December 2012

VOLUME 45 | ISSUE 4 | DECEMBER 2012

T heay d i l o H su e Is

#SE

NS O S A

GR

ING EET

S

MASTHEAD

FIT

2

Caroline Nelson Editor-in-Chief Fernanda DeSouza Sarah Dill Deputy Editors

Letter from the Editor

Samantha Vance Executive Editor Rich Gilmartin Dianna Mazzone Nicole Tan Senior Editors Keely-Shea Smith Managing Editor Alyssa Kyle Copy Editor w27newspaper.com Mollie Yarsike Community Manager

ADVERTISING Kimberly Ferguson Advertising Promotions Manager

Photography by Fernanda DeSouza

ART As the semester winds down and the days get colder, there comes a time to reflect, not only on the past year, but also on how to end 2012 with a bang. The Fashion Institute of Technology has had its share of triumphs, such as the Women’s soccer team championship victory in only its second year of competition (p. 9), and the success of the Ivy Style Symposium (p. 10), as well as struggles, when Hurricane Sandy impacted our community. Thankfully in this time of holiday cheer, there are many ways to give to the less fortunate. Donate to the Salvation Army, invest in one of many gifts that give (p. 11), donate blood, even hold hands with your significant other (p. 26). There

Christina Garcia Art Director Freddy Rodriguez Fashion Editor Jacquelyn Clifford Jessica Farkas Daniel Graindorge Photographers Siva-Jack Sernvongsat Illustrator Maddalena Alecce Amanda Baldwin Francesca Beltran Raquel Rose Burger Amelia Cheikhali Georgi Dwiggins Dana Heyward Arushi Khosla Mia Lusting Ashley Mungo Marissa Mule Desiree Perez Daysha L. Rodriguez Emilie Schwenk Giovanna Spica Madeline Thompson Jennifer Yeboah Contributors

are many fun and easy ways to make the season bright.

And as we celebrate the season, we would also like to congratulate all of the December graduates, especially our Senior Editor, Nicole Tan who has contributed so much to W27 throughout her time here at FIT. You can read her letter in FIT Speaks on page 27. So whether you’re set to begin a new semester or a new career in 2013, I leave you with this quote from Virgil: “Look with favour upon a bold beginning.”

Until next month,

John Simone Editorial Faculty Advisor Albert Romano Advertising Faculty Advisor

ON THE COVER:

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

In the early hours of the morning, Fashion Director, Freddy Rodriguez met with Photographer, Jacquelyn Clifford to capture the heart and soul of holiday spirit in Midtown Manhattan. The scenery preludes to tidings of comfort and joy, something all students could use during crunch time as we bring the semester to a close.

3

W27

DECEMBER 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE BLOCK 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 13

Faculty Spotlight: Gilbert Schaye Future Mode: Alexis Tamzrian What the Health?

Who Will Make the Cut? Miss FIT 2013 The 89 Lifesavers of the Fashion Institute Beauty Buzz: Nail Mail Every Stitch Counts Figure Skating Takes a Crossover into FIT Athletics Tigers and Fans Come Out for Wizards’ Performance FIT Women’s Soccer Team Makes School History Ivy Style: A Fashion Symposium, Withstanding the Test of Time Prep in Their Step Gifts That Give Symposium Series: Diversity and Globalization in Beauty Swedish Invasion

FEATURE 14 16

Rockin’ Around Rockefeller Renee & Rayna

DEAR INDUSTRY 18 20 20 21 21

Holiday Window Wars That Madonna Girl Clay Chic Hands Off My Intellectual Property Glamour Without A Lot of Fuss

HAUTE CULTURE 22 22 22 23 23 23 24 25

Film Review: ^Can’t Stand Losing You Book Review: ^Grace: A Memoir Tuning In: Winter Concerts Theatre Review: ^Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Gallery Review: To Marilyn with Love Concert Review: The Helio Sequence Outside Your Borough: Upstate Holiday Month in Review

FIT SPEAKS 26

Why Having a Boyfriend During the Holidays Can Help You Save Money

26

Moop and Mary

27 27 27

Out of Wax Goodbye, FIT: My Fifteen Minutes of Fame Keepin’ Your Creative

28

Style on 27

get involved with W27: To inquire about editorial, contact w27newspaper@gmail.com. To inquire about design, contact w27art@gmail.com.

ON THE BLOCK Faculty Spotlight:

Professor Gilbert Schaye: The Birth of Speech at FIT

by Alyssa Kyle

Gilbert Schaye is a professor at FIT who’s done more than just teach his classes; he’s created the classes he teaches. In fact, the Speech Department did not exist until Professor Schaye came to FIT. Thanks to his monumental contributions to the English and Speech Department, students have been given the opportunity to learn in new and innovative ways to effectively communicate in professional environments. From working with the United Nations to writing for The New York Times, Schaye has an impressive number of personal accomplishments to be proud of. W27 was lucky to sit down with Schaye and learn more about his remarkable career.

Alyssa Kyle: How did you find yourself teaching speech?

Gilbert Schaye: [Ever] since I was six years old I had a terrible stutter. I had this problem until I was about 21 years old. I went to New York University for Theatre and Speech Pathology and then went to Columbia for Speech Pathology.

I first started teaching Public Speaking and Debate at the University of Vermont.

Knowing how the students who come into my speech classes feel, I try to help students feel more comfortable. It takes one to know one.

AK: What brought you to FIT? GS: I have been teaching at FIT for many years in the English and Speech Department. I am the founding professor of Speech at FIT. When I came to FIT they had heard about the course [I developed] at NYU, and they asked me if I would create the course here. Basically by popular demand, the course grew from one evening section to numerous sections both day and night. Now I only teach day sections, but there are other professors teaching the same speech courses as well.

AK: When did you come up with the criteria for the Speech Dynamics in Group Communication course that you currently teach? What other classes have you developed for FIT? GS: I started teaching this class at NYU in the late 70s. While teaching at NYU, the administration asked me to

come up with a program for executives in the tri-state area and in the United Nations. These people wanted to learn and improve the effectiveness of leading group discussions and conferences. In addition to EN244 Speech Dynamics in Group Communication, I created EN241 Professional Speech, EN242 Public Speaking, EN 251 Theatre Arts and EN 341 Developing Your Speaking Image at FIT. AK: Other than developing the Speech Department at FIT, what are some of your other accomplishments?

GS: I wrote a book called Speaking American English—a college textbook on American English phonetics that was used in colleges all around the world.

It was a wonderful, but exhausting experience.

I have also been asked to write for other publications like The New York Times, TV Guide, Scholastic Guide and Glamour magazine. The Theatre of England that I conducted at during the summers of 1982 to 1990, won high praise from the head

of the Middle States Association. I created a summer program for The Theatre of England that took place in Cambridge , London, Stratford, and Oxford. This course was offered in conjunction with members of the faculty at Cambridge University and was under my supervision.

The head of Middle States Accreditation Association visited the program and rated it brilliant.

AK: We know you have been teaching for over 30 years, how long do you plan to stay at FIT? GS: I love FIT and I want to stay as long as I am able to maintain the interest of the students. I have great respect and admiration for my students. I couldn’t imagine not teaching. I have really enjoyed what I have been doing all my life. I have been teaching for over 30 years but since I feel like I am 23 years old it seems as though I am just beginning the best part of my life every semester!

Future Mode:

Alexis Tamzrian Photo courtesy of the artist

by Marissa Mule

Steve Jobs once observed, “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like.

Design is how it works.” This month, I had the opportunity to interview a very talented Interior Design major, Alexis Tamzrian. Her passionate style of working is both inspiring and motivating, truly “making things work.”

Marissa Mule: Who/What are your inspirations?

Alexis Tamzrian: I’m mainly inspired by people. I always say, “what inspires you, inspires me.” I mean, at the end of the day we’re designing spaces for people and talk about what is good taste. Good taste is a response and an emotion. It’s a connection—you have to be inspired.

You have to understand where things have come from and how they’ve gotten here.

MM: What is your favorite thing about F.I.T? AT: To start off, I love the location. It's in the heart of the city near museums, galleries, showrooms, restaurants, hotels and shows – everything that drives my inspiration. We have a great interior design program with professors who are current professionals in the field. My professors give me great feedback and teach us from their mistakes so we don't repeat them.

It's great that people recognize FIT for its creative and talented student body.

I’m truly inspired by anyone who’s doing something that I find fascinating.

MM: What are your strengths/weaknesses?

AT: Well, I've been told I'm very organized, professional, on time, creative and optimistic. I've also been told I could be stubborn, stuck on ideas and care too much. It's hard for me to give myself a break when I need it.

MM: What is your dream job?

AT: After graduating with my bachelor’s in interior design, I would love to start off working for a talented and well-known interior designer who shares the same qualities as me and similar design styles.

I would love to design homes and hotels.

MM: Did you always grow up loving interior design?

AT: Yes, I've loved it ever since I could remember. When I was around 12 years old, I remember my dad gave me permission to design and pick out every detail of my new bedroom. The thrill it gave me was unbelievable.

really more of an idea – sort of a concept of layering and telling a story.

MM: Was FIT always your first college choice?

AT: Yes. When i was in high school, I took interior design as an elective. My teacher realized my passion for it through my hard work in her class and recommended that I go to FIT. MM: What medium/materials do you work with?

AT: I have learned watercolor, colored pencil, marker and charcoal techniques while studying here at FIT. I have used colored pencil and marker on most of my projects to this day since the beginning.

Now that I'm in upper division, I am beginning to learn Photoshop and Accurender and hopefully will develop my own style incorporating mixed media over the next few semesters.

MM: Describe your personal artistic style.

AT: I think it’s interesting because my design aesthetic is a real extension of my personality. It’s approachable, it’s fun, it’s pretty traditional, or classic at a certain level and very modern. It's fresh in another point of view and it really creates strong balance.

My design aesthetic has a very good balance of understanding architecture, environment and location. I think a lot of the time people think of it as simply decorating. I see it as

MM: Do you have any interesting shows or projects in the process?

AT: Of course! Every project we do is interesting. I'm really excited for our final project of the semester. We are to design a micro dwelling unit that must be within the range of 275–300 square feet. Mayor Bloomberg made this proposal due to the change in the demographics in NYC. I'm excited to see what we all come up with.

5

W27

DECEMBER 2012

{ Gift Ideas for the Fit at Heart {

WHAT THE HEALTH?

Give the Gift of Health

by Sarah Dill

Like the song says, It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but to some it may be the worst. On the plus side, being with family, friends, enjoying good food in moderation and opening and giving gifts are the reasons why the Holiday season is truly magical. Don’t let fatty foods, hibernation syndrome and gifts that cater to your lazy side get in the way of your fitness strategy this holiday season. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to gift in a healthy way for all to appreciate themselves in the mirror. Buying for everyone on your list may be a daunting task, but with healthy gifts to fit every person’s personality, shopping should be fun and a real motivator for the New Year! ΩΩ Calorie counter: Available either in a wrist band, watch, sneaker or mp3 player, calorie counters and digital nutrition planners are the perfect gift for those who love to stay organized.

For anyone on the go, this gift is an excellent tool to stay motivated and on track. ΩΩ Juicer: Making your own juice or smoothies has become popular this year, so why not give the gift of an easy way for your loved ones to create their own concoctions? Look for juicers that come with a recipe book or find one

that has a blender or food processor all in one. Help your friend or family member make the most of this liquid love rather than shelling out five to ten dollars for each juice bought at a store. ΩΩ Activewear: Many don’t consider activewear the most fashionable to wear, but if you give fun and stylish work-out clothing to friends they might be more inclined to wear it and exercise on their own. Not only will your gift be a form of motivation, but it will also be recognized every time your friend or family member goes to work out in style. ΩΩ Slow cooker: This may be the ideal gift for those always spending too much money on dinner out or for those unable to spend a lot of time making dinner but still want to maintain a delicious and healthy diet. A slow cooker not only creates easy, “leave it for later” dinners, but can be used for parties, breakfasts and even tasks as simple as heating spaghetti sauce to make meatballs or a winter’s stew.

This will be the perfect gift to use throughout the cold months to cook up savory dishes in a quick and easy way. ΩΩ Fitness class gift certificate: Not sure what to get that certain someone or really limited on places to shop for gifts? Opt for the easy way out and grab a fitness gift certificate at a nearby gym. Be an overachiever and score major points by researching the best new classes and buy a few for your friend to try out. Plus, you can attend the class together for an even better experience.

and Hungry Girl cookbooks, which include low-cal recipes made with ingredients that you think would be fattening but are twisted into something new and light. Look to popular food blogs and compile a low cal and personalized cookbook for your friend if you can’t find the exact book “match.” Get crafty and add in some of your own recipes with pictures. ΩΩ Spa service: The gift of health doesn’t always have to be through food or exercise. It can also be keeping up and maintaining your skin and beauty health. Get a facial or massage for those who workout frequently and need a good rub down to reward them for their consistently healthy lifestyle. ΩΩ Sneakers: Runners and 5k enthusiasts will definitely appreciate a good pair of sneakers. Look into sneakers with good grip to run on pavement and also those which are comfortable for distance runners. If you can’t figure out their size, order them online for an easy size swap and free shipping to send them a clean, new pair ready to hit the streets after the holidays. ΩΩ Eco-friendly gift basket: This can be anything from a wicker basket full of healthy snacks, to to-go containers for packed lunches and filtered reuseable water bottles. To create an even more functional basket, put a mix of healthy goodies in a foldable eco-tote to double as gift wrap and also their new gym bag!

ΩΩ Healthy Cookbook: Some of my favorites have to be Weight Watchers

Dorm Dish Recipe:

Eggnog French Toast

Photo courtesy of mykindofcooking.blogspot.com

There’s nothing more holiday-esque then eggnog. This creamy drink is a liquid fan favorite but packs a major punch in calories and fat, sending it to the naughty list. This light eggnog French toast boasts the same sweet cinnamon taste without the holiday guilt. Make this your holiday treat on Christmas morning, or serve it up when hosting a few friends for brunch to stay warm and cozy indoors on a wintry day. ***Recipe from skinnytaste.com

Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes Servings: 2 • Serving Size: 2 slices • Old Points: 3 pts • Points+: 4 pts

Calories: 166.7 • Fat: 2.5 g • Carb: 28.4 g • Fiber: 5.9 g • Protein: 10.9 g • Sugar: 9.2 g Ingredients: 1/2 cup skinny eggnog 2 large egg whites 4 slices Weight Watchers whole grain bread butter flavored spray cinnamon nutmeg powdered sugar

Directions: Whisk egg whites, cinnamon, and eggnog in a shallow bowl. Heat nonstick skillet on medium heat. When warm, mist with cooking spray.

Soak bread into egg mixture, then place on hot skillet. Cook until golden. Top with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Serve with sugar free syrup, agave nectar or honey.

ON THE BLOCK

FIT

6

Who Will Make the Cut? Miss FIT 2013

by Maddalena Alecce

November is a busy month within the concrete jungle of the Fashion Institute of Technology, especially for the FITSA Vice President of Programming, Augusta Falletta, who organized this year’s Miss FIT auditions. The auditions were held at midday on November 13th and November 27th in the Haft Auditorium.

The always popular spring show will be held on March 21st at 8 p.m. where five (maybe six) lucky contestants will have a chance to run for the title of Miss FIT 2013. A Drag Queen Bingo Night is scheduled in the Dining Hall on March 4th to promote the show. Falletta informed W27 that a secret professional drag queen will be in attendance, and the entertaining event will be open to all FIT students.

As the prospective contestants walked through the auditorium with their costumes, confidence and drag names handy, Falletta was excited to give a little insight on what is to be expected at this year’s show. “The current Miss FIT, Sasha Blowmay, will be handing off the crown at the show. Our judges will be past Miss FIT winners, Ms. Gammaray and Spencer Cane, editor at StyleCaster.com. We’re still working on the fourth judge,” she said. Falletta also mentioned how there’s

been talk of having a Mr. FIT however, “There just isn’t enough interest for that right now.”

Ronnie Reives, a Fashion Design major at FIT in drag as Viki Villainess, auditioned to the rhythm of “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)” by P!nk, wearing fierce spiked high heels. “I want to do the show because I’ve been in nightlife for three years,” Reives said. Another contestant, Richard Ahrenes, drag name Ginger Vitus, is a senior in the International Trade and Marketing program who showed up with a costume inspired by the American flag. “I am a diva, just like everyone else here. I am graduating this year. It’s my last chance to audition for Miss FIT,” expressed Ahrenes.

This will be the Seventh Annual Miss FIT Pageant and for the first time donations are going to be given to an LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) foundation.

The 89 Lifesavers of The Fashion Institute

by Giovanna Spica

Every two seconds, someone in the United States is in need of blood. In the time it will take for you to read this article at least thirty lives will depend upon a transfusion. For this reason, the Fashion Institute of Technology held a blood drive on November 15th in the Pomerantz Center’s John E. Reeves Great Hall.

Although the number of registrations was higher than that of the donations, it is important to keep in mind the occurrences of the week before. Superstorm Sandy affected many students and faculty members, so it was comforting to see members of the FIT community devote a portion of their time to help in heroic

efforts. A total of eighty-nine students and/or faculty members risked a little dizziness in order to help save a life. Roughly one pint of blood was collected per person allowing for enough blood to save over one hundred lives.

Blood cannot be manufactured, it can only come from the good will of generous donors; students are asked to donate if circumstances allow, as every donation makes a difference. Inquiries about the donation process or where the next blood drive will be held, can be addressed at redcrossblood.org. Be a hero and save a life.

Some decisions have already been made as far as who made the cut; others are still being evaluated. Either way, prospective contestants will be notified soon and the FIT community will know who the official Miss FIT 2013 contestants are going to be.

BEAUTY BUZZ

NAIL MAIL: A REVOLUTION IN NAIL LACQUER

by Dianna Mazzone

The lacquerous.com online experience

Photo courtesy of brownbyashlene.com

Some collect coins, others stockpile stamps, but beauty mavens? We collect nail polish! However with luxury lacquer retailing for up to $30 a bottle, does it really make sense to spend a small fortune on shades that will eventually sit (nearly full!) on a shelf? Enter Lacquerous, a “Netflix for nails” type service wherein the designer polish of your choice is delivered directly to your doorstep. Enjoy shades for one month before returning your selections—only to receive your next shipment within two to three business days! For just $18 a month, you can sample the latest and greatest in lacquer from luxury labels like Chanel, Butter London, Tom Ford, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana and M.A.C. W27 spoke with Lacquerous cofounder and marketing executive Ashlene Nand about the universal appeal of nail polish and the future of her budding business.

DM: Is there a certain amount of trust involved in this process?

Dianna Mazzone: This is such a unique concept—what sparked the idea? What about the name of the company?

DM: Where do you see Lacquerous this time next year?

Ashlene Nand: I wanted to get luxury lacquer without spending $23 to $30 a bottle. I also realized that every time I bought a bottle of nail polish I never used all of it. It just seemed like such a waste of product and money. The name came about in a company brainstorm. We wanted something original.

AN: Yes, absolutely. We work on an honor system and provide guidelines to our members. We also have club policies that are to protect the business and its members. Membership/group opportunity orientated businesses are such a big thing these days so hopefully people are used to the idea!

DM: What do you think it is about nail polish that is so appealing to women of nearly all ages and backgrounds?

AN: I personally believe nail polish is the ultimate beauty item because unlike any other cosmetics, everyone looks good in any shade! It's easy and adds a pop to your outfit. Nails are the ultimate fashion accessory.

AN: Serving tens or even hundreds of thousands of women across the country and becoming the ultimate destination for everything nails!

Visit lacquerous.com for more information on membership.

7

W27

DECEMBER 2012

Every Stitch Counts

by Madeline thompson

The Council of fashion designers of america (cFDA) is in the process of selecting the next recipient of the CFDA/Teen Vogue Scholarship, a nationwide competition that is exclusive to full-time sophomore fashion design students who attend one of CFDA’s participating schools. Since FIT is one of those participating schools, three students were nominated and selected to compete in the 2012 CFDA/ Teen Vogue Scholarship competition. The three nominees from FIT are Shane Thompson, Ahra Gho and Xiao Shell Lin. They will compete against 58 other students for the top prize of $25,000 and the title of Target Fashion Scholar. An additional four students will be awarded a prize of $5,000.

The scholarship will be used towards the students’ tuition and/or educational expenses.

The students were notified of their acceptance to compete in the competition on November 7th and the winner will be announced in June 2013. W27 spoke to these talented students to discover how each designer differentiates from each other.

Xiao Shell Lin

Shane Thompson XSL: [It has a] casua and organic feeling.

[The clothing] has different layers combined with geometrical shapes that make one cohesive silhouette.

general is that my clothes are avant-garde, but still wearable. I try to always provide people with something new, something that they haven’t seen before.

MT: What was the most difficult task while designing this collection?

MD: How has this competition helped you excel as a fashion designer?

XSL: Finding a way to represent my collection to enhance its organic, rural feeling and not overpowering it.

ST: For this competition, we had to design more looks than we’ve ever had to for a project before. It was challenging to come up with so many looks and make them all cohesive. I think it’s more realistic to what it will be like in the industry after I’m done in school.

MT: What techniques did you use to make your collection stand out against the rest?

XSL: I rendered with watercolor throughout the collection and two cover page illustrations that fitted the tribal, organic and mysterious mood.

MT: How has this competition helped you excel as a fashion designer?

XSL: I developed more of my personal style. My presentation became more mature than before.

MT: What is your background experience in fashion design?

Photo courtesy of Shane Thompson

Madeline Thompson: What is the title of your collection?

Shane Thompson: Exoticism MT: How would you describe the collection’s style?

ST: The collection kind of has a grungy and gritty feeling to it, but is presented in a high fashion manner.

Photo courtesy of Xiao Shell Lin

Madeline Thompson: What is the title of your collection?

XSL: I interned in a fashion design studio while I was in high school. I always loved to draw fashion illustrations and design.

Xiao Shell Lin: “Aoluguya..Aoluguya”

MT: How did you discover your talent?

MT: What is the inspiration behind the collection?

XSL: When my mom taught me to make a doll when I was seven.

ST: The most difficult task was making the collection cohesive. While designing, it didn’t really look cohesive at first, but when I chose the fabrics for each garment, it really brought it all together.

XSL: The Aoluguya Ewenki tribe in Northern China and their appreciation of nature and their worship of reindeer.

The Ewenki people chose to maintain their traditions and live in the forest; they stay true to their beliefs and culture. The architectural elements inspired me to create the angular, bell shaped silhouette.

Their spirits and belief of keeping themselves grounded is where the mood of the collection came from.

MT: What are your plans for the future as a fashion designer?

MD: What is the inspiration behind the collection?

XSL: I am keeping my eyes open for any opportunities that come to me.

ST: The inspiration was everything exotic.

There are a lot of unusual silhouettes, fabrics and accessories that would be considered exotic. But the inspiration is also about the exotic aspect of the human mind, not just the physicality.

MT: How do your materials reflect your inspiration?

XSL: I used wood paper and leather lacing to create the folder. For the inner pages I used white paper with wooden surface texture. I made my own fabric with wool yarns and wool fabric.

MT: How would you describe the collection's style?

MT: What was the most difficult task while designing this collection?

MD: How do your materials reflect your inspiration?

ST: There are a lot of unorthodox fabrics, like a metallic snakeskin and a print with thorns. Also, a lot of the fabric is actually from the home decor section of the fabric store, so they wouldn’t usually be used to make clothes.

MD: What techniques did you use to make your collection stand out against the rest?

ST: I think something that makes my collections stand out from other people in

MD: What requirements were difficult to meet in the competition? Did these requirements suppress your creativity?

ST: The hardest requirement was probably that our technical flats had to be drawn by hand. This semester, we’ve learned how to draw technical flats on the computer, which is a lot easier. But for this competition, I was required to draw over 40 flats by hand, because the collection was so big. It did not suppress my creativity, but it certainly didn’t help with the time restraints!

MD: How did you discover your talent in fashion design?

ST: I never knew that I wanted to do fashion design until right before I started applying to colleges. I was in Paris during the summer before my senior year of high school, and one of my friends had told me that I was there during Paris Fashion Week (for menswear). I had just begun nurturing an interest in fashion, so I decided to take advantage of this. I went online and looked at who was showing for the week and I contacted all of their press contacts. Almost all of them said no because it was such short notice and the venue was full, but I actually got accepted to go to two shows. When I went to those shows and saw the models walking to the beat down the runway with beautiful garments on, I immediately knew that this is what I wanted to do with my life.

MT: What are your plans for the future as a fashion designer?

ST: My dream is to have my own fashion house that shows in Paris or London. But, for the time being, I’m just going to go wherever life takes me.

ON THE BLOCK Ahra Gho

MT: What was the most difficult task while designing this collection?

AG: I guess the hardest thing for me while creating this collection was not making it look too cheesy, considering my color choices for this collection. Because my color story was mainly red, white, blue and black, it was really challenging for me to arrange it in a way that it worked and wasn’t too “American-pride.”

MT: What is the inspiration behind the collection?

Photo courtesy of Ahra Gho

Madeline Thompson: What is the title of your collection?

AG: The inspiration for this collection was the representation of the idea that there are always new discoveries to be made, chances to make bold choices and that there is still an “unknown” element to anyone who has come to believe that their lives have become redundant and archaic.

I wanted my designs to resemble that idea of innovation and “new discovery.”

As for my silhouettes and color story, I was inspired by the astronaut suits from different times in history and the moon and the earth’s view from outer space.

Ahra Gho: Man in Space.

MT: How would you describe the collection’s style?

AG: My aesthetic for this collection includes clean-cut lines, bold accent colors, striking graphics and somewhat boyish silhouettes while still maintaining an essence of femininity.

FIT

8 connects to my collection is clear thick vinyl or plastic that really is a huge part of my collection. I got the idea to use it from the space helmet. I utilized it as an alternative to cut outs and to give the girls a little more sex appeal.

MT: What techniques did you use to make your collection stand out against the rest?

AG: I guess this question really goes with my entire inspiration for the collection.

I wanted to do something that no one’s really done before. I think that it consists of some new ideas that haven’t really been seen before but ones that any girl can still wear out into the streets on any given day.

MT: How has this competition helped you excel as a fashion designer?

AG: This collection is probably the best collection that I’ve made since I’ve been at school. I learned so much of my potential and myself during the process of this collection. I only hope to improve even more in my future collections.

MT: How do your materials reflect your inspiration?

MT: What requirements were difficult to meet in the competition? Did these requirements suppress your creativity?

AG: The types of fabrics I used were mostly solids with the exception of two prints (one of the moon and one of an abstract image of the earth from space) that I had customized for this particular project. The other material that really

AG: There weren’t that many requirements to meet for this competition. We were just told to create a ten-look ready-to-wear collection with any inspiration of our choice. There’s a lot of freedom within those requirements.

MT: What is your background experience in fashion design?

AG: I don’t really have much of a background in fashion design other than my few internships and attending school here.

MT: How did you discover your talent in fashion design?

AG: [Laughs] I wouldn’t say that I discovered my talent in fashion design.

It’s just something that I knew that I loved doing. I’m pretty sure there’s nothing else in this world that gives me the same feeling that designing does.

The thing about fashion is, it’s constantly changing. I loved the idea of being in an industry where nothing would ever stay the same and where there would always be something to be interpreted in an innovative and fresh way.

MT: What are your plans for the future as a fashion designer?

AG: My ideal future as a fashion designer would be having my own line, selling in Bergdorf Goodman, having stores in New York, London, Paris and Asia, and winning a few awards would be great too.

Figure Skating Takes a Crossover into FIT Athletics

by Dana Heyward

Figure Skating Club members take to the ice at Citi Pond. Photography by Dana Heyward

The newly reopened Citi Pond in Bryant Park was where I met up with the officers of FIT’s new Figure Skating club around 8 a.m. on a Friday morning. The officers and other members meet weekly for lessons and free skating. The club President, Megan Sattur, a Fashion Merchandising Management major, still describes herself as a beginner as she only started taking lessons last year but she strongly felt that an figure skating team was something that FIT needed.

The other club officers, Communication Design major, Vanessa Quiles and Graphic Design major Cassandra Garuzzo, are more advanced but noted that they stopped skating since coming to FIT because the school didn’t offer any team or club. When word got out about the club, however, they were happily surprised by the response they received. They found that there were many students who were at junior level in skating before they came to FIT but hadn’t actually skated

since for the same reason. The club is accepting all levels and currently has 15 competitive skaters and 35 non-competitive skaters.

The club officers prefer figure skating since it’s truly is an escape and they feel that they’re in their own little world out on the ice. Just the sight of the fresh ice rink brought me back to my own days of figure skating. I can’t deny that there’s an incredibly peaceful feeling you get from figure skating that you don’t get from other sports and seeing people out on the ice almost made me want to break out my own skates.

In the next year, Sattur hopes for the club to participate in competitions and increase the number of competitive figure skaters. She also wants to spread the knowledge of figure skating to the FIT community. She remarked, “Who didn’t want to be Michelle Kwan when they were younger?”

9

W27

DECEMBER 2012

FIT Women’s Soccer Team Makes School History

by Jennifer Yeboah

by Raquel Rose Burger

The Tigers Women’s Soccer Team in Hudson River Park

Tigers and Fans Come Out for a Wizards’ Performance

The Harlem Wizards storm the court.

Photography by Jennifer Yeboah

We are known for our style, ambition and wit, but the Harlem Wizards dropped by on November 8th and taught our athletic team a little lesson in performance. Fans gathered together to see the Wizards and Tigers face off on the court. With songs like “Let’s Get Loud,” “Whip It,” and “Push It” blaring through the speakers, the crowd was pumped, waving their complimentary white pom-poms in the air.

While the FIT basketball team was prepping for the game Big J and Mojo of the Harlem Wizards were showcasing their best merengue dance moves.

The game commenced with a soulful national anthem delivered by FIT’s Gospel Choir and an opening performance of playful banter and quick-handed basketball tricks from the men of the Harlem Wizards. The Tigers put their game faces on to challenge the towering Wizards but came up short mid-way through the game. By halftime the score

was 11 to 23 but all was not lost; the crowd joined together on the court for a Cha Cha Slide. FIT’s Coed Dance Company and Creative Movement also joined in on the festivities with well-received dance performances. One-arm handstands, chair freezes and back flips with a cultural mix of ballet surprised the crowd.

The Tigers pressed on while the Wizards continued to amuse the crowd with their antics as the third quarter ended with the serenading of a game goer and the pantsing of a Tiger. “It was hard to take it seriously with the players making everyone laugh,” Illustration major, LaChelle Lewis said, “We played hard, it just didn’t help that the Wizards were so much taller than the Tigers.” The Wizards were still in the lead 30 to 50 as the game came to a close but the Tiger spirit remained. FIT was left graciously defeated but wholly entertained.

The Tiger Women’s soccer team was crowned Regional champions after winning a game with a final score of 2-0 against their rivals, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).

With a rigorous practice schedule of Tuesday through Friday at 7 a.m. at Pier 40, it’s no wonder the new team performed so well. This is only the second year of the Women’s soccer program at FIT, so winning this title so soon is a huge accomplishment.

The first score of the game, by Briana Marquit, happened just fourteen minutes in, giving the Tigers the strong start that lead them to victory. Team Captain, Brittany Sheeran, is honored to be a part of such a great team and is privileged to share the title of Regional Champs with them. “Being on this team has taught me to never underestimate your opponent and to always rely on your team,” said Sheeran. This proved the captain well as the winning goal was made when she assisted fellow teammate, Hannah Rodriguez in a risky corner kick. The win broke FIT out of a three-way tie and made them the stand-alone Regional contender. The Tigers would have advanced to Districts versus Nassau Community College, but unfortunately, the game was forfeited due to Hurricane Sandy.

The effort and sportsmanship shown by these women, along with the assistance of Coach David Bevivino, set the bar high for continuing years and displayed the true meaning of teamwork. Coach Bevivino was named Coach of the Year for Region XV for his amazing efforts. He gives most of his recognition to his team though, “I have never felt more proud in my life of how well this team did this season.

But honestly all of the credit goes to the women of this team. They were unbelievably dedicated all season, and put in so much work, that it made my job easy and most of all fun,” he said.

The team participated in many teambonding events; from team meals, to rock climbing trips and team pictures, as well as team workouts. The women of this team had only two and a half months to get to know each other and learn to play together before the end of the season, so quick team bonding was imperative. It’s a short time to go from strangers to people you can trust to have your back on and off the field. Coach Bevivino’s words of wisdom each game were, “If you play as a team, and bond as a team, you win as a team.” This has certainly transformed these cubs into the Tigers we are proud of.

Best of luck to this reigning team as they train for their third season of success.

The Tigers in actions vs. Suffolk County Community College

FIT’s Gospel Choir delivers the national anthem

ON THE BLOCK

FIT

10

Prep in Their Step

by Emilie Schwenk

Ivy Style: A Fashion Symposium, Withstanding the Test of Time

by Amanda Baldwin

Expressive, bold, classic; these words could be heard swirling about the huddled conversations among the fashion experts before the start of Ivy Style :A Fashion Symposium. The scheduled speakers were enthralled with each other’s input and opinions on the enduring classic looks, and the audience of 260 attendees were eager to hear them as well.

Ivy Style: A Fashion Symposium marked The Museum at FIT’s 12th annual Style Symposium, a two-day event from November 8th to the 9th, held within the Haft Auditorium. This brought a deeper understanding to Ivy fashion and how it evolved over time. Thursday’s speakers included Dr. Valerie Steele, Patricia Mears, Daniel Cappello, Dr. Peter McNeil, Dr. Christopher Breward, G. Bruce Boyer, Dr. Monica Miller and Dr. Deirdre Clemente.

Assuming an identity and playing a role while wearing Ivy League apparel was the recurring theme indicated by the speakers. Daniel Cappello, author of The Ivy League, stated that these looks capture the American image of prestige, authority, tradition and, “it’s almost as if when you’re dressing in an Ivy League look you can assume that part.” Dr. Breward, professor at the University of Edinburgh, spoke of the spirit of dandyism and the history of Ivy style in the late 1800s within English city universities. He emphasized that students took pride in what they wore and paid great attention to detail.

Even the architecture of Cambridge, he declared, acted as “stages” for students, “as they were performing in this attire.”

Each university’s style was different and followed its own set of rules. According to Dr. Clemente, professor at the University of Las Vegas, Princeton students were, “elaborately dressed like characters in Fitzgerald novels,” and Yale students were, “always conservative, always correct.”

For African American Ivy League students, dressing in this fashion was a way of shedding negative views of them brought on by society. Dr. Monica Miller, professor at Barnard College, expanded on this topic stating, “how better to dispel those images than to present oneself as smart, in both intellect and style.”

Patricia Mears with Claudio Del Veccio of Brooks Brothers Group, Inc.

Ivy style should not just be seen as a classic staple of fashion, but an advantageous outlet for expression. G. Bruce Boyer, special consultant for the Ivy Style exhibit, incorporated the discussion of how jazz played a role in shaping Ivy style. In 1945, when zoot suits were popular he said, “they were brash, they were in your face, they were flamboyant, they were arrogant, they were bold, and they were blaring,” which he felt mimicked jazz music style at that same time. Dr. Peter McNeil, professor at Stockholm University, told of the life of the Duke of Windsor, who had the ability to effortlessly mix and match colors, and when the Duke was questioned on breaking the rules he said, “only kings can break the rules.”

Patricia Mears, deputy director for the Museum at FIT, in charge of creating the Ivy Style exhibition, offered her guidance in directing experts to help her curate the wonderful exhibit. In regards to the importance of creating the exhibit she stated that it was, “not only learning so much, but getting to meet wonderful people.”

Ivy fashion means different things to different people but one thing is for sure, it is here today and will be here tomorrow.

The second day of the Ivy Style Symposium at the Museum at FIT tipped a hat to the men who made the Ivy Style trend a staple in menswear, and those who look to continue the legacy.

A casual panel-style interview with the CFDA’s 2011 Menswear Designer of the Year brought up the yearning for a return to a classic style in menswear. A very laid back Michael Bastian talked about the history of his upbringing and how it has affected his style in design, producing luxurious but unflashy and wearable menswear with a distinctly East Coast aesthetic.

Bastian was raised in upstate New York in an area where dressing for the weather trumps dressing for style. Growing up, Bastian looked up to his father and his father’s friends for style. He grew up in a very liberal area during a time when a “return to nature” was coming back into fashion. These role models who drove jeeps and worked with their hands, wore outfits that were not very popular at the time, but are very much associated with Ivy style presently, like flannels paired with Levi’s jeans, knit ties and navy blazers. They created their own version of preppy, not associated with Ivy League schools.

Fast forward to Bastian moving to New York City and working with Bergdorf Goodman. There the young style savant found it peculiar that he could not find very basic pieces that he had become used to wearing in his own preppy style. He worked with Bergdorf’s to create those pieces for their private label. After some time Bastian left Bergdorf Goodman with a strong following and expanded on the ideas of timeless basics for his own menswear collection.

A presentation by designer, Jeffrey Banks and writer, Doria de la Chapelle, the coauthors of the book, Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style, teaches of the evolution of the preppy Ivy style and what it has become today. According to the enthusiastic duo, the preppy men’s style is a direct descendant of Ivy League style. It is just as popular today as it was in its heyday because it is a lifestyle that promotes privilege and a version of “the good life.” De la Chapelle explains that the style, “perpetually connects us to the idyllic collegiate lifestyle.”

The book explores the trends that came out of the G.I. Bill and those military men returning to college campuses and mixing their military garb with the sportswear and dressy clothing regularly worn.

In addition to elements of style, Preppy also emphasizes the difference between the trends in America and overseas, noting that American men prefer more color and more adventurous cuts, while the Europeans take on the style that remains more traditional.

Banks reminds us that Ivy style is something that began very elitist and exclusive but has become something very

democratic. The book Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style shows that there is something for everyone in prep.

As the world moves into the digital age, the concept of Ivy style recalls the good ol’ days, especially with so many different styles and interpretations of dress.

Some, like the obstinate and devoted bloggers during the Blogging About Ivy panel, prefer to let their readers interpret their uncensored opinions. Some are very tongue-in-cheek, like John Tinseth of The Trad (thetrad.blogspot.com), mens’ style blog, or knowledgeable and witty as Dusty Grainger of the blog Maxminimus (maxminimus.blogspot.com). Some blogs, like the popular blog The Daily Prep (muffyaldrich.com), prefer to remain earnest rather than ironic as so many blogs have become. The blogging panel was perhaps the comic relief of the symposium.

All of the bloggers were very well versed and completely unapologetic, which was an interesting contrast to the otherwise elegant and proper feel of Ivy style. The writers, who all have day jobs outside of fashion, spend time blogging about the style as a hobby, confirming the notion that people today still have an affinity for style and fashion regardless of what they do for a living. All three blogs discussed on the panel appeal to a different set of preppy enthusiasts.

The last speaker of the night, Claudio Del Vecchio, the chairman and CEO of Brooks Brothers Group, Inc. delivered a serious and eloquent presentation of the history of the brand, and what Del Vecchio believes the future holds for the nearly 200 year old label.

As the Brooks Brothers brand grew, it became a staple in men’s wardrobes and played perhaps the most important role in crafting the Ivy style trend. The label has a legacy of manufacturing in the United States; Del Vecchio stresses the importance of American-made fashion. Brooks Brothers is proud of this reputation, using American-made buttons and leathers, among other elements of the designs.

As the chairman went on to explain, the young men on the campuses were style innovators; the nonchalant way they put the Ivy style looks together is something that has been recreated and reworked time after time. Presently, the label is working on re-establishing itself for the next generation with their line, Black Fleece by Thom Browne. The unconventional and progressive designer works to create looks that keep the company growing, recognizing that young men don’t want to wear the same looks as their grandfathers and fathers. Browne and Brooks Brothers aim to create an appreciation for the label those generations before have come to recognize the brand for.

Del Vecchio closed the symposium with the connection, “clothing is an excuse for a reputation between generations.”

Brooks Brothers is doing its part with the Museum at FIT to keep the style alive and evolving for generations to come.

11

W27

DECEMBER 2012

Gifts that Give During this holiday season, why not spread cheer not only to your friends and neighbors, but also to those who could use a helping hand. The joy of giving is even greater when you can put a smile on the face of a loved one and a little lift in the life of another

Sebastian Errazuriz T-shirts

KIND Snack & Give Back

No matter what disasters befall New York, the city always bounces back in style.

Artist, Sebastian Errazuriz’s “I Still Love NY” and “Manhattan Blackout” t-shirts make great gifts for any city dweller, while giving back 100% of the proceeds to Hurricane Sandy relief programs.

By Dianna Mazzone Sometimes breakfast for me means throwing a granola bar into my bag on the way out the door for class or interning.

With KIND’s limited edition Snack & Give Back cubes, I’d be set for weeks—and feel as though my purchase made an impact on more than just my hasty breakfast routine.

Courtesy of thegivingkeys.com

The Giving Keys

By Samantha Vance With the nation unemployment rate for Americans still high at 7.5%, it’s nice to find a gift that gives those who are still affected a hand. The Giving Keys helps the homeless transition by employing them to engrave these recycled keys. The keys become charms on necklaces and bracelets and are sold and shared around the world for $35 to $55. Each key necklace carries a unique message like HOPE, STRENGTH, DREAM or COURAGE, but the special message doesn’t stop there.

Once the owners of the key finds someone else who needs the message, they give it away and tell their story on The Giving Keys website.

For the first annual Snack & Give Back campaign, KIND partnered with three global tastemakers to customize their own KIND snack cubes. Makeup mogul, Bobbi Brown, musician, Grace Potter and Huffington Post founder, Arianna Huffington each personally curated KIND cubes to benefit Broome Street Academy, the Alzheimer's Association and the Committee to Protect Journalists, respectively. Each limited edition KIND cube contains 20 bars and retails for $42.95. kindsnacks.com

Courtesy of kindsnacks.com

Shared stories like this one from Andy, a customer of thegivingkeys.com, provide a human connection and extra encouragement, “I was in Vancouver, BC this past weekend and saw a young lady with a sign ‘too proud to prostitute but can’t get a job, please help.’ I bought Sara a coffee and listened to her story. She is a recovering addict who had her daughter taken from her 2 years ago. She is trying to change.

A sad story. Made me humble to think about how good I have it. I gave her the key I had purchased because I believe Sara needed a little extra "Strength" in her life,” he wrote. Don a key this season to feel merry about helping those in need, and then pass it on to a personals friends when they need a little encouragement of their own. thegivingkeys.com

Courtesy of ahalife.com

Altruette Charm Bracelets

By Sarah Dill After a very hard year from Hurricane Sandy to the Nor’easter and the Mayan end-of-the -world scare, there are many things to give thanks for. Rather than having to pick only one organization to give back to this holiday season, why not invest in a few causes close to your heart?

Altruette is a USA produced company that shares 50% of its net profits with its cause partners and handcrafts each bracelet and necklace from 100% recycled sterling silver and 14k gold plating.

Bracelets are $130 to $150 in price but each charm is only $15, which makes it a truly special and personalized gift during our country’s time of need. Pick out any gold or sterling silver charm bracelet and personalized charm to reflect your friend or family member and then select from the many organizations you’d like to send your proceeds to.

Each $40, white cotton t-shirt is printed with the iconic images of the “I Love New York” logo and the MTA subway map, but with the added twist of dark blue or black dip dyes. Errazuriz, a New York based artist whose studio was impacted by the storm, was inspired to design these shirts after seeing the high water marks in many Chelsea galleries. These shirts are not only a clever way to give to your friends and a good cause, but they also serve as a reminder of all the work yet to be done to get this area back on its feet. shopgreyarea.com

Courtesy of shopgreyarea.com

Ranging in charms from cameras, to musical instruments, to fruit and entertainment, there is a charm for every personality. Each charm represents a certain non-profit organization, such as the African Wildlife Foundation, American Community Gardening Association, Globalgiving, The Nature Conservancy and many more. With each charm you can help out hundreds of causes in one gift. Also, with each charm and bracelet purchase comes an attached card with details on the organization you are supporting, giving a little hope to the one receiving it and a sense of appreciation from the charity back to the giver.

Whether you love animals, support education, enjoy nature or are a people person, think about changing the world with a bit of charm and link up with friends this season. altruette.com

ON THE BLOCK

FIT

12 Symposium Series:

Diversity and Globalization in Beauty

by Amelia Cheikhali

Photo courtesy of thisfashionismine.com

the bridge, leadership within the company and the consumers, the beams represent the networks of communication and the deck symbolizes the workforce. The final of the three was beauty fusion; three circles that overlapped, each representing indigenous ingredients, sensorial experiences and rituals to better understand the diversity of each global market while creating a more localized world.

Tonie Leatherberry, courtesy of newonline.com

On November 16th, the school of Graduate Studies hosted their first of many symposiums throughout the year.

This symposium, hosted by Dr. Mary E. Davis, Dean of Graduate Studies, focused on diversification and globalization of the beauty industry. The morning began with a lovely continental breakfast and the distribution of the research materials done by students in the graduate program for Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management. The students worked closely with other cosmetic and fragrance agencies, such as Estee Lauder, to come up with the three different models for global marketing. The first model was the bonding helix, which focused on brands creating relationships with the consumers through six bonds: consider, evaluate and buy then re-evaluate, influence and loyalty. The next model was the bridge, which was broken down by the two anchors of

After the models were explained, Tonie Leatherberry, principal of Deloitte Consulting was introduced and spoke about such things as the buying power of women (in the next few years it will rise to 85%), how she works to understand what is trending in other countries such as Africa and how we need to open our minds to the special marketing needs of other countries. As Letherberry said in her presentation, “Diversity is a fact.

Inclusion is a choice.” The goal of this event, as Dr. Davis said in the beginning, was to get the words diversity and globalization back to their original meanings but it seemed already to be the focus of the companies included in the panel discussion. Moderated by Ellen Byron of The Wall Street Journal, the discussion included Cheryl Wilson, global business development director for Ethnic Hair Care at Unilever; Nicholas Gavrelis vice president of Global Product Development at MAC Cosmetics; Ursula Wynhoven, general council of the United Nations Global Compact Office; Mark Davis, director of Community and Ethical Trade at The Body Shop and Alexandra FritschGil, marketing manager at Bumble and Bumble, a brand of the Estee Lauder

Companies. All the panelists agreed that their company’s main idea was to stop traditional mass communication to reach their target audience and focus on the individual markets and even the different segments in each market. For example, MAC Cosmetics, whose slogan has been, “all ages, all sexes, all races” since the company started, has embraced this focus. Gavrelis shared how MAC has different shades of lipstick for each country they are prevalent in and how one color can make a huge profit in one country and be a flop in another.

The way of the world is changing fast and if companies want to stay ahead they are going to have to, as Leonard Lauder once said, “buy a ticket and get there,” to fully understand what each new market requires. For more information on this symposium and others coming up visit their website at fitnyc.edu/13527.asp.

Nicholas Gavrelis, courtesy of mindfood.com

13

W27

DECEMBER 2012

Swedish Invasion

by Dana Heyward

On November 13th, the panel discussion, Swedish Fashion: H&M, Acne, and Much More took place before a fully seated Katie Murphy Amphitheater. The panel, moderated by Ingrid Giertz Martenson, CEO of Swedish Vision, was created in collaboration between the Museum at FIT, Svensk Form, and the Swedish Institute. The discussion was focused on the global impact Swedish fashion has made while giving background on its roots and what makes Swedish fashion so compelling today.

“What Swedish fashion lacks in heritage it makes up in modernity,” said Lena Patriksson Keller, chairwoman of the Association of Swedish Fashion. She sat on the panel with Mikael Schiller, chairman of ACNE Studios; Margareta van den Bosch, creative director of H&M; and Valerie Steele, the director of the Museum at FIT. Keller went on to explain what she believes unites Swedish fashion: “It is accessible –both in price and design…simple but not plain… and ‘lagom,’” which is translated into, “just the right amount.”

Lena Patriksson Keller courtesy of rodeo.net

Each panelist began with a brief overview of the history of their brands and their importance in Swedish society. Mikael Schiller was the first of the panelists to speak, giving information on the formation of ACNE Studios. Today ACNE Studios is one of the most well-known fashion labels stemming from Sweden and has developed a “cool culture” within itself. After Schiller, was Margareta van den Bosch who spoke on the upbringing of H&M and their current brand

objectives. She mentioned the success of their past collaborations with high end designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and recently Maison Martin Margiela this winter. The last panelist Lena Patriksson Keller, talked about various innovators in Swedish fashion. She highlighted on the fact that the Swedish fashion industry, by international standards is still in its youth, as Swedish fashion brands we know today (ie. Cheap Monday, ACNE, WESC) only started in the ‘90s or early 2000s.

Margareta van den Bosch courtesy of whimsicalagnesiga.com

All the panelists seemed to agree on the innovative culture Sweden seems to have, not just in fashion but also in technology, textiles and other production industries.

Schiller remarked that Sweden is “a very non-hierarchical country” and this allows for companies as well as individuals to grow independently in an industry.

The event ended with a question and answer portion in which audience members were allowed to direct their questions to one or all of the panelists. Question topics ranged from the importance of sustainability, to the collaboration with the Swedish government on issues regarding European business network, CSR Europe and how Swedish fashion compares to fashion in Norway and Denmark. All of the panelists added that having a strong presence and standing in Sweden was necessary before expanding internationally, and their many brands continue to flourish.

Mikael Schiller courtesy of amiando.com

FEATURE

FIT

14

a r o u n

2 d

ROCK I N’

1

Jacket: Walter Baker Shirt: Walter Baker Pants: Walter Baker Shoes: ALDO Rise Clutch: Robyn Brooks

Dress: Nanette Lepore Coat: Nanette Lepore Shoes: ALDO Rise Necklace: Juliet & Company

Dress: Nanette Lepore Coat: Nanette Lepore Shoes: ALDO Necklace: Juliet & Company Clutch: Robyn Brooks

Coat: Walter Baker Sweater: Proenza Schouler for Target Pants: Walter Baker Shoes: ALDO Rise Hat: Models Own Necklace: Beck

15

W27

DECEMBER 2012

‘Tis the season to be jolly and what better place to be than in the heart of New York City? Nostalgic colors of red and green keep these snazzy silhouettes traditional and classic while the metallic materials make for an au courant and merry memory. Whether you’re shopping on Fifth Avenue or admiring the tree, always stay dressed-to-the-nines and ready to take on the world. You never know who you might bump into on the streets this time of year.

R OC K E F E LL E R

Styled by Freddy Rodriguez Model: Alexis Katsafanas Photographer: Jacquelyn Clifford Makeup: Maria Baez

4

3

FEATURE

FIT

16

&

Renee

Rayna

by Arushi Khosla

RENEE JUZDAN Manager, Wholesale Events, Chanel

Arushi Khosla: So tell us how you got started in this industry.

Renee Juzdan: I’ve essentially known since I was a little kid; I’ve always innately loved clothes. I went to school at the University of North Carolina and majored in Communication Studies. Then I went to work at a PR firm in Atlanta. One day, I decided I had to give New York and fashion a shot. I started networking, immersing myself and translating my core public relations skills into ones that could transition and be applicable to the fashion industry. For a year I networked and connected with people in the industry from Atlanta. I landed a connection at Armani, had a phone interview, flew into the city and got the job. It was a special events position. Consequently, I moved on to marketing at Versace, but then when 2009 hit, our department was eliminated because the brand was impacted adversely by the recession. I freelanced for a while and then landed a PR position at L’Oreal, focusing on Armani beauty, which worked beautifully because I obviously already had strong relations with my colleagues there. It was an easy fit. But I knew fashion was my first love so I moved on to Chanel. It’s the perfect place for me.

AK: What is your job all about and how is wholesale events different from special events?

RJ: Wholesale events are structured around boutique and image events although the department kind of coordinates and intersects with each other. Basically, anything to do with our retail and wholesale partners. So think Barneys, Bergdorf, Neiman Marcus, etc.

It’s specific to the partnership between the retailer and the fashion house. My job oversees all events, trunk shows, major runway presentations, cocktails, store openings and so on.

AK: How do PR, marketing and events correlate and intersect (since you have experience in all three)?

Renee Juzdan, courtesy photo

In keeping with the holiday season, w27 had the pleasure of interviewing Renee Juzdan, who creates concepts and executes events as her daily job. Working in events is not the same as attending events. It takes that rare breed of A creative-meets-business mind to make incredible productions happen.

Working at Chanel is almost the stuff of fashion fairytales, so getting a peek at the life of someone who’s been in the same room as Karl Lagerfeld is quite enough for us. Juzdan offered W27 some valuable insight on working for the most venerated luxury label in the world, her ideal intern, what her job encompasses and more.

RJ: We all work very closely together.

Communication in general is a small bubble of a field. PR people are the image drivers, we work with them for our events to make sure the image is appropriate, press-worthy, the type of press targeted and garnered and so on. The playoff and the strategies are aligned.

Marketing ties in with events as well. Like with Saks, we wanted a New York Times advertisement for the event, a mailer, etc. so clients will absorb every aspect. It’s very integrated.

AK: What is a day in your life like?

RJ: It’s always different, always changing and always busy. So it can be anything from working on the calendar to strategizing and formating events for the new season with retailers, trafficking samples for advertising shoots, trunk shows or special events. It’s a lot of crosscommunication with Paris, working with them so our strategies are aligned, to adapt the larger concept to our functions.

RJ: Not really detrimental. It’s definitely helpful but not knowing it isn’t a deal breaker. It’s a good skill to have for anyone wanting to work in the luxury industry in general; lots of European companies offer to have their employees tutored in the language. You may also have the opportunity of moving to the main office in Europe as you climb the ranks, so it’s always a good base to have.

AK: How are European companies different from American ones, in terms of work environment, the way they strategize, approaches to tackling issues, etc.?

Don’t expect anything to fall into your lap, you’ve got to do everything yourself.

Paris is our driving force for creative. All global strategies come from Paris, so in the US we take their directive and adapt it to how it would effectively translate here.

We work closely with them and for big initiatives; we collaborate and get prior approvals. There can be no compromise on our image and strategy in comparison with what Paris is doing.

AK: What are some current projects at Chanel you are working on?

RJ: We just did an amazing commercial show with Saks in LA at a private residence. It was a fantastic initiative for their market, highlighting Saks as a key player there. We recreated the Cruise 2013 runway using the exact inspiration from the Paris runway, brought it to LA and had a luncheon to celebrate.

AK: Is not being fluent in French detrimental when trying to work at a major European company like Chanel?

RJ: I can’t speak directly from experience because I’ve always worked with European companies in the industry, but what I understand is that in New York based companies, there may be a little more accessibility to the core, the designer, and the inspiration.

The home office is creating the image, the initiative and the strategy and dispersing them globally.

Alternatively, in a European based company, we are the recipients for all this, the upholders of standards and the local translators. They do have more access and freedom.

AK: What do you look for in entry-level employees and interns?

RJ: I look for someone who is extremely focused, driven and genuinely enjoys this industry. This is not for everyone.

It’s important to have that passion, as clichéd as it sounds, because it does have its rough moments, but if you inherently love what you’re doing, that temperament motivates and drives you to do well.

I also favor those who are detail-oriented

to the hilt, because a lot of the things we do are very specific and there isn’t a lot of room for error. You have to be extremely organized and on top of things. Be efficient with regards to managing time. It’s not an industry for the faint-hearted; it’s constantly changing, evolving. You have to be able to roll with the punches, be flexible and adaptable.

AK: What tip do you wish someone had given you when you were an intern and getting started? What is the best piece of industry related advice you ever received?

RJ: Networking is key. Don’t expect anything to fall into your lap, you’ve got to do everything yourself. Set up informational interviews; learn as much as you can about the company, work on keeping in touch with people. You always meet people unexpectedly – at events, on LinkedIn, etc. so speak to as many as possible. Even if they’re not directly connected with the company you see yourself working at, they may know someone who knows someone who is.

This industry is all about connections. I feel that if you can practice that, the art of upholding effective social interaction, get as much experience through internships, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Do not be afraid to temp, a lot of those positions become permanent. Make the best of the experience.

As a fallout of the economic crisis, many companies are still relatively short-staffed.

Interns get real responsibility at the good internships and have the opportunity to shine. If you take it seriously, it could really build your career. Take advantage of this – I wish I had the opportunity to intern at a company like Chanel when I was in school.

AK: What is your favorite and most challenging part of your job?

RJ: My favorite part is just being around such incredible vision and inspiration all the time. When we go to the shows and see Mr. Lagerfeld’s incomparable vision, it’s an incredible process to translate in the

17

W27 US, [to] work on things that are true to his vision. Chanel is always setting the bar, we are always the trendsetters. It’s very exciting to see creativity of the brand and collections, to work with great partners on an event or an advertisement, etc.

things done, so we have to use that time judiciously and wisely. It’s always a bit tricky to work around that. So we always make sure to be in close communication with them and keep the dialog flowing so we’re always on the same page.

The most challenging part I guess is just the time difference with Paris. We have a short window to work with them and get

AK: Tips on interviews/resumes and cover letters?

Arushi Khosla: So why don’t you start off by telling me a little bit about your job as style manager at Saks?

Rayna Cummings: I am the women’s designer ready-to-wear style manager.

Now, every company is structured differently, but at Saks, what that means is that I oversee product shots, kind of like art directing but not exactly the same. I concentrate on maintaining the image of the brand, Saks’s identity, making sure everything comes together in a cohesive and visually appealing way. Customer experience is the focus so attention has to be paid to detail shots, model castings, hair and makeup; whatever makes the site looks its best.

I go to market with the buyers in order to always stay on top of trends, making sure the brand and its identity evolves every season and the hair and makeup also remains relevant and fresh.

AK: In what ways is styling for Saks different from freelance and which do you prefer?

RC: I was originally a market editor at Saks. I did that for three and a half years and got to put my hands in a lot of different areas. It’s kind of like being an editor at a magazine but also different because you’re directing trends to 52 stores. It was during the recession so it was about the business, not the fantasy.

Additionally, I styled windows, picked advertisements for catalogs and scouted new vendors. Then I left there and decided I wanted to style.

Then I freelanced. I assisted a number of stylists. My mentor led me to style Saks catalogs and so I had come full circle.

From that, my current position became available. The studio for Saks Direct has

their abilities that are unrelated to the job whether it’s social or their work ethic, that’s really important because you have to be well-rounded. The innate attitude is the biggest thing – unlike skills, it can’t be taught.

interned in school. I did temp work and went to an agency to sample what kinds of jobs I could see myself working and the companies that were a good fit. I ended up landing in PR at Saks.

RAYNA CUMMINGS Style Manager, Saks Direct What does the job of the style manager at one of the world’s most important luxury retailers, Saks Fifth Avenue, do? Since the advent of shows like the Rachel Zoe Project and the subsequent newfound interest in becoming a stylist, every girl who can put an outfit together and her mother started proclaiming this to be their ideal job. But what is it really like?

What is a stylist’s job like without cameras, cultivated catchphrases and warring assistants?

W27 chatted with Rayna Cummings about her coveted job, her journey and her advice for aspiring stylists.

RJ: I suppose in terms of a cover letter, somebody who really shows passion for the brand and the position always catches my eye. When someone uses a quote from Gabrielle Chanel or coherently reflects their career goals – it’s unique and draws me in. In terms of interviews, personally a handwritten letter is a nice touch.

You’re taking out some time and putting in effort. Someone who can articulate

DECEMBER 2012

grown so much in the past 10 years. It used to be one tiny room and now look at it! My position was created just a year ago.

Before, they used to hire freelancers and didn’t have anyone in-house doing this.

Freelance and in-house are different in a lot of ways. There’s a number of styling jobs: editorial, which requires endless imagination and creativity; catalog which is more structured and so on. It’s different in the sense that I’m not pulling, it’s less stressful and I’m lucky enough to work with designers I love.

AK: You were also a market editor at Saks.

What did that entail and does editorial flow effortlessly into styling? Is editorial at a retailer different from doing it at a magazine?

RC: When you’re styling for a magazine, they do have certain brands they need to credit, that are their advertisers.

They give you a theme and you have to pull from those specific brands. For a retailer, they’ve bought those clothes, head-to-toe.

They pay for the pages so it depends on the money those brands are putting forward.

We call it “co-op.”

Sometimes brands split the cost and we put them together. We get to go to big locations because the end goal is to make the merchandise look gorgeous but sell.

AK: Do you have any tips for students who want to consider styling as a career option?

RC: It’s hard. Not to discourage anyone but it’s a tough industry. You have to really love it because you have to find a way to support yourself during that period when you’re not making much money. If you can find that one person who will take a chance on you, that mentor who can teach you the ropes and introduce you to people, you will be on your way. You just need to start assisting. That’s how you learn.

AK: What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were an intern?

RC: You have to work really hard and not ever think you’re entitled. You have to put in the time, be willing to do anything; it’s not beneath you.

Everyone who’s anyone today has done it before you.

A strong work ethic is everything. Also, try a lot of different things. I mainly interned in the same area and maybe I should’ve given PR or design a shot. So I’d know they weren’t for me before I delved in. The more exposure you have, the faster you’ll get to know your niche.

I’ve worked with Oprah before and it’s not a piece of cake.

AK: How did you get started?

RC: I’m from Boston originally and had a strong interest in clothes and fashion.

It’s something I think you either have or you don’t. I went to Indiana University because I wasn’t really 100% sure if I wanted to commit to specialized schooling like at FIT or Parsons, and also really wanted a typical college experience.

Right after college, I came to New York to intern. Interning is paramount – it gives you exposure, it connects you with people who can help. You’re still learning how it works so it’s only good to get more experience and exposure. It’s not as clear to apply what you learn in school in another environment.

I interned at The Limited and Victoria’s Secret Pink when it was just launching. The Limited was cool because I got to see how a line really comes together, what a trade show involves and how different departments collaborate to create results. In college I had minored in apparel merchandising and business, so it wasn’t like I was completely removed from that. It was hard for me to find a job after school, probably because I hadn’t

AK: How is editorial styling different from wardrobe/celebrity styling (apart from the obvious ways)?

RC: If you’re working on someone’s personal wardrobe, you have to be sensitive to their body, their style. I’ve worked with Oprah before and it’s not a piece of cake. They have to be comfortable with what they’re wearing, so you really have to understand the client. It’s not just about putting clothes together. A model, on the other hand, will do what you ask.

As a personal shopper, you have to be a good salesperson and be a people person.

Then there’s costume design for TV and movies. It’s a really powerful thing to be able to visualize and create a look suited to a character in your head and making it come together in life.

AK: What are your favorite and most challenging parts of your job?

RC: My favorite part is that it’s something different every day. It’s not just me sitting at my desk; [it’s] collaborating with creative people, [and] getting their best out of them like photographers and models. It’s an amazing feeling.

Rayna Cummings, photography by Daniel Graindorge

It can, and does, get really crazy because we shoot so much. There are ten shoots going on simultaneously on a given day and as the business keeps getting bigger, it’s tricky balancing your time when you’re trying to oversee four shoots at a time. It can be nuts and working with all these different personalities can also be a task. Usually you’re on set with a photographer, two models, working with ten or twenty total different people and they all have different methods of operating. You have to know how to ask people for what you want. It’s intensely personal because you have to have a 100% grasp and know the identity of the brand, what they’re conveying and how they’re changing all the time.

AK: As a visualizer, how do you work with the photographer and others involved in the shoot to effectively share your vision and make sure it translates into the images?

RC: I sit on set and watch as the photos come in, see if the model’s posing the right way, etc. I’m trying to visualize what will make for the most compelling visual presentation. When you see 12 almost identical but slightly different images in a row, it’s not as cohesive and clean to edit. The bottom line remains the most important thing. Is it going to sell the clothes? You’ve got to visualize what it’s going to look like online. See how colors pop, diversify poses and so on. Editing is something I do naturally so it’s not hard for me to weed out things, which is key because that’s such a large part of my job.

DEAR INDUSTRY Holiday Window Wars

by Mia Lusting

Barneys New York - 660 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065

The holiday season is settling in and nowhere more so than on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Along the streets of this luxurious shopping destination, high end retailers can be seen decking out their window displays with all of this season’s glitter and glamour.

Three retail establishments with particularly noteworthy holiday window dressings are Barneys, Bendel and Bergdorf Goodman, the specialty store darlings of the UES. These three B’s invest considerable resources including time, money and manpower into their annual window displays. The results are expectedly breathtaking.

The moving-art short film features the iconically stylish Minnie Mouse embarking on a Parisian fantasy fashion adventure with her Disney pals. Along the way, she encounters fashion-forces such as Daphne Guinness, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Lady Gaga and more.

The clip culminates in a fashion show in which Minnie, wearing Lanvin, and friends, wearing an assortment of other high-end labels, take the runway as fashion-idealized, waiflike versions of their roly-poly selves.

The full video can be seen at thewindow. barneys.com/electric-holiday-the-film.

An Electric Holiday Window, photos courtesy of Barneys New York

Henri Bendel’s flagship store takes us back to the jazz age with a Deco the Halls themed holiday display. Inside the windows is a fun take on a 1920s inspired Christmas, which includes specialty merchandise that can be purchased inside.

In order to achieve the look, Gilberto Santana, Bendel’s associate vice president of Visual Merchandising, backed by a visual team, recreated authentic fashion A Heri Bendel window, photograph courtesy of Fashionista.com

For their 2012 holiday windows, Barneys New York has collaborated with The Walt Disney Company to bring us an Electric Holiday themed sensation. Together, they produced a short video celebrating Disney’s playful animation and Barneys’s haute culture for the window’s centerpiece.

Henri Bendel - 712 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

periods adapted from sketches archived at the Brooklyn Museum.

“It’s about a moment in time. The ‘20s was about liberation, freedom and questioning the status quo. Everything got ‘loose’ so to speak—fashion, people and parties—and that’s why it was called the Roaring ‘20s. I loved capturing that moment in history when everyone let their inhibitions go,” said Santana on the inspiration behind the deco theme.

BG pays homage to Marilyn Monroe in Billy Wilder’s Some Like it Hot in Act I of their window displays. Photography by Ricky Zehavi courtesy of blog.bergdorfgoodman.com

Minnie wearing Lanvin

Here is a brief overview of what’s in store windowwise for this season’s shoppers:

Bergdorf Goodman - 754 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019 Bergdorf Goodman brings us a “decadent” holiday celebration in five acts called The BG Follies of 2012, which, like Henri Bendel, draws inspiration from the Roaring ‘20s. The designer-clad BG mannequins can be seen wearing decoinspired fashions from the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen and custom ordered pieces by Naeem Khan.

These windows could be considered “a study in maximalism,” jokes the Bergdorf blog. Indeed, there is a well-coordinated excessiveness to this vibrant art deco revival. Bergdorf’s display director, David Hoey said, “This year’s theme is a nod to the theatrical wonders of the jazz age... inspired by such entertainments as the Ziegfeld Follies, Vaudeville and Busby Berkeley’s Hollywood musicals of the 1930s.”

Of course, Barneys, Bendel and Bergdorf are not the only three NYC retailers to make a splash with their windows. Lord & Taylor, Saks and Macy’s, the first NYC department store retailer to dress their windows for the holiday season back in 1858, along with countless others have also put together holiday dressings that would stun even the most stubborn Scrooge. They are all definitely worth a gander, especially for those of you who still have some gift shopping to do.

It seems fair to say that holiday window dressing is the retail equivalent of the Olympics. Luxury brands vie for shoppers’ attention and contribute to their own brand images in this time honored rivalry. The competition is especially fierce here in NYC. After all, if people are talking about one department store over another, the chances of them heading to a competitor for their Christmas shopping needs will be slim.

DEAR INDUSTRY

FIT

20

That Madonna Girl

by Mollie Yarsike

Clay Chic

Shayla Cox necklace courtesy of imgfave.com

by Dana Heyward Photo courtesy of Michelle Madonna

Like any other up and coming designer, Madonna has faced both challenges and opportunities along the way. The halos are currently being made out of her Upper East Side apartment, where she, and sometimes her mom, work into the early morning complete the orders. Though she sometimes has to stay up late, she does it with a passion. Everything she does is for her flower-children, and she will continue to make them happy as her brand grows.

Madonna started off at Loyola Marymount in LA and then eventually came to LIM here in the city. Though she loved everything about school, it just wasn’t for her.

Her teachers didn’t get her passion and one even told her, “You can’t turn your hobby into a job.” This “advice” pushed Madonna to drop out of LIM and to follow her dream completely. “You need to trust your gut and what would be the best direction for you. I wanted to just travel the United States, and go to different festivals and sell the halos but then I realized that’s probably not the best way to go. You have to find the best way to go about your passion,” Madonna declared.

As fashion students, we all know that networking is everything. Through networking, Madonna got herself into different fashion week events. She was invited to a party at Beaumarchais for “50 people under 30 in NYC.” This is where she met a PR rep who got TMG into the Daily

Style Sessions at The Empire Hotel. At the Daily Style Sessions, Madonna was able to expose her halos to the masses and even to some celebrities. Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Adrienne Bailon and more top names received multiple halos for themselves and to pass along to friends. They can be seen wearing halos on different websites and blogs along with thatmadonnagirl.com. During Miami Swim Week, models wore her halos down the runway and she had her logo up on stage during the Style Saves Fashion Show.

When asked if she thought halos were simply a fad or a classic fashion item, Michelle said, “At first I thought they were seasonal and I definitely got worried once fall and winter came around. But then it was suddenly October and November and my sales skyrocketed if anything. EDC [Electric Daisy Carnival] Orlando is actually this weekend [Nov 9 & 10, 2012] and I was getting all these orders from Florida.

I was worried about NYC but I realized that I actually have the rest of the world.

I was thinking small; New York, New York, New York, when I could have been thinking all over.” When asked if she has any advice for FIT students, Michelle said, “My advice is don’t try and do that thing you’re on the fence about. You should do something you are obsessed with doing and love, because the money will never be bad if you’re really good at something. I had all these dreams of doing these cool things but I wasn’t really into it. But now I’m so in love with it, the headbands and my flower children. And even though I have to stay up late, I do it happily. I just love it so much.”

Michelle hopes to eventually have a space in Long Island where she will have a few team members to help make the halos.

She hopes TMG will grow to the point where she can have a showroom and a complete line of festival wear (high-waisted shorts, feathered earrings, rings, bandeaus, bracelets, etc). If you’re interested in purchasing a halo or flowered ring for you or for the holidays make sure to visit the TMG website, thatmadonnagirl.com.

Jewelry designer and FIT alum, Shayla Cox has come to make her mark in the industry, first showcasing her ceramic jewelry in a number of “guerilla” fashion installations she orchestrated during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in 2011. Her boldness garnered her attention from a variety of blogs and magazines all asking the same question – “Who is this girl?” W27 caught up with the Brooklyn-based designer to get some insight on her work.

SC: Music is vital for my process. I have specific music that I listen to that helps to get me in work mode. Radiohead, Animal Collective and Flying Lotus are a few.

I light aromatic candles, and meditate before I get started. I want to make sure that I go into my work in a good and peaceful place. My actual work is inspired by my life, experiences, Tumblr, etc. Some of my most recent work is influenced by a trip to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago where they had an entire exhibit on jellyfish... they put me in a trance! I also look to interior design, architecture and the artifacts/jewelry of ancient civilizations. Really, what I'm drawn to... I just pay attention and take note of whatever speaks to me.

Dana Heyward: You graduated from FIT with a BS degree in Fashion Merchandising Management and studied abroad in Italy and London. What drove you to the jewelry industry working on both the creative side and business side of your brand?

DH: Why was clay your medium of choice?

Shayla Cox: It all happened very organically. I had an interest in designing jewelry for a few years but had no idea that I would have a line. I began with the ceramic component. I worked as a Studio Assistant at a Pottery Studio for a while. At first pottery was a therapeutic escape, through it I fell in love with the process, the material and the glazes.

Because of my life in the fashion industry, something clicked in my head one night while working and I began to think of how the glazes give the pottery a “jewellike” look. I started experimenting with creating more jewelry and I was hooked.

What's interesting is that from my major to experience in the industry, the focus was always more on the business side of brands. But as time went on I realized what made me happiest was the creative side. However, the business experience is SO VITAL to maintain a company. It's a daily challenge to focus on what I want to do for my business and what I need to do.

DH: Do you have projects planned for your jewelry collection next year?

DH: What are some of your inspirations for your jewelry?

SC: I was inspired by the late ceramic artist Beatrice Wood. Her work and her story really had an impact. I like to say that the clay chose me.

SC: The plan is to continue to grow shaylacox.com and get a few pop-up shops going.

Shayla Cox courtesy of Chictopia.com

They say dreams symbolize something that has either happened in our past or is going to happen in our future. This statement can definitely apply to Michelle Madonna, a.k.a “That Madonna Girl.”

After having a dream in June of 2012 where she made silk flower headbands, Michelle made her dream a reality. The next day she went on a hunt to find silk flowers, leather cord and beads at different stores around the city. This marked the beginning of her first accessories line self-titled, That Madonna Girl (TMG). The brand name derived from a nickname she had always had from friends. “I wanted to name it after myself, but chose TMG because it could be anyone. Anyone could be this crazy girl with flowers in her hair.

It’s a character,” said Madonna.

21

W27

DECEMBER 2012

Glamour Without A Lot of Fuss Hands Off My Intellectual Property

by Maddalena Alecce

W27 attended the photo-shoot of rising Fashion Designer Sarah Carson Cloud organized by the recently launched online publication HerHattan NYC.

by Mia Lusting

Pop-artist Andy Warhol once said, “Art is what you can get away with.” With all due respect to Mr. Warhol, and given the current situation of art today, he probably should have clarified his statement with, “... unless what you’re trying to get away with is theft.”

Stealing, pilfering, or “borrowing” intellectual property, defined as property that primarily arises from creativity of another artist or designer, is illegal.

characteristics that can be used to identify a particular product or brand.

They may consist of marks, logos, names, phrases, images, etc. or some combination thereof. A trademark registration lasts for ten years, but can generally be renewed.

As one of the foremost art and design schools in the country, the Fashion Institute of Technology has built up quite a formidable collection of intellectual property among its students. It is thus important for the students who attend this college to recognize the options available to safeguard the products of their mental efforts and creativity. Many successful designers and innovators, some of whom are FIT graduates themselves, have lost the rights to their designs simply because they did not take the necessary precautions to protect their creations.

ΩΩ Copyrights: These protections are meant specifically for various forms of (possibly artistic) expression, including books, plays, photographs and paintings. A copyright is good for the author or artist’s lifetime, plus an additional 75 years. If the copyright is being sought by a business, then the protection lasts for either 95 years from creation, or 120 years from publication, whichever is shorter.

There is no single and concise definition of intellectual property. As a result, the exact nature of what may or may not constitute IP can be difficult to articulate. Some examples may include fashion designs that one has invested countless hours into, an advertising slogan or campaign (or even just an idea for one), or a poem/essay/Great-American-Novel that you have written. Even this article would be considered intellectual property.

ΩΩ Patents: These protect inventors and their inventions, which may consist of both products and processes, for up to 20 years (14 years if the patent is for a design). Patents will only be granted for items that are “novel, useful and nonobvious,” so if you are trying to patent, say, a toaster, you should probably reconsider (unless your toaster doubles as a rocketship or something).

When someone else tries to pass these things off as their own, they are technically stealing, especially if they are being “unjustly enriched” (i.e. turning a profit) at another’s expense. Fortunately, in many cases, you have avenues of legal recourse should this happen. Protecting your intellectual gems beforehand will help you build a stronger case against an infringer. Understanding the most common types of intellectual protections is an important first step in safeguarding your creations. Below are some of the common and basic intellectual property rights one can apply for:

ΩΩ Having a basic understanding of your intellectual rights and how to safeguard them is pertinent to any student attending a design and business school, such as FIT. It is important to note that intellectual property laws vary and differ from country to country, and it is best to do thorough research in order to best protect your creation.

ΩΩ Trademarks: These bad boys are generally defined as distinctive

Have an art or design related legal question?

Email it to W27newspaper@gmail.com with the word “legal” in the subject line, and it may become the topic of a future W27 legal column!

HerHattan online experience, courtesy photo

Sarah Carson Cloud, designer and founder of her brand, Leota New York, is one of those lucky designers who was featured in the online publication, HerHattan NYC, founded by Stephanie Piazza. The photoshoot, called “Retro Glamour from Wall St. to Fashion Ave.” took place in Midtown Manhattan at Agent RED International.

Launched eleven months ago, HerHattan NYC dedicates its time and effort to New York’s rising fashion designers, helping them create a brand for themselves and promoting their designs in the fashion industry. HerHattan's most recent initiative is their search for four It-Girl Bloggers in Manhattan, granting them a chance to promote their business and build their career on the new platform.

The publication features seven different sections: Designer Features, Take it from Her, The HerHattan Girls, Out & About, HerHattan Concierge and lastly, two sections dedicated to online shopping called HerHattan Avenue and The HerHattan Closet.

“Women are so powerful and there are so many in this city. New York is the most challenging city to start a new business. We create a platform where female designers can share their stories and talent.” said Editor-in-Chief, Stephanie Piazza.

Piazza explained how the publication features two designers every month, holding customized photo-shoots for each designer. “We do not use models. Instead we like to shoot the designers themselves wearing their creations. We always try to shoot them in a space that represents their personality,” said Piazza.

In Cloud’s case, the space was her “imaginary” dream office. The set included some of Cloud’s designs hanging behind her white desk occupied by a variety of fabrics. Cloud, sitting behind the desk, appears to be busy sketching new designs, all the while sipping a cup of coffee.

The theme of Cloud’s collection is, as she herself describes it, “glamour without a lot of fuss.” All her garments, mostly dresses, feature bright lively colors, different patterns including polka dots, geometric shapes and lines, and have a rather form-fitting silhouette.

Cloud’s background is an interesting one. After working for eight years on Wall Street she decided to leave her job and dedicate herself completely to her brand, Leota New York. “There’s no better training for the fashion industry than Wall Street,” she said. Cloud has always sketched as a hobby until one day she decided to start a new business. Leota is named after her great-grandmother who believed in always dressing better than you have to. “My great-grandmother taught me my motto: good manners and effortless glamour never go out of style,” said Cloud, who also manages her business keeping these values in mind.

“Sarah’s thing is retro glamour,” said Piazza, “When I met her four years ago I put her on my designer list and this is why she is here today doing her photo shoot for HerHattan.” Piazza, in fact, started her list of designers long before she founded HerHattan. While holding the position of fashion editor at another publication, she met many talented designers whom she knew she could help some day. Years later, she used that same list to find designers to feature in HerHattan.

As the photo-shoot came to an end, Piazza took some time to give helpful advice to prospective designers. “If you’re trying to break in the industry you need to understand it is a competitive game. It is very important to build your name and your reputation. Never give up and most of all never get tired of trying. Talent will always bring everything together,” said Piazza.

HAUTE CULTURE Film Review:

Book Review:

Can’t Stand Losing You

Grace: A Memoir

by Francesca Beltran

by Ryan Charchian

The response, which came after a question regarding his relationship with the other two members of the iconic rock band, The Police, was actually rather shocking. The truth is, and without invalidating the veracity of his statement (God only knows what famous people are really like), the film portrays a rather quiet, calm man who was always first and foremost interested in playing his role as a musician.

Can’t Stand Losing You chronicles Summers’ life from his early days in London to his chance encounter with drummer Stewart Copeland and bassist Sting and how The Police came to be. The documentary is based on Summers’s best-selling memoir One Train Later, and shows not only the guitarist’s struggle to become a successful musician, but also how complicated it was for him to balance his devotion to music with his personal life.

Like every 800-page book that is turned into a film, deciding what to leave in and what to take out is, in one word, difficult.

For instance, the band’s reunion tour in 2007, which plays an important role throughout the movie, isn’t part of the memoir that was published the previous year. Moreover, Summers also admitted being much less involved in the movie

process, leaving it mostly on the hands of the young director, Andy Grieve.

as Vogue’s creative director, in demand for her cat drawings and master eye.

“The central character in the book is not really me, it’s the guitar,” said Summers.

“That’s the point of the book really, and I hope it came through the movie as well.”

Unfortunately, while his role as a musician is clearly pivotal, the part played by the guitar in the movie isn’t as iconic as he suggests it to be in the book; there are certain messages that are simply better conveyed through a particular medium and this seems one of them.

In addition to her chronicling her career, Coddington so cleverly inserts her opinions on topics about, well, everything by titling each chapter “On…” Sections include “On Growing Up,” “On Anna” and “On Cats.” Readers will find themselves devouring page after page as they learn new, sometimes highly surprising, facts about Coddington. From her first affair to “The Raccoon Incident” at the Four Seasons, she perfectly annotates the situations and at times also includes an illustration. The book is a complete balance of her words, those beautiful illustrations and never-before-seen photos that bring her world to life. Overall, Grace: A Memoir, is impeccably edited and well written. At times you find yourself saying out loud, “Grace, tell me more!” but ultimately those points keep Grace Coddington and the fashion world mysterious. If they told us everything would we want to buy the next issue?

Through Summers’s own extraordinary photos, rare archival footage of his career and exclusive behind the scenes and concert footage from The Police’s last massive world tour, the film constantly jumps from past to present and gives an in-depth view and understanding of what being part of a famous band in the late ‘70s was really like.

Successfully portraying both Summerses—the man and the musician—the documentary is also a beautifully shot example of how a rock star’s life isn’t always great or easy, and what it took for an English young man to become an icon. “It’s a story about never giving up,” said executive producer Bill Immerman.

Presented by DOCNYC, the film’s world premiere took place on November 9th at New York City’s SVA Theatre. Can’t Stand Losing You was produced by Norman Golightly “the biggest Police fan EVER,” or so he said… twice.

Courtesy photo

“I was the nastiest and the strongest,” said world-renowned guitarist Andy Summers with an extraordinary sense of humor, during the Q&A session that followed the world-premiere of his documentary film, Can’t Stand Losing You.

Grace Coddington came to celebrity status after the 2009 documentary, The September Issue. Since then, she can no longer be normal, but was she ever normal? In Grace: A Memoir, you follow Coddington as she narrates her life from her beginnings as a young girl with big dreams on a small Welsh island, to now,

Tuning in:

winter concerts

by Georgi Dwiggins

Now that the semester is finally winding down, finally letting us crawl back to having free time, it’s time to plan some celebratory fun. With several weeks between now and having to think about Spring classes, find some time to catch one of these upcoming concerts in the city. You earned it.

My Morning Jacket, photo courtesy of Cardinalplaylists.wordpress.com

Starting the Holiday concert season off right is blender of Jewish heritage, reggae, and alternative rock…rapper Matisyahu.

The one man cacophony of sound is hosting the NYC date of his Festival of Lights Tour at the Capitol Theater on December 16th. He will undoubtedly give a rousing performance of his new uplifting single, “Miracle.” Known for breaking into long-winded bouts of beat-boxing during live sets, Matisyahu is like a jam band with inspirational lyrics set to spiritual rhythms.

Also at the Capitol Theater, on December 27th , experimental rockers My Morning Jacket will begin a three night run of

shows. With bluesy homegrown roots blended with psychedelic funk, the band is a well-oiled machine of soulful yet progressive sound. Their most recent album, Circuital, was recorded entirely in a church gymnasium in MMJ’s hometown of Louisville Kentucky; it also debuted at number five on the Billboard Top 200 when released. The band once played for four hours straight at music festival Bonnaroo, so all three nights are sure to be energy charged.

The trippy mixed beats of Canadian duo, Purity Ring will be gracing Webster Hall twice this January, on the 11th and 12th.

The ghostly synth and vocals offered by Megan James and Corin Roddick are easy to lose yourself in. The band’s most recent album, Shrines, works likes sculpture pieces together, looping continuously.

Electronic intervals contrast with earthy lyrics, softly battling back and forth. This dynamic energy is sure to make for a great live show from Purity Ring.

23

W27

DECEMBER 2012

Theater Review:

Who’s afraid of virginia woolf?

by Fernanda DeSouza

It’s about time—Edward Albee’s 1962 revival was just what Broadway needed.

Leave behind the desire to buy tickets for overrated musicals this holiday and instead enter into this night-in-the-life of two couples and their love affair between themselves, their struggles, and a bottle or three of Jack Daniels.

Play poster, courtesy photo

The Booth Theater welcomes audiences to the living room of George and Martha, a married couple residing on the campus of a New England college. The scene opens with George, an associate professor of history and his wife Martha, the daughter of the college’s president, having guests over: Nick, the new and handsome biology professor, and his ratty wife, Honey. With more than a few drinks in their systems, the night starts off with a playful game (a gun with an umbrella inside pops to mind) and escalates into verbal, and sometimes physical, abuses between the two parties. The cobwebs of illusion are gradually brushed aside, revealing that there is more to the plot than four people drinking.

With each scene, the tension between the characters becomes insufferable to watch. There is George’s character, succumbing to his quick-mouthed, witty wife Martha as she constantly tugs at his fears of never rising in the academic world and shaming him into thinking that he is a nobody. Played by Amy Morton, freespirited Martha’s inner quarrels burst at the seams and are revealed tactfully and gracefully throughout Morton’s performance. As the play shifts from scene to scene, the cards are turned against Martha who becomes the victim of George’s game and ridicule. Tracy Letts, in his debut Broadway performance, just steps over the boundary of genius.

Personifying George’s disquietude in the beginning, he leaves us wondering how he flawlessly masters the skills to adapt and re-introduce a ruthless and grim character by the end of the third act.

The intruders, so to speak, are Nick (Madison Dirks) and Honey (Carrie Coon) who find themselves engulfed in George and Martha’s bickering, bloodthirsty

games. As George pours the drinks, the young couple gets drunker. Honey becomes a hysterical drunk and is more often than not found upchucking in the bathroom. Dirks carefully opens his character to the audiences (and George), disclosing too much information on his wife’s false pregnancy and why he married her in the first place. Coon showcases Honey’s innocence in a humorous manner, a paradox to the reality behind her character. The dialogue and performances from both characters come together to show the poison that is ruining their marriage.

With the most flawless on-stage interactions that I have yet seen, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? delivers—above and beyond the expectations. It is a true testament and living proof of why this masterpiece distinguished Albee as one of the most prominent playwrights of the 20th century. Have your drinking hats ready!

CONCERT review:

To marilyn, with love

THE HELIO SEQUENCE

by Desiree Perez

by Francesca Beltran

gloves and shoes, are also displayed. Make sure to note how small Monroe’s hands actually were!

For you beauty lovers, there's a collection of the Erno Laszlo products Marilyn Monroe used herself. One of the creams is labeled scarring cream, used for Monroe's appendix scar from her surgery in 1952. If interested in using similar creams that Monroe wore, you can simply ask one of the ladies to find the best one for your skin type. The women at Erno Laszlo are delighted to give more background information on the items and on Marilyn Monroe's relationship with Erno Laszlo. “He was her advisor,” one of the women said.

Photo courtesy of thisismarilyn.com

Ever wanted to come face to face with Marilyn Monroe? Now you can. Well you can come face to face with her personal beauty products and clothing. Until December 31, 2012 the Erno Laszlo Institute will be showcasing many of these items in the collection, “To Marilyn, With Love.”

Six of Marilyn Monroe's outfits are displayed, including those famous checkered slacks of hers. Beneath the outfits you can see a photo of her wearing the outfit and a description about the outfit's background.

Some of her accessories, such as her

If you're more interested in the Norma Jean that loved spending time at home reading, the Institute has a little glass case dedicated to her home life. It includes some of her complex books and a melon scraper. Yeah, I never used a melon scraper either.

You can leave the exhibit with an Erno Laszlo product or a book of Marilyn Monroe's photographs but even if you leave without these items, the experience is a wonderful one. The exhibit shows the glamorous as well as the personal side of Marilyn Monroe; the one that millions are eager to see for themselves.

“To Marilyn, With Love” is on view at The Erno Laszlo Institute on 382 West Broadway until December 31st.

Two people. Sometimes that’s all it takes to create something grand and The Helio Sequence is a perfectly good example.

The Portland duo, consisting of Brandon Summers (vocals/guitars) and Benjamin Weikel (drums/keyboards), gave a show at the Bowery Ballroom on November 15th, and for over an hour, flawlessly performed their array of delightful songs.

At 11 p.m. the two men came on stage and began playing their impeccable music that reflected both their talent and experience.

Having formed in 1998, the duo have been playing and recording ever since.

The show began with “One More Time,” to the delight of many, and went on to cover some of the band’s most acclaimed songs, including “The Captive Mind,” “Hallelujah” and “Keep Your Eyes Ahead.”

With a perfect combination of rock, pop and folk, The Helio Sequence invariably succeeds in transmitting a mellow, yet vibrant sound that puts the listener in a highly enjoyable meditative mode. Live, these melodic compositions acquire new energizing dimensions that truly succeed in captivating the audience and evoke unforeseen resonations.

With nothing but their drums, guitars, and background visuals (that were only used for a couple of songs), the two-manact clearly relies on the pristine quality of their music to accomplish a successful show. Both men were equally confident with their own instrument, and Summers even provoked some awe-inspiring

Phototography by Francesca Beltran

gallery review:

moments when he played his harmonica while still playing the guitar — pretty impressive to say the least.

Unlike most band members, Weikel was all enthusiasm, and vitality radiated from his drum set seat, while Summers mostly played the role of the quiet one that rarely and modestly engages with the audience, except to give thanks, share a couple of anecdotes and say short, charming comments. There was one particularly endearing moment when he looked straight at someone in the front row who had been requesting a song, and said, “This next song is for you.”

The show was part of the tour to promote their latest album, Negotiations, released on September 11, 2012, on Sub Pop. The band’s fifth full-length album was meticulously written, recorded, arranged and produced by Summers and Weikel themselves, and the vintage gear used to record it gives the album a new, yet warmer sound and reflective tone.

HAUTE CULTURE

FIT

24

OUTSIDE YOUR BOROUGH:

UPSTATE

Holiday

by Emilie Schwenk

For Manhattan dwellers, the island can be a frustrating and overwhelming place during the holidays. With the influx of tourists looking to see the sights of New York City and shopping during Christmastime, the situation can leave you feeling lessthan-jolly. Luckily, there are tons of options to help you get back your holiday cheer and celebrate the season like a real New Yorker. In the lower Hudson Valley (the area just north of New York City), there are many events and performances just a short train ride away. The Nutcracker, is one of the most performed and most loved traditions of the Holidays. Lohud.com and The Journal News have put together a list of holiday activities located comfortably far from the sometimes all too cheery New York City tourists.

PLEASANTVILLE Richard G. Rosenthal Jewish Community Center Israeli Marketplace and Chanukah Extravaganza. ($10 per child) Dec. 11: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

600 Bear Ridge Road | rosenthaljcc.org.

Ramapo: RYDE Nutcracker Senior Ensemble ($20) Dec. 7: 7 p.m. | Dec. 8–9: 1 (narrated) and 4 p.m.

Rockland Community College Cultural Arts Center 145 College Road rocklandyouthdanceensemble.org

“NYC: A Teenage Winter Dream,” presented by the Sleepy Hollow Performing Arts Center. ($16 and $18) Dec. 16–17: 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 18: 7:30 p.m.

Tuckahoe: “La Storia del Natale,” lecture on the historical significance of Christmas by Louis Brunelli ($10 and $20) Dec. 15: 6:30 p.m.

Westchester Italian Cultural Center | wiccny.org

Croton-On-Hudson Temple Israel of Northern Westchester “A Touch Away,” Israeli miniseries directed by Ron Ninio.

Sundays through Dec. 18 at 3 p.m.

Temple Israel of Northern Westchester 31 Glengary Road. | tinw.org.

Yorktown Heights: “The Nutcracker.” ($19–$26) Dec. 8–9: 1 p.m.

Yorktown Stage 1974 Commerce St. 914.962.0606.

For those of you concentrating on the spiritual significance of the holidays, NYTimes.com lists lectures and events aimed at enlightenment.

Irvingon: Holiday Showcase presented by the Sleepy Hollow Performing Arts Center ($16 and $18) Dec. 17th: 12 and 2:30 p.m.

Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street irvingtontheater.com.

Bronx: The New York Botanical Garden The Holiday Train Show. ($10–$20) Through Jan. 16.

Garrison: Boscobel House and Gardens The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival “A Christmas Carol.” ($40–$80) Through Dec. 17 1601 New York 9D 845.265.3638. hvshakespeare.org/content/holiday-2012

Irvington: “The Broadway All-Star Holiday Concert,” with Neil Berg and Rob Evan ($40 and $45) Irvington Town Hall Theater Dec. 10 at 8 p.m.

West Nyack: “Chanukah Fever” concert by Mama Doni and the Mama Doni Band ($8–$15) Dec. 11: 4 p.m.

JCC Rockland, 450 West Nyack Road jccyofrockland.org.

All of the events are easily accessible through the MetroNorth train line from Grand Central Station. For more information, visit mta.info/mnr.

White Plains: Westchester Ballet Company “The Nutcracker.” ($20; $14 seniors and children in advance; $25 on day of show all tickets) Dec. 14: 10 a.m. | Dec. 15–16: 12:30 & 4:30 p.m.

Westchester County Center 914.995.4050.

25

W27

DECEMBER 2012

MONTH IN REVIEW

by Ashley Mungo

Israel and Gaza Clash Again On Nov. 14th, Israel launched a military strike in retaliation for rockets sent its way from the much disputed territory of Gaza. Israel targeted the militant group Hamas, causing eight days of air and ground assaults that resulted in the deaths of more than 160 Palestinians and six Israelis. This was the first great clash between Israel and Hamas in years.

Hamas is the Palestinian party that has ruled Gaza since 2007 and is considered a terrorist group by the U.S. and Israel.

Israel’s reasoning behind the surge in air strikes is based on the fact that the number of rockets that have hit southern Israel in recent months had increased dramatically.

The role of Hamas in Gaza has been a much disputed one, but the party was founded decades ago in 1987. Since 2007, it gained control of Gaza by winning a majority of the seats in the Palestinian Parliament in the January 2006 elections. The other major party that controls the Palestinian territories is Fatah, with which it also has had a series of violent clashes. The role of Gaza is so controversial because as noted above, Israel and the U.S., including the entire European

Courtesy of ideastream.org

Union, Japan and Canada view Hamas as a terrorist organization, while Russia, Iran, Turkey and the Arab nations do not.

Therefore, the world is split on how to view the party that controls this war-filled region and it’s relationship with neighboring Israel.

The violence that erupted in recent weeks killed Ahmed al-Jabari, one of Hamas’ top military leaders and one of Israel’s most wanted Palestinian militants. The death of Jabari, which Israel says was due to days of rocket fire launched from Gaza, gave Hamas more energy in the fight against Israel. After days of fire, both agreed to an informal cease-fire, as both

sides were hit badly, but with Gaza taking the brunt of the casualties. Israel was damaged though, as Hamas responded by firing hundreds of rockets into Israel, sometimes hitting major cities such as Tel Aviv.

The reasoning behind the violence between Gaza and Israel stems from a long history based on the disputed lands of Palestine and who has the right to that land. There is no clear answer in sight, even as the dispute has been going on for decades since Israel became a sovereign state. In recent days though, Palestine was granted an upgraded status by the U.N., which many think was due to the

clash between Israel and Gaza. The vote, which gives them the new status of nonmember observer state, was a triumph for Palestinians, as 138 countries were in favor of backing them during this difficult time. Some political analysts believe this turn of events may have deep significance in paving the way to a two-state solution to this protracted conflict. However, on Friday November 30th, Israel’s government authorized the building of 3000 homes on the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The government also gave preliminary zoning and planning approval to units which would be be located in the E-1 land tract, an area east of Jerusalem that is of concern to world leaders since strong Israeli presence there would split the West Bank and be detrimental to the formation of a Palestinian state. The timing of this announcements suggests retaliation from Israel towards Palestine’s upgraded U.N. status. The Obama administration condemned these actions and U.S. officials believe they will set back attempts at peace negotiations and the two-state solution.

General Petraeus Resigns as C.I.A. Director Amid Affair

Courtesy of photo courtesy of newsinfo. inquirer.net

In one of the most controversial scandals in recent political history, retired Army Gen. David Petraeus resigned from his position as director of the Central Intelligence Agency after an F.B.I. investigation discovered evidence that he was involved in an extramarital affair. The news broke only a week after President Obama won re-election, presenting him with a new scandal that ended his triumphant week. The F.B.I. found the evidence when searching through Petraeus’ computer to make sure it had not been compromised, due to an investigation not involving Petraeus himself. The woman who Petraeus cheated with was identified

as Paula Broadwell, co-author of a biography on Gen. Petraeus himself, entitled “All In: The Education of General David Petraeus.” Also involved in the scandal is Jill Kelley, a Washington socialite who allegedly received “jealous” emails from Broadwell, Gen. John Allen, commander in Afghanistan, who allegedly sent inappropriate emails to Kelley, and Frederick Humphries, an FBI agent who Kelley approached about the anonymous emails, who sent shirtless photographs of himself to Kelley.

The timeline of the events that led up to the resignation of Gen. Petraeus is still foggy as the situation is still unfolding.

What is known is that Gen. Petraeus and Broadwell meet in 2006 when Petraeus spoke at Harvard where Broadwell was a graduate student. Broadwell began her Ph.D. thesis on Petraeus in early 2008, and they started to exchange emails and occasionally run together. In 2010 when Gen. Petraeus was assigned as top commander in Afghanistan, Broadwell decided to visit multiple times and turn her research into a book. In September of 2011, Gen. Petraeus was sworn in as the new director of the C.I.A and according to sources, the affair began two

months later. In May 2012, the anonymous emails began, as Jill Kelley was called “a seductress” and was warned to “stay away from my guy.” Kelley then told agent Humphries about the harassment and the F.B.I. began to investigate, where they found evidence of the affair.

On November 8th, the news broke to re-elected President Obama, and Gen. Petraeus visited the White House to hand in his resignation.

With the news out in the open, questions remain as to the future of all the people involved with this scandal. Gen. Petraeus, who despite the situation broke no laws, has burned his reputation as a top military commander and head of the C.I.A. Broadwell is waiting to see if she will be prosecuted for any unauthorized release of classified information, while Kelley’s role as a socialite in Washington is highly diminished. Most importantly at this time, is Gen. Allen’s future role, as his nomination as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO is on hold pending further investigations.

fit speaks Why Having a Boyfriend During the Holidays Can Help You Save Money

by Fernanda DeSouza

Can’t you just hear Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” in the background? No matter what holiday you celebrate, be it Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, one thing’s for certain: love is universal and everyone celebrates it.

This is the time of year where we yearn to feel all fuzzy inside, spend quality time with our family and friends, eat wholesome food and unwrap some fantastic presents our mothers stood in line to buy on Black Friday. It is a time to give back to those less fortunate, to be a community member, to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. I can’t begin to say how grateful I am to have a family and a group of friends that I will be spending the holidays with.

But could Santa bring some of us a boyfriend this holiday instead of that iPad Mini–all wrapped up with a bow on top?

I am not here to rant about being single.

Being single is awesome! No commitments, no need to look perfect for your significant other (it’s cold outside, so shaving my legs on a regular basis barely crosses my mind… but just so you know FIT, I do keep a regimented leg-shaving schedule), and no hickey marks to wake up to. But let’s be real, ladies—we’re pretty broke. There isn’t a substantial income to support our Starbucks habit or our penchant for cute sweaters we saw at Topshop, unless we’re out busting our asses at our mundane job or at a hectic internships that pays (those exist now, thanks Harper’s Bazaar girl). That leaves us zero dollars for Christmas presents for the family, rent and food. How’s a girl to survive the frigid tundra that is New York?

To me, the quickest solution is to have an old-fashioned, romantic relationship with a good man to fix all your money problems. That doesn’t mean a

one-night-stand with a guy that bought you a drink at a bar in Williamsburg or a guy who grinded against you at 1Oak. No, I’m talking about hand-holding and cuddling. Hand-holding is for those of you who lost or can’t afford to buy new gloves.

Cuddling is for those whose radiators died long ago because you couldn’t afford the bill. Body heat is free!

Although I’m not one to fall into the stereotypical let-the-guy-pay-the-bill scenario, I make a very large exception to that in December. The colder it gets, the more I’m taking the subway, so my priorities begin to shift from basic human necessities like food, to filling up my MetroCard to get to Brooklyn. See, if I had a boyfriend in Brooklyn that wouldn’t be a problem, unless his roommates hated me for imposing on their man cave.

Gentlemen like to pay for your drinks and your food, therefore ensuring your immanent survival. But it doesn’t have to be a one-way deal. Combining his and your money for groceries means more food in total. And how about a simple, good old hug? Because hugging Santa Claus at your local mall costs a wad of cash

these days and it’s a little creepy, now that you’ve gone through puberty, to be sitting in some old man’s lap. Santa won’t be looking at the camera, if you know what I mean. Boyfriends hug you every which way, ensuring love and most importantly, warmth. Let’s not forget the countless hours you will spend together, frolicking through the city, taking in the decorations and having a snowball fight or two, building a memory bank of cherished time.

The best presents don’t necessarily have to be unwrapped. Some, like relationships, just need to unfold on their own, no bow required.

Ditch that window-shopping and shop instead for a romantic gentleman. He’ll be sure to keep your mind off that empty wallet of yours…until he asks you to come home for the holidays. What to buy for his parents!? You got me there.

27

W27

Out of Wax

DECEMBER 2012

Goodbye, FIT: My Fifteen Minutes of Fame

by Nicole Tan

by Richard Gilmartin

Ever since I was a senior in high school I have feared that once I graduate from college I will fall into the growing trend of recent underemployed grads unable to find any job besides becoming a barista at Starbucks. The thought of this terrifying fate consumed me entirely.

Once I entered college, I realized that at the end of the day it’s my life, and the only person I can truly depend on to get me anywhere is myself. I began taking on as many credits per semester as I could, tried joining as many clubs as possible and began working as many hours as were available at my job to try and get ahead of the game. However, pushing my body too far without caring enough for it had its price.

I became stressed out all the time. I wasn’t scheduling my time efficiently and my grades and extra-curricula began to pay the price for stretching myself too thin. I would always feel overwhelmed because I wasn’t scheduling any down time. Just the thought of making time for friends stressed me out, as I saw it as just one extra obligation.

As I became more and more stressed out, I thought seeking guidance from my parents would comfort me. Perhaps they would soothe me with words of encouragement, what I got, however, was an eye opening experience. I realized that no matter how much my parents tried to comfort me, I had become a complete psycho bent on burning the candle at both ends and no one could stop me. That little piece of advice I once gave myself was going to destroy me, however it could also be my saving grace. The only thing that could save me was myself.

We all want to be successful, that’s a given. What I’ve come to realize is that we’re all going to get there, it just takes some time. You don’t have to give 100% all of the time. Now that’s not to say that you should give up on your goals or not give 100% when it matters. It simply means you have to give yourself time to breathe.

If you aren’t scheduling any “you” time, well then you aren’t really living are you?

As the semester draws to a close, remember to take some off time between projects, homework, work, internships, tests and whatever else you may be carrying around. Something as simple as going to a movie for a few hours to get your mind off of the real world can really help your mental health, as well as your grades. It may seem like it’s the end of the world if you don’t get straight A’s but there are worse things out there, trust me.

"Unlike myself, unlike so many Americans at the time of our country's collapse, Eunice Park did not possess the false idea that she was special."- Gary Shteyngart in Super Sad True Love Story.

In a world where everyone gets their share of at least 15 minutes of fame, I can’t help but to wonder what our current future, as correctly predicted by Andy Warhol, will hold.

In our current education, we have been drilled about the endless opportunities that await us in the “real” world and the setbacks that come along with it. We are a generation that recognizes opportunities, are more connected globally and individually than any society has ever been and have the tendency to yearn for excess and consumption. Yet, we are stifled by rising financial costs, an ever-growing gap of disparity in income, climate change and the depleting of necessary natural resources. We are a generation that recognizes the need for extreme change, one that is entering a world of stark contrasts and it is up to us to navigate these channels successfully and find a working balance.

As we enter various industries driven by innovation, I urge all designers out there to create products that not only look great aesthetically, but also benefit the collective. I urge all content producers (be it in visuals or words) not to sell out their talents by pushing useless content that takes away from news that needs to be heard, and I urge to-be editors and marketers to

curate responsibly, and to not just think about sales and analytics but also about the importance of media and its role as an information disseminator.

Outside of career paths and goals, I hope that all of you will take the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone; to travel far and to undiscovered places and to talk to people that might not seem of similar interest to you. Controversy, conflict and being vulnerable are often catalysts to brilliant ideas. Push yourself constantly.

Use your fifteen minutes of fame for something worthy.

That is my goal. And I hope that it will be yours too.

Congratulations, and best of luck with everything.

Another student at FIT, Nicole Tan P.S. : I would also like to thank the following faculty and administration staffs that I am so grateful to have worked with and met. Prof. John Simone: For giving me and all the writers at FIT a space to do what they love at W27. Prof. Stampleman: For nearly failing me because I spelt “opportunity” wrong in my term project; I will always remember to spell-check three times now. Prof. Brian Fallon: For giving me a place to communicate and interact openly with people of other majors, and nationalities and personal backgrounds.

Thank you for enabling me to expand my knowledge, and push myself out of the familiar. Prof. Roberta Elins: For the constant encouragements in pursuing writing in the newspaper. Prof. Melissa Tombro: For encouraging me to keep my love of creative writing alive. Prof. Richard Balestrino, Prof. Christine Pomeranz and Prof. Robin Sackin: For your willingness to listen and help me accomplish my goals. Dino Rodriguez and Prof. Amber Carpenter-Lagattuta: For answering my pesky questions when I went on my studyabroad program, Semester at Sea. Lastly, New York, thank you for indeed proving to me that this is one of the best cities in the world, and that the American Dream is a reality (albeit, this notion extends worldwide now), as long as I am willing to pursue it relentlessly. I will miss you, but there is so much more living and exploring in this world for me to do.

Nicole Tan is moving back to Singapore to start her first “real” job as the Content/ Social Media Executive at Inverted Edge, a fashion e-commerce start-up launching in early 2013 dedicated to selling fashion from independent ready-to-wear designers in Asia Pacific. Although not life-saving, the writer thinks that it is time talented designers from her home region are recognized for their work globally. She intends to make a career out of working for companies that are for-profit and strive to make a difference in the world. You can keep in touch with her at nicoletan12@icloud.com.

Keepin’ Your Creative

by Giovanna Spica

We all know what a creative funk is… bland like a sugar-free cookie. Running out of ideas is common and sometimes difficult to overcome, which is why keeping your eyes open for inspiration is key.

Although I am aware of my hyper fascination with words, I also understand that not everyone shares the same interest, yet we all have them in common. Americans share a language; we all belong to the “word club,” which is why I believe they can be your muses. The beautiful threading of letters creates a symphony of sounds, which can most definitely help you out of a rut. This is why READING THE DICTIONARY is a great way to become inspired. This might sound like torture to some, but keep an open mind and let me explain.

Most people are unaware of the “real” and/or original meaning of many commonly used words. Most are also unaware that stimulating words, such as petrichor; the smell of the earth after rain, even exist in the English language. Another example is beleaguer, which means to be overburdened with troubles, a gorgeous word that no one uses. Learning a new

word can kick up your creative juices.

Words, like people, have history. Both have transitioned and shifted; some have even changed their meaning due to the fast pace progression of our world. We are all connected by communication. Many meanings have been morphed and diluted, so why not do some research and see what words you most identify with? Or look up the root of some of your favorites.

Examples of mine include; ΩΩ Sinister (adj.) originally used to mean “from the left.” Hello! Fellow lefties, this can lead to biblical or political references, even to jewelry or clothing designs specifically meant to skew “to the left.” This is the perfect word to play with as well as make social and historical commentary. I also find this word and its connotation to be fascinating, because a human’s heart is located on the left side of the body, and yet sinister still manages to have a negative connotation. ΩΩ Ruin. This word I find to be particularly poetic due to its common use and not so common history. Ruin

can be used as either a verb or a noun.

Originally meaning, “to rush to a collapse” I find a humanistic attribute to this self-destructing word. Aren’t we all attracted to that which leads to our own self-destruction? The ruin to a ruin. “The act of giving way and falling down” to a “complete destruction.” ΩΩ Zero (n.) This beautiful word not only starts with a ‘Z’ thus automatically making it cool, but it also refers to more than just a number. In the 17th Century “zero” referred to an “empty place, desert,” three centuries later it was recorded as meaning “worthless person” (cue Hercules’s “Zero to Hero” song). This word holds the sole responsibility of signifying “empty” and/or “nothingness.” Is it the Alpha to Infinity’s Omega, or is it vice-versa?

If this month’s advice doesn’t suffice, make sure to look for February's article.

But, in short – just give Webster a chance!

You won’t be sorry.

HAUTE CULTURE

Jessica Gagliano | AMC | Favorite holiday treat: Apple pie

FIT

28

Dulsi Nunez | Entrepreneurship | Favorite holiday treat: White hot chocolate

Ipek Sen | Fine Arts | Favorite holiday treat: Rice Krispies

Photography by Jessica Farkas

The holidays are here again—and what a relief! It is time to put down the books, brushes, and fabrics and get cozy with not only your loved ones but also your sweet treats! Because we all love to indulge during the holidays (sometimes a little too much), the student body across campus hashed out on their favorite holiday treats while keeping warm and chic down 27th Street.

Elizabeth Sanzari | Fine Arts | Favorite holiday treat: Banana Pancakes

Pearl Sun | Fashion Design | Favorite holiday treat: Hot chocolate

Margaret Paik | FMM | Favorite holiday treat: Candy Canes

PeriLynn Glasner | Communication Design | Favorite holiday treat: Fresh chocolate chip cookies

Leonard Valentino Andino | International Business | Favorite holiday treat: Hot chocolate with marshmallows