VIM FALL 2022 ISSUE

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Olivia Simone & Anna Traver ASSISTANT TO THE EDITORS

: MORGAN BARBAT

FOUNDERS: KERRY CHERESKIN, LAUREN CHRISTOPHERSON & JULIE CHRISTOPHERSON

ART DIRECTOR : LAUREN SLAWIN ASSISTANT ART DIRECTORS : Libby Wagner & Sabrina Seldon Veronica Bryan, Evelyn Diamond, Marissa Malleck, Julie Pakizer, Kee-Ri Burkitt, Caroline Parthum & Anna Kyes

ADVERTISING DIRECTORS : BELLA RALLIS & CAROLINE BARATTA ASSISTANT ADVERTISING DIRECTOR : MADISON KORT Ruby Stewart, Isha Jaffer, Sydney Nordling, Cassandra North, Avery Tyson, Ilijah Dean, Liv Ceithaml, Gabrielle Clark, Autumn Decker, Sophia Cloutier, Renata Ramirez & Elise VanDyke BLOG DIRECTORS : GIA ECONOMOPOULOS & KATHLEEN MAHONEY Katlyn Holtvluwer, Jillian Gaddie, Bella Johnson, Mackenzie Dekker, Zoe Komar, OliviaLepera, Jenyse McGinnins & Maura Shine CREATIVE DIRECTORS : SIERRA LAW & ANNA WEBBER ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR : KATE BLASZKIEWICZ AND MADDIE INCAMMICIA CREATIVE BEAUTY DIRECTORS : AVA TACONELLI & EV CAMPAU ASSISTANT DIRECTOR : MADISON GIRODAT Emily Burke, Evan Yalowitz, Victora Rackers, Ateeyah Abdul-Wasi, Andie Bahm, Ava Cortana,Izzy Parker, Emma White & Lauren Davis

Allie Thomas & Krishna Devdhara STUDENT RELATIONS DIRECTORS : TRISHA HA & KENNEDY GOUDESUENE Chloe Marcou, Jackson Tucker, Grace Singh & Lucy Stoy

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTORS : RILEY WARD & KAITLYN KEELE

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR: Gabriella Lopez Megan Lentz, Madison Parsons, Emily Manriquez, Olivia Thaer, Grace Pia, Emma Ross, Kelsey Gruzin & Jamie Delas

FILM DIRECTORS : JADEN DUONG & JOHN HART ASSISTANT FILM DIRECTORS : MEGAN LEAR & KAYA CHAMBERLAIN Kaleigh Jacobs, Natalie Brown, Madeleine Hood, Hannah Jun, Wallace Hill V, Nick Lyskawa, Sophie Wolcott, Marcayla Armstrong, Maggie Lupton, Danielle Pollak, Bailey Maloney, Zhanna Yakubova, Kyle Johnson, Abby Nellis, Riya Patchava & Emelia Moore GRAPHIC DESIGN DIRECTORS : Emily Maze & Claire Brown Isabella Denton, Avery Antal & Evette PerryRiya Patchava & Emelia Moore FASHION DIRECTORS : BORJANA ALIA, JULIA WALLACE & BELLA SCHINCARIOL Fashion Stylists : Vanessa Yousif, Brandon Roberts, David Delgado, Grace Velthoven, Mackenzie Haupt, Amy Chong & Samiyah Wheeler Fashion Writers : Justice Seay, Jordyn Wilcox, Kelsey Lester, Sydney Tomlinson & Dylan Howell

Grace Dobie, Evie Turjanski, & Allie Hawkins

RELATIONS DIRECTORS : SHREE MYSORE, LILY CHAMPINE & KIERSTYN OPASIK

Relations Creative : Jaznay Lora, Puja Modi, Bella Finnigan, Makenna Masters, Marissa Carr & Nyla Willis Fashion Relations

Thank you for picking up our Fall 2022 issue of VIM Magazine.

VIM is a student-run fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine at Michigan State University. We have around 400 members, all varying in majors, backgrounds and career goals. We have over 60 directors and 20 different teams, making VIM a large and collaborative family.

In this issue, you will find intricate photography and spreads, stunning student models, sophisticated articles, editorial styling and so much more.

As VIM’s 2022-2023 Editors-in-Chief, we are proud to share some new projects we’ve been working on and executed this semester. To start, we had 500 students at our first meeting, a record-breaking number for our organization. We remain in the top 10 of the largest RSOs at MSU and are ranked as one of the best collegiate fashion magazines in the nation. We added a podcast segment to our blog team, giving our members more creative freedom. VIM’s first podcast episode was recorded and published, with the help of Impact 89FM radio here in East Lansing. We are also proud to share that VIM had its first ever Fall kickoff concert at Rick’s, with a performance by Cousin Simple and an audience of 200 people.

Editors FromThe

At our bi-weekly meetings, we feature professionals in the fashion, beauty and related industries to provide our members with real-world connections. This semester, we were grateful to hear from GQ, Rare Beauty, TJX and a DEI panel of local and national creative professionals.

We want to thank each and every one of our dedicated and hard-working members and directors for putting in countless hours to make all of our visions come to life. We are beyond proud of you and know this magazine would not be possible without your passion and creativity. We are ecstatic to see and hear all of your reactions to this issue, and we cannot wait to see what VIM comes up with next semester.

Olivia Simone & Anna Traver

xoxo,

PLAYING DRESS UP

or many, childhood dolls and playtime dress-up served as a gateway into a fashion obsession. Through Barbie’s hot pink ensembles and Bratzs’ platform heels, a fashionforward seed was planted. We didn’t feel clumsy or uncomfortable clunking around the house in a party dress and a pair of heels. Instead, we pictured ourselves on a glamorous runway strut for an exclusive audience of stuffed animals and maybe the family dog– if you could get them to sit.

Perhaps it was simply the independence that drew us to it, but the excitement of having complete control over our outfits for the first time was addictive. For many of us, dressing up and styling our dolls was our indoctrination into the world of fashion.

We rummaged through our closets to assemble the most eccentric, colorful, glittery outfits we could find. Nothing was out of the question. We begged to go to school in our princess dresses or the store wearing a pair of fairy wings.

We interpreted odd looks from strangers as glances of adoration for our carefullycrafted outfits, and it felt amazing.

FAt a certain point in our lives, we recognized those odd looks as negative. We were forced to trade in our plastic heels and party dresses for a sensible shoe and outfits that feature considerably less tulle.

Nowadays, fashion feels severe. Of course the fashion industry has never been a stranger to pressure or judgment, but with social media integrating itself as fashion’s central hub, it’s begun to feel like everybody is watching everyone else’s outfits all of the time.

Even in our daily lives, it can feel like there’s no room for error in styling. Many feel pressured to stick to one chosen aesthetic or wear whatever is trendiest at the time, not necessarily because they feel drawn to it, but because it’s socially acceptable.

Going back to our roots of playing dress up may be exactly what is needed to pull us out of these creative ruts. Though this time around we likely won’t be reaching for a tiara or magic wand, playing with both fashion and our boundaries allows for experimentation of a variety of new styles to find the aesthetics we resonate with most.

Playing dressup can be done any way one desires– just like when we were kids. It has no rules, no ‘rights’ or ‘wrongs.’

One can choose to slowly integrate new styles into current outfits, swap out mundane pieces for bolder options or fully commit to maximalism, debuting a new style each day. Inspiration can be taken from anywhere. Pinterest, passersby on the street, vintage styles, even the Barbie and Bratz doll outfits our younger selves envied.

Odd looks from strangers should no longer be feared, but celebrated as compliments for one’s fearlessness to be unique and eccentric, even if this is not the intention. Through individually styling, we eliminate the strict and limiting rules of fashion in order to allow us to find our essence.

We can re-immerse ourselves in fashion from the refreshing perspective of our younger selves. It takes us back to discovering independence for the first time and applying that to how we express ourselves through clothing.

Writer: Justice Seay

Playing dress-up encourages us to dress as not only who we are, but who we want to be.

Style: Samiyah Wheeler and Mackenzie Haupt

Photo: Milan Lazovski and Trina Fiebig Glam: Ev Campau, Ava C and Andie Bahm Models: Hannah Finstrom, Sophie Abejean and Denille Reid11

Hollywood On Flim

Style: Victoria Rackers and Sabrina Seldon Glam: Victoria Rackers and Andie Bahm

Models: Abdullah Mahmood, Marissa Carr and Trajana DiVitto

Photo: Karina Stankowski

Fanatic

The modern-day entertainment industry has blurred the lines between reality and fantasy. In the world of social media, celebrities are overly accessible to the public through media consumption. While celebrities keep us entertained, there is a lack of healthy boundaries between celebrities and audiences. Parasocial relationships, or fans who believe they have a personal relationship with a celebrity they idolize, are incredibly common in the industry. These imaginary relationships make us think we are connected to people that we have never met, simply because we watch them on-screen.

With the accessibility of celebrity’s everyday lives through social media, users feel as though they know the person intimately. Scandals, heartbreaks and issues of Hollywood stars are increasingly public, and users feel as though they deserve statements on the personal issues of these celebrities. Fans take sides in a messy public breakup, demand explanations for career choices and call out celebrities for mistakes handled improperly. This creates an unforgiving pressure on celebrities, who cannot meet the standards that they are held to.

Many problems with celebrity culture stem from social media. Celebrities and influencers show their lives outside of their persona through social

apps like Instagram to post the highlight reel of their daily activities. Social media began as a platform to post photos for friends and family. Over recent years, it has turned into a venue for influencers and celebrities to post curated feeds filled with photoshopped content, which alters their natural body, to conform to beauty standards.

Cosmetic surgeries are a norm in Hollywood circles and post-op nose job comparisons have normalized the idea that surgery to reverse natural features is needed to achieve beauty. Celebrities like the Kardashians have been accused of lying about editing photos of their bodies and changing their appearances through plastic surgery.

While people are not entitled to the personal information of a celebrity, those with large social influence changing their appearance to fit unrealistic standards can cause a ripple of body issues for their followers. People believe that the altered images are what they must look like to be considered beautiful and insecure for not looking like famous influencers. It can be difficult for viewers to know that photos are both edited and selectively posted, further blurring the line between reality and fantasy. We think we need to be perfect and

have no flaws. We feel the need to change our natural features, in order to fit with the standards set by those with social influence.

It is almost impossible to avoid celebrities in our media-saturated environment. Everyone watches movies and listens to music, which steeps us in entertainment culture. Additionally, the glamorization of the

fictional narratives that are consumed throughout the media can be dangerous. Imagine someone loves “Sex and the City” to the point where they think they embody the Carrie Bradshaw persona. These acts are harmless to a certain extent, but can develop into toxicity if taken too far. We can wish to be like someone from a show or movie because they are a journalist living in New York. We can wish we had the easy, carefree lifestyle depicted in sitcoms like “Friends” or “New Girl.” We can draw inspiration from these stories and use it to pursue dreams. However, when reality and fantasy mix, it can be damaging to our perception. This is because we expect the same amazing outcomes achieved in fiction without putting in any effort.

“It can be difficult for viewers to know that photos are both edited and selectively posted, further blurring the line between reality and fantasy.”

Films can provide us with inspiration but also it can give us a false sense of reality and a feeling of failure or desperation when real life does not match the lives constructed in the media.

Beauty standards and personal relationships today are different from how they used to be. Celebrity obsessions and investment into their personal lives are norms in fan culture, and continuing to leave it unaddressed further pushes this unhealthy behavior. These relationships are created because of how close we feel to the people we idolize. We defend them like they are our friends, and we follow the standards they set. We believe that we know who they are and their intentions but, in reality, we do not. Further, everyone wants to look like the people who do

not have natural characteristics, instead feeling secure with natural features. Whether it be a false perception of body-shape standards or creating an unrealistic bond between celebrity and fan, the sensationalism of celebrities has shaped how individuals see themselves. As a first step towards creating a safer space for all, both celebrities and fans must be held accountable in addressing their side of a parasocial relationship and eliminating these delusions.

Style: Kiara Reyes and Grace Oluwole Glam: Evan Yalowitz

Photo: Trina Fiebig and Lauren Snyder

Writer: Emily Komer

Model: Kiara Reyes

BOYSKATER Vintage

Glam: Lauren Davis

Style: Dave Delgado and Amy Chong

Photo: Audrey Richardson and Megan Rabaut

Models: Pranav Jayaprakash, Blake Micale, Tommy Lee Taylor III, and Benjamin Williams

As trends fluctuate, different minds create an interesting dynamic in balancing a specific trend with their unique style. New styles evolve as a result of individuals interpreting a trend to their liking. For example, the blending of skater and vintage trends offers diverse style choices for a broader range of people to incorporate

back to an old piece or finding the perfect article to create a statement, vintage clothes can add an extra layer of meaning and individuality into any outfit.

For those who absolutely adore thrifting and cherish their one of a kind vintage pieces, this trend enables them to combine the past and present. Finding the perfect piece to jazz up an otherwise modern outfit can be a very exciting moment for thrifters. On the other hand, for those who are always searching for something new yet find only a sea of hackneyed micro-trends, vintage clothing gives them that ‘new’ feeling with an original and hard-tofind piece. Whether it be giving life

Along with styling possibilities, the “Vintage Skater” style presents ways for those who embody the style to turn their passion into profit. Louis Azor, for instance, saw the ingenuity in bringing the trend to East Lansing through his store, More Than Vintage. The store offers 80s and 90s inspired vintage pieces, Michigan State merchandise and a place for students to sell their clothes. A place like this in the city fosters a community of like minded people who share a love for reviving trends from the past.

Inspired by his love of fashion, Azor noticed the empty building space that now is home to More Than

Vintage, and he dedicated himself to giving students a place to embrace vintage fashion with a contemporary twist. “I have always had the entrepreneurial mindset so I made a plan to put that into motion,” he said. “It was just days of 18 hour long work days and restless nights.”

With his understanding, fashion is something that never truly goes out of date, but rather constantly adapts and transitions. Azor’s More Than Vintage exemplifies the ideas behind “Vintage Skater.” As More Than Vintage continues to grow, Azor hopes to expand the store and its style.

Writer: Borjana Alia

“My plan moving forward is to build up as many of these as possible with possible locations in Ann Arbor and Chicago. I really wanna see where things go right now,” -Louis Azor

t y l e : S i e r r a L a w a n d A n n a W e b b e r G l a m : A v a T a c o n e l l i , M a d i s o n , E m m a , A n d i e B a h m a n d A t e e y a h A b d u lW a s i P h o t o : M i l a n L a z o v s k i M o d e l s : A v a G l e n n , C a n d a c e M e t z g e ,r I z z y P a r k e ,r a n d Z o r a W o o d a r d

PIN-UP GIRLS

Model:

Glam:

Style:

Graphics:

Macy Debaar

Emily Burke and Andie Bahm

Emily Maze and Julia Wallace

Claire Brown and Emily Maze

Photo: Annie Barker and Audrey Richardson

MYPleasure

As the world is constantly moving, some feel like it is going too fast while others feel like it is going too slow. Constantly teetering the line between not doing enough and overdoing it, our world begins to feel like a balancing act. Between these two extremes, however, we can still find middle ground. Regardless of whether the world is moving too fast or too slow, it is still draining.

Due to lifestyles that never seem to stop, it is important to prioritize your own pleasures. These are the things that ground you and remind you of who you are and why you keep pushing forward. This can be watching the same movie over and over because you already know the entire plot or something more chaotic like taking your credit card and treating yourself to a whole new wardrobe. These actions may not be life-altering, but they can still bring you comfort when life becomes too overbearing.

On top of school and work, we also have to deal with interpersonal relationships as well as political or social issues. When all of these different factors come together, it can make life outside of work even more stressful. Finding those simple activities that can get your mind off the stress is a secret trick to stabilizing yourself from America’s ‘hustle culture’, which is constantly pushing the idea of being the best at everything.

Taking a little bit of time from your day to indulge in yourself, whether that be choosing a cute outfit for the day or getting cozy in a face mask with the comfort of favorite YouTubers in the background. Establishing time frames to prioritize self-care is how you can work to treat yourself in times of high pressure.

Pleasure differs for everyone. While it is not easy to figure out what that may be for you, it is important to do so. Not every activity in the day needs to serve a greater purpose in your career or life goals. Instead, certain things in life could simply be comforting to you. This alone warrants them your time and attention.

Style: Julia Wallace and Isabella Schincariol Glam: Ava Taconelli, Izzy Parker and Andie Bahm Photo: Maddie Dibley and Raegen Eller Writer: Jordyn Wilcox and Borjana Alia Models: Grace Singh, Aronor Chisholm, D’Asia Scott

Beauty Baggage

In thinking of baggage, we may default to the suitcase pickup carousel at the airport or hauling heavy luggage in a race to catch flights. It is something that you hold and carry around with you. Outside of the airport, however, there is a type of baggage that we should not claim. Beauty baggage is something that you can’t unpack as easily as the swimsuits in your tote from spring break.

Beauty baggage is the hesitation you feel when choosing your favorite skincare product at the drugstore because an influencer deemed it an outdated trend. Or trying to shrug off the need to wear makeup to class to look presentable. This type of baggage is filled to the brim with stigma, stereotypes, bad reviews and someone else’s idea of beauty. It fails to acknowledge that every trip of self-discovery comes with baggage. It is up to the individual to sift through and seek out a routine that works for them, not anyone else.

Navigating how to find the best skincare products that work for you can be like weaving through a busy airport. The hashtag “skincare” on TikTok has close to 130 billion viewsalone. Each video features its own products, sponsorships and spokesperson.

Advice on “the right skincare for YOU” is everchanging and often neglects the basic criteria one should evaluate when choosing products for themselves. Before spending countless amounts of money, start fresh and get to know your skin. Treat your face as a friendly stranger sitting next to you on a layover flight. Make way for an introduction, learn the basics and absorb a little something new.

Shake off any old products or regimens that cause breakouts or irritation and splash your face with an old-fashioned and timeless treatment: water. Assess how oily or dry your skin is or whether it is a combination. Detect problem areas before buying that expensive cream. Sunscreen isn’t only for vacation. Recognize what sun protection and moisturization you will need. Just like you don’t need five pairs of jeans for a three-day trip, you might not need a 16-step skincare routine. Finally, try something new that meets your skin’s standards. Not your mother’s, friend’s, or favorite influencers– yours.

With overwhelming opinions, stereotypes and information on skincare, the stress of finding a face wash can be like booking a last-minute flight. Acting on an impulse with your skin does not allow you the time and care you deserve. Just like taking our lashes off after a wild night out, it is only fair that we shake off our beauty baggage. This freedom can take us to new places of our own. As we reintroduce ourselves to our skin, we have the opportunity to look at the world around us with fresh eyes– and an even fresher glow.

Style: Peggy Smith

Writer: Peggy Smith

Model: Rana Atassi

Photo: Bella Lee and Audrey Richardson

Glam: Ateeyah Abdul-Wasi

and Evan Yalowitz

This freedom can take us to new places of our own. As we reintroduce ourselves to our skin, we have the opportunity to look at the world around us with fresh eyes– and an even fresher glow.

Serenity

Style: Anna Webber, Sierra Law

Andie Bahm Models: Maliyah Coleman, Marta Vaitkaitis

Cost. The real

Written by: Madeline Minnick and Maggie Scheff

More companies have been offshoring more labor now than ever before.

Take a moment to reflect on your belongings. Look at the phone in your pocket, the top you are wearing and even the cosmetics you have on. Think about where they were made and what materials were used to make them. Most likely, they are made from hundreds of components. Components include ingredients in production to the materials and resources used to manufacture the finished good. More likely than not, most of your belongings and their components were offshored, or manufactured abroad. More companies have been offshoring more labor now than ever before.

Globalization sets up the perfect conditions for fast fashion to flourish. Companies can keep up with rapid production with little to no pay. Safety deficits and high consumer demand allow high profits for companies. As consumers demand to keep up with the latest and transient trend, outsourced labor offers them the ability to do so at the cost of others. Corporations can also take advantage of ‘planned obsolescence’, in which products are made to last a short period as a result of quality or trends. Consumers then face the necessity to repurchase, continuing the harmful pattern.

This pattern is largely due to the fact that labor is cheaper overseas than it is in the United States. Within the United States, there is a federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Countries do not widely have labor regulation laws like the United States, allowing large corporations to pay less for the components they need to produce. This leaves a larger profit margin for the corporation and a cheaper product for consumers to purchase. In addition to less intense labor laws, companies who offshore components may also be attracted to the weakened climate regulation laws they can find abroad. China produces over 10 million tons of CO2 per year— about double what the United States produces. In exchange for these issues, companies also offshore component manufacturing to widen supplier options. Consumers can shop on such a broad scale with thousands of options to choose from, spanning beyond the capacity and capabilities of the United States. Globalization has opened the market for component suppliers exponentially. Simply put, consumers would not be able to shop from such a wide range of options if it weren’t for the globalization of production.

It is a privilege to have cheaper prices and more options, but it is important to know what happens behind the curtains of less intense labor regulation laws. Cotton is constantly in high demand by clothing companies and inexpensive processed cotton is a business priority. In 2017, the Chinese government established “vocational education and training camps’’ in Xinjiang. Since then, over a million workers have been held there for essentially free labor. These labor-focused concentration camps have faced criticization for claims of torturing prisoners through physical violence, starvation, sexual assault and cruel punishments. China does not have the political infrastructure to disband these camps. Due to globalization, many of the brands sold on American soil are linked to the Xinjiang concentration camps including Victoria’s Secret and Zara, as well as designer brands like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

From the 2013 Dhaka Factory Collapse to the Foxconn Longhua iPhone plant suicides, it is clear that Global South countries suffer immensely from harmful manufacturing practices. Fast-fashion garment factory employees work for 16 hours, seven days a week at low wages while being exposed to cancer-causing chemicals. With little job diversity, people often are left with no choice but to work under such conditions. The cycle of poverty never ceases when people do not make liveable wages and future generations must also work in dangerous factories.

As advancements in technology and transportation swell, globalization simultaneously increases and makes Western consumers aware of inhumane labor practices. Yet, despite awareness, consumers are willing to ignore detrimental conditions in Global South countries to reap the benefits of outsourced labor. Often, this deliberate ignorance stems from being inundated with information to the point one feels helpless and apathetic toward improving labor conditions. Additionally, the abundance of outsourced labor makes avoiding purchasing from companies that use unjust practices seem impossible. Both awareness and abundance lead to general consumer desensitization that enables companies to continue to exploit workers in the Global South.

While it is easy to ignore exploitation and continue purchasing from companies using offshore manufacturing, it is critical to be more conscientious about what your dollar is supporting. Sometimes one cannot afford not to buy from unjust companies. Nonetheless, for those who can, deciphering between what is truly needed versus wanted for the temporary rush helps to avoid indulging in exploitation. There is power in where one chooses to spend their money.

Design: Lauren Slawin

THE LIP STICK

EFFECT

In the 1960s, chain-mail dresses, bulbous helmets, reflective silver vinyl fabrics and innovative silhouettes expressed the decade’s passion for the Space Race. The year 2000 had the Millennium Bug and brimmed with tight leather, shiny clothing, frosty makeup and Matrix-inspired sunglasses. The later part of the decade and early 2010s witnessed the hipster movement, marked by an obsession with flash photography and polaroids, band t-shirts, ripped tights and all things tongue-in-cheek. From Space Race to hipster styles, such trends shared an optimistic approach towards futurism during a time of imminent or ongoing bleak political and economic turmoil. Like fashion styles, consumer spending habits also reflect eras of economic stagnation. Dubbed as the “The Lipstick Effect,” the theory posits that spending money on small indulgences, such as luxury lipstick, increases during recessions. Due to this, these trends serve as an observable aesthetic response that the fashion and beauty industry has toward instability.

Fashion trends and styles of the sixties, early aughts and 2010s served as symbols of exploration, progression, hope and even naivety in attitudes toward the future. Classified as Retro Futurism, the aesthetic combines retro styles with futuristic technology, driven by dissatisfaction with the state of the world. Commonalities throughout the many waves of retro-futurism are mainly found in the themes: escapism, hope, optimism and nostalgia. For example, high-tech metallic runway looks celebrated the future and the new technologies that emerged throughout the decades. During both the Space Race and Millenium Bug, silver shiny fabrics dominated creative spaces, like the Matrix-inspired fashions that adorned magazines. Furthermore, the 2008 recession reawakened Retro-Futuristic themes and styles. In retaliation to wealth inequality and yearning for easier times, RetroFuturism adapted to become hipster and people exchanged metallics for galaxy print.

As specific fashion styles recur, so do consumer habits under periods of political and economic instability. Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, Leonard Lauder, the chairman of Estée Lauder Companies, noticed that Estée Lauder and other stores were selling more lipstick than usual. In a post9/11 world, American customers were not guaranteed financial and global security due to ongoing political instability. Under the lack of security, luxury apparel and accessories’ sales decreased.

LIPSTICK, INCREASES DURING RECESSIONS.

Yet makeup sales, specifically lipstick sales, did not decline across the board. Lauder recognized lipstick sales as a way to gauge the economy. Even amid an economic crisis, many consumers can still afford to indulge in luxury goods to a certain extent. From a psychological standpoint, consumers choose to fulfill their luxurious wants by purchasing less costly luxury goods.

However, the legitimacy of the Lipstick Effect is contested. Founder of Bésame Cosmetics Gabriela Hernandez casted doubts about the theory being excluded to lipstick. In an interview with Byrdie, Hernandez said that, in looking for “pleasure and rewards in times of stress”, lipstick is not the only luxurious item in the beauty world that is highly sought after. This is seen most recently through observations of how the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the most popular items within the beauty industry. Skincare and fragrance ruled the hashtags and, with the shift in wearing masks, lipsticks became obsolete for a time. This shift in product popularity during hard times not only challenges the concept behind the lipstick theory, but also pushes it into a broader context within

all beauty sales. That is not to say that post-pandemic color cosmetics did not have a comeback. According to HAPPI, beauty education is becoming more accessible as high-end and luxury color cosmetics brands grew nearly 20% in sales from 2021 to 2022, signifying the return of color cosmetics’ popularity.

In addition to the sales of lipsticks and other color cosmetics as a guide to a period’s economic and political state, today’s runways give insight into current social conditions. During this year’s Fall/Winter fashion weeks, space-aged armor bodices from Loewe, mod silhouettes cyclical with spaceage styles from Dior and Matrix-inspired hyperrealistic prints from Syndical Chamber made their way down the runway. These retro-futuristic styles capture past styles representative of their socio-economic times and act now as a sign of the times. While economists prepare us for the impending recession, fashion trends and cycles have shifted to follow the suit.

DUBBED AS THE “THE LIPSTICK EFFECT,” THE THEORY POSITS THAT SPENDING MONEY ON SMALL INDULGENCES,SUCH AS LUXURY

Writer: Caroline Burns Style: Caroline Burns Photo: Maddie Dibley and Trina Fiebig Glam: Izzy Parker,Andie Bahm, and Ava Taconelli Models: Caroline Burns, Tania Akhter, Molly McGrath

HYPER

it is not helpful to do so or when they truly need help or support from others.” This kind of response can be maladaptive in many situations, ranging from dealing with intense emotions to physical

As humans, we require connection and vulnerability. This is deeply fabricated in our DNA and evolutionary background, giving yield to the communities and groups that we are part of today. These types of communities are all around us. As a student, you are part of the community of Michigan State University. There are your student organizations, ethnic background, religion, personal interests and much more. Such forms of human connection have been maintained for hundreds of years because they promote survival. So what happens when someone strays from this protective measure and what might cause them to do so?

Even if you rely on the communities around you for support, building personal independence is still a healthy trait. We are encouraged to feel secure in being alone. However, at one extreme, this can lead to traits of hyper-independence. As defined by clinical psychologist Amy Marschall, hyper-independence “refers to individual attempts to be fully independent in all things, even when

threats. It also may vary in seriousness based on the individual. Oftentimes, hyper-independent individuals are overachievers. They take on multiple big tasks and create a workload that is not sustainable for them alone. Similarly, they may find it difficult to delegate tasks and believe that they must complete everything on their own. This may stem from a subconscious belief that their worth comes from how much they can accomplish. On the other hand, the need to complete tasks alone may be due to a lack of trust in others. Hyper-independent individuals do not believe that others will be able to meet their needs. In a group project, someone with hyper-independent traits may do the majority of the work because they feel that their partners will do it incorrectly. In relationships, they can be hesitant to be vulnerable with others and share their emotions because they fear that their emotional needs will not be met.

These patterns can be isolating and damaging for people with hyper-independent traits. However,

the experience always and understand we is independence to more so the First, option causing and relationships. things on can negative that independent working hyper-independent can would complete them in or step not your when require it is The did Donne, the becoming not to The connections especially it. turning that

the best part of the human experience is that there is always room for change and growth. It is liberating to understand that the only thing we have control over in this life is ourselves. Identifying hyperindependence and working to heal these traits brings more balance into our lives so that we don’t leave behind the communities around us. First, therapy can be a great option to understand what is causing hyper-independence and to build healthy trust and relationships. There are many things an individual can do on their own too. Journaling can help challenge any negative or fearful thoughts that trap an individual in hyperindependent behaviors. In working to build trust in others, hyper-independent individuals can identify tasks that they would normally be inclined to complete alone and delegate them elsewhere. This could be in a group academic setting or in their personal life. Take a step back and understand that not everything can be under your control. In the same vein, practice recognizing when you need help and asking for it. This may require exercising self-compassion and realizing that it is normal to ask for help and place boundaries. The truth is that no happy, successful person ever did it all without help. In the words of poet John Donne, “No man is an island.” There is no one with the capacity to go through life by themselves, and becoming overwhelmed with an intense workload is not a failure. Rather, it is a signal that changes need to be made.

The communities around us can both foster human connections and give us places to look for support, especially when we are feeling resistant to accepting it. Hyper-independence worsens this resistance, turning a useful trait like self-reliance into something that does more harm than good. By practicing

these different steps, however, an individual can strengthen their ability to trust others and be vulnerable. The key is creating a balance between being confident alone and in emotional connections with others. Ultimately, life is too complicated to go through alone. Remember to be patient with yourself as you understand that independence should not negate all support that you have in your life. Instead, traits of independence should complement the areas in which you cannot find support and allow you to feel confident both in your relationships and in solitude.

Style: Navya Kalia

Writer: Navya Kalia

Model: Helena Thomas

Glam: Ev Campau and Andie Bahm

Photo: Annie Barker and Graham Lightle

Extravagance

In this shoot, we explore the three pillars of extravagance in elegance, femininity, and couture. Elegance, the first pillar, is a quality often shown in a graceful appearance. Elegance comes in the form of costume jewelry. The big, clear jewels sparkle against the sheer black dress and help catch the eye when you walk into the room. This look is achieved through hand-sewn crystals in uneven rows on the clothing, making it look as though they are dripping off the model’s body. The crystals in different sizes spread out on the model’s chest and body help to catch the light. It gives a shimmering effect to her appearance. This look personifies elegance, suggesting that diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend, reminiscent of old Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe.

Femininity stands as the second pillar in the House of Extravagance. Femininity presents itself in this shoot through a sheer, body-hugging black dress and red fuzzy heels. Using a tight, sheer material for the dress, stylists can better accentuate the model’s silhouette and focus on the hips, waist and bust. Heels have always stood as one of femininity’s greatest allies. They help to physically lift a woman, giving her power and strength and highlighting the beauty of the female figure.

The last pillar in understanding extravagance is couture. For this shoot, couture was achieved by the stylists as personally manipulated and reworked the outfits to help bring extravagance to life. Handsewing on the crystals helps to ensure seamlessness and fantasy for the viewer and hand-cutting the outfits to fit the model’s proportions is another excellent example of couture techniques used within this shoot. By utilizing these centuries-old techniques, these outfits are altered to perfection. While couture follows specific measurements, it ensures that each outfit is unique and allows for even more creativity in the fashion process.

Extravagance and fashion are almost synonymous with one another as both aim to be eye-catching and help people feel beautiful.

Models: Maura Shine, Devin Crawford

Style: Brandon Roberts and Anna Webber

Photo: Maddie Dibley 43

Glam: Ev Campau, Izzy Parker and Ateeyah Abdul-Wasi

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Style: VanessaYousif,GraceVelthoven

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Photo: Bella Lee,

Writers:SydneyToml i nson , K e l s e y retseL

show and nostalgi c grace that invites all m:Emma White, Evan Yalowitz, Andie Bahm, Ate eyah Abdul-Wasi

The art of ballet began during the Italian Renaissance around the 1500s. Ballet performances were popularized as noble entertainment, making elegant dances to classical compositions solely for royal consumption. Even as ballet has grown to be available for all social classes, it is still regarded as an upper-class activity. Yet, despite this exclusivity, ballerinas’ fashion aesthetics have cut across boundaries into mainstream popularity. In the past decade, we have seen the rise of ballet-influenced fashion, such as corsets, ballet flats and layering. Its hyper-feminine allure provides an eye-appealing show and nostalgic grace that invites all.

In this era of social media, we have seen influencers wearing less and showing more. This idea of a minimal silhouette is one of the reasons Ballet-core has seen a revival in 2022. Brands like Balmain, Mugler and Versace promoted shapewear-esque

of the decade, debuting their pieces on ballerina-esque models. This brings us to the modernization of the corset top and other traditional ballet staples. Once a delicate and formal item, corsets have now become a common piece among club and bar goers to spice up their evening look. Leotard-esque slimming bodycon tops and athletic jumpsuits were summer trends thanks to Skims and Victoria’s Secret, making fashionable shapewear more accessible for everyday use.

As we try to forget the isolation of the pandemic, many have used fashion as a rebirth and a return to social events and crowds. Form-fitting ballet flats and accentuating waistlines have come into style as fashionable comfort to many women. After Miu Miu debuted pink satin ballet flats down the Fashion Week runway in 2022, they were seen on the feet of every

trendsetter. Incorporating the poise of ballet wear with the workability of athleisure, Ballet-core entices many who are seeking to embrace femininity in a practical manner.

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Innovative creators have also found ways to create their own Ballet-core pieces from existing material in their closets. The intimate silhouette of a bolero is arguably one of the most empowering articles of clothing. By showing little skin on the arms and shoulders, but still having room to play with color in the torso, designers have endless options as to what might compliment the article of clothing. Further, a bolero can easily be handmade. By taking pantyhose and cutting designs into where the legs would regularly be, your personal bolero will become a staple in your closet. Handmade ballet items also include arm and leg warmers cut from old or excess clothing. These kinds of repurposed pieces have made this “Ballet-core” trend spike because of the upcycling potential. These designs invoke a sense of individuality while being universally accessible, allowing us to redefine what a traditional ballerina might look like. In turn, the spread of Ballet-core also allows us to view ballet outside the context of dance productions. It has established that ballet is a multifaceted performance, with aspects of dance and fashion that see their influence extend well beyond the stage.

reatorshavealso found waystocreatetheir own B allet-corepiecesf r o m xe i s tin g m tairecriehtnilaesol t s . T ehintimate oetteuohlis faboleroisarg uablyo ehtfoen m ostem power i n citraglesofclothing.Byshow gni elttil ehtnoniks a rmsandshoulders, but stillhavingroomtoplaywith

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The social pressure that weighs on young adults to have full schedules has been normalized to no longer be recognized as an issue. The feeling of having to be on-the-go creates a stigma around taking a break and allowing yourself to rest. For many people, going out and drinking is a fun, social activity – an escape from the real world for one night. When it finally turns to morning, however, guilt and anxious embarrassment creeps over. This feeling has been popularly labeled as ‘hangxiety’, a symptom of drinking too much the night before. Since our fast-paced world does not want to bask in the discomfort it causes, we are programmed against considering what alternatives there are to avoid this feeling.

Mocktails have been shown to be a great alternative to alcohol on a night out. There are several brands based in East Lansing that offer these substitutes, such as Blue Owl, which has cultivated a coffee-based mocktail that promises social relaxation and an energizing buzz. Other brands that offer alternatives are American Fifth – based

in Lansing, which offers six different mocktails using their homemade syrup – and a popular brand of non-alcoholic spritzers called Kin, which categorizes itself as a “non-alcoholic spirit for the happiest of hours.” Making the choice to choose these alternatives and recognizing signs of needing a break is justifiable and often needed.

Did you wake up with a pit in your stomach? Maybe the thought of going out later sounds draining, and that’s okay! Everyone’s social battery needs time to recharge.

Some indicators of needing a social recharge include the inability to focus, low energy, irritability and detachment from one’s normal routine. There’s so much pressure in college to follow the crowd and go along with the majority, because everyone seeks peer validation. However, listening to one’s own body and allowing oneself a break can overall improve mood and lifestyle balance. There will always be opportunities to attend events, meet new people and try new things. Prioritizing one’s mental health is the key to a thriving social life. When this is achieved, individuals can strive to gain the most of their night out and make meaningful connections with the people they truly care about.

It is important to remember that social hangovers are not only normal but also inevitable, and allowing time to take a break is the only cure.

Style: Emily Seitz Glam: Ava Cortiana and Andie Bahm Photo: Graham Lightle and Maddie Dibley Writers: Nina Cascardo, Nandini Tengil and Emily Seitz Model: Haleigh Herman

Night of the Living Dolls

Style: Anna Webber, Photo: Megan Rabaut and Audrey Richardson, Glam: Ev Campau, Ava Taconelli and Ateeyah Abdul-Wasi

Models: Jessica Tran, Samantha Huyler, Aashi Shama, Urvi Joshi

Once only for practical use, it has now become an everyday staple. Since the 1920s, when mass production began, sunglasses have only become more popular. At this time, the transition from pragmatic to trendy accessory began with actresses and actors wanting to hide their faces from the paparazzi. The eye-catching shapes and sizes sparked the general public’s interest, leading to their mainstream growth. Sunglasses hold a certain mystery to them in that they allow the individual behind the lenses to show less emotion and boost morale. Through obscuring your eyesight, you see the world from a different perspective. Sunglasses are an expression of who you are. As more styles have become available, no longer do individuals conform to the same style of glasses. Instead, they can follow their own personal taste.

A 2022 study conducted by the Department of Psychology at British Columbia found that “when people’s eyes are physically camouflaged from others, they will make overt eye movements that do not conform to societal norms.” You don’t always have to follow the ‘in’ crowd to feel included. You can create your own world and show who you are by seeing things through a different lens. Throughout the years, the message of sunglasses remains the same: hiding your eyes. From big to small sunnies, there is still some form of a barrier. Your eyes are a means of communication. Camouflage this communication and it’s harder for individuals to see your true emotion. Whether it be shielding your eyes from the sun or going out with friends, your eyes are hidden. This changes the way you see the world and how the world sees you. You are not confined by society’s norms, and you can look without worrying about others around you.

Writer: Lane Pruban

Photo: Raegan Eller and Lauren Snyder Glam: Madison Girodat and Andie Bahm

Style: Lane Pruban, Made -

Incammicia, Kate Blaszkiewicz

Models: Brandon McGriff, Vanessa Cardino and Isabella Simic

Style: Sierra Law and Anna Webber Models: Grace Sink and Chinasa Okoro Glam: Emily Burke and Ateeyah Abdul-Wasi Photo: Karina Stankowski,Rahmya Trewern and Jaden Duong

For decades, musicians have had an immense impact on culture.

When we look up to someone as an individual, we have a tendency to follow them. Musicians who create the music we adore inspire us to follow the standards they set or their own expression of style. For our generation, musical artists play a key role in breaking patterns of exclusivity and gendered fashion.

American rapper and designer Tyler the Creator has not only maintained relevance through award-winning albums over the last decade, but also through eliminating gender stereotypes in the rap industry. Since the origination of hip hop, expectations have been set in place that define how a rapper should look or act publicly Tyler the Creator defies the traditional mold with vulnerable, humorous and feminine aspects of his identity that he’s not shy to express in the public eye. Apart from music, Tyler is the founder of the successful brand, Golf Wang, and can be attributed for the rise in a variety of trends in street fashion. Many streetwear trends define this generation, almost all of which fall under unisex fashion, and were inspired by the Golf Wang brand.

It would be hard to talk about the musical impact of artists without discussing Harry Styles. Over the last decade, Harry Styles has become known for his exploration of femininity through avant-garde fashion and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. In Vogue’s December 2020 cover, Styles became the first man featured solo, wearing a dress that defied gendered norms for fashion. His willingness to expand his wardrobe has inspired more men to branch out of the limits that fashion norms place upon them

At only 20 years old, Billie Eilish has gained widespread admiration as one of the most successful musical artists of our generation. Her fashion, consisting of oversized statement jackets, pants, and streetwear, set her apart from the majority of past female artists. She has shared that she dressed that way to avoid sexualization from the public and has a history of not being shy when it comes to speaking on difficult conversations regarding the music industry. She has redefined the image society has painted for female artists and given inspiration for more artists to dress how they want, not how society expects them to.

Throughout history, musical artists have explored the fashion industry and set the trends. This concept has only seen expansion as a result of social media. Musicians inspire us, not just with their creativity and substance of character, but with their willingness to impenetrate spaces that they otherwise might be shunned from. Through their endorsement, trends that society might otherwise deem unacceptable can be normalized. In turn, more people are given a window into the fashion world– one that might not have opened otherwise.

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