Spring '24 Issue #1 - W27 Newspaper

N ewspaper

COMING SOON: bSU'S FASHION SHOW

By

What happens when you stitch together the intricate fabrics of all the cultural clubs at the best fashion school in the world together? You get a rich, tribute-themed showcase featuring the designs of BIPOC designers inside the walls of FIT; a home to those who have to prove themselves and officially walk Fashion Ave — please welcome: “Origins”.

The Black Student Union (BSU) stands as a beacon of leadership and innovation at FIT, earning the prestigious title of "Club of the Year" five times at the Student Life Awards. Unwavering in their commitment, they spearhead a multitude of initiatives and events on campus, showcasing their dedication to collaboration and creativity.

"FIT Fashion Week,” a grand two-day affair, represents the pinnacle of their efforts. Themed around the diverse ancestries of its contributors, these two days of events promise an unforgettable celebration of identity and heritage.

One of the highlights of "FIT Fashion Week" is "Origins," embodying the essence of diversity and inclusion. While not the BSU's first fashion show, "Origins' ' is set to be their most monumental yet. Taking place on March 20 and 21 at the Haft Theater, this

BYRON

Wonder

two-night-only event is sure to captivate audiences with its unique blend of culture, style and creativity.

“These many cultural clubs have never collaborated in this way, so it has an effect of being once in a lifetime,” says Mackenzie Harding (AMC ‘24) BSU’s current President and Senator for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The roster of club involvement encompasses six additional cultural organizations: the Muslim Student Union (MSU), the African and Caribbean Student Union (ACS), the Indian Cultural Society (ICS), the Latinx Cultural and Career Association (LCCA), the Black Retail Action Group (BRAG), and the Filipino Student Union (FSA).

While the names of the selected designers remain undisclosed, even to VIP guests, I managed to obtain some insider information. Thyme, a Trinidadian designer, will not only showcase her designs but also perform as a DJ on one of the nights. To experience her full artistry, attendees will need to be present for both segments of the event.

The VIP guest list comprises distinguished FIT alumni, industry professionals, and individuals from the entertainment and music sectors who will be kept in suspense

until they attend. They're in for a surprise. Legacy is something that sits heavy on the shoulders of students and POC, especially those who want to succeed in an industry that isn't easy to break into. “[This show] represents the power and artistry of people who don't get to be front of mind.” says Mackenzie.

The goal is to provide opportunities for student stylists, photographers, models, set designers, videographers, and advertising and business majors. “As cultural clubs at the best fashion school in the world, it is our top priority to create a space for our students to develop and deepen their skills, because we are the next generation of the fashion industry,” says Harding.

In the past, the BSU has had a wide range of exhibitions and shows, their most recent being “Love Thy Neighbor’Hood” which welcomed us into Black History Month in collaboration with the Museum at FIT and 12 BIPOC artists from the FIT student body.

"Our Lens: A Black Student Film Showcase" debuted on Feb. 29, following the successful "Black in Business: The Journey of Entrepreneurs" panel and mixer on Feb. 1, which garnered praise from both

the BSU and its attendees. These events exemplify the perpetual activity within FIT's cultural organizations.

For the best experience, come early as it's expected to be a full house. Bring your fans, cameras, friends, and roommates so you won't miss a single detail. “It is a celebration and people should share it with others,” but when the house lights dim and the spotlight switches on, “...Don't look at the show through your phone, be in the moment and feel the music,” says Mackenzie. Considering this is the event of the semester, come as you are… as long as it's your best dressed. To follow the journey to the show, follow @theBSUatFITon Instagram.

Lonnie Brown (AMC ‘24)

Photography by Tiffany Hoang (ITM '25)

Graphic Design by Kaila Donohue (Graphic Design ‘25)

The People Behind This Incredible Issue.

writers ARTISTS designers copy editors

Lonnie brown

emma citro abigail koehen sophie mignone melo maegan trusty

chiara porcelli jessica lyle emerald rucks kimberly vasil tripti ladha lara colome madison barton

grace o’hanlon beatrice nicolini emily simon

jessica lyle tiffany hoang

jessica camargo danny alvarado

lorenzo ciniglio

hanalei visiko-knox bonnie wong

amina sokolji norberto perez

nya eaddy sierra gomez luna paluck teeter

Jessica Neves

jessica ehrenfeld kaila donohue julia kobeszko jessica camargo

thalia merino

amina sokolji jessica lyle

Abigail koehnen ava ferrise heer sharma kimberlyn vasil

faculty advisors

Ellen davidson alexandra mann

W27’s Office Siren BOard

haneen elmeswari assistant editor-in-chief amc ‘24

orfilia gomez secretary fbm '24

jess lyle art director illustration '25

jessica ehrenfeld head of graphic design graphic design '25

fareeha ahmed treasurer fbm '26

Abigail zwirecki editor-in-chief amc ‘24 now presenting

Lessons from Byron Lars: Navigating the Fashion Industry with Perseverance

By Emma Citro (AMC '24)

Photographed by Salimah Ali Designed by Jessica Ehrenfeld (Graphic Design '25)

Fashion Institute of Technology alumnus and renowned fashion designer Byron Lars stands as proof of the transformative power, innovation, and perseverance in the industry. Lars, born Sept. 2, 1965, in Oakland, Calif., studied fashion design at FIT. His journey as a student at FIT to an acclaimed designer provides invaluable lessons for current FIT fashion design students.

Lars forged his path in the fashion industry with his intricate and detailed designs, marked by the adept use of prints, textures, and embellishments. His talent for blending diverse elements resulted in avantgarde garments that garnered recognition within the industry.

A pivotal moment in Lars’ career occurred when he was awarded the CFDA Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent in 1991. While this honor thrust him into the spotlight, Lars acknowledges the unexpected speed of his journey from a student at FIT to having department stores create dedicated spaces for his collection.

with a significant order from the renowned department store Henri Bendel, which had its challenges.

Lars found himself unprepared for the expansion of his business. “Every piece of which they featured in their Fifth Avenue windows and my business very quickly outgrew my very limited experience overnight,” said Lars.

Lars highlights the importance of gaining industry experience before launching one’s collection, advising young designers to “get work in the industry where you can learn on somebody else’s dime while making a nickel for yourself at the same time.”

By far, the most gratifying aspect of that partnership was meeting the many Black women who were so excited to have finally seen themselves represented.

“Getting everything I thought I wanted so quickly and realizing I wasn’t yet qualified to have it was unsettling,” said Lars. “That initial upward trajectory was completely unsustainable and I found myself out of business and having to start all over again, which I did...a few times over.”

Reflecting on his early success, Lars advises aspiring designers to recognize the possibility of attaining industry recognition quickly. His breakthrough came

Considering his initial doubts about the FIT curriculum, Lars emphasizes the significance of the technical skills acquired during his education. He credits FIT for providing him with the necessary foundation to create high-quality garments, recounting an instance when he had to sew buttonholes for his first Bloomingdale appointment and couldn’t rely on external resources.

“I thought to myself, “Who on earth would ever need to know how to make a hand-bound buttonhole when you can simply take samples to Jonathan Embroidery for machine buttonholes that look so much better anyway,” said Lars.

Time management emerged as a significant challenge for Lars during his time at FIT, a struggle he likened to “trying to fit 10 pounds of flour into a 5-pound sack.” However, he says that this experience taught him the crucial skills of setting priorities and developing

flexibility, which are qualities essential for excelling in high-stress situations in the demanding world of fashion.

Lars recently embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with Mattel to design a series of Barbie dolls celebrating diversity. This project, particularly those representing Black women, stands out as a noteworthy chapter in Lars’ career.

The success of the line, featuring dolls with different skin tones, hair textures, and attitudes, highlighted Lars’ dedication to inclusivity. “By far, the most gratifying aspect of that partnership was meeting the many Black women who were so excited to have finally seen themselves represented in the Barbie space,” Lars reflected.

Byron Lars passes on his valuable wisdom to FIT fashion design students. Lars encourages aspiring designers to do their best consistently. “Someone is always noticing, and that someone just may have a direct or an indirect line to your next opportunity,” said Lars.

As FIT students create their paths in the competitive fashion landscape, the lessons from Byron Lars serve as a guiding star for success.

FIT Fashion

PUFFS, PINTUCKS AND PLEATS

Statement Sleeves on Display at The Museum at FIT

By Abigail Koehnen (AMC ‘27)

Photographed by Jessica Camargo (Photography '27)

Designed by Thalia Merino (CD '24)

“Statement Sleeves” is The Museum at FIT’s latest exhibit, and it will be on display through August 25. It explores fashion’s enduring history of over-the-top, lavish and unique sleeves. From the frilled and decorative sleeves of the 1770s to the puffed sleeves of the 1890s and even seen in the wide variety of popular styles today, statement sleeves remain a cornerstone of innovative fashion design.

According to The Museum at FIT’s website, this exhibit illustrates the importance of sleeves in fashion history as “signifiers of status, taste, and personality.” Even the term “statement sleeves” itself is indicative of the purpose of these grandiose garments—they are meant to say something about the wearer.

They represent a universally appealing niche in fashion that is unconstrained by typical conventions of gender, body type, or economic status.

The curator for this exhibit, Colleen Hill, is the mind behind over a dozen different exhibits in her 18 years working at The Museum at FIT. Throughout her time there, Hill’s work has been vital to the innovative and creative efforts of the museum to make fashion history accessible to all. For the past five and a half decades, The Museum at FIT

has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating their collection of more than 50,000 articles of apparel and accessories, all while curating exhibits that are free and educational to the public. In the museum’s long and prestigious history, “Statement Sleeves” will be the first exhibit of its kind, showcasing more than 70 different pieces, including garments that have never before been displayed.

One major facet of this exhibit, according to The Museum at FIT’s website, is the important cultural impact of statement sleeves. They represent a universally appealing niche in fashion that is unconstrained by typical conventions of gender, body type, or economic status. The exhibit highlights this theme while taking viewers through the rich and diverse history of sleeves in all shapes and forms. Statement sleeves themselves have been on trend recently, showing up in movies, runway collections, and on the red

carpet. While unquestionably these lofty and luxurious sleeves have brought new whimsy into the world of fashion, many wonder what has spawned this recent trend. According to Hill, in an article published in Elle Magazine, she theorizes that it may be because of our increased media consumption in the last few years and a new need to “make a statement from the waist up.” This idea rings true throughout the exhibit, especially in many of the show-stopping contemporary garments displayed.

To learn more about “Statement Sleeves” as well as the Museum’s next exhibit, “Untying the Bow,” a panel discussion led by Hill called “Parts of Fashion: Curating in Focus’’ will be held on March 12, 2024, in the Katie Murphy Amphitheatre. Hill will be joined in discussion by FIT faculty member Sarah Byrd and graduate student Claire Calvert. The event will be moderated by Hilary Davidson, chair of Fashion and Textile Studies at FIT. Registration for this discussion is free and available online. The Museum at FIT is open to the public Wed-Fri from noon to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FIT’s Confessions and Deepest Secrets

By Sophie Mignone Melo (FBM ’27) Designed and Illustrated by Amina Sokollji (IIM’25)

The self-described “non-affiliated” Instagram account @fitconfessions receives anonymous student submissions through a Google Form. Stories ranging from shocking to funny come out each day;from an alleged baby born in the Coed dorm bathroom to the hunky security guards playing around. I had a brief chat with the active owner, who took over from the original creator two years ago. Whoever that might be, they should feel proud of being more successful than HBO was in bringing Gossip Girl back.

It’s raining likes! Academic questions, relationship drama, people looking for a room in Bushwick, side gig promos, and a glimpse at the tumultuous journey that is entering adult life.

“Missed Connections,” is definitely the chef’s special of their posting schedule. Featuring potential love-at-first-sight stories that took place on the fabulous 27th St block.

Due to the anonymity of its entries and lack of material proof, the page’s sources can be unreliable. The owner reports learning to intensify the curation process after receiving severe backlash online when posting controversial submissions. Either way, the account works as a safe space for students to take burdens off their chests and laugh at their peers’ insanities after a long day of school or work.

How New York is Celebrating Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is celebrated by many cultures as a way to bring in the new year based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar, this year being the year of the dragon. Here in the city, New Yorkers are celebrating the holiday with a variety of events and shows to welcome the new year and bring communities together.

At the Abrons Art Center on the Lower East Side, Lucky Risograph and the W.O.W. Project, named for the storefront Wing On Wo & Co, collaborated to host an afternoon of Lunar New Year activities with a greater purpose of preserving Asian communities in New York. This year, the W.O.W. Project put together their fifth iteration of “From Chinatown, With Love”, a calendar created with the help of Lucky Risograph, that is distributed to customers who shop at small businesses in Chinatown. At the art center, the walls boasted the calendars and projects from previous Lunar New Years. One of the goals of the W.O.W. Project is to preserve

Manhattan’s Chinatown, which is threatened by the construction of a 40 story jail. The event itself had several stations where guests were invited to create lucky money envelopes (Hong Bao) out of recycled calendar sheets and add their wishes for the new year on a homemade dragon. Sticking with the W.O.W. Project’s goal, one station asked visitors to imagine what they could replace the new jail with to better serve the community. I saw many drawings on the wall from children and adults alike who wish for more libraries, schools, community centers, and other public spaces. When talking about the event and their goals, Amanda Chung, co-founder of Lucky Risograph, said “I think the theme of this year is collective power and through this kind of energy, we’re also asking people to save some space to think about this very real issue that is happening in Chinatown.”

The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted their own Lunar New Year event with a collection of activities and performances around the museum.

Several stations in various galleries allowed visitors to create their own lanterns, keepsake boxes, paper flower accessories, and paper dragons. There was an emphasis on education at this event, teaching the museum-goers about traditions surrounding the new year, even having people try their hand at Chinese and Korean calligraphy. By far the most popular attractions were the performances. In the luscious Astor Chinese Garden Courtyard, one of the New York’s Asian-owned small businesses, Yu and Me Books, hosted the “Vision and Verse” poetry reading, with readings from 3 Asian-American poets. The main event was a half hour long performance featuring a Chinese dragon dance, Korean drummers, and Vietnamese dancers.

FIT also had its own Lunar New Year celebration hosted by the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, the SAB and International Student Services on February 15th. The event catered foods from many cultures that celebrate Lunar New Year, making for a festive and inclusive

feast. Students were invited to try Chinese calligraphy and dress up in some traditional clothes from several Asian cultures, and the most lively part of the evening was the high energy dragon dance, pictured to the left.

Looking for a taste of the Lunar New Year fun? Here are some great dumpling spots to check out around NYC.

Nan Xiang Express Williamsburg, Brooklyn

6 for $9.74

Signature pork soup dumplings from Michelinrecommended chain famous for soup dumplings. Warm, tasty, and brothy.

Stick to my Pot Midtown, Manhattan

4 for $5.99 (pork)

4 for $6.49 (shrimp)

Located 10 minutes from FIT. Give the steamed dumplings a try but you can skip the fried. The lunchtime wait was killer!

Noona Noodles Koreatown, Manhattan

5 for $5

These potstickers were deep fried and crunchy, pretty tasty, and the most affordable on the list. These are tucked away in the Food Gallery.

Presenting Muse: The Inspirational and Amusing Words of B Michael

By Chiara Porcelli (AMC '25)

Photographed by Lorenzo Ciniglio

Designed by Jessica Ehrenfeld (Graphic Design ‘25)

On January 31st, the Fashion Institute of Technology welcomed guests to the event “Presenting Muse.” Our president, Joyce F. Brown, conducted an engaging interview with B Michael, renowned for his book chronicling his life and his muse, the legendary American actress Cicely Tyson.

Cicely Tyson, an American actress, epitomized the strength, power, and beauty of AfricanAmerican women. Born in 1924, she amassed a collection of awards including an Emmy Award, a Tony Award, and an Honorary Academy Award, among others.

Although she passed in 2021, her remarkable legacy lives on through unforgettable performances in films such as “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and “Sounder,” as well as more recent contributions to “How to Get Away with Murder,” “The Help,” and “A Fall from Grace.”

Bohemian is how B Michael describes his muse. With passion and love, he tells us the story that

changed his life. One day, he received a call. "Cicely Tyson would love to be dressed by you. She will be there in 30 minutes!" What he didn’t know was that day would have changed his future.

“You couldn’t say no to her,” he explains. “She had an incredible work ethic and she was always there on time, no matter what. You couldn’t say no in front of this work ethic.”

Their relationship was forged by their love for a sophisticated and delicate fashion style. When she told him she would love to have him as her exclusive designer, their relationship became even stronger. “Our relationship became a marriage,” exclaimed the designer.

B Michael also values his loved ones deeply, consistently acknowledging their contributions during the interview. He emphasized multiple times that his journey wouldn’t have been possible without Mark Anthony Edwards, the co-founder of his company, or the cherished photographer who steadfastly supported him and Tyson.

His eyes brimmed with love and passion as he stood amidst the very creations Tyson had once

adorned. The ambiance immersed us in his biography, his book, and his narrative, making us feel like integral participants in his story.

His muse was able to effortlessly carry the weight of pounds of clothes, hardly noticing their heft. At multiple events hosted by the actress, his designs took center stage. He revealed, “A lot of people don’t know but she was wearing [his] dresses even when they weighed it — and she was 84!”

Despite her age, she maintained her elegance and femininity, adorned with beautiful wrinkles that traced her remarkable journey as an actress and muse for B Michael and the entire American audience.

Reflecting on Cicely Tyson’s final moments, B Michael shared, “We were working the day before; we had a meeting and we did everything as planned, as she wanted to. When I went to her room the morning after, I knew that she had a conversation with God. I knew that she went away as she wanted to.”

Throughout the interview, the designer illustrates how work and fashion can cultivate an enduring love. His book delves into the profound

connection between the designer and his muse, shedding light on aspects often overlooked in the fashion industry: friendship, dedication, and care.

B Michael lived Cicely Tyson’s last moments: “We were working the day before; we had a meeting and we did everything as planned, as she wanted to. When I went to her room the morning after, I knew that she had a conversation with god. I knew that she went away as she wanted to.”

With a lot of emotion, he leaves us a message. He told us to always follow our passions and to always do what we feel like doing; do not force ourselves into something we are not. He added: “I would tell the younger me to hold the portfolio in one hand, but a business plan in the other!”

Written, photographed, and designed by Jessica Lyle, Illustration ‘25

BSU’s Cultrual Reverberation

By Maegan Trusty (AMC '25)

For the lead up to FIT Diversity Collective’s activities for Black History Month, FIT’s Black Student Union (BSU) opened “Love Thy Neighbor’Hood,” an exhibition comprised of art which “illustrates the dynamics of home and what that means to each artist.” Each artist interpreted the exhibition’s theme as it relates to their own life experiences, while considering the stereotypical trope of danger and harm affiliated with predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Love Thy Neighbor’hood earnestly counteracts the often harmful perceptions bestowed upon the Black community and upholds the BSU’s impetus to give a platform to the extensive talents of BIPOC artists at FIT. In many ways, the exhibition symbolizes a reclamation of such a damaging banal to effectively redefine the perspective on predominantly Black neighborhoods, which have also been prevalent amongst our own people.

But what is spoken and unspoken?

There is broad discourse in the Black community surrounding topics such as youth culture, heritage, the arts, family, and love. Though, how often is there expression surrounding much deeper sentiments such as gender identity, environmental prejudice, and surveillance? The thought process behind the artwork in this exhibition delves into those very aspects and ones which are seldom articulated when it comes to the notion of a neighborhood and community.

What distinguishes this exhibition is the intimate nature of the stories behind the work displayed; it is a testament to the benevolence, unity, and resilience

prevalent in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Black people come in a plethora of colors, shapes, sizes, and forms — which is exemplified in this exhibit and deserves to be spoken about more. No one person in the community has had the same journey and it’s imperative that this be illustrated. The BSU has acted as a vessel for just that with this exhibition, similar to the consistent excellence and cohesiveness seen in “Out of Body or Out of Place?,” the exhibit hosted in Spring 2022.

I just want to promote Black excellence and everything on campus as much as I can, especially within art because a lot of times that’s lost on our campus.

The exhibition serves as a catalyst to shedding light on the perception of predominantly Black neighborhoods and the sense of community. “Not only FIT students can come but also it’s open to the public, so prospective students can see they have a place here which I think is just really important,” Kira Cunningham (Fashion Design ‘25), Exhibition Coordinator, said of its impact. I’d hope future generations would continue to be a driving force in a larger conversation on something like this and to feel a sense of pride in their stories.

As the principal writer on this piece, I had the opportunity to see each visionaries work in person, which allowed me to conceptualize the objective of the exhibitions curators and organizers. “We wanted to offer the artists an opportunity to reflect that this is where they came from, this is their perspective, and something good themselves came from it,” said Cunningham. The theme for the exhibition was landed upon working closely with co-curator Rukaiah “Ruki” El (Fine Arts ‘24), which was no small undertaking to oversee.

Keeping Up With The Trends

By Emerald Rucks (AMC’27)

Designed by Amina Sokolji (IIM’25)

We won’t stop until our Pinterest boards become reality. Most girls live vicariously through the romanticized, cool girl, clean girl, it girl, and newfound mob wife energy. With all these aesthetics, come unconventional fashion trends. In the upcoming months, be on the lookout for these new fashion possibilities:

Trends To Keep An Eye Out For

Black excellence must negate such calamitous preconceived notions because the community isn’t monolithic, especially in an industry which has a tendency to overshadow and stifle Black voices. “I just want to promote Black excellence and everything on campus as much as I can, especially within art because a lot of times that’s lost on our campus,” Cunningham said when asked about the importance of an exhibition like this for FIT. Art should liberate the soul, invoke thought, and lend itself to inspire. Each artist who contributed were allowed to instinctively feel comfortable colloquiallizing such poignant experiences through art, which actively conveyed their own journeys.

As for the future of BSU, Cunningham revealed that the next big event is a fashion show. The runway show will be a collaborative production with the Muslim Student Union, African and Caribbean Student Union, Indian Cultural Society, Latinx Cultural and Career Association, Black Retail Action Group (BRAG), and Filipino Student Union. BSU’s upcoming joint collaboration will be a two-night event, acting as a cornerstone to raise awareness and foster community across a plethora of heritages.

The BSU would like to thank Mackenzie Harding, Deliwe Kekana, Nicole Ndzibah, Ruki El, Gabrielle Lauricella, and everyone who contributed to the “Love Thy Neighbor’Hood” exhibition.

Ernst

The new “Mob Wife” aesthetic has been recently added to the mix of “idolized” looks. The overall mindset of this trend is to channel a bold confident woman who stands proudly on her business. To achieve this aesthetic, items such as dark neutrals, animal prints, gold jewelry, fur & leather (faux or real), must be added to your closet. To fully deliver this look try incorporating a messy updo, paint your nails a fierce red, and pair with a smokey eyeshadow look.

When spring comes, floral prints splash onto everyone’s faces. Get ready to witness the rise of the rose print. Rose print designs took center stage at the Alexander McQueen SS24 show. Not only on the runway but roses have also been seen on Dua Lipa at the 29th Critics’ Choice Awards in January.

Miu Miu made everyone fall in love with short shorts. So leading into the warmer months, we are going to get extremely leggy by continuing the short shorts look.

The gingham pattern is a top representative of the cottage core aesthetic. We’ve seen Gingham take on the runway for years, and we can be sure to see Gingham return for the springtime.

Leading into accessories, micro bags were all the rage last year. Now we are embracing space with bigger bags.

Be sure to fiercely express yourself this upcoming spring with some of these concepts!

Photographed by Danny Alvarado (Photography '25)

Desgined by Jessica Camargo (Photography '27)

Cadet, Radiance

Kailee Finn, The UPS Man And His Daughter

Chris Lamoth, An Angel From Queens

STEP!

A f r i k a

By Kimberlyn Vasil (FBM ‘25)

Photographed by Hanalei Visiko-Knox (Photography '27)

Step Afrika!’ defines itself as a blend of percussive, contemporary, and traditional African dance into an artistic experience that has been historically practiced by African American fraternities and sororities.

The dance opened with a chant of “brothers and sisters,’’ followed by a synchronized stepping dance that relied on the sounds of stepping and clapping to excite the audience. The group worked to interact with the audience by shouting “okay” and having the audience shout “alright” back.

The male performers wore a red striped tee, black pants, and black stepping shoes, while the female performers wore the same outfit, except for shiny blue tanks. This show was not just a dance, it was a full fledged, interactive performance that worked to connect the viewer and performers through feelings of cultural empowerment.

Included in Step Afrika!’s routine was a dance battle that was broken up into three rounds between the men (red team) and the women (blue team). After they gave an impressive stepping performance, the audience was invited to make the most noise for whoever they wanted to win. The blue team won the first round by dropping into a split, and the red team won the second round by flipping a group member in midair. The dance battle ended in a cheerful tie.

To get the people on their feet, they had audience members come on stage to learn a Step Afrika! dance. It was enjoyable to see audience members learn a step routine that included chants, quick stepping movements, and stomping.

In celebration of Step Afrika’s heritage, they included a South African gumboot dance. They explained that a gumboot

FUN FACT: FIT HAS A TABLE TENNIS TEAM

By Tripti Ladha (FBM ‘25)

Illustrated by Bonnie Wong

Designed by Thalia Merino

dance includes stepping while wearing Wellington boots and mining uniforms in honor of the gumboot dance being created by South African miners. These miners used this dance as a form of enjoyment and communication in the dangerous conditions of the mines. This routine opened with a splash of dramatic colorstrong oranges, reds, blues, and greens for the mining uniforms paired with black gumboots. Different from the rest of the show, it included the Step Afrika! members portraying South African gold miners before their dance began. The gumboot dance was powerful; the audience members could feel the emotional impact of watching a beautiful dance created out of necessity by the South African miners.

To close, Step Afrika! included flashy routines where they wore metallic silver jackets and vests that caught the light, along with black leather pants. They danced to modern day music that included party songs like “Sensational” by Chris Brown to give this routine a fun and enthusiastic vibrancy. These routines were different from the rest of the show, as these had a more of a casual, hip-hop feel that included group members being able to have solo dances.

After watching the performance, Samantha Hinds (FBM ‘27) said, “This performance goes into depth about my roots; stepping developed in Africa and still effects Black culture”

Bupe Mucheka (AMC ‘26) had an emotional, tearful experience, she said, “I am an international student from Johannesburg, South Africa, so this was a very touching experience for me, because I not only was able to celebrate African American history, I was also able to celebrate where I grew up.”

“I know Black history month is rooted in African American history, but this performance merged the two cultures of Africa and America. I came here with big expectations, they exceeded my expectations. They were so professional, and talented; everything was spot on. I am so thrilled, it was so amazing,” Mucheka said.

It’s Lights Out and Away!

By Lara Colome (FBM

‘27)

It’s February, and in the fashion world, we all know what that means…race season is beginning. With a rise in popularity after the hit Netflix television show Drive to Survive, Formula 1 has become quite a spectacle. With cameras everywhere, participants feel the pressure to dress up.

So, let me introduce you to Paddock fashion.

The term “Paddock” typically refers to the area where teams, drivers, and their support staff prepare for and operate during racing events. It encompasses various spaces such as the team garages, hospitality areas, and areas for media and VIPs.

The Paddock is essentially the nerve center of the racing event, where teams strategize, cars are maintained and interactions between drivers, team members, sponsors and media take place. It’s also the arena where drivers show off their finest fashion, captivating the media with their impeccable style. Known as the best dressed by everyone on the grid, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, a 7-time world champion, comes to each Grand Prix in head-to-toe designer streetwear. This ensemble is curated with the assistance of stylist Eric McNeal.

A personal favorite of mine is a look worn by Hamilton, paying homage to Ayrton Senna, the revered Brazilian three-time world champion. Designed by Gerrit Jacob, this leather-on-leather ensemble was unveiled at the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix. Featuring the Brazilian flag elegantly adorning the pants and a striking image of Senna gracing the back of the jacket, it was a beautiful tribute.

Zhou Guanyu is credited as a new fashion connoisseur on the grid, and he claims Rick Owens as his style icon. He recently had a development in the fashion industry by becoming the brand ambassador for Lululemon.

On the other hand, some drivers opt for their team’s merchandise while in the Paddock, their involvement in the fashion industry remains unmistakable. Several have ventured into launching their apparel lines, exemplified by Daniel Ricciardo’s Enchanté. The Formula 1 race presenters embrace their personal style, captivating viewers with their impeccable looks. Naomi Schiff, a former professional racing driver, now graces race weekends in stunning power suits. Meanwhile, Lissie Mackintosh, a content creator and motorsport aficionado, has recently been supporting an exciting collaboration between McLaren and Reiss.

I would be remiss not to mention the wives and girlfriends of the drivers, otherwise known as the WAGS. Alexandra Saint Mleux, Charles Leclerc’s girlfriend, broke the internet at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix when she wore an elegant, white Juniper dress from Meshki.

The standout figure at the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix was Nico Hulkenberg’s wife, Elge Raskyte, commanding attention with her striking attire. She donned a pristine white power suit, featuring pants with subtle slivers peeking through, adding a captivating dimension to her ensemble.

As the 2024 season kicks off, amid the well-wishes sent to the 20 drivers lining the grid, allow me to share a piece of advice: embrace the power of fashion, for it can be your ally on and off the track. And while the competition intensifies, it’s no secret that Max Verstappen is poised for victory.

Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is by far one of the toughest sports there is. Correct arm movements, body position and footwork - getting them right on time is the real goal of an athlete.

As a member of the team, it’s easy to play, but hard to master. The practice session serves as a platform for all the people who share a deep love for the sport. We practice every Thursday in the auxiliary gym from 6:30 to 9 p.m. A typical day of training begins with our Coach Wayne Chin setting the tone with his motivational quotes. Then, we roll out the mats and create space for the tables to unfold.

After setting up the nets and stretching our bodies, we dive into our practice routines. Starting with counter rallies, we first focus on the basic strokes of forehand and backhand. Slowly, under the watchful eye of our coach, we correct our mistakes and refine our techniques. He spends 15 minutes guiding each player to improve their weaknesses with his undivided attention. Each of us has a unique set of talents, which helps us improve our game style. The hand-eye coordination is a real challenge for everyone, but the growth we see in ourselves is what keeps us going. After having a conversation with my teammates, I found that being a member of the varsity team gave us a sense of responsibility. We were brave enough to give our time and energy into the sport and represent FIT at various tournaments. The most recent tournament we played was on Feb. 3 in River Edge, New Jersey at the Ready To Golf club. That sunny morning, wearing our

FIT Tiger jerseys, we jumped onto the bus with a mindset of sportsmanship. The venue was huge since it was hosting a multitude of colleges across two divisions. The atmosphere was energetic and competitive. Our opponents hailed from prestigious institutions such as NYU, Yale, and Princeton, which added an extra layer of intensity to the matches. I won my individual matches, but my teammates faced defeat in theirs. We also had an opportunity to play friendly matches with the Rutgers State University and New Jersey Institute of Technology teams, which resulted in some new friends. It felt incredible to see how table tennis can bring together so many inspiring individuals from different backgrounds.

Once a month, we have a sit-down with Coach Wayne, whose love for table tennis began 40 years ago, to work on team building and game strategies. “It’s been a lifelong passion of mine and helping you develop into better players has been immensely rewarding,” he says. He is a proud alumnus of Rutgers University and runs a Table Tennis club in New Jersey. “Coach Wayne has been instrumental to our team and we are truly grateful for his mentorship,” remarks Jia Mei Lin (ITM ‘26), who’s been on the team since its beginning. During the Fall 2023 semester, there were just four members who came to practice and played in the tournaments. Witnessing our team’s growth this semester makes me feel so proud. As the sport gains more recognition with every smash of the ball, I say with honor that table tennis has taught us to never give up until it’s over.

“Purrr”

Leopard Print is Clawing its Way Back Into Our Closets

By Kinleigh Alnutt (AMC ‘27)

Within the past few months, we have witnessed the resurrection of animal print clothing, specifically leopard print. From fierce fur coats to boldly printed bags, leopard print has made quite an entrance, and I don’t think she will be leaving anytime soon.

Beverly Nguyen, former fashion stylist and founder of BEVERLY's, tells The Post, "Leopard has been and will continue to be timeless." However, fashion is a cycle, meaning this is not the first time leopard has been the “it girl."

Hundreds of years ago, leopard print was worn by kings and queens to represent power. 1950s musical sensation Eartha Kitt embodied leopard print power by

By the 1960’s, the print was viewed as cheap and “slutty”, whic seems to be the recurring theme when it goes out of style.

draping her body with the design to exude confidence and female divinity. So, it is not surprising that the print would quickly take up space in every fashion lover's closet throughout the decade.

Unfortunately, by the 1960s, the print was viewed as trashy and "slutty,” which seems to be the recurring theme when it goes out of style. During one decade, it is viewed as powerful, and the next, promiscuous.

I’m hoping that this time around, it will remain a symbol of fierceness and high standing due to the many luxury brands incorporating leopard print into their pieces, such as Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana.

This semester, there's been a surge in the popularity of leopard print among FIT students, contrasting with previous terms. The trend has infiltrated our wardrobes, appearing in various forms, ranging from subtle accents like scrunchies to bold statements like full-length coats.

It's become a common sight in every class I attend – someone sporting leopard print, especially on their footwear, whether it's the Adidas Sambas or the Steve Madden Cherish Flats. I must admit, it's refreshing to witness this attention-grabbing print effortlessly elevate an outfit without veering into flashy territory.

Cherish Flats. I have to say, it is refreshing to see such an eye-catching print that always seems to elevate your outfit instead of making it flashy.

Go Big or Go

Niche: A Perfume Battle

By Beatrice Nicolini (AMC ‘25) Illustrated by Jessica Lyle (Illustration ‘25)

Citrus, patchouli, and sandalwood are hardly ever the answer when asked what scent one’s wearing. Instead, the usual response falls on an over-marketed brand name that smells great, but leaves less room for the originality that smaller labels rather embody, making it difficult to establish a winner in this David and Goliath dispute. Perhaps, the marketing mix will provide a winner.

Cheap Luxury | PLACE

In the field of beauty and cosmetics, designer scents allow customers to get a taste of luxury at a lower price and in a variety of distributional chains. With Sephora acting as the middleman, this sense of proximity and accessibility fuels the desire for wealth in clients, gifting the masses a dream that facilitates sales and turns into reality.

Understanding Price, But Not Quality |

Although not everyone holds a degree in cosmetics and fragrance, most of us are familiar with spending – especially, when it comes to doing it less. By subscribing to a corporate product instead of a minor one, customers may be paying lower prices at the cost of less quality, with not-so-bad reviews. As Karlee Ingegno (CFM, ‘24) tells me “If it’s cheap it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad, it is just less concentrated and doesn’t last for long.”

More Budget | PROMOTION

With small advertising budgets and major competition, niche brands lessen their level of awareness. Advertising does not, however, solely serve as a promotional tool, it is also a way of storytelling, which allows the big names who can afford it to create further value behind their products – one that sells and incites brand identity. “When a fragrance has a story behind it, it makes it more real, more alive, more true,” perfumer Lyn Harris remarks in “Quintessentially Perfume,” “it’s always

easier to relate to something like this, with a story, with nostalgia, rather than something abstract.”

Bundles | PRODUCT

Famous names in the industry may include body washes and lotions along with their signature scents, creating a profound burst of aroma that encompasses a brand’s character, gifting the customer a chance to experience the fragrance as a whole.

The Niche | More Variety | PRODUCT

Commercial brands have a wider target to respond to and need staple scents to comply with such an array of tastes. Elsewhere, niche names are not responsible for such diversity, which grants them the ability to offer an exhaustive selection of quality products, awarding consumers the gift of exploration and uniqueness.

Working with Luxury

Clients | PRICE

Given their attention to excellence and unique value, niche brands attract customers in search of similar exclusivity, ones with disposable income and a nose for status. For that reason, the rich may not want to shop at Sephora and smell like Miss Dior, but rather wear a scent that sets them apart.

time and optimal locations, which Sephora’s long lines and clutter simply cannot provide. Boutique-like sites have a comparative advantage instead, favoring loyalty through relationship building.

Word of Mouth | PROMOTION

In the realm of promotion, many think of big campaigns and big platforms for a great reach. However, smaller brands not only have different objectives – and again, budgets – but may also find success in strategies that stand alone in their market. In a position of this kind, the good old WOM could indeed be beneficial, due to the “nicher” customer base and a distinct value proposition.

Advertising does not, however, solely serve as a promotional tool, it is also a way of storytelling, which allows the big names who can afford it to create further value behind their products.

Relevant points stand on both sides of the argument, but in such a mutable yet enclosed industry, it is perhaps not so much about acquaintance with the subject but more so about the self, a bubble for each customer that does not require unsolicited advice.

In the end, Karlee was right, and her words still echo, “In fragrance, there is a general consensus, but scent is very individualized, it depends on the person.”

Thorough Experience | PLACE

Niche brands are most likely to offer the ultimate customer experience, accompanying the client throughout the discovery, testing, and buying process. An attention of this kind requires extensive

The Psychology of Stanleys

Water is a free commodity, one which everyone needs to survive. Therefore, why are people willing to spend over $40 on a water bottle, which is in essence just a container?

In this age of climate activism and healthconscious individuals, we all know that water is important and that reusable water bottles are healthier than single-use plastic ones. Despite this, people still allow their purchasing decisions to be controlled by trends. I’m sure everyone can remember the “VSCO Girl” trend of 2019 where everyone had to own a Hydro Flask.

But does FIT, as a fashion school, simply follow these trends, or is being environmentally friendly the more important part to students?

There is a psychological reason why individuals follow trends. The human brain works in the most efficient way possible using “shortcuts” known as heuristics. This means looking at what other people are doing. An article by Northeastern University Sci Magazine states that “If enough people are following a trend, repeating a statement, or making the same decision, your brain will assume that it’s the correct decision to make.”

I was curious to see how this trend was impacting FIT’s student body and whether our university had embraced the water bottle craze. To find out, I conducted a brief survey about water bottles.

According to the survey, 96.6% of respondents reported owning a reusable water bottle. When asked about the brand, 58.6% mentioned they did not own one of the current most popular brands. This statistic is intriguing because it indicates that FIT students are not exclusively opting for Stanleys. Only 17.2% claimed to own a Stanley bottle.

Stanley, renowned for their Quencher model, stands as one of today’s most soughtafter water bottle brands. Their revenue skyrocketed from $73 million in 2019 to an impressive $750 million in 2023.

To find out the psychology behind a Stanley owner, I had to find one. In an interview with Gaberilla Iannace (FD ‘27), when asked why she made the purchase she said, “I bought the Stanley because I liked the color, there were so many in the FIT campus store and I thought it would encourage me to drink more water.”

than 1500 ml a day.”

Since a resurgence in 2015, metal water bottles have taken over, especially in music festivals and sports arenas as a majority of these bottles were originally developed for intense thrill seekers and extreme sports fans. While over time their audience may

The color of the Stanley’s appears to be a big draw to customers with a diverse array of colors. This suggests the FIT campus store is encouraging the Stanley trend by displaying them across the store; encouraging consumerism while equally promoting a healthy lifestyle option.

When Iannace was asked if she thought it was overpriced, she said, “I don’t know in comparison; it was $40 for 40oz. However, I do think it is a lot for a water bottle and wouldn’t repeat the purchase in the future. It does its job well, it is strong and keeps the water cold. But, I also can’t fathom the fact that I bought it.”

Is this trend necessarily a bad thing if it encourages people to drink more water?

The survey revealed a division regarding whether the trend lies in water bottles themselves or in owning the “right” water bottle brand. A majority, 79.3%, believe water bottles are currently trending, while 20.7% disagree. This suggests that while owning a water bottle holds significance, having the “right” brand may not be as crucial.

Everybody is Too Cool, it’s Starting to Burn

Written by Emily Simon (AMC ‘25)

A lot of young individuals nowadays construe an image of themselves, with the sole purpose to be perceived. It feels obscure to say something that blatantly that we, as humans, tend to conceal. We try to curate all of our interests and hobbies to the most covert of sub-genres possible. No matter the profoundness of your leisure interest, somehow, you will find someone who has already listened to that album, read that book, and shopped that brand.

It’s exhausting trying to keep up with the ever-expanding genre that is “alt”, “cool”, or “unconventional”. The myriads of media we are subject to everyday are conditioned to our distinct interest. The more and more you search and scroll, the more and more media we generate, saturating every niche there is with more garbage.

Since when was every teenage girl on TikTok a Jeff Buckley fan? Social media has made it so easy to commodify things that used to be sacred to cultures and subversive groups of individuals. These chattels of “cool” then turn into marketable trends and social cues used to identify whether or not someone is modish.

have changed, the message they promote is consistent: it’s better to have a metal reusable bottle than buy a plastic one.

I don’t believe that it is a bad ‘trend’ to own a fancier water bottle, as long as it encourages you to drink more water as opposed to buying plastic bottles of water. As Iannace says “Owning a pretty or expensive water bottle, you want to get your money’s worth and therefore you drink more.”

So while Stanley’s may be a nuisance to carry around, it’s true that they encourage you to drink more water, (if you have the arm strength).

This supports the idea that while many of the FIT students own Stanleys, they don’t seem to be buying into the trend but rather buying into a healthier lifestyle.

When surveying some of FIT’s population, I received some anonymous responses such as, “I think people think that they look trendy and healthy with a water bottle.”

However, this prompts the question: is this trend necessarily a bad thing if it encourages people to drink more water?

Scientifically, we need to drink more water than we currently do. The National Library of Medicine states, “In majority, college students’ water consumption was low, with more than 50% of students drinking less

Emblems originating out of genuine alternative culture such as popular alternative music groups (The Smiths, The Breeders, Eliot Smith),wearing really baggy jeans, or having tattoos, are signifiers to someone else that you meet the qualifications as “indie” and swank.

Social media’s transgression popularizes and labels these symbols as trademarks of “cool”, they have become a widespread craze to the general youth, desperately seeking validation. Now when you walk down the street, everybody has tattoos, piercings, indie rock band baby tees, a shag haircut, and if they are holding a skateboard, they’ve hit rock bottom.

God forbid you like the most popular song by Panchiko or Ariel Pink and that’s the only song you know. There’s a reason it’s their most popular song, it’s good, enjoy it, that’s why it’s there. Rather than judge an individual based on whether or not they fit the sensationalized “au courant” criteria that was mostly made up by 16-yearolds on the internet, we should have more patience to come to learn what people are really all about.

In the first week of February, I walked into a drug store looking for shaving cream. As I shopped, I wasn’t surprised to find aisles dedicated to the upcoming holiday. As a victim of marketing, I read the trite cards, and looked with intrigue at the red chocolate boxes tied in white ribbon.

I noticed a poster advertisement for Sweethearts Candy where the purple ink words were blotchy. Instead of Be Mine the phrases were purposefully indecipherable and written on the poster was: Sweethearts, Situationships: messages as blurry as your relationships.

I haven’t been in a serious relationship for over a year and a half. My last long term relationship was in high school with casual first dates proceeding that, those of which rarely constituted a second date. To me situationships have always seemed daunting: casual dating, the idea of keeping things unlabeled. They appear risky, where the partakers are vulnerable, susceptible to mixed feelings and false attachment.

The sweethearts display made them seem normal, and if anything common.

mostly, and the next day he mentioned an extra concert ticket he had on hand. I decided to go and see if the idea I conjured in my head was at all accurate to who he was in reality.

The date was good. There was an initial hug to break tension, we talked, walked a lot, shared a kiss, the conversation rarely got boring. On paper, it was a perfect date, but there was a part of me that was convinced something was missing. I had a craving, and I blamed my other plans, labeling them a distraction. The unknown, that air of mystery, and promise of

pieces around with no intention of winning, others play to take the King.

I took that risk, distanced myself from Owen, and continued. After a few days and some brief conversations, I met up with a new match for dinner. The date went well. It was the first time in a while I felt genuinely giddy in someone’s presence. We chatted for six hours, which felt like one. We made plans two days later, and then again the following day, and then again.

There is something comforting about the idea of not being put into a box. Some relationships don’t need to be rigidly defined, the flexibility is a consolation that allows people to enjoy the present without overthinking the future. If I learned anything in the month of February it’s that dating can be complicated and messy, but real. You can have fun and accept the fact that sometimes the terrifying unknown is what leads to the best experiences.

We sat in his kitchen on our second date when I mentioned the article I was writing. He laughed, “Do I get a spotlight?” “Yeah” I smiled, “Of course.” So, here it is.

Dating, the MoD ern Way

By

I decided to assign February a task: to discover what it’s like to date casually with no real intentions of success. To accelerate the process, I broke my own personal code and redownloaded Hinge.

I was, ironically, asked out in a coffee shop a day later without the aid of a dating app. We chatted for a few minutes, he got my number, and invited me to dinner that following week. We texted for a few days never solidifying our alleged plans and eventually the conversation faded into a barren dry patch. Neither of us responded in a timely manner, and the interest faded, reminding me of the over romanticization of meeting naturally. Eventually I was ghosted, unsurprisingly, I didn’t feel disappointed, it felt cyclical, something I’d heard before.

On Hinge, I started a discussion with a man, for anonymity, Owen. The pitchy one liners, and corny profile initially intrigued me. Owen made me smile. We discussed music,

nothing felt like an addiction. It was sad, and I quickly realized the correlation between the apps and frequency of situationships.

Some call the feeling I was searching for chemistry, but it had to be more than that. Chemistry is too uncomplicated. What you dislike about one person might be the thing you find intriguing for another. The feeling is indecipherable, constantly shifting, impossible to pin down.

Dating apps pose a chance of meeting “the one” with just a swipe. It seems improbable, and yet others have done it, leaving the gnawing hope that we might be one of them. It is common to refer to Dating Apps as a game. Some players simply move the chess

Illustrated by Luna Paluck Teeter (Fine Arts '27)

Grace O’ Hanlon (FBM ‘26)

Illustrated

Norberto Perez (Illustration ‘25)

Designed

(Graphic Design ‘25)

STUDENT ART SUBMISSIONS