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THE AVENUE Naked | Fall 2016 Vol. 4 Issue 1
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Shelby Robin
DEPUTY EDITOR
Non Kuramoto
BEAUTY EDITOR
Diya Khullar
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Elise Borja
CREATIVE ASSOCIATE
Sam Isaacs
GRAPHIC DESIGN DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
WOMENSWEAR STYLING DIRECTOR MENSWEAR STYLING DIRECTOR WOMENSWEAR STYLISTS MENSWEAR STYLISTS SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS PHOTOGRAPHERS VIDEOGRAPHERS HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTS
Fernanda Fiszner Claudia Bracy, Sarah Ceniceros, Halley Husted, Xochitl Lozano, Karina Masri and Natasha Bonfield Valerie Butler Will Harvey Zoe Unverferth and Annie Wu Michelle Rodriguez and Adrian Kombe Lindis Barry and Catherine Patchell Annie Wu, Zoe Unverferth and Jasmine Rayonia Daniel Meyers and Crystal Han Dana Dworkin and Diya Khullar
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Halle Butler
PR DIRECTOR
Lindis Barry
MARKETING ASSOCIATES PR ASSOCIATES
Yutika Ghiya, Asmara Kapur, Carly Rudiger and Ewa Sepiolo Nicole Miller and Marcella Kukulka
WRITERS
Halle Butler, Valerie Butler, Yutika Ghiya, Will Harvey, Sam Isaacs, Marcella Kukulka, Non Kuramoto, Shelby Robin, Zoe Unverferth and Annie Wu
MODELS
Oona Barbieri-Pavolini, Sawyer Hammond, Ayo Ifatunji, June Kim, Danny McGorry, Darryl Pierre and Nisha Udupa
LETTER from the
EDITOR We seem to be in the age of body positivity, a term repeatedly used on social media, and yet this new openness to diversity is not always reflected in the fashion industry. Welcome to Fashion & Retail Society’s tenth issue of The Avenue. I am very honored to introduce The Avenue’s third printed issue that will be distributed on campus, as well as viewable on our website. The title Naked was chosen because this issue is a celebration of individuality, and the diversity of forms beauty can take. We explore the definition of body positivity, because it is more than just about loving your body as it is. Body positivity is also about changing what you choose to change about your body, and not facing judgment because of that. These views are slowly being reflected in the fashion industry. People such as Tim Gunn and Christian Siriano have spoken out about the unrealistic idea of designing clothes not meant for the real women, and many companies are starting to use models that the general population can relate to. This issue covers topics ranging from informative pieces about how to go bralessn and what your mama never told you about body hair, to thought pieces about how our society views body modification, and the incongruence between the love of the dad bod, and the disgust towards the mom bod. We also delve into Northeastern’s campus and see what you all are wearing, and get some fall trend recommendations. This magazine has been a huge team effort, and I want to thank all of the lovely hearts and hands for the passionate work they put into creating the first magazine of the 2016 fall semester. We all hope you enjoy reading this magazine as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Stick around because we will back with number two in December. Best Regards,
Shelby Robin Editor-in-Chief
Table of
CONTENTS
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6 8 12 14 16 18 28 30 32 36 44 46 48 50
YOUNG THUG
Gender Bending Hip-Hop Artist & Fashion Icon
NATURAL HAIR
Curl Up to Your Natural Beauty
GOING BRALESS
Alternatives to The Booby Trap
UNISEX STYLE
Fashion Redefining Gender Norms
BODY MODIFICATION
Let’s talk about Tattoos & Piercings
IN THE NUDE
The Beauty in Dressing Down
WOMENSWEAR STYLIST EDIT
Autumn Essentials
MENSWEAR STYLIST EDIT
Autumn Essentials
HANDROGYNOUS
Gender Neutral Nail Art
DAZED & CONFUSED
A Flashback to the Golden Years
TRENDS IN MODEL CASTING
An End to Model Homogamy?
THE MOM BOD
Power To You
BODY HAIR
What Your Mama Never Told You
CAMPUS CHIC
Northeastern Style Standouts
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YOUNG THUG: GENRE-BENDING HIP HOP ARTIST AND GENDER-BENDING FASHION ICON Written by Will Harvey For those who don’t know, Young Thug, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, is a hip hop artist out of Atlanta, Georgia. Young Thug, commonly known as just “Thug,” “Young Thugga” or after the release of his newest project, “JEFFERY,” is known most by his unique style of semi unintelligible, distinctly melodic and extremely infectious music. As of late, he has crossed over into the world of fashion and has become a force to be reckoned with. Since the dawn of the genre, rappers have always been interested in fashion. From bootleg Gucci and MCM suits, the Polo and Tommy era, the era of massive BAPE and BBC t-shirts and shoes, the designer belt era, there
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have been distinct fashion cycles within the rapper community. We are now in a new era of hip-hop fashion, where hypermasculinity is no longer the standard and Young Thug can exist, flourish even, while draped in women’s clothing. Young Thug wearing women’s clothing is very important to hip hop culture. He subverts the mass mentality that style and sexuality are directly correlated. Seeming to have shot into fame from nowhere, Young Thug’s sexual orientation has constantly been under question; He calls his male friends ‘bae’ and ‘hubby,’ and in Rich Homie Quan’s case,‘my lover.’ Even with his fiancée coming out to
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proclaim his heterosexuality, countless friends and family, those on the internet and hip hop lovers assumed Thug was gay. After having had various rappers call him out using derogatory and homophobic slurs, it could have been easier for Young Thug to conform to the hyper-masculine standards of hip-hop fashion. However, he chose to embrace his individuality. Thug was on the cover of Dazed Magazine’s Autumn 2015 issue, donning a sheer Gucci dress. By the time of the magazine’s release, both Thug and the magazine were widely known enough, that people took note of Young Thug’s stylistic choices. The public began to form opinions on whether or not they supported Thug’s subversion of masculinity. Young Thug’s fashion scence continued to evolve. He was a model for the Yeezy Season 3 fashion show, and is featured on Calvin Klein billboards, in women’s apparel. Thug, in a video advert for Calvin Klein, says “In my world, of course, it don’t matter. You know, you could be a gangster with a dress, or you could be a gangster with baggy pants. I feel like there’s no such thing as gender,” which is progressive for a rapper, considering how many of them have a more traditional view of sexuality and gender fluidity. Earlier in 2016, Young Thug was also chosen as an mentor for the VFILES show during NYFW. As the story goes, Thug saw a dress there by feautred designer Alessandro Ticcone and knew that he had to wear it for the cover. of ‘JEFFERY’.
Photos courtesy of: www.dazeddigital.com
As far as going viral on the internet, and still enforcing Young Thug’s status as a hip hop icon, the picture showed that Young Thug can really rock a dress, and he doesn’t give a damn about what anyone else thinks when he’s doing it.
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NATURAL HAIR CURL UP TO YOUR NATURAL BEAUTY
Written by Sam Isaacs Photographed by Jasmine Rayonia Here’s a fun activity: take a minute to Google the phrase “beautiful hair” and objectively review what you see. The first five to six rows typically consist of beautiful Caucasian women with long, silky brunette or blonde hair. As you scroll a bit further, you will finally begin to see a glimpse of different textures. If a global database like Google only represents so few versions of female beauty, we can assume the world only believes in one brand of natural beauty. This, of course, is a hurtful narrative that unfortunately has a hand in raising so many young girls who cannot wait to modify their hair to fit the status quo. I was one of those girls for 20 years of my life. After five years of going
through chemical treatments, I discovered the natural hair movement. Natural hair in its essence is a way of describing the way your hair grows from root to end without chemical or heat styling modification. This includes various textures, ranging from straight hair or light waves all the way to the tightest and kinkiest of curl patterns, typically exemplified by black women. Believe it or not, there was a time when women of color would only be allowed job positions if they hot-combed their hair to replicate the straight hair that corporations deemed professional. This tradition was unfortunately passed down through four
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generations and ended up in my lap. However, the recent natural hair movement has empowered the curls and kinkier textures that have been historically suppressed and disregarded since the darkest times in our nation’s history. Started by black women who saw society’s inclination to encourage harsh chemical treatments for women with curly hair, the natural hair movement has since become a global cause that is putting pressure on corporate and social norms to change the way they view women with big and beautiful tresses; some of its most notable participants being Solange Knowles, Alicia Keys, Viola Davis, Tracee Ellis Ross, Francheska Medina (HeyFranHey), and many more. Like it or not, we have all grown up in a society that values hair as an extension of ourselves. Typically, natural hair is associated with a few distasteful stereotypes regarding the women
embracing their grace. For decades, women of color have been labeled “ghetto” or uneducated for loving their natural hair and natural hairstyles. Embracing our tresses is an uphill battle due to the societal pressures telling us otherwise. But working to slowly unravel the reasons why we find it hard to see beauty in our own natural hair is something I believe we can do together. Curate who you follow on your favorite social media outlets to show natural hair positivity, join Tracee Ellis Ross’s “Hair Love” challenge and list 5 things you love about your hair every day and work to build a healthy relationship with the hair you have been gifted with. Most importantly, remember your hair is not the only thing that makes you radiant and beautiful. Your glow comes from confidence, strength and as the legendary India Arie said: “You are not your hair, you are not your skin, you are the soul that lives within.” Let your soul become comfortable with your concept of beauty and let your natural hair embody that light.
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going
BRALESS Written by Halle Butler
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Remember the days of layering camisoles under every outfit? Not to mention the hunt for a top that doesn’t show your straps and especially the dreaded built-in-bra. Luckily we’ve moved on from such medieval torture methods. Welcome to 2016, ladies, where the layers are coming off, and so are the bras. These days, “push-up” might as well be a four letter word. With infinite outfit options, going braless opens up a closet door of possibilities for comfort without sacrificing any fashion. Bra-lette loose. Delicate, underwire-free pieces are the perfect choice for comfort and style. Gone are the days of concealing our unsightly straps, because bralettes were made to be seen. With bralettes this beautiful, you can style your lacy lingerie as a part of your outfit. All it takes is sheer imagination, or just sheer tops. Add some flair to a conservative button-up with contrasting chest-wear in a different color, or take it tonal with monochromatic layering.
it, bare it all and take the plunge. Going totally braless means you can wear any dress or top, especially those that are cut all the way down. Make like the red carpet celebrities and simply dive into the sea of deep-V’s. Going braless can be a style or a lifestyle, and you can certainly live your life braless.Think Rachel from Friends, Sarah Jessica Parker from Sex and the City, or Kim K. These icons remind us that you don’t need a bra to dress your best, and that there are no more rules when it comes to undergarments. We sometimes have a love-hate-relationship with what supports our chest, but the freedom is yours to wear whatever you please. Whether you crave comfort, fashion, or both, these nips don’t lie.
Photos courtesy of: cliqueimg.com, s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com, vanguardia.com.mx, styledumonde.com
Another way to show some skin is with barely-there or off the shoulder tops that give your bralette some breathing room. Lacy, colorful, or strappy bralettes peaking through your top add intrigue to an otherwise plain tank. Deep necklines, elongated sleeveless tops and slouchy sweaters are the perfect frame for your undergarment-turned-garment. Bralettes are a step in the right direction, but if you’re up for
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UNISEX STYLE FASHION IS REDEFINING GENDER NORMS Written by Yutika Ghiya
It is time we all see gender as a spectrum instead if two sets of opposing ideals. We should stop defining ourselves as who we are not and start defining ourselves as who we are. – Emma Watson
Maybe not the whole world, Miss Watson, but the fashion industry has heard you well, for it seems to be advocating for a social change. There’s a revolution brewing, a revolution that has led to the genesis of clothes hell bent on eroding the once rigid demarcation that existed between the two genders. For men. For women. And everyone in between. One collection. Treat yourself. This is truly the essence of many creations by various top tier designers this past year. Rad Hourani’s gender-free show in January featured models in gender-concealing masks. Nicopanda, Nicola Formichetti’s collection, consisted of gender-neutral streetwear. Also there were Hood by Air and Public School, and before them, Mr. Owens and Martin Margiela, whose collections made hash of a binary gender divide. Miuccia Prada, who had subtly put forward a neo-unisex look in the past, recently felt compelled to weigh in, she tells Style.com, “More and more, it feels instinctively right to translate the same idea for both genders.” We are witnessing a seismic shift in fashion; a widening acceptance of style with no boundaries. To no one’s surprise, progressive merchants like Rag and Bone, Acne and Zara are capitalizing this; often displaying men’s and women’s clothes in proximityx, sometimes even mixing them on the racks.
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Fun fact: there existed an era of Unisex clothing all through the ‘60s and ‘70s as well. The trend today unarguably derives much of its impetus from then. However, the Unisex clothing era of today has gained a magnitude of cool, groove and most importantly, mass acceptance that the era bygone remained largely destitute of. The Avenue celebrates the revival of the ‘Gender Bender’ and if you are looking to rock the trend, here are some of the best androgynous collections to check out. Zara – Ungendered The Spanish retail powerhouse introduced ‘Ungendered’ to its TRF label. There are sixteen beautifully constructed simple pieces ranging from T-shirts and sweatshirts to denim and Bermuda shorts. Since Ungendered belongs to the TRF label, nothing tops $50. Yes ladies and gentlemen, happy spending is definitely in order.
Photos courtesy of: vogue.com, nytimes.com, guardian.com, fashionista.com, trendreports.com
Rad Hourani With models lining up in black outfits, an opulent setting and silver masks to match the mouldings on the walls, Rad Hourani’s past show fit right into the couture schedule. But look again, and there’s one key difference: Hourani’s collection was designed to be unisex. Those masks were there for a reason – to remove gender from the equation. Need we say more? Telfar Telfar was all about giving his fans a playful construction of what men and women would wear over an endless summer with some pretty stripes, loose denim and pops of color. Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy Macho men clad in chunky, sharply tailored skirts with graphics of Jesus on them; Givenchy took the gender melting to a whole new level with the Spring ’17 collection. There is no other way to describe it than “jaw-droppingly hot.”
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BODY MODIFICATION L E T ’ S TA L K A B O U T TAT T O O S & P I E R C I N G S Written and Photographed by Annie Wu
When my sister got her first tattoo, she hid it from our parents for almost a year. It wasn’t until we were walking down the streets of Beijing in the hot, humid weather when my mother noticed the Shakespeare quote embedded across my sister’s shoulder blade. Needless to say, it was the biggest fight I had ever seen my mom and sister have. Eleven years later, I can still remember the scene as I play it back in my head; eleven years later, I decided to get a tattoo. You may be now wondering, “Shouldn’t you have tried to avoid the repercussions from your parents?”, or rather, my mother’s reason for being against tattoos. “Why couldn’t you just respect your parents wishes?” Yes, it is important to respect your parents, but once you reach a certain age, getting a tattoo should not be seen as taboo or an act of disobedience. This sacred art of ink is meant for the purposes of identification and self-expression, and allows individuals to instill confidence in themselves. It is the kind of permanent body art that connects with you emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
So why is it so degrading to express your body art in society, in places such as a work environment? According to an article from Time Magazine, 70% of tattooed millennials say that they prefer to hide their tattoos from superiors due to their fears of being misconstrued. They feel like their opinions may not be taken seriously, and that they may not be seen as a “professional” worker. Visible tattoos in the appropriate work attire should not be frowned upon; they are not what make up the singularity of your identity. Furthermore, employers should not use these inked pieces of art as a factor when deciding upon potential employees. According to a study done by University of Tampa, 86% of students with visible tattoos think that Lisa Willis “I try to get a piercings in every new they will have a harder time country or significant city I visit so that every time finding a job after graduation. I see them or change the earrings I’m reminded I’m Tattoos and piercings do these places. I also just think that piercings are fun” not decide whether you will be an important asset to the company you work for, you do.
All over the world, body art and piercings are a symbol of beauty, and in many countries, a representation of culture. For example, tattoo art has grown to be a phenomenon in today’s pop culture. The television show that started it all was Miami Ink, and after nine years and six successful seasons, spin-off shows such as NY Ink and LA Ink took to the media and were hugely successful. Another show, Ink Master, grew in popularity as tattoo artists showcased their own talents in a contest-based television series. Tattoo artists have even to become celebrities, most notably Kat Von D, who
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also sells her own makeup line. Thanks to the technological boom of social media, and the increasing fame of tattoo artists, the prejudice against tattoos has certainly decreased; however, it hasn’t completely diminished.
While tattoos and piercings may still be frowned upon, more millennials are starting to embrace their own bodies and have confidence in their body art. My hope for the future is that tattoos and piercings will be culturally accepted in the professional workplace as well as society so that everyone can express themselves without the fearing repercussions.
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Maddie Crowley “Lucky the lion was a stuffed animal that has been in my family ever since my brother, Zander, was a baby. My brother has down syndrome and was very sick when he was born due to some issues with his heart. He had open heart surgery when he was just 6 months old and my parents bought him Lucky the lion hoping that his heart could be fixed. 25 years later, my brother is alive and well and Lucky is still a huge part of our lives.”
Annie Wu “My sister and I got similar tattoos right before she moved away to San Francisco from Boston. She’s been a huge part of my life, and having her move across the country when she’s always been within driving distance from me is such a huge change. We got these tattoos together to show that no matter where we are in the world, we’ll always be there to lead each other in the right direction.”
Caitlyn Valerio “I got this tattoo for my Lola (meaning grandma in Filipino) that passed away during my freshmen year of college. She taught me the true meaning of strength and to always know my worth, so I wanted to get this tattoo to have a piece of her with me forever.”
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in the nude
In the Nude displays the beauty in dressing down and embracing your body. By incorporating lingerieinspired garments and a minimalist aesthetic, these snapshots demonstrate how to use your own body modifications as accessories.
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THE STYLIST EDIT AUTUMN ESSENTIALS • WOMENSWEAR Written by Valerie Butler
VELVET The velvet trend has trickled down from the runway to our favorite fast fashion shops. We love it because its rich texture both compliments and contrasts pieces in our closets to create a look that is sure to turn heads. Available at American Apparel, Net-A-Porter, Zara
STATEMENT DENIM Jeans are very much in- always have been, always will be. This season, we’ve found that having a few standout pairs will help create chic outfits with an effortless attitude. Available at Lyst.com
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AFFORDABLE LIPSTICK One of the last steps we take before going out is finding the perfect shade of lipstick to compliment our look. Why spend $30 on lip stains when 60% of the time we’re applying it on our way to class? If you can relate we recommend ColourPop lipsticks and NYX gloss.
SLIP-ONS
Available at Colourpop.com, Target
Since fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni launched her new shoe line, we’ve set our eyes on all kinds of slip-ons. We’re not just into the classic silhouette, our stylists are also giving metallic, platform and backless mules the thumbs up. Available at Chiaraferragnicollection.com, Nine West
STATEMENT SUNGLASSES It’s easy to feel over-styled in sunglasses, but when you find the right pair hold on. If you’re still looking for the perfect statement sunnies, we recommend the Ray-Ban hexagonal flat lenses. Available at Macys.com
CLEAR HANDBAGS We don’t recommend clear handbags for class and workdays. but they are certainly a cool accessory when running around the city. Their transparent nature forces you to keep your bag organized and only carry what is necessary- not to mention a great piece to carry when getting into bars and past airport security. Available at Asos
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THE STYLIST EDIT AUTUMN ESSENTIALS • MENSWEAR Written by Valerie Butler
TECH WATCHES These days it’s all about staying connected, and with the advancements in wearable tech it is getting easier and easier. Let not forget the hi-tech features which transform tech watches into fitness trackers: monitoring movements and heart rates. Available at Target, Macys
POLOS Fall is all about layering, this season our stylists are all about polos. Try a knitted polo to achieve the layered look or leave your buttons unbuttoned for more of a seventies vibe. Available at House of Fraser, Lyst.com, Ferrari
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TRACKSUITS WORK BOOTS Yeezy season is not just known for its baggy fits and monochrome outfits. Many of the looks are characterized by the work boots styled to achieve that ultra masculine look. These boots are perfect for toughening any fall look and as a plus, they double as snow boots.
When your alarm clock rings at 7:50 and you’re rolling out of bed for your 8am the last thing you want to be worrying about is how you look. Now, there’s no guilt in throwing on your sweats, because track suits are in. From Burberry to Adidas, they are all the rage. Available at Adidas, Nike
Available at Frye, Ssense.com
COWLNECKS The cowlneck is the next best thing invented after scarves. Not only does it look cool but it effortlessly keeps your neck warm. What more can you ask for during these chilly fall months? Available at H&M, Converse, Forever 21
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HANDROGYNOUS GENDER NEUTRAL NAIL DESIGN Written by Halle Butler
The embellished cheetah-printed world of nail art has since evolved into runwayworthy, high-fashion art form. We’ve transcended from neon flowers to more fashion-forward looks and from overt femininity to the inclusive and ungendered. From your neighborhood fashion-conscious man to Snoop Dogg and Marc Jacobs, men are also wearing nail polish and even nail art. While historically being marketed towards women, nail polish has no restrictions on its wearer. The entry of EvolutionMan Nail Polish to the market, as well as maletargeted nail products from existing brands, has begun a discussion of whether nail polish and its use should be gendered. Articles from sites like Allure discuss whether heterosexual women would consider dating a man who wears nail polish, and other editorials suggest which certain colors or finishes should be worn specifically by men. Topics like this prompt many questions on whether it matters who wears nail polish and if we have the authority to judge. The interest in fashion or beauty has been largely labeled as feminine, which has prevented many males from publicly displaying their
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own such interests. As the fashion industry crosses gender borders, the beauty industry lags behind, and the perceptions of men’s versus women’s beauty products have yet to fully desegregate. The increase of nail polish wearing men contributes to the argument that this product and industry should be appreciated by all. Nail polish is not just for women. While intricate, detailed artwork is featured in the styled photoshoots and runway shows of certain designers, minimal art is more accessible and on-trend for the everyday man or woman. While men can and should wear all nail colors, the larger trend with this demographic tends to be more reserved, with matte finishes, neutral colors and negative space designs. These trends are also seen in women, but with bolder colors, embellishments and graphic looks more prevalent. As we aim to continue degendering the nail industry, this shoot explores nail trends in men and women with fashion-oriented designs. As written by Lauren Folden, “nail art exists in that gray area between fabulousness and insanity”, and we all deserve to indulge.
Photos courtesy of: Annie Wu. Nail art: Halle Butler. Models: Halle Butler and Phillip Zminda.
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Pale colors, like all others, have no gender. This statement-making block of color, as well as the matte finish, gives an edge to this baby blue hue.
Cohesive color brings the nail together as tonal designs take charge this season, as ombre modernizes the classic red.
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Negative space with black and white linear detail is a subtly defined way to wear graphics.
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Dazed & Confused
Flashing back to The Golden Years, Dazed & Confused demonstrates how to incorporate vintage trends into your daily wardrobe. Integrating warm autumn tones with a modern edge, embodies the current fashion and trends.
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Trends In
MODEL CASTING Written by Shelby Robin
The modeling industry is finally starting to catch up with our more open-minded times. Before, only people of certain unrealistic body types would be seen modeling clothes on the runway and in catalogues. Models often had to follow extreme diet and exercise routines to keep up this appearance. Models are slowly becoming more like role models, showing young boys and girls the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and demonstrating the diversity of beauty. One big step the modeling industry has taken is casting models that reflect the spectrum of body types we see in our society. Plus size models used to be put into their own category, not to be confused with the “normal models�. Now, a lot of companies such as ModCloth, H&M and Aerie have become forerunners in integrating models of all sizes in their campaigns, without needing to label anyone by their size. Some models, such as Iska Lawrence and Barbie Ferreira, two featured models of the #AerieReal campaign, talk openly about their personal struggles with body image, and how weight does not define health.
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Photos courtesy of: news.leonardo.it, huffingtonpost.com, ytimg.com, thesocialbutterfly.me, nbcnews.com
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Another shift happening in the modeling industry is the move towards the celebration of uniqueness. This is reflected in a variety of ways, from the gap tooth trend, (Georgia May Jagger) to the new interest in models with tattoos (Urban Outfitters). One model gaining star-power for her uniqueness is Winnie Harlow, the face of Desigual. Winnie has vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by large amounts of skin without pigment. Not only has Winnie become a successful model and an it-girl, she is an inspiration to those who have been told their dreams are impossible. A third trend that reflects the forward moving steps the fashion industry has taken, is the increased inclusion of models with disabilities. This past NYFW, Reshma Qureshi, an acid attack survivor, walked the FTL Moda fashion show. At the same show last year, models in wheelchairs and amputee models took to the runway. Madeline Stuart, considered the first professional model with down syndrome, recently modeled wedding dresses for Rixey Manor. Fashion is slowly but surely becoming a platform for acceptance—a way to realize the capabilities of those who had been looked down upon. It is exciting to see strides made by the fashion industry. Hopefully, this keeps catching on throughout the fashion world, because it is amazing to see the diversification of beauty that models have to offer.
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THE
Written by Non Kuramoto There has been a fun new trend in town. The Dad Bod.
So what exactly is a “Dad bod”?
It was thrown into the internet’s consciousness when Mackenzie Pierson of Clemson University wrote an article titled “Why Girls Love the Dad Bod” for The Odyssey. It led to an explosion of articles everywhere from The Cut to GQ, picking the term apart and raising further awareness of the concept.
Just as it sounds.
With Leonardo DiCaprio leading the gang and Christ Pratt (cerca Parks & Rec), Jon Hamm and Jason Segel owning it, it has become something to be celebrated. Just last year Josh Ostrovsky (aka The Fat Jew) presented a “Dad Bod Show” at New York Fashion Week featuring real fathers as models.
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Illustrated by Natasha Bonfield
A rounded out body, of a man who has a cuddly layer of pudge on a body that looks like it was once fit. He may have let himself go physically, but he is also a symbol of comfort and security— women love it. How wonderful and body positive; We’re finally stripping men of their need to attain all of the unrealistic beauty standards that society forces upon them. Cue: eye roll.
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Please, can we try to go back to a time when the body type now coined “dad bod” was a negative thing? The beer-gutted middle aged man has been a trope forever, but it has always been accepted as part of the world. Not looked upon as something to be ashamed of. Maybe not something to be particularly proud of, but definitely something that doesn’t need to be attacked. It has been tolerated under the same umbrella as the phrase, “boys will be boys.” Now we’re celebrating them for attaining maximum comfort in their own skin. In the meantime let’s also congratulate them for making a dollar to the seventy-five cents a woman makes.
THE MOM BOD IS ACTIVE. THE MOM BOD IS POWERFUL. What about moms? I say, we celebrate the Mom bod. The gentle curves of a woman who stopped going to pilates because she is busy taking her kids to soccer in between work. A happy woman who just ate three slices of pizza and half a pint of Ben & Jerry’s without a touch of guilt. She deserved it after a long day of work, school, and all other butt-kicking she does during the day. It is the body of a woman who isn’t “trying” and is okay with it. How is it that it is 2016, and we have found yet another way to praise men for simply being men, and still find it acceptable to paint covers of magazines with catch
phrases telling women that they are not enough… unless they fit a certain visual standard. Telling women of all ages and sizes that youth and weight loss are the holy grails of happiness. Look at the way moms are portrayed in the media— Leonardo DiCaprio is married to Margot Robbie in Wolf of Wall Street, and Seth Rogen with Rose Byrne in Neighbors. Both have toddlers in the films, and neither of them have true mom bods. Such ridiculous fantasies sold to the world by way of pop culture constantly takes away from incredible things women can, and do do. The female body has the power to give birth; it should not be diminished into a static trophy to accessorize a Dad bod. The Mom bod is active. The Mom bod is powerful. A Mom bod might have just brought a life into the world using superhuman strength. She is capable of so much giving. There is an underlying fatigue in Mom bods that can only be attained through having lived life. She has stories that are more exciting than a thigh gap, and a cuddly hug that brings joy to all. More so than the Dad bod, the Mom bod is a symbol of comfort and security—Not merely to offer others, but comfort and security in her own skin. A woman has just as much of a right to stop worrying about her looks, and be celebrated for it. The Mom bod doesn’t describe one kind of body—it is the body of any woman who has found a greater passion that is more important than her preoccupation with her looks and the way others perceive it. Go forth and love that Mom bod.
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What Your Mama Didn’t Tell You About
BODY HAIR Written by Marcella Kukulka
Do you remember the first time you talked to your mother about body hair? The experience may have been a little awkward, but you most likely walked away with two options to face: keeping your hair au naturel or removing it! While mothers always know best, they may not always know the most recent trends or all the different options concerning beauty. So without further ado, this is what your mama did not tell you about body hair. Shaving is the most common way of removing body hair and can be used on the face, armpits, legs and bikini area. The key aspect of shaving is picking the right razor for the area that you are shaving. Removing peach fuzz on your upper lip should be reserved for a mono-blade facial razor, while your legs and armpits will need a razor with 3-5 blades. I suggest buying a men’s razor, which has more intensity and lasts longer over time. Also remember that shaving your bikini zone should be done delicately to avoid irritation. An electric razor is a good option because it minimizes the chance of getting minor cuts and is more time efficient. An epilator is a handheld device with tweezers that move rapidly around a rotating drum to pluck out any unwanted hairs from the root. Epilators can be used anywhere on the body (including forearms), except for the face! While epilating may be slightly more painful
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than shaving, hair does not return until after 6 weeks of using the device. When thinking about which epilators to buy, choose one that is both rechargeable and waterproof so that you can use it on-the-go or in the shower. You should also know that the more tweezers an epilator has, the less painful it is to use, so don’t be afraid to splurge a little! Depilatories are creams that contain chemicals that melt each hair follicle at the base so that hair becomes effortless to wipe away. The most common example of a depilatory on the market is Nair Hair Removal Cream. Depilatories are a great because they eliminate razor burn bumps and keep the skin smoother for a longer amount of time. Always remember to follow the instructions on the package strictly! If you leave on the cream longer than recommended, you could cause agitation or severely burn yourself! If you’re looking to make your hair less noticeable, hair bleach is a great alternative to more painful methods. Bleach makes hairs lighter, thus blending into your skin more. Apply the bleach as you would a depilatory and once wiped away, your hair will be barely visible to the human eye! Now, on to two methods that are not only popular for bigger body parts but the smaller ones too: waxing and threading! Waxing
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removes hairs quickly and efficiently by peeling melted wax off the skin with strips. Waxing is good for a clean and crisp look since it removes hair quite precisely. Threading, on the other hand, is better if you prefer a more natural looking appearance. Threading is a popular method from the Middle East where a technician removes unwanted hair from the eyebrows and/or upper lip by using twisted cotton thread to pull the hair from the follicle. There are positives and negatives to both methods. For example, while waxing can be used on any part of the body, it is a messier process and is generally more expensive than threading. Threading can only be used on the face and is a slightly slower process. Both hair removal methods are said to have the same amount of pain. If you are prepared to make a permanent change, it may be time to consider getting laser hair removal done by a professional. While laser hair removal may seem expensive at first, the procedure is cheaper in the long run compared to all the money you would spend on hair removal products over your lifetime. To see almost 90% hair reduction, you should be scheduling your typical 6-8 laser appointments every six weeks apart. Continuously removing hair can be frustrating - talk to your health care provider to see if laser is a good option for you!
Photos courtesy of: yelp.com, allwomenstalk.com, aliexpress.com, tradera.com, pinterest.com, verywell.com
Always remember that there are a multitude of ways to manage body hair depending on how you’re feeling. The most important thing to keep in mind is that grooming your body hair is a personal choice which should make you feel comfortable in your own skin, whether that means removing it completely, leaving it as is or even dying it purple! No matter what you choose, feel confident in your skin because you are beautiful either way!
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CAMPUS CHIC NORTHEASTERN STYLE STANDOUTS
Photographed by Zoe Unverferth As the seasons quickly change from summer to fall, the many stylish students here on Northeastern’s campus bring out their head-turning autumn attire. With cold days followed by warm, there is no telling what will be suitable for the weather. However these fashion forward students walk the campus in everything from leather jackets to jumpsuits, knowing how to layer it up while staying chic for the unpredictable nature of this city and campus.
LAUREN HOLAPPA MAJOR: Theatre with a Concentration in Costume Design HOMETOWN: New Canaan, Connecticut INSTAGRAM: @laurenhola BLOG: stylehoopla.blogspot.com CURRENT FAVORITE: Leather Jacket! Always! And little necklaces
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ASTA MACKIE MAJOR: Economics and International Business HOMETOWN: San Francisco, California INSTAGRAM: @astamackie CURRENT FAVORITE: My Quay sunglasses
ELIKEM TETTEY-TAMAKO MAJOR: Biology HOMETOWN: Ghana INSTAGRAM: @elikem_t CURRENT FAVORITE: Leather strap watches
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PHILLIP KUDRYAVTSEV MAJOR: Marketing HOMETOWN: Boston, Massachusetts INSTAGRAM: @byephilisha CURRENT FAVORITE: King & Company Designs bracelet
SARA SHERIDAN MAJOR: International Affairs and Political Science HOMETOWN: Philadeplhia, Pennsylvania INSTAGRAM: @sar_rad CURRENT FAVORITE: Leopard-embossed red fur coat (faux of course)
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