October 2016

Volume 49

Issue 2

October 2016

MASTHEAD Daniel Nissim Editor–in–Chief

W27

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR studied abroad and a really funny satire piece about going to the library.

Jenny Kim Executive Editor Andrea Navarro Managing Editor

This month, we’re featuring a fine arts student on our cover. I believe this is a first in W27 history, but don’t quote me on it. I hope you enjoy her work and her interview.

We’re also unveiling a new section, The Gallery. Each month, The Gallery will display the work of two to four students, which will allow us to highlight more student work each issue.

Kayla Renshaw Treasurer

EDITORS Kayla Renshaw Meghan Kane

I’d like to continue this trend of featuring new majors, so all you illustration, graphic design, photography and textile/surface design and any other art major students out there, please send examples of your work to w27_ newspaper@fitnyc.edu.

ART Rose-Ann Reynolds Art Director Valerie Gutierrez Joyce Xu Erin Rouse Henry Barrow Danielle Godsa Designers

CONTRIBUTORS Cameron Heaney Taylor Koontz Christina Santos Rohini Mikkelsen Samantha Nichols Anil Singh Sarah Fielding Luiza Teixeira Batista Shaden Espinoza Martin Allen Erin Taylor Betsabe Espinal Erin Rouse Morgan Court Mitch Wisnieski Lau Cheuk-In (Cherry) Amal Hawari Veronica Marrinan Thais Derjangocyan Natalia Pereira Valerie Gutierrez Andy Mitchell

Elections are almost upon us, and I think that it is important to take a moment to talk about them. We are fortunate to live in a country with a free, democratic election. It is our civic duty, and thankfully our right, to be heard when choosing representatives for our city, state and country. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”

If you’re registered to vote, be sure to make it to the polls. While it is said that every vote counts, I believe it is more important to believe that your vote counts.

Daniel Nissim Editor–in–Chief

Now enough of that serious talk. We had a great time putting this issue together for you. We had over thirty people come to our meeting after the Club Fair, and it is refreshing to add new voices to our staff. There’s some great work from students who

Professor John Simone Editorial Faculty Advisor Professor Albert Romano Advertising Advisor

ON THE COVER: “multivalent deluge in the nether regions” by Pamela Stoicev Photos taken by Liina Paavonpera (www.

LiinaPaavonpera.com) Thank you to Ronny Estrella at New York Minded gallery

W27 Newspaper

@W27 Newspaper

@W27 Newspaper

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

FIT

OCTOBER 2016

contents ON THE BLOCK

HAUTE CULTURE

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SVCs Breast Cancer Walk / Tobacco Free on Campus

Review: Intermezzo / Ten Years of 20 Restaurant The Killers’ “Sam’s Town

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FIT Hives and the Muslin Compost Project / Hypersensitivity Across College Campuses

The Meadows Festival

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Rebooting the Style Shop

21 22

DEAR INDUSTRY

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Marilyn: Character Not Image

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Podcasting the Future of Advertising / Evolution of the Youtube Celebrity

HOFIT

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Invasion of the Influencers: The War Between Editors and Bloggers

24 Humans of FIT

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The Gallery

MONTH IN REVIEW

FEATURES

10 12 13 14

Pamela Stovic Interview

Summer into Fall Fashion

The Dakota Access Pipeline: Potential Construction Hazards and a Disregard for Native Americans Global Citizen Festival: More than Just the Music

15

Bye-Bye, BlackBerry

16

Gucci Marvels at Milan Fashion Week/ Dia de los Muertos

17

Confessions of a Library Novice: My first time in the New York Public Library

18

Masking China: Environmental Response to Fashion Statement

19

The Issue Behind the Touchscreen

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

Inside The (Almost) 29 Rooms from Refinery29

Running Too Third Party Candidates for 25 I’m President and How They Plan to Take Down The Establishment / Showdown at Hofstra Clinton and Trump Battle it out in First Presidential Debate

Hillary Clinton Means for College 26 What Students

FIT SPEAKS St Blast Shakes FIT Student Body 26 23rd Students Critique Delay of Campus Notification

27 Back From Italy: Thoughts on America STYLE ON 27

28 Still Fresh to FIT

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4

ON THE BLOCK

W27

FIT Students Taking the NYC Breast Cancer Walk

BY CAMERON HEANEY

a cause: raising money and awareness to develop a cure for a breast cancer.

PHOTO COURTESY: CLIPARTS.CO

Thousands of people, Thousands of people, including a large number of FIT students, will gather in Central Park on Oct. 16 in their funkiest pink outfits. At first glance, this will appear to be a lighthearted festival with music blasting and a sea of neon pink, but the women and men will be walking for

will go directly to breast cancer research, education and patient services that will greatly impact thousands of lives.

not only can you do things that help you academically, but also socially and civically as well,” said Payton-Jones.

FIT’s Student Volunteer Students are realizing the Community Service benefits of joining such an (SVCS) allows students the Breast cancer devastatingly amazing group, as Paytonopportunity to give back to affects millions of people.

Jones stated, “where else are the NYC community through Nearly anyone you ask will you going to find ten percent acts of service. Volunteer have a story relating to the of the student population?”

Coordinator of SVCS Deborah disease: an aunt who fought it, SVCS has already signed Payton-Jones is bringing a a friend that beat it, a family up 1500 students so far this group of over 300 students that has grown stronger from academic year. to the Breast Cancer Walk, it. Payton-Jones has found which benefits the American that “students that started According to Payton-Jones, Cancer Society. Payton-Jones their freshman year doing partnering students, faculty has coordinated SVCS for 27 the breast cancer walk have and staff with one another out of the 28 years that she’s gone on to have the American and working with non-forworked at FIT and has brought Cancer Society as their main profit organizations “will help students to this event, among philanthropic location that with the retention level that several others, every October they will then donate after the students need in order for the past several years. The having graduated FIT.” to come back to FIT as a full team hopes to raise at least fledged person, not just a $5,000 to benefit this cause.

Participating in this walk and student. This helps prepare According to the American other community activities them to become a working, Cancer Society, money raised at FIT “shows students that positive member of society.”

TOBACCO-FREE ON CAMPUS

“I understand that a lot of students on campus are smokers, but I think that the policy is here for a reason and I wish people would abide by it more often,” says freshman Emilia Helfrich, 18. “I think that a lot of students at FIT become smokers simply because they’re surrounded by it so often, especially living in New York City. It would be nice to have a block of the city that’s 100% smoke-free.”

Although there are many different opinions among students regarding the Tobacco-Free Policy, FIT has made it clear that they’re committed to remaining a tobacco-free campus. At this point, it is unclear if the rules will soon be enforced more seriously or if the Tobacco-Free Policy will continue in this lenient trend.

BY TAYLOR KOONTZ PHOTO COURTESY: PIXABAY.COM

Walk onto the FIT campus and you’ll instantly see a cobalt blue sign that reads: “FIT is a Tobacco-Free Campus” on the sidewalk next to Alumni Hall.

But more often than not, an FIT student is less than ten feet away, smoking a cigarette.

The Tobacco-Free Campus Policy was first issued in June 2006, and most recently reissued in Fall 2015. According to the policy statement, FIT prohibits students, employees, visitors, contractors and all other persons from using tobacco products anywhere on campus. This has become an increasingly popular policy at universities all over New York State. According to the NYS College Tobacco-Free Initiative, 42% of colleges in New York State are either smoke-free or tobacco-free — a 28% increase from 2012.

According to the Tobacco-Free Policy, students who repeatedly violate these rules are subject to discipline in accordance to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Manual. However, most students say that they’ve never gotten in trouble for smoking on campus.

“I smoke on campus every once in a while and I’ve never been told to leave campus or anything like that,” says freshman Bridgette Strawbridge, 18. “A couple of my friends have been asked to smoke somewhere else, but have never been disciplined for smoking on school grounds.”

While smokers on campus don’t bother most students at FIT, others wish that the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy was more heavily enforced.

SVCS coordinates numerous activities throughout the school year — presenting a diverse range of events for which every student can volunteer. Be sure to check your FIT email for even more volunteer opportunities with SVCS, including fashion week positions, community service activities and other experiences that connect students, faculty and staff to the community.

“According to the NYS College Tobacco-Free Initiative, 42% of colleges in New York State are either smoke-free or tobacco-free.

FIT

FIT Hives and The Muslin Compost Project

BY ANDREW MITCHELL

In a city filled with dirty sidewalks and traffic fumes, it can sometimes feel difficult to find ways to lead a sustainable life. In an effort to embrace the green to make a change, students have started FIT Hives and the Muslin Composting Project. Through education and action, these programs seek to change sustainable culture at FIT. FIT Hives is a plan that is quickly gaining buzz. It is an initiative that will help facilitate the placement of two bee hives on the Pomerantz building’s roof in the Spring 2017 semester. Shóna Neary, 20, a Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design major and a member of the Ethics and Sustainability Club as well as the co-creator of the FIT Hives documentary told W27 that the “FIT Hives is a bee education program which touches on how to become a beekeeper and how to use natural, sustainable resources for cosmetics and fragrance.”

The process began when Neary and her friend, Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing major Sarah Langenbach, 21, applied for the FIT Innovation Grant.

With the help of Film and Video Production major Max Hechtman, 19, the group set out to create a documentary to show the school the benefits of a bee hive. “We got into the Clinton Global Initiative University, which is basically a conference for if you have a good idea,” said Neary. “You apply and, if they like your idea, you give it a go.” After that, they had the credibility to communicate PHOTO COURTESY BY SHONA NEARY their commitment to their plan, granting them more support from FIT. The crew met with many individuals with an interest in bee cultivation such as FIT faculty, Battery Park beekeepers and an encaustic painter (someone who paints with beeswax) in New Jersey.

The Hives program seeks to involve and educate others. Those interested in beekeeping or in creating cosmetics from beeswax can visit the upcoming monthly on-campus events and learn about these topics. “We want it to be open to everyone,” Neary said. “It’s not just about bees. It’s about trying to get people to think about where we get our resources and how we treat everything.”

OCTOBER 2016

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HYPERSENSITIVITY ACROSS COLLEGE CAMPUSES

BY CHRISTINA SANTOS

With the fall semester in full swing students across the country, and here on campus at FIT, are given cause to think about the words and phrases they should keep or leave out of their vocabularies. The University of Chicago has made it clear to its students that there will no longer be “safe spaces” or trigger warnings on campus. These are two preventative entities that are made to keep microaggressions, or unintended discrimination toward an individual or group of people, at bay — a safeguard for students. Yet for students with anxiety or a general fear of public speaking, this presents a challenge in everyday speech, making students afraid to speak their mind — fearful that what they say will ultimately be “wrong.”

The topic of hypersensitivity is, ironically, a sensitive thing to touch on these days. But here at FIT, students, faculty and staff have taken part in an exhibition titled“Impactful Language,” developed by the FIT Diversity Council. With posters displaying titles such as “Turn Off the Sound of Hate,” this exhibition includes words that participants either say or don’t say. The exhibition was display in the lobby of the Feldman Center until Sept. 29.

Although words were featured that are often looked down on, posters were also displayed containing words of encouragement. This goal of this campaign was to spread positivity rather than hate.

microaggressions, specifically how they are related to the awareness of race and ethnicity. The University of Wisconsin system, which includes 25 colleges, said that they are asking state legislature for $6 million in funding to improve what they call the “university experience” for students, according to The New York Times.

This ultimately means educating students, faculty and staff members in terms of “cultural training,” which includes conversations about political correctness as well as topics such as diversity and safe spaces — designated areas where students from different groups join together to discuss their experiences without the fear of being judged. Along with the availability of these safe spaces, students will be encouraged to utilize trigger warnings — disclaimers about potentially upsetting material.

College students are constantly learning and should be expected to make mistakes and ultimately grow from them. With help from his or her school, a student can gain the necessary knowledge needed to move forward. Through its “Impactful Language” exhibtion, FIT is making an effort to positively impact the way students communicate and interact with each oth

While the focus at FIT is to make students and faculty more aware of the words we choose to say, some campuses across the country have taken it upon themselves to highlight

Another environmentally progressive plan at FIT is the Muslin Compost Project, which takes the organic and untreated cotton used by fashion design students and combines it with compostable food scraps and dirt to create nutrient-rich soil.

“This semester we put the first soil from the muslin project into the gardens,” said William Rossi, director of sustainability PHOTO COURTESY BY SHONA NEARY for the FIT Student Government Association. Two of the gardens grow plants that produce natural dye. Like FIT Hives, the Muslin Compost Project participated in the Clinton Global Initiative University, which seeks to bring together and encourage world leaders to act on global issues.

Working hand in hand, these two student-run projects show the importance of collaboration, a concept that is central to incorporating even more environmentally-friendly practices at FIT. One small step can end up making a real difference in setting our planet back on the right track.

PHOTO COURTESY: CHRISTIE SHIN AT FIT

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ON THE BLOCK

W27

Rebooting the Style Shop WRITTEN BY W27 STAFF INTERVIEW BY NATALIA PEREIRA

“Students gravitated to the positive energy emanating from the shop.”

PHOTO COURTESY: VERONICA TRIPODI

The end of summer marks not only the beginning of the school year, but the reopening of something better: the Style Shop. Like any school, FIT is proud of their students, but there’s another source of pride nestled in a prime spot on campus and that’s the Style Shop.

Walking into the Dubinsky Student Center lobby late (actually really late) for the opening, it was as if I was fashionably late to a celebration. That’s what this new reopening was all about: throwing a party. Music was blasting, laughter and excited voices filled the air with refreshments for all in attendance. The ambiance of the new layout caught the curious eyes of both attendees and those just passing by on their way to class.

The shop is stocked with new and trendy merchandise. Velvet, silky delicate wear, embellishments, embroidery and bomber jackets are included in the store’s inventory — sure to soon be seen in students’ wardrobes. Along with showcasing this update to the Style Shop, there was an area for students who wanted to document this momentous occasion on their social media accounts — or just looking for an excuse to get cute pics.

The Style Shop is already off to a great start. If you want to dive into a fun environment and gain valuable merchandising experience, the Style Shop is the swimming pool you’re looking for. Natalia Pereira, a current Fashion Business Management student, sat down with Elisa Constanza and Desirae Bruckner, comanagers of the Style Shop, to get more on what’s to come.

Natalia Pereira: Other than financial, what types of goals for the store do you have and how do you plan on achieving them?

Elisa Constanza: We want the store to be a place where students can go to have a good time inbetween classes and get away. We plan to achieve this by making the Style Shop a super creative and different environment to set it apart from the rest of FIT’s campus.

Desirae Bruckner: Our goal is to provide the most on-trend products to students, as well as the best customer experience possible. To do this, we are making sure all employees of the store are updated on the current trends found in our store and are trained to give customers the best assistance.

NP: What particularly about the Style Shop made you want to manage it?

EC: Definitely the people involved in the store! I feel a very strong connection to the team while working with them.

DB: Within previous roles, I felt a sense of ownership as time went on. My main goal throughout those times was always to manage the store one day.

NP: How do you juggle classes, jobs and internships while also managing the store?

EC: I’m used to always having a lot on my plate, so I have learned to manage my time. It is difficult, but I make it work to incorporate this awesome opportunity.

DB: I’m so used to packed days from beginning to end, so it comes naturally to me. I also wouldn’t be anywhere without my planner!

NP: Tell me more about what types of products are sold at the store and what else you plan to feature this year.

EC: There are four categories of products: product development, designer, industry and vintage.

Each team provides a wide range of products, with a range of prices and selections, varying from accessories to necessities. These include things from home products to dresses. Our biggest sellers

are usually PD items such as spirit jerseys and affordable jewelry.

NP: How can FIT students join the Style Shop team?

DB: You first have to join the Merchandising Society and attend weekly meetings during common hour to find out more about available Style Shop positions. You then email the store with your resume, three times you are available to interview and up to three positions that you are interested in applying for.

NP: What is your advice to students who want to manage their own stores one day?

EC: Stay motivated! You must always be creative and definitely make lots of connections along the way. Maintain those friendships through your whatever paths you take in life.

DB: Try to build as much experience as you can by working various jobs and internships. Be passionate about what you want to do and let it drive you. Also, know who your customer is and ALWAYS network!

FIT

OCTOBER 2016

7

PODCASTING: THE FUTURE OF ADVERTISING

BY VALERIE GUTIERREZ

The new millennium brought the emergence of blogging. Companies and marketers rushed into the platform to promote their brands. But before there was user data and tech words, advertising was solely based on the power of talking. Conversation is what keeps us going and leaves us eager for more. According to contributing writer on Adweek, Jason Hoch, “podcasting is seen as the digital medium built on the power of conversation.”

A form of audio storytelling, podcasting is essentially a narrative in which the words, voice, tone and personality of the host are crucial. Hoch says, “listeners are engaging with podcasts for 20, 30, 40 minutes — sometimes longer — at a time,” and within that time span, deep connections and discussions among peers can occur.

Given the difficulty of taking an audience through a written blog, marketers understand the importance of a spontaneous flow, while still promoting their brand content. Major brands are getting in on podcasts and it seems to be paying off — generating a new source of revenue. eBay recently partnered with Gimlet Creative, a Brooklyn-based audio company, to co-produce “Open for Business” — a branded podcast series about building a business from the ground up. However, you won’t be hearing a 20 second ad promo for eBay in the middle of the show. Annie Lupardus, director of communications at eBay, explained that they want to lightly integrate eBay in an attempt to attract a wider audience. They want to connect each episode with “a true story of a

small business that found success on eBay,” explained Lupardus. The ultimate goal for both companies was to keep things interesting while effectively incorporating the e-commerce platform. After its launch in June, the podcast landed at No. 1 in business podcasts on iTunes.

On Sept. 29, during New York’s Advertising Week, a panel of experts spoke about podcasting. The panel discussed four main points: listeners leaning into podcasts, people preferring ads in podcasts rather than other digital media, podcast listeners acting on sponsored messages and the significant amount of room for brands to enter this medium. The modern consumer is tech savvy and demands authenticity. Even through branded content, podcast hosts form a connection with listeners. The trust built can make advertisements feel like recommendations. According to results of a new comScore study, 75% of podcast listeners have “acted on ads they heard in a podcast either by researching a product or service or by actually purchasing something they first heard about in an episode.”

For years, podcasting stood in the background of digital media. While branded blogs could be produced quickly and easily, podcasting required a deeper investment in editorial planning, technology, production and content development. Blogs have fallen out of favor due the high volume of written content on the Internet. We are now in the middle of a podcasting boom and with the increase of ad spending in the medium, the podcasting conversation is definitely one that brands and marketers are considering joining.

Evolution of the YouTube Celebrity

BY ROHINI MIKKELSEN us YouTube. In 2016, Youtube proudly announced that their platform is utilized by over a billion users.

With such a wide reach on a singular domain, it’s no wonder many Generation Z users have decided to capitalize on its potential for success.

hours on YouTube.” So how can a new user thrive and stand out within the YouTube community today? Landing a spot in the top 20 involves hope, prayers and a lot of keyword research.

Thanks to YouTube’s algorithm, uploaded videos are sifted through and analyzed before being spit out to whomever the YouTube machine believes is the most relevant viewer. Channels subscribed to, liked videos and strategic keyword placement all contribute to the ranking of a video within the YouTube search results. Repetition is your best friend when uploading a new video; inserting popular keywords for the video such as “Halloween Costume” or “DIY” multiple times into the title, description box and tag section will help the video surpass others in the same genre. Another catch 22 YouTube cleverly devised involves not only the amount of clicks, but watch time as well. In order Many successful users of the site are now making for YouTube to consider promoting your content millions of dollars and have since expanded their within their system, your videos need to be clicked empires past the realm of the website. Beauty gurus on and engaging enough to be watched all the way now have their own makeup lines and once aspiring through. As YouTube says on their site, “If you’re actors now direct original series just because, well, making videos that people are watching well beyond they can. Hearing inspiring stories of success, the first click, those videos will be suggested more many previously dormant users of the website have often.”

PHOTO COURTESY: ROHINI MIKKELSEN decided to take the plunge in hopes of rising above the rest and scoring fame, as well as a hefty salary.

If you are an avid user of social media and hopeful In an age where intelligence can be falsified by a for fame, the opportunities YouTube can provide are simple Google search and Instagram popularity is A cute face and charming personality no longer limitless. As a middle schooler, Bethany Mota spoke bought with the swipe of a credit card, information determine the level of success of your YouTube about her favorite makeup and it led to the birth of is everything and appearance is key. Social media career, although they don’t hurt. When a user types an empire before she reached 20 — a feat that would has never been more powerful. Today, with the into the search bar, “DIY Halloween Costumes,” they have been more difficult, or even impossible, had right platform, an international celebrity can be are instantly offered over 300,000 results, although she not taken advantage of social media, specifically born from a sped up video of lip syncing or a high only 20 non-sponsored videos will appear on the YouTube. Although celebrity status is not as easily definition application of lipstick. first page. A coveted appearance on the first page is achieved as it was six years ago, with dedication, it is the golden ticket to success, garnering new viewers still well within reach.

In 2005, a stroke of entrepreneurial genius led to the and new subscribers. The website confirms that marriage of information and entertainment, giving “everyday, people watch hundreds of millions of Let’s paint a picture: a young woman created a home décor and clothing line, starred in a hit TV show and culminated a fan base of over 20 million.

Pretty impressive, right? But it gets better. This young woman has an estimated $2.2 million net worth and is only 20 years-old. Meet Bethany Mota, a YouTube star who began filming videos when she was 11 and hasn’t stopped since. Mota began her road to fame in 2009 with a simple video, sitting in front of her camera talking about makeup she had recently bought at the mall — doesn’t sound too hard.

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DEAR INDUSTRY

W27

INVASION OF THE INFLUENCERS: THE WAR BETWEEN EDITORS AND BLOGGERS

BY SOPHIA OSTAPENKO Fashion Month, one of the most chaotic yet beautiful events has come to a close.

Designers worldwide presented their creations to a variety of buyers, editors, journalists and industry insiders. But for the past several years there has been a new crowd in the front row.

You might know them as fashion bloggers or influencers. They continue to park themselves in the front rows of all the major fashion shows.

Fashion blogs surfaced in the early 2000s when young female fashion fans with funds, fashionable taste and a boyfriend with photography skills began starting up websites.

They were meant to share outfit inspirations, thoughts and opinions, as well as provide web users with a sort of online fashion magazine. Some of the oldest and now most prominent bloggers include Chiara Ferragni, Nicole Warne, Bryanboy, Kristina Bazan and Aimee Song. However, as blogs and social media grew, fashion bloggers evolved into “influencers.” They are sought out by brands to promote products and to sit in the front row in order to attract a younger audience — most prominently those who are glued to their phones and stream shows through Snapchat, Instagram and other forms of social media.

Fashion shows were once exclusive events, but over the years that exclusivity has vanished

and so have several of the original insiders from their front row seats.

Recently, Vogue creative directors and editors Sally Singer, Sarah Mower, Nicole Phelps and Alessandra Codinha have spoken out about the issue, stating that bloggers are widely known for being “desperate” and “pathetic,” wanting to borrow clothing from any fashion brand that will offer it to them. Some popular influencers burned by Vogue’s fire were Bryanboy, the founder of bryanboy.com and Susie Lau of stylebubble.co.uk. “It’s schoolyard bullying, plain and simple,” said Bryanboy via Twitter. Lau also responded to the comments, stating that the editors simply have the ability to hide behind their publications while being able to do exactly what fashion bloggers do, except bloggers mostly work independently.

out via Twitter that Vogue’s most commented on Instagram post is a street style photo of Vreeland and herself. “Ironic,” she added.

In a way, influencers are this century’s fashion journalists. They are much more relatable to the reader who is sitting on the other side of the computer screen. They share not just the most stylish moments of their lives, but also put their personal life on display, further establishing a connection with people.

Influencers bring a certain audience to designers, which is always valuable to brands but at the same time, bloggers have managed to establish something only a few editors can: a high level of engagement with their audience. Engagement is the key to modern media and influencers get that.

Bryanboy and Lau were not the only bloggers who jumped into this conversation. Shea Marie, creator of Peace Love Shea, and her best friend/fellow blogger Caroline Vreeland, granddaughter of fashion journalist Diana Vreeland, have also shared their opinions on the matter. “It’s ironic how you make degrading comments about influencers and then put them on your international covers to boost sales,” Shea Marie mentioned in a lengthy Instagram caption. She also pointed

“THE MIXED FRONT ROW” PHOTO COURTESY: DENNIS VALLE

Attention all artists!

WANT TO SEE YOU WORK IMMORTALIZED IN PRINT AND DISTRIBUTED ACROSS CAMPUS? Then send your work to w27_newspaper@fitnyc.edu

W27 is open to feautring all art & design majors For our October issue, please submit samples of your work by October 7th

FIT

OCTOBER 2016

The Gallery Shóna Near​y Major: Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design Year: 3rd year See more artwork on Instagram @shona.designs

“Marbled Waters” series

“ I started at FIT in Fine Arts, but now am in Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design for my BFA. I draw my inspiration from nature and its organic forms, and try to connect the natural world to the modern world through my work.”

Seung Won Lee Major: BFA Fine Arts Year: 3rd year

“A common motif that appears in many of works at this time are geometric shapes, more specifically a circle.There is an element of serene levity of the shape that sits floating on the canvas, whether it is on the background or foreground. Although in certain works the circle is also where the weight is. It gives gravity to the piece, helping to sit all the elements on the piece together on the canvas or paper.”

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10 THE GALLERY

W27

Behind the Brush Strokes: An Interview with Pamela Stoicev

BY DANIEL NISSIM

You never know what you might find walking into a classroom at FIT. As I stepped into Professor Pierce’s Contemporary Concepts painting class, I was struck by the level of concentration. Not a head turned as these fine arts students continued working their way through their assignment. It was in one corner of the room that I found Pamela Stoicev, a third-year fine arts major from Long Island City, consulting a 3D model and slowly considering her painting. I sat down with Pamela to get some insight into her work.

Daniel Nissim: How did you get into fine arts?

Pamela Stoicev: I was always interested in art when I was a kid, but I think the biggest thing that pushed me towards painting was my sister died when I was in sixth grade. The only way for me to express that, because I was so young, was to start painting. I fell in love with it and made it my career. I want to be a painter.

DN: So before that, would you say that you were into painting?

PS: I was still into like arts and crafts and stuff like that. I used to make my own magazines when I was a kid. But in sixth grade, when I was eleven, it really hit me. So in middle school I knew I wanted to have art in my life and was serious about it. At first, I was thinking of being an interior designer, but when I started doing the portfolio for FIT I realized that I cannot do floor plans for the rest of my life. Plus, I already had a whole portfolio for fine arts so I was just like let me take the risk and go into it, and I’m happy that I chose fine arts over interior design.

DN: How has your artistic style evolved over the years?

PS: I’ve always been into abstract even before I came to college. I was never really the person to sit down and draw something realistically. I feel like that’s why there’s a camera. I think we’re over that period of drawing realistically, in my opinion. I feel like painting should make the viewer ask questions and that’s where my style is going. I want someone to look at a painting and have a different opinion than I do, and I want to hear their opinion. It gives me another insight on myself, if that makes sense.

DN: How has FIT helped nurture this style?

PS: FIT has definitely helped because, even though the first foundation classes were observation painting and we took drawing classes where you had to draw something realistically, my professors never pushed that on you. They always say that abstract and figurative drawing is the same thing. And how when you draw something or anything or someone, you see the shapes in it and that has made me realize shapes that I haven’t seen before. Like when I look at things now, I see them in shapes rather than just an object.

DN: What is your favorite medium to work with?

PS: That one’s hard. I like mixed media, but I think oil paint is my favorite medium to work with because it’s so malleable. Like it’s amazing, acrylic paint really doesn’t do that; acrylic paint dries really fast. You can’t go back onto it and change it unless you’re going on top of acrylic paint. Whereas oil paint, I’ll put something down and scrape it off and go over it right at that moment without it drying.

DN: Who, or what, inspires you?

PS: I take inspiration from everyday life. I definitely look at artists. I go to gallery shows in Chelsea all the time. I go to museums. My art history class definitely inspires me. I’m taking online art history, and it forces me to discuss and analyze the paintings rather than sitting in a room, listening to a teacher do that. Walking down the street, just little things can inspire me.

Documentaries inspire me. I did a whole series based on bacteria because I watched this documentary on Netflix on how bacteria is becoming stronger

than what scientists can handle. So it’s no only fine art things that inspire me.

It’s everyday life.

DN: What do you hope to accomplish with your art?

PS: I hope to make people feel something when they look at my art. Like I don’t want someone to just walk away and then say, “that’s a face and that’s it” and they don’t feel nothing. And they say, “Oh, that’s nice.” I want them to feel the thickness of the paint that I put on the canvas or want to touch or just spark things in their mind that they, how do I explain it? Like when I’m in class and five different classmates will come up to me and say different stuff to me about my paintings, and I’ll love that. I love hearing different opinions. And that’s what I want. I want people to see things that I don’t see in my work.

DN: How did you create the painting on the cover of this issue?

PS: So I have to give thanks to my professor, Professor Stephanie Pierce, of course because she gave us a poem called “This is the Forest” by Cody-Rose Clevidence. The poem was interesting because the writer made up words — put together words that don’t exist in the dictionary. The whole poem to me was about sex, in my opinion. And Stephanie even said that it was also about sex and how there’s a contradiction on identity and how that relates to sex.

She wanted us to create a 3D model out of the poem, so I chose to take the line “multivalent deluge in the nether regions” — which to me meant multiple antibodies coming out of you while you’re being intimate or something. I’m into biology already, that’s where I also get inspiration from, so I feel like the line dealing with biology and human existence in general really interested me.

You can catch Pamela Stoicev’s “Fleshy” at HL25 (25th St. Btwn 10th & 11th Aves.) on Oct. 27.

FIT

OCTOBER 2016

Fleshy - acrylic & mixed media on canvas

11

Bakterii 6 - acrylic on canvas

PAINTINGS

BY PAMELA STOICEV

Bakterii 1 - oil on canvas

Bakterii 7- acrylic and yarn on canvas

Overdose - acrylic & mixed media on canvas

Mold - oil & mixed media on canvas

multivalent deluge in the nether regions - oil on canvas

12

W27

FEATURES

Summer fashion takes the fall season

BY SAMANTHA NICHOLS

With the first day of fall reaching a high of 78 degrees, many students have been left confused on how to properly dress themselves. Even with cold mornings, students are stuck in their old ways — continuing to wear shorts, assuming the afternoon will bring heat.

For those living in the dorms, it is nice to be able to change outfits multiple times a day when the temperature decides to take a turn in the opposite direction. Madelin Kilinski, a resident of the dorms said, “When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I check is the weather channel app on my phone. If this doesn’t define my decision, I ask my roommate who has 8 am classes.” Emma Burge, another dorm resident said, “If it’s 60s I’ll wear a long sleeve/sweater. I want to dress comfortable and not change so I wear layers.”

Unfortunately not everyone has the ability to take the easy way out. Commuters may know what the temperature will be that day, but as they leave the house in the morning, the temperature is drastically different. The question is, how do you dress for the day when the weather continues this sporadic trend?

Antinique Collins, a commuter said, “It’s pretty easy for me, I usually just go with jeans or something warm for bottoms with a long sleeve or even short sleeve shirt because it could be fairly warm when I get on the train or bus or waiting for either if it’s cold.”

From a fashion point of view, it is now a struggle for identity. Are summer clothes acceptable due to the weather conditions? According to Kayleigh Spina, a commuter, “In my opinions, shorts and sandals must go...dresses can technically be worn with layers and boots, but there is nothing worse than being cold and uncomfortable with no other option, but to force yourself to buy a sweater you don’t love just because you are cold.”

Living outside of the area proves to be a challenge for those that have left some of their clothes behind. “For me, living in Maryland, I have to plan ahead, but can only bring so much with me on the train trip. Due to the weather conditions lately, I’ve been hesitant to bring fall clothes back, but as October arrives I realize summer clothes are becoming unacceptable,” said Kilinski.

PHOTO COURTESY: FLICKR.COM

“Don’t be afraid to bring out the fall colors and welcome the highly anticipated season in style.”

According to NASA’s website, “All three major global surface temperature reconstructions show that Earth has warmed since 1880. Most of this warming has occurred since the 1970’s, with the 20 warmest years having occurred since 1981 and with all 10 of the warmest years occurring in the past 12 years.” This is most prominently seen in the summer to fall transition as fall increasingly becomes a shorter span of cooler weather and goes directly into winter. Each day is as unpredictable as the next.

The best advice to cope with this frustrating weather pattern is to be prepared for both hot and cold weather, and wear layers. If the temperature is said to rise, you simply take off a layer. Don’t be afraid to bring out the fall colors and welcome the highly anticipated season in style.

PHOTO COURTESY: FLICKR.COM

FIT

OCTOBER 2016

13

The Dakota Access Pipeline construction potential hazards and disregard for Native Americans

BY ANIL SINGH

On Sept. 3, the tension between protesting members of the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota and the security personnel for the Dakota Access Pipeline company (DAPL) took a violent turn. Security personnel at the sight of the protests unleashed dogs and pepper sprayed frustrated and determined members of the protests. In what was the most publicized aspect of the entire issue thus far, the concern for not just a community but for an entire demographic’s wellbeing and rights were being intercepted with an aggressive stance that erupted into violence. With unprecedented coverage by mainstream media, the maltreatment and continued disregard for Native American lives, traditions and culture was on full display.

The Dakota Access Pipeline is a project aimed at developing a new pipeline that would be used to transport oil from North Dakota to Illinois. The pipeline would be developed near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and would run under the Missouri River — just half a mile away from the reservation. In the event of a leakage or spill, the only source of water to the reservation would be at jeopardy. This potential pollution of the water supply would bring irreversible harm to residents of the reservation as well as damage to the local ecosystems. In the wake of the Flint, Mich. crisis, this is a very real concern

However, this is not the sole reason for the protest at hand. In the process of the construction of the pipeline, the Natives have raised concerns about the disturbance of sacred lands and burial grounds. With the construction of such a project, the culture, lives and wellbeing of the tribes are at risk.

Rock Sioux lawsuit and gave the green light for construction on the pipeline to continue.

However, this proved to be weak in authority, as the Departments of Interior, Army and Justice issued a joint statement refusing to authorize construction in an area known as Lake Oahe while acknowledging the judge’s ruling.

The departments together asked the parent company of DAPL to cease construction within 20 miles of the region until it could be determined if the construction was actually a violation of the National Environmental Policy Act. This is an ongoing element, which has seen attention and intervention from the Obama administration.

It has to be taken seriously that even though the big oil companies try to assure the nearby settlements and areas that they won’t suffer in the event of a catastrophe, they’re so often proved wrong. In the event of an actual spill or leakage from these pipelines contaminating the water supply of the people of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, the potential for tragedy is more than likely. The Kalamazoo oil spill in 2010 resulted in over 800,000 gallons of crude oil being leaked into the Kalamazoo river, according to state officials. The leak occurred from a rupture in the pipeline and was not stopped or contained before an astounding 843,000 gallons were set free to contaminate the river. It took a $6 billion cleanup effort, still going on to this day, to bring the Kalamazoo river back to an inhabitable state not just for wildlife but for residents nearby. At the time of the incident, residents were warned of potential health risks from the spill such as leukemia and anemia due to the high levels of benzene in the area resulting from the spill.

“...the frustration and concern for not just a community but for an entire demographic’s wellbeing and rights were being intercepted with an aggressive stance that erupted into violence.”

Despite being an obvious potential hazard for both humans and the environment, as with many similar pipeline projects, the DAPL has received permits to continue. The construction started, but was halted due to the emergence of protests and both court and government intervention. Before these became obstacles for the DAPL, numerous evaluations and studies were conducted and went towards the issuance of permits. Communication between the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) began in February 2015. Initial communication consisted of initiating the permitting process with the USACE asking for an archeological investigation while the THPO expressed concerns that “significant and unevaluated properties” were being excluded from the process. In April of that year, the USACE came to a conclusion from its evaluation that no sights of historic value would be affected despite deepening concerns about its process during the evaluation. Three months later, the USACE approved and issued a final fast-track permit to continue the pipeline construction.

Tensions came to a head on Sept. 3. Just days before an expected legal resolution was to be achieved, bulldozers belonging to the DAPL made a massive 150-foot-wide path through land that was deemed as a sacred burial ground for the tribe. The now destroyed site was one that the Standing Rock Sioux had contested permits for in its lawsuit. On this day, the anniversary of the Whitestone Massacre, security personnel for the DAPL were seen attacking protesters with pepper spray and dogs in videos that found their way to media outlets. Reports from various outlets indicated that around 30 people were pepper sprayed and multiple persons including children had been bitten by the dogs used by security at the protest site. Things got out of hand so the Governor of North Dakota called for the National Guard to reinforce efforts at the protest site on Sept. 8. The next day, a district judge rejected the Standing

One must acknowledge that these are people that are deeply connected with their longstanding culture and traditions. This essentially means that they are very specific in how and where they go about obtaining food and other necessities. They are known to be dependent on traditional ways of living, which entails them being reliant on singular sources.

Any potential harm the DAPL may pose must be seen as a real threat to their livelihood .

This can be viewed as another chapter in the mistreatment of Native Americans continuing from the earliest days of American history. Now depleted to only a few small reservations and making up only 2% of the American population, Native Americans have very little say in today’s society.

Corporate interests will continue to eat away at what little they have left. It is important to stand up when such a community is so poorly treated and deserves better treatment.

America stood by when President Jackson forced the Native American population to move West. America stood by when Native American communities were decimated on the very lands that were promised to them.

America can no longer stand by while the Standing Rock Sioux and other Native Americans communities continue to face the possible decimation of their culture — the foundation of our American identity.

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FEATURES

W27

GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL MORE THAN JUST THE MUSIC

BY SARAH FIELDING AND LUIZA TEIXEIRA BATISTA

SARAH FIELDING:

In it’s fifth year, Global Citizen took 1.3 million actions that will impact the lives of 199 million people.

An action is whenever a person, otherwise known as a Global Citizen, does something such as tweet at the president or an organization and makes calls to representatives.

Sanitation, women’s economic empowerment and education were at the forefront of this year’s campaign. Interestingly enough, this music festival isn’t about music at all. Sure, the performers are always amazing — with Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Ellie Goulding, Demi Lovato, Major Lazer, Metallica and more this year. Last year featured Beyonce and Ed Sheeran, along with many other talented artists. The festival was hosted by Hugh Jackman and Chelsea Handler with help from Salma Hayek, Neil Patrick Harris and other celebrities.

The heart of this music festival, helping the world become a better place for all those inhabit it, came to the forefront when there were appearances by people such as Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan.

She addressed issues in her home country and steps that can be taken to make a difference. Global Citizen also coincided with the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The performances of the artists aren’t just for entertainment. Each artist waives their performance fee for the event. Also, within their sets, they often talk about the issues and themes of the festival to reiterate why it exists. The songs each artist chooses are meant to reflect the messages being put forward by the festival. Of course, if someone has recently dropped an album they’re going to play those songs, but overall the idea is that everything that

happens on that stage comes back to the heart of the festival.

Days before the festival begins, each person is assigned to enter on either the west or east side of Central Park. Once inside, after the two-hour security line, the crowd is divided into sections as a form of crowd control. While beneficial in some ways, it means that unless you are placed into the front portion, the stage is a good distance away.

Luckily, there are giant screens placed high up on both sides of the stage so the artists and hosts are still semi-visible. Unlike other festivals, most people bring a small blanket or towel and claim a spot that they will remain in for the entire day. Since there is no option to move closer and the whole show takes place on one stage, this is ideal. With minimal food options, many attendees brought picnics to enjoy while listening to the opening segments.

The festival took place only a week after the Chelsea neighborhood was rattled by two explosive devices; one that detonated. In a time when people could be scared and want to avoid their neighbors, the Global Citizen attendees couldn’t have stood farther from that. With a sense of community and an overwhelming desire to make the world a better place, the crowd at the Global Citizen Festival stood (or sat) together in the face of great adversity.

LUIZA TEIXEIRA BATISTA

The fifth edition of the Global Citizen Festival did not disappoint in the music department. The 2016 lineup satisfied a variety of genre tastes such as EDM, heavy metal, rap and pop. Performers included Major Lazer, Metallica, Kendrick Lamar, Demi Lovato and, finally, Rihanna.

The creative director of the festival, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin, also had a special performance with Eddie Vedder, who had a powerful speech about what the essence of the festival was all about.

Major Lazer began the festival by performing their bigger hits such as “Lean On,” while backed by a high performance of lively dancers.

Following the electronic music band, Demi Lovato performed songs that revolved around the empowerment of women. She not only incorporated her songs “Confident” and “Cool for the Summer,” but also covered Aretha Franklin’s classic “(You Make Me Feel) A Natural Woman” during her afternoon performance as well.

Lovato surprised the crowd with an outstanding performance packed with prolonged high notes and proved that her last minute addition, after the festival announced that Selena Gomez wasn’t able to perform, was the right choice.

Ellie Goulding’s all-acoustic performance was surprising since she is known for high-energy pop songs. Even though the change was not favorable, it still worked. With a beautifully designed stage and backdrop, she performed some of her most popular hits such as “Love Me Like You Do.” The iconic heavy metal band Metallica had an electrifying performance. With a background of white crosses in a graveyard, the band played older versions of “Enter Sandman,” emphasizing, “Metallica is grateful to be a part of the solution not the problem. This song goes out to those people who are like-minded and whose good intentions hopefully meet their intended destinies,” before singing one of their greatest hits, “Nothing Else Matters.”

Kendrick Lamar approached a very

important aspect of the festival, singing about self-empowerment.

The rapper started with “untitled 07” and helped to unify the crowd delivering higher notes with songs like “To Pimp a Butterfly” and “Backseat Freestyle.” Lamar sang self-love anthems such as “I” and “Alright” and also gave shoutouts to whom he called his “day ones” — his longtime fans. The rapper made everyone feel included in his celebration.

After all of the artists had performed, the most-anticipated artist of the day was unapologetically late, but Chris Martin surprised the public with a solo warm up performance.

The Coldplay lead singer also did a cover version of the song “Raspberry Beret” by Prince and performed a duet with Eddie Vedder. Martin did not let any time go to waste, improvising verses about Rihanna’s “last minute retouches” in a creative way that made the public even more excited for her performance.

Even though she was considerably late, Rihanna arrived in style. In her pinstriped, corseted romper she sang hits such as “Pour It Up,” “Numb” and “Cake.” “We got global citizens in the house tonight. I’m from Barbados so I came a long way,” Rihanna said, reinforcing the importance of the Global Citizen Festival. “There are people all over the globe that need help.” The singer kept the crowd on their toes with her exciting incorporation of songs, moves, dancers and glittery backdrop. Rih was unfiltered in her songs, keeping every curse word and suggestive gesture, unlike Lamar. She ended the festival with a dance, which she claimed to be “her favorite part” since that is what brings people together.

The Global Citizen Festival is more than just a gathering of great musical acts — it stands for something more.

Through its raising awareness of various social issues, the festival has become a vehicle for change.

While there is great power behind music, the festival highlights our responsibility to make the change ourselves.

FIT

OCTOBER 2016

15

Bye-Bye, BlackBerry

BY DANIEL NISSIM

There was a time when the BlackBerry was the pinnacle of mobile innovation. From its QWERTY keyboard to its ability to handle emails, the BlackBerry was one of the first widely adopted smartphones. Since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, BlackBerry Limited, formerly Research in Motion Limited (RIM), has steadily lost market share. The company failed to keep up with the competition, and after its Mobility Solutions division failed to turn a profit this past quarter, the company has decided to outsource its hardware business.

ushering in of the app-based age, the BlackBerry starting falling behind. Releasing the Storm in 2008 to compete with the iPhone 3G, they just couldn’t measure up. CNET remarks on the Storm’s “sluggish performance and bugginess,” which would eventually define the company’s product offerings in the years to come. Their QWERTY phones featured outdated hardware, with only basic apps. BlackBerry finally caught up to Apple and Google when they released their app environment, BlackBerry World, at the CTIA trade show in April 2009 — two years too late.

In an April roundtable event at BlackBerry Ltd. headquarters, CEO John Chen promised that if its hardware business did not turn a profit by September, it would have to be shuttered in order to return the company to profitability. BlackBerry Ltd.’s latest quarterly earnings report, released on Sept.

28, shows its Mobility Solutions division posting an $8 million loss. Making up nearly 30 percent of BlackBerry Ltd.’s revenue stream, the company will have to continue making gains with its software division, which posted a $29 million profit.

BlackBerry’s foray into the tablet market was another failure. While the company stepped up their software game with the QNX-based system, the BlackBerry PlayBook shipped in April 2011 without a dedicated email app. Sales never exceeded 500,000 per quarter, according to BlackBerry Ltd.’s quarterly earnings reports, compared to sales upwards of 10 million per quarter for Apple’s iPad division.

This does not mark the end for the BlackBerry phone. The company will seek out other manufacturers to continue its smartphone line.

“This was the case for BlackBerry’s last launch anyway, as the all-touch DTEK50 was more or less a repurposed Alcatel device manufactured by TCL,” according to Engadget. Engadget also reported that Blackberry will be licensing its name to an Indonesian company that will manufacture and sell “BlackBerry” devices in that region.

The road to this day has been a long and painful one. The BlackBerry was the “it” phone for both executives and teens. Its two main features, the keyboard and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), were flawlessly executed. Playfully nicknamed the “Crackberry,” their smartphones were never far from users’ fingertips.

With the introduction of the iPhone and the

“BlackBerry finally caught up to Apple and Google when they released their app environment, BlackBerry World, at the CTIA trade show in April 2009 — two years too late.”

PHOTO COURTESY BYMAURIZIO PESCE (FLIKR)

Over the years, there have been various buyout rumors from companies like Samsung and Lenovo.

It’s hard to remember a time when the BlackBerry was still relevant. In an effort to turn sales figures around, the company released the BlackBerry Priv in November 2015. As their first Android-based device, the Priv was solid phone in an oversaturated market. With Apple, Google, Samsung, Motorola and LG to contend with, BlackBerry’s fall from grace all but sealed its fate.

In the tech world, failure to innovate means certain death. BlackBerry Ltd. saw the writing on the wall, but couldn’t deliver successful products after losing much of their customer-base to competitors.

The BlackBerry will always hold a special place in the history of cell phone technology and while they couldn’t compete with their touchscreen counterparts, no one makes a keyboard like the BlackBerry.

PHOTO COURTESY BY 3G MEMORIES (FLIKR)

16

FEATURES

GUCCI Marvels at Milan Fashion Week

BY ANDREA NAVARRO

PHOTO COURTESY:YANNIS VLAMOS/ INDIGITAL.TV

Wonderful, whimsical dreams of color and embroidered details in Alessandro Michele’s latest collection as the creative director for the house of Gucci proves that he once again pushes the limitations of the fashion industry.

From oversized mix-matched suits (color-block trousers, checkeredpatterned jackets and crisp shirts with too-long sleeves), ruffled dresses made out of his signature rainbow pallet of garden patterns, lamé tracksuits, embossed leather bustiers, sequined pineapple sleeves, layer over layer of tulle gowns, embroidered kimonos, studded jackets and even sequin leggings, Gucci’s Spring 2017 collection delivered piece after piece taking Maximism to a whole new level of grandeur.

The show took place in a space made to satisfy every person’s most profound bubblegum dreams. The runway was covered in a long, pink carpet, the walls were ornamented in mosaic pink mirrored squares, curtains of velvet and pink mirrors bisected the runway and the whole room was tinted with rose-colored lighting and smoke — setting a reverie-induced mood that blurs the lines between fiction and reality exactly as Michele had planned.

Michele’s love for vintage is prominent throughout the collection — from the Renaissance period structure, Elton John circa-1970’s oversized glitter sunglasses to the 1980’s discotheque look. With his ever present twists in accessories, such as the gigantic pirate style hats in pastel colors, platform loafers filled with gemstones, scripted bamboo fans, satin floral-printed shoulder bags, oversized chandelier sparkly earrings and silk bows in menswear-inspired suits.

W27

Dia de los Muertos

BY SHADEN ESPINOZA It’s that time of the year when death is creeping around the corner, waiting to knock on your front door.

I’m talking about October — the month where the first thing that people think about is Halloween.

Obviously, with the candy, costumes and horror films shown on TV 24/7 who wouldn’t think about Halloween as being the only holiday that involves the dead. However, there’s another, lesser known holiday: Dia de los Muertos, or Day of The Dead.

Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that is combined with, “indigenous Aztec rituals with Catholicism” where people honor their deceased loved ones in a festive way, according to CNN. The celebration begins on Oct. 31 at midnight and lasts until Nov. 2. It is generally celebrated in the central and southern states of the country such as, Michoacán, Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Chiapas and Yucatan. The majority of the northern states do not celebrate the holiday the same way southern states do. They celebrate in a more religious way by going to church or visiting the deceased at the cemetery.

Each day of Dia de los Muertos holds special significance as to who is celebrated. On Oct. 31, Dia de los Muertos begins by people preparing themselves to receive the spirits at their homes. It is believed that midnight marks the opening of the gates of heaven. Nov. 1 is known to be the Dia de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) or Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), where the deceased children are celebrated and are often brought toys by their loved ones. On Nov. 2nd, the last day of the holiday known as Dia de los Difuntos (All Souls Day) or Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day,) adult spirits are celebrated. In the afternoon, the festivities are taken to the cemetery and people celebrate until nightfall.

It’s incredible that Michele has only be the creative director at Gucci for only two years, and yet his collections effortlessly capture the essence of famed fashion house while still remaining so exclusively “Alessandro Michele.”

Michele brings a great deal to the table with his various muses — artists that seem to have the same sensibilities as him. Those artist include the French singer and actress Soko, photographer Petra Collins and Florence Welsh, front-woman of Florence + The Machine. Welsh was featured on the soundtrack of Michele’s show reading poems by William Blake.

Moving forward, who knows what’s on the horizon for Michele and Gucci.

Here’s hoping it’s at least half as interesting as his phenomenal Spring 2017 collection.

PHOTO CREDIT: MARIANA MU (FLICKR)

During Dia de los Muertos, it is traditional for people to make ofrendas (altars) in their own homes with various decorations.

The most symbolically significant decoration s are the flowers, specifically cempasuchil, also known as marigolds. They help guide the spirits to their altars using their vibrant colors and scent. Pan de muerto (day of the dead bread) is often decorated with bone-shaped phalanges pieces — their circular nature represents the circle of life.

There are homemade calaveras (sugar skulls) as well. These skulls are made as an offering to deceased loved ones. Calaveras are often colorful because they are created to capture the joy and spirit of the dead — containing hints of the deceased one’s personality and favorites.

On the surface, Dia de Muertos may seem like festive and colorful celebration where you dress up, eat and have your face painted as a calavera, but there is a more meaningful aspect to the holiday.

The celebration of Dia de los Muertos goes back to Aztecs rituals. According to NPR, the Aztecs believed, “one should not grieve the loss of a beloved ancestor — instead celebrate their lives and welcomed the return of their spirits to the land of the living.” Dia de los Muertos gives a completely different outlook on how people view death. If you know someone who has passed away, try to remember them for who they once were in a more positive way. It is a beautiful way of giving your deceased loved ones the honor they deserve.

FIT

SEPTEMBER 2016

17

Confessions of a Library Novice: MY FIRST TIME IN THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

BY VERONICA MARRINAN

Finding a place to go to the bathroom in the city can be a challenge. So when I ran out of the subway on 42 St I was between a rock and a hard place.

While trying to think of the best way to proceed, I stumbled upon this glass building. Maybe this was one of those fancy Barnes & Nobles where I could run in, use the bathroom, pretend I was going to buy something and then run out. When I walked in, there were books… and a counter… but no one was exchanging money.

Looking down I found myself with an arm full of prose and no library card. Slightly embarrassed, I placed the books on a bench in the same way I do when I pick up someone’s dog without asking and they notice — slowly and carefully avoiding eye contact with anyone nearby. I backed away, then made my way to the counter.

“Excuse me? Where do I buy a library card,” I asked.

The man behind the counter laughed at me.

Laughed. “You don’t have to buy it, ma’am. You just sign up. If you’re a resident or student in NYC you I was so perplexed that I actually forgot that I had to can get one.” use the bathroom. Why in the world would people come to libraries anymore? We have e-readers, for “Wait, what?” heaven’s sake! And who has time to read when we have Netflix?

Okay. So I can read these books, and take them home, bring them back if I don’t like them, and The library had lots of walls in it, except they weren’t never pay for them? This is like Bungalow Clothing really walls. It was like someone made walls out of for books, but free! Does anyone else even know books. I looked them up when I got home and found about this? out that the are called bookshelves. Funny, I always thought shelves were just for DVDs and Blu-rays “Yes, and we have 90 locations throughout or those compact discs! This new use of shelves for Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx.” books is revolutionary.

Oops, I guess I thought outloud again.

I turned to the left and found a room labeled, “Reading Room.” Think about that: an entire room “I’ll take one!” I slapped my FIT ID on the counter dedicated to reading! Someone must have looked at and got a library card. My very own, real and true, the way you have an entire room to watch a movie library card. Well, after the librarian told me that and thought, “I bet I could do that with books!”

I had to go across the street and I almost cried People can enjoy entirely different stories all in the over how much I had just embarrassed myself. same room without interrupting each other in peace Unfortunately my picture isn’t on it (I would have and quiet. So quiet, I would feel weird even sneezing looked fabulous), but it’s mine. And I can get all the in there. Imagine if there was a person the library books I want. Apparently, it’s called ‘taking out’ a paid to walk around and shush people! I need one of book — more like the book is taking me out! Best those in my life, to be honest. date ever, amirite?

A library? Do they even make those anymore?

Expecting to see no one except cute old ladies pushing their little chair-carts down the aisles at the speed of a newborn kitten, I was dumbfounded when I turned the corner and bumped right into a girl my age. She rolled her eyes at me and then sauntered away. Like, “okay you’re in a library and you think that you’re cool? Whatever.”

They even send you emails when it’s time to bring your books back, and if you don’t want to, you can just renew them for another few weeks!

Now you might be wondering, “Why the heck books? Doesn’t the library have e-books that you can take out too?” To which I reply that e-readers simply aren’t cool. True, exciting people read e-books, but I was just about to walk out the door when a book so do boring people who work in HR while they’re caught my eye. “Murder on the Home Front” by on the subway home to make pot roast. Do you Molly Lefebure — a woman working in the morgues really think the cute guy across from you on the in WWII London? This is like if “Downtown Abbey” subway is going to approach you if you have an and “Law & Order: SVU” had a baby! A perfect, e-reader? Books make you look interesting. And who beautiful baby. And I can enjoy it in public without knows, maybe someone around you will actually ask looking antisocial. Suddenly another book jumped you about your book when they see the cover. And off the shelf and into my hands. And another book, if you don’t want to talk to them, you can just hold and another book… the book up in front of your face and bend it a bit—

“Yours truly, The Girl with the $90 Library Fine.”

PHOTO COURTESY: RESOURCEMAGONLINE.COM

totally hidden from all pedestrians. Also, a book never has to be charged.

So, was the time I needed to use the bathroom actually the first time I set foot in the MidManhattan Library? Well, I guess you’ll never know.

But you do know where the library is and that you can get a library card as an FIT student. And if you’re into fiction or poetry and have read everything in the FIT library, there’s a huge selection just waiting for you over by Bryant Park. Just make sure you go across the street and get a library card first.

Yours truly, The Girl with the $90 Library Fine.

“Excuse me? Where do I buy a library card?”

18

FEATURES

W27

MASKING CHINA:

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE TO FASHION STATEMENT

BY MORGAN COURT

In 2015, physicists at the University of California, Berkeley announced that air pollution is killing approximately 4,000 people everyday in China. This accounts for one in six premature deaths in the world’s most populous country.

Many Chinese people opt for a simple and practical response to this obvious health hazard: a hospital face mask. Thousands of people wear hospital face masks and other air filtration devices to shield themselves from the ever present smog in China’s most industrydriven areas.

That being said, the news is not all bad. Due to stricter carbon dioxide emission regulations and a slowing economy, air quality has actually improved over the last three years, according to The New York Times.

Particle pollution, or PM for short, is an air quality measurement for fine particulate matter. Journalist Didi Tatlow reveals that in Beijing, PM 2.5 levels fell from 99 micrograms per cubic meter to 81 and in Shanghai from 61 to 50. In Guangzhou, levels declined from 54 to 39. However, these measures still exceed safety standards enforced by the World Health Organization — with an upper safety limit set at 35 micrograms of PM 2.5 per cubic meter. The gap is far too significant to be ignored. Instead of waiting for new legislation, the Chinese people are reaching out for a tangible layer of protection.

Realistically, a paper surgical mask cannot substantially change the air quality for 1.3 billion people.

Most masks merely satisfy the psychological need to feel protected.

It takes masks of a particular material, fit and ventilation to actually be medically effective.

Beijing United Family Healthcare physician Dr. Saint Cyr thinks fashion may play a role in the way people wear masks. “Style, too, is a consideration. Some masks, like Respro, make the wearers look like Darth Vader, while others, like Totobobo, resemble some sort of alien with white gills. Some blogs suggest placing a second mask over the powerful one, topping off the look with a mask that may be ineffective but aesthetically pleasing.

After all, if people feel ugly wearing their masks, they may be less likely to wear them,” advised Dr. Saint Cyr in an article in The Wall Street Journal.

This is a trend that I noticed last Spring when I spent a semester in Shanghai at Donghua University through FIT’s study abroad program. Walking the city streets, I was drawn to different facemasks because of their variations in style.

Maybe it’s attributed to my fashion background, but I recognized the visual appearance of the mask first

and then the reason behind the ensemble choice. As I began visually documenting masks during my travels throughout China, I noticed a subtle, but evident transition among the population. Though masks are still primarily used for practical purpose, showcased by the standard white and blue masks, people are starting to intentionally coordinate them with their outfits. Verified by ranging colors, patterns and designs, masks are not only a means of selfprotection, but self-expression as well.

This notion presents an opportunity for accessory designers to enter a potentially dynamic consumer market in China and beyond.

Major designers and brands haven’t capitalized on this niche product just yet, but it is only a matter of time before they do. As ordinary and insignificant as a face mask may initially appear, its practical function can be enhanced to be made even more acceptable if transformed by the fashion industry.

There is a fine line between making the most of a situation and “masking” the real issue at hand.

Though it’s pleasing to witness creativity in new forms, the prospect of living in a region of the world beset by dangerous levels of air pollution is troubling. After living in Shanghai for nearly four months, I definitely noticed a difference in my breathing. I routinely ran in parks and spent long days outside exploring. Granted, I was not being cautious of pollution and I did not wear a face mask. I figured a fourmonth stint in Shanghai would not be long enough to experience the negative effects of the air quality, but I was wrong. As a consequence, I dealt with sinus congestion and lingering colds that sometimes lasted for weeks at a time.

Fortunately, the issue is addressed on a national scale as more carbon emission policies are being put into effect. However, considering its population and scale of industrial production, China is still a long way from seeing substantial results. For now, masks are filling a void and the need to feel protected. When there is a need, there is an opportunity to monetize it.

The face mask extends the fashion statement, punctuating it with an environmental tone. After all, adjusting to climate change is the way of the present and our definite future. As the world goes gray, consumers will have to compensate with “greener” measures. Wearing a face mask shows an interest and awareness of global environmental issues, which in turn enters the realm of politics.

Fashion is wearable art that can voice interests, values and personal

opinions. In the United States and Europe, consumers can be direct and outspoken in their selfexpression. However, the situation is a bit more complicated in China.

America’s notion of “free speech” and artistic license do not provide the same degree of protection in communist China. Bold statements or iconic images that challenge the status quo are not widely accepted in the present political climate. An understanding of the political and cultural differences of the Chinese market opposed to Western markets is essential. Artists in China can be expressive, but they are far subtler and indirect because of the current state of the political realm.

The mask already symbolizes a direct response to governmental choices. The air quality in China is a result of manmade practices, empowered and regulated by the government. Individuals forced to breathe polluted air are demanding action from their government leaders. Suffering citizens that are turning into statistics by the day are entitled to point fingers.

On a global scale, people are becoming increasingly more receptive to the ecological and political environment. Actively and physically responding to threats to the environment is the first step toward widespread change and opportunity. The Chinese people’s use of hospital masks in everyday life marks a desire for that change — socially, politically and looking for a cleaner environment For my full Masking China project, follow the Instagram account @maskingchina.

PHOTOS BY MORGAN COURT

FIT

SEPTEMBER 2016

19

THE ISSUE BEHIND THE TOUCHSCREEN

BY ERIN ROUSE

Electronics are composed of thousands of parts with materials sourced from around the globe.

Most of the time, these materials are obtained in a legal, ethical manner. Other times, there is a sordid story hidden behind the glossy sheen of a screen.

Anyone who owns a cell phone, laptop, camera or any other electronic device is indirectly guilty of contributing to the conflict mineral epidemic in the Dominican Republic of Congo.

The mineral Columbite-Tantalite, or Coltan, a mineral is used to make tantalum capacitors that help power many electronic devices. According to Congoweek.org, the substance is found in abundance in the Dominican Republic of Congo and is then smuggled to surrounding countries such as Uganda and Rwanda. Only 1% of the world’s supply of mined Coltan is sold on the open market.

During the war in the DRC, Coltan mining operations rose dramatically and the sales of tantalum capacitors increased by 300 percent. This war claimed 5.4 million lives and is regarded as the world’s deadliest war over natural resources.

According to ABCnews, over $250 million in profits from the sale of Coltan was used to fund militias in the DRC and continue to fund these operations today.

To put it in perspective, a single pound of Coltan can sell for at least $400.

After the Second Congo War, the DRC signed a contract with the International Monetary Fund for debt relief that totaled $12 billion as stated by imf.org. Their unstable economy and political environment allowed for many small-scale mines to erupt.

Because of the creation of the small artisan mines, many Congolese citizens have been subjected to mine Coltan. According to the Amnesty

International Charity, children as young as six begin the harmful labor of excavating this mineral — making up 40% of the mining workforce. This harmful work environment increases the risk for learning delays, family separation and rape.

According to the Human Rights Watch, at least 10,000 civilians have been killed and 200,000 have been displaced since 1999. Many citizens are willing to endure dangerous conditions to work in the militia-controlled mines because of the high pay of $5 a day compared to the minimum wage of $3. Although many believe the armed warlords would be the ones disciplining workers, civilian men are often appointed to neglect and beat workers in the mines. Many of these officials are easily bribed with salaries close to $60 a month.

The United States has made strides towards requiring ethical standards for companies that use these substances. According to the Enough Project, a U.S. based anti-genocide group, Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010. Section 1502 of the act requires all domestic and foreign manufacturers to disclose to source information for their conflict minerals to the Security and Exchange Commission. This act has decreased the number of armed troops by 67%, according to the Enough Project.

Although this act has been successful in lowering the number of companies that use conflict minerals, the true origins of these natural resources are rarely identifiable because of various smuggling operations.

Although the actual act of conflict mining occurs within foreign countries, changing the way consumers shop domestically can have a drastic effect.

It begins with your cellphone.

cell phone manufacturer that ensures all minerals used to produce their phones are conflict-free.

These minerals are sourced from unarmed local mines in the DRC. All parts of the phone are meant to be easily repairable and recyclable. If one portion of the phone breaks, the user will only have to replace that specific part. All pieces can be easily purchased on their website. The factory that produces the product is also closely monitored to ensure fair working conditions and wages, an aspect in the supply chain that is often overlooked. One of Fairphone’s main goals is “to create positive social and environmental impact from the beginning to the end of a phone’s life cycle,” according to their company website. At around $580, the Fairphone 2 is cheaper than the new phone options from Apple and Samsung.

Many college campuses are also becoming more involved with the issue of illegal mining of minerals. The Conflict-Free Campus Initiative is a program many schools are acquiring in order to aid the Raise Hope for Congo campaign. This initiative raises awareness as to the harmful effects many electronics can cause. The goal of this campaign is “to support peace, accountability and prosperity in Congo,” according to their website. Change from the major tech companies, like Apple and HP, can only be achieved through mass-consumer feedback.

Although this issue may seem unsolvable because of our society’s dependence on these minerals , there are ways to resolve the damage triggered by these unethical mining operations. Educating people who purchase conflict mineral products is crucial in reducing the amount of harm our cell phones and computers cause overseas. The consumer is the key to change.

Access www.confictfreecampus.org to learn more about creating an initiative on FIT’s campus.

The company Fairphone is an Amsterdam-based

"BAGS OF LEGAL COLTAN ARE LABELED WITH TRACEABILITY TAGS." PHOTO COURTESY: FAIRPHONE

"RAW STATE OF THE MINERAL COLTAN." PHOTO COURTESY: INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP

20 HAUTE CULTURE

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estaurant eview:

BY KAYLA RENSHAW

Tucked away in an unassuming spot on Eighth Avenue lies Italian eatery Intermezzo. Approaching the restaurant, my friend and I were shown a menu and enthusiastically agreed to dine inside. Upon entering, the first thing that catches your eye is the bar that runs about halfway down the left side of the room. Opposite the bar are a few tables and as you walk further into the room it opens up with tables occupying the remaining space.

Intermezzo prides itself on being a neighborhood favorite since 1990, and it’s easy to see why. The

restaurant offers an impressive wine menu — that is if you are of age.

Apart from the wine, their menu has a wide variety of options that is nothing short of satisfying. I could not decide between the penne margherita and spaghetti carbonara, but in the end I opted for the spaghetti carbonara. My friend, on the other hand, went with the safe route and chose the lasagna. As soon as our orders were placed, we were presented with a basket of bread and dish of olive oil. If you are anything like me you know how hard it is to refrain from filling up on only bread, especially quality Italian bread.

When our dishes arrived, I was ready to dig in. The carbonara was the perfect combination of buttery and sweet, cooked to perfection.

Topped with scallions and bacon, I ate my fill and was still able to take home leftovers. The lasagna, being a classic staple for most Italian restaurants, proved that picking the safe option is never a bad idea. There is always a comforting feeling that comes along with a satisfying meal filled with pasta.

Overall, the prices at Intermezzo are about the same as other Italian restaurants in the area, and the food was certainly no

INTERM E Z Z O reflection of the moderate price point. If you are looking for an Italian restaurant to frequent, this is the place to go. The service is great, and the authentic Italian experience at Intermezzo is one that you won’t forget.

Ten Years of The Killers’ “Sam’s Town

BY MARTIN ALLEN

PHOTO COURTESY: FLOWERS AND VANNUCCI JR. PHOTO VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

“My heart/It don’t beat/It don’t beat the way it used to,” croons charismatic and colorful Killers frontman Brandon Flowers on “For Reasons Unknown,” the fifth track on The Killers’ “Sam’s Town.” The same, however, cannot be said about the rest of this Las Vegas quartet’s second album. The record, which turned ten on Oct. 2, still packs the alt-rock/post-punk punch it did back in 2006.

The album, named after a casino in Las Vegas, remains one of the band’s most comprehensive and definitive collection of songs. To hear the record is to hear The Killers at their best, both in terms of composition and lyricism. Flowers’ vivid imagery and creative metaphors really shine through amongst his swirling, entrancing vocals, while the driving rhythm section of drummer Ronnie Vannucci, Jr., bassist Mark Stoermer

and virtuosic guitarist Dave Keuning provides the backbone that makes “Sam’s Town” one of the most memorable alternative albums of the last decade.

Even though, to many listeners, the record was not a worthy follow-up to the band’s near-perfect debut, “Hot Fuss,” it forges its own sonic path within the Killers’ catalog. It may not be the critical darling that the band’s The stand out track on the record debut was, but “Sam’s Town” served as would have to be “When You Were the perfect entree to the Killers’ nowYoung.” Whether you heard it on the signature sound. Before “Sam’s Town,” radio in 2006 or came across it while The Killers’ sounded more like a wellplaying Rock Band in your living produced, poppy Joy Division. In the room, it’s anthemic power makes itself wake of “Sam’s Town,” however, The known almost immediately. Another Killers’ sound shifted to that which beautiful and powerful track is “Read they are known for: big sounding, My Mind,” with its languid synths and incredibly passionate and deep songs Interpol-esque vocal performance. that would work in both Webster Hall The aforementioned “For Reasons and Madison Square Garden.

Unknown” (which features Flowers on bass) remains one the best stories Though the record may not have of lost love in the Killers’ diverse received the same critical acclaim as catalog. It is perhaps one of the band’s its predecessor, it still remains a great most 80’s sounding tracks, but is example of why the Vegas rockers contemporary enough to hold its own are a great American rock band: they in both 2006 or 2016. make loud, passionate songs about

real human problems. The band, who celebrated the album’s decennial anniversary by playing it in its entirety at celebration at Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling House in Las Vegas on Oct. 1 , still rips through these tunes with characteristic swagger and energy. It is safe to say that the heart of “Sam’s Town” certainly beats the way it used to and actually gets better with age.

FIT

OCTOBER 2016

21

THE MEADOWS Music & Arts Festival

BY SARAH FIELDING, ERIN TAYLOR AND BETSABE ESPINAL

SARAH FIELDING: THE VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE

BETSABE ESPINAL: KANYE’S CANCELLATION

Going to a music festival is often costly, especially on a college student’s budget. A great way to get around paying full price is to be a volunteer at the festival. Because The Meadows is in its first year, and I didn’t know what to expect, volunteering was a great way to go. The two-day affair, which regularly costs a whopping $260, only cost me $30.

Volunteers work half of each day of the festival and are free to roam and enjoy the music for the other half. Each volunteer is assigned to a station. The stations include greeters, water fillers, caterers and manning the photo booth (none of which is very taxing). No matter where you are assigned, the music is always close by, so even though you may not be front row, you still get to listen and enjoy.

Volunteers are also responsible for helping people from the media or guests of artists find out where they have to go.

When Kanye said, “Sorry, family emergency I have to stop the show,” I was in utter and complete shock. It was the curse of Kanye, the unfortunate events that haunt every Kanye sponsored event I attend. I don’t know when this started because when I first saw him live in 2013, nothing went wrong and it was a great show. But every other occurrence that I’ve had with Kanye since then has been a disaster.

An advantage of volunteering at The Meadows Festival was that each stage was set up in a way that allowed for easy viewing and, even if a person showed up late, they were still able to move very close to the stage. Also, all four stages were tightly compacted into the middle of the parking lot, making it both quick and easy to move from one stage to the next.

On the first day, the volunteer coordinators were very lax and most people did not stay at their assigned positions. Instead, they went to see bands like Chromeo perform an amazing set. Another highlight of the first day was Empire of the Sun, which stuck to their usual brand of weirdness in spectacular fashion. J. Cole closed the day and by that time there were no volunteers in sight.

The second day, however, the coordinators realized the error of their ways and chose to enforce the volunteer slots. Despite this, many people still floated away, but this time their names were marked down and their two-day refund ($230) was held. The first shift for volunteering ended at 6:30pm, just in time to catch the end of Cage The Elephant or Chance the Rapper. Following that, most people hurried to the Kanye stage with an hour left till showtime. Those who didn’t, were treated to a beautiful performance by The 1975, who faced a constantly depleting crowd as more festival goers headed to the main stage.

I had tickets to Governor’s Ball in June when all of the Sunday tickets were refunded and Kanye wasn’t able to perform. I went to a famous music video screening where the building with the projected video caught on fire, so of course, when he made that announcement I was a little peeved. But even with these experiences in mind, I wasn’t mad. If an artist has to end mid-song in the middle of their performance, something must be wrong. What really surprised me were the nasty comments made by other fans. Given that I had waited for Kanye to come on for nine hours, standing in the same spot, with no way out, no food and no water, I figured I was surrounded by other diehard fans. It takes a lot of commitment to do that, but what I found were lot of “fans” that were there to just say that they were front row for his set.

ERIN TAYLOR: AN ATTENDEE’S PERSPECTIVE

The Meadows Festival had an interesting mix of indie and alternative artists and very popular rappers. Unlike most of the attendees, I had no interest in seeing Chance the Rapper or Kanye perform — I was there to see Børns. The people who came for the “smaller” shows like Lewis Del Mar and Børns had the benefit of smaller crowds and a more intimate concert experience. While some waited the entire day to see Kanye, I was able to get a prime spot for Børns after only waiting for an hour. The same went for seeing The 1975.

I wasn’t the least bit worried about what Chance the Rapper and Kanye West were doing. The massive crowds for their show’s seemed to come out of nowhere. Everyone was overly aggressive as people were pushing one another in every direction all in the hopes of getting the perfect photo of Kanye to post on Instagram — that was not me. I left the festival three songs into Kanye’s performance, which, I may add, started forty minutes late.

Overall, my experience at the Meadows Festival was a positive one. I hope they keep up a diverse group of artists in future Meadows festivals. With something for everyone, the first annual Meadows Festival was a huge success.

Minutes after the cancellation, every major news outlet began reporting that Kim Kardashian was bound and gagged and held at gunpoint by someone attempting to steal her jewelry. It truly was an emergency where someone’s life was in danger. Maybe it was just the initial shock of what was happening, but the comments that were being thrown around in the heat of the moment were inhumane and hurtful.

Since Kanye is such a known public figure and he is surrounded by hype, being front row at his concert for people today is a status symbol. There is no issue with wanting to be close to a celebrity, but when you strip yourself of your morals and become insensitive, that’s when there is something wrong.

We mustn’t forget that these artists are people too.

“The festival had an interesting mix of indie/alternative artists, along with well-known rappers.”

22 HAUTE CULTURE

Inside The (Almost)

29 Rooms from Refinery29

BY ANDREA NAVARRO

W27

Last month, Refinery29 held their second annual self-proclaimed “Art & Fashion Funhouse” titled 29Rooms, which has now quickly become one of New York Fashion Week’s most coveted and talked about free general-access events.

The 29 Rooms (28, actually, since the number 29 was mysteriously absent and labeled as “To be continued…”) were all packed inside a 80,000 squarefoot warehouse in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The installations, which were mostly interactive in nature, centered on themes such as fashion and beauty, art, design, identity, self-expression, self-acceptance, technology and even the impending presidential election.

Each room was sponsored either by an artist, a celebrity or a brand, including but not limited to Lady Gaga’s Born this Way Foundation (#ShoutoutKindness), Radiant Human (You-niverse, a spaceinspired room where visitors could take pictures of their aura in a Kirlian camera) and Hillary Clinton for America (Vote Your Values, pretty self-explanatory).

PHOTOS BY ANDREA NAVARRO

The 29Rooms experience is definitely worth the hype, despite how obnoxiously Instagramworthy it is. Although there were

rooms that more interesting than others, the idea of creating a space that allows genuine interaction between visitors and brands is very powerful in and of itself.

Artists have found different ways to share their messages in creative ways — often incorporating technology. See you, by Daniel Rozin, tells visitors to take a “good look in the mirror” if they need a hero, friend or muse and encourages them to step into a room where sensors detect movement and create shapes — producing visuals that serve as the room’s art.

The Art Hoe Studio, by The Art Hoe Collective, on the other hand, took an approach that almost seemed retro in comparison: the room merely had a big table, chairs, thousands of differently-colored papers and as many crayons imaginable. It felt like going back to kindergarten, and you could see the delight in the visitors’ faces as they created crafts and made drawings that ranged from positive and self-accepting (“Just Open Up”, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”) to politically and socially relevant (“Black Lives Matter”, “Equality For All”, “YES HOMO”). It was by far my favorite room in the

funhouse.

Since 29Rooms is an event that’s only available for a weekend each year. The line to enter was unbelievably long. I went on Saturday, and when I arrived at around 12 pm (the opening hour of the funhouse) and there were already people lining up around the block. I finally was able to get in at 4:30 pm after standing for four and a half hours in the unrelenting sun. So here’s my advice if you want to go next year: arrive as early as you can, or you won’t be able to get in at all.

Hopefully Refinery29 will find a more efficient way of managing this event next year. It would best if they issue tickets that can still be free and accessible for everyone, but will still restrict access and make the waiting time more tolerable. Because honestly, how can you post a selfie on Instagram if you look all sweaty?

29Rooms is a fun, colorful space where art, fashion and technology can coexist seamlessly, while also allowing NYFW, an event that has always been surrounded by an exclusivity aura, to be more approachable. Honestly, you can’t beat culture plus free admission.

A UNIQUE CINEMA EXPERIENCE

BY LAU CHEUK-IN (CHERRY)

There is an emerging trend to integrate memorable experiences in the movie theater space. Theaters came up with the 4D cinema experiences that synchronize motions and scents from the film.

While interesting, it can turn out to be a gimmick.

Syndicated presents another new cinema experience for you.

horror films so there’s “Carrie” (1976), “The Evil Dead” (1981), “Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984) and many more. This is the place for all you classic movie fans looking to watch your favorite films in the movie theater again. They start seating 20 minutes before the film, so be sure to arrive early to grab a nice seat.

Syndicated is movie theater in Brooklyn effused in the artistic vibe of Bushwick. It incorporates a bar, theater and restaurant into one. Walking through the spacious bar and restaurant, you will find a fine cinema where you can dine inside. There are only five rows of seats with several tables in each row.

You can order your food right from your seat before and during the movie. From grilled mojo skewers to ice cream sandwiches, they have more than enough options to satisfy your taste buds. Nothing says proper like elegantly eating your food with a fork and knife while enjoying the movie.

If you’re looking for a place to take a break from your busy schedule, Syndicated’s the place to go.

What’s better than spending a couple of hours eating slow-cooked lamb ribs while watching a classic Hollywood movie for a ticket price of just $3?

Syndicated The interior features hints of nostalgia and a downto-earthness. I liked the intimacy infused in the 40 Bogart Street cinema, which made me feel like I was watching the movie with new friends. Such a relaxing vibe made Brooklyn, NY 11206 my cinema experience unique and memorable. http://syndicatedbk.com Syndicated has a monthly screening calendar with classic and cult favorite films. October’s all about

PHOTO COURTESY: LAU CHEUK-IN (CHERRY)

PHOTO COURTESY: LAU CHEUK-IN (CHERRY)

OCTOBER 2016 23

FIT

MARILYN: CHARACTER NOT IMAGE

BY MEGHAN KANE

What brought me to Mana Contemporary in Newark on Oct. 4 was neither the collection of photographs of Marilyn Monroe by her friend and photographer Milton Greene nor the ironically altered images by Weegee. It wasn’t the display of Monroe’s doodles in red crayon or the very dress she wore to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. A genuine fan, I ventured into New Jersey on my one day off that week to witness how the exhibition “Marilyn: Character Not Image,” curated by none other than Whoopi Goldberg, focused on Monroe’s rarely discussed sensitivity and humor rather than her celebrity.

By the entrance to the exhibition, where an introduction to the subject is typically presented, a grocery list for a dinner party — enlarged and in light gray type — is plastered onto the whitewashed wall.

The first line starts with the unassuming question, “champagne?” A symbol of her lavish fashion and bubbly facade, this word evokes frivolity and contrasts with her truly determined yet vulnerable character.

Upon actually entering the exhibition space, a feeling of somberness fell over me.

The exhibition isn’t about the girl who achieved icon status. Around me were works that either served as a deliberate display or a symbol of Monroe’s inner workings. Snapshots of her more blissful moments, such as splashes in what appears to be a backyard pool complete with a makeup-free

smile and askew eyebrows, are surrounded by an air of profound sadness. She was relatable, contrary to popular belief — so different from the shallow and detached sex symbols churned out by show business today. She loved to read. She enjoyed gardening.

She regularly took a stand for civil rights. The abuses and exploitations she occasionally tolerated, but mostly fought against, represented in Weegee’s pictures throughout the space, cast a shadow over the exuberance in Greene’s photographs due to the overbearing presence and number of them.

was the same reason so many, including myself, are fascinated by Monroe. The image was multifaceted like a diamond, an object often linked to her movie star persona, and not unlike her as a person.

“She was relatable, contrary to popular belief — so different from the shallow and detached sex symbols churned out by show business today.”

A sad scene? In some ways, yes. It is a reminder of her buried pain. But this is also an exhibition of which fans can be proud. An attempt to provide a glimpse of Monroe’s complicated and noteworthy personality, “Marilyn: Character Not Image” is open until Oct. 22.

PHOTO COURTESY: MEGHAN KANE

Along much of the four gold walls are iconic, black and white photographs such as those you’d see in a Marilyn Monroe calendar. And what makes them so enticing isn’t the fact that they were manipulated by Weegee — made to look like pictures of strange creatures rather than those of a beautiful movie star. What really drew me in was how accurate these works are in their representation of Monroe’s inner demons: schizophrenia, depression and addiction.

The smudged lips and eyes, the extended nostrils made to look like a pig’s, the extremely elongated neck comparable to a giraffe’s and the warped face of an otherwise grinning Monroe are disturbing like sinister Snapchat filters.

These images “reveal a sly complicity between subject and photographer: (Weegee’s) dark-room distorted imagery pokes fun at the unreal and absurd facets of the Hollywood industry, of which Marilyn was keenly aware,” according to Mana Contemporary. What kept pulling my eyes back to one photograph in particular

PHOTO COURTESY: MEGHAN KANE

24 HUMANS OF FIT

W27

HOFIT

BY KAYLA RENSHAW

John Stenby Hometown: Ronkonkoma, New York Major: Fashion Business Management What inspires you the most I have second-guessed about living in New York? my career path so many times since coming here!

The endless opportunities. I I came here wanting to meet people everyday who be a merchandiser for a work for so many amazing luxury retailer, but I have companies and do things I been exposed to so many have only read about online. possibilities. Between meeting Also the fact that at night people in the industry and NYC transforms into a whole talking to classmates, I’ve different city. You can honestly been interested in so many live a double life and no one new careers paths like Visual would even know and that Presentation, PR, etc. Now is definitely something that I am pursing a minor in keeps me in the city.

Ethics and Sustainability and considering a career in Since being at FIT, Product Development. have you experienced something that has made Has there been a specific you second-guess your event in your life that has career path? shaped who you are as a

PHOTO COURTESY: KAYLA RENSHAW

person?

Honestly I can’t say one specific instance has shaped who I am, but a big reason I am the person I am today is because of my mother.

She was always my biggest supporter, source of fashion, and she always believed in me.

Our thing was to see broadway shows and one show that really stands out in my mind was a show called “Trip to Bountiful.” It was about not letting anything get in your way and experience life the way you want it. That’s how my mother lived her life, and that’s how I will continue to live mine.

Sara Rubenstein Hometown: Medford, New York Major: Fashion Design What inspires you the most you second-guess your about living in New York? career path?

Seeing all of the local artists around New York City and the other boroughs at street fairs.

I just like seeing people who aren’t exactly successful in their craft yet and being superpersonable and thankful because at school we always see people at Bergdorf’s and Macy’s — stuff like that.

Since being at FIT, have you experienced something that has made

I think my career path is something that kind of requires me in the city and I thought before I lived here it would be some place that I would thrive and be able to live in for a prolonged period of time, but after being here I realized it’s not exactly where I want to be, so trying to figure out what I want to do without living in a major metropolitan area has been kind of difficult.

Has there been a specific event in your life that has shaped who you are as a person?

Going to private school and always living really far from all of my friends kind of made me value people and relationships more. I think it also created a sense of needing to be different from everybody else because I was always forced into the same clothes as everyone and the same mentality.

PHOTO COURTESY: KAYLA RENSHAW

Nathalie Chez Hometown: Miami, Florida Major: Fashion Business Management What inspires you the most about living in New York?

Since being at FIT, have you experienced The dogs. They brighten something that has made my day and make it a little you second-guess your easier. Also being surrounded career path? by creative, hardworking, individuals.

Seeing so much talent is intimidating. Sometimes I see people presenting their stuff and think, ‘this is better than mine, am I ever going to be able to do this in the real world?’

PHOTO COURTESY: KAYLA RENSHAW

Has there been a specific event in your life that has shaped who you are as a person?

Moving to New York by myself and leaving home — it’s kind of cliché. I feel like a lot of kids that go here live pretty close.

It’s a pretty big adjustment. I didn’t know anyone living here when I first came to school.

OCTOBER 2016 25

FIT

I’M RUNNING TOO

Third Party Candidates for President and How They Plan to Take Down The Establishment

BY MITCH WISNIEWSKI

When it was announced that Hillary Clinton would be the democratic nominee for president and Donald Trump would be the republican nominee, Google searches for “third party candidate 2016” rose at an alarming rate — over 1,000 percent according to a report by the Independent Voter Network. It would appear that America is not satisfied with its nominees and is desperately searching for another option.

hoping to win the White House by picking up many true conservatives and republicans who can no longer stomach Trump. He has recently started to gain national attention and is in a statistical tie with Clinton and Trump in Utah polls.

votes so that none of the other candidates achieves a plurality — having the most votes, but less than half of the electoral votes. In this event, the House of Representatives will choose a President from the three candidates that receive the most of electoral votes.

Though many of the 84 million Americans who tuned in to the first Presidential debate would have liked to see the other candidates on stage, securing a spot is quite a difficult feat. In order to be allowed by the Commision on Presidential Debates to participate, the candidate needs to have gained 15 percent of the vote in at least five national polls.

According to theodysseyonline.com, “By voting for the lesser of two evils, you’re still voting for evil.... By perpetuating the idea that third parties cannot win The two most popular candidates who regularly elections, you are telling the DNC and the RNC that appear in national polls are former New Mexico you will vote for the people who they nominate no Governor Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party matter how crazy or incomprehensible their choices nominee, and Green Party Nominee Jill Stein. Evan may be. You are telling them that you are a slave McMullin — a former CIA intelligence operative, So how does a third party candidate plan to become to their whim and you will do exactly what they Goldman Sachs investment banker and Chief Policy the President of the United States if they can’t want…. Vote third party this election. Even if you Director for the House Republican Conference — is even get on a debate stage? The ultimate goal for a lose, you can go home from the polls knowing that running on the Independent ticket. McMullin is third-party candidate is to obtain enough electoral at least it was not your fault that America died.”

Showdown at Hofstra

Clinton and Trump Battle it out in First Presidential Debate

BY MITCH WISNIEWSKI On Sept. 26, close to 84 million people tuned into the first Presidential debate of this election cycle, which took place at Hofstra University. Whether excited and eager to learn something, or just plain petrified, this was one of the most anticipated debates in history.

them. They are using our country as a piggy bank to rebuild China, and so many countries are doing the same thing. If you look at what is happening to Mexico, they are building some of the biggest plants… The United States, not so much. Ford is leaving. So many are leaving….” While this may At 9 p.m. sharp, the debate come across as a powerful argument, commenced with the requisite unfortunately for Trump, not all of handshake between the two his facts were correct. For example, nominees, as the evening’s moderator, according to marketplace.org, “Ford NBC Nightly News anchor Lester clarified its not closing its plant near Holt, kicked things off with “Achieving Detroit, so no jobs will be lost….” Also, Prosperity,” as the first topic. He asked in regards to China supposedly taking both candidates, “Why are you a away jobs, “Manufacturers have less better choice than your opponent to use for the country’s cheap labor and create the kinds of jobs that will put the yuan has actually appreciated.” money into the pockets of America’s workers?” Clinton, who had the At the viewing party for FIT students floor first, responded by focusing at the Katie Murphy Amphitheatre, on clean renewable energy and the many students were surprised to importance of small businesses, as see how civilly the candidates were well as guaranteeing equal pay for behaving towards one another. At one women. She continued, “I want us point Mr. Trump asked Ms. Clinton if to do more to support people who she preferred to be called “Secretary are struggling to balance family and Clinton,” as he wanted her to be “very work.” She proposed paid family leave happy.” Though polite, it was hard not and affordable college, and “promised to hear the sardonic undertones in his to attack big business despite her close voice. Sadly, yet far from unexpected, fiscal relation,” according to regated. neither nominee was able to maintain com. Instead of providing a detailed this decorum for very long, and once plan of how he would effect change, the debate really started rolling, Trump responded with a laundry list of America got to see some of the what he believes are causing problems much-anticipated entertainment for our economy, most (if not all) of factor. As the debate progressed the which we have heard before. “Our jobs audience was privy to the reality TV are fleeing the country. They’re going sensibilities that The Donald has to Mexico; they’re going to many other honed throughout his career, as he countries. China is devaluing their repeatedly interrupted the moderator currency and there’s no one to fight and Secretary Clinton. He also had

the audacity to counter Holt’s fact checking when he was corrected.

This seemed to be the Donald Trump that Clinton had so painstakingly “prepared” for, at one point even stating that, “by the end of this evening, I’ll be blamed for everything that’s ever happened,” to which Mr. Trump responded “Why not?”

Trump attacked Secretary Clinton on everything from the NAFTA bill that was signed during her husband’s presidency, to her use of a private email server — with Clinton using many prepared statements in defence of his storm of accusations The debate covered many of this election’s top issues, from the economy, to defeating ISIS, to many of the scandals that have plagued both campaigns. However, one issue that was barely mentioned during the debate was that of immigration.

Many viewers were impressed that Mr. Trump took the opportunity to discuss issues other than his proposed wall, which has been central to the GOP nominee’s success.

saying, “Her name is Alicia Machado, and she just became a U.S. citizen, and you can bet she’s going to vote this November.”

The final question of the evening was if each candidate would be willing to accept the outcome of the election if they did not win. Clinton stated that she “supports our democracy” and “will support the outcome of this election.” Though she appealed to the audience, saying “I hope you will get out and vote as though your future depended on it, because I think it does.” Trump’s response was a little less diplomatic, but he still made sure to provide the appropriate soundbite in the end. He said, “I want to make America great again… I’m going to be able to do it. I don’t believe Hillary will. The answer is, if she wins, I will absolutely support her.”

As Lester Holt signed off from Hofstra University concluding the first of three debates, many people looked around the Katie Murphy Amphitheatre as if unsure of what had just transpired.

Many important policy points were mentioned, but there was interrupting, When the time came for closing arguing and, in general behavior remarks, Secretary Clinton set her eyes that is not considered to be very on a victory with women by bringing presidential. AMC major Noah Plofker to light Trump’s comments about a described it as “quite an experience” former Miss Universe. Recent reports and it certainly was. So buckle up have surfaced that claim he allegedly America, and be sure to tune into the bullied her for gaining weight, and, last debate and Oct. 19 at 9 p.m. according to Clinton, referred to her as “Miss Piggy, and Miss Housekeeping, because she was Latina.” She closed by

26 FIT SPEAKS

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What Hillary Clinton Means for College Students

BY THAIS DERJANGOCYAN

“I need you!” When Hillary Clinton spoke those three simple words at a recent campaign event in Philadelphia, the crowd of college students from Temple University that had come out to show their support for the candidate were enthralled. Secretary Clinton had wanted to resonate with the young voters, gearing her speech to that specific demographic. This, however, was not just another stop on the campaign trail. She has not been able to secure the millennial vote, and “this could easily be the difference between winning the election or not,” Andrew Baumann, a Democratic pollster who routinely polls millennials, told The Atlantic. This speech was Clinton’s appeal, not just to the students of Temple, but also to the approximately 70 million millennials who don’t plan on voting for her.

According to The New York Times, you could hear and see Clinton’s desperation as she tried her best to persuade young voters to choose her as their president. “I need you as partners, not just for winning this election, but for driving real change,” she continued, “Not voting is not an option,” she concluded.

As college students you may be wondering, “what’s in it for me if I vote for Hillary Clinton?” or “why does my vote matter?” For a presidential candidate, every vote count, but unfortunately, Clinton is coming up short. A statistic reported by Quinnipiac University Poll states that in comparison to Obama who had about 60 percent of voters ages 18 to 29, Hillary Clinton has about 31 percent of likely voters under 35. The difference is about half. This is not good news for a candidate seeking to take the election. The problem, however, is not that millennials are going to vote for Trump, but more so that they won’t vote at all or that they will leave the party. The Guardian reported that millennials “tend to be more progressive, inclusive and share remarkably similar views about the Republican nominee. Nearly 75% of millennials believe Trump is racist and 71% say they would be ‘ashamed’ of their country if he was elected,” according to a survey of millennials by liberal group NextGen Climate.

tuition at in-state public colleges and universities (like FIT) for families whose income is below $125,000.

In addition, she plans to make college debt-free for all. According to BusinessInsider.com, “Clinton’s plan would make tuition at four-year public colleges and universities ‘debt free’ and would be calculated based on family income…. [it] would also allow students to refinance student debt at current rates and would lower interest rates on future loans.” She also wants to secure equal pay for all women in the workforce. Her opportunities speak directly to millennials future, but she is missing a key thing that matters a whole lot: emotion.

On Sept. 29, Sanders and Clinton gave a speech regarding the costs of college at a high school gymnasium in New Hampshire during which Sanders stated that “It is imperative we elect Hillary Clinton.” Michael Giordano, an 18 year-old high school senior who attended, told The Guardian, “I feel like at first there was more of an emotional block for me, that she didn’t seem as passionate and seemed more rehearsed.” He continued, “But in the debate, I think to counteract Donald Trump she showed herself to be more relatable.” If Clinton works on being empathetic and approachable, she will likely gain favor with millennials.

Election day is less than a month away, and every vote counts. College students take note: your vote matters.

Be sure to make it to the polls on Nov. 8.

“...she plans to remove tuition completely at in-state public colleges and universities (like FIT) for families whose Though she has not been able to garner the same support as her former rival Bernie Sanders, Clinton’s platform income is does include a few things that will benefit college students directly. below $125,000” She has proposed to due away with

23 St Blast Shakes FIT Student Body STUDENTS CRITIQUE DELAY OF CAMPUS NOTIFICATION

BY MITCH WISNIEWSKI & AMAL HAWARI

On Sept. 17, many New Yorkers were enjoying a beautiful Saturday night on the town when a homemade explosive device ripped through a dumpster in Manhattan’s busy Chelsea district. Though the blast caused no fatalities, it left 31 people injured, according to The New York Times. Out of those injuries, only one was considered “serious” according to CNN. Surveillance videos captured the powerful blast from the first device that left people on the nearby sidewalk running and ducking for cover. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio labeled the incident as, “an intentional act,” but was later criticized by some for refusing to call the bomb an act of terrorism.

Though the explosion stirred a major panic for many New Yorkers, the FIT campus did not become a major concern of security for law enforcement until three hours later, when authorities found a pressurecooker device on 27th St. between 6th and 7th avenues during a sweep of the neighborhood surrounding 23rd St. Once the 27th St. device was discovered, the students at FIT were instructed via email to “shelter in place.” Students returning to their dorms were directed to the FIT dining hall in the Dubinsky Student Center, where they were eventually allowed to return to their residence halls.

Though many students felt and heard the initial blast due to its close proximity to three of the major residence halls, it wasn’t until nearly three hours after the blast that FIT began it’s email correspondence.

According to the first email sent out at 11:08 p.m., students were advised to avoid the area and to inform their family members of their current location and safety. A second email was sent an hour after the first one, updating students that residence halls on West 27th St. were shut down due to the discovery of the second device, and to “monitor” the FIT email for further updates. A third email was sent at 1:04 p.m. the next day by the school’s president, Dr. Joyce F. Brown. Brown, informing students that the police did an oncampus sweep at 4:30 a.m., coming back with negative results as well as announcing that the campus is “secure” and “fully operational.”

Though these emails provided information for the students in the affected residence halls, many individuals felt that only one form of communication simply was not

adequate for the seriousness of the situation. Many thought the school should have taken advantage of the other lines of communication available to students. Genesis Gomez, a commuting student, suggested that the school could have done a better job at informing the student body about the bombs by, “sending out an emergency phone call instead of an email alerting students, their parents, and faculty members, about what occurred.”

Though some students have their FIT email accounts synced on their phones, many people only check their email on a computer — far from a typical Saturday night activity.

This bombing reminded many students of just how great the dangers are when living in a major city. Freshman Photography major Izabela Tringali commented that, “the bomb felt very unexpected and unreal. It was a rude awakening to how real these kinds of events are in New York City.” Though these events are more likely to occur near FIT, with New York being one of the biggest cities in the world, Mayor DeBlasio assured NYC citizens that after the bombing they would, “see a very substantial police presence… bigger than ever.” This increased police presence was felt on the FIT campus, with a state trooper car parked at the corner of 27th St. and 7th Ave following the bombing.

The school sent out a final email that following Monday, Sept. 19 inviting students to a, “FIT Student Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, September 20th,” regarding the Chelsea bombing for a Q&A. The event was hosted by the FIT Student Government Association, the Department of Public Safety, Residential Life, Student Life, and International Student Services, Counseling Services, and the Office of the Dean of Students. These groups of services concluded the email stating they, “continue to focus on the safety and security of the FIT community.” Students shared their comments and complaints regarding the manner in which FIT handled the bomb attack.

With the specter of a terrorist threat in New York City, FIT will have to improve its warning system. This bombing, and near second bombing, caught many students off guard.

Be sure to have a plan in place, as well as speak to someone in FIT’s Department of Public Safety to be prepared for the future.

FIT

OCTOBER 2016 27

Back From Italy: Thoughts on America

BY SARAH FIELDING

Ever since I was little, I have been curious about what it would be like to live in a different country. I’m a fourth generation American on both sides, neither of my parents have lived outside of the country and I never met anyone in my small town that had. I have a step-grandmother who is from Japan, but I never talked to her about what it was like to move to America. My family is very enthusiastic about travel, but always for brief periods of time. My point is, I don’t know where this urge came from, but it has always been there. One time I talked about it to someone in my ninth grade history class and they called me an America hater. I didn’t really bring it up much again until college. It’s never been anything against America; it’s simply a heightened desire to experience life in different ways, in new places and through diverse cultures.

I have always seen study abroad as a way to accomplish this goal. Freshman year at FIT I discovered that through my, then called, Fashion Merchandising and Management major, I would have the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy for a year. It took about three days to decide that I could handle going for a year. I pictured it, loved the idea and became dead set on making it a reality. Anytime a study abroad info session happened, usually far before I was going, I went. Finally the application opened and I applied right away. After a few more months, I walked out of admissions with a paper saying I was in.

Fast forward six months to August and I was (way overpacked!) ready to get on a plane to my new home. To say that my year abroad was the most amazing, transformational, overwhelmingly incredible year of my life is the greatest form of under-exaggeration. There are no words in English, Italian, or most likely any language for that matter that would accurately describe how wonderful it was. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard, even painfully challenging at times, but every problem led to a growth and understanding I am deeply thankful for.

In May, when I finally arrived back to America, I could immediately tell something was different. The week and a half I spent back home over winter break had foreshadowed how I felt but because I had known I was going back, I didn’t pay much attention to it. But this time, everything felt so familiar yet foreign at the same time.

While abroad, my friends and I would read or hear American reactions to problems happening around the world. The most prevalent example of my changed perspective from my time abroad is the refugee crisis.

While I supported letting refugees enter America before I left, I had no real understanding of the immediacy in which it needed to happen. It had, like most events happening around the world, felt foreign and far away. Italy is a hub for migrants because of its location on the Mediterranean. The refugee crisis was constantly talked about in class. I took Comparative Political Systems my first semester, and it was eye opening.

Also in January I had the opportunity to attend a men’s fashion show that had a cast including recent refugees. Being back in America, I feel the need to stand up for refugees when others have a hard time imagining them as real people that need any type of aid from us.

Another thing I have noticed is how processed so much of our food is.

In Europe, many pesticides, chemicals and other modifications of food are illegal. I have a very sensitive stomach so transitioning back to food

here was very challenging. Luckily, living in New York City, there are better options than most places around the country, but my stomach still had issues adapting to the change.

An advantage, I believe Europeans have over Americans is the ease in which they can experience other cultures. Traveling to a new country does not have to be a luxury for them. A trip from Italy to the very unique and culturally different Budapest, Hungary or even Krakow, Poland can be as inexpensive as 45 Euro round trip. With the close proximity of these places along with the plentiful array of budget airlines, you can make weekend excursions all across Europe. The longest either of those trips would take is two hours. In New York, a popular, fast destination is Florida. This trip is even longer and sadly Florida is not the same cultural center as Vienna or Paris.

Nowadays, I find America to be very isolated. While we border Canada and Mexico, they are a great distance for most of the population. Also, we have no neighbors on the east and west coasts. While Mexico may be distinctly different from the United States, Canada has many similarities, most important being language. At the same time, Canada is on the same page as Europe when it comes to many issues, such as universal health care. This isolation creates an almost unavoidable ignorance throughout America on the affairs of the rest of the world or even in different parts of the country. As a whole, our country appears more diverse than individual countries in Europe, but there is a lack cross-cultural relations.

Being abroad for a year has given me a global perspective that I would never have if I had stayed. When there is an issue in America, whether it be an attack, the election or the cost of college education, I no longer look at it simply from how we could work on it. Most issues that are prevalent in America have been tackled in one way or another by countries around the world.

I will forever be grateful for the time I spent abroad. If anything, it has made me want to live abroad even more. My question is, why not?. Why not take the chance. Take every opportunity you can. You never know where it will lead you or how it will shape your thinking, and please, please never be afraid to live out your dreams.

28 STYLE ON 27

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STYLE ON 27

DALTON EVANS, AMC

KAYLA HIGGINS, FD

BY CARMEN LI

YOSHIHIRO ONCHI, FBM

SHYAMA WANGR, FD

Do you have any fashion advice for the freshman in FIT?

Do you have any fashion advice for the freshman in FIT?

Do you have any fashion advice for the freshman in FIT?

Do you have any fashion advice for the freshman in FIT?

“I kind of picking pieces that I like and I try to dress like who I want to be in the future. You can meet anyone on the street in NYC, so you should always dress to present your best.

Always presentable! ”

“Be adventurous! You are in FIT so you’ll see plenty of people who dress better than you.

Feel free to expand on your style instead of trying to complete it. Just stay true to your personality.”

“Don’t follow the trend, follow your own taste. Don’t buy a LV bag based on the brand, instead, accumulate your style by things or items that you really love. ”

“For FD freshmen, enjoy the first week of dressing up perfectly, because you’re going to look crappy after you become too busy on your assignment and don’t have time to deal with your appearance. ”

MAYA FEERO, ILLUSTRATION Is there any transformation on your style from beginning to now?

“I dress a lot more relaxed and comfortable. Before I was trying to wear more reveling clothing but now I wear a lot of boy clothes which is more lowkey on style.”

TRISTEN DOUGLASS, FD

IAN LEE, FD

JESSI WU, AMC

Do you have any secret shopping spots near FIT that you can recommend to the freshmen?

Do you have any secret shopping spots near FIT that you can recommend to the freshmen?

Do you have any secret shopping spots near FIT that you can recommend to the freshmen?

“Yah! My favorite will always be Buffalo Exchange, because it’s so closed to here. But this year I discover antique shop called Thrift and New. They have a lot of cool jewelry.”

“I’ll not call it a secret spot but I really enjoy shopping at COS.”

“Top shop is always my favorite place, and I can always find something suit me well every time when I go there.”