May 2012: The Graduation Issue

VOLUME 44 | ISSUE 8 | MAY 2012

MEET PRESIDENT JOYCE BROWN

THE GRADUATION ISSUE FITSA ELECTION RESULTS + JOHN JANNUZZI + STELLAR SENIORS + SUMMER STYLE

#CHEERS

Masthead Taisa Veras @taisaveras Editor-in-Chief Caroline Nelson @carolinenel Sarah Dill @sarah_dill Deputy Editors Fernanda DeSouza @fernpop Executive & Culture Editor Georgi Dwiggins @georgidwiggins Richard Gilmartin @richg8191 Nicole Tan Venus Wong @fille_fatale Senior Editors Keely-Shea Smith @keelysheasmith Managing Editor Alyssa Kyle @alyssakyle8 Copy Editor Megan Venere Treasurer W27Newspaper.com Mollie Yarsike @molbol422 Community Manager Advertising Jessica McClintock @jesssabellaa Advertising Promotions Manager Art Kári Emil Helgason @kariemil Art Director Christina Garcia @christinaa_g Senior Designer Kevin Buitrago Armah Jones Jacquelyn Clifford Photographers Kelsey Panicco Contributing Stylist Contributors Madeline Ruley Hermina Sobhraj Marissa Mule Justine Fitch Caroline Altenbernd-Charlotten Keely-Shea Smith Raquel Rose Burger Dianna Mazzone Desmond Zhengs Terron Richardson Alessandra Della Vecchia Francesca Beltran John Simone Editorial Faculty Advisor Albert Romano Advertising Faculty Advisor

W27 IS PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR COPY AFTER READING.

FIT

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Letter from the Editor As I walked into the W27 office to put together my last issue as editor in chief, it hit me that a year had gone by of being exposed to amazing people, content, and experiences that will bring value to the next phase of my life. However, from all the experiences the most rewarding was seeing writers improve their skills. The ability to be in a position that not only inspires people but also provides an opportunity to experience the real world as a team, is invaluable. Collaboration is key to success, and I think that as a team we exceeded our expectations in our positions. From the introduction of a new logo to the creation of new columns, I think that I left my mark.

Making a difference is not an easy feat, but it is something that our President, Dr. Joyce Brown, has accomplished. Turn to pp. 8–9 to read about her plans about commencement, the new majors that will be added to the curriculum, and her recent trip to Japan to connect with alumni students.

Another personality that has caught the attention of many in the fashion industry is John Jannuzzi. He told me himself that he is “not that into fashion, but he is a contributor for

Lucky magazine, and writes about fashion, art, history, and literature for his noted blog Textbook. Read about Jannuzzi on p. G-7 in our Graduation Insert.

This issue also represents the last work from many of FIT’s stellar graduates, including our Art Director Kari Helgason, and Photographer Armah Jones. Kari’s outstanding talent as a graphic designer has shined through every single issue. Armah’s keen eye for capturing style on 27th street has also been a key contribution to the publication.

I would like to thank my Faculty Advisor Professor John Simone who has taught me so much in the past year, and helped me elevate my writing and editing skills. I also would like to thank the following people who have helped make my visions come to life: Calvin Klein, Francisco Costa, Ari and David Goldberg, Rich Tong, Danielle and Jodie Snyder, Neil Blumenthal, David Gilboa, Leandra Medine, Charlotte Ronson, President Joyce Brown, and

John Jannuzzi, to name a few. Last but not least, I would like to thank you, my readers, who have been my inspiration and motivation. Thank you for following me through this journey for the past year. I will be passing on the position to current Deputy Editor Caroline Nelson, who I’m confident will continue to innovate and improve W27 Newspaper.

As I look into the next phase of my life, I would like to leave behind these three words that are essential to creating and maintaining a successful team: collaboration, content, and creativity.

Cheers,

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FIT

MAY 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS On the Block

Thread Account

4 Welcome to the Boardroom 4 Executive Board 2012–2013 5 What the Health?

5 Programming Board 2012–2013 6 Calvin Klein Aids FIT with $2 Million Donation 6 Stylesight’s CEO Frank Bober Speaks at FMM Alumni Event 6 A Very Fashionable Fiesta 7 Future Mode: Mario Cardoza & Ryan Smith 8 Breakfast with the President 10 An Evening with the Roaring 1920s 10 AAS Channels Schiaparelli 10 Advancing the Legacy

12 Tumblr’s Fashion Evangelist: Valentine Uhovski 12 THREADs Fashion Show 13 ContentMode 13 The Future of Fashion is Here 14 Let’s Get Quirky 14 An Afternoon with Jenni of I SPY DIY STYLE

The Graduation Special G-2 Beyond the Editing Room: Former EICs Heather Viggiani and Patrick Greene G-2 5 Tips for Graduates from Heather G-3 2012 Stellar Seniors G-3 Career & Internship Center 101 G-4 Fashion Editorial: Strutting Into Summer with a Pep in Her Step G-6 Channel Surfing is Not a Sport: James Nord, Justin Chung, John Jannuzzi

Haute Culture 15 Book: Just Kids 15 Tuning In: Catalpa NYC: A New Summer Festival 15 Tuning In: Road Trip, Baby!

16 Concert: Miike Snow 16 Gallery: This Side of Paradise 16 Book: Maryam Montague of Marakesh by Design 17 Month in Review

FIT Speaks 18 18

Just Keep Swimming...

Bucket Full of Sunshine

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Style on 27

Beauty Buzz 11 Nailing It: The Technology Behind the Latest Innovation in Nail Polish 11 FIT Alum on Gloss and Glam

Letters to the editors “Love seeing a new issue of W27 newspaper on stands! There are some really great articles in there and Style on 27 always has sweet outfits!”

—Karina Sumano, AMC sophomore

“It’s really well done! I read it on the train going home last night and really enjoyed it.”

—Janice Messinger, Assistant Professor, FMM

“We have been printing W27 for years now and you and your staff have been making the issues look nicer and more creative each time.

Your layouts and design have really improved the look and made it really cool to read. Just seems to be getting better and better each time.

Keep up the great work!!”

—Joe Torregrossa, Corporate Color

“Congrats on a beautiful issue for April. And—I’m hardly the only person who thinks so. Many of my colleagues have remarked to me how pleased they are with the way it looks and reads.”

—John Simone, Faculty Advisor of W27 Newspaper

Letter from the ART DIRECTOR I am now ending my run as art director after two years on the art team.

I began as graphic designer under my predecessor, classmate and good friend, Zhang Qingyun, and rose to the position of co-art director alongside him until he went to study abroad in England. I have now been the art director by myself for a year and it has been a wonderful experience.

As I am graduating this May, I will be passing on the torch to senior designer Christina Garcia, a Communication Design sophomore, who came onto my team this semester. Her contributions so far have been invaluable and she will continue her good work as head of the team in the coming fall semester.

Communication design or graphic design students with interest in editorial design and typography who might want to join her new art team should e-mail w27art@gmail.com and include some examples of work.

I will miss our hectic and chaotic edit weekends and I will miss the wonderful editorial team of this paper. I especially want to thank outgoing Editor-in-Chief Taisa Veras who has been an amazing partner

and congratulate her on all of her accomplishments. I would also like to thank those members of the team who worked with me on the paper’s design in the past year: Alan Chao, Sofia Clausse, Deanna Paquette, Stephanie Perez, Jason Silverman, and Maria Stankevitch; our illustrators: Ruodan Bai, Diane Fernandes, Siva-Jack Sernvongsat, Emily Sherman and Venus Wong; As well as our student photographers: Jacquelyn Clifford, Kevin Buitrago, Armah Jones and Camilla Mayer.

I hope students will go see some of the FIT’s Art and Design graduate shows which begin at various venues around campus on May 8th until commencement on May 22nd. The shows have been becoming stronger every year since I have been at FIT, and the class of 2012 is bound to wow its viewers.

Have a great summer!

in memoriam JOHN (Yianni/Johnny) GIAOURIS may 20, 1990–april 14, 2012

ON THE COVER: Every FIT student has questions regarding our campus, academics, and activities. It is a rare opportunity to have the chance to discuss these important topics with President Brown. We hope that our discussion with her helps you to get to know her better.

Meet President Joyce Brown!

ON THE BLOCK

FIT

Welcome to the Boardroom

By Dianna Mazzone As the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end and Samantha Kloeckener’s term as the President of the FIT Student Association took no exception. But rest assured, the future of FITSA is certainly in capable hands: Anubhuti Swarup was elected in March to serve as FITSA President for the 2012–2013 academic year. W27 spoke with both Kloeckener and Swarup regarding FITSA’s achievements throughout the past year and plans going forward for Fall.

Dianna Mazzone: Congratulations on your election! Could you discuss the post-election process in which you “shadowed” Samantha to learn the ropes of Presidency?

Anubhuti Swarup: It was fun!

Actually once I decided to run, it really put [Kloeckener’s] actions in the spotlight. I was observing her in FITSA meetings, taking notes. She’s a really great person to shadow.

Over the year, I’ve really looked up to her. She does so many things on campus and is so involved. She’s incredibly busy and does so many things, but whenever she speaks to you it’s as though you’ve always been friends. It’s so easy to ask her questions.

DM: The annual Induction Ceremony, in which newly elected members officially take office, took place recently. Could you elaborate on that experience?

Samantha Kloeckener: It’s held every year at the Manhattan Penthouse. It’s a sad moment, but it’s also an exciting moment. You get to see all the all the people who worked so hard this past year and then their passing along the offices to the next group. It’s an inevitable end. It’s a good, needed ceremony. The outgoing vice president of programming speaks,

followed by the new vice president of programming. Then I spoke as the outgoing president, prior to the speech of the new president. All presidents of clubs attend and along with the advisors of those clubs.

President Brown and Vice President Murphy were also there.

AS: It was great, though I was nervous of course. I was nervous getting there, but once I arrived it was an “ahhh” moment. I was surrounded by friends. It was a great moment to reflect. The administration, the clubs, all the people I’d worked with were there.

I was a little nervous to speak— it was my first speech—but I felt a definite sense of comfort.

DM: Looking back upon FITSA’s accomplishments throughout the past year, which in your mind stand out among the rest?

SK: This was my second year on FITSA and from what I’ve observed, I think the biggest and best difference has been the number of students getting involved and in turn the quality of that involvement. This past year, we started seeing groups of people that were constantly at events and were so excited to be there. It was great to establish these FITSA “advocates” who knew that our events provided were a fun, free time. We also worked to target new students. We really tried to increase our presence at orientation, and that helped us tremendously. We want students to get involved from the beginning so that way they can experience FIT in the same way that we do—for all four years. We want them to get the most out of their experience here, and the best way to do that is to be involved. I’m also proud of our elections—we had 1,088 students vote as compared to 800 the year before. Our goal was to reach that 1,000 and we did it. It was

Executive Board 2012–2013

a new process—one of many that we’ve implemented since developing the new policy manual. We really worked hard for that.

start the “Breakfast for Dinner” Program. This year, on May 16th in the Cafeteria from 10PM to 12AM, new and past FITSA officers along with administrators will serve students breakfast during finals DM: Ana, as the new FITSA week. I had worried about student president, what goals do you have response to the event last year— in mind for the coming year? but by 10PM over 400 students had AS: As Samantha said these past two formed a line in the Cafeteria. years, and in the past year especially, AS: This year I’ve really felt as we really fine combed through the though students are more excited policy manual and now I feel it’s time for us to take it to the next level than ever about what FITSA is doing next. There’s a genuine by communicating the procedures interest. They’ve seen the events [within the policy manual] to we hold on campus and know the students. We have so many tools quality of our programming. I think and resources that allow us to create new programming, clubs, and it’s a growth from years past— we’re identifiable. activities on campus as suggested by students. By implementing the policy manual we want to say to SK: I think the best word to sum up our community, “Here’s how you this year is consistency. Whether do it—we’re here for you.” I think it’s in the FITSA Boardroom or communicating that is my ultimate talking to students, we want to be goal. We also just purchased and consistent and deliver the same implemented Collegiate Link. I message at all times. We want to would love to make that the hub for maintain that consistency in our our campus life. We want people events. We offer events at the to know that there’s a central place same time every week. Students where questions may be answered know to expect that there will be and information is constantly posted. a movie playing or some sort of That sense of community is really activity during common hour. We important. We’re also looking to hope the quality is consistent—we continue to build tradition—there are never want to put our name on a lot of events that were created in something that won’t benefit the last two years that will be held students. There’s a lot of planning for years to come. They’re events involved, and it’s exciting to see that students look forward to, and as student reception to that. I can’t Samantha said, we’ve built that core wait to see what will happen next group of students who consistently year and how that’s going to grow. attend FITSA events. We’re looking for that to continue and hopefully DM: Samantha, as a senior, what grow. are your plans after graduation?

DM: As the end of the year approaches, are there any FITSA events students should look forwardto in May?

SK: I was just accepted to Stony Brook University where I’ll be pursuing a master’s degree in higher education administration.

It’s a two-year program. Everyone SK: As Ana said, we’ve implemented here at FIT has been so supportive new programs that have been and excited—who knows, I might growing. Last year, we decided to be back in two years!

VP of Wellness/ Athletics

VP of Alumni Affairs

Traci Rhynie

Caleb Poling

President Board of Trustees

Treasurer

VP of Communications

VP of Student Affairs

Anubhuti Swarup

Brian Moore

Paige Popdan

Colin Smith

Vice President

Treasurer

VP of Programming

Secretary, VP of Development and VP of Commuter Affairs

Carina Hsieh

Hyuna (Helen) Na

Augusta Falletta

Vacant

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W27

MAY 2012

What the Health?

Travel Without the Extra Baggage

By Sarah Dill Whether you’re headed somewhere tropical for summer vacation, moving out of your home to a new apartment or traveling back home, venturing to and from will be in your near future for the next few months.

With changes and/or traveling to cope with, you’re bound to indulge or overeat knowing that there’s so much to do or wanting something quick to grab when bustling about.

But beware: these minor snacks can result in significant weight gain.

Although rushing around may be a form of exercise, a case of the munchies may take over from traveling boredom. Eating small meals or snacks throughout the day curbs your hunger and can eliminate storing fat from overeating junk food or from not eating the proper amount of calories to subsidize the long haul. Turn up the car tunes, grab your bags and set off on a summer road trip filled with healthy treats and new memories.

AA Grab n’ granola: Look for granola bars packed with protein, natural ingredients and low ( or no) amounts of high fructose corn syrup to keep you energized and full for part of the trip ahead. Bars with a punch of dried fruit, nuts, oats and honey can satisfy your sweet tooth and get you geared for roadside games.

AA Calmin’ Edamame: Whether you throw these soy beans in a to gobaggie or keep them in a plastic container, these protein and fiber packed pods are the perfect thing to nosh on. Add a dash of salt for flavor and suck away on these low fat and iron-infused beans to leave you feeling satisfied.

AA Popped and packed: Popcorn swimming in butter can be a real calorie monster but light or 98% fat free popcorn can still have the same great taste without the heavy and greasy fat content.

Share with friends or throw back handfuls of popcorn over the duration of the day to keep you full and non-drowsy.

AA Stick to Veggies: A healthy travel staple is a simple bag of sliced fresh veggies, such as cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots and bell peppers. And they won’t weigh you down and are the perfect size to stick in a carry-on.

AA Dark delights: A diet shouldn’t preclude chocolate. There. I’ve said it. Long tasks or traveling can have you craving something sweet, so opt for the darkest and richest in cocoa chocolate to relieve stress and keep you going on a sugar rush. Be careful of milk chocolate or having too much dark chocolate because of its higher fat level, so break a piece off and store it quickly back in your bag for self-control.

AATrail traveling: There’s a right and wrong path for snacking on trail mix. Some versions may include natural pieces of almonds, cashews, raisins and pistachios while others can be deathly—filled with M&M’s, salted peanuts, and dried bananas. Look for trail mixes with all natural ingredients or if you have time to spare, make your own and throw in anything you want with a bit of honey and cinnamon for a flavorful trail blazing treat.

AA Choose the cheese: Spread laughing cow cheese on wheat crackers or pull light string cheese apart to get a calcium boost and keep you satisfied for several hours into your travels. Eliminate fatty cheeses by grabbing light cheeses or small individual wrapped cheese like babybels to get a quick cheese fix without the urge to indulge in more.

Dorm Dish Recipe: Head for the beach as the sun peeks through the clouds, this cool summer staple is sure to be stocked in your freezer with most of the calories on a leave of absence. You and your stomach will be sure to be screaming for more from this healthy ice cream bananza.

Banana Split Ice-Cream Sandwiches AA1/4 pound fat-free pound cake, 8 1/4 inch slices AA1/4 cup strawberry jam AA1 cup fat-free unsweetened ice cream, vanilla flavored AA1 large banana, sliced AA 2 tbsp fat-free fudge topping Spray a nonstick-ridged grill pan with nonstick spray and set over medium heat. Place the slices of pound cake on the pan and cook until browned, about 1 1/2 minutes on each side.

Spread 1 tablespoon jam on one side of 4 slices of cake. Spread 1/4 cup ice cream over each of the remaining 4 slices of cake. Place, ice cream side down, on top of the jam covered slices to make 4 sandwiches in all.

Place each sandwich on a dessert plate and top evenly with the banana.

Drizzle evenly with the chocolate sauce and serve at once. Yields 1 garnished sandwich per serving.

Programming Board 2012–2013

Manager of Films

Manager of Hall of Art

Mandy Cho

Yesenia Moises

Secretary/ Treasurer

Manager of Cultural Events

Manager of Special Events

Manager of Social Activities

Sadhvi Sabharwal

Julie Simonsen

Shaye Winer

Julissa (Ju Ju) Peralta

Manager of the Center

Manager of Entertainment Hour

Manager of Game Room

Kelly McCabe

Primo Bolo III

Alaric A. Baez

ON THE BLOCK

FIT

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Calvin Klein Aids FIT with $2 Million Donation

By Justine Fitch Three months ago, FIT received one of its largest donations ever by one of its most exceptional graduates, Calvin Klein. A $1 million donation was received by the college from the Calvin Klein Family Foundation followed by another $1 million donation by Calvin Klein, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PVH Corp., one of the largest apparel companies in the world.

“The annual FIT fashion show is the culmination of the very best of the fashion design students’ accomplishments during their studies at FIT,” said Klein and added, “This fund is dedicated to ensure that the FIT fashion show will continue to be the students’ showcase to our industry without compromise. I am very proud that Calvin Klein, Inc. has joined my family foundation in this effort.”

Recently, a critical statement made by Italian designer Roberto Cavalli appeared in D. La Repubblica, a leading fashion magazine, “Just look at American fashion, which is almost fashion. It’s terrible and you almost can’t even look at it, but it has been driven by a great journalist, Anna Wintour, who wants all women to be like her and to dress the way she does,” he bemoaned.

But Calvin Klein who is considered by many fashion experts as epitomizing outstanding American design, continues to enjoy global recognition as one of the best-known brands in the world. His donation is intended to keep student designers and

Calvin Klein pictured at the Tribeca Film Festival, courtesy of David Shankbone.

fashion hopefuls in the forefront of global fashion. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator at the museum at FIT said, “Our recent exhibition Impact, about the Council of Fashion Designers of America and our previous exhibition American Beauty provide ample evidence of the creativity and diversity of American fashion.” Take that, Mr. Cavalli.

Moreover, on May 2nd, FIT hosted the annual runway show which showcased capstone designs of students graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion design.

report released by the Center for The $2 million donation is part of a an Urban Future called “Designing 10-year commitment to support the New York’s Future” which finds annual Spring fashion show. The that “one-third of the members of show draws additional support from the Council of Fashion Designers sources such as Cotton Inc., which of America attended FIT, Parsons provides an annual grant in addition or Pratt—a finding its authors call to underwriting campus fundraising “astounding”—that’s more than twice activities. as many design and architecture Tom Murry, president and chief students graduate from New York’s Executive Officer of Calvin Klein, Inc. leading design schools, and that the said, “Over the years, we have hired vast majority of students at these many FIT graduates for roles across schools end up staying and working our organization, as well as recruited in New York City—becoming “imporstudents for our valuable internship programs. We are thrilled to join with tant anchors for the circulation and exchange of ideas,” she emphasized.

Calvin in this initiative and further Despite those who doubt the creativexpand our support of FIT through ity of American fashion and its influthis contribution to its pivotal annual ence on design, there are many who fashion show. Calvin continues to be support it like Calvin Klein who made the overriding inspiration for what a generous donation because he we do and we are proud to honor his believes in the growth and success design legacy in this way.” of American fashion.

Among the designers and faculty are fashion critics who assist and evaluate students’ work throughout the semester choosing the best in each category for special citation. This year featured Diane Von Furstenberg, Amsale Aberra, Victor Alfaro, Gaby Basora, Wenlan Chia, Dushane Noble, Josie Natori, Alicia Raimondo, and Michelle Smith. The garments that made it onto the runway in each category were voted

By Zachary Rosenbaum upon by five media professionals including Joe Zee, Lilliana Vazquez, This year's Cinco de Mayo party Alana Kelen, Laura Brown, and Kate definitely did not disappoint, nor did Betts. it deter much from last year's high Recently, President Brown also standards. Some exciting attractions acknowledged FIT as one of the available were green-screen phototop design schools, citing a news graphs, glitter and henna tattoos, make-your-own lip balm, tarot card readings, and caricatures. Students filled their bellies with tons of free food (although the lines weren't the shortest, they promised delicious snacks prepared by both professionals and FIT student-volunteers).

Newcomers to 7th Avenue Kobeyaki and Mexicue both participated in the festivities, providing food for eager students. That was in addition to snow cones, a chocolate and Walmart. fondue fountain, chips and guac, and Mr. Bober began his fashion an inflatable non-alcoholic tiki-bar. career in the 1960’s as a menswear Partygoers had the opportunity to designer. Using his experience from shop the flea market, make tie-dye his design background, he launched creations, hit a piñata, and particiCMT Enterprises, which did pioneerpate in a relay race. What's more—Dr. ing work in private label program Pepper donated a guitar that was development. He worked closely auctioned off to a lucky raffle winner. with major retailers in developing The greatest feat of FIT's block their own private brands and ran the party, which is held on the first company for 21 years.

Saturday in May yearly, is the A tall, formidable man, Mr. Bober amount of student involvement and is also a witty speaker. Described ownership. Some clubs that actively

by FMM Chair Robin Sackin, as “a participated were The Fashion wonderful role model,” Mr. Bober Design Club, PRSSA, BSU, Faith & hopes to “never retire” and to Fellowship Club, and Merchandising continue defining creativity for the Society. At 3pm, there was a Cinco modern world. de Mayo-themed fashion show “When you’re young, take any with submissions from six of our kind of work. Just stick with it and very own fashion design students. your ideas,” he tells fashion industry hopefuls. Mr. Bober has been follow- There were showcases from the FIT Gospel Choir, Dance Team, and a ing his own advice for over forty live Mariachi band, as well as perforyears, which has resulted in a potent mances by rapper Jasper Makai and web-based company that is helping The-Voice contestant Raquel Castro. shape the future of the fashion West 27th street was clearly the industry. place to be on Cinco de Mayo this year. If you missed out, you'll have to catch next year’s block party, which will certainly be just as, if not MORE, spectacular than previous block parties. Hasta luego!

Stylesight’s CEO Frank Bober Speaks at FMM Alumni Event

By Hermina Sobhraj Technological pioneer, Mr. Frank Bober, CEO and founder of Stylesight, spoke at the 5th annual FMM Alumni event and shared his insight on the future of the fashion industry. Since the rise of social media, businesses worldwide have taken great strides in adapting webbased technologies to their business models. Fashion proves to be no exception to the game-changing Internet phenomenon.

Stylesight is a website that harnesses the full potential of the Internet by offering trend forecasting, merchandising, and design tools to over 3,000 companies and 40,000 users around the world.

“I was always a big fan of technology. It was a natural thing to integrate fashion with technology,” said Mr. Bober. He believes that the Internet is the only medium that will allow companies to keep up with the lively pace of the fashion industry. The genius behind Mr. Bober’s company lies in its ability to do just that.

Mr. Bober describes Stylesight as his “technological solution” to the fashion industry’s need for a quick and simple way to foster

creativity while developing products. Subscribers have an online workspace and a multitude of tools, including trend-spotting blogs and seasonal color palettes, which they can use to develop their own fashion concepts. Instead of browsing Google for countless hours, a user can search Stylesight’s intelligent database to find the exact color, image, or fashion piece they are looking for.

Developing and maintaining a web-based company was and remains a demanding task. “It’s complicated,” said Mr. Bober. His company has a team of in-house engineers that have engaged in “a tremendous amount of research” and specialize in writing code in order to consistently update the website’s fashion tools. He says that having in-house engineers not only adds to the success and reliability of Stylesight but also it’s vital to the company’s international growth.

Usage of the Internet has tapped potential clients in areas of the world where western forecasting was never accessible before. Some of Stylesight’s clients include retailers such as Donna Karan, Kenneth Cole, Bloomingdale’s, Polo Ralph Lauren

A Very Fashionable Fiesta

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FIT

APRIL 2012

Future Mode:

{Mario Cardoza Ryan Smith}

Artwork by Ryan Smith, courtesy of the artist.

By Marissa Mule

&

“Art doesn’t transform, it just plain forms,” observed Artist Roy Lichtenstein. What does art mean to you? What is the difference between abstract and figurative work? This month, I decided to change things up a bit by interviewing fellow Fine Arts majors and also two of my most talented classmates. This summer, Mario Cardoza, Ryan Smith, and I will have work exhibited in the SUNY Global Center at its landmark location on 55th street.

Marissa Mule: Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from?

Mario Cardoza: I am a first generation student born in El Salvador. While living there I witnessed things no one should ever see. I realized at one point that I internalize things differently and that became clearer when I attempted to express myself visually. I became more in tune with my artistic side in order to cope with a lot of things out of my control. From my development here in the states I was given positive reinforcement to follow in a path towards the arts.

Ryan Smith: I’m a 23 year old artist from Rochester, New York.

MM: What inspires you?

RS: I’m inspired by sunny days, abandoned buildings, and death metal.

MM: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

MC : My strengths are that I am able to make something out of nothing.

Any effort I give toward my work is easily appreciated and sustained for people to see. My weaknesses can lie in communication skills.

Sometimes I have trouble expressing verbally what is on my mind and marketing my art to other people. I guess sometimes I get too picky with the marketing stuff.

RS: My strengths include letter forms, and working abstractly.

My weakness would be in figure proportions.

MM: What is your dream job?

Artwork by Mario Cardoza, courtesy of the artist.

MC: My dream job would be becoming art director for films or museums. While I am striving to do my art full-time, I realize it can take a lot of time to ever be noticed.

My heart lies with the work that is hand-made as opposed to anything someone can do in a suit and tie.

RS: My dream job is to paint giant murals (not advertisements). I’d also like to advocate the necessity of creative minds into today’s culture.

MM: What is your favorite thing about FIT? MC: Its location in New York City.

As a fine arts major it is important for me to see all current works that rotate in and out of Chelsea. The museums in the city are also all extremely accessible. Off campus, you only have to walk a few blocks to feel inspired to make something.

RS: I love that we are located in the heart of New York City in the art district.

MM: What medium suits you best?

MC: Oil paint on panel. I like painting on found objects and including the external world in my immediate work, similarly but not exactly, how Rauschenberg did in his.

RS: I like working in a lot of different mediums. I work in acrylic, oil, with spray paint, inks, collage material, metal etch, lead and found materials.

MM: How did you feel after finding

out your work was chosen to be in the SUNY Global Centers Art Exhibition?

MC: Being accepted to the SUNY Global Art’s Exhibition is a big deal to me. It provides reinforcement for me to continue on the path I’m on. It will be my first showing in Manhattan, and seventh group show of my entire artistic career. It also will shine light on the Fine Arts Department here at FIT. RS: I feel honored to be chosen for the exhibit. I’m excited to see my persistence recognized, and look forward to continuing my education at FIT.

FIT

ON THE BLOCK

Breakfast with the President support for Japanese alumni and Japan Fashion Week in March. What was this experience like and are there any plans to implement similar events in other countries?

By Taisa Veras and Kári Emil Helgason, photography by Jacquelyn Clifford

FIT President, Dr. Joyce Brown spoke to W27 about everything from Calvin Klein’s recent donation to FIT to new majors that will be added to the curriculum in the next year. She is looking forward to the new curriculum additions as well as implementing an interdisciplinary approach towards the current majors at FIT. Taisa Veras: Calvin Klein donated $2 million to support the FIT spring runway show, how has that donation affected the fashion design program and what improvements will it add to the show?

Dr. Joyce Brown: Well, first of all, we did get a $2 million donation, $1 million was from Calvin Klein’s Family Foundation so that was his personal money, but he gave it to us really as a challenge that we were to match it. We had to raise a million to match his million and he saw how we scrambled around, always trying to raise money and he was upset that we didn’t have fit models, live models for the students to really be able to see how the garment was going to flow and work on a real body and any number of things that we just couldn’t afford, and so he wanted us to be self sustaining for at least 10 years. The show, just bare bones costs about $250,000 to put on, so for 10 years he figured we needed $2 million. So he said “I’m going to give a million; you need to raise a million.”

Well it sounds incestuous what happened, but the truth is it’s not, because Calvin Klein Incorporated, which PVH bought and owns, the Calvin Klein brand, they said they would match it. So it sounds like it’s all Calvin Klein money, but it’s really Calvin Klein’s personal money and Calvin Klein Incorporated matched it, so that’s how we got the $2 million.

It’s fantastic and it made a tremendous difference for the students, and for the show and for the production.

The students were able to have fit models, they were able to have all sorts of behind the scenes kinds of things that to mention each one of them probably doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it makes a very big deal in terms of the experience, the professionalization of the experience.

Plus, we were never able to have a video, we never were able to have that number of mannequins at the final judging for the judges to really see the collection.

TV: You visited Japan to show

JB: The Japan trip was amazing. We have probably at least 500 alums in Tokyo and we probably have others that are spread throughout Japan, but no one from FIT has ever gone there to visit with the alums. So it’s been probably 30 years that this group had been growing and held together, simply out of dedication and commitment to the legacy of FIT and what FIT meant in their lives.

The person who was one of the founders is a woman by the name of Yoko Ohara who graduated in 67, and Yoko has been very influential in the fashion industry in Japan and has continued to bring groups here, groups from industry, so that there really was a connection and an understanding on the part of people in Japan as to what FIT could deliver. So I say she’s like a little one-man band. She’s held the group together, she’s brought people here from Japan and when I went, it was really very gratifying to see. There were members of this core group, the steering committee if you will, of the alumni group. One gentleman brought his t-shirt, his FIT t-shirt that he wore 30 years ago, he said it doesn’t fit him anymore, but his wife wears it. Another one brought the medal he received at graduation.

FIT is very significant and important in their lives; many of them are now sending their children to FIT. There were at least three of four that I met that brought their children to the reception so I could meet them and they’ll be coming to FIT next year.

And so, in addition to the connection to the people, I think it was an important effort to be made on the part of the college to have us go there during Japan fashion week to give recognition to what’s happening in the industry in Japan, and also to pay our respects. The country is still suffering from the effects of the tragic tsunami and the nuclear events that happened in the aftermath of that, so all in all it was really a very good experience.

You asked about going to other countries; I think it will be important for us to identify areas where we have a critical mass of alums, people who we really need to be in touch with so that they can see the ways in which the college is growing and might really provide an opportunity for partnership that would be enriching, both for the people in whatever that country is, as well as for our students here, particularly given what’s happening in terms of the market.

The world is very small now. So we have spent the last two years, really building the whole development area and that includes identifying where our alumni are around the world, building our records, being in touch with them, so there might be other opportunities to travel that would make sense both for the college and

for the people in wherever that country is and I’m ready to make the trip as long as it will, [be] to the benefit of the college.

TV: Your 2011 commencement remarks focused on the effects of technology on the Millennial Generation and the importance of liberal arts during these rapidly changing times. How will your 2012 commencement remarks differ from last year's message?

JB: Well it’s a little hard to answer that just yet, since I haven’t finished putting the speech together. For me graduation, commencement is the best. It is the best of the whole year. It is filled with such enthusiasm and the families are there; there’s just a wonderful feeling in the room.

There’s a great sense of pride and achievement, so I generally try and identify some way of making a thoughtful and thought provoking speech. I think it is a real turning point in young people’s lives, and as happy and as exhilarating as everyone is, it’s a very serious moment as well, because the paths that you choose take on a different meaning at that juncture in your life. So I always think it’s important to try and ground that moment in whatever is happening in the day that people should be thinking about as they make their decisions and choices going forward.

TV: As the economic landscape continues to change, what is the best piece of career advice for students graduating in 2012?

JB: What I would say is that students should be open minded and should be curious. So many students come to FIT and they tell me the same story, “I couldn’t apply anywhere else. I’ve known my whole life what I’ve wanted to do. I’ve been drawing, or sculpting, or writing since I was three,” and that’s that wonderful kind of motivation that FIT students bring to their college career. It is amazing and it’s wonderful, but the life lesson is that there are changes as we speak and whatever that profession is, or that career is, it’s not going to look like that by the time they get there. Careers are going to change and industries are going to morph into other things. They are going to come together in ways that will produce yet another path that we haven’t thought about today. So what I like to say to students is that you have to be open to possibilities, you have to make the most of everything you’ve learned, but you [can’t be afraid] to take a risk, and if you build on the foundation of that, you have really had the privilege and opportunity to develop in these years here, I think you will make decisions that are not frivolous but will allow you the flexibility to learn what you don’t know about what that next step is. It’s part of why I talk so much about the liberal arts and the importance of the liberal arts, I think when

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students come with the notion that they know exactly what they want to do for a career, it is our responsibility to really broaden that horizon and make students understand that the world is larger than anything they have experienced so far and they need be able to think about life through a different prism, with the background not only with a focus on a career area, but also with having read the books you’ve read and learning how to analyze and conceptualize. I always say that we should prepare you to answer questions no

fields, so I think we will have a conversation here about how we can be more interdisciplinary.

There’s such rich resources here in terms of ability, and talent, and experience, students who come from all over the world. We really ought to take advantage of that and figure out how we can have a more interdisciplinary experience so that students are really able to get exposure to a lot of different areas. So having said that, that’s going to have to grow from conversations we will have starting in September. I’m really very

“I think you have to be curious, you have to be open, you have to continue to read and explore and not think you have to start at the top.” one’s asked you yet and I think that is part of getting ready for the world in a way that you can’t imagine. I think you have to be curious, I think you have to be open, I think you have to continue to read and explore and not think you have to start at the top.

I think that is important for young people to realize that it may not be your dream job; it will provide you with the background and the stamina and the awareness of what to look out for next time. I think with every opportunity we learn something. I always try to say to myself when something happens that’s either bad, or not ideal, or certainly not what I expect, “What’s the lesson here?

What am I going to learn?” Because if I make the same mistake next time, it’s my fault. So I think, the world is really opening up in front of you and you just have to not waste an opportunity. Just take advantage of every opportunity that comes along.

excited about it. I think it’s going to be fantastic in terms of what the potential is. There are a few things, that are in the pipeline and we’re waiting for final approval from the state for a bachelor of science in film and media. Students are looking forward to that. Given all the approvals, that should be ready for fall I think.

the first day and you come outside and see like 2,000 of them coming to class for the first day. It’s great, they’re all excited. We started the program for the younger children because the teenagers were coming home to their mothers and telling them that they were so excited and the little ones want something to do. Now we have classes for the middle school students as well in the summer.

TV: You attended the AAS design exhibit. What are your thoughts on it and are you planning on seeing the Prada and Schiaparelli exhibit at the MET Museum?

JB: I thought the exhibition was lovely. I think it was the wonderful way to showcase what the two year students are able to do. There was a time when we tried putting on a show for the teenage students as well but it didn’t give you the same feeling of the depth, and scope and breadth of what they were able to achieve in two years as these stationary exhibitions are able to inspire by a theme. So I think they took the Schiaparelli kind of core, which is the brilliant colors and the sort of playful use of different kinds of materials.

I thought they did extremely well.

They were playful, but they were sophisticated in their own way, but the colors were divine.

I think, I’m really looking forward

TV: What are some of the new majors that you plan to add to the FIT curriculum over the next few years?

JB: It really does flow from the faculty, the directions that we might go into in terms of new areas of study.

There are a few things that are in the pipeline that I can tell you about, but one of the things that’s very important to me and I hope we will be able to achieve in the next year or so is to create a dialogue about ways that we might take a different approach to curriculum. Right now we have separate majors and it works, it’s fine, but just as the marketplace is changing, I think that teaching and learning is changing again. You will buy what technology can do, because students are able to explore other areas quite easily. You don’t have to go to the library and look up, and sit and read a book, you can push buttons and find a cross fertilization of research and things that are happening in different

Again, there is a series of approvals, it’s not just we decide and can do it, because we have to make sure the state approves in order to grant credit for it, but we have a few certificate programs and in packaging design they’ve developed a certificate in sustainable packaging. So that’s going to be online, probably in another year. I think something in retail management, which will be also a certificate, and international trade, they will be fully online, the international trade and marketing program will be online.

TV: So the journalism course for high school students in Summer Live just launched.

JB: That is great for the students.

My favorite thing in the summer is

to it, [Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations] because you know Miuccia Prada is very influential designer and certainly Schiaparelli has been since the 1930s. So how those themes will be married will be interesting to watch, so I’m sure they’ll do a fantastic job.

It’ll be interesting to see. I hope all the AAS students go to see it as well.

Kári Emil Helgason: Are there any challenges facing FIT as an institution? Are there’s any political issues going on with the state or local governments right now?

JB: Always. Always, and of course the largest question, or the largest issue rather, from a political point of view from the state and the city always has to do with money. Our

MAY 2012

funding model as part of the state university, the public funding model in New York is generally or theoretically that you get a third from the state, a third from the city and a third from tuition. And of course, the state and city have all suffered the economic issues that the nation is suffering, and so we’ve suffered through budget cuts. We’ve had to raise tuition at a time when we didn’t want to raise tuition, but you can’t afford to not keep the quality of your programs going. It’s not fair to the students, or the reputation of the institution, so always we’re juggling, trying to make sure we can keep the bar high, and keep it affordable and not make it such that the students we want to reach can’t afford it. A major issue for us right now is capital dollars. On the way in we have a model of a building that is sitting out in the reception area, and it’s $148 million project and we essentially want to extend this building out to 28th Street. It’s a beautiful design; it’s an award winning design, and a big motivation in designing that was to create more student spaces as well as certainly more teaching and learning environment classrooms and laboratories. We’ve taken spaces all around the campus and tried to convert them into student spaces, because I think it’s important that students have a place to congregate and feel it’s their own, but we don’t have a real student center and that was part of what you’ll see in that model. So at any rate, we’ve raised half of the money from the state and we are still trying to get the city to match. So people say “what’s the issue that keeps you up at night?”

It’s that one. We’re short about $50 million. We’re still trying to raise to get that built, but we continue to work at it. Unfortunately the political issues are always financial issues.

Everybody will say the right thing, and I think people believe in the importance of higher education, but there’s so many competing priorities and we just need to make sure we’re out there all the time getting our voice in the mix when people sit down to make that hard decisions of where they’ll put limited dollars.

President Brown proudly shows us a battery-powered Eeyore made by FIT toy design students.

ON THE BLOCK

FIT

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An Evening with the Roaring 1920s Sarah Dill & Fernanda DeSouza

Photo courtesy of Fernanda DeSouza

The Fashion Design Club held its fifth annual exhibition in the Great Hall on April 9th. With help from the Advertising Marketing Association, the Fashion Design Club presented this year’s show, themed “Prohibition of Couture” with an extensive collection of garments echoing the iconic styles of the roaring 1920s.

Although the club council ran the event, it was a collaborative effort.

It took a year of planning and brainstorming but the event’s theme took shape last semester and was carried out into a night of jazz, design, and a showcase of students’ talent.

With a jazz performance by Mercedes Williams to kick off the night, students were welcomed by members of the AMA Club and were encouraged to enter the raffle for a chance to win a gift card to MODA Café. Members also asked attendees to note their favorite design or prospective winner on a raffle ticket.

While the garments were set up in the middle of the Great Hall, it was surrounded by spacious couches where designers noshed on appetizers provided by MODA and mingled

with fellow club members, students, and faculty alike.

Although participating designers were present at the event, each outfit remained unidentified. Instead, numbers corresponded to each outfit masking its creator’s identity.

Some garments, embodying the essence of the 1920s, sported detailing including feather boas, lace, pearls, pleats, and shift silhouettes with high hemlines. Others steered away from the era entirely and portrayed a modern style instead.

An example was a piece that the designer chose to cut out a futuristic pattern etched with Keith-Haring-like print, with winged shoulders and a scooped cut-out around the chest accompanied by a thin pencil skirt.

Not only were the designs judged by faculty and students, but also respected industry professionals to maintain fairness and bring prestige to the event. “It seems more impressive when you can say that you have people from the industry getting involved,” said Miriam Hennig, a contestant and member of the Fashion Design Club and current fashion design major.

The night came to a close with the announcement of the winner, Justun Lundeen, who won a monetary prize, a trophy, and chance for his design to be featured on the window front of MODA. When asked what she would do with the garments after the conclusion of the event, Henning mused, “Put it back in my closet!”

Photo courtesy of Fernanda DeSouza

AAS Channels Schiaparelli

Advancing the Legacy

By Caroline Altenbernd-Charlotten

By Fernanda DeSouza

During the last week of April, selected fashion design students had the opportunity to showcase their work for the Associate of Applied Science Exhibit held in the Great Hall.

Over 200 students participated in the event, which was inspired by noted 20th century designer and rival of Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli. Jolly vintage tunes, elaborate ensembles and sharp lookbooks enriched the experience of visitors and overall theme of the presentation. Colette Wong, the chairperson of the fashion design program said, “The theme of Schiaparelli gave the students the opportunity to have fun but think seriously about design. The selected garments gave a wide range of styling and materials utilized to come up with the influence of her as a designer and innovator, but still be their own design.” Sequins, intricate stitching, a colorful array of fabrics and even hair were commonly used in the various pieces.

Most FIT students are frantic around this time of the year with projects and tight schedules, but exploring the complexity of others’ fine work is very inspirational.

Participants were as thrilled to witness their own finished works. “It was surreal to see my garment in the exhibition as it is a statement to how much I and my fellow designers have progressed since our first semester.

To have my work appreciated in such a significant event is really special,” said Miriam Hennig, a featured designer in collection VI.

Fashion design is one of FIT’s most competitive degree programs, as well as one of the school’s oldest programs. Besides regular coursework, the program requires its students to enhance their portfolios. The AAS exhibit is an annual presentation of selected work from these students and it is a highlyanticipated opportunity. “Having a garment in the exhibit not only is great exposure for the soon-tobe fashion designers, but it also reminds everyone what a great program we have at FIT,” says Yazmin Perez, another featured designer in collection VI. The theme is chosen a semester prior to the actual exhibit, which allows students to conduct research and sketches in the beginning of the semester. Students, along with an industry designer critic and a faculty member, have about four to five weeks to complete their work, in order to be considered for selection. A team from the fashion design department and Director and Chief Curator of the Museum, Dr. Valerie Steele, visits each class to select works that best represent the theme.

The Museum’s Ellen Shanley helps curate and assemble the look of the displays that is showcased for five days and remembered afterward as a major achievement for students and staff members.

In collaboration with Scott Stoddart, dean of liberal arts, the English and Speech Department has created a scholarship fund in honor of the late Professor Stanley Solomon, English and film professor at FIT. The plans for the scholarship was revealed at the memorial service held in the Katie Murphy Amphitheater on February 28th. The fund will come into existence as students enter into the new film program that will be introduced into the curriculum next year. The decision to create the scholarship stemmed from the values that were left behind by Professor Solomon who was so loved and cherished by colleagues and students alike. “He has done so much for FIT and had been here for such a long time that we wanted to do something in his honor,” said Michael Hyde, Associate Professor of English and Acting Chair of the English and Speech Department.

“His love for students here was so apparent so we thought a scholarship for students would be appropriate.”

The scholarship will be made possible through donations from faculty, staff, students, and families who knew Professor Solomon and will coincide with the likely introduction of the film program at FIT within the next academic school year. “We would anticipate the scholarship being given in about three years, as the first group of students move from the lower division to the upper division in film,” said Hyde.

Solomon began his tenure in 1979, and his passion for English, film and in general, his students, was quickly evident. “He would always get nervous during summers when he wouldn’t be teaching, so he’d often hang around school just to be here,” mused Hyde. Professor Melissa Tombro, a colleague and a key figure behind the creation of the fund, added that Solomon being a faculty member in English and speech was always sought out for guidance. “He was always there to lend a friendly ear and offer good advice to anyone who came to his door and wanted students and colleagues to feel valued.”

The scholarship will be a vehicle for advancing the legacy left by Solomon. Calling it a “real testament to what a wonderful person” he was, Professor Tombro concluded, “We believe that in helping students, we would be making Stanley happy since his teaching was most important to him.”

GRADUATION

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MAY 2012

THE 2012 GRADUATION SPECIAL g2 g3 g3 g4

FORMER W27 EICs HEATHER & PATRICK STELLAR SENIORS CAREER & INTERNSHIP CENTER 101 fashion editorial

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CHANNEL SURFING IS NOT A SPORT: james nord, justin chung, john jannuzzi

GRADUATION

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Beyond the Editing Room:

Former EICs Heather Viggiani and Patrick Greene 5 Tips for Graduates from Heather

Courtesy photo.

By Megan Venere Job hunting is on everyone’s brain, whether it’s planning summer internships or that first post-graduation gig. For many FIT graduates finding a job is frightening. It’s the realization that they are closing one chapter in their lives and opening another.

Heather Viggiani and Patrick Greene, two of W27’s previous Editors-inChief and members of the Class of 2010 and 2011 respectively, have both been successful in their new careers.

Viggiani works as an Editoral Assistant at People Style Watch and has been there just over a year.

Viggiani compares her job hunt to the hunt for real estate in New York. “Your currency in the job hunt is your experience combined with your network,” she says. “No matter how rich you are in that currency, it’s supply and demand.”

Viggiani first researched and chose to freelance at Instyle.com, where she had interned previously.

While at InStyle, the position at People became available. Viggiani interviewed for the job that day; 24 hours later, she had the job.

ON THE INSERT COVER: John Jannuzzi, caught strolling on 5th Avenue and 59th Street

by Ben Spell for W27 Newspaper.

Turn to page G-7 to read our interview with John.

Greene search was not as stressful as Viggiani’s. During his last semester at FIT, Greene was offered a position as Sales Assistant at ELLE magazine. “At that point I was already interning there four days a week, so the transition to being a full-time employee was pretty seamless,” Greene says.

He recently moved from ELLE to DETAILS at the suggestion of his work mentors. “I met with HR and interviewed at a couple different glossies in the tower before deciding that DETAILS offered the best opportunity for professional growth,” he says.

Assimilating into the real world presented different challenges for both Greene and Viggiani. “I was in a pretty unique situation when I graduated since I had already been working for three months,” Greene says. “I never had that utter panic that a lot of my fellow grads had about being able to find a job come June. If anything, it was a total weight off my shoulders.”

Viggiani found that although she is not as busy as she once was while a student, she has a newfound exhaustion from her responsibility at the office. “You are really an integral part of an entire group either helping to make money or lose money—that can weigh on your mind.”

Both attributed their experiences at FIT and working for W27, along with previous internship experiences, with preparing them for their jobs. For Viggiani, it was Magazine Journalism with Professor Leopold and Media Planning with Professor Romano that had the biggest impact on her. Greene says it was all those group projects. “As much as I hate to admit it, any class that makes you do group work helped immensely,” he says. “It forces you to deal with all types of ‘personalities;’ one thing that won’t go away once you’re in an office setting.”

Viggiani suggests researching and understanding your industry and the job market for current seniors. “I found out about jobs that I couldn’t take because you need to be available to take them immediately. If you have the luck of working in an industry that doesn’t have such a finite workforce, then by all means take the time to start early but understand your industry and the time frame in which you need to start a job after accepting it and don’t drive yourself crazy by working ahead of that time frame!”

Don’t settle for less. I had a few other opportunities that came up that didn’t feel like my dream and because I worked hard and I had a great network, the right job did come up at the right time.

Getting the job is only the first step. This is totally not what you want to hear but once you get the job, it isn’t like all the hard work ends—it is just beginning. Treat every day of your job like it’s an interview. It’s okay to get a little comfortable as you get closer to your co-workers and maybe even your boss but never forget that it is a job!

Keep in touch with not only your supervisors from internships but also your co-interns! This is SO important! I am living proof that you will work with people you interned with. I am working with two ladies that I interned with at Elle. One was already here when I got my job and she was able to give me some inside tips and now I work closely with another. Those relationships can be really competitive while interning, so do everything you can to look at those people not as competition but as team members. That’s what they will end up becoming!

Once you start working, make time for you. It will become really easy to get into a routine that has zero you-time. Make it a habit to set aside time every day, every week, every month—whatever it is—that is just for you. It will help you be a better employee. Too many work their butt off 24/7 thinking this is the ultimate key to a promotion but you aren’t going to be a happy, healthy, well-rounded person if you don’t have at least a little bit of a life. I set a time that I would like to leave by each day (within the reasonable considerations of what your boss(es) need from you, of course) and I’ve learned to leave at that time. What isn’t done today, can get done tomorrow, as long as it isn’t on deadline.

Finally, balance between making things happen and letting things happen. This is my professional mantra. I made things happen by working hard in school, getting good grades, taking on extra curricular activities—all things that are easier to guarantee. You should always focus on the task in front of you as hard as you possibly can. Ask yourself, “Can I work harder?” The answer is almost always, “yes.” That way, the unknowns…the things you can’t directly control will happen naturally. This same mantra is proving helpful again in the workplace, if you keep your eye on your current goals within your current position, you will find you don’t need to project in order to advance and get a promotion— your work will speak for itself.

Don’t force it!

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MAY 2012

2012 STELLAR SENIORS: KÁRI EMIL HELGASON, ARMAH JONES, TAISA VERAS & QINGYUN ZHANG

Kári Emil Helgason, shot by Armah Jones.

Armah Jones, self-portrait.

Taisa Veras, shot by Armah Jones.

Qingyun Zhang, shot by Ja Young Kim.

Do you have any jobs lined up for after graduation?

photographer. I have loved all my copywriting classes but I especially loved my Publicity Workshop class with Prof. Stacey Karesh because she is such an inspiring person.

TV: Best moment was when I became editor-in-chief of W27 and my favorite class was Creative Strategies with Professor Loretta Volpe.

QZ: My best moment at FIT, euphemistically speaking, was getting a little too excited after eight hours of working in front of the computer, and decided to dance on the tables with my classmates at 1:30 am in the classroom. In terms of education, I enjoyed most of the classes related to my major, in terms of life enlightenment, perhaps Indian Art History?

if it were somehow possible to double major in advertising and photography I would have done that.

TV: I would have minored in psychology.

QZ: Oh no! That’s a terrible thought.

interests as me. That inspires a lot and I also will miss the whole W27 staff.

QZ: I’m really excited for the near future to unfold, whatever it is. I think I will miss dancing on the tables with my friends.

KEH: I haven't got anything yet, but I'm staying optimistic.

AJ: I am awaiting a commission to become a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marines but would love to intern and then do some work as a copywriter while I’m still in New York.

TV: I’m currently working full-time for the Digital Brand Architects, a media and management agency that specializes in fashion and lifestyle.

QZ: At the moment I don’t have a job lined up yet.

Best moment at FIT and best class you took?

KEH: My favorite classes were Designing with Type with Aliza Dzik, Graphic Design with hagGai Shamir, Contemporary Art with Sandra Skurvida. Not to be dramatic but they changed my life.

AJ: My best moment here would be when I became the “Style on 27”

If you had to do it over again, what would you do differently?

KEH: I would have done Ms. FIT and I would have won.

AJ: I wouldn’t change much but

What are you looking forward to most and what will you miss?

KEH: I'm hoping I'll work at a place with lots of windows, because I'm really sick of windowless spaces.

I think what I'll miss the most will be all the good people I've come to know and just really hope I don't lose touch with people.

AJ: It has been an amazing experience here at FIT and I will miss the people the most; from the brilliant students to some of the great professors I’ve had. I have had an amazing experience here at FIT and I will miss the people the most; from the brilliant students to some of the great professors I’ve had.

TV: I will miss being around people who are creative and share the same

Any interesting summer plans?

KEH: I really wanna go to California this summer for a week or two, and hopefully that will become reality.

After that, hopefully I'll have a job lined up.

AJ: Well I am going to watch one of my four my younger sisters graduate high school in June. There’s also a possible road trip to a rock music festival in Minnesota. If not that, I am definitely seeing Deftones at Jones Beach in August. You should too!

TV: I will be working full-time and living in the city. That’s pretty exciting.

QZ: Depends on how my jobhunting goes, I guess. (Well, I will be traveling around the country with my parents, if that counts.)

Career & Internship Center 101

By Alyssa Kyle Having worked with Andy Warhol and the Rolling Stones are just some of memorable experiences from Pam Zuckerman’s career past. Pam Zuckerman is now a counselor in the Career and Internship Center at FIT and has been for 27 years. The Career and Internship Center at FIT is there to help you take the first step into the real world.

In your own words, what is your job description?

I am a career and internship counselor for the Career and Internship Center. Many students who come here think they want to work in fashion, but are not really sure what path to take. We refer to that as self-assessment, or as I say “selfconstruction.” My goal is to help them assess their strengths and abilities, interests, skills and goals.

My main job functions are to counsel students to assist and empower them to make wise career decisions now and in the future. I often discuss marketing and job search strategies with students and graduates, because many of them do not feel confident about selling themselves to the industry. It’s all about having self-confidence, believing in

yourself and setting goals to strive for. Dreams do come true.

How did you become a counselor at FIT? Why do you do what you do?

I ended up working here at FIT after I was an assistant buyer at Bonwit Teller, a small luxury boutique department store that was very hot in the 70s and 80s. At the time in the late 70s, Andy Warhol used to do illustrations for the store.

It was an amazing experience to meet him— I was young, and did not even realize the magnitude of the experience until years later. However, being a buyer was not for me—I am a “peopleperson” and number crunching and spreadsheets were not my thing. I went to graduate school at Columbia and studied Counseling Psychology and Education. From there, I applied for a job through the NY Times as a career counselor [at FIT] and landed the job. I have been here ever since and hope to be for many more years to come. I was a good match for the job because I had retail and buying experience, and a degree in education. That is a rare combination.

We all know work experience is a

very important aspect of a college education. In your opinion, what is the most important aspect for students to take away from their experience with the Career and Internship Center?

The CIC Center offers lifelong placement to students and graduates and we have counselors who are always available to meet with you. I speak with employers on a daily basis and review jobs that are entered into our database. We also offer internships and I feel that doing as many internships as possible is wonderful. It allows you to meet new people and network. Most of the best jobs are gotten through whom you know. The more you are out there working, the more people you will meet and the more you will experience. So, please do internships.

You have been a career counselor at FIT for 27 years, how does your work background help you guide students?

I had the good fortune of having a friend who is a 3D artist. One day the Rolling Stones called and asked him to do some 3D videos for them back in the 90s. He did, and I got to work on them with him. I had the

time of my life. I even took time off from work because it was a wonderful opportunity to learn a new and creative skill that matched my interest in music. I spent 10 years in the underground art and music scene and met many amazing musicians and singers, as well as artists. I feel that hobbies are often the things we end up pursuing career wise. So …

I always ask students what they are passionate about—even if it is not fashion related.

In what way do you think FIT is different from other colleges?

FIT is a unique college in the sense that there are amazing resources here. We are in the heart of fashion and New York City is one of the major fashion capitals in the world. In addition, every professor has some expertise from [working in] the industry and there are so many opportunities to get involved with various events and experiences here.

Also, the students really do gain a very real understanding of the industry as compared to other students who attend non-fashion related schools. That is a real bonus. FIT has an amazing reputation.

GRADUATION

STRUTTING INTO SUMMER WITH A PEP IN HER STEP

Photographer: Kevin Buitrago Stylist: Kelsey Pannicco Second Stylist: Fred Rodriguez Model: Kelly Gibson Makeup Artist: Katherine Reel

Cropped sweatshirt, coral blouse, sweatpant chinos: Poleci Taupe sequin dress by French Connection Floral shorts by Bar III Metalic python print jacket by Andrew Charles Bracelets by Vince Camuto Silver-plated necklace by M. Haskell All other necklaces by Bar III Both pairs of shoes by Jessica Simpson

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Channel Surfing is Not A Sport German Sportlifestyle brand PUMA is out to record the covered the PUMA sailing crew as they sailed in the escapades of the “After Hours Athlete,” in a new global Volvo Ocean Race, but also followed these athletes social media campaign called PUMA Social. According to their favorite hotspots to give their audience on to PUMA, “life should be enjoyed and actually played, Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook and Instagram a taste of the not observed from the seat of the sofa, watching local culture. This experience in Brazil kicked off the someone else’s reality play out on TV.” To illustrate “State of Play” campaign, which will cover the “After this belief, journalists and photographers including Hours Athlete” in many more countries, creating a John Jannuzzi, Justin Chung and James Nord, set off virtual guidebook to the world. to São Paulo, Brazil on April 16th, where they not only

James Nord

By Fred Rodriguez and Taisa Veras When did you decide to pursue photography?

I remember a couple years ago I was sitting around looking at all these people on the Internet and everyone was doing so many cool things. I felt like I had a lot of ideas and I wasn’t doing anything. I kind of had this epiphany that I had no excuse not to be doing things and so then I was like, “Starting today, I’m going to be the kind of person that does things they want to do.”

So I put out a magazine, a photography magazine called Pretty Good Summer, and so we went around and found photographers who have risen to prominence on the Internet, and I asked them for their two favorite photographs that represented “summer.” And we wanted to do Pretty Good Fall, Pretty Good Winter, Pretty Good Spring but making a magazine is fucking hard and it was just too expensive. We couldn’t, I couldn’t swing it anymore, or I didn’t want to swing it, I guess is more accurate.

What advice do you have for students who want to one day become successful by doing what they love?

A sunburnt James Nord, shot by Justin Chung on their trip to Brazil.

You just have to keep trying things that you’re interested in, you know?

It’s like people will start to notice it, because you realize more and more that this world is not full of people who will stand on the edge and say “I can make some sort of impact.”

There’s not many of those people. It takes a certain amount of ego and bravado to be like, “I think I can make a mark on this world. I think I

can be important, and I think I can in some small way change the world that I live in.” And so my favorite people have always been the ones that could stand on the edge and have the balls to be like “Yes—that’s what I’m going to do.”

What do you think people should keep in mind when trying to stay motivated?

I think you have to constantly say yes to things, whether it’s to a project, to a person that wants to sleep with you or to getting a drink with someone you just don’t know.

You just have to say yes. Sometimes your dream is not going to match up with the product, with the outcome, but eventually it will. And if you have faith in your vision—even if you’re letting yourself down at some point— you’ll stop letting yourself down.

And then that’s going to be it, that’s when it’s going to be it. That’s when you’re going to be making the mark on the world that you want to.

What are your thoughts on the technology savvy generation going into the real world?

I constantly feel pressure from your generation because you’re just so hungry and savvy and, and I think it’s great. I guarantee you, not that many people your age are doing the kind of things you guys are doing now and you’re doing them completely right.

For more about James Nord visit jamesnord.tumblr.com.

Justin Chung

By Taisa Veras Justin Chung is a self-taught photographer from California, now based in New York City.

Chung recently accompanied John Jannuzzi and James Nord to Brazil to cover the PUMA Social campaign, the “After Hours Athlete.”

When did you start photographing?

I started taking photographs when I got my first dog, Buddha, after college (2008).

What model was your first camera?

Nikon D40.

When did you land your first photography job and how was it?

Shooting with FORD Models—it helped me push myself creatively.

Who's your favorite photographer?

Irving Penn.

friends.

What did you study?

I majored in communications studies and minored in music in college. I have a master’s degree in Public Health.

How was the experience of sailing with PUMA in Brazil?

The sailing experience was inspiring. Seeing the hard work that goes into this competition gave me a newfound respect toward the sport of sailing. PUMA was extremely accommodating and made the experience better than I could have imagined.

What was your favorite part of the trip?

My favorite part of the Brazil trip was when we drove out 45 minutes into a small town and had dinner.

It was a great experience to escape city life and share a long meal with

If you could photograph anyone who would it be and why?

Russell Crowe, because he's my favorite actor!

What has been some challenges that you faced as a photographer?

One of the biggest challenges that I had to face was moving to NY and having to be so far away from my family.

How long does it take for you to edit the photos after the shoot?

This depends on the client, where the turnaround can be from 1–2 days to about 2–3 weeks for delivery.

For more about Justin Chung visit justinchungphotography.com.

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JOHN JANNUZZI

By Sarah Dill, Caroline Nelson and Taisa Veras John Jannuzzi is one of the most prominent personalities on social media today. With almost 17,000 followers on Twitter and a dominant presence on his Tumblr, Textbook, he has captured the attention of many fashionistas due to his witt.

On a Saturday evening Jannuzzi met with editors of W27 to talk about his recent trip to Brazil with PUMA and his take on the social media bubble.

You began working in marketing for Kate Spade, and then moved to social media and PR at Starworks Group. What prompted you to move into the editorial side at Lucky Magazine?

I’d been working in social media for a long time when I left Starworks Group, but there is a lot of crossover between social media and editorial.

The position at Lucky would make use of my experience in social, but also let me get involved in the more creative side of things. The opportunity to learn something new and work at a company like Condé Nast was too good to pass up. The team at Lucky is very strong, and was another major reason I decided to join.

What literary character has been your favorite to hypothetically dress for this day and age?

The first post I ever did, the one that inspired the blog was Holden Caulfield from Catcher in the Rye. It’s not exactly the most surprising choice, but he’s still my favorite character to post about.

You mentioned in an article for Paper Magazine that your blog posts are very research intensive. What is your research process like when preparing a post on a character and about how long do you spend on each one?

For starters, if you’re working on a post about literature, you need to have a working knowledge of the subject character. Stories and details are easy to forget, so there’s some review that needs to be done. Many of the characters I write about are from books everybody knows and loves: The Great Gatsby, Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, the kind of books you read in high school. Aside from the subject matter, I have to go through hundreds of looks from all the collections to find the right combination. Of course, the more you study the collections, the easier it becomes.

You also do character styling features for Esquire.com and Fashionista. How, if at all, does the process for creating these features differ than those you do for your own site?

When writing for other publications or sites, you have a closer relationship with the editor. When collaborating, it’s important that each party creates something that’s mutually beneficial. With Esquire we chose to do posts based on their 75 most stylish men of all time and with Fashionista we chose to muse on

fashion industry personalities. The collaborating process is the biggest difference, but it’s an important part of the writing process and the sooner you can learn it, the better.

What has been the best thing or comment you've received from a fan or follower about your Textbook blog?

There’s no specific one that comes to mind. But when people send me messages about how the respect the amount of work and appreciate the point of view on literature, history and fashion, that’s the best. Some people say I have a different way of looking at things, which can’t be a bad thing.

How many social media accounts/ blogs do you manage and how do you select the content for them?

I run up to five Twitter accounts at a given time, some only during certain times of the year and I can’t really share all the usernames, but it’s always a challenge. I have a bunch of Tumblr blogs set up, but some are finished and some aren’t even started yet. For my personal Twitter, I keep it a stream of consciousness and share opinions on whatever comes to mind.

Everything else I put through a filter, and as long as it’s appropriate, it goes.

What is a typical day like for you?

I wake up and check my phone before anything else, which is a sad thing to admit. Once I make sure everything is alright on Lucky’s platforms, I get ready for work. When possible, I avoid taking the subway so I walk from my apartment up to Times Square. Along the way, I take photos of any store windows or things that Lucky readers might appreciate and save them to share with the team and eventually figure a place to put them. Once in the office, I keep an eye on all our platforms throughout the day, posting to each when needed. Our web edit team sits and works closely together and we come up with new story ideas and execute them as best we can. The social media monitoring lasts all day and sometimes things stray from the

John Jannuzzi wearing a jacket and shirt by Kitsuné, a vest and a t-shirt by J. Crew his favorite pin (above) and shoes by Mark McNairy (below). Photos by Ben Spell, assisted by Camilla Mayer, for W27 Newspaper.

“typical” but that’s unavoidable.

What has been your favorite collaboration to work on and who would be your next ideal to work with?

A few weeks ago, I traveled to Brazil with PUMA to document the local culture and the Volvo Ocean Race. It’s rare that I travel without my family and with an assignment but it was the best experience Textbook has brought to date.

You recently collaborated with PUMA and went to Brazil to sail in Itajai. Describe that experience and what you learned from it.

We started the trip in Sao Paulo and were hosted by locals. We ate in holes in the wall, big restaurants and met so many different people in the city. It was very different than New York, it was sprawling in all directions and set on several hills. After experiencing the Sao Paulo and all it had to offer we went to Itajai for

the Volvo Ocean Race. That was a big change from the urban sprawl of São Paulo, but the beach is always welcome. We met the team that crews PUMA’s boat, Mar Mostro, and watched them race in the port before they set off for Miami. The entire trip was fun, but learning about another country and its people was the highlight. Gave me a bit of a travel bug to be honest.

What was the best part about the trip to Brazil?

The food.

What other countries would you like to visit?

Everywhere I can get to really.

The last time I went to Paris I was very young, so I’d like to get back to France now that I have a greater appreciation for the culture. If I could, I’d go see the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, and Northern Europe.

Hopefully I can cross some places off my list soon.

What advice do you have for students that are graduating this May and want to be a community manager or social media manager?

I would say to always have an eye on the bigger picture. Social media is a great way to enter the marketing world, but beware of its expiration date and how far it can take you. If social media is your entry point to an industry, be mindful of where you want to be in 5, 10 or 15 years. Now, people are out to hire somebody young who knows the ins and outs of all the platforms and has an innate knowledge of the internet, which is great. Just remember that you’re graduating, you are young and you have a lot more to learn, so don’t stop listening.

BEAUTY BUZZ Nailing It: The Technology Behind the Latest Innovation in Nail Polish

MAY 2012

FIT Alum on Gloss and Glam

by Elizabeth Cross

By Dianna Mazzone We all know magnets are a fun, inexpensive way to spice up the doors of your refrigerator, but what about your nails? The latest craze in nail design, magnetic nail polish seeks to create “stunning 3D nail art” in as little as 15 seconds. Infused with metallic particles and iron powder, this specialty polish responds to magnetic forces. Simply coat nails with this formulation, hold the included magnet carefully over them and watch as the particles in the polish shift to form a wave-like pattern.

For any practiced nail polish aficionado, this process may seem easy. But did it work for the less than experienced self-manicurist? And, more importantly, did it last? I’m pleased to report that the answer to both of these questions is, yes!

I tried Nails Inc. London magnetic effect polish, available at Sephora for $16. As the directions on the bottle state, the application was very simple with the end result being worth the slight extra effort. The product performed as promised, dried quickly, and was as easy to use as any regular polish. However, for those of us who are far from ambidextrous, you may want to grab a friend or roommate to assist you;

Photo with fingers painted in Houses of Parliament color courtesy ColoresDeCarol.com

it was a little tricky balancing the magnet over the nails on my left hand without damaging the thick coat polish required to achieve the desired effect.

Though this product is long lasting and chip resistant, at $16 a bottle, you may want to save this look for special occasions. But wherever you’re headed, be prepared for your nails to receive more than their fair share of attention.

Warning: your new shoes may be jealous, as this small-scale science project for your fingers will surely elicit stares, compliments, and requests from onlookers for the number of your talented manicurist.

Tell them whatever you’d like; your secret is safe with us!

Photo of polish bottle in Trafalgar Square color courtesy of Sephora.com

While FIT has laid claim to an enviable list of talented and successful alumni, all eyes are on the new generation of rising stars such as Nikki Robinson, founder and chief executive officer of Gloss and Glam, a company that provides high-end hair and makeup artistry for, according to Robinson, “everything from runways to magazines to weddings.”

Born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Robinson demonstrated remarkable drive from an early age. By 17 she was working in make up and regularly collaborating on high-profile shoots. She attended the American University for two years studying entrepreneurship before transferring to FIT to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing. Robinson credits her strong business background as a key component of her success, and is quick to point out that what she does is “a pairing of business and being a makeup artist.”

Indeed, after graduation Robinson states that she “never had any actual intention of being part of ‘corporate America’.” She spent time working in various capacities at Avon and LVMH group, all the while maintaining her long-term vision of one day having her own makeup line. However, it is here that Robinson’s inherent practicality becomes apparent: while she felt passionately about contributing to the cosmetic industry, she “realized the country was in recession and it wasn’t the time to start up that kind of business.” She believed that a beauty services company would be a more pragmatic choice and Gloss and Glam was born in March 2010.

While the company has been a remarkable success and has been awarded everything from bridal magazine accolades to a spot in New York Magazine’s Editor’s List, Robinson exudes an infectious determination to push for further growth.

Part of this evolution is her desire to contribute to the community in a meaningful way, not only as an individual but as a company. As such Gloss and Glam is actively involved in a number of charitable pursuits, and encourages the same in their clients.

For all her success, Robinson is remarkably open and honest

about the trials and tribulations she has faced in building her business, particularly in relation to being too trusting. She encourages others to learn from her mistakes and is quick to pay tribute to those in her support network. She is particularly appreciative of her former FIT professor, John Simone, who she still turns to for impartial advice. For Robinson, it is important to surround herself with good people as “when you are a young and successful CEO, there’s not a lot of people you can talk to.”

She herself is particularly enthusiastic about fostering young talent and opening doors for young graduates, and would encourage students to “take as many internships as you can as you never know what it will lead to”. Indeed, her unique blend of pragmatism and entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her response to the question: what would you tell young graduates if you had the chance? With little hesitation, Robinson states that they should “be innovative and follow their dreams, but also be smart with business.”

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Tumblr’s Fashion Evangelist: Valentine Uhovski

By Richard Gilmartin

When Rich Tong announced he was to part ways with Tumblr last November, it left many to wonder who would fill in as the new fashion director. After six long months, it was finally announced that Fashion Journalist Valentine Uhovski would be accepting the position as Tumblr’s new fashion evangelist. W27 recently had the opportunity interview Uhovski and learn more about the man behind what can only be described as a veil made by a title so intriguing one simply cannot ignore it.

Rich Gilmartin: What exactly does it mean to be the fashion evangelist at Tumblr?

Valentine Uhovski: Tumblr is an amazing community of more than fifty million, and fashion is one of the largest sub-groups on our dashboards. My job is not only to work with big brands and help them maximize their potential and creativity on Tumblr, but more interact with our creators. Our amazing bloggers really help shape what Tumblr really is: the most creative, most immediate, and yes, most awesome fashion outlet online.

RG: What is your background in fashion?

Photo courtesy of Valentine Uhovski

VU: I got into fashion journalism almost by accident but last six or so years have been a blast. I got to work as a senior editor at The Daily, and covered New York Fashion Week every season as if it were the Olympics. I also traveled to Milan, Paris, and pretty much every other fashion city and really got the feel of how the industry is shaped and structured. The coolest part of the job for me was doing huge features on names like Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, and Joan Smalls very early on in their careers and seeing them explode and now dominate. During the last year, I’ve helped launch the very first international editions of Interview magazine, and contributed stories to the Wall Street Journal,

W, Vogue Russia, and many other publications.

RG: How did you come across the position?

VU: I consulted on Tumblr’s most recent Fashion Week program, during which we worked with five local bloggers. We had an amazing experiencetogether, and their itinerary was pretty insane. About a month after Fashion Week, I got a call about this position and I was thrilled to join the company full-time.

RG: Besides fashion week next September, what should we be on the lookout for fashion wise on Tumblr.

VU: We’re planning a lot more work with our immediate community here in New York. That includes cool local events and monthly fashion and beauty blogger meet-ups in our headquarters. Later this summer, you’ll see a more centralized fashion landing page, refreshed spotlight pages, and introduction of new fashion tag editors. But most importantly, as our community grows and more big brands join Tumblr, we want to continue to have the most amazing forum for all things fashion on our dashboards and really to nurture our creators.

And of course doing the FIT meet-up and workshop would be high on my list as well!

the sustainability corner THREADS Fashion Show

By Desmond Zhengs

One of several “vegan” looks presented at the show, courtesy of Green Festival.

If a mere mention of green fashion conjures images of potato sacks and cornhusks, you are about to get a big reality check. The eco-conscious THREADS fashion show, held during New York City’s first sustainability event Green Festival, arrived just in time to annihilate the most stereotypical notions.

Six New York based design firms are determined to harness fashion as a vehicle for positive change. Vegan fashion house Vaute Couture champions cruelty free fashion taking a strong stand against animal-derived materials while winning over celebrity fans such as Alicia Silverstone and Emily Deschanel in the process.

A collection of denim, cotton and nylon pieces in bright yellows and blues and its first full vegan winter coat stormed the runway.

A.D.O ‘s comfortable and relaxed summer staples supports fair trade

fashion in addition to using global organic trade standard (GOTS) certified fabric and chemical-free Ayurvedic herbal dyes. While the collection’s tunics and tie-dye pieces might be reflective of Designer Angelika Krishna’s Indian heritage, HEART’s printed collection is refreshingly current. Based on original prints of tropical photographs, just like pieces of wearable art, each one-of-a-kind piece is handmade with care and conscience.

Designer Allison Parris’s eponymous label’s sophisticated layered sundresses, feather and sequined flapper dresses are socially conscious without sacrificing sophistication and femininity. Allison Parris New York utilizes recycled fabrics from factories within Manhattan, giving it a fresh new feminine appeal.

Brooklyn based “Artists and Revolutionaries” presented a

collection of repurposed leather, cashmere and organic cotton. The fluid silhouette of its pants plays a central role in this nomadic streetwear collection of nudes, greys and taupe.

All in the details, models on the runway even rocked vegan contemporary platform sandals and booties by ethical footwear label Cri De Coeur. The shift to eco-friendly and eco-conscious fashion is more pronounced than ever, as ecofashion and as textile pioneer Marci Zaroff puts it, “this is the future of fashion.”

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ContentMode Caroline Nelson “People may not understand everything we’re doing,” said celebrity stylist Deborah Ferguson as she described her latest venture as editor-in-chief and creative director of ContentMode, a quarterly online magazine and blog. Recently, it celebrated the rebranding of its upcoming Issue 7 at a gala event at the Jane Hotel on April 19th.

Not only did the party celebrate the magazine’s new look, but it also honored Mary-Louise Parker, the Issue 6 cover model, and raised money for her charity of choice, Hope North, a 40-acre compound in Uganda that is home to the country’s refugees, orphans, and former child soldiers.

“Our goal is raising money for charity and celebrating…to get people more interactive, more aware and let them know how they can help and also have a bit of fun,” said Ferguson, a London native with dark brown hair and a kind smile. This passion for spreading knowledge in a creative package is something that sets Ferguson and her publication apart in the fashion market. Her years of experience in the industry have allowed her to showcase cutting edge talent in fashion and entertainment since the site debuted in 2010.

A graduate of Central Saint Martins College in London with a degree in fashion design and marketing, Ferguson began her career as a design assistant for John Galliano. She then became a buyer and accessories designer before

her experiences at magazines such as i-D and Dazed and Confused led her to a career as a freelance stylist.

After years of working with everyone from Steve Carell to Leighton Meester and attending various fashion weeks, Ferguson founded her side project, ContentMode, to fill a void she saw in the fashion blogosphere. “A lot of bloggers and fashion websites cover kind of the same things, so I thought there was more of a vein for the undiscovered, the underdog,” she explained.

Though an experienced stylist for print publications, Ferguson chose to go digital to embark on “a great new challenge.” “With this you have no limits you just can go as far as your design team can go and we were optimized from day one,” she continued, explaining how readers can view the original, free content on their computers, smartphones, and tablets.

This limitless, optimized design is a fitting vehicle to showcase the up and coming, avant-garde designers that ContentMode’s young adult demographic craves, including Meadham Kirchhoff and design school graduates. For example, Central Saint Martins’s Kim Traeger, whose graduate collection was inspired by the Easter Bunny crossing the road, was featured in Issue 5. “My goal in doing this was to get students involved…we are really open to that because I never want to stay in one demographic and go too old. I mean the future is the younger generation,” Ferguson said.

Shot by Kevin Buitrago at the Mondrian Hotel.

Running a young online-only publication can be a challenge though, especially when reaching out to celebrities and brands, which is one reason the ContentMode team enjoys working with stars like Mary-Louise Parker whom Ferguson described as “open to it, who are not snobby that we’re not print.”

Despite these challenges ContentMode and Ferguson have been successful due to Ferguson’s

The Future of Fashion is Here

By Caroline Nelson “I wanna know your name.” These words to the Swedish House Mafia song, “One,” blasted through the speakers as the first look came down the runway on May 2nd during FIT’s The Future of Fashion 2012 Graduates’ Collection show.

From Mallory Williams’s Critic Award winning opening look, a black zip up pony hair jacket with a large tiered peplum and full-length flare skirt, to Claudia Mesiti’s show closing navy and sepia bodysuit with its long iridescent chiffon skirt, everyone in attendance left knowing the names of the next generation of FIT designers.

The show featured 72 of the best sportswear, knitwear, childrenswear, special occasion and intimate apparel FIT Fashion Design BFA students had to offer. Sportswear styles ranged from futuristic, like the Critic Award winning beige cotton poncho with a high neck and voluminous side slits over black pants designed by Yen Hua Wendy Chen, to sporty like Maira Houck’s sheer navy cotton water-resistant jacket, racer back top, and pants with clear

side stripes. Houck was chosen by Cotton Incorporated as the first place winner for the Best Use of Cotton, taking home the $10,000 prize.

Many adorable looks were presented in childrenswear, but Tara Ricci’s pewter satin-faced organza petal dress with short sleeves and crystal accents stood out to the critics and the audience, as the little girl modeling it blew kisses to the crowd. A number of innovative knits abounded as well. Third place for Best Use of Cotton winner, Martha Kelley presented an intricate twotone cotton, “T-shirt yarn” knitted coat over a short white cotton dress.

Dresses both short and long made a splash for special occasion and Andrea Lucchese combined both lengths in her Critic Award winning sparkling blush chiffon short, strapless dress with long tulle overskirt covered in tiny bows.

Intricate looks were also winners in the intimate apparel department.

Lorna Laurentino was awarded second place by Cotton Incorporated for her beautiful ivory cotton bra with alençon lace and corset slip

with fan lacing and black accents that featured a stunning criss cross back detail.

Each look was detailed and unique, the result of a lengthy design process that, according to Fashion Design knitwear concentration major, Josh Schwartz, began last semester with collection development and was refined further in the final semester when nine industry critics, including Diane Von Furstenberg and Michelle Smith, designer and founder of Milly by Michelle Smith worked with students to critique their work and to choose pieces for Critic Award recognition. Before the final show, a team of five judges including Joe Zee, creative director of ELLE and FIT class of 1992, and Laura Brown features/special projects director of Harper’s Bazaar, chose the looks that would appear on the runway.

One of the designs featured in the show, photographed by Jacquelyn Clifford.

experience in the industry. Ferguson compared this learning process to a designer’s apprenticeship, “all those designers that we love, they really put in five or six years minimum of slaving for other people, and that’s why they walk out and they’re ready to own their own thing,” she stated.

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Let’s Get Quirky

By Madeline Ruley Imagine standing on a crowded subway and glancing over to see someone using or wearing the product that you created. How would you feel? Ben Kaufman, 25-year-old founder and CEO of Quirky, knows.

When he was a senior in high school, Ben invented and sold iPod accessories patented in his name—the fire that lit the fuse for his future.

The website Quirky launched in June 2009, and began with just three people in Kaufman’s Alphabet City apartment. Quirky is a social platform where users can send in ideas for a problem they have in hopes

“failure is a crucial part of success at Quirky.” of turning it into a real, patented invention with the help of the global community. According to Quirky Manifesto, the website’s vimeo channel, “A product at Quirky isn’t born in the boardroom, it’s born in the living room—it’s born on the drive home.” Users simply sign up for this site and are invited to voice their opinions for their own invention queries or to benefit the production of others.

Hundreds of invention ideas are submitted throughout the week until Quirky’s expert product design staff confronts the global community via live-stream to announce the two weekly winners. At this point, production of the products begins.

Community members are urged to give suggestions on material that should be used to the product’s name. Every single step taken to complete each project is accomplished in-house from inception to testing and to even packaging.

This is all driven by the input and enthusiasm that the global community contributes through each step of the process. But it’s all trial and error. Panel Speaker and Marketing Leader, Bret Korvacs, points out that “failure is a crucial part of success at Quirky.” Once the product is finalized and is sent out on the market, that’s when every contributor is properly recognized. It is in this stage that the revenues are shared with those who helped make the new Quirky product real.

On Wednesday, April 25th, the National Retail Federation Student Association of FIT sponsored an off-campus panel discussion at the Quirky headquarters located on 28th street. It was at last year’s National

Founder Ben Kaufman of Quirky, Inc. photo courtesy of INC. Magazine

Retail Federation’s BIG Show that now senior FMM students Alyssa Rinck and Ksenia Pereverzeva, were first introduced to Quirky and its creative founder. It was at this conference that Ben Kaufman spoke and the seed was planted in Alyssa Rinck’s mind to start her own NRF organization for students here.

Listening to Ben speak about Quirky got fashion students thinking about the future of retail, and what the future may look like especially for traditional brick and mortar retailers, now that e-tailing is taking off like a rocket.

An Afternoon with Jenni of I SPY DIY STYLE

by Fred Rodriguez Jenni Radosevich full-time DIY blogger, published author, former InStyle magazine editor, and creative individual at heart. If you don’t already know the infamous Jenni, she grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and made her first impact in New york City seven years ago starting off as a intern at InStyle magazine. Now she is a DIY maven with her most recent published book I SPY DIY STYLE and a impressive blog to go along with it, Ispydiy.com.

I had the chance to catch up with her at the Ace hotel, just before she left for her bicoastal book tour.

finished book last summer and wanted to amp up my site as much possible. I started the summer with around 200,000 views and just last week hit 712,000 views a month!

[It] took the couple of months to concentrate on my blog 100%, tweet, instagram, facebook and post more often. Work all of my social media 100% and grow it really quickly, through really putting all my efforts into the blog and promoting the book.

Fred Rodriguez: When did you realize that you were passionate about DIY and what made you decide to create a blog?

JR: Absolutely, the best way to is to work with other bloggers! I am friends with all the DIY bloggers, we do projects on each other’s blogs and promote each other’s project.

Some of my best friends are really big bloggers and they’ve done be favors by promoting my DIY’s. You scratch their back they’ll scratch yours. It’s all about cross promotion, because it helps everyone in the end.

I love the DIY bloggers they all want to help each other and are not catty at all!

Jenni Radosevich: I have been doing DIY since a little kid, doing tie-dye and friendship bracelets which is cool because it all came back on trend years later, and I am able to reuse a lot of those ideas that I made. I started my blog three years ago while working at InStyle, I was pushing DIY to the magazine for a while, till finally I first got published in December 2010 issue. The column got a ton of attention that escaladed to an ongoing column in the magazine.

FR: How did you go from working in a magazine to an author of a book and top blogger?

JR: I was doing all three at the same time, left InStyle in November,

FR: Was all the work you did on your own or did you collaborate?

FR: What is the most rewarding part about being a DIY blogger?

JR: It’s a whole different lifestyle, I worked in a cubical for six years and now I am able to travel, meet new people, make stuff, and share my ideas with other people. It’s an amazing lifestyle that I didn’t know could exist! Stressful, but have to remember you’re not doing brain

surgery. It’s best to step back and realize its not life or death on making the post.

FR: What are some of your favorite DIY projects to date?

JR: My bracelets, they’re definitely my most popular projects. I am starting to put my favorite one into production this summer to be sold.

It’s important for me to have it at a comfortable price point, I put this bracelet up on a whim, because I thought it would be too tough for people, but they loved it! The only problem for them was finding the supplies, so when Isabella Chloe put it into production I really wanted to make sure it was at a good price point. Then in the future I may create kits where people can create them themselves with the supplies.

Overall all of my bracelets are my most popular and favorite, I wear them everyday.

FR: What challenges did you face when you decided to launch I SPY DIY? JR: It takes a while to grow it, it’s a process! I think a lot of people think they’re going to be an overnight success when they start a blog, but it’s like a three-year process.

I’ve had many blogs before, one was a fashion blog, and you have to find your niche that is different and interesting with a very specific point, because the market is already so saturated. The blog has to be well designed and look professional,

if you want people to take you seriously as a professional blogger.

In the beginning I struggled with what I wanted to do, and when I found DIY I knew that was where I wanted to go. From there it has been upward because I concentrated on that.

Number one tip is to come up with a name and get it on every single platform, make sure it can be on Twitter, Pinterest, your domain name, and Facebook name. Because when people want to search for you, if they can’t find you in the first second they will move on! Stay consistent across the board!

FR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

JR: I mean I think it’s going to go one way or the other, it’s going to just go away, but I don’t exactly see that happening. That’s one way, or it can continue to get bigger and better. I ultimately want to be the next Martha Stuwart of DIY fashion, I want to have my own TV show, maybe more on the Internet; a online show. Possibly a good price point jewelry line, and also add a DIY component for individuality. I want to be bicoastal, spend the winters in LA and the summers in NY. Overall ideally in five years I would love to have a place in LA and New York while doing Tv and online stuff while traveling between the two cities while working on projects.

HAUTE CULTURE Just Kids

MAY 2012

A Book Review by Alessandra Della Vecchia Just Kids by Patti Smith is a vibrantly written memoir, which portrays the fascinatingly beautiful relationship between Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe. Born only a few weeks apart in 1946, these two struggling artists made an instant connection in Brooklyn and went on to develop an unbreakable bond. The majority of Smith’s story is set in New York City, in the late 1960’s and early 1970s. Special emphasis is placed on areas like the Lower East Side, Union Square, Chelsea and Coney Island but the author describes restaurants, local hangouts and landmarks found in neighborhoods throughout both Manhattan and Brooklyn.

This book also serves as an authentic portrayal of the bohemian

(read: original hipster) lifestyle of that time—pays homage to it even.

Smith, along with many if not all of her close friends, was among the self-proclaimed vagabonds who roamed the city streets during that time, idolizing musicians such as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Joan Baez. At 19 years old, she became pregnant, gave up her baby for adoption and left her home in New Jersey, hoping to create a fresh start for herself. In order to accomplish this, Smith worked all sorts of odd jobs to make ends meet and openly admitted to “going to bed hungry” on more than one occasion.

What I found to be truly astonishing about all of the above was Smith’s reluctance to complain about her circumstances and her ability to

maintain a positive attitude, even when times were tough. One of my favorite lines from the book illustrates this perfectly, “Laughter, an essential ingredient for survival. And we laughed a lot”. Time and time again Smith displays extreme resilience and refuses to give up hope.

An intimate and poetic masterpiece, Just Kids is a genuinely inspiring success story in every sense of the word.

TUNING IN Catalpa NYC: A New Summer Festival

By Georgi Dwiggins Summer always brings new things.

New places to travel, new things learned, and new festivals to see new music and have new experiences. Inaugural this year is the Catalpa NYC Music Festival, being held for its first time at Randall’s Island Park on the weekend of July 28th–29th.

It seems overdue for NYC to have its own festival full of the quality acts that Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Coachella and the “major circuit” hold… and Catalpa NYC doesn’t disappoint. Headlining the festival are soulful-rockers The Black Keys and soulful rapper Snoop Dogg. Cold

War Kids are set to play and Greg Gillis aka “Girl Talk” will be spinning his eclectic loops of music for dancing. Eclectic may be the word to describe the lineup for Catalpa NYC. Jam band Umphrey’s McGee will have two sets. Bouncy Brooklyn pop-duo Matt & Kim and inspirational beat-boxing rapper Matisyahu will make appearances. Two more big acts will be announced on May 21st, their names covered on the festival’s website until then.

The festival will also feature art installations, including “The Afterburner” by an organization named Arcadia who uses scrap

metal to “celebrate life”. This installation shoots huge flame balls from its top while DJs play from within.

There is also a separate Reggae Stage sponsored by High Times magazine. Catalpa NYC promises to place “as much an emphasis on site artistry, interactive experiences and experimentation as the musical entertainment itself.”

Early Bird Weekend Passes have already sold out, but Advanced Weekend Passes are still available for $140. There isn’t a date that these end, but after the Advanced Passes are gone, Regular Weekend Passes go for $180. Both passes give the

last for the whole journey. You must never underestimate the power of good music in these kinds of trips; it could literally be the turning point between having an unforgettable journey or an “are we there yet?” kind of experience.

The music should also match both your destiny and your state of mind.

Like if you are driving to the beach, you should include some tropical beach-y songs like The Beach Boys and Bob Marley that will make you feel in tune with your surroundings.

The same way, if you just broke up with your significant other or that cute guy didn’t call, the good old “I Miss You” and “I Don’t Need You” kind of songs will be a necessity.

Finally, include songs that give you a sense of peace and freedom for when you’re driving. Picture yourself driving full speed with the wind on your face and take note of whatever songs pop into your mind.

Some suggestions are: “Love Will

Tear Us Apart” Joy Division, “Frank AB” The Rural Alberta Advantage and “Comforting Sounds” Mew. These are the three most essential steps for a successful road trip. Also, besides packing whatever matches your basic necessities (books, cameras, a guitar maybe?) you must not try to over plan or you will ruin the whole “adventure” feeling; you should have the freedom to make as many detours as you wish and just let things happen. After all, that’s what the car and Google Maps are there for.

Just remember a road trip is not about the destination, it’s about the journey; the road, the music, the company and the incredible feeling of liberty. No stress, no worries, no pressure…you’re on the road.

Catalpa event poster courtesy of ilovefrisky.com.

option to buy a weekend ferry pass (recommended) for getting to and from the island for $35, a shuttle bus service for $20, or the option of a parking pass for $50.

Road Trip, baby!

By Francesca Beltran Summer is around the corner and so it’s time to renew your driver’s license, download Google Maps on your phone and get ready for an amazing (and very affordable) road trip experience.

When planning a road trip there are three main things you must always consider. The first one (obviously) being to get a car. If you do not own one don’t fret! There are many options online where you can rent a car at a very reasonable price, like Roadtripamerica.com.

The second step is finding a place to stay on at the locations you plan to visit. Hostels.com and Hostelworld.com are two amazing options where the cheapest hostels can be found. Mind you they will not be the most luxurious rooms you’ll ever see but they’ll be good enough to sleep in and will match perfectly with the whole road trip experience.

The third and most important step is to do a killer playlist that should

My Personal Top 10 Road Trip Playlist: AA “ Don’t Worry Baby” – Beach Boys AA “ There is a Light That Never Goes Out” – The Smiths AA “ Love Will Tear Us Apart” – Joy Division AA “ Frank AB” – The Rural Alberta Advantage AA “Reunion” – M83 AA “ Farewell to the Fairground” – White Lies AA “My Room” – Caveman AA “ The Captive Mind” – Helio Sequence AA “Yellow Ledbetter” – Pearl Jam AA “ Road Trippin’” – Red Hot Chili Peppers

HAUTE CULTURE

FIT

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This Side of Paradise A Gallery Review by Desmond Zhengs

MIIKE SNOW

Image courtesy of Avengethevirgins.net.

A Concert Review by Francesca Beltran On April 26th I prepared myself for what I thought would be a very chill concert; maybe dance a little, sing the songs I knew, nod to the ones I didn’t, and go home. The compulsive dancing, intensive sweating and unbelievable sound was most definitely not expected; few bands manage to actually sound better live than on record and Miike Snow proved to be most definitely one of them.

By the time I got to Terminal 5, the place was already packed wall to wall with young enthusiasts, some of whom were wearing horns. At 10pm the Swedish band, wearing hoodies and golden masks, took over the stage and positioned themselves around a hexagonal console of lights that looked like a UFO. The show began with a very trippy instrumental piece that was followed by “Enter The Jokers Lair.” When the song was finished the masks came off but the music went on.

Accompanied by the game of lights and a large screen with a black hole in the middle, the venue constantly played kaleidoscopic abstract images.

Throughout the concert the members constantly repositioned themselves to play the various

instruments and whenever Andrew Wyatt’s (lead singer) incredible voice would quiet, the synthesizers would take over filling the air with electro pop beats that made it inevitable for everyone in the venue to dance (even though we technically couldn’t really move much).

The band played their most popular songs from Miike Snow like “Black and Blue” and “Cult Logic” but the setlist was mainly composed by songs from their newly released album Happy To You, of which “Paddling Out”, “Pretender” and “Devil’s Work” were my personal favorites (this last one completely blew my mind).

Aside from an “I love you” from Wyatt, a joke about a condom and a final “thank you” the band rarely communicated with the crowd and eventually showed that their way of engaging with the audience was through their amazing music. Finally their major hit “Animal” was played in an elongated version that drove people completely insane, and so ending the last of the three sold-out New York dates, from the Happy To You tour.

Previously hidden behind tall trees and shrubs, there is an Italian Renaissance mansion in the Bronx that was a refuge to the once wealthy who had lost their fortunes in the Great Depression. Today it is as unconventional as it was in its illustrious past. The Andrew Freedman Home, built by millionaire Andrew Freedman, a financier of New York’s first subway lines provided lavish services and amenities such as white glove dinner services and grand ballrooms to the inhabitants with expensive tastes still intact. Once standing elegantly on the Grand Concourse, the landmark house was left to crumble into disrepair by the 1980s.

Today it is part of a contemporary art installation titled This Side of Paradise. Organized by nonprofit art group No Longer Empty, which transforms vacant spaces into opportunities for hallmarks of contemporary art, it brings new life to the mansion while allowing the public access to one of the city’s forgotten grandiose past.

This diverse group of 32 artists created installations that are inspired by the Freedman Home’s quirky past.

Although largely abandoned for more than 30 years, the many items left behind in the crumbling palazzo serves as inspiration; some even became part of the artworks.

Sheetrock panels by Linda Cunningham that resemble an open book showcases documents and photographs of the former residents. This book-like construction is symbolic of peeling paint that was prevalent throughout the home.

A portrait of millionaire Andrew Freedman made of wire hangs in the grand ballroom while Nicky Enright’s

instrument piece consists of an old Walters upright piano and manual typewriters that were found abandoned by past inhabitants.

The rooms upstairs were given free rein to artists that resulted in varied interpretations. The Happy Post Project, part of a social movement, set in a fun and bright room allows visitors to interact with the installation by posting post-it notes.

Symbolic of wealth, honeycomb thorns by twin brothers Raoul and David Perre also known as How and Nosm, covered the walls and ceiling of one room, creating a dark chamber-like space while glued glazed edibles wallpapered the walls of another, resembling East-Asian motifs.

Heading out to the Bronx might be a pain for some but location and purpose-wise, this installation serves as a refreshing and unconventional way to appreciate art, especially so for New Yorkers who always love a good transformation story.

This Side of Paradise runs through June 5th at The Andrew Freedman Home.

Maryam Montague of Marrakesh By Design

By Taisa Veras AA When and why did you decide to write a book about Moroccan lifestyle and décor?

Morocco is such a beautiful destination and so fascinating from a design perspective. I wanted to be able to share that with readers, in Marrakesh

by Design, going beyond just pretty pictures.

AA How long have you been living in Morocco and do you plan to continue living there?

I have been living in Morocco for over ten years now and am still enchanted by it! Over the last five years, my architect husband and I designed, built and decorated Peacock Pavilions (peacockpavilions. com)—our house and boutique hotel in an olive grove in Marrakesh. It was a real labor of love and I can’t imagine living anywhere else! Our home was featured in the ELLE Decor April issue if you would like to take a peek.

AA What’s your favorite aspect about living in Morocco?

There are so many: the weather, the food, the culture, the people!

Morocco is a cornucopia of inspiration. I chronicle these daily inspirations and beauties on my blog, My Marrakesh (mymarrakesh.com) and on @mymarrakesh and @peacockpavilion on Twitter.

AA Have you faced any challenges there, if so how did you overcome them?

Yes, many! Morocco is a culture where much is unsaid and complex and it was challenging navigating through that at first. The key was to find the right people to take us under their wing and decode the country’s mysteries for us. Also, building a house is challenging no matter where you live, but in Morocco we had to deal with a system based on a French bureaucacy of epic proportions and communicate in French, Arabic, and Berber. But all the hard work was worth it! Now when I wake up I still want to pinch myself that I live in Marakesh.

AA Describe the process of compiling content for the book.

I feel incredibly lucky to work with my publisher, Artisan Books. I have long been a fan of their gorgeous illustrated books—many of which have a cult-lik following—and love that they are an independent publisher. For Marrakesh by Design, I first worked with my editor to closely define the structure of the book.

Then over a period of months, I shot the photography and wrote the text while resarching and traveling in Morocco. Then the book was refined with elements taken out and others added. Then there were the whole design and layout of the book to consider. They have a fantastic team at Artisan and it’s been an amazing experience.

AA What’s your next project?

Another book of course! I am also working on my own line of homewares to add to my online shop, Red Thread Souk (redthreadsouk. com). I also am working on several Moroccan design projects. I truly believe that anything is possible if you pursue your dreams and let nothing stand in your way.

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W27

MAY 2012

MONTH IN REVIEW THE FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

By Nicole Tan

When: The first round of the 2012 French Presidential election took place on 22nd of April. As neither candidate acquired a majority, the second round run-off was held on 6th of May, in which François Hollande was victorious. The presidential election will then be followed by a legislative election in June.

Who: The candidates included Nicolas Sarkozy, who was the sitting president and was running for a second successive, and final term and François Hollande, currently the President of the General Council of Corrèze. President Sarkozy used to lead the center-right Union for Popular Movement Party (UMP), and Hollande comes from the Socialist and Left Radical Party. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Front Party, which is known for its anti-immigrant stance, came in as a strong third runner-up but she did not secure enough votes to continue in the run-off election.

The Process: The race for the head of state runs every 5 years, and the limit is two terms. One must be at least 23 years old and be a French citizen. Signatures of 500 elected officials must be obtained, where they must come from at least 30 departments, and no more than 10% can be from the same department.

Why it Matters: France is the world’s fifth largest economy, and a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council, meaning a political power which reaches beyond the Euro-zone.

What Sarkozy promised: Sarkozy, who came into term during the financial crisis and Arab Spring said in his campaign rally in Toulouse, “I don't want to let France dilute itself into globalization, this is the message from the first round, Europe has let the [idea of] the Nation weaken too much.” Hence, Sarkozy will be pushing for a more protectionist France. Sarkozy also promises to cut the number of immigrants to France by half, to demand that the unemployed seek job training and to demand more reciprocity in trade.

What Hollande promised: As a socialist, Hollande promises higher governmental intervention in the market to ensure a more stabilized economy. This will mean raising taxes, and government spending with an aim to balance the budget by 2017. According to the New York Times, Hollande intends to raise “taxes for corporations, banks and the relatively wealthy, creating 60,000 teaching jobs and bringing the retirement age back down to 60, from 62. He also promised to create 150,000 subsidized jobs in areas of high unemployment, putting his emphasis on better opportunities for the young, and said he wanted to promote more industry in France by creating a kind of public investment bank.” Other issues addressed were the endorsement of legalizing same-sex marriage, reducing France’s reliance on nuclear power to 50% by 2025 (currently, it is approximately 75%) and to pull troops out of Afghanistan.

Photo by Philippe Desmazes, courtesy of Agence France-Presse.

Arizona Immigration Law On April 23rd, 2010, Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona had signed bill SB 1070, a bill said to be one of the nation’s toughest and most controversial immigration bill yet. Currently, the bill is being debated in the Supreme Court as the state of Arizona and Americans nationwide await a decision which might change the course of immigration in the United States forever.

The bill, which seeks to make the failure of carrying immigration documents a crime and giving police expansive rights to detain anyone suspected of being in the country illegally, has been strongly criticized by the Obama administration and many others, who claim that passing such a bill will only increase racial profiling and the open invitation for harassment and discrimination

against Hispanics regardless of their citizenship status. Cardinal Roger M. Mahoney of Los Angeles went as far as saying that such an act, if passed, was comparable to “Nazism” should law enforcers abuse their rights.

Supporters and pioneers of SB 1070 have dismissed critiques on the signed bill, agreeing with the State of Arizona’s webpage, where the slogan reads, “If you have nothing to fear, you have nothing to hide.” Ms. Brewer had also responded to the outcries on potential racial discrimination. “I think there’s been a lot of pandering done by the opposition, trying to make it racial, and looking for Latino votes, and using scare tactics, if you will, and building this up to something that it never was meant to be,” she said, “so much misinformation has been presented

from all levels of government, all the way up to the president, I am fearful to say.” She believes that much of the controversy of the bill had been generated for political purposes, but had also acknowledged critics’ concerns, stating that she would work to ensure that law enforcers be provided with the proper training.

John McCain, another supporter of the Bill, said, “The people of Arizona did not feel that the federal government was fulfilling its responsibility, providing them with a secure environment, particularly in the southern part of our state.”

According to the Center of Immigration Studies, it is estimated that 12% of workers in Arizona in 2007 are illegal immigrants. Negative consequences of illegal immigration that affect the citizens of Arizona

and the rest of America, include drug trafficking, petty crime and the threat of terrorism. Illegal immigrants also cost the state money as many of them end up in welfare programs and have themselves, and members of their family, that are eligible to receive free education and healthcare as they are often living in poverty. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates that about $113 billion of funds from U.S. taxpayers go to illegal immigration costs every year at the federal, state and local level, with the largest portion of the money (nearly $52 billion) going to education costs for the children of illegal aliens at state schools.

Asma al-Assad: The Deserted Rose Once hailed as the “gentler face of a would-be reformist regime,” Asma al-Assad, Syria’s London-born first lady has become a hated figure to many today. A former investment banker, Asma was said to hold the image of “a glamorous yet seriousminded woman who held strong Western-inspired values whose mission was to change the mindset of six million of the country’s citizens aged under 18 and encourage them to engage in active citizenship.”

Yet, it is to no surprise that

the first lady’s feature previously published in Vogue last February had mysteriously disappeared from the archives of the web on 26th of April.

Recent emails uncovered by the media have exposed the first lady’s penchant to spend tens of thousands of dollars online on jewelry, chandeliers and other expensive goods to be shipped to her from England, as the rest of her country is in turmoil. According to the UN, in the 13-month bloodshed that occurred during a heavy crackdown on an

anti-government regime, an estimated 9,000 lives have been taken.

Asma has been portrayed by the Western media largely as a 36 year old mother of three, who was “sophisticated, elegant, confident with a “killer IQ” and an interest in opening up Syria through art and charity.” Many viewed and placed hopes on Assad and the future of Syria through Asma. To skeptics of the Middle East, Asma was sometimes viewed as a propaganda tool of the Assad family. As a Reuters

article said, she is “a liberal going through a moral crisis in Damascus, unable to speak up or escape.”

Today, Asma is no longer the rose in the desert. Instead, she has been compared to the likes of Marie Antoinette and the wife of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu according to Zayed, a Syrian dissident from Aleppo, who currently lives in Britain.

FIT SPEAKS Just Keep Swimming...

FIT Bucket Full of Sunshine

By Fernanda DeSouza

By Rich Gilmartin Within a few short weeks, I will be graduating from the associate program here at FIT. In today’s society that might be viewed as just a small accomplishment in the world, but it is an accomplishment none the less. Living in New York City can often leave one a bit jaded, and can make it hard to be able to take a step back and truly appreciate just how hard we have all worked to get where we are. At times it feels like the only way we can get through it is if we keep pushing, but now it feels like we’re finally getting somewhere.

Going to school at the number one fashion school in the world is not always an easy thing, in fact sometimes it is a very hard thing to do. Most of us have jobs that we are at just as often, if not more often, as we are at school. Being a college student in Manhattan can be a very hard thing at times. The expectations are high and the prices for everything are even higher. The city is twice as demanding as any rural college campus and will chew you up and spit you out without flinching once.

Being a college student can be tough in that it may be hard to find a steady support system. You are now at an age where you are starting to have your own life separate from your family one, and it can be extremely overwhelming.

Sometimes it feels almost like it would be easier to just give up and move back home and become an assistant manager at my local mall.

Having a degree from FIT could get you hired on the spot after all.

It is safe to say that I have had

Photography by Christina Garcia

many low points while attending FIT, and I am sure that I am not the only one. Last January I came into this semester realizing I had nothing solid keeping me in the city, I did not have a life outside of school. Sure I had friends, but I wasn’t living a passionate life like I had imagined myself to be doing. There was no connection between the city and I. It was depressing to think that I had already made a commitment to stay here for two more years to obtain my undergrad. However my spirits rose a little after W27’s Editor-in-Chief Taisa Veras emailed me about an open position as a senior editor for the newspaper. I agreed, and became eager to see just how the newspaper worked from the inside. I finally felt like I was a part of something, something that was bigger than just me and I felt connected to the people I was surrounding myself with the same people. We shared the same passions, the same ambitions. For the first time, it felt like I was taking a step in the right direction.

Right around the same time I was starting to hear of more and more kids I used to know dropping out or leaving FIT. I looked at them and realized that I could have easily been in their position, and that I was grateful that I wasn’t. Instead I pushed through, and while I may not immediately reap the benefit, I know that it is a better decision in the long run.

Ah, it’s summer once again. Away with the heavy coats, frigid temperatures, and pale skin; in with the bikinis, endless sunshine, and sun kissed tans. Summer can time for rejuvenation, a time to take a deep breath and exhale without worrying about an unfinished project. For some, it’s a dreaded abyss filled with irritating summer jobs, unpaid internships, and itchy, itchy, itchy mosquito bites. For others, it’s getting the most of the sun’s rays, sipping cocktails by a pool in some exotic country, trekking the depths of a new country, and catching up with old friends and a season or four of a forgotten television series on Netflix.

Personally I detest summer for it sweltering temperatures that ensues a sweating sesh walking one block to the next, and the worst: being tucked away in the suburbs, not in Manhattan. But I respect summer for what it truly is—time off from the hectic school year. Not long from now, I will be entering the workforce begging for three months worth of vacation and will look back and detest myself for ever wanting no vacation.

What my summers normally look like is this: I find myself more often than not in front of the television, picking at my food pantry (then head out to the tennis courts for three hours worth of sweating off that pantry), reading a stack of books I neglected all year, venturing to the beach, staying up all night watching movies in bed. I’ve decided to create a bucket list for myself this summer to avoid the boredom of long summer days.

Here are some bucket list ideas for spicing up your summer:

Adventures in Neverland This is probably one of many favorite ways to turn a lackadaisical summer into a special one. It may seem like eons ago, but being a kid will never be out of our system. Run through a sprinkler, catch fireflies, win a fish at the carnival (then eat cotton candy to reward yourself), do cannonballs in the pool, create a masterpiece with sidewalk chalk, play with fireworks on the Fourth of July, be that courageous eight-year old again and set out a tent in your backyard. Result? Feel the nostalgia of being a child once again. It’ll sure feel good.

On the Road I’m a huge advocate for traveling and seeking out new adventures. You don’t necessarily have to travel abroad to find what you’re looking for (of course, that wouldn’t hurt!). If you’re spending summer in New York, try going to a different borough (yes, even the Bronx!) or a new neighborhood (give Chinatown a chance) every week.

If you’re stuck in suburbia, get lost on your drive home. Channel

your inner Bear Grylls and face the wild—go camping in Maine, hike the Appalachians, mow the lawn even (I know that’s nature enough for me!).

If that doesn’t interest you, check out the adaption of Jack Kerouac’s celebrated beatnik generation and autobiographical novel, On the Road set to release this summer starring the steamy Garrett Hedlund. The story follows young New Yorkers on their cross-country trip and all the mischief they cause and wisdom (or lack thereof) they acquire along the way.

Book Thief Can you think of the last time you read a wholesome book (maybe other than The Hunger Games?)

Probably not. Drop the latest issue of Cosmopolitan you were reading poolside and pick up a book that will transport you into a totally new world or time period. For me, it’s the most rewarding thing and cheaper than going on vacation when I’m short on cash.

Summer Romance Bring out The Notebook, the quintessential and most darling summer romance filled film a movie has depicted since Dirty Dancing.

The temperature is hot, everyone’s let loose a little, and if you’re in Manhattan, quite empty and lonely. The perfect excuse to find love amongst the ruins. The act of falling in love doesn’t have to be shared between human beings.

What’s wrong with finding love in a new hobby, a new recipe, a book, or job? Challenge yourself—keep away from OkCupid, DateMySchool, and the endless plethora that is online dating. Be bold and go up to that person in the coffee shop. We may not all be lucky in finding our Ryan Gosling or Rachel McAdams this summer, but it wouldn’t hurt to try!

Take a Risk Skydiving has been on my bucket list for two years now. I’ve been procrastinating on keeping my vow to skydive before I’m 21 but this summer might change that. (Check back in the fall to see if I survived or got the guts enough to go!) Sign that lease for your dream apartment despite being unsure you’ll make rent the following month. Submit that short story you’ve tucked away in your Moleskin to The New Yorker.

Apply for that job or internship you think you’ll never get. Risks come in all sizes, at least you’ll get to say you did it.

19

W27

Making the “I Do” Done

By Caitlin Corcoran Jordyn Christine is more than just an advertising and marketing communications student graduating this May. She’s an entrepreneur on her way to a fabulous career in a niche market where billions are spent each year in the US alone—weddings. As a wedding blogger, wedding planner’s assistant, and a recently established wedding planner herself, Jordyn has a lot on her plate…or should I say on her clean, white monogrammed china. Find out she started her company Tulle and Teacups.

What inspired you to start Tulle and Teacups?

After being a bride myself, I wanted to create a wedding blog that answered questions as well as gave inspiration. The industry is over-saturated with images for brides to find their centerpieces and color scheme, but where do you turn when you need a good diet, the right shade of lipstick or advice on how to shop for a diamond? I wanted to give brides a good blend of both!

What is an average day like for a wedding planner's assistant/blogger?

First there is a lot of coffee!

I generally go from meeting to meeting. I meet with vendors about upcoming weddings, as well as brides to ensure their vision is being carried out correctly. A typical day goes like this: morning craft project for wedding in two weeks (escort cards, cake table décor, etc.), noon inspiration hunt for a client as well as keeping eyes open for new trends for a blog post, afternoon meeting with rental company followed by a mocktrial with florist for centerpieces. End the day with a meeting with a new bride who needs help throwing a last minute engagement party.

How has your major helped with your career decisions?

It has taught me so much about targeting my business towards the perfect consumer and about focusing on a market that has a lot of opportunity. It has also allowed me narrow in on ways to differentiate myself from the competitors while remaining true to my dreams and goals as an entrepreneur.

What is your advice for FIT students who are interested in becoming wedding/event planners?

I think the most helpful tool in becoming a wedding/event planner is a solid portfolio. It acts as proof to future clients that you are creative, capable, and what they are looking for. For wedding planning, it’s important that your blog or website emulates the style you are best at so you attract brides whose taste is consistent with your talent. My last piece of advice is to be extremely proactive. Always have a backup plan. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Having the answers to problems before they happen shows you are both professional and worth the money.

Be a part of the “guestlist” and head to Jordyn’s site, tulleandteacups.com for more information and inspiration!

MAY 2012

Hannah Bellon | Photography What would be your dream job and why? To be a successful photographer and have my own studio. How has FIT influenced your style? Just being in the city and the school has influenced me to try new things while still being my self.

Tiffany Hufford | AMC & Minor in Economics Do you have a job after graduation? I was just recently hired at my internship, so yes! I am an Assistant Account Executive at Lipman Advertising. What is your dream job and why? My dream job is to work for LVMH because it’s the Google of fashion.

Lauren Altenburg | AMC Do you have a job for after graduation? No but I am seeking interviews at the places where I interned while here at FIT.

STYLE ON 27 Photography by Armah Jones

Though graduation is approaching, FIT’s class of 2012 isn’t slacking on style. These ladies fight the unseasonably chilly temperatures with blazers, denim jackets and light leather jackets, adding interest to their jeans and skirts. Other students keep it simple and chic in short sleeve T-shirts and long skirts or skinny jeans. Good luck grads.

Brittany Marsh | AMC Do you have a job for after graduation? No. I will be traveling the world. What would be your dream job and why? Successful novelist. I have a passion for writing. How has FIT influenced your style? Definitely revolutionized my style coming from Virginia.

Mia Vuksanaj | AMC Do you have a job for after graduation? Not yet, I’m interning at Westchester Magazine. What would be your dream job and why? I want to open up my own marketing agency.

Natascha Garrett | AMC Do you have a job for after graduation? No. I am interning for Lori Goldstein, a stylist. What would be your dream job and why? To be a stylist or editor for a cool fashion magazine.

Rachel Masters | AMC What would be your dream job and why? Something that makes me happy and where I can travel. How has FIT influenced your style? It definitely made me more stylish; I threw out my hoodies.

Jaclyn AlexandraCohen | FMM Do you have a job for after graduation? Continuing my Vogue internship and education at the London College of Fashion as well as a Bachelors from Purdue University.

How has FIT influenced your style? Walking on campus and seeing everyone’s point of view makes for great inspiration!