a cell phone.

“I have been collecting vinyl for around four years now and have an extensive collection of some of my favorite albums,” Woods said. “I love having the physical copy of the album because it makes it more special when I can actually see the album and play it on my record player.”

Woods explained how music has been there in all aspects of his life: the good, the bad and everything in between.

“Music impacts us because it shows us that the artists are human too,” he said. “They experience lows and highs in their lives just like anyone else, and seeing that transformed into art is amazing because when we can relate to the things these artists are preaching about, it can completely change our outlook on life.”

No matter if you’re looking to get lost in your favorite album or hoping to find pieces of yourself reflected in poetic lyrics, music has a place for you. From the euphoric energy at live shows to a newly pressed vinyl, the power of song has the capacity to connect us in ways beyond conventional conversation. It frames our greatest memories and allows us to find new facets of ourselves and the world around us.

photographed by Jake Ruffer

styled by Brennen McGill and Katie Beckman

layout by Emely Villalba

modeled from left to right by Evan Flagel, Beau Hartrum, Dylan Brackis

ATTEN TION TO DETAIL

Written by Nisso Sacha

Elevating an outfit can be done simply by adding a few accessories. Whether it’s throwing on a handbag, slipping on a pair of earrings or adding a splash of nail art, a few pieces of clothing can be brought together into a cohesive composition.

One accessory has the power to highlight the wearer’s personality or interests. It opens up a door into a new world of expression. Even a simple pair of sweats can be elevated with the addition of a necklace or cross-body bag.

Handbags act as both a functional and fashionable piece. Coming in a range of sizes and styles, bags can be a statement piece for a night out while also serving as a place to hold everyday necessities.

Miami University librarian, Masha Stepanova, started selling jewelry and handbags in 2013 at the Oxford’s Farmers Market and has since continued to sell at a few festivals every year. She has branched out into many other crafts such as basket weaving and crocheting.

“There are only so many purses you need, so my husband got the idea to start selling,” Stepanova said.

“We started making more pieces and would continue to get new ideas for new items.”

Stepanova used her materials from other projects, such as basket weaving, to aid in her crafting of handbags. She often draws inspiration for her jewelry from things she sees on other people and wants to recreate in her own image. Although she doesn’t often wear her own jewelry, if a piece matches her nails, she said she will.

Nail art acts as a semi-permanent accessory that isn’t as easily switched out as other pieces but is much more accessible. Maximal nail art can create a statement that draws attention towards the hands while a small pop of color can satisfy adding a sense of harmony in an everyday look.

“I recently saw someone just paint two fingernails,” said Audrey Gehm, a first-year art history student at Miami. “I thought it would be a cool thing to try and replicate.”

photographed by Kenneth DeCrosta styled by Kate Stevens modeled by Katelyn Phan layout by Lauren Harris

Nail art can also pair well together with the right pieces of jewelry. Jewelry can come in the form of rings, necklaces, earrings and more. Jewelry also has a sustainable aspect in which it can often outlive the clothes it is paired with.

Neviya Reed, a first-year Miami student, often wears handmade Alaskan jewelry from her hometown of Homer, Alaska. She began wearing rings in her junior year of high school and has been able to explore and continue to branch out since then.

“Experimenting with different rings was really fun, I got to go through all these different phases,” said Reed. “I was able to play with different types of metals and see different design techniques being used.”

Jewelry allows the wearer to subtly express themselves without making it their entire outfit. Depending on the piece, the wearer can exude a particular feeling or present their own individuality.

“I’m a big fan of chunkier rings because they feel stable, and I think I’m a very stable person,” said Reed.

Rings can draw attention to the hands, while earrings and necklaces can draw attention to one’s face.

Earrings are versatile, with different styles available to be worn in various parts of the ear. Earrings can be empowering or grounding for the wearer, depending on their intention.

“I have these cigarette earrings and they’re edgy to the point where when people see them, they’ll react,” said Gehm. “I think it’s fun wearing pieces that will make people interested.”

With necklaces, wearer’s have the option to keep a special object close to them throughout their day.

“If you have an object you really like and want to have with you, you can start figuring out a way to incorporate it into your wardrobe,” said Stepanova. “I had these pretty little pebbles around, so I wove little containers for them that you can wear as a necklace.”

From a casual day in class to a dressed up formal, accessories are able to shine a spotlight on certain features of the wearer.

“At the end of the day,” said Reed, “It’s about finding confidence and comfort and being able to outwardly project that through your style.”

TANG

photographed by Clare Mazzei

styled by Mary Eisenhart

hair by Caitlyn Johnson

makeup by Sophie Mone + Julia Knoll

layout by Amanda Schweder

modeled by Tabitha Perry, Nick Robinson+ Angelina Silvestri

WRITTEN

BY

MAYA SVEC

As the morning sun peaks through your window, you can’t help but feel a sense of warmth and radiance. The soft, golden rays dance across your face, highlighting the features that make you unique. The glow slowly builds up within you as the world comes alive with brilliant tones. There is no beauty quite like nature, and there is no beauty quite like you.

The pursuit of looking sunkissed has become a modern obsession, and for good reason; it’s a sign of vitality, confidence and youth. From silky serums to hydrating moisturizers, products have been crafted to nourish the skin and enhance its natural beauty.

“I’ve always been a firm believer in looking glowy,” said Justine Tarosky-Weathers, an esthetician based out of Washington, D.C. “To achieve this, you have to take care of your skin on the outside and on the inside; healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, it’s all part of it.”

Tarosky-Weathers has run the esthetics department at Ninotch Spa for over 20 years, where she conducts facials every day.

“Vitamin C, alpha hydroxy and retinol, that’s all you need,” Tarosky-Weathers said. “Any combination of these is going to leave you with a glow and younger-looking skin. A lot of women out there today are just injecting and injecting. To have good skin, you just need to take care of it.”

In the 2010s, the beauty industry was all about matte makeup, heavy contour and overlined lips. The idea was to mimic a complexion that was different from your own. So what’s changed since then? Why has the world turned away from full glam and gone toward natural beauty?

photographed by Rebekah Shook styled by Lucía Amat Ayala hair + makeup by Katelyn Phan modeled by Olivia Herrmann + Phoebe Zimpfer layout by Caroline Cilley

It’s all about being confident in your own skin. Brands like Glossier have picked up on this, tailoring their products to enhance features. According to Glossier’s website, their use of plant-based extracts and oils help achieve this.

Founded in New York, Glossier centers around simplicity. It aims to produce products that can become timeless essentials. The company was inspired by French beauty, where less is more.

The traditional French makeup routine is often associated with a natural, subtle look. To look made up, or to look like you had just spent hours in front of the mirror, would take away from the point, which is to look effortless.

But French beauty doesn’t just center around products and superficial routines, it centers around the way they live.

“There’s a pleasure principle in France,” said Mathilde Thomas in a 2015 interview for Vogue. “People eat at good restaurants; they take time to live; and when they eat, they don’t think about the time… They enjoy a glass of red wine because it’s good for them. They don’t do it to excess.”

Thomas is the founder of French skincare brand, Caudalíe. The brand revolves around vinotherapy and the benefits of grape seed polyphenols. In the same interview, Thomas described the approach to American beauty as more of a “quick fix” and the French approach as more of a “long-term investment.” She is a firm believer in offering the most natural formulas while guaranteeing they remain effective and luxurious.

“I think [American women] should put less pressure on themselves,” Thomas said. “Skincare needs to make you look good, but also feel good.”

In recent years, the Americanized version of French beauty has become the glowy complexion. This has been fueled in part by social media and influencers who showcase their radiant skin through specific routines.

“There’s been an emphasis on protecting your skin,” said Maddie Hinz, sophomore at Miami University. “I’ve seen influencers use more cruelty-free and sunscreen-based products, rather than heavily chemicalized products. The ‘nomakeup makeup look’ is something everyone is after.”

Hinz has had a passion for beauty her whole life. She’s lived through countless makeup eras and stays up to date on the latest trends.

“Skincare is now ingrained in my routine, and I can’t imagine how I would feel without it,” Hinz said. “I think it’s important that influencers in our generation are wearing less makeup and are focusing more on skincare. There should be no shame in having acne and embracing your features. Our body is our temple.”

Skincare is more than just a routine; it represents an essential aspect of our physical and mental well-being. The act of selfcare is a demonstration of self-love. It’s an act of independence that can empower us to take charge of our lives. It's a practice that encourages us to slow down and check in with ourselves.

It allows us to embrace all that we are.

As the sun falls below the horizon and the last rays of light graze your face, a sense of contentment seeps into your soul. The natural beauty of the world may be dormant, but your beauty within remains. Everyone has an inner glow, but it’s up to you to illuminate it.

Written by Abby Fribush

There’s nothing quite like Saturdays in Oxford. While most Miami University students associate Saturday afternoons with crowded bars, many people in the Oxford community head uptown for the weekly Oxford Farmers Market.

Located right in the heart of the city, the Oxford Farmers Market hosts a variety of local vendors all year round. Whether it is food like fresh produce, homemade bread and baked goods or artisan items like hand-picked floral arrangements, vintage clothing and handmade jewelry, there is something for everyone who visits the market.

According to historians from Indiana University, the origin of farmers markets can be traced back over 5000 years ago when farmers in Egypt came together to sell their fresh produce along the Nile River. The first known farmers market in the United States emerged in Boston in 1634 and thousands more have since spread all over the country.

With hundreds of Cincinnati-area residents attending the market every week, this popular event represents a trend throughout the nation. According to the Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets around the country has more than doubled in the last ten years and is continuing to rise. Larry Slocum, the Oxford Farmers Market manager, has seen this in action.

“Back in 2006 when I first started working at the market, we had a really hard time getting farmers. I was calling farmers all around the region everyday,” said Slocum. “Now, farmers are coming directly to us to sell at the market.”

It’s not just farmers that are eager to sell at the Oxford Farmers Market. Cameron McAdams, owner of the popular Cincinnati-based mobile coffee shop Ramblin’ Roast, has seen great success with her partnership with the market.

“Working with the Farmers Market has provided me with a safe space to grow. I never imagined my business would be this successful while also doing what I love,” said McAdams. “I love coming to the market on Saturday mornings, buying fresh produce and spending time with my market family.”

Though Ramblin’ Roast now travels all around the Cincinnati area, McAdams got her start here in Oxford.

“I started in 2016 at the Oxford Farmers Market with just a dresser as a table and two cold brew taps mounted to it. No one was really doing unique cold brew flavors at the time and I had all these recipes in my head that I wanted to try out and share,” McAdams said. “The Oxford Farmers Market took a chance on me, and I will forever be grateful for them.”

While at times there appears to be a disconnect between full-time residents in Oxford and Miami students, the farmers market has created a bridge between the two populations. Junior Izzy Hidasi tries to attend the market every other week.

“It’s always very pleasant,” Hidasi said. “Everyone is so sweet and welcoming and it makes Oxford feel more homey and connected.”

According to Slocum, students haven’t always been interested in the market.

“In the beginning, I could not get a college student to come to the farmers market,” he said. “I think people are really starting to care about where their food is coming from.”

Not only are local foods higher in nutrient levels because they are grown in season, they are more sustainable and environmentally-friendly. Buying from farmers markets reduces carbon emissions that come with mass-produced agriculture, including pollution from the transportation, pesticides and more.

“I love going with a friend to the market and getting organic produce because I know where it’s coming from,” said Hidasi.

Along with bringing a friend, many Miami students bring their sense of style with them to the farmers market. From tote bags to flowy sundresses, the fashion at the market is cool, laid-back and quirky, just like the Oxford Farmers Market itself.

Junior Maddie Haynes explored this farmers market style when she visited with a group of friends back in the fall.

“When I went, I wore my hair in an updo style I’d never tried before,” said Haynes. “My friends and I all dressed up cuter than we normally would.”

Whether it’s an event for dressing up or just a quick run for a latte and fresh croissant, the Oxford Farmers Market is a space for anyone to support local businesses and experience what it means to be a part of the Oxford community.

“Farmers markets are so important because they provide a sense of community and belonging, which are two important factors that people need to be happy. It also provides a place where ‘the little guy’ can shine over well-established brand names,” said McAdams.

As someone who has worked with “the little guy” for more than a decade, Larry Slocum has a simple message for all Miami students.

“I have two goals for every student. The first goal is to come to the Oxford Farmers Market at least once. The second goal is that when they’re rich and famous, find a farmers market wherever they end up in life.”

P L AY

photographed by Amanda Schweder

layout by Amanda Schweder

styled by Halle Maskery hair by Vivian Sessions

makeup by Reagan Hamilton + Alexandra Leurck modeled by Fiyin Akomolafe, Katie Beckman, Laura Schonken + Mackenzie Lee

the sex positivity movement because of interaction with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives.

“There are more opportunities to come into contact with folks that they may not have been exposed to,” Kuykendoll said.

Written by Alice Momany

In the 1960s, the feminist movement was gaining visibility in American culture, and with it came a new insurgency: the sexual revolution.

Megan Kuykendoll, director of the Sexuality Education Studies Center at Miami University, said the philosophy of the sexual revolution was that humans have and enjoy sexual needs.

According to Kuykendoll, many factors went into the sexual revolution, including birth control access and feminist movements of returning agency to people’s bodies.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the first contraceptive pill in 1960, and premarital and nonmonogamous sex became less stigmatized as immature and reckless. The 1960s was also the start of the gay rights movement, which sought to change public perception of homosexuality and embrace the marginalized attitudes of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Thinking about the gay rights movement and thinking about more expansive, inclusive labels for ourselves has expanded the conversations around pleasure,” Kuykendoll said.

Half a century later, the sexual revolution is just as strong and relevant in American society and has ushered in a new term, “sex positivity.”

Kuykendoll defines sex positivity as “removing the shame and the stigma around sexual behavior and allowing people to have more agency and choice.” She also said the term includes looking at sex and sexual activities as beautiful, pleasurecentered and connective.

Kuykendoll said college campuses like Miami have advanced

Sawyer Federinko, a graduate assistant in the Sexuality Education Studies Center, agreed with Kuykendoll and said college is also a way to become more aware of oneself.

“I think college is a space where people are able to explore their sexuality and what they need and want … because maybe they didn’t have that opportunity in high school or didn’t want to engage in that,” Federinko said.

Federinko said they feel sex positivity has become more commonly accepted in modern society since the 1960s.

“I think sex positivity is more widely a thing,” Federinko said. “I feel that folks are more educated through not just comprehensive sex education in their high schools and their college courses, but also through social media.”

Social media has given consumers a glimpse into the sex industry, normalized conversations around sex and helped sex culture to become more inclusive.

“I think [social media] gives people the opportunity to ask questions about sex that maybe weren’t really able to be asked before, and there are so many great accounts that explore different [sexual] circumstances and consent and the implications of sex,” Harper Sutton, a nutrition and psychology double major and president of Feminists Working on Revolutionary Democracy (FWORD) at Miami, said.

FWORD is a student organization that uses grassroots activism to spread awareness about feminist issues and empower marginalized communities.

Sutton said even though technology and social media have made the conversations around sex more casual, sex does not have to lose its meaning and devotion between two individuals.

“I think sex in the construct of a relationship can have more meaning and mean more in the context of it, but I don’t think sex itself has to have strong ties or anything because it is just an act you’re doing, and you’re connecting with someone, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a forever connection with that person,” Sutton said. “It can just be providing for each other in that one specific instance.”

Kuykendoll agreed with Sutton and said there is a cultural expectation of finding one partner and maintaining that relationship for a long time. She said the length of time in a relationship does not indicate its success, but what is more important is how the people feel in that relationship.

“You can still feel very valued and appreciated and cared for in a casual sex situation,” Kuykendoll said.

Long before social media, Megan Jordan Kridli, a senior computer science major and copresident of Spectrum at Miami, said the LGBTQ+ community has celebrated bodily freedom since the gay rights movement of the 1960s.

“Gay sex has always been this open, so in queer sex culture, the exclusions are more exaggerated because there’s so much open communication around sex,” Jordan Kridli said.

Spectrum is an advocacy and awareness organization that supports education and activism for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities at Miami. Even though sex positivity emerged from queer communities, Jordan Kridli said these and other identities are typically left out of the modern-day movement.

She said weight, race, class and gender are often identities discriminated against. It poses the question, who is worthy of sexualization?

“I see all sorts of disabled people being left out of this movement,” Jordan Kridli said. “I see all sorts of fat people being left out of this movement. We also see, on a racial lens, a lot of people of color being left out of white sexualization.”

Kuykendoll agreed and said intersectionality is central to comprehending sex education.

“[The movement is] about all of the context and community and environment in which we’re making decisions about sex and sexuality, which includes systemic racism and ableism and land loss of tribal sovereignty,” Kuykendoll said. “All of those things impact our reproductive choices, our relationship choices and our intimacy choices. Thinking about all of those contexts is central to the word.”

Although a lot of work needs to be done to ensure the future of the sexual revolution is an inclusive environment for all, many institutions, like Miami University, encourage a critically open dialogue.

Kuykendoll directs the Sexuality Education Studies Center at Miami, which focuses on comprehensive sex education. In coordination with the Center, Kuykendoll teaches a Family Life Sexuality Education Course (FSW365), which discusses the history of sex education in the U.S. and evaluates what comprehensive sex education actually is.

“There’s so much misinformation around sex and sexual activity and bodies and genitals that it just gets really messy, and I think it’s refreshing for a lot of folks to be able to talk candidly about it,” Kuykendoll said.

The Center also manages Care Station, a volunteer-based project focused on menstrual and sexual wellness. The project provides students and community members with menstrual products such as pads, tampons and liners and sexual wellness products such as condoms and lube for free.

“Our main goal is to make sure that people have access to those products for free, and our eventual goal is to have them all across campus, including in residence buildings, as well as academic and administrative buildings,” Federinko said.

Additionally, student organizations like FWORD and Spectrum have open conversations about sex, and FWORD passes out condoms to promote safe sex.

“[We] just try to have [safe sex] be more openly discussed, and that’s something that we really strive for,” Sutton said.

As sex positivity continues to gain traction in modern society, Kuykendoll said it is important to remember what makes sexuality so freeing: individuality.

“You don’t owe anybody anything with your own sexuality, and they don’t owe you anything,” Kuykendoll said. “It’s a partnership, trying to build whatever pleasure looks like for you.”

photographed by Deanna Hay styled by Halle Maskery + Brennen McGill modeled by Allie Hoy + Dylan Torres layout by Macey Chamberlin

DAISY DUKES

Written by Megan McConnell

When searching for a new pair of jeans, finding the perfect fit is often the hardest part. The styles are seemingly endless, from wide-legged to skinny, bell bottoms to straight and low rise to high rise.

They have to have the perfect amount of stretch. The waist can’t gape too much in the back or be too tight.

If the length is too short, they look cropped when sitting, but if they’re too long they drag on the ground or bunch at the ankles.

Ashley Kramer, a senior marketing and fashion doublemajor and president of Miami University Fashion & Design (MUF&D), found her perfect pair: a ’90s-inspired high rise with a little slouch in the legs, high waist and no rips. She owns them in every shade.

According to Levi Strauss and Co.’s website, the iconic “blue jean” was first patented by Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis in 1873. The design, which introduced metal rivets, was originally created to reinforce work “overalls,” as they were referred to at the time.

During the Californian and Alaskan Gold Rush, miners needed something durable to wear, and denim’s tight weave made it the perfect candidate.

Rebecca Robinson, a visiting associate professor in Miami’s fashion department, said the fabric didn’t become mainstream until the 1950s.

“It was really a type of clothing or fabric that was just used for workwear,” Robinson said.

Nearly 200 years later, the style remains a staple in everyone’s wardrobe and American culture. At Miami, students can be seen adorned in blue jeans making their way to class or uptown. The fabric has even become a popular textile for other clothing items, accessories, shoes and upholstery.

Robinson said the fabric’s popularity varies, but never fully disappears. Instead, it peaks every couple of decades before dropping again. Recently, denim seems to be on the upswing.

“When the [COVID-19] shutdown started to ease up, we started to see that people were really interested in denim, and we did see denim sales soar,” Robinson said. “People had been living in their loungewear for two years.”

However, despite its long history and widespread popularity, denim’s manufacturing process can be environmentally strenuous.

According to an article on Sewport, an online platform that connects brands and manufacturers, denim, which is typically made out of cotton, is manufactured in three major stages: cotton cultivation, processing into yarn and final production.

Between the growing and manufacturing process, the production of this cheap, durable fabric consumes a lot of water and energy. Thus, several manufacturers have developed new initiatives to minimize their environmental impact.

Levi Strauss & Co. implemented a Water<Less initiative in 2010 and its Recycle & Reuse standard in 2014 to help promote reusing water. According to its official website, the company has recycled more than 11.5 billion liters of water since 2011 with these strategies.

Some brands, such as Madewell, also offer deals to customers when they donate or trade in their old clothing.

In collaboration with ThredUp, an online thrifting company, Madewell provides customers with a free printable shipping label to send in old clothing items, accessories, shoes, etc. Each item is awarded a shopping credit to put towards new purchases, depending on the quality of the item. Typically, a pair of jeans is traded for $20.

For students at Miami hoping to reduce their textile waste and adopt more sustainable shopping habits, there are a variety of different resources accessible off and on-campus.

Thread Up Oxford, a nonprofit founded by local resident Shana Rosenberg, focuses specifically on reducing textile waste by redistributing donated materials. Students and residents can donate any kind of textile, including those with stains and holes. Whatever is donated is then given to organizations around the area.

Organizations like MUF&D also provide resources for students on-campus. During its annual “Green Week,” MUF&D posts information about sustainability across their social media platforms and hosts a clothing swap for all students.

“I think a lot of people think you have to spend so much money to be sustainable, but you can do so many things for free,” Kramer said. “I really pride us on our education and making sure we’re keeping people aware of how they can help out in the community.”

Personalizing jeans, either with paint or embroidery, has become a popular practice for many who shop second hand at events like MUF&D’s clothing swap. Robinson said this embellishment of jeans and other denim products was also common in the 1970s, and – according to some fashion forecasting – she believes even more embellishment, primarily line embroidery, and overdyeing will be the next big trend in denim.

Whether it’s a light or dark wash, straight leg or bootcut, finding the perfect fit when shopping for the next pair of jeans is often difficult. But, as manufacturers turn to more sustainable processes and shoppers flock to second-hand stores, one thing seems certain: denim is here to stay.

photographed by Max Rionda styled by Meggie Rasure hair by Elizabeth Maher makeup by Julia Knoll modeled by Elsa Cronin + Louise McCready layout by Katie McNamara

in living technicolor

Written by Ava Shaffer

Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress. Uma Thruman’s “Kill Bill” yellow tracksuit. Dodgers jerseys and Air Jordans in “Do The Right Thing.” Marty McFly’s red puffer vest and Marilyn Monroe’s pink gown from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”

These are just some of the most iconic outfits in film history– fashion that can conjure up entire movies in viewers’ minds. Glitz and glamor began in the film business, the pioneering industry for the expression of character through clothing. From old-school talkies to modern-day costuming, cinema has long been a major catalyst for inspiration, style and fashion.

“That is a horrible suit, dahling” you remember from the iconic fashion designer in Pixar’s “The Incredibles”–Edna Mode. Black bangs, short stat ure, round glasses. She is instant ly recognizable for her style and quirky artist characterization. What many viewers may not know is that Edna Mode was based on a real classic Hollywood fashion designer– Edith Head. Nominated an astonishing 35 times for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for films such as “Roman Holiday,” Head was one of the most well-respected designers in the business.

“[Head] styled Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and a lot of other famous actresses of the time. Every actress want ed to work with her because she would give them the best fashion imaginable,” said Ryan Rosu, a film studies junior at Miami University and budding film historian.

Rosu explained that the fashion department was one of the first female-dominated workspaces in the film industry. Edith Head was no doubt one of the most successful, but there were many other prolific women forging a career in costume design at the time.

“A lot of one-named fashion icons worked in the business,” Rosu said. “Like Irenne,” who designed for big-name actresses such as Lana Turner and Judy Garland in the 1930s.

As film history progressed, the question of who creates the fashion in movies changed. Whereas once a costume designer led all the styling decisions for a film, around the ‘70s actresses themselves would have more say in what they wore. Take, for example, “Annie Hall,” one of Rosu’s favorite movies.

“All of the outfits Annie wears in that film are actually from Diane Keaton’s [the lead actress’s] own wardrobe,” Rosu said. Her eclectic style and menswear mashup are a staple of the film and wouldn’t have been possible without the inventive mind of Keaton herself.

When asked what films he derives his own style from, Rosu responded, “Any random ‘70s movie, really. I guess it’s vague, but I like the classy look, and I’m a sweater person.”

Wardrobe decisions from movies can live subconsciously in a viewer’s mind, subtly influencing their style in small ways. There may not be one specific movie that changes the entire wardrobe of a viewer, but as movies accumulate in one’s mind, they can impact style.

Zach Lawson, a sophomore media and communications major at Miami, revealed how his own passion as a videographer affects the way he watches movies and views the fashion within them.

“I like to think about what is visually interesting,” he explained when asked about the wardrobe he likes to see in his own work. “Bold colors contrasting with a surrounding dreary world leaves a big impact. Or the opposite, with muted neutral tones contrasting a vibrant world, helps create different visual aesthetics in film.”

Lawson explained how when he sees a character in a film sporting a certain style, it makes him feel more confident to do the same thing.

“It makes me think, well these characters are working with these clothes, so why can’t I do that? In our society, we should be able to move out of the box and wear more of those bold outfits we only see in the movies,” Lawson said.

To further emphasize his point, Lawson talked about his favorite movie, the detective whodunit mystery “Knives Out,” and how the fashion from that film inspired his own style.

“Chris Evans’ cable-knit jumper in ‘Knives Out’ really started a sweater renaissance for me,” he said with a laugh. “I like the cozy vibe and how huggable the style is, it just brings me warmth and joy.”

The idea of celebrities inspiring viewers to enhance their wardrobe is not new in the modern movie-going experience. Zoltan Feldman,

a previous employee at AMC Theaters in Hamilton, discussed how viewers and movie-watchers are impacted by the style they see on screen.

“At work, I mostly saw people come to the theater dressed as a character that they resonate with, and then they take that on in their own style. Specifically in franchises like Marvel, people like to dress up as their favorite hero,” Feldman said.

Feldman’s favorite movie is “Ratatouille,” and when asked what characters influence his own personal style, Feldman laughed.

“Well, I guess I don’t get much fashion inspiration from a rat, but my boyfriend says I dress like Nick Miller from ‘New Girl.’ I guess I just wear flannels and matching converse a lot.”

Feldman’s response is a reminder that cinematic fashion has gone far beyond just showing itself in movies, now there are impactful styles in TV shows and social media too. The nostalgic ‘90s TV show “Friends” popularized “The Rachel” haircut, while the HBO show “Euphoria” has influenced younger generations to adopt bold makeup, Y2K fashion and highly personalized aesthetics into their everyday wardrobes.

Sandy’s black spandex pants from “Grease.” Cher’s yellow plaid suit in “Clueless.” Sally’s bowler hat and gray tweed blazer from “When Harry Met Sally.” Dorothy’s blue checkered dress and Indiana Jones’s signature fedora.

These are the styles we have grown up seeing in the movies, the styles that continue to inspire generations after a film is released. Cinema makes style timeless and encourages anyone watching to take glamorous strides with their own fashion, even long after the curtains close.

photographed by Nyah Smith

styled by Katie Ellsworth

hair by Elizabeth Maher

makeup by Katelyn Phan

modeled by Dillon Walls, Sara Smith, Ava Selvaggi

layout by Brooklyn Leibinger

SHAFFER

Editor in Chief

It has been an immense joy to serve as Co-Editor-In-Chief of UP Magazine. I am so proud of the creativity within these pages and the people I crafted them with. I couldn’t have asked for a more considerate and skilled editor to share this role with than Anaka. She has taught me so much about the power of positive collaboration. Amanda has constantly blown me away with her artistic eye and innovative ideas. Kate has always been a stable pillar of UP, and her drive has been such an inspiration. Every single member of UP Magazine has amazed me with their incredible talent. To me, Zest invites you to a seat at the table and asks you to appreciate the garnishes of life. As you read this issue, I hope you accept the offer.

LAST WORDS

From the Executive Staff

BRETZKE

Editor in Chief

It has been the honor and privilege of my career at Miami to serve as Co-Editor-in-Chief of UP Magazine. To Kate, Amanda and my Co-Editor-in-Chief Ava, I had the time of my life creating Reverie and Zest with you and I’m grateful to have worked alongside such kind, talented and creative individuals. I would also like to thank each member of our UP team. This issue would not be possible without your innovative, hard-working selves. While my journey with UP hasn’t come to a close just yet, this experience in particular will always hold a special place in my heart. To our readers, we hope Zest inspires you to savor the moment and never lose sight of what you’re passionate about.

KATE BUCKLEY

Publisher

Life with laughter is a life well lived. My time within UP Magazine has been filled with nothing but enjoyment and a true commitment to the sentiment behind Zest. Finding every way to acknowledge your capabilities and growth while looking beyond the struggle is what our magazine stands for. The community Ava, Anaka, Amanda and I wanted to reignite within UP came to perfect fruition with the celebration of beauty and fun that Zest encapsulates. The inspiration behind everything this team has completed could not have been found without the challenges, fulfillment, and excitement this year has brought. I could not have asked for a better family of people by my side. I encourage you all to stop and ask yourself how you can find Zest in every moment and every stage of your life.

AMANDA SCHWEDER Creative Director

And that’s a wrap! UP has been the most impactful part of my college experience and I am so incredibly grateful to have served as Creative Director these past two issues! Zest embodies the best of what this beautiful, colorful year has been. Through my work with this organization I have rediscovered a passion for creativity and fostering a place for others to create as well. To the very first UP 4, you inspire me, push me, and support me. Working alongside Ava, Anaka, Kate and our executive board has been an absolute joy! The energy we have brought into creating Zest together is what I hope to emulate in my future creative endeavors and my love letter to UP magazine; I am forever changed by this experience. Find what sparks your Zest for life!

AVA

ANAKA

photographed by Annie Henrichs

Zest is the secret of all beauty.

- Christian Dior .

illustrated by Macey Chamberlin