October 2018 by W27 Newspaper

FIT

OCTOBER 2018 Volume 51

Issue 1

October 2018

MASTHEAD

Mason Auman Editor-in-Chief

W27

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Sophia Ostapenko Managing Editor Jenna Henley Treasurer

EDITORS Thuy Anh Dang Ishna Bisht Alivia Matthews

ART Erin Tucker Art Director Lara de la Torre Photo Editor Alexander Lopez-Guevara Ashley Aviles Thuy Anh Dang Jackeline Portillo Ariana Paino Jenna Henley Designers

CONTRIBUTORS Alexander Lopez-Guevara Rachel Seligman Ashley Freundner Mary Helen Guastello Brittany Evans Caroline Albert Jenna Henley Thuy Anh Dang Alivia Matthews Mason Auman Lara de la Torre

Ellen Davidson Alexandra Mann Faculty Editorial Advisors

When I was appointed as the Editor-in-Chief of this publication, I didn’t know much about running a newspaper. I still can’t say that I know all that much – but I’ve had help. W27 would not exist without the tireless effort expended by my Vice President and Managing Editor, Sophia Ostapenko. And the pages before you would look like little more than a Microsoft Word document without my Artistic Director – Erin Tucker, and Photo Editor – Lara de la Torre, along with their teams. My hope for what awaits you in the following pages is that it will engage you in a way that is accessible, honest and thought-provoking. Above all else, I want you to enjoy reading W27 - and enjoy it in print. The tangibility of what you’re holding is still significant, and its place in our lives is bolstered by people like you who pick up a copy and take it to a cafe to get coffee stains on it or pass it off to a friend. Yes, W27 is online. But it’s also in your hands, physically immortalized. There is art on this recycled paper that belongs on a wall, not just a blog post. And there are thoughts that need to be transmitted without a QR code. Take out a pen or a highlighter and mark what you read, ponder it and disagree with it. Then bring your ideas to me and add your work to this growing testament to the vibrance and creativity of our community. Sincerely,

Professor Albert Romano Faculty Advertising Advisor

Mason Ryder Auman President and Editor-in-Chief, W27

ON THE COVER: W27 Newspaper Designed by Chase Nate Bluestone

Editor’s photo shot by

@W27 Newspaper

Steven Molina Contreras

www.w27newspaper.org www.issuu.com/w27newspaper

FIT

OCTOBER 2018

contents CULTURE

Expanding the Visibility of Latin American Artists

Is Insatiable a Netflix Tragedy? / LGBT in India are Now Free to Love Without Fear of Federal Punishment

CAMPUS LIFE

Studying Abroad in Paris

A Review of The 57 Bus

The Effect of Political Discourse on College Students

NYC

9 10 11

Hispanic Spots to Visit in NYC / How One Vintage Store Separates Itself from Traditional NYFW NYFW: Continuing Decades of Social Fashion Revolution / Diary of a NYFW Volunteer

PINK! The History of Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color: The Exhibition

W27 is PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PLEASE RECYCLE AFTER READING. A FIT STUDENT ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION.

FEATURES

Ramon Gil and the Debut of Diversity Comic Con

HOFIT

Humans of FIT

STYLE ON 27

Style on 27

THE GALLERY

Sophia Ostapenko

Erin Tucker

OP-ED

How Media Fetishizes Lesbian Relationships

“Learning to Feed Yourself”

CULTURE

W27

EXPANDING THE VISIBILITY OF LATIN AMERICAN ARTISTS BY ALEXANDER LOPEZ-GUEVARA

We have heard the names before: Frida Kahlo, Fernando Botero, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Antonio Lopez (an FIT Alumnus)—all exceptional Latin artists that led projects, big and small, were nonetheless empowering, thought-provoking and skillfully crafted during the time in which they were made. Now that we have entered the information age, it is becoming more important for artists to find new ways to challenge norms, to create compelling content and to capture the fleeting attention of the masses. However, knowing Latinos, it’s either a do it or don’t situation. When work gets done, the result calls for the utmost respect and attention. At the same time, it instills a smile in the mind of those witnessing the compelling visuals and stories of these contemporary artists. Here is a list of some Latin American artists to keep up with, chosen for their contributions in creating outstanding work in our modern world.

changed the artistic/visual landscape in 2017. Garza is an artist that you may not have heard of— but it seems that it is in seclusion that she produces her best work. This Mexican-Korean artist residing in Georgia is known for her internationally exhibited paintings that involve themes of female sexuality which are executed in a graphic, yet painterly way. The paintings themselves are beautifully composed, bold and as thought provoking as they are visually. Velasquez has devoted his illustration career to the world of literature. From book jackets to interior illustrations and then to complete personal books, Velasquez’s talent, skills and interests are beautifully captured in his most intimate works, which reflect his Afro-Puerto Rican upbringing. He currently leads a strong curriculum at FIT in the Illustration department.

You might know Rodríquez’s work from covers on TIME magazine or SVA posters lining the New York subway platforms. The Cuban artist has been in the professional art scene since the 90’s. With an impeccable ability to simplify a figure and message to its most graphic form and then deliver it in a colorful and unique way, Rodríquez’s work is worth the praise and he was listed as an individual that

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ILLUSTRATION COURTESY ALEXANDER LOPEZ-GUEVARA

FIT

OCTOBER 2018

IS INSATIABLE A NETFLIX TRAGEDY? BY RACHEL SELIGMAN

Promptly after the first trailer for Netflix’s “Insatiable” was released in July 2018, over 200,000 angry viewers aligned themselves with a petition on Change.org for the show to be shelved. The brisk backlash is due to a – perhaps failed – attempt at satire, objectifying how enticing life can be as a skinny woman. Former Disney star, Debby Ryan, plays Patty Bladell, or “Fatty Patty” as referred to by peers before a 70 pound slim-down. After losing weight, Patty captures the popular crowds’ eye and becomes a beauty pageant hero, living life on the wild side. Considering the movement towards body positivity in society, this concept has been noted by detractors as unenlightened, to say the least. Insatiable has been presented during an empowering period for women, where bikini contests are banned from future Ms. America pageants and vast arrays of body types are represented in media. As if unwarranted body-shaming isn’t enough to turn viewers away, dark plotlines are misguidedly

erratic for the targeted younger audience. Patty becomes involved with murders, sex scandals, a satanic scare and an exorcism. Due to the explosive controversy the show has provoked, writer Lauren Gussis defended Insatiable to Vanity Fair, explaining that there are benevolent intentions behind the obscenity. Gussis, who dealt with a childhood eating disorder, tells Vanity Fair, “So many of the messages I believed as a kid growing up were, if you fix your outside, suddenly you’re a good person.” Gussis explains, “Patty’s actually more miserable because now she doesn’t have any protection. She has no tools. Now she’s even more mad and devastated, so she’s behaving very badly.” Time will tell if Gussis writes with more caution for contemporary ethics, as Insatiable was, surprisingly, picked up for an unanticipated second season.

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F RTESY NET

PHOTO COU

On September 6, 2018, India announced the overturning of a colonial-era ruling against gay sex. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is now a violation of fundamental rights. With a population of 1.3 billion, India is the second most populated country aside from China, making this ruling a major overturn due to how heavily traditional much of India still is. With this ruling, there is hope for those who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community, as members are no longer seen as criminals. Though it is no longer an offense, there is a long way to go when it comes to changing views towards homosexuality. Rajesh Aggarwal, a lawyer arguing in favor of maintaining the law against homosexuality, stated that homosexuality “exists only in lower classes of animals with a vegetative reproductive system.” However, with the overturning of this law, India could set an idea of progression for their own nation and for countries with a similar history.

PHOTO COURTESY VITALIY LYUBEZHANIN

BY ASHLEY FREUNDNER

PHOTO COURTESY SARAH PFLUG

LGBT IN INDIA ARE NOW FREE TO LOVE WITHOUT FEAR OF FEDERAL PUNISHMENT.

CAMPUS LIFE

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Studying Abroad in Paris BY MARY HELEN GUASTELLO

The following diary details my early experience studying abroad in Paris, France, at the American University of Paris. Enjoy. Paris, France, the city of love, the city of lights and the city of some of the finest foods in the world. The list is infinite from escargot, poutine, foie gras, and French onion soup to ratatouille (sans Rémy and Chef Linguini), frog legs, and beef bourguignon (thank you, Julia Child). Every cobblestone road you stumble upon – literally, the ground is quite uneven – will be full of the most magnificent odoriferous cuisines. With each café or brasserie that you pass, your mouth will begin to water as the flavor of food seeps deeply into your pores sending you into an imaginary food coma. You may find yourself walking aimlessly home after a full day at Château de Versailles, slightly hungover, when the sudden and intensified pungency of grease is inhaled through your nostrils while exiting the metro. An elderly man is positioned at the top of the stairs, grilling corn on the cob using a shopping cart. This combination of smells briefly makes you want to vomit, but then a wave of hungry pains shoots through your body and your gaze rises to an illuminated Kentucky Fried Chicken sign. Readers are probably wondering why in the world I’d go to a KFC in Paris. Honestly, good fucking question. I don’t really have the right answer besides that it’s 11 o’clock at night, I’m still recovering from a night of drinking multiple bottles of 3€ wine, and this is the fourth KFC I’ve seen today. I’m fairly curious about what France’s KFC menu has to offer and to be quite frank, a bucket of chicken seems like the appropriate hangover cure. Maybe if I’d have been in my right mind, I wouldn’t have made this indulgence, but I was already committed after spending an entire day promenading through the ceremonial Palace of the Versailles, wandering about an enchanted gaudy-glistening, real-life Renaissance mood board I made on Pinterest (All my teardrop crystal chandelier and floral wallpaper dreams were in front of me). And what’s more royal than Kentucky Fried Chicken? I’d like to distinctly recommend that, should you be faced with such a decision, you resist the temptation of KFC – it is certainly not worth your time or euros. I’ll admit, I’m embarrassed to have dined there. Their chicken is soggy, beer-battered, half-

assed fried chicken and their menu doesn’t include mashed potatoes or biscuits and gravy. If Marie Antoinette wanted a bucket of chicken, she would certainly go somewhere a lot classier. France may not have perfected the notion of American fast food, but I promise you they have perfected almost everything else, from the most beautifully crafted pastries, like chocolat eclairs and tarte aux citrons, to perfectly polished high-fashion street corners. Paris is an aphrodisiac, its presence is alluring and it’ll make you fall in love with what you may fallen out of love with. Over the past few months, I have had a grievous relationship with the fashion industry, severe to the point that prior to arriving in Paris, I didn’t even think it was something I wanted to pursue anymore. But as I walked the streets near the Place Vendôme, happened upon 31 Rue de Cambon and saw the glorified Chanel sign, a memory of myself a few years back, giddy with innocence and the desire to be a stylist, standing in front of this very boutique for the first time, weighed heavy an emotional significance on my chest. I continued to walk along the fanciful streets as a man played La Vie En Rose on his accordion. I had an epiphany as my feet landed in front of the Carolina Herrera store. The night prior, I was reading New York Fashion Week reviews, living vicariously through the Vogue Runway app on my phone. I clicked on the Carolina Herrera SS19 show. I was really missing my mum so I thought I’d look at her favorite designer to feel a little less lonely. The review started with a quote from the new Creative Director, Wes Gordon, explaining how the most important thing he learned while working beside Carolina Herrera, was that “Happy people make happy clothes.” I read this quote, made a note in my le journal, and immediately sent a text message to my mum. I told her about the quote, how deeply it resonated with me, and how every item I purchase from this moment on, will have to scream “happiness!” She responded as she usually does, with a novella, highlighting why she loves Herrera so much, followed by her two favorite emojis, the clown face and red heart. In summary, the text read, “Herrera is calm & cool. Keep calm & cool. Mary Helen, you are calm & cool. It’s the key to success.” I know that may sound simple, but that’s why it affected me so genuinely, the same way Wes Gordon’s words had. The simplicities of both of these quotes, along with Paris itself, has restored my faith in the beauty, happiness and chaos I associate with the fashion industry. Paris is a dream. And while it has established an unrealistic desire for me to own a blazer for every day of the week, it has also changed my perspective on so many things beyond my relationship to fashion, including how many baguettes you should consume in one day. The answer is you can’t eat too many. They cost 80 cent euro, you may as well have one for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And you’ll fit right in. Everyone walks around carrying a baguette or a jambon fromage sandwich. Studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime, and I’m only three weeks in. My advice to anyone considering, is that you will never have an opportunity to see the world like this again. And when you are craving 2 Bros from across the Atlantic Ocean, remember how cheap a baguette is.

PHOTO COURTESY MARY HELEN GUASTELLO

FIT

OCTOBER 2018

A Review of

The 57 Bus BY BRITTANY EVANS

Diversity is the bread and butter of the Fashion Institute of Technology’s curriculum, campus life and mission. At the heart of what the school believes, there is an undeniable undercurrent of inclusivity, a stretching out of arms in a welcome to the individual, whoever that may be. Each year, the Common Read Program Selection Committee, composed of faculty from many departments on campus (from Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing to Interior Design), selects a single work to prescribe for the incoming freshman. This program is designed to foster a sense of community within the incoming students by encouraging a shared intellectual experience across the college. This year, the committee selected a read that married the encouragement of diversity and inclusivity with this program in their choice of The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater. The book is a tale of two teenagers from Oakland, California. Within its 320 pages, the text serves as a chronological retelling of a hate-crime that garnered international headlines. This crime occurs on (and cue the title) the 57 bus, which both Sasha and Richard take to and from school. Both characters come from different families, are of different social classes and as such, have different levels of privilege. The two have different identities, come from different backgrounds, attend different schools, but they share the commonality of a mode of transportation. More specifically, the 8 minute ride between stops on one fateful day. The 57 Bus attempts to unravel the intricacies of the “hate crime” that occured within those 8 minutes by unearthing every detail in the case. The tale arouses empathy and encourages understanding between the readers and the characters. Dashka Slater’s retelling of each event beckons the reader to dialogue with one’s own binary notions of: gender constructs, societal differences and the relationship between victim and perpetrator.

Putting the frustrations of diction and language aside, the story does pose questions that need to be answered. The retelling of the events that occured in Oakland in 2013 is one that startles. It seems outlandish that in a nation as progressive as America, crimes like this should still happen, between teenagers, no less. So, despite the lack of whimsical language and accessible diction, the story’s purpose does push through the smoggy details of the tragedy itself and the confusion that followed each character. The 57 Bus is a vessel for the important message of challenging your own binary notions of the world. But the truths of this story are trapped within a casing that is hard to push through as a reader. The truths, the storyline and the morals are difficult to absorb and technical in form, making their real-life compositions outlandish, far-reaching, and nearly fictionalized, though the story is a non-fiction one. The truths are there, but they’re hard to understand. The text asks questions of the reader, yes, but upon finishing the text, the questions still remain unanswered, defeating the ultimate goal of the book, and leaving the reader more confused than when they started.

The storyline itself is a timely one. The questions it asks of the reader are ones that need to be brought to the forefront of vision to be analyzed and worked through by the individual. Slater is succinct in her presentation of such questions. But within this precision, the book lacks casual movement and an ability for the reader to be immersed in the situation. With realism being it’s undercurrent, the reader is jerked from scene-to-scene, moment to moment, leaving one dizzy, with the wind knocked out. Though syntax is merely a stylistic technique, a story that is advertised as young adult fiction requires a certain level of accessibility within jargon and language. The story is timely, yes, but without verbiage to ground it and make the information digestible, the book reads back as an extensive essay, making this important nonfiction account one that needs to be “slogged through” to get to the punchline and moral. It lacks personal touches, casual tone and the transportation needed in a story as heavy and philosophical as this one. The technical terminology and jumpy chronology distances the reader from the story, making it hard to relate the situation to one’s own life. PHOTO COURTESY BRITTANY EVANS

CAMPUS LIFE

W27

THE IMPORTANCE OF A MIDTERM ELECTION BY CAROLINE ALBERT

Surprisingly, it has already been two years since President Donald Trump was elected into the office, and that means it is time for a midterm election. The midterm elections happen halfway between the presidential elections, and this year, November 6, 2018, is the day to go out and vote. Who are you voting for? In the midterm elections, citizens elect one third of all U.S. Senators and all 435 member of the House of Representatives. This election, however, is crucial to deciding if the democrats will gain control of Congress from the Republicans. Democrats hope to win at least three new seats in the U.S. Senate to regain control, but this task proves difficult as their margin for error is slim. Prior to the midterms, change was impacted in the Primary Elections. When Governor Andrew Cuomo defeated Cynthia Nixon in the September 13 race, he did not walk back into his position. Although Nixon was behind in her votes, she put up a strong race and gathered support, forcing left-leaning Cuomo to capture Nixon’s voters by adjusting his campaign’s claims. Now, he must stand by his claims and transform the promised changes into reality. When residents of New York began to support Cynthia Nixon and use their voices and platforms, they were able to communicate their needs and cause changes, even though Nixon did not win. Although it is not often guaranteed that the preferred candidate will win a political race, your vote and advocacy are powerful and force your existing representatives to take notice of what is desired by their people. Therefore, use your voice and your rights wisely. As college students, midterm elections can be skimmed over or passed by completely, as they do not share the same flair as the Presidential elections. The midterms, however, are just as important because without an organized and progressive Congress, the voices of the public are not delivered to the president, which could prevent the entire nation from moving into a positive direction.

With a Republican president and matching Republican Congress, the president has an easier time passing his agenda, making the government more productive, but also more susceptible to corruption.With an opposing, Democratic government, presidential agendas are harder to pass, but the system of checks and balances plays a larger role in the final decisions. Checks and balances were created to ensure an equal share of power between all three branches of Congress. The three branches must work together in order to pass a law, change a law, or rule on an issue. This is especially relevant when a representative of one of the branches decides to manipulate their power, which the system of checks and balances prevents. The system is also valuable when two opposing parties share power, as more opinions are considered and the overall voices of the country are counted. Instead of focusing all of the attention on one concept, the government is forced to take into consideration opposing views. While this can be time consuming and lead to more conflict within Congress, it can help to create a more fair, just, and successful country for every resident. In short, if your party was not voted into the presidency, it is critical to vote in the midterm elections as they affect the rest of the government. The two parties carry opposing viewpoints, both of which significantly affect the country. Gun reform, for example, is currently a controversial topic in the Congress. As Democrats continue to push for stricter laws and regulations for gun ownership in the wake of America’s mass shooting epidemic, Republicans use the Second Amendment to push back and ensure their rights to bear arms is protected. Immigration is another highly debated topic after President Trump instated a travel ban on Islamic countries and began working on a wall on the Mexican border. The most controversial issue, however, is the separation of refugee families at all borders and the placement of children in concentration camps. The emotional and physical trauma inflicted in these camps has

Democrats fighting for justice, while Republicans are still pushing to “keep America safe” through stricter immigration laws, ICE deportations and hunting down all undocumented immigrants. Environmental laws are also highly debated between the two parties. Democrats have been pushing for more laws to protect natural resources, fossil fuels, national parks and to reduce pollution. In contrast, Republicans consistently put the agenda of the oil and gas industry ahead of environmental concerns, and have been adamant in denying there is a problem. They do not accept the reality of global warming and thus do not focus on slowing it down. Most importantly, the midterm elections will play a large role in the appointment of the next Supreme Court justice. Because of checks and balances, President Trump can nominate someone, but the nomination must pass through Congress. This nomination is important because the Supreme Court has to make the final decision by relying on the Constitution. Right now, there are four Democratic candidates and four Republican candidates. The upcoming decision on the final nomination will influence future Supreme Court decisions. In addition, whoever becomes the new judge will have the power to use their views of in altering the country’s present and future. Trump’s current nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, would pose as a threat specifically to women’s healthcare and the freedom of choice. Kavanaugh has been previously quoted on the Roe v Wade (1973) court case decision, the case gave women the right to abortion, which was not considered “settled law” to him. In the wake of such polarizing issues, the midterm elections have the power to bring change upon our country. Regardless of your beliefs, it is important to go out and let your voice be heard. Registering to vote is easy and even if you’re away from home, an absentee ballot can be mailed in for you to cast your vote. Do not forget to vote on November 6, 2018 and play your role in changing the future of the United States of America.

FIT

OCTOBER 2018

Hispanic Spots to Visit in NYC BY ALEXANDER LOPEZ-GUEVARA

Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine 1015 6th Ave Just 15 minutes away is a place that offers great hot food service with a wide selection of different meats, veggies and sides. Options include beef stew, all types of chicken, plantains and Moro rice (A delicious marriage between rice and beans that makes for a great side).

Costa’s Arepas 30 West 35th Street This specific place is literally a hole in the wall—you could miss it if you are in your usual rush. But Costa’s arepas are worth stopping for, for. These arepas—a typical Colombian corn tortilla— are the vessels for things like grass fed beef, organic chicken, and/or cheesy goodness along with some great sauces.

Latin American Restaurant 29 W 26th Street Possibly the best type of restaurant to have, just a block away. This place has a menu full of traditional Dominican and American dishes along with a small setting that really hits the nail on homemade food. PHOTO COURTESY ALEXANDER LOPEZ-GUEVARA

Authentic Hispanic food options seem to be a rarity in the midtown area. Despite there being so many other great options already: burger joints, sandwich shops, Italian cafes and Asian restaurants, the craving for hispanic food never seems to cease. Sometimes, the old American burger or pizza just doesn’t cut it—the desire remains for something along the lines of a more home cooked meal. This isn’t to knock those aforementioned places, but it’s to bring up other places that are so often rarely heard of near the FIT campus; places that specifically distribute traditional Hispanic meals for fair prices and great atmosphere. Here is our list:

Bolivian Llama Party Columbus Circle, Underground 8th Ave and 59th Street A popular food chain created by two Bolivian brothers on a mission to distribute Bolivian cuisine, this place has a small menu but has very flavorful options nonetheless.

Empanada Mama 765 9th Ave This is a true gem—empanadas, sancocho and tamales, all around the clock! This place is open 24/7 for those in need of some late night meals that remind them of home.

El Cocotero 228 W 18th Street This Venezuelan spot is great for its atmosphere as much as it is for its food. Try their arepas, fried yuca, or pabellon criollo. The prices are relatively cheap and the plates are very filling.

Taco Bandito 325 8th Ave Across the street from campus is this great walk-in restaurant that serves delicious Mexican dishes—from flautas, to enchiladas, to typical tacos. The service is fast and its proximity to the school is great for tacos before, after or during class!

How One Vintage Store Separates Itself from Traditional NYFW

BY JENNA HENLEY

Vintage store The Break decides to part from traditional New York Fashion Week with their fashion show “Break NYFW” on Friday, September 6. The Break is a Brooklyn-based vintage contemporary store founded in 2014. This is their third year participating in NYFW. Customers began the event by shopping the store’s newest collection. The collection featured vintage pieces as well as small-brand contemporary pieces. Customers then moved on to the store’s version of a farmer’s market which included meeting local designers and trying fresh food. The runway featured unconventional models who made the show more inclusive. The event, overall, was exciting and

original. It brought unique individuals together to celebrate fashion week. The founder, Hannah Richtman, was able to chat about the show and what the store plans to do next. Jenna Henley: What does the store do that breaks away from traditional NYFW shows? Hannah Richtman: As far as NYFW is concerned, our overall mission is to break. Break away from the hierarchy and exclusivity. We want something that moves away from outdated traditions. Diversity being one. We want a safe space where anyone can appreciate and engage in fashion. If that means creating a runway show for everybody to experience, then that’s what we’re going to do. We want to celebrate the brilliant NYFW. However, there are certain traditions that we don’t necessarily agree with anymore. We are making something that is welcoming, fun and accessible for everyone that is involved. JH: What is the production process in creating the show? HR: The first show we ever threw was decided two weeks ahead of time. It wasn’t even close to being as sophisticated as it is now. We planned this one for two months. It was not only hard work

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BREAK

but dedication and woman-power to create this incredible event. It still wasn’t perfect but that’s okay. We learn and improve after every show. It took my entire staff, who knew exactly what they were doing, to put this together. I couldn’t have done anything without them. JH: What are vintage stores doing differently in the world of fashion? HR: Vintage holds a special place in my heart. I could always afford vintage but never high fashion growing up. I always had this idea that you can look like Chanel without actually wearing Chanel. When I moved to New York and started thrifting I was kind of disappointed by how expensive and outdated it was. I felt I was being tricked. The store for us is about creating something sustainable and affordable. Fashion is cyclical. Everything on the runway has been altered from a vintage piece. The biggest priority for us is finding items that are high quality, clean, inclusive and relevant. This is for hardworking people who don’t have the money to buy a $500 top. There’s room in the fashion industry for both contemporary and vintage fashion. The Break is and always will be about creating this lifestyle where people can hang out and have a sense of belonging. The store is located at 82 Dobbin St. Brooklyn, New York. They launch their most recent findings every Tuesday and Friday. Customers can shop either in store, online at shopthebreak.com or on their Instagram story @shopthebreak.

10 NYC

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NYFW: Continuing Decades of Social Fashion Revolution BY THUY ANH DANG

If last season’s New York Fashion Week was an overwhelming rush of nostalgia from the 80s, this season brought timeless silhouettes, with a current twist. The creative fearlessness of American designers continuously progresses through time. It has genuinely formed New York Fashion Week as a destination for fashion. Besides Ralph Lauren celebrating 50 years of believing in and sustaining the brand identity, Wes Gordon had his first debut as creative director of Carolina Herrera. Rain might have happened, but it could neither stop the energy from Telfar’s show nor Rodarte’s. Rodarte’s collection was celebrating the afterlife in the middle of the cemetery, so rain was perfect. In addition, Proenza is back for NYFW. This season was also full of statements. Though Jeremy Scott ’s “Tell your Senator No on Kavanaugh” t-shirt was meant to criticize sexual assault, Pyer Moss collection spoke more volume than one political slogan tee. Jean-Raymond’s purpose was not only to state his political belief but also to revive past fashion creations from black designers who suffered race and culture prejudice. It started with a model in a gospel choir gown followed by painted garment recreations of black families child caring and barbecuing. With the most recent incident in May 2018, when a woman called 911 on a black family barbecuing in the park, it left us all to question the reason why these normal

acts could be considered dangerous. His seemingly simple “Stop Calling 911 on the Culture” top said a number about Jean Raymond’s stand on the issue. NYFW is not only a platform for creativity, it is also a celebration of individuality and compassion for differences. American designers are surely redefining conventions that had existed in fashion shows decades ago. Opening Ceremony was inviting us to the wonders of drag, and Australian model Madeline Stuart, who has Down syndrome. Who, however, can speak of NYFW without mentioning the presence of Rihanna and her Savage X Fenty fashion performance. No sitting assignments or VIP seatings, no arrangements tied to rank the importance of guests. As a longtime supporter of women, she meant to create installations of exotic botany to embolden the spiritual experience as women walk and dance in lingerie. Not only do the sizes range from 32A to 40 DDD, every single model and dancer in that space was an addition to help us reimagine a contemporary society, where women should never be ashamed of their own body type, stretch marks or skin color. More exciting news, Molly Constable, who took the runway 9 months pregnant, went into labor after the show. What a way to end the season!

PHOTO COURTESY VOGUE MAGAZINE

DIARY

NYFW VOLUNTEER

OF A

BY CAROLINE ALBERT

For some, the end of summer is brought on by brisk nights and falling leaves; for others change comes with the annual New York Fashion Week. The ritual is simple: seven full days of runway shows showcasing the best designers and the best models in the industry. Only the elite attend and only the proficient survive. The experience of volunteering at 12 shows this year can be compared only to that of gambling for days in Vegas: you are running on adrenaline, never knowing if it is day or night and just hoping to make it out alive. Blistering feet, four hours of sleep and working 17 hours a day were hardly a price to pay for being up close and personal with the magic. While all the shows dazzled me in their own way, it was the Oscar de la Renta one that swept me off my feet. The moment I walked into the lobby, clutching my mocha latte,

PHOTO COURTESY CAROLINE ALBERT

I was transported into another world, a world I had dreamed of since I was a little girl. There were 12 volunteers, and each of one us were given instructions on how to dress the models for the buyers to see. We were given a look book to refer when dressing, and were told to use our judgement in cases of shoes or when showing just one article. So there I was, in a room full of clothes I could never afford, watching as buyers from Saks, Bloomingdales and Bergdorf Goodman chose which pieces they would buy for their stores. With all the chiffon, sparkle and shoes surrounding me, no wonder it felt like I was dreaming. My jobs ranged from dressing the models to running dresses back and forth from the showroom for the buyers. I attended them as they discussed certain articles and requested others.

I was jokingly referred to as ‘the girl who always knows the answer’ because by the end of the day I knew each of the looks and exactly where to find them. The room was filled with garments ranging from golden couture gowns to sleek trendy blouses and fringe skirts. It was a cloudy day in the city, but the room was alive with light and color not only from the collection, but the people. I felt alive and energized as I swiftly navigated through the racks, pulling dresses taller than me and more expensive than I could ever afford. It was decadent to be able to hold such garments in my hands. I even had the chance to visit the pattern room, where seamstresses were fixing the current collection, and working on new garments for next season. There were over 300 different looks between runway and retail and each had to be shown perfectly, enticing enough

to be bought. Dressing the models had to be done quickly and carefully. The day was long, as each look had to be shown numerous times for the buyers to decide on their collections. By the end of the day I prayed I would never have to zip up a zipper again. Even with sore feet and red fingertips I was sad when the tables of buyers packed up and the volunteers were dismissed. Having such a hands-on role at a well known designer’s show was surreal. I kept pinching myself to ensure I was not dreaming. New York Fashion Week marks the start of a new season and a new year in the world of fashion. This year, however, it also marked the start of a new me, a college girl ready to take on everything New York and FIT has to offer.

FIT

OCTOBER 2018

PINK!

PHOTO COURTESY ANONYMOUS PRESS RELEASE PHOTO

The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color:

The Exhibition BY ALIVIA MATTHEWS Pink: a hue, a symbol and a superpower. The power of pink, especially within the last few decades has been resonating unbelievably. Stereotypically, we think of that bubblegum lip gloss we had when we were little, our princess halloween costume from when we were five years old and pretty much everything feminine and overly bold. The history of pink is an underrated one and more impactful than we acknowledge. It has especially influenced fashion and pop culture, as showcased in the new PINK: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color, exhibition that opened to the public on September 7th. Every color has a purpose and a history, even pink. So let’s think pink! The color pink is a hue created with a mix of white and red, the absence of pigment and a primary pigment; colors that contain a heavy symbolism in themselves. In a historical context, white is associated with purity and innocence, as per the beliefs of Christianity. Red, on the other hand has a much bolder meaning and symbolism, dating centuries back. Red was first associated with, violence, power, danger and all things sinful. Eventually, red began to develop a more multifaceted meaning in history as it was also associated with seduction, romance and boldness. So with all these layers of meaning behind white and red alone, one can only imagine how controversial the color pink became. Pink originally was seen as a very manly and slightly less aggressive version of red but still upheld the same standards. Notable controversy includes Renaissance artist Fra Angelico’s fresco The Annunciation, when Archangel Gabriel was depicted wearing pink robes. Grovier explains, “Fra Angelico fleshes the Archangel out as a being of body and blood, breaking down the distinction between holy spirit and ephemeral flesh” (Grovier, Shady Past of Pink). The hue, originally intended for rendering flesh, went on to be essential in art as a color in charge of “blurring boundaries” (Grovier, Shady Past of Pink). In the 18th century, pink became an official color and pivotal in art and art movements including Edgar Degas Dancers in Pink and Picasso’s Pink Period.

Pink was just as influential in gender identification, sexuality and pop culture as it was in art. Jo Paoletti, author of Pink and Blue: Telling the Boys from the Girls in America, goes on to extensively explain pink’s gender coding. Paoletti confirms that our ancestors cared more about distinguishing children from adults rather than gender. The concept of using color to distinguish gender was in part thanks to the French, also noted by FIT’s very own Valerie Steele, our museum director. They both note how the French started using pink ribbons on baby girls and blue ribbons on baby boys. At the turn of the 20th century, this was still defied up until the 50s and 60s as “characterized by an ideological emphasis on conformity, and by fashion images that were sharply age and gender-specific,” quoted from Steele’s Fashion and Eroticism (Broadway, Pink Wasn’t Always Girly). The height of the color’s controversy arose during the LGBTQ+ movements in the 70s and 80s since it was now a color related to femininity. The color was even used in the form of pink triangles during the Third Reich of WW2 to identify homosexuals within the concentration camps. A new wave of pop culture and recognition arose from this and the gender fluidity of pink rose again. It is being more embraced today than ever before. Notable references include the infamous Breast Cancer Awareness official color and the 2017 Women’s March. Even in modern fashion we see that the color occurs in menswear just as often as women’s wear, proving the new cycle of broken stereotypes. Pink is making a comeback and it’s better than ever. We can witness this in the most recent installment in the FIT Museum, Pink: The History of a Pretty, Punk and Powerful Color! During opening night of the exhibition, many of the guests came dressed up in pink outfits of pretty much every shade to pay homage to the theme of the exhibit. When you initially

walk into the exhibit, you see a pink leather Moschino outfit from their S/S 2015 Barbie-inspired show on the door. Despite the dark atmosphere, the use of the various tones of pink through lighting and the themes of the outfits chosen balance well and prove to be very visually stimulating. As soon as you walk in, you get a historical and culture-driven view on pink throughout last hundred or so years. Go through the double doors to the rest of the exhibit is a sight to behold. The FIT Museum prides itself on having thousands and thousands of historic pieces either purchased or acquired from various notable sources like The Met. Some of them are even being showcased in this exhibit. It is an enjoyable and exciting experience to be able to look at all of the historic fashion from centuries ago and their representation by designers from few years ago, with some music blasting out of the stereo system (yes, you read that correct; they played Gaga the other day and I couldn’t control myself). This exhibit is every fashion major’s paradise, especially for all the pink lovers out there. From Mugler to Kawakubo to Schiapparelli, this exhibit has it all. We even get to see bits of pop culture; an example being a sweatshirt of Harlem rapper Cam’ron and his creation of Killa Pink (yes, he did that!) Who knew pink would have such an impact? Go check out the exhibit, you won’t regret it. The exhibition closes January 5th, 2019.

W27

FEATURES

Ramon Gil

and the Debut of Diversity Comic Con BY MASON AUMAN

I recently sat down with Ramon Gil - a professor at FIT and a comic book creator who is organizing, with the backing of FIT’s Diversity Council, the first ever Diversity Comic Con. The convention is touching down on campus on October 11th, and will feature a lineup of panelists and speakers from the comic book industry who work to create diversity and representation in all media. In preparation for Diversity Comic Con, Ramon and I discuss controversy within the comic book community and the role of creators in representing minority groups in their work. I hope you enjoy reading the following conversation as much as I enjoyed taking part in it.

Mason Auman: To start, could you please explain for the readers who you are, what you do at the school, and your background in comics – since that’s what we’ll be discussing today? Ramon Gil: My name is Ramon Gil and I teach in the computer graphics department here at FIT. I’m actually trained as a graphic designer and illustrator. I moved to New York in the early 90s to pursue my dream of being a comic book artist. What I quickly learned is that it didn’t play well, at all. So, when the industry tanked in’94, I went into advertising – because that’s where I could find work. I stayed there for a couple of years, and about four or five years ago, a friend of mine, Amy Chou – who writes for Red Sonja, Wonder Woman, Poison Ivy – came to me after making a career shift to writing in comics. I figured that if she could do it – at our age – that I should give it a shot. I started publishing my own comic books, and I’ve always been an organizer of events. So, I started doing panel discussions and workshops at comic cons. I actually do a monthly speaking meet-up down the street at Simple Studios, with some professional creators where we all talk about their work. Anyway, I’d been doing that and then last year a friend of mine, Fabrice Sapolsky, who is

PHOTO COURTESY JANE HASLAM

the creator of Spiderman Noir and had been holding Jewish Con out in Brooklyn, said “Ramon you should totally do Asian Con!” And I was thinking about it when one of my colleagues invited me to a diversity grants workshop. I thought, okay, maybe it would be kind of cool to have a diversity comic con on campus. I wrote the proposal and didn’t think much of it and then I got an email that said that they were really excited about this and wanted to go forward with it. It was fully approved by the president’s (of FIT) Diversity Council. The support of Ron Milon and the council really has made this event possible – without them, the con would not be happening. So, I am bringing in the creators and handling the logistics while the school handles costs and all of that stuff – I’m very lucky that way.

MA: You’ve touched upon an idea that I want to talk more specifically with you about. What does the lineup look like? What can we expect from Diversity Comic Con? RG: The goal is the make it like a mini New York Comic Con. But usually culture – aside from pop culture – is not a big theme for cons except for Pride Con here in New York. And I’ve always created my events to be minority focused. These past two years, diversity has been a very polarizing issue in the comic book industry. There are a lot of people who think that comics should be non-political and be exotic rather than recreating characters in different genders or ethnicities. There’ sort of a debate going on. Not that I’m trying to add to that debate or take a position, but I guess I am – because I firmly believe in the value of diversity in anything. So, the people who are going to be coming to the con are those that have played a role in that. Our keynote speaker is Vivek Tiwary, who wrote an award winning graphic novel called The Fifth Beatle. It’s about Brain Epstein, a gay man who was the manager of the Beatles. He lived a pretty tragic life. That book won an Eisner award, which is the Oscar’s of comics. Also, Trevor Von Eeden will be there – he used to draw Batman in the 80’s. He is the co-creator of Black Lightning, which is now a Netflix show. A few years ago, he authored a book called The Real Johnson. It’s about the first black heavyweight boxing champion. Our third featured guest is Heather Antos. She was an editor at Marvel Comics who became a lightning rod after tweeting about her and her friends, who were all out celebrating the life of another Marvel staffer who had recently passed away. Somebody tweeted something horrible like “this is the reason Marvel Comics is going down the drain, because of these social justice warriors, blah blah blah.” It snowballed into something really nasty, with a lot of derogatory remarks toward women and minorities. Now the industry has been taking sides – with more people in favor of diversity in comics, I think.

MA: I’m happy that you brought that up, because this is something I really want to talk about. In regard to the controversy, there’s been a backlash against Marvel specifically for the way they are introducing new, diverse, characters. There are leagues of people crying “SJW” – which is always a funny thing to me because they use it derogatorily, and yet there doesn’t seem to be anything negative about fighting for social justice. These people take issue with introductions like Jane Foster as Thor and Riri Williams as Ironheart who replaced legacy characters in their roles. The detractors from these characters often say that it isn’t the diverse nature of the characters that is the problem, it’s their integration. What is your take? Is there a “right” or “wrong” way to introduce diversity into comics? RG: I don’t think there is any “right” way to do it. At the end of the day, these characters are owned by a company that wants to reach new audiences. These audiences are diverse and they are not just men. If I owned a company and I needed to reach a bigger audience, I would tailor my product to that audience. The fans like to think that they are entitled to the characters – but they have no say. If you don’t like something that a company is doing then don’t buy the products, or make them yourself. That’s why I make my own comic books and shoot my own short films. In doing that, I am creating more diversity in the medium. I don’t believe in whining or complaining about what the companies are doing. Now, I happen to agree with making characters more diverse. Really, I think a lot of these guys are just frustrated because the thing that they loved is changing and a lot of people don’t like change. A lot of these guys are older guys – let’s face it – I don’t know why older

FIT

OCTOBER 2018

organizer, how have you approached representation within your work? RG: In almost all of my stories, the lead characters are Asian. These are not Asian stories, these are regular sci-fi, action or espionage stories in which the leads happen to be Asian. There are a lot of works that are really about the Asian experience, and I love them. But for me, I just want to write stories that everybody can relate to and that happen to represent minorities. I’ve always done things that tried to promote diversity, especially for Asian Americans.

MA: If you’re a writer in comics who wants to write a character that is maybe outside of your experience, how should you do that? Even if the story is not specifically about that character’s experience as say, an African American, how does a writer accurately portray that character without washing them out or misrepresenting that group of people? RG: I wouldn’t let that stop me, because you can’t ever know the experience of every character you write. You’ll never have superpowers or be a secret agent, but we still write those characters. If, as writers, we didn’t write about characters with whom we have no direct experience, then nothing would be written. I say that it’s better to give it a shot and learn from any mistakes you make than not try at all.

guys are still reading comic books. I actually don’t read that many mainstream comics. A lot of comic books, mainly graphic novels, are more mature in their content and more sophisticated. To me, those are really fun to read. Superhero stuff is okay. But if you’re 40 years old and complaining that your superhero comic is not the way it used to be, maybe you shouldn’t be reading superhero comics anymore.

MA: How do you feel about books like Saga? It’s a book that is geared toward mature audiences but is written and illustrated by former Marvel and DC creators. I think there’s a big crossover between the fans of the “Big Two” publishers and an Image book like Saga. RG: Saga is a very well written book. And I think that that is the future of comic books. You can still have superheroes, but books like that are the way forward. I think there is a lot of great books out there that people who are still hanging on to the way they remember their Superman or Spiderman should get into.

MA: Do you think that publishers introducing characters specifically to reach audiences as you said are being inauthentic by looking at it as a business move? And if this is the case, does it matter? Because regardless of why they decided to create Riri Williams, a young black girl has seen that character and sees herself. Which is so important. RG: It’s only a detracting factor if you’re uncomfortable with it. For somebody who might be the same ethnicity as a character, it’s not a distraction. It is one more reason to buy the books and be inspired by the story. People who feel like this is the “wrong way’ are being very close-minded. There is no “right” way. Of course, people are perfectly within their rights to not like the story. But to attack those who are creating these characters personally is unfair. What’s really disheartening is that some of the people making attacks are also professional comic book creators.

MA: Diversity is a fact of life, not a “political” statement,” right? If comics are to accurately reflect life, they should be more diverse. So, anyone who acts like comics becoming more diverse is anything less than good are shortchanging the medium and its abilities. I think that Diversity Comic Con is a great example of an expansion of inclusion, as it is an event that is made for this purpose. In your own work as a creator and

MA: What do you hope that the effect of Diversity Comic Con at FIT is going to be? How do you hope it will impact attendees? RG: I’m hoping that the visibility for creators of color increases because of this event. I hope that attendees are inspired to create their own comic books, or at least inspired to create more art that speaks toward diversity. And I hope that it highlights the school as a hotbed of diversity – I’ve taught at other schools and I find that FIT is one of the more diverse student bodies that I’ve seen. I have to say it’s very refreshing.

MA: Okay, it’s time for the plug. When it Diversity Comic Con? When does it start? Give me the details. RG: Diversity Comic Con is being held on October 11th, from 10 to 6. And if any con should have awesome cosplay it should be one at FIT, so I hope that students come out and show off some amazing stuff. The event is being held the same week as New York Comic Con so if you have a costume from that then I hope you bring it. There will be a cosplay pageant around 5:00. It’s free for everyone – FIT students just have to bring their IDs and anyone who is not a student can reserve a free ticket on the Diversity Comic Con website.

HOFIT

HOME EDITION

W27

HoFIT HUMANS OF FIT BY JENNA HENLEY

AMRIT AHLUWALIA, HOME: INDIA JEWELRY DESIGN How long did it take for you to adjust to living in New York? Did you know anyone else living in New York? It took me only a week to get fully adjusted to living in New York. I have been living on my own for so long and have taken the opportunity to travel the world, so the adjustment was really easy for me. I knew absolutely no one living here; my first roommate was the first person I met in New York. What motivated you the most to make the move to New York? One of my aunts is a jewelry designer, and she happen to see me design my own Jewelry line. She decided to give me recommendations to three different schools, and I got accepted into all three. The school choices were in either London, Florence and New York. I chose school

in New York because you are able to get so much out of it. It’s filled with different cultures, food, and opportunities. You are able to see your potential while living in New York. How did FIT help you transition from your home country to New York? I met a couple of great friends at an international meeting during orientation week my first year at FIT. Orientation week was a great way to get involved. I met a lot of my Indian friends during my time as a member and President of Indian cultural society. FIT allows you to hear and share experiences among friends and professors. People all over the school know who I am, and I was able to gain a lot of connections between professors and other students. I am graduating FIT this year, so I am grateful to what FIT has provided for me.

BROOKE LEITNER, HOME: WISCONSIN COMMUNICATION DESIGN What motivated you the most to make the move to New York? The excitement of moving to a new city. A lot of people from my home town go to this one university in my state, and they all do the same thing. I just wanted to do something different for myself, and kind of put a stamp on my school. I want to let everyone know back at home that you don’t have to go to this one school, and you can go out of state and have a different experience. What is a food you love from your home state that you cannot get here? Wisconsin cheese! The cheese in Wisconsin is something totally different than the cheese in New York. For one it’s way better. The best fast food restaurant in Wisconsin is Noodles and Company. Their Wisconsin Mac and Cheese is so good, and I get it every time. I recently visited

home, and I love that restaurant so much I had to get it twice. What was the process like for you moving to New York? First off I never moved into the dorms my first year of school. I moved into my apartment the summer before my Freshman year. The process was really difficult. It was even difficult to convince my parents to let me go here in the beginning. There were a lot weekend trips and missing school to find an apartment. I ended up taking a U-Haul up here with all my stuff. I pretty much moved my whole life out here. It was difficult, but totally worth it.

NATASHA HAMMOND, HOME: MISSOURI FASHION BUSINESS MANAGEMENT What is the biggest difference between New York and your home state? The fashion is definitely the biggest difference. I feel it moves a lot slower in Kansas City. Another big difference is the animals I see now. I’m used to seeing deer everywhere, but now I come across a rat which is always shocking. What is a food you love from your home state that you cannot get here? Barbeque! I feel it is so authentic in Kansas City. New York has Barbeque but it’s definitely not the same. Kansas City has some of the number one best Barbeque places, so I choose not have it in New York because I know it’s not authentic.”

PHOTOS COURTESY JENNA HENLEY AND ERIN TUCKER

Do you plan on staying in New York or do you plan on living somewhere else after college? I think depends on the job I get, but I would prefer to stay in New York. I think there are a lot of opportunities here and I really like the city. I grew up in a military family, so I was always forced to go to places. This is finally the first place I got to choose myself, and I feel it is my home.

FIT

OCTOBER 2018

How Media Fetishizes Lesbian Relationships BY ASHLEY FREUNDNER

Is there a reason why films often paint the portrait of lesbian relationships in a way that fetishizes them? Is this compounded by the straight, cisgender men, who are making these films? Why do music videos often do the same? A lesbian relationship deserves to be given the same energy that is given to any other relationship. So how come they are represented through a lens that hypersexualizes and caters to male viewers? According to Laura Mulvey, writer of “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema,” the male gaze is “the way in which the visual arts and literature depict the world and women from a masculine point of view, presenting women as objects of male pleasure.” Recently, we have begun to see more films and even children’s tv shows that show how lesbian relationships are more than just something to please the minds of men. For example, in the finale of the series Adventure Time, the characters Marceline and Princess Bubblegum – who the creators have been wanting to make exclusive – finally have their moment. They share a kiss after Marceline saves Princess Bubblegum and expresses how worried she was about her safety.

This representation of a lesbian relationship gives the interaction depth beyond sexual desire. Even films with a lesbian target audience use mostly hyper-feminine women to portray the roles as a way to appease male viewers. A common narrative, I find, is a lesbian character changing her mind to end up being with a man. These ideas and representations of lesbian relationships and even those who identify as bisexual correlates to how lesbians and bisexual women are treated in real life. Often when women come out as bisexual, for example, a flood of straight men begin to ask if she would be into a threesome with another woman. This is a prime example of how the male gaze transcends representation in media and moves into real life. There are men that see women as existing to service men and to feed into their fantasies. Not only does this representation and oversexualization happen to lesbian relationships but to women who appear on screen overall. “Sex sells” and the entertainment industry is dominated by men who don’t care about how these representations of women affect women in real life. From sexual assault to sexual harassment women are continually objectified in society and within the media. When looking at this, there is an issue of the intersections of how life is for those who identify as a lesbian or as a bisexual woman. They are often thought of as something purely sexual and existing to please others, lying smack in the middle of homophobia and misogyny. Movies such as Moonlight beautifully portray the life of someone who is gay without finding a way to sexualize the entire film. Carol is one of the very few movies I’ve seen in which a lesbian relationship isn’t oversexualized. And, though it was nominated for six Oscars, it did not receive one. Moonlight won best picture at the Oscars, making history by being the first LGBT movie to win best picture. The light-hearted and realistic representation of a lesbian relationship on Adventure Time really showcases how there doesn’t have to be a constant projection of sexualized and predominantly feminine lesbians. As the coming generation begins to take over the entertainment industry there is a hope that a push away from this gaze can be formed and that filmmakers who are a part of the community can have the opportunity to represent them. It is also my hope that there will be more of a push in the validation of lesbian relationships rather than a fetishizaiton that is enhanced by the entertainment industry.

PHOTO COURTESY SHOPIFY PARTNERS

THE GALLERY

W27 Each month, we feature artwork from FIT students. Whether it’s something you’re pursuing professionally or just trying to have fun with, nothing is too big or too small for The Gallery.

THE GALLERY Sophia Ostapenko AMC, 3rd Year Follow Sophia on Instagram: @fashion.caption

FIT

OCTOBER 2018

Erin Tucker AMC, 2nd Year

“I got my first (film) camera when I was five, a mini instant Kodak. And since, I’ve always loved photography; it’s always made me feel full. I’ve been shooting a lot more since I moved to New York. I love taking photos of my friends, and I hope in doing so always shows them how beautiful they are. Music inspires me a lot. All my favorite songs, I want my photos to look the way they sound. I want my film to make people feel the way NYC makes me feel.” Follow Erin on Instagram: @erinntucker Would you like to see your artwork featured in The Gallery? Send us an email to w27_newspaper@ fitnyc.edu for a chance to have your work featured in our next issue.

OP-ED

W27

“Learning to Feed Yourself” BY LARA DE LA TORRE

I have no idea how I survived my first two years of college in Philadelphia. The only food-related memories I can muster up from that time period are late-night Wawa runs featuring cheap, familysized cups of baked potato soup; the epitome of an unhealthy lifestyle. It has taken a move to New York City and an additional two years of living away from home for me to have even begun to realize that I have a serious problem: I have no idea how to feed myself. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have a set of parents hell-bent on maintaining a regular eating routine for my brother and me. In the mornings, it didn’t matter if it was bacon, eggs and toast or just a simple cup of yogurt, something had to be shoved down our throats before heading to school. Lunch was a similar situation, either packed ahead of time or purchased in the cafeteria, it was drilled into me that something had to be ingested midday. Last, and best, came dinnertime: an often Mexican home-cooked meal at 6PM sharp every single school night. It was seventeen years of this routine; just the right amount of time to develop the sense of overlycontent complacency that is so definitive of being raised in the suburbs. This general feeling of “whatever, it’ll solve itself” has plagued me, and screwed me, to no end. Feeding myself has proven to be one of the toughest lessons I’ve faced while being away from home; a lesson that I have found is very frequently overlooked and underrepresented. When kids are entering college, it is never truly emphasized how important it is to immediately establish a steady eating routine. The tips and tricks listed all over magazines and the Internet rarely have to do with things like how to remember to eat, how to find time to eat or even what to eat (that is healthy and quick). Occasionally you’ll see a random piece about “easy dorm room dinners,” but they’ll often be featuring ramen noodles and croissant puffpastries. Not exactly the best options for young people that need long-lasting sources of energy. The truth is, if we as students are expected to do well academically in order to pursue the lives

we’ve worked so hard for, then we need to make self-care a priority. Feeding oneself is a life skill that will be mandatory for the rest of our lives. It does not have to be expensive, it does not have to be time consuming and it most definitely does not have to be something you dread doing. Which is why I’m going to start sharing with all of you the recipes that have helped me begin to learn how to feed myself. To kick-off this new column, I’m going to start with my mom’s salsa recipe. Developed over her first couple of years after college while living in Spain with my dad, this recipe is very easy to execute. Whenever I have a free hour on the weekends, I’ll often make this salsa for the week ahead; stored in Tupperware in a fridge, it remains fresh for at least a week. The best indicator of the salsa starting to go bad is when it begins to lose its flavor and color and starts to become watery instead of chunky. An important tip on keeping this salsa fresh for as long as possible is by making sure you’re not cross-contaminating it; when serving, make sure to use a clean utensil every single time. Aside from being easy to prepare, this recipe is also very versatile in its uses: the most basic being a dip for chips which is always a great inbetween classes snack. If you have the time to make a quick breakfast in the mornings, this salsa is also delicious mixed in with scrambled eggs. Whenever you may feel the need to add a little heat to a meal, the roasted jalapeños in this recipe will definitely satisfy that craving. So, get creative with “Mama’s Salsa,” FIT, this is just the beginning of a year full of continuing to try and figure out how to feed ourselves.

“Mama's Salsa” 4 average-sized jalapeños 2 large tomatoes, cut in half 1/4 piece of a small onion 1/4 teaspoon of salt extra-virgin olive oil a handful of fresh cilantro leaves

1.) Pre-heat oven to 400°. 5.) Remove pan from oven and allow food to cool. 2.) Cover a sheet pan with aluminum foil. 6.) Once cool enough to handle, remove stems from jalapeños. 3.) Place jalapeños and halved tomatoes, cut side up, on sheet pan. Drizzle with EVOO and salt to taste. 4.) Roast in oven for about half an hour; until tops of tomatoes are bubbling and the skin of the jalapeños is slightly charred.

7.) Place tomatoes, jalapeños, onion piece, cilantro, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt together in a blender. Pulse till chunky. You’re all done!

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OCTOBER 2018

style on 27.

BY MASON AUMAN

LYLE RAE AMC

“I decided on my outfit based on these jeans. It’s Friday so I wanted to be sort of chilled out. As it gets colder I get to wear more layers most of my wardrobe is hoodies and outerwear so I’m excited to incorporate those pieces.”

ANGELINA YUEN MENSWEAR

“I needed something comfy but color-coordinated. I didn’t have white shoes because those are ruined so I have to go buy them after class! As the weather changes, I try to wear as many functional layers as possible. That way I can change throughout the day as the weather does.”

Everyone who loves clothes loves fall. The autumn season is an amalgam of cool breezes and crisp air that allows for layered outfits without the need for a full body scarf and overbearing parka weighing you down. I meandered my way around campus to find FIT students who have particularly cool style. I asked them about how they got dressed that day, and how they cope with the manic weather that precedes the autumn bliss we look forward to all year.

FARSHED NAVID AMC

“I got dressed for the weather. I think the color works well with the overcast nature of the sky. I like to rock shorts with a hoodie or a thick flannel, it gives me a temperature balance.”

JYE LEONG MENSWEAR

“My friend made this hat so I choreographed the outfit around it. I try to be relaxed at all times. When the weather transitions, I wear the same things. I generally try to wear as few layers as possible.”

MONET KIFNER ILLUSTRATION

“I wanted to be comfy today, thus the bike shorts. And it’s a bit cool today so I could wear this jacket I really like. In the art section of the building it’s always cool so I’m dressing for 60 degree weather every day.”

JINGU JUN MENSWEAR

“I always wear all black, and I’m a big Yohji fan. I generally dress the same way all year.”

Earn up to 4 credits in 3 weeks. Welcome to an Unconventional Winter Break at FIT.

Registration Opens November 1

Winter Session January 2-18, 2019

fitnyc.edu/winter