Your Magazine Vol. 1 Issue 6: February 2012

February

YOUR introduction

Letter

from the

Editors

Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Valentine’s Day? HAPPY? Valentine’s Day.

1. Ignore the holiday completely. Get every romantic bone in your body surgically removed. Then spend the night playing Xbox in your bedroom.

2. Take the route of shitting all over it. Ignore anyone who tries to be nice to you, or stomp on any cards or candies you receive. Then spend the day moping about your failed relationships and conquests.

3. Make someone’s day. Be romantic for fun. Go to dinner with your friends. Pass out corny valentine’s to your classmates and teachers, and be responsible for making someone smile.

We know that this holiday is the pits. I for one haven’t had the urge to acknowledge great Saint Valentine since the second grade when my first crush, Christopher, vomited on my white tights after walking right past my decorated shoe box at our class party.

You may have guessed that we don’t see each other anymore.

Pick an option and commit to it (maybe not the best word for the commitment-phobic, but you know what I’m saying). If you ask us, you’ll get the most out of giving happiness and romance away, rather than by focusing on who is giving love to you.

Don’t be mine for Valentine’s. Be YOURS.

But, when you think about it, the way you say Valentine’s Day holds a connotation that effects the people surrounding you, not just your significant other or crush. So there are three ways to go about this month:

Olivia Moravec february

Kilian Webster

Editor-in-Chief

Assistant Editor

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YOUR introduction

Featured

Articles

07 21 26 42

How to Properly Exercise Your Right to Sexile Article by Matthew Grossbart

Winter Wonderland

Photography by Fred Kim

Luc Bresson at the HFA

Article by Matt Merksamer

Fashion Society’s Next Top Male Model Winner Gabe

Gibbs

Article by Kiera Murray Photography by Taylor Meacham

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YOUR introduction

Staff Editor in Chief/ Founder Assistant Editor Managing Editor Copyeditor Copyeditor Copyeditor Copyeditor

Olivia Moravec Kilian Webster Krista Firkins

Taylor Meacham Hope Kauffman Kevin Sweeney Alex Fierro-Clarke Hannah Wallace Fred Kim Rebecca Roche Nick Hayes Brian Annis

Creative director Designer Designer Designer

Pete Ivanecky Adriana DePalma Haile Lidow Maddy Wojdak

february

Romance Editor Romance Romance Romance

Madeleine Andrews Rachael Moore Katelyn O’Brien Devan Norman

Photo Director Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer

Fashion Editor Fashion Fashion Fashion Fashion Fashion

A&E Editor A&E A&E A&E A&E A&E A&E A&E

Features Editor Features Features Features Features Features Features Marketing Director Marketing Marketing Marketing Head Stylist Stylist Hair Stylist

Emily Tannenbaum Elijah Clark-Ginsberg Tess Babbitt Haile Lidow Olivia Hoffman Andrew Favorito

Blog Editor Web Writer Web Writer Tech Columinist 4

Nick Johnston Jen Prince Molly O’Connor Lorena Mora Matt Merkasamer Marc Hecht Charis Talcott Madeleine Andrews Matthew Grossbart Caitlin Anders Frankie Olito Beata Rybka Kiera Murray Christina Jedra Taylor Smith Liz Mantey Cheyenne Boccia Callina Patterson Elijah Clark-Ginsberg Crystal Yuen Katie Lohman Val Navarro Lacey Russell Bonnie Ong Lorena Mora Raymond Bellinger Madeleine Andrews Steve Selnick

Table of Contents

ROMANCE 6 7 8 9

YOUR introduction

(author)

The Texting Manifesto How to Properly Exercise Your Right to Sexile Should the Morning-After Pill Be More Widely Available?

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for the Attached & Unattached

(photography)

Madeleine Andrews Matthew Grossbart Caitlin Anders Madeleine Andrews

FASHION 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 21

What Do I Wear? Men’s Date Edition Wardrobe SOS Take Your Makeup from Day to Night YourStyle: Glamorous Gloves Straighten Out! Step Up to the Platform Holiday Boutique does Valentine’s Day Winter Wonderland

Elijah Clark-Ginsberg Olivia Hoffman Kelsey Leahy Tess Babbitt Emily Tannenbaum Haile Lidow

Hope Kauffman Nick Hayes Rebecca Roche

Alex Clarke Fred Kim

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34

Monthly Playlist: Songs for a Lonely Valentine’s Day Mouchette, Bresson at the HFA Cult Classic of the Month: Attack the Block The Arena: The Majestic 2012 Movie Preview Real Estate @ BMH The Pill @ Great Scott Big Star Boston Calendar

Matt Merksamer Marc Hecht Matt Merksamer Nick Johnston Jen Prince Nick Johnston Charis Talcott

FEATURES 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

Aphrodisiac Awakening Spring Break Getaways Valentine’s Day Survival Guide V-Day vs. Steak and BJ Day Next Stop: Hynes Student Project: Emerson unveils Darling, A New Musical Fashion Society Next Top Male Model Winner: Gabe Gibbs

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Liz Mantey Beata Rybka Christina Jedra Beata Rybka Taylor Smith Beata Rybka Kiera Murray

Taylor Meacham

february

YOUR romance

THE TEXTING MANIFESTO Text // Madeleine Andrews

Since its invention in 1992, Short Message Service (SMS), better known as “texting,” has transformed interpersonal communication. Now, it is possible to simultaneously converse with dozens of people at one time while on the go, while in a quiet setting, or even while having a conversation with a live person who cannot see your hands! But it doesn’t mean you should. Our generation has taken texting too far, especially in terms of romantic relationships, and it has to stop.

2.

•

4. a.

3.

An argument had via text message does not count as a real argument.

Misinterpretations in tone and meaning are inevitable, and unnecessary, because the only way for two people to effectively discuss a relationship issue is for them to speak to one another in the flesh.

•

A budding romance should not involve constant texting.

1.

Do not forget what SMS stands for: a.

Short Message Service. Now smartphones make it possible to send short-form novels.

There is no reason for this.

b.

This is especially important for those in relationships: understand that texting implies a sense of urgency, so when your significant other receives a message of great length, they will feel pressure to respond immediately. Formulating a response to the many elements presented in a long text message usually ends in one of two ways.

A text message break up is a good thing.

If you have found yourself so unlucky as to have dated a person who thinks it is acceptable to end a relationship by sending a text message, you have now eliminated a weak human being from your life. Don’t bother sending one back; they are not worth expending even the slightest effort in moving your thumbs.

5.

Go easy on the emoticons and abbreviations.

•

If someone you have just met is constantly texting you, they’re either very bored or they like you. The reason this is not a good thing is because the two of you are taking away from some of the most magical moments you may share together. Getting to know someone should unfold naturally. Don’t cheat yourself out of seeing their eyes light up as they tell you what their favorite music or kind of flower is by asking those kinds of questions by text.

b.

Many people are irked by constant texting, so you run the risk of driving him or her away.

c.

Further, since neither person knows each other very well, the risk of misinterpretation is greater.

6.

•

i. Your lover retaliates by not responding or responding with just a few words, upsetting the long-message-sender even more than they were in the first place, often leading to a follow-up novel. ii. Your lover attempts to respond to all of the issues presented in the message resulting in a responsenovel to which the original longmessage-sender will do the same, creating an endless cycle of longwinded, meaningless words that amount to nothing positive which brings me to my next point.

Nothing is creepier than an unwanted winky face or an adult who uses the phrase “lolz”.

Once again do not forget what SMS stands for.

Short text messages between romantically involved people at any stage can be great. It’s a opportunity to make each other smile: let them know you’re thinking about them, send them a picture of something that reminded you of them, tell them they looked great the other night, tell them you can’t wait to see them later, tell them you love them. (But please, not when it’s the first you’ve ever said it.)

Following these mandates is an easy way of ensuring you use texting to your advantage rather than letting it take on a life of its own, becoming a third and unwelcome member in your relationship.

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How to:

Properly Exercise Your Right to

SEXILE

Text // Matt Grossbart

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s time to start planning what you’ll be doing on what millions of marketing dollars try to convince you is the most romantic day of the year.

Whatever your Valentine’s Day plans are, it’s likely they involve jumping someone’s bones, which for most Emersonians means having to “sexile” a roommate. “Sexiling,” for those of you not in the know, refers to the act of forcing your roommate out of your dorm for a while so that you can get busy.

Don’t feel guilty; sexiling is your right. If you think about it, this isn’t too far from what mothers do with their toddlers by sending them to daycare. Admittedly, most moms aren’t dumping their kids so they can get laid (unless we’re talking about an episode of Desperate Housewives) but it’s fair to ask for some alone time. The core concept of removing an annoyance, I mean roommate… so you can get stuff done is a good one to practice for later in life.

If you want to go the extra mile to make sure your roomie isn’t around, arrange an activity for them to do. Encourage them to check out that extracurricular they signed up for at the Org Fair but never actually went to, or tell them that there’s no time like the present to see Alvin & The Chipmunks 3: Chipwrecked.

Sexiling can be uncomfortable and awkward, but there are a few relatively simple steps you take to make it a much easier process for both you and your roommate.

First and foremost, make sure to give your roommate plenty of advance notice. No one is thrilled when they’re sexiled, but there will be less animosity if they have had time to grab all their stuff before they’re locked out.

If at all possible, you should also work around your roommate’s schedule, to ensure that they’ll be gone for as long as possible, and that way they’ll have something to do in the meantime. This means less of a risk they’ll attempt to take revenge, so really everybody wins!

Still, there are times when you find yourself in a situation where you weren’t planning on needing the room to yourself but something… suddenly comes up. To avoid a surprise sexile, give your roommate a head’s up even if all you have is a reasonable expectation. Don’t worry about jinxing yourself because even if you don’t end up bringing a, uh, “friend” back, you still get the place to yourself, which means you don’t have to hold in your farts, and you’re free dance to Selena Gomez in your underwear.

That might almost be better than sex, but that’s another topic for another time.

Let’s say you have a big heart and don’t want to send your roommate off to an extracurricular or children’s movie. Try setting them up with your date’s roommate or friend. Whether this is the start of a legitimate love connection, a beautiful friendship, or just a way to get them out of your room, who cares, because they’re gone. Plus, if it works, one of your rooms will be free for use when they too are looking for private time.

Finally, it’s important to do some cleanup afterward to minimize further disruption to your roommate. Light a candle or open a window to make sure it doesn’t smell like sex and be sure to restore any furniture you knocked over to its upright position.

Yes, sexiling is often a difficult situation, but there are ways to make it much easier for both yourself and your sexiled roommate.

As long as you’re prepared and don’t spring it on them at the last moment – bonus points for having an activity for them to do in the meantime – you can turn a messy, uncomfortable process into something quick and painless. Whether the same can be said of what happens after your roommate is gone is up to you.

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YOUR romance

Should the Morning-After Pill Be More Widely Available?

Text // Caitlin Anders

Even when agonizingly careful about sex, slip-ups happen.

Whether the condom breaks or a daily pill is accidentally missed, another solution is needed, and fast.

Currently, the morning-after pill, or more specifically Plan B, is only available to individuals who are seventeen years of age or older unless they have a prescription from a doctor.

Fortunately, in this day and age, other options exist when the need for them arises. One of the most common choices for emergency contraception is the morning-after pill, available in brands such as Plan B.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted indepth research on Plan B and has made the recommendation that it be available to anyone, regardless of age or whether or not they have a prescription.

For those who have never used the morning-after pill, it can be extremely intimidating. However, educating oneself on its effects and proper usage can help to lessen the stress of a very stressful situation.

Kathleen Sebelius, the Health and Human Services Secretary, decided to overrule the FDA’s recommendation, with support from President Barack Obama. The restrictions lack factual basis and are products of politics rather than what is best for the population.

It can be used up to five days (120 hours) after the unprotected sex has occurred, which provides a fair amount of time to take action.

This decision received widespread criticism including that of Mayor Bloomberg. Fourteen Democratic Senators sent a letter to Sebelius imploring that she provide the rationale through which this decision was made. To date, she has made no such public explanation.

The morning-after pill has some undesirable side effects, but in most cases they are limited and fairly mild. The most common side effect from taking the morning-after pill is nausea. Headaches, dizziness, and irregular bleeding can also occur. The morningafter pill is meant to be used only in emergency situations and should not be taken on a regular basis or used as a consistent form of birth control.

Current restrictions on the pill mandate that it be kept behind the counter, which can drag personal views into the issue. There have been instances where pharmacists have refused to sell the pill even though the person attempting to buy it was of age. In Texas, pharmacists at two separate stores refused to sell the pill to men because they could be buying it for underage women, though they had no way of knowing for sure.

This pill contains an extremely high dose of hormones thus it is detrimental to a woman’s health, with effects including irregular periods. As such, it should not be taken on many occasions in a short amount of time.

Those with personal aversions to the pill should understand that when used correctly, it is an effective way to correct those inevitable late-night mistakes and give women a second chance.

With any luck, politicians will lift restrictions on the pill, granting everyone the freedom to use it and avoid long-term consequences.

Unfortunately, the pill can be kind of pricey, ranging from ten to seventy dollars, depending on the brand and where you purchase it. It can be found at a local pharmacy or Planned Parenthood health center, so it’s usually fairly easy to come by, although lately some problems with it have arisen that could put its easy accessibility at risk.

Do your part in taking action against the valuing of politics over women’s health and contact Sebelius at: kathleen.sebelius@hhs.gov .

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YOUR romance

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for the

Text // Madeleine Andrews

Attached &Un-attached one really likes N osingles, people in

Valentine’s Day. That’s right, couples aren’t sitting around smugly rejoicing at the thought of a day dedicated to them. People in couples often put so much pressure on themselves to make sure the day is “just right” that it ends in crushing disappointment or epic battle.

theatre strongly suggests you purchase tickets ahead of time that go for $9.75 each. The 4:15pm showing features a special introduction and Q+A session with Leslie Epstein, whose father and uncle received an Academy Award for Best Screenplay for the film.

The first step is to relax. Don’t waste your energy trying to make it romantic and perfect because the only moments that are truly romantic and perfect are those that unfold spontaneously, and you have every other day of the year to experience those.

The romantically unattached resent the day for obvious reasons. Wallowing is a waste of time. Instead:

If you’d like to go the romantic dinner route, do so with caution. February 14th is one of the busiest nights of the year. This is especially true of fine-dining establishments, so while the idea of it might be nice, the reality will often involve waiting for your table even though you had a reservation, frazzled servers and food that hasn’t been prepared with as much care as you would like it to have been for the amount you are spending.

Round up some friends and head to Gypsy Rose Exotic and Pole Dancing on Boylston. They offer “Pole-on-theGo!”, a beginner level class for $25 a person. It’s a great, fun workout and you’ll leave feeling sexy and more confident, no significant other required.

There are a number of “singles events” (perhaps one of the most shudder-inducing phrases in the English language) around Boston on Valentine’s Day, but Flirt Fest 2012 has the right idea. This fun, light-hearted event featuring hors d’oeuvres, a DJ spinning danceable hits and contests like the “Best & Worst Pick-Up Lines”. By taking the emphasis off of finding the perfect romantic partner, attendees will be more relaxed, thus actually more likely to find someone they might want to see again. It will be held at The Bell in Hand Tavern from 7pm-12am and costs $15 for entry.

Going out on the 13th or 15th can help you avoid some of these pitfalls. Check out the cozy Tasca Restaurant on Comm. Ave and Washington Street. Tapas fare is ideal because not only are the small portions priced at just $3-5 each, they’re great for sharing, making for a delicious meal you experience together.

For another fun and relaxed date, head over to the Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square where they will be holding special screenings of the classic romance film Casablanca. It will be shown on Sunday the 13th and Monday the 14th at 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, and 9:45pm. The

Gypsy Rose Dancing Studio

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YOUR fashion

The Dinner Date Whether you’re going to Locke-Ober or Four Burger, put in the effort! Consider a three-piece rule. In addition to the pants, without which you would be arrested, and the shirt without which you would be denied service, add a sweater or jacket as well. Otherwise you will be denied the affections of your date. For a super casual dinner, there’s nothing wrong with a pair of dark jeans, a collared shirt and a v-neck sweater. But what kind of gentleman doesn’t give himself – and his date – an excuse to dress up? For a respectable restaurant (Eastern Standard is my standby), it’s time to break out the jackets. Pair a blazer with jeans or chinos, just be mindful of fit to avoid looking like the bar mitzvah boy. Or you can opt for a suit dressed down with a gingham shirt and a knit tie.

Dress to impress, and your date will certainly be craving a dessert of the sweetest kind.

The Coffee Date For the more casual coffee date, the three-piece rule can be broken. Of course, it being February, your mother would still advise a sweater, but a nice collared shirt and chinos, cords, or dark jeans is fine too. The important thing is to show that you put in some effort and didn’t just roll out of bed.

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YOUR fashion

what do i wear?

Text // Elijah Clark-Ginsberg

Photography // Hope Kauffman

Models // Michael Rios, Paul Almeida

Men’s Date Edition

The “I’ll Cook You Dinner” Date Couldn’t get a reservation on Valentine’s Day? A lovely home-cooked meal to the rescue! Cooking for your date is the romantic equivalent to a politician on the campaign trail visiting a factory to show that he’s not afraid to be hands-on. Much like that politician, you should roll your sleeves and be prepared to get down and dirty. A casual collared shirt (I’ll defend the oxford button-down to the death) with the sleeves neatly rolled to the elbows and presentable yet comfy (you are at home, after all) pair of pants will do the trick. Just don’t forget the “Kiss the Cook” apron.

The 10pm “Wanna Come Over and Watch a Movie?” Date Anything, as long as it’s easily removed.

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Ben Sherman: Navy Chinos ($129) White Oxford ($60) Plaid Shirt ($60) Navy Sweater ($65) Gray Chinos ($129) J. Crew: Tatterstal Shirt ($65) Gingham Shirt ($65) The Tie Bar: Black Tie ($15)

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YOUR fashion

T

here is really only one thing to keep in mind if you’re trying to make your wardrobe feel new, and that is styling. Certain clothes can function as the foundation of your outfit and don’t necessarily need to be the focus.

Take your simple little black dress for example.

It’s a clean palette for whatever style you’re going for. You don’t have to go out and buy a new dress, but something like a new pair of earrings or a new headband makes the outfit feel new. Try coming up with a theme for the day or the night in your head based on where you’re going, and building on top of that. It’s like attending a costume party for your mood. I am currently writing this article at a friend’s house watching the Giants v. Packers game. So what did I decide to wear to show my Giants pride? My little black dress with thigh-high red, white and blue striped socks, baby pink converse, and an oversized jean flannel.

So, yeah, certain clothes function as the basis for your mood.

We all love pretending we’re someone else, as creepy as that sounds.

Our wardrobe means something different to us depending on who or what we want to feel like. These inspirations can vary as much as the weather. Some days, my style is inspired by one of the great fashion icons, Audrey Hepburn and

The worst feeling in the world is when you look in your closet and feel like you have nothing to wear. You’re thinking, “everyone’s seen me in this already” and “I hate all my clothes!” But don’t get down in the stale-closet dumps. We’ve got tips to keep your closet feeling fresh!

other days I feel more like the hippie-dippie Janis Joplin. Taking a pinch of inspiration from a fashion icon or pretty much anyone or anything makes your favorite pair of jeans feel a little bit new and a little more special. My favorite pair of jeans are Black J Brands that are 3 years old. I wear these babies at least twice a week because they’re comfy and frankly, they fit my booty better than the other pairs of jeans I own. Taking your favorite pair of jeans and add the styles of a fashion inspiration of the day or week makes the pair of jeans feel like new. Add a statement belt or wear your hair in a new style! It’s more about trying something unexpected.

So, what if you ultimately hit a dead end with fashion inspiration?

I definitely feel like I’m reaching the end of a very amazing period of fun styling. My styling is starting to feel like the same old same old, and because of that, my clothes options have been exhausted. This, I’m realizing, is all in my head. We go through ebs and flows of what turns us on and what ultimately makes our wardrobe feel new is continuing to be inspired by what we’re doing, people we’re meeting, and how we’re feeling about ourselves. It may be cheesy, but the way you feel inside is more visible to others than your clothes.

wardrobe SOS! making old clothes feel new again Text // Olivia Hoffman

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Art // Pete Ivanecky

YOUR fashion

Take your makeup day night from

to

Text // Kelsey Leahy Photography // Nick Hayes Model // Kerry Velez

Trust me ladies, the art of transitioning makeup from sun to sleep is no new task.

Some choose to wipe off the daytime damage and start with a new slate for their evening endeavors, while others build and build throughout the day; it’s all preference and works for your “gal on the go” schedule. But regardless of your daily regime, I’ve learned some tricks and treats that make your daytime look transition easily into your evening attire with little hassle and lots of success. Want to know how?

Daytime // The start, and probably most important step,

Nighttime // Now lets say you’ve gone all day running

is to apply a great base. Take your time on your foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, and pretty much anything to do with “facewear”. A great base, means little to no work or “touch-ups” on this area later. I like to keep my daytime wear pretty simple and natural -- even the skin, add a nude color to the lips and plump up those lashes with mascara. People are attracted to girls that don’t rely on pounds and pounds of makeup, so keep it minimal and I assure you that 1. You’ll be less stressed in the morning, and2.

People will stop expect to see you in makeup, and 3. You’ll get more attention those evenings you do decide to spice things up.

errands or you were sitting in class after class (or at least that’s what you told the old folks)– now the clock has struck seven and you’re ready to go out for a night with your friends. This is where the fun begins! Start with touching up the areas that may need it after a long days work. Now you are back to square one and can focus on my two favorite things – eyes and lips.

For eyes, I tend to stick to browns and bronzes and create a smoky eye look by dusting the bronze over the entire lid, and blending the brown into the crease of the eye. My favorite colors to use are Send the Trend’s Gilmore Neutral Palette and Mac’s Amber Lights and Woodwinked. Try to avoid dark and drastic shades, so you can play up the lips without looking like your makeup box threw up all over you. Once your bronzes and browns cover your lids, add a thicker line of liquid liner (a cat eye shape is my personal fave) and reapply mascara for a more sensual “they-can’t-look-away” kind of feel. Now, I know it is wintertime, but my favorite makeup “DO” this season is lipstick in brighter shades. Try a vibrant pink, or purple, or even orangey red to get away from the typical deep reds that are very overdone. Covergirl’s Divine Divine and Spellbound Envoutee are divine and extra cheap! Now you’re ready for a night on the town looking great with minimal effort!

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glamorous gloves Text // Tess Babbitt

Photography // Rebecca Roche

With the temperatures bottoming out in the single digits, staying warm and staying fashionable are now mutually exclusive. It’s time to bundle up in not only your fluffiest winter jacket, but to also layer on the hats, scarves and mittens. But how do you still manage to make a statement when you feel like you're wearing every article of clothing that you own?

Finding a pair of mittens or gloves that reflect your style is easy and will also keep function and fashion riding happily along together. Extremely popular are the always-trendy fingerless gloves. These are perfect for Emerson students, what with our constantly-tweeting hands.

These gloves allow you to perform the necessary acts of the day (texting, emailing, and, for the majority of us, smoking that crucial cig) while still keeping your hands warm.

But if the hobo chic look isn't your style, there are hundreds of other options with varying styles and fabrics.

Whether you fancy a leather-trimmed wool basic glove, or you feel like showing off the bulky pink mittens your grandma knit for you for Christmas, staying warm while staying fashionable is always a must.

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YOUR fashion

STRAIGHTEN OUT! Get the right blowout Text // Emily Tannenbaum

Art // Kilian Webster

treatment for YOUR hair

With everything we have to do all day (from classes to eight hundred meetings), how great would it be to cut your “getting ready” time in half? There are many smoothing treatments out there great for reducing curl, flatten frizz, and ultimately cut back the time you spend on your hair each day!

But which to choose? Here is a detailed list of some of the best options out there. But before you choose, make sure you consult with your trusted hair stylist to know for sure which is best for you!

Simply Smooth Keratin Treatment

Thermofusion F150

This treatment reduces frizz without reducing any curl and slowly wears out with each shampoo. Completely based with the Keratin protein. Works best on fine-medium textured hair.

Price – Starts at $300 with products, but MAY vary depending on hair texture, length and coarseness Time at Salon- Takes 2 hours in-salon to perform (must wait 72 hours before shampooing, wetting, pinning or tying hair up) Time Between Salon Visits - 3-4 months Helpful Tip -Recommended shampoo and conditioner be included in the Price of this treatment.

This is the strongest non-chemical product for straightening in Salons right now! It can reduce almost all curl on finer textured hair, and eliminate 100% frizz. This is not keratin based and uses amino acids to manipulate the hair shaft.

Price- Starts at $250 depending on hair texture, length and coarseness.

Time at Salon- About 1-2 Hours (Hair can be washed or colored immediately after service) Time Between Visits- Lasts up to 4-6 months

Cashmere Luminance

This treatment is the strongest treatment in salons below a chemical relaxer. This treatment uses a very low amount of chemicals in order to achieve maximum smoothness with straighter hair results for ALL hair types. It removes 100% of curl and frizz! But the best part is that this treatment has conditioning agents and keeps colored & highlighted hair healthier, with no damage!

Price- Ranges between $200-300 depending on texture and amount of hair. (Price should include Bio Ionic shampoo & conditioner) Time at Salon- Takes 1-2 hours in-salon process (-Client leaves with clean hair, but must wait 48 hours before shampooing at home) Time Between Visits- 4-6 months

Bio Ionic KeraSmooth

This product uses sulfites to manipulate bonds in the hair and smooth it. While adding fullness to limp hair, Cashmere Luminance eliminates frizz and may reduce your curl up to 40%! Just like the Keratin Treatment, it wears out with each shampoo. It is meant for clients with very fine or coarse hair.

Price- Starts at $300 with products, but may vary depending on hair texture, length and coarseness Time at Salon- Takes 2 hours in-salon to perform (May be washed or colored immediately after service) Time Between Visits – 3-4 months

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YOUR fashion

1.

Step Up Text // Haile Lidow

Prada’s Platform Oxford ($950 at Nordstroms)

2.

A From Akri’s Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

3.

to the

PLATFORM trend of the month: Shoes

s we begin our spring semester, it seems the last thing on our minds is spring.

It’s cold, and you may think it’s a little ridiculous that the Spring/Summer 2012 trends are already being implemented into our daily outfits. But we stylistas, no matter how ridiculous, do what we can to feed our addiction to fashion. One of these very trends is the flat platform shoe that took over the runways this season. This is one look that may not be so impossible even in the heart of winter! Think about it: trade in your stilettos for a flat platform oxford, like this season’s Prada’s pictured below, and you are much less likely to take a stumble in the snow. And if you’re looking to be a little more punk and look like you can kick some ass, try some OG English creepers

by TUK. All you have to do is buy a half size bigger than normal, pile on the socks underneath, and you have a versatile alternative to a typical winter boot. Then when it does finally warm up, these shoes can easily be recycled to be worn with kneehighs and a dress for a spin on a flirty spring look, alongside other flat platforms like Dries Van Noten’s cloth shoe or Dolce and Gabbana’s woven sandal. For a more affordable option, Jeffrey Campbell has an incredible array of designs inspired by the runways, ones that can be easily transitioned from winter to spring. So, ladies, put aside your “comfortable” wedges and make room for your new flat platform shoes; you’ll definitely turn some heads strutting down Boylston.

TUK’s OG English Creepers ($67 at tukshoes.com)

4.

From Dries Van Noten’s Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

february

5.

From Dolce and Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

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6.

Jeffrey Campbell’s «Suebee» ($134.95 at Amazon.com)

YOUR fashion

Holiday Boutique does

Models // Manuel Lavalle, Alexia Kyriakopoulou, Hunter Lydon, Matea Božičević

Valentine’s Day Photography // Alex Clarke

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s time to add some glam to your wardrobe. Holiday Boutique on Charles Street has the accessories and styles to make you sparkle. And send your boy to Ben Sherman on Newbury so he can shine as much as you… almost.

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YOUR fashion

below: Lace Dress ($148), Charlotte Skirt ($245), Red Necklace ($65), Bow Belt ($30)

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above: Striped Gray Button-Up ($54.99), Suspenders ($59), Pink Chinos ($129), Taupe Shoes ($84.99)

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YOUR fashion

above: Pink Dress ($325), Mink Shawl ($295), Rose Bangles ($40), Purple Earrings ($40)

below: White Sweater ($74.99), Blue Chinos ($129), Argyle Tie ($49.50), Blue Oxford ($64.99)

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YOUR fashion

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YOUR fashion

winter wonderland Photography // Fred Kim

Models: Chen Xu, Michelle Roginsky, Duncan Menaker, Lucia Guerra, Lauren Amar, Matthias Marlier

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YOUR fashion

Lucky Brand Jacket($149), Knit Scarf ($29.50)

Lucky Brand Winter Hat ($20.99)

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Free People Mustard Headband ($9.95), Leather Shorts ($128), Crop Knitted Sweater ($98), Orange Jacket ($39.95)

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YOUR fashion

Knit Sweater ($148), Fuschia Dress ($128), Mustard Pants ($49.95)

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YOUR fashion

top left: Free People Blue Dress ($88), Blue Lace Top ($58), Fur Coat ($99.95), Fur Hat ($9.95)

also pictured: Lucky Brand Olive Hoodie ($98)

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YOUR arts&entertainment

Monthly a lo n e ly Playlist: ^

Songs for Valentine’s Day Here in the YourMag A&E department, we hate Valentine’s Day with the intensity of a million burning suns. It’s probably because we haven’t ever had good ones (Matt still weeps about not getting a card from Jenny Brinkley in kindergarten), but we certainly know how to handle the bad ones. We have a Whitman sampler of songs for you—some dark, some light, some with fruit in the middle... So, grab your favorite security blanket, a pint of either Ben and Jerry’s or an especially bitter lager, and some heavy speakers, because you’re about to get your ass kicked right into feeling better. As always look at our Grooveshark for a digital playlist that you can listen to as you curl up.

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“Simple Song” The Shins “Androgynous” The Replacements “Without You” Harry Nilsson “The Trapeze Swinger” Iron & Wine “Busby Berkley Dreams” The Magnetic Fields “You Fucked Up” Ween “Say Yes” Elliot Smith “True Love Will Find You in the End” Daniel Johnston “In Between Days” The Cure “Just a Friend” Biz Markie “Goodbye” Best Coast “Don’t Think Twice it’s All Right” Bob Dylan “Who’s Lovin’ You” The Jackson 5

“Ms. Jackson” Outkast “Maps” Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Love Will Tear Us Apart” Joy Division “For the Good Times” Al Green “Once I Was” Tim Buckley “You Can Have What You Want” Papercuts “A Man Needs a Maid” Neil Young “The Sad Waltzes of Pietro Crespi” Owen “Isabel” Unrest “A Good Man is Hard to Find” Tom Waits “No Children” The Mountain Goats “Bye Bye Love” Ray Charles “Well I Wonder” The Smiths

“Add It Up” Violent Femmes

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YOUR arts&entertainment

Mouchette Bresson at the HFA

Text//Matt Merksamer

The consistently great Harvard Film Archive began an extremely important series, the Complete Works of Robert Bresson.

It started with the phenomenal Pickpocket on January 20th and shows a few movies a week, ending with The Devil Probably on February 12th.

I’ve only seen Pickpocket and Mouchette so my opinion of Bresson is far from expert and fairly incomplete. Mouchette is widely considered one of Bresson’s many masterpieces. Nevertheless it’s a difficult film to engage with. A constant in Bresson’s work, he never lets the audience into his protagonist’s minds. In this case the protagonist, Mouchette, is a girl growing up in small French village. Her father is an abusive alcoholic and her mother an invalid.

Her life is filled with tragedy, sorrow and bitter hostility. Her village and its people allow her no pleasure or any escape from her misfortunes. She experiences one of the most empathetic lives I’ve seen on film and yet, I have a hard time sympathizing with her. I can understand being bitter at the life she has been heartlessly thrown into but her actions

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make her a tough character to root for. She seems to be searching for an escape, any semblance of kindness or sign that anybody actually cares. In her world such humanity doesn’t seem to exist.

However, in the rare instances when somebody is genuinely nice to her and tries to help her in any way she reacts very cold-heartedly, to put it mildly. She does this repeatedly and even provokes others in order to punish them for taking joy in harassing her. It almost seems Mouchette relishes her situation and doesn’t try to escape as much as it appears she wants to.

Maybe, however, she just doesn’t know how.

These were my initial thoughts upon my first and only viewing of the movie. Bresson is not a director who relies on actions to tell his stories. His movies are much more concerned with atmosphere and tone as the guiding lights for his characters’ search for redemption.

Since then I’ve read about Bresson and discussed him with people who have seen many of his movies and it seems he is a director who requires more commitment

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and immersion in order to fully appreciate his work. With time it becomes easier to break through the surface of his characters and really understand their mindset. Fairly early in his career Bresson stopped using professional actors, casting non-actors instead, referring to them as “models.” This choice greatly enhanced the affect of his already sparse and atmospheric cinematic style.

As I’ve been writing this piece and rousing memories of Mouchette, I feel I’m already starting to understand Mouchette’s mindset a little more and my appreciation for the movie has grown. I plan on making nearly all of the screenings in the coming month and strongly urge you to do the same. To have all of his movies playing right in my backyard is an incredible gift.

All the Bresson screenings are nine dollars for general admission and seven dollars for non-Harvard students. I suggest getting there early; I’m positive seats will fill up quickly.

YOUR arts&entertainment

Cult Classic of the Month

Attack the Block Text//Marc Hecht

Much like The Brothers Karamzov, Joe Cornish’s Attack the Block features an extensive discourse on the ecclesiastical, Euro-centric theology of seventeenth century villagers ensconced in the pre-Soviet Eastern Orthodox Russian church. Well, not really, but it does have some sweet aliens and great action.

The film is set in a London ghetto, the “Block” of the title, in which a gang of teenagers’ attempt at a mugging goes horribly awry when aliens invade their neighborhood.

The inclusion of Simon Pegg’s constant sidekick Nick Frost may cause a higher expectation for comedy, but Cornish chooses to focus more on the lovingly well-crafted action set-pieces, all inventive homages to classic horror and sci-fi films. The design of the aliens may be the most impressive piece of the film; clearly small-budget, the aliens are

pitch black gorilla beasts, their only definable feature being the neon green glow in the dark nature of their teeth and their lack of eyes.

John Boyega plays Moses, an up-andcoming drug dealer and the leader of the group. His solemnity harkens back to classic action and western heroes who would rather shoot you in the face than have a discussion about all of your evil plans. He is so solemn in fact that it is shocking and hysterical to see him suddenly break out into a Dave Chappelle-like rant about how the aliens were sent to their neighborhood, much like crack and AIDS, in order to subjugate the black community. These bits of levity contrast the brutal gore and katana-wielding action pieces, giving the film a Sam Raimi Evil Dead type vibe with hints of John Carpenter added to the mix. It’s really slick and well done, giving the viewer some breathing room to

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cool down in between scenes of a kid getting his nose bitten off and two policemen being eating whole, both shown in graphic detail.

The film basically follows the classic b-action-movie formula, but puts just the right amount of spin on it to keep it feeling very fresh and innovative. The setting, for starters, is one rarely seen in this type of movie. These kids would be the baddies in any other movie. In fact, the first scene shows them mugging a pretty young woman, and it can be argued that the entire plot is an attempt to show that bit of disgraceful behavior and then slowly humanize them to the point that you understand their motivation completely and empathize with these kids who are typically demonized by society. Don’t get me wrong, there are no tear-jerking monologues about life in the inner city. No young black kid chokes back sobs as he describes the lack of school funding and how their lives revolve totally and utterly around a basketball. This is all done in a much more low-key way, showing the kids with their female friends who berate them for the crime, having their parents be unseen characters. The film doesn’t even show Moses’ home until the last minutes of the film, creating a type of mystique for his origin that works greatly in favor of his characterization.

Attack the Block is an incredibly entertaining action/horror/comedy film, probably the best movie ever made to feature female-aliencum as a major plot point, if that isn’t enough to convince you to go. You can catch it on DVD right now.

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YOUR arts&entertainment

The Arena

Matt Merksamer on Frank Darabount’s The Majestic was released in 2001, but I didn’t see it until last year; I was always told it was a bad movie.

Who wants to go see Jim Carrey try to be emotional and dramatic? He should stick to making silly faces with accompanying voices unless he’s working with Michel Gondry.

When I finally sat down and watched it I was pleasantly surprised with the charming setting and characters, the competent performance by Carrey, and the film’s loving tribute to the Hollywood of yesteryear. It was made about sixty years too late, seemingly going over the heads of jaded modern audiences.

Screenwriter Peter Appleton (Carrey), wrongly blacklisted, drowns his sorrow in whiskey and almost drowns himself when he drives off a bridge later that night. He wakes the next morning on a beach with no wallet, no car and no idea how he got there.

Eventually, Harry Trimble (Martin Landau), the owner of a defunct movie house called the Majestic, declares that this man is his son, Luke, who was lost in the war nine years earlier. The whole town gathers behind Luke’s project repairing and reopening the theater and some brightness reenters their lives for the first time since the war.

If Preston Sturges were alive today, this is probably the type of movie he would make.

Sturges’s movies are usually considered

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The Majestic comedies, a trait this film shares in spades.

For the most part they are, but under the surface they have a lot of depth, emotion, humanism and social consciousness. That’s really where this movie is so similar. The sorrow is not a melodramatic manipulation of the characters, who are all warm and inviting. It’s understandably difficult for today’s audiences to relate to a movie so free of pessimism in the face of corruption.

The ending may strike cynical audiences as unbelievable or not “realistic” enough. But they fail to acknowledge that this movie has a relevant political message wrapped in the package of a sentimental story.

This movie is steeped in everything fifties America represented: the small town optimism, the increasing governmental scare tactics, and the hypocrisy of a government preaching freedom while taking it away from its citizens. Admittedly, the town seems somewhat idealized, very much of the 30’s and 40’s and yet just as much with a modern liberal political mindset. There seems to be racial harmony, and the Red Scare is considered invasive and wrong. The Majestic documents one of the worst times in American history. World War II brought us out of the depression and into what appeared to be the golden age of American prosperity, where all men could achieve the American Dream advertised to them. How

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could the America that entered WWII come out of it and launch into a communist witchhunt that went against everything we stood for as a country?

The town in which the Majestic Theater resides is, when Appleton arrives, a broken, soulless place. It represents two separate eras. One is the post-WWII era in which the movie takes place. The other is the pre-WWII era that the audience and characters equally miss. The remnants of America before and during WWII are present. The town is a ghost of the beautiful, if naïve, community that we all believe existed. It represents what the war did to revitalize that optimism and hope in our country. You can almost see the town that was once so connected to each other and our nation, so hopeful and proud, fighting the good fight. When Appelton comes and recruits town members to rebuild the Majestic it revitalizes the town. The shadows don’t seem as dark and the cobwebs are wiped clean from the windows of stores that were closed for years. The town rallies together to recover the soul that was taken from them so long before, just like Darabount aims to find ours.

If you are a lover of classic Hollywood films, can put aside prejudices and expectations and accept Jim Carrey in a dramatic role in something other than Eternal Sunshine, or are simply looking for a moving, poignant story.

YOUR arts&entertainment

of 2012

Most Anticipated Film Releases Text//Nick Johnston

A new year is a pretty exciting time for us film writers: we get a whole new slate of movies and a whole lot of reasons to be excited about things. Then we look at the studio releases and find that a ton of awful movies will be coming out and go right back to being depressed.

These are the bright spots this year, at least for me; the ones that got me super excited when I read the synopsis, saw some footage or realized that Michael Fassbender was in it.

Of course there are exceptions to this rule; no one can predict what will be a hit at Cannes or Sundance, or strike a chord in the hearts of audiences everywhere. By no means am I declaring that any of these are going to be perfect, but I am saying that all of these are worth watching and supporting. Now, on to the list.

I’m not the world’s biggest Joss Whedon fan, but I’m pretty excited to see this, a horror film that he wrote and produced with director Drew Goddard (an alum of Whedon’s TV shows and the writer of Cloverfield). The plot’s a loving satire and tribute to the “college kids stranded in woods” plots typical of the genre, but a stellar cast (Chris Hemsworth, Richard Jenkins among others) and the quality of those producing ensures that it’ll be pretty fascinating. Originally slated to come out in 2010 and then delayed for several years due to the financial woes of MGM, the film has finally been picked up by Lionsgate. It’s already screened for several select audiences and the word has been incredibly positive, which makes the fact that it’s the opening night film of SXSW completely understandable. April 13th.

Cabin in the Woods For some reason, around the time of The Life Aquatic, Wes Anderson’s audience turned against him, almost viciously so. Perhaps his love of Salinger and 60’s pop tunes turned them off after a while, but 2009’s Fantastic Mr. Fox proved that he still had a great amount to offer the world. Every director has a style, and Anderson’s is fascinating in the way that it compliments his blend family drama with dry humor, if occasionally irritating and oft-imitated by the Sundance crowd. Kingdom, a 60’s-set tale of two lovers eloping and the sheriff (Bruce Willis) and the girl’s crazed parents (Bill Murray, Frances McDormand) who pursue them, looks to be a confident return to the world of live-action. One can only hope that he finally rises the occasion and answers the naysayers with a great film. May 25th.

Moonrise Kingdom My most anticipated blockbuster of this year is Ridley Scott’s return to the Alien franchise.

Not much is known about the plot of the film, except that it’s a loose retelling of the Prometheus myth within the parameters of that universe, but everything about it looks absolutely solid- a return to sci-fi horror after Aliens blended it with the action genre. With a great cast (Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba and my man-crush, Michael Fassbender) supported by a script by Damon Lindelof of Lost fame, my early fears about this project disappeared. Check out the amazing trailer online, which is a very loose tribute to the first trailer for Alien itself. June 8th.

Prometheus You know what this is. You know you’re probably going to see it at midnight day of release.

I’ll be there too. July 20th.

The Dark Knight Rises 29

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YOUR arts&entertainment

John Hillcoat returns to the past after exploring the end of mankind in The Road, this time to the Prohibition era. The screenplay, penned by Nick Cave, concerns three bootlegging brothers (Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy and Jason Clarke) whose business comes under fire from both gangsters and the law. I’ve missed his variations of outlaw cinema, a genre he came close to perfecting with his Aussie western The Proposition, and his adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel left a lot to be desired. Here’s a toast to this being amazing, because the elements seem to be there. August 31st.

The Wettest County I really liked Rian Johnson’s second effort, The Brothers Bloom, mainly because it was a good movie, but also because it showed that the director (made famous by Brick) could do something else. Apparently his new flick, a sci-fi tale concerning time travel has already screened for select critics and the word is that it’s one of the best films of the genre in a while. The plot concerns a hitman (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), working in the past for a mob based in the future, who discovers that his next target is his future self (Bruce Willis). I’ll say this: if Johnson can continue his streak of quality original-property films, it’ll only confirm what we knew all along- that he is one of the major talents of this generation of filmmakers. September 28th.

Looper Well, this is the first time that this has happened. I’m actually more excited for a Disney Animation movie as opposed to this year’s Pixar offering (the trailers for Brave worry me that Cars 2 finally broke the studio). Ralph concerns a Donkey Kong-esque video game boss (John C. Reilly) trying to break free of his nature and prove that he can be a good guy. The limited promotion of this at Comic-Con was wonderful (actual arcade games playing the ones featured in the film), the footage looked earnest and funny without feeling like it was pandering to nerds, and a high enough concept that it seems destined to be something better than the studio’s previous offerings. November 2nd.

Wreck-It Ralph Ok, I’d go to my bookie and put a sizable bet down on this being delayed until 2013 or later, but I’m putting this on my list in the desperate hope that Quentin Tarantino actually gets around to shooting this in time for release. Following in the line of his previous epic Inglourious Basterds, Tarantino is finally shooting his “southern”, a western set in the pre-war South where slaves are forced to fight in death matches for the satisfaction of the white elite. The plot concerns a freed slave (Jamie Foxx), taken under the wing of a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz), and his attempts to rescue his still-chained wife from the clutches of a sadistic plantation owner (Leonardo Dicaprio). The script is amazing, the casting is phenomenal, and, even if it doesn’t turn out to be a masterpiece, it certainly will be worth a watch in your favorite theater. December 25th.

Django Unchained

Other Notable Releases: The Pirates! Band of Misfits (March 30th), The Avengers (May 4th), Argo (September 14th), Gravity (November 21st), World War Z (December 21st), The Master (4th Quarter)

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The Real@Es tate Boston Music Hall Text//Jen Prince

New Jersey-based surf rock band Real Estate is riding a wave of hype, critical acclaim and increased exposure following the release of their second album, Days. Admittedly, I went to the show at Brighton Music Hall at the behest of some friends who happened to be true fans. I hoped only to be able to sing along to one or two tunes. For me, Real Estate has always been simply ‘alright’, with a couple catchy songs and nothing supremely memorable. I was pleased, however, to find that their syrupy riffs and foggy vocals translated quite well to the stage.

Brighton Music Hall is small. I mean, really small. By the time we arrived, there was a substantial crowd that made it unbelievably difficult to move about. Gads of twenty-somethings in flannels and smirks all packed together like sardines stood around, nodding their heads (or considering how they looked while nodding their heads- you can’t appear too into it, after all.) We pushed our way through the crowd, careful to avoid any potential PBR mishaps until we miraculously found ourselves up front.

The opening bands were pleasant enough, the second far more entertaining than the first. That may be have been due, in part, to their unabashedly Real Estate-esque sound as well as their general air of geniality. Despite being a decently fun opening act, the crowd didn’t seem to really care. Blasé head nodding abounded. Needless to say, I was ready for Real Estate to take the stage if only to liven up the crowd.

While most bands, fueled by adrenaline and alcohol, speed things up for a live gig, Real Estate somehow managed to slow down their already laid back set. Their opening tunes, “Easy” and “Snow Days” made each layer of Martin Courtney IV’s and Matthew Mondanile’s interlocking guitar lines audible. The addition of Jonah Maurer on keys added a synth-wash to the band’s music, while Alex Bleeker, on bass, and drummer Jackson Pollis provided the rolling, poky rhythm. All this amounted to a show so evocative of lazy suburban summer days that I couldn’t help swaying along with the other pseudo-dancers.

With all the lo-fi loveliness permeating the small yet cozy Music Hall, I was ultimately lulled into a sort of trance. Not surprising, given the copious reverb and delay that inundates their music. By the time Real Estate left the stage, I found myself left with a sense of nostalgia and a lingering sort of relaxed melancholy. Real Estate numbs with its sameness, its tedium, its anonymity, and —yes — its beauty. When they came back on for a 3-song encore at the behest of the crowd (who seemed to have suddenly come back to life,) I was longing for that stiff drink of distortion and experimentation yet again. It’s safe to say that this personal yet straightforward beach band has finally acquired real estate in both my mind and my iTunes.

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YOUR arts&entertainment

Hang the DJ

Text//Nick Johnston

l l i p the

It’s Friday night, and I’m doing what I normally do- drinking Miller High Life enjoying the vibes and waiting to dance. The Pill is one of Boston’s longest-running dance nights. It’s changed throughout the years, but the ideas and goals at the heart of the night have stayed the same. Founded in 1997 by one of the resident DJs, Ken Powers, it’s been in variety of locations before settling down in Allston at Great Scott. Michael Marotta, a friend of Ken’s from Long Island, moved up in the early 2000’s and became the other resident DJ of the night (he’s also the music editor at the Boston Phoenix). They specialize in classic britpop and modern indie, featuring artists like Pulp, Suede, M83, the Dum Dum Girls, The Smiths and The Cure. I’ve been a regular since October of this past year, and no matter how bad I feel the next morning, the hangover always feels worth the joy that it brings me.

The night’s incredibly successful for a number of reasons, but two things particularly attracted me and kept me coming back for more. First, the DJ sets are intelligently mixed and feature a ton of artists, new and old alike. Even though it’s billed as a britpop/ indie night, the variety of music played continually surprises.

It’s not unusual for a patron to come into the night listening to the best in synthpop, and when he leaves a few hours later, the sounds of classic Motown are echoing down Comm Ave. “We try not to limit ourselves to the staple singles,” Ken tells me as we huddle in a quiet corner of the club. “They’re important to keep around- they’re staples for a reason- but they get tired. I remember the days when I couldn’t play anything I wanted unless I tracked down the twelve-inch import of a new single. Now we’re free to play what we want to, all of the time.”

Yet the mixes, despite being amazing, aren’t the only attractive part of the night. A musical guest takes the stage around 11pm and plays for about an hour. “We don’t do guest DJs,” Michael tells me, “and adding bands gives it a different aesthetic. When you do this every seven days, it’s good to have

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someone else help promote and bring their friends, and it makes it different. Otherwise the shit stays the same.” The Dandy Warhols, Cold Cave, The Information and Freezepop have all done sets there, and certain bands have led to some particularly memorable nights. Passion Pit, right before embarking on their national tour, planned a secret show at the night to test out their set. Word eventually got out, and it spread like wildfire. “The line was around the block,” Marotta tells me, “and we had to put them on at around 10:30 because their set was an hour and a half long.” The Halloween shows are also one of the night’s yearly highlights, where local bands perform sets where they cover the music of (and dress up as) another band. These shows incredibly memorable, and most, if not all, of the performances are amazing, and even if they aren’t they’re still great for a laugh.

On February 10th, local sweethearts the New Highway Hymnal are performing and celebrating the release of their new 7-inch on Vanya Records. Michael believes in this band, telling me “they’ll make you believe in rock and roll again.” The energy of the night should mesh well with their style of rock, and If you care about local music, it’ll be something that you don’t want to miss. Done with my interviews, I head back to the bar, start drinking, and begin mingling with my friends. I hear the familiar sounds of “Midnight City” blare out over the club’s speakers, and a friend grabs me and the night truly opens up. It’s beautiful, exactly what a night like this should be - cheap drinks, a fun band, a fantastic mix, and a lot of fantastic people to dance with. We very easily could have danced all night. I’ll say this: if you’re looking for a place, as Moz himself once said, “where there is music and there’s people and they’re young and alive,” it exists, and it’s happening every Friday night.

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YOUR arts&entertainment

Songs in the Key of You

Big Star’s “Thirteen”

Big Star’s “Thirteen” is one of those songs that compels me to throw my head down on the nearest available piece of furniture.

When the lilting guitars of the opening sneak forward unannounced, I’m done for. Eyes closed, head grounded, breath paused, I’m spun into one of those disorienting states in which the past is present, all the while making itself perfectly clear that it’s lost and gone forever. The fickle necromancer known as my iTunes shuffle has been known to toy with my attempts to create a zen outlook by placing Alex Chilton’s plaintive schoolyard melody into otherwise table-free areas of my life.

Freshman year of college, I didn’t know anything about anything. Anything in this case has to do with, well, every sweeping swath and minute subtlety related to romantic relationships, with quite a few independent life skills thrown in for good measure. I walked into my dormitory with the wideeyed, nervous and wordy Connecticutlian air that Rory Gilmore has since shown me is the sore-thumb marker of my home state. Hair long and tie-dye shirt on fresh from a lacrosseteam bonding mission, I was scared shitless of the army of seemingly sophisticated literati that crawled through the place. To be fair, I had held my own at a few art shows in my day. My mother’s run as a vegetarian upstateNew York minimalist “before it was cool” in the ‘80s insured that both Talking Heads and R.E.M. were on my iPod. But there was no way my storybook upbringing and high

anxiety levels could compete with these raw, real city folks just biding their time until Criterion calls. I mean, I was a writing major, not film! I wanted to… publish books? I really just wanted to hide.

Enter the first soul-crushing college crush. He was a sophomore studying media criticism, boasting an enormous CD collection, tall, corduroy-jacketed, guitarplaying, hyper-organized, bursting with references, and starting a music blog. I was in awe. When the hip boy-talk in the Common Room turned to Big Star, as conversations are wont to do when discussing “underrecognized, yet hugely influential” bands, you best believe I was running to my room, past my passive-aggressive foreign roommate, and pirating ‘#1 Record’ faster than you can say “koopa troopa.”

So there I listened, Alex Chilton asking in song if a girl would let him walk her home from school, or meet her by the pool, or take her to the dance on Friday. Screw what their parents say! Jesus. The song was so simple, so direct, so innocent. It was exactly how I felt, except I was of legal voting age in the post 9-11 era instead of wearing tube socks at age twelve. Whatever. This guy would never date me anyway. I sat fidgeting on a mound of pent-up frustration, listening to “Thirteen” on repeat, wishing he’d ask me all of the questions I didn’t know how to broach myself.

This feeling continued the rest of the semester. In that time, I was able to squeak

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Text//Chris Talcott

out a few conversations with suave guitarman about artistic things of note. Winter break blessedly came, giving me a break from my own fumbling awkwardness, but along with it came a humungous crash-down of life and career anxieties. I almost transferred.

I cut my hair short and tried to update my wardrobe. I went back to school in January, still frustrated with my inability to realize my own perfectionist visions. I would never make any money and I would die alone, surrounded by cats. Never mind, ambition.

It’s funny how giving up can sometimes be the best idea. Going back to school, guitarguy began to notice me, and we started dating. He played “Thirteen” for me on his nylon-string guitar in his spartan dorm room.

I died, over and over, in a good way.

A year and a half later, he broke up with me in the coldest, most robotic way possible.

So it goes.

First relationships inevitably have a deep, dark mythology surrounding them. Mine circles around Big Star’s near-perfect pop song. In the wake of guitar-guy’s fall from grace in my eyes, and the resulting sting that has since healed over, I am powerless to avoid the pull of the beautiful simplicity in love that “Thirteen” surrounds me in.

Read the full version of this article at the YourMag blog. Trust us, you’ll want to.

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YOUR arts&entertainment

MONDAY

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY LUMIERE SHORTS/A JOURNEY TO THE MOON @ HFA (FREE!)

1 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN @ HFA

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6 2046 @ HFA

TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT/GILDA DOUBLE FEATURE @ THE

IF NOT US, WHO @ THE COOLIDGE

THE BEAR’S PLACE (18+)

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S @ THE BRATTLE

MORTIFIED’S DOOMED VALENTINE’S SHOW (DIARY ENTRIES READ BY COMEDIANS) @ THE COOLIDGE

8 SHOW: THE SKATALITES @ TT

(FREE!)

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PRESIDENT’S DAY

SHOW: LESS THAN JAKE @ THE MIDDLE EAST DOWNSTAIRS (18+)

19 THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO @ HFA

CRAIG FINN OF THE HOLD STEADY @

GREAT SCOTT (18+)

OSCAR PARTY @ THE

REAR WINDOW @ HFA (FREE!)

BRATTLE

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FRIDAY

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THE KILLS @ ROYALE

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OBERON

THE BRATTLE

DRIVE @ THE BRATTLE

THE DARKNESS @ PARADISE ROCK CLUB (18+)

2 THE BEANTOWN BOP (FEATURING JITTERY JACK) @ TT THE BEAR’S

THE WHITEST KIDS U KNOW @ ROYALE (18+)

GEORGE CLINTON @

@ GREAT SCOTT (21+)

PLACE (18+)

THE WILBUR (18+)

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3 THE NEW HIGHWAY HYMNAL AT THE PILL

LIFESTYLE VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY @ GREAT SCOTT (21+)

DIE ANTEWOOD @

PARADISE ROCK CLUB (18+)

9 JIM GAFFIGAN @

FATHER’S DAY @

THE WILBUR

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10 THE BETSI FEATHERS VALENTINE’S DAY SHOW @ THE

THE COOLIDGE (LLOYD KAUFMAN WILL BE THERE!)

COOLIDGE

WOLF’S 19TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS BALL @ TT THE BEAR’S (18+)

16 HEARTLESS BASTARDS @

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17 THE TOXIC AVENGER @ THE COOLIDGE

MIDDLE EAST UPSTAIRS (18+)

MS. LAURYN HILL @ HOUSE OF BLUES (18+)

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BOSTON CALENDAR

THURSDAY

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YOUR features

aphrodisiac awakening Text // Liz Mantey

Its one o’clock in the morning, the two of you just went to NYP -- you know you’re in it to win it tonight. You mutely hurry past Securitas, make intoxicated chit-chat in the elevator, and rip each other’s clothes off immediately after crossing the threshold of your dorm room. Next follows the always-loved, twin-bed shuffle as you both attempt to fit. The mattress creaks, and you just know your suitemates heard everything. Sometimes sex in the dorm rooms, or even in an off-campus apartment, can be a little less than sexy. This Valentine’s Day try sparking up the bedroom with some yummy foods that will also boost your sex drive and performance.

Aphrodisiacs can range in price from affordable to hellno-I-have-student-loans, but here are a few to turn up the heat between the sheets without breaking the bank.

Don’t forget the chocolate. Boys and girls, the stereotypical gift for your significant other may in fact be the best thing since Hershey kisses. Dark chocolate contains feel good chemicals that release and peak during orgasms, helping amp excitement, attraction, and euphoria. Just march down to CVS and grab the biggest box of chocolates you kind find.

This sh*t is bananas. Don’t get freaked out ladies, but bananas are connected to sexuality because of their shape, and because they contain male-libido enhancing minerals. So not only will the banana represent what he wants but you get to reap all the benefits in the end.

Forget the expensive bubbly. Instead, look to a nice bottle of red wine, the preferred drink of Dionysus,

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the Greek god of parties and fornication. Red wine helps the blood flow and improves circulation during intercourse.

Shell out the big bucks on some fish, particularly shellfish. Oysters are known for increasing sexual desire. They can be a little pricey but will certainly add to the romantic atmosphere. But be careful! Oysters tend to increase sperm production so practice safety.

Let the bubbles go to your head. Champagne doesn’t have to be expensive to give you that lightheaded, head-over-heels feeling. Pair it with some fruit – like strawberries – and you’ll have a feast worthy of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Just remember, the no-kissing on the lips thing was just a gimmick.

Just like there are foods that get things pumping, there are some that slow things down. Carbohydrates and fats are heavy and they decrease blood flow, so save the McDonald’s craving for another night. And while you certainly want fresh breath when kissing, you should know that large amounts of mint cool off your body, also slowing down blood flow. Drinks high in acidity, like coffee, can also affect your body chemistry eliciting unpleasant odors or tastes.

This Valentine’s Day, trade in the usual college sex for a little more passion and a little more drive. As a warning though none of these foods will make that twin bed any bigger.

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YOUR features

SPRING BREAK

getaway

School’s already sucking the life out of you and you can’t help but turn into a frozen booger within seconds of stepping out into the Boston tundra. You don’t want to stay here, but you don’t want to go home because you got sick of everyone during the holidays. Luckily, spring break was invented to cure these mid-semester blues.

This one-week holiday designed to defrost and decompress has brought business and fame to tropical destinations like Cancun, Punta Cana, Miami Beach and Panama City. Yes, these have some connections to the infamous Girls Gone Wild special spring break editions, but their popularity owes more to the fact that these destinations are particularly student-friendly this time of year. Top-notch hotels and resorts offer all-inclusive packages that make a week-stay affordable, even for the perpetually poor college student. So don’t worry, you don’t have to turn into a topless coed atop a tiki bar to have a good time.

Text //Beata Rybka

Emerson’s spring break 2012 lasts from March 3rd to the 11th, so in order to score the best deals you have to start planning now. Online sites like STA Travel, Student Universe, Adventure Student Travel and Student Traveler specialize in providing students with travel discounts. For example, STA Travel offers an all-inclusive package for a four-night stay at the four-star Gran Caribe Real Resort and Spa in Cancun for just $506. This is an awesome deal, but the devil’s in the details. Once you account for the necessary roundtrip airfare necessary to arrive at this beautiful destination and the travel insurance STA Travel requires all its customers to purchase, the grand total is just that -- about a grand.

But don’t let this turn you off to all-inclusive packages which really are the blessing of spring break. Instead, use the widely advertised search engines like Book IT or Expedia; Kayak is a good one because it allows you to compare many search engines at once. Chances are,

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you’ll find an all-inclusive package that includes airfare for much cheaper. For example, Book IT offers a four-night, all-inclusive stay at the GR Caribe by Solaris four-star resort for $733, including roundtrip airfare.

If you’re part-vampire -- it’s very posh right now -- or prefer Elizabeth I’s pale look to that of the sunkissed queens of Hollywood, south of the border are not the only affordable destinations this spring break. Try a site like Rue La La which offers limited-time discounts at exclusive destinations like Lake Placid Lodge, romantically nicknamed the Jewel of the Adirondacks, and spend a few days skiing and defrosting in a hot tub. You can even consider a few days at a luxurious spa. Just imagine a healthy post-detox glow as compared to a post-intoxicated sunburn.

Spring break is a great time to spoil yourself and this is one instance where the Internet is your friend. Take advantage of all the money-saving offers it holds in store.

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YOUR features

The Single’s Survival Guide: Valentine’s Day Edition Text // Christina Jedra

Valentine’s Day is the one holiday that people either await or dread depending on their relationship status. For the couples, it can be a wonderful opportunity to express, otherwise unacceptably mushy, proclamations of love. However, many singles often grumble about Hallmark’s cockeyed agenda to rake in cash. But why does there have to be such a divide? Although the holiday isn’t really marketed to singles, we can still find a way to celebrate. (Note: Celebrations do not include buying obscene amounts of Ben & Jerry’s while sobbing and watching The Notebook with the teddy bear your ex gave you). Here are some guidelines to enjoy V-Day just as much as that couple making out in Starbucks:

1)

DO NOT hang out with the Ghost of Valentine’s Past. In other words, you don’t need to agonize over what went wrong with your past relationships or what you desperately hope will happen in the future. Make today count!

“Just do whatever makes you happiest. Be self-confident and don’t try to be like everyone else. If you aren’t dating anyone, it’s not a bummer. Just know that you’re fine just the way you are,” said James Johnston, a marketing major.

2)

If you fail at rule #1 and succumb to memories, try not to only remember the good stuff. There is a reason that you aren’t with your ex anymore – focus on that, and all the things you hated about your relationship. Relish being single and in charge of only yourself.

“I watch movies that have nothing to do with romance like The Departed or Superbad,” said Maria Vivas, a marketing major.

3)

Think about how much money you’re saving! You can skip the expensive chocolates and the time spent hand-crafting a card and focus on what makes YOU happy! (Which could quite possibly include chocolates that you buy for yourself.)

“I like to think about how much money I’m saving by not having a date, and using that money to do something I want to do with my other single friends,” said Laura Brincat, a film major.

4)

Be happy that you don’t have to fake a smile when someone gives you a half-finished craft, or a gift that you totally don’t understand -- like a dog tag (unless you’re into dog tags.) Nobody knows you better than you know yourself, so there’s zero risk of failure. Go buy yourself something you love, or do something that relaxes you.

“I am a fan of getting all dressed up, taking time to put on my makeup, making myself feel really great - like an at home spa day. Then I usually just curl up with a nice cup of tea in my coziest clothes and watch some movies,” said Abagael McCauley, an integrated marketing communications major.

5)

DO NOT wallow in loneliness. Valentine’s Day is about love but that doesn’t mean it has to be romantic. Hang out with friends and remember how blessed you are to have them in your life. Perhaps if you were in a relationship, you would be a lot less close to some really great people.

“On a very single Valentine’s Day, I like to get together with a few of my closest girls for sushi. Then we might watch a movie or just talk and catch up. It’s the simple things in life. If my friends are busy, I will most likely pig out on some fancy chocolate and watch When Harry Met Sally,” said Samantha Penninipede, a stage-production major.

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6)

DO NOT use this as an excuse to contact an old ex.

Don’t ruin someone else’s day. Focus on moving forward, whether that includes looking for a mate or not!

“Usually on Valentine’s Day I just treat myself and am my own Valentine. And I make little Valentine cards for my friends,” said Jen Gheller, a writing, literature and publishing major.

7)

Keep your single pride (or misery) away from all social media. No one likes the person whose Facebook status is: The man can’t get me down! I don’t need a relationship to complete me! Hallmark Schmallmark! or Thinking of old times and missing <insert ambiguous yet obvious reference to ex> It’s just not appealing to anyone.

“I look at funny pictures of cats on the internet.”

Sara Lynn Detrik, Theatre Studies.

8)

Don’t make any decisions you’ll regret the next day.

That awkward guy that sits behind you in your writing class that is neither smart, funny, cute, nor particularly intelligent? Yeah, you’ll get more joy out of skipping his hook-up offer and knowing you can do better.

“I just try to pretend it’s any other day,” Kim Miner, Acting.

9)

Remember what V-Day was like when you were little.

You wore a lot of pink and you ate sugar cookies and gave Valentines to all your friends and family – people you loved. Kick it old-school: give a love-note to your unknowing crush or hand out heart-shaped lollipops to your friends.

“I usually don’t know it’s Valentine’s Day until it’s over, but I usually eat candy and wear pink socks or something,” Jennifer Ruggirello, Writing for Film/TV major

10)

Go out and have a good time! Valentine’s Day is actually a great day to meet someone new.

“Make fun of people who take it too seriously,” Mick Jacobs, Journalism major.

YOUR features

VDAY

VSvs

Text // Beata Rybka

STEAK+BJ DAY

Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, stuffed animals begging “Be Mine,” and florists stocking up on red roses signal the swift approach of February, or more importantly, Valentine’s Day. Although the connections of this holiday to a saint by the same name are uncertain, in modern day it’s recognized as an opportunity for lovers to express their appreciation and affection for each other.

And while this implies reciprocity, the conviction of some that Valentine’s Day emphasizes women’s wants over those of men has led to the rising popularity of a male’s equivalent, known as Steak and BJ Day -- BJ meaning exactly what you think it does -- on March 14th.

OfficialSteakandBlowjobDay.com suggests that the holiday may trace its origins as far back as 269AD when St. Valentine’s cousin, Claudius Fellatio, first organized it. But, it also considers president Harry S. Truman secretly endorsing the practice as a “welcome home” to World War II troops. Since no historical record of a Claudius Fellatio exists -- and a president with Communists on his heels concerning himself with lip service for service men seems rather unlikely-- the more plausible theory, suggested by BroBible, is that Tom Birdsey, a former radio host on Boston’s WFNX, introduced the idea in 2002 because men felt left out on Valentine’s Day.

But Birdsey’s notion doesn’t seem to apply at Emerson.

Michael Adams, a print journalism senior, said that he loves to celebrate V-Day when he has someone to share it with, “Everyday is Valentine’s Day when I’m with the woman I love.”

Adams said he’d never heard of Steak and BJ Day before, but he didn’t see the appeal of it. “It’s not like on Valentine’s Day I’m having a terrible time while my date has the time of her life,” he said. “If it’s that much of a problem, then you should find something

you’ll both enjoy.” Adams also said that he wouldn’t mind more opportunities to celebrate relationships, once a week or once a month even, but not in the style of March 14th, “A steak and a blowjob sound so damn boring.”

Not all men find the holiday useless, however. Adam Glinsky, an Emerson alumnus class of 2011, said he’d never heard of Steak and BJ Day but will add the date to his calendar immediately, “Everyone could use a little more sex in their lives.”

Glinsky said he enjoys Valentine’s Day regardless of his relationship status. “It’s a fun holiday to show your appreciation for your significant other,” he said. “And you can get creative with it, even though it’s mostly B.S.” But he also said he’d rarely found himself alone on the occasion, “Picking somebody up is half the fun of Valentine’s Day for single people.”

It appears that contrary to the men Birdsey referenced, Emersonians really are lions and don’t feel slighted by the traditional lover’s holiday. If anything, the most solid support for March 14th at Emerson comes from women.

Lindsay Day, a writing, literature and publishing senior, said that she can see how men can feel pressured by the hype surrounding Valentine’s Day. “The media portrays it as if the guy has to do all the work,” she said. “But my Valentine’s Days have always been two-sided, not the guy performing for the girl.” Nevertheless, she said that she’ll tell her boyfriend about Steak and BJ Day and see what he says. “I can’t imagine what his reaction would be if I surprised him with it,” Day said. “He’d probably be really excited, but we’d end up having sex in the end anyway.”

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YOUR features

NEXT STOP:

Text // Taylor Smith

HY N E S C O NV E NT ION C E NT ER Tired of walking around campus? Take an outgoing green-line train three stops to Hynes Convention Center -- located on Newbury Street, between two of Boston’s major arteries Commonwealth Avenue and Boylston Street, it’s hard not to find everything you need and more.

If you’re looking for a fun, quirky area with its own unique style, to explore in the city, Hynes is the place to be.

Right next to Berklee’s Performance Center there are lots of unusual venues like record stores and interesting places to window shop.

If you’re looking for an eclectic shopping spree, stores such as Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Converse, and Best Buy are right around the corner. Newbury Street itself holds more than enough to keep the most avid shopper preoccupied for days.

If you’re feeling adventurous continue down Mass Avenue past the construction and turn down an alleyway to a place called Bodega. It first appears to be a run-down convenience store where the attendants pay you no attention. Most of the products in the window and on the shelves look like they’ve been there for at least two decades. But if you walk up to the soda machine it opens into an upscale shoe store. Even if you’re not looking for new shoes, it’s an interesting place to explore.

Dorothy’s Costume Boutique on Mass Ave is another Boston jewel. SImilar to iParty, but not so commercial, you can get everything here from wigs to belly dancing costumes. Their motto is, “If We Don’t Have It, You Don’t Need It!”

If you’re looking for an original Boston restaurant, the Other Side Cafe is located on Newbury Street. A mix of foods including burritos, salads, sandwiches, and smoothies it can satisfy even the most picky eater. They also hold a movie night every Sunday at 9 P.M.

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YOUR features

Emerson unveils Darling : A New Musical Text // Beata Rybka

Some have described our little corner of the world at the intersection of Boylston and Tremont as a mini-LA. Everyday this small strip of pavement is congested with young entrepreneurs conquering the latest business model, musical thespians filling the rehearsal spaces, elevators and halls, and tortured artists immortalizing existence all in some new cutting-edge fashion. It only makes sense that Ryan Scott Oliver and Brett (BT) Ryback would turn to Emerson’s finest -- Retrop Productions and RareWorks Theatre Company, along with Kurt Deutsch of Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records -- to facilitate the first developmental production of their new musical, Darling.

Loosely inspired by the popular early 20th century children’s story, Peter Pan

by J. M. Barrie, Darling follows the adventures of upper-class teenager, Ursula, as she descends into the seedy underground of 1929 Boston alongside Peter, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks and on the run from the law. But don’t expect to see any flying children in nightgowns here, as the similarities pretty much end with the names.

“It’s not Peter Pan in the way The Oz is The Wizard of Oz,” said Jacob Porter, junior marketing major and creative director of Darling.

But the two do share the central and timeless theme of coming of age. “They both focus on characters leaving home to grow up and finding that you don’t really need to leave home to do so at all,” said Michael Bello, a senior BFA theater major and director of the performance.

This developmental production is a big deal for those involved in the Emerson theater community. “Theater is so much about networking, and this opens up a lot of doors to the New York theater scene to students,” said Porter who’s also the president of Retrop Productions.

Bello said that the opportunity to collaborate so closely with the writers, Oliver and Ryback, both of whom are widely acclaimed in the industry -- Oliver is currently writing the musical score for a theatrical version of Disney’s Freaky Friday, and Ryback’s previous works have won much recognition including the Tennessee Williams One-Act Competition award -- will not only be a learning experience but a potential for forging valuable professional relationships for the future.

“These writers are still very young, as are our actors, so these names will be people that they may know for the rest of their career,” said Bello.

But working so closely on a “developmental production” of a show, with its creators, also comes with a more unique set of rewards, as well as challenges.

“I really wanted to give my peers an opportunity to experience what it’s like to produce a Broadway show from start to finish,” said Porter.

But a “developmental production” is entirely different than working on an already existing show. “A production like this flexes an entirely new group of muscles than putting on a show that has been done before,” said Bello.

The developmental production is the most advanced level of public staging, surpassing a workshop, but still preceding a world premiere. It’s an opportunity for the writers to work with the text and see how it adapts to the stage, making changes accordingly. “We have to be flexible to be able to rehearse a scene one day and the next day the lines have changed and it’s a very different adventure,” said Bello. “Every morning there’s the possibility of having an e-mail with line changes and lyrics changes and incorporating that into the night’s rehearsal.”

This doesn’t just pose difficulties for actors, but also set design. “As the director, my main task is telling the writers’ story and think, ‘what can we put on the stage to make this as clear as possible?’, ‘what does the audience respond to?’” said Bello.

As a student production with a limited budget and different regulations this poses a number of challenges. “The show moves locations quite a bit, so we have to think outside the box as far as design goes to create a visual world, and be very specific without being very literal,” said Bello.

But at the same time, staying true to the text is key since its freshness is still the appeal. “They don’t want this production to become a gimmick, but instead a starting piece,” said Porter. “We have to be as literal as possible while still being creative. Which is what you’re supposed to do anyway.”

But at the end of the day, this production has the potential to set precedent for a Broadway hit of our time. “Students get to see what it’s like to produce something that in 10 years might be as big as Rent,” said Porter.

Darling: A New Musical opens March 1st in the Semel Theater.

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YOUR features

ALL AM

America’s Next Top Model host, Tyra Banks, once told the girls, “Don’t let a boy outshine you, because boys are usually the accessory in the shot.” Emerson College Fashion Society turns this statement on its stiletto heel and gives our men the chance to demand the spotlight, hosting Emerson’s Next Top Male Model.

Last semester’s winner is Gabe Gibbs, a musical theatre major. After initial interviews and auditions, only 10 guys were selected to participate in five different-themed photo shoots.

Each model had a styling team, and looks were mostly pulled from the guys’ own wardrobes.

As no stranger to the stage, it’s no surprise Gibbs wasn’t camera shy either. For one photo shoot, each model was given a musical genre. “I was given punk rock, and my pictures were, you know with my tongue out,” he said. “You try to embody it as much as you can even though it is just for one still shot. The acting does come in.”

After the photo shoots the executive board evaluates them and the stylist teams report their experiences with the models, so a good attitude is a must-have. Don’t bite the hand that dresses you -- or holds the pins.

While Gibbs finds the win and the congratulations from acquaintances and strangers flattering, he remains humble. “Me winning is no testament to me at all. It’s a testament to my team.”

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H&M Black Trench Coat ($130), H&M Black Button Up ($40), Ben Sherman Black Skinny Jeans ($120)

MERICAN

YOUR features

a Model Emersonian

Contrary to how natural he appears in the photos, he swears he’d never done this before. “I had no idea what I was doing.

It was just about jumping in head first, trusting my stylists and trusting the photographers to be able to pull it out of me.”

New to the fashion world, he admitted to expecting a bit of “attitude” from the models, but the contestants were all catwalk without the cattiness. “The guys were all a blast to hang out with,” he said, “when you put us all together it’s inevitably fun”. He said even the elimination process yielded no bitter feelings. “The guys who were eliminated first were very encouraging to those of us still in the running and vice versa, we were all very impressed by what everyone did.”

But Gibbs found his place in the fashion world easily.

“I love it. Some of my favorite people at Emerson College are involved in Fashion Society. See? I keep talking about the people. I’m a people person, and the fashion world of Emerson definitely has a lot of camaraderie.”

Ben Sherman Navy Coat ($165), Ben Sherman Jeans ($180), Ben Sherman Plaid Shirt ($60), H&M Brown Boots ($60)

The Emerson community can expect to see much more of Gibbs this semester, as the freshman lands a role in the developmental production of Darling: A New Musical and skyrockets past the competition straight to co-hosting the EVVY Awards. This boy next door has definitely got our attention.

Text // Kiera Murray

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Photography // Taylor Meacham

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