KylieSkin’s Newest Launch: Baby Pink Slides

It’s official, the KarJenners are at it again, but this time in foot wear. Kylie Jenner has just recently announced her newest launch, KylieSkin x APL slides.

Who is APL? Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL), have been a long time fan of the KarJenners as they have sported their sneakers for years. Their sneakers are practical for the gym with their light weight and serious comfort, I should know, I own a pair or two! Not a fan of the gym, but still want to look like you flawlessly worked out? Well, you’re in luck because their style can’t be beat. The clean modern look they showcase with their on trend color schemes allow you to look your best, but also be that athletic self you want to show off. ;)

So, what do these slides have that make them worth buying? First off, slides are a major trend this year, so if you buy them you’re already winning. But, the legendary blush pink that KylieSkin promotes could very well be their main attraction, and not to mention, they also have the comfort and style that APL is known for. Their strap is soft and flexible, and they even have “antimicrobial mesh footbeds” which literally massage your feet while you’re going for a stroll. Maximum comfort much? There definitely doesn’t seem to be a downside to these cute, yet casual baby pink slides.

They retail at $100, I know a bit expensive, but why not splurge for self care? You can find these babies on KylieSkin’s website: KylieSkin . Go ahead…click the link, I know you want them!

Photo Credits: Kylie Skin

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

Shop Justine Skye x H&M

The Jamaican/African- American artist is truly shining in multiple unique fields! The model, songwriter, & singer Justine Skye can do anything she puts her mind to clearly. The popular artist, Justine Skye is known for her dance-oriented Hip- hop and R&B affected sound. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1995, Justine started to gain attention in teens when she tagged along with an entertainment lawyer, which happened to be her mother to a music panel held by performance rights organization BMI. Ever since the star has flourished in not only music but also fashion. Yes it’s true her voice sounds amazing and she also has an excellent taste of style. To prove this you can check out her awfully new clothing line that she has collaborated with H&M. In this clothing line Justine Skye displayed her unique interest in fashion by choosing trendy sets & eye- catching colors. This line can be worn by a broad range of ages. This shows how she cares about her diverse customers. This also shows how multitalented the star is. From music to fashion, she always producing work worth-whiled! She is sure to draw in a lot of people to her line so shop now before it’s too late!

Report: Stacy Good

Inside Look on Gucci’s “So Deer To Me” Campaign

Over the years, Alessandro Michele, Italian fashion designer and creative director for Gucci, has really shown us really creative campaigns for Gucci. With Gucci’s new Pre Fall 2020 Campaign “So Deer To Me” he has yet to disappoint us.

This Campaign shows us things that a lot of us haven't seen in a while; the outside and animals. Models are dressed in bright 70’s inspired coats, dresses and suits and they are laid in the grass and sit pretty on what seems to be a playground captured by photographer Alasdair McLellan.

All of the models are also pictured with an array of different animals. Deers, fawns, owls, blue birds, skunks, squirrels, frogs, hedgehogs, ducks and rabbits are featured across the images.

Animals and Childlike imagination was the inspiration for this particular campaign. On Gucci’s Instagram page, with each posted picture from the campaign was a small description of the inspiration. One photo has the caption “ #SoDeerToMe campaign inspired by childhood innocence, when as kids we rejoiced in nature.” Another photo is captioned “#SoDeerToMe campaign is ultimately an invitation to enjoy the simple things in life. Sometimes, it just takes very little, or a burst of imagination to find some balance.” Not only do we get an amazing new collection from Gucci but the amazing photos that remind us what it feels like to be a child and imagine freely.

Report: Alycia Williams

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“The Chiffon Trenches,” A Memoir By Andre L Talley, is Set to Release On May 19

Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SCAD

Former creative director and contributing editor at Vogue Magazine, Andre Leon Talley, is releasing his memoir entitled The Chiffon Trenches on May 19, 2020. Talley recently interviewed with Daniel Bates at dailymail.com, discussing the details of the book along with some very detailed information regarding his friendship with Vogue’s editor in chief, Anna Wintour. Prior to this interview, Mr. Talley had mainly spoken positively about his experience at Vogue and as Anna Wintour’s dear friend. Nonetheless, several sources have noted that Talley’s time working in high fashion consisted of many brutal, unjust and cruel moments.

In order to fully understand his experience in the fashion industry, it’s important to know his background. The former editor was raised primarily by his grandmother, in North Carolina where he attended the historically black North Carolina Central University and graduated with a degree in French Literature. He then received a Master of Arts in French Literature from Brown University, which he notes as being one of the most liberating times of his life. Prior to attending Brown, Talley had already been obsessing over the glossy pages of French Vogue, read a lot of literature surrounding fashion history and was set to become an editor once realizing he could have success in fashion journalism. After graduating with his master’s degree, he moved to NYC and worked a series of jobs until he worked his way up, becoming the first black male creative director at a Conde Nast publication.

Photo: AFP/Bryan Bedder

When Wintour appointed Talley as creative director at Vogue, the two started developing a very close relationship. According to dailymail.com, Anna even expressed concerns about Andre Leon Talley’s health to the extent of scheduling an intervention for his weight. However, in the interview, the former editor notes that Anna Wintour is “not capable of simple human kindness.,” and that their “decades-long friendship ended because he was too old, overweight, and uncool.” Andre Leon Talley hasn’t been the only person speaking out on his experience at Conde Nast. Other industry sources within the industry, such as Ralph Rucci, recently made an Instagram post stating that he too had emotional scars from his interactions with the Ice Queen. All of the recent news surrounding Mrs. Wintour and her relational dynamics with those she was once very close with raises questions about if The Devil Wears Prada, a film whose main character is intended to emulate the role of Anna Wintour, is an accurate reflection of high fashion work culture. In Talley’s interview with dailymail.com, he states that although there was no distasteful tossing of coats to assistants, many of the staff were met with great trepidation while working with Wintour.

But Talley’s relationship with her is only a portion of what will be highlighted in The Chiffon Trenches. The memoir will also discuss how he’s essentially been blacklisted from the who’s who of high fashion because he made the decision to leave Vogue due after hitting a “glass ceiling.” Talley saw that there was no room for him to grow and has gone on to pursue other curatorial and journalistic endeavors. He currently lives in Westchester Country, where he lives what he describes as a fairly lonely life. One of the benefits of Andre Leon Talley speaking openly about his relationship with Wintour and the industry at large is that people who otherwise wouldn’t be involved in the conversation, are now involved. It’s further democratizing the industry and I’m curious to see how it responds.

Report: Julian Randall

An Emerging Designer In The Time of Crisis.

Origin and surrounding play colossal role in forming personality. In those, who chose the path of art, local culture will be reflected in creations. It takes a lot of talent and courage to make the world see the beauty of overcrowded and underfunded community in East Africa. The 24-year-old emerging designer David Avido, raised by a single mother, never felt that coming from Kibera in Kenya was something to be sorry for. The opposite was the case. Kibera inspired him.

Avido gained recognition through crafting handmade straw hats and signature wax-print jackets for reggae stars such as Jamaican singer Koffee. But lately, the trajectory of his creative flow has changed dramatically. With the start of pandemic, designer made a decision to lead a team of 12 to produce free face masks for local distribution. However, the number of confirmed cases in Kenya was relatively low, Avido took upon himself the obligations to take care of protective measures. He promptly organized a few friends and fellow creatives. So far, about 10 000 masks have been handed out to support his community. Interestingly, there were no organizes hand-outs. Point individuals quickly and quietly passed masks to those in need, avoiding fights and chaos around it.

It is worth mentioning that designer masks differ by originality and ethnic motifs.

Report: Olha Dzharyha

How to Look Like a "G" in the "Q"

Having the motivation to get ready in the midst of the nation-wide quarantine has proven to be a struggle for many. Without going to the office or leaving the house more than once to go to the grocery store would defeat anyone’s drive to glam up. But, who says you can’t look like you spent two hours getting ready to still look comfortable and cute at the same time? You can spice up any look with simple accessories and the right outfit coordination.

Stores like Boohoo and Princess Polly offer a numerous selection in comfort and loungewear for affordable prices to their customers. For instance, with this Bardot Sweat Crop Top and Jogger Set in the color “Grey Marl” paired with some gold accessories and white sneakers, your once “lazy” look has been transformed into a trendy new take on a normally simple outfit choice. With the right jewelry and accessories, these accents can do wonders to enhance any outfit you may choose to wear. Whether you are just laying around working from home or watching your sixteenth Netflix series, you can do it in style. With clothes and accessories for your stay-at-home-look, you are ready to take on the pandemic while still looking your best at the same time.

Photo Credits: For the Jogger Set: Boohoo.com

For the Sneakers and Accessories: us.princesspolly.com

Report: Hannah Zaremba

Alexander McQueen's Plato's Atlantis: A Show That Defined a Decade

On October 5th, 2009, Alexander McQueen premiered Plato’s Atlantis, a show that embodied innovation from its very inception and was the dawning of a new era of fashion. Built from an already unique premise, the Plato’s Atlantis show itself was a milestone in fashion history, all while becoming intertwined with the burgeoning fame of pop legend Lady Gaga and pioneering the consumption of fashion through various technological advancements.

Hosted on Nick Knight’s ShowStudio platform, Plato’s Atlantis was the first live-streamed fashion show. Further cementing its icon status in online culture, Lady Gaga, who had already cultivated a sizable following at that time, promoted the show via Twitter, attracting so much of her fanbase that ShowStudio’s server crashed.

The content of Plato’s Atlantis continued to enthrall viewers with a narrative of humanity returning to the oceans after having devastated the earth, visualized through the combination of snakeskin and sequins to symbolize the harmony between nature and fashion. Lady Gaga bolstered the show’s success once more, as this was the venue in which she first performed the song that would become a massive hit, “Bad Romance”. She wore the famous McQueen “armadillo shoes” during that performance and would feature them in the music video for “Bad Romance”.

Fittingly, this historic landmark occurred at the turn of the decade, preceding the emergence of social media platforms, online campaigns, and live-streaming that made the intricacies of the fashion industry more accessible to wider audiences. Plato’s Atlantis was Alexander McQueen’s last show before his tragic passing, but it has been immortalized by how profoundly it has revolutionized the online world of fashion.

Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/alexander-mcqueen-spring-2010-platos-atlantis

Report: Nia Hunt

Kerby Jean-Raymond’s Initiative to Assist Those Affected by Coronavirus

As Planet Earth is fulfilling its’ never ending commitment of rotating on its axis, humanity is currently on pause due to the pandemic of COVID-19. The coronavirus or what others’ like to refer to it as, “Ca’Rone or Coronisha” has swept in and affected this entire planet we call home. With a pandemic this large, there have been a plethora of healthcare facilities experiencing shortages of protective equipment and countless businesses are on the brink of being out of circulation.

Fashion designer and founder of Pyer Moss, Kerby Jean-Raymond and his high-powered team, took initiative by converting the Pyer Moss office in NYC into a donation center for supplies such as masks, gloves and other face protectors. If one was not in the area locally to donate for the cause, Kerby provided a mail in option for  these items and assured that he and the Pyer Moss team were executing social distancing and hygienic practices to receive and transport those items to medical professionals. Not to mention, Pyer Moss set aside $5,000 to purchase the highly sought after medical supplies.

The divine acts of humanitarianism did not cease. The Haitian designer’s next initial step was providing assistance to small creative businesses which mainly prioritized amongst the minority and women who were impacted by this crisis. Kerby and his team reserved a total of $50,000 to support the afflicted.

In response to Kerby’s initiative, social media proved to have radiated to his commitment and everything manifested in complete alignment. Kebry and the Pyer Moss team received an additional $5,000 from their lawyers to assist towards needed medical supplies. In addition, the team was able to acquire over 7,300 N95 masks and over 1,000 units of nitrile gloves and face protectors. The efficacious act of benefaction was far from finished. Kerby then used the local factories of Pyer Moss to construct 1,000 mask covers to extend the use of the N95 masks.

With the help of Kerby’s friend Jen Rubio, the prearranged $50,000 expanded and magnified the endowment to a sum of $100,000. In totality, $78,000 of the funds were distributed to 38 businesses that included 7 fashion brands, 5 cafes and restaurants, 3 childhood education businesses, 3 health and beauty brands and other creative enterprises through the Your Friends In New York Business Fund. The Your Friends In New York Business Fund was established due to the rising pandemic of COVID-19. It was designed to provide temporary relief to creative based businesses owned and operated by minorities and women. With the remaining funds, Kerby and the team of Pyer Moss are stragezing a way to construct an indefinite plan of action.

Not all heroes wear an indestructible cape made of kryptonian fabric but instead a custom white silk zoot suit with exaggerated shoulders, replicating the integrity of a black man in the American society, while displaying custom printed lyrical pinstripes and iconic sculpture portrait buttons from their favorite rappers, black power fist cufflinks and a pair custom red boots, wrapped in crocodile, that leaves an infinite trail of fire with each stride up The Metropolitan Museum of Art steps during the 2019 Met Gala. Kerby Jean-Raymond is his name and heroism is his game.

If you are a creative-based business and you’re in dire need of assistance, cannot keep our business afloat, can’t make payroll or cover pressing costs, please visit http://yourfriendsin.nyc/. The Your Friends in New York Business Fund will provide temporary relief to creative based businesses that are owned by minorities and women. A more limitless structure is currently in the works and is expected to be launched later this year.

Report: Sanvernetas Thomas

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Meet The Models - Sif Saga

Photographer: Nicholas Tamposi

Sif Saga is an Icelandic beauty who has traveled all over the world for modeling.  She has graced the covers of L’Officiel Australia and Maxim magazine and recently appeared in Desnudo magazine.  She is also a singer/songwriter and enjoys working on new music during her downtime from Fashion.  Her success is consistent and her portfolio is breathtaking.  Let’s take a dive into her thoughts…

When did you come to America from Iceland?  You have told me a lot about your home, sounds like the perfect origins for a great lifestory! 

A: I was actually born in the US, which a lot of people might not know about me. :) I spent a majority of my childhood traveling back and forth from the US and Iceland - like most kids it was because of my Dad’s job. It wasn’t until I went to a boarding middle school that I was fully in the US.

Photographer: Mehmet Erzincan

What type of model would you consider yourself?

A: Hmm I’ve actually never been asked that, but I definitely lean more towards print. I love doing editorial work, that's where I think the magic happens. There is nothing better then when you bring a team together and everything just clicks, when that happens it's a form of Art.    

A lot of people that aren’t in the Fashion industry don’t know that there is a big difference between a runway model and a commercial model or an influencer.  Which boards do your agencies push you under since you have a pretty hefty following?

A: My following compared to a lot of other girls is minimal I think. I am definitely more on the commercial side than runway or influencer.  

What percentage of your work comes from your instagram?

A: About 10 to 15 percent, I use instagram more as a medium to display my work but also to show clients how I am in real life. I focus on working with my agencies because most of them have spent years building relationships with clients and those kinds of relationships are priceless.  When it comes to jobs, even through an agency, clients are always checking to see how you are on social media. I try to be as authentic as one can be on instagram.

What was your favorite shoot thus far and why?

A: I just did a shoot for L’Officiel Australia with a photographer and friend of mine named Elio; this was our first shoot together so I was pretty stoked! The editorial was pretty moody and expressive, which is a mood I love to shoot with because it takes me out of my comfort zone. It was my favorite shoot so far because the energy in the room couldn’t have been better - we blasted music, sang and got into a great rhythm. 

Pre-quarantine, how often would you attend Fashion events each week for your work?

A: I actually had been slowing down on events pre-quarantine. I was going so much last year (1-2x a week) that it felt like I wasn't present while there and pretty exhausted. I am pretty shy when it comes to meeting new people and putting myself out there, I think people classify me more as an introvert? Haha. But, I still would go every once in a while. It’s important to meet new people (especially in this industry), I’ve even made some of my friends through fashion events, and it can be very inspiring!  

Events always seem like the extracurricular activities that people in our industry do to stay afloat, show face.  Do you feel pressured to keep up appearances and be at certain events to help push your career forward?

A: I think my answer above kind of explains it, but I don’t think that events make or break your career, but sometimes they can help to establish important relationships to push your career forward. I never feel pressured I would say, but I feel that going every once in a while is important for my career.

Photographer: Manny Roman

How have you been staying creative during this down time, thanks to Ms. Rona? 

A: Yes I feel like Ms. Rona has got us all thinking outside of the box and doing all sorts of arts and crafts lol. It’s been a great time for me to free up some headspace and think more creatively. I am hoping that quarantine doesn’t last too long but I am currently working on some things to help keep me afloat while contributing to the industry. I am also planning on doing a music video for a song I wrote - in my head I think it’s going to be cool but I am hoping I can actually produce on film what is in my mind - I guess you’ll have to wait and see though!

What is your go to workout during Quarantine?

A: For the past month I have been walking up and down the stairs with a weight vest - doesn't sound like much but it's great for your core, glutes and balance. A big bonus for this workout is that it is a metabolic boosting workout! Other than that I have been stretching and doing yoga/ pilates type exercises. Oh, and lots of long walks! 

Any new music coming our way soon? 

A: I had set a goal in the beginning of 2020 to release an EP by spring/ summer and found a great producing studio down in Jacksonville, but due to everything that is going on I doubt that will happen soon. So, I thought I would put at least one song out even though it's not completely clean when it comes to the production side of things. I plan on releasing by mid-may and self-produce a music video to go along with it :)

Thanks for the chat Sif, looking forward to seeing the butterfly you continue to blossom into!

Interview: Eric Ellison

Bella Hadid Stars in FaceTime Campaign for Jacquemus' SS20 Collection

During these difficult times of being quarantined and social distancing, it’s time to be more creative then we’ve ever been. This includes the Simon Porte Jacquemus, French fashion designer and founder of Jacquemus fashion label, who won’t let a little distance slow him down.

Bella Hadid, supermodel, starred in his new campaign for his SS20 Collection, which was shot over facetime by photographer Pierre-Ange Carlotti. The campaign includes a handful of shots with Hadid dressed in multiple pieces from the Jacquemus SS20 Collection. With no hair or makeup artists, along with this all being shot from facetime, it gives this campaign a unorthodox, yet fresh and new feeling. Hadid responded well to this new kind of campaign. She posted the photos to her instagram, leaving the comment “Best few hours… Reconnecting.” Carlotti also responded well to the campaign, by posting the photos on instagram and commenting “when Bella calls.” Lastly, Jacquemus seems to be the most excited about the campaign. He also posted some of the photos on instagram and commented “SO HAPPY TO SHARE WITH YOU.”

Hadid showcased items from Jacquemus spring collection that debuted last June, in celebration of the designers 10-year anniversary. Items include a white suit with a green bra underneath and blue sunglasses, a yellow ultra crop top with green bottoms, and blue collared bodysuit, Hadid even posed nude with Jacquemus bags.

Jacquemus continues to be a front runner when it comes to innovative, fresh and new ideas and he has yet to fail us when it comes to this campaign. Who will be next to campaign on facetime to promote their new collection?

Photo Credit: Jacquemus Instagram

Report: Alycia Williams

Fenty's So Fetch

In London on February second, the star Rihanna was caught rocking her new high end Fentys pumps. The name of the party was called “British Vogue and Tiffany & Co Celebrate Fashion and FIlm. The party took place at Annabel’s after the BAFTA awards. Rihanna arrived at 3:30 am which was seemingly fashionably late to the event in a pair of big crystal earrings by Alessandra Rich, a Shay black diamond heart ring, a dark Fenty ensemble, and black Fenty pumps.

At her entrance, the party grew longer in the famous stars honor. The outfit that she wore, as seen in the pictures was an oversized black jersey hoodie, high waisted extra long palazzo pants in Jet Black satin, a Dior satin saddle bag, and on her feet was a pair of Fenty’s pointed black pumps in black. This outfit proved that Rihanna’s style is both edgy and chic. The outfit itself cost more then 1,000 dollars which is a bit on the expensive side for some. Although the outfit is somewhat pricey it is gorgeous nonetheless. This shows that Rih has an interesting style that is high in demand. The fashionista always makes a grand imprint within the fashion industry which is loved by many. Every young trendy woman should have a hot all black look, so shop Fenty for yours!

Report: Stacy Rattray

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Flower Anarchy

Now that summer is just around the corner, Salute, a Hong-Kong based brand, just recently dropped their spring/summer collection on April 18th. A$AP Rocky and many other fashion lovers are seen showing Salute’s unique jewelry off. Salute’s sense of individuality is high and they know how to create a line that's different from others, this is what draws my eyes in.

This jewelry collection is also pretty budget-friendly, coming in at about $50 for the bracelet and $70 for the necklace. Building on its traditional theme, the bracelet and necklace are primarily based on the expression “Flower Anarchy”. The name resonates with the design of the jewelry perfectly, while creating a name to draw customers like me in.

The accessories include eye-catching charms and pearls accompanied by silver accents. The charms are the best part, they include daisies, rainbow flowers with peace signs, smiley face daisies, and pearls. The necklace is split up by small beads and long silver rods. Each charm is uniquely arranged and appealing to the eye, the different sizes of the pearls give the necklace and bracelet a more detailed and complex look. I love a brand that creates a style of their own, one that doesn’t copy trends, but one that makes trends. That’s why Salute is a good place to spend your money whether it be on clothing or jewelry. Either way, you're paying a good price for what your'e receiving!

Report: Emily Andrews

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Vogue And The CFDA Team Up to Make History.

As the world feels like it may be crumbling, the fashion industry has been taking a stand to fight against the global pandemic, COVID-19. Vogue and the CFDA, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, have teamed up to raise awareness and protect the future names in the retail business. A Common Thread, the fashion fund originally created for relief efforts in regards to 9/11, is doing their part to keep the industry on its feet as the world fights COVID-19 together.

This relief effort is not only a way to expand the possible income of donations for those who cannot maintain their businesses, but an inside look on designers who want to be able to fulfill their dream. A Common Thread is giving these designers a chance to speak on a national platform and discuss their struggles throughout the craziness that is the world today. Designers are able to apply for this fund if they find that they are eligible and give a brief statement on how this charitable organization can impact their business.

Giving small designers the opportunity to represent themselves in collaboration with an iconic organization such as Vogue, adds a little positivity to the struggles we are all facing. Saks Fifth Avenue, Coach Foundation, Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, and Michael Kors are just some of the well established businesses that have come in to support this cause. Even though we all may be sporting our best pair of sweats as we wait this pandemic out at home, we all know how confident and radiant we feel when we throw on our favorite pair of jeans. In a time where fashion may not be our top priority, Vogue and the CFDA are asking for our help in support of those who really need it.

Look out for the June/July issue of Vogue featuring a Common Thread on its cover, you won’t want to miss it. If you’re looking to support a Common Thread or send in an application, you can reach the donation page at: https://cfda.com/programs/designers/cfdavogue-fashion-fund

Photo Credit: Vogue.com

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

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Pretty Little Things Launched #StayHomeWithPLT

We are all adjusting to the self quarantines put in place all around the world, trying to find ways to stay active and lively while spending our time indoors. A brand known globally for its affordable and fashionable clothes has taken the extra step to help us all adapt to this new normal. Pretty Little Things, a UK based fashion retailer has launched its “#StayHomeWithPLT” campaign in an effort to encourage its customers to stay inside and to look great while doing so.

The hashtag on Instagram features various “at home” looks, promoting its Stay Home collection on their web site. This collection showcases their comfy lounge and activewear, as well as beauty goodies to pamper your days away. The retailer is also giving tips and tricks to make the most out of this time at home. Working with their brand ambassadors PLT has curated an array of at-home workouts, recipes, and self-care routines we could all do while we all do our part to combat this virus.

The brand has utilized its social media platform to stay connected and to inspire their “dolls” with content. This includes lives on their Instagram story, videos for IGTV, and its “Behind Closed Doors” podcast. Hosted by Nat O’Leary this podcast tackles issues like how relentless social media could be, how to build a brand, as well as getting the juicy scoop on their celeb guests such as Karreuche Tran and lots more. Brand ambassadors have taken to their own Instagrams as well to show their favorite at-home outfits featuring PLT, such as Teyana Taylor and Rose Bertram All this and much more can be found on their Instagram and online shop to remind us that we are all in this together.

Photo Creds: Prettylittlethings.com

Report: Lauren Tucker

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Everlane: A Story About Unionization During a Pandemic

In a fashion revolution where ethics and sustainability have become a trend, consumers must be wary of which brands falsely claim these terms. But that wasn’t the case for Everlane—the clothing brand that proudly promises on their website “Radical Transparency” by working only with ethical factories. How did it manage, then, to get into a scandal of unethical labor practices?

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many clothing brands have had to make hard decisions, many of which involve the laying off of workers. But with Everlane this involved firing, on March 27th, a sector of part-time customer service employees that had just recently unionized. This has confounded the reason for these employees’ firings, with many media outlets attacking the brand for its false commitment to ethical fashion. I have witnessed the scandal’s impact on the brand’s image by reading the comments on an Everlane sponsored video that attacked the Youtube creator for collaborating with a brand that has used the pandemic to union-bust.

Claims that Everlane had engaged in mitigation of unionization efforts before the pandemic are true. As Fashionista reports, the brand sent an email in December in response to the forming of the Everlane Union. The email denoted unions as negative entities that reduce transparency. Therefore, it comes to no surprise that these CX employees attribute their layoffs to their March petition for recognition of the union, and not to the pandemic. Everlane has publicly denied this.

Business in times when demand for clothing is low is undoubtedly hard, and Everlane has felt immense losses because of this pandemic. But it is incredibly worrisome that the pandemic could also be taken advantage of by firing people to ultimately prevent unionization. The details from both sides remain murky. I just hope that a company that fights for fair working conditions does not contradict itself where the rest of its employees are concerned.

Photo credits: Everlane Union GoFundMe and Everlane

Report: Jonara Jiménez

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The History behind Vogue Portugal and the Brand

Vogue Magazine launched its first issue on December 17th, 1892 for 10 cents each. Originally being an upscale and luxury lifestyle journal capturing the lives of the elite in New York City, Condé Nast purchased Vogue. Completely transforming it into a women’s fashion, lifestyle and beauty magazine, it has grown into a monthly publication read by millions around the world. Establishing its first international magazine in 1916, Vogue has continued to spread its impact to the fashion industry by creating over 20 more international magazines including Vogue Portugal.

Prior to its initial launching in October 2002, Vogue Portugal began its licensing a year before under Cofina Media — a Portugese Media conglomerate. There was a preview issue presented to Condé Nast during the process of its creation. When being published as a magazine, Condé Nast assists in the modeling of the first issues due to publishing houses distribution of the titles as a licensee. Paula Mateus overtook the role as Editor-in-Chief for 15 years, along with her committed team at the magazine. This is not only an accomplishment, but an impressive and talented skill as being the head of one of the most popular fashion magazines in the world, isn’t so easy. After doing so, Condé Nast moved Vogue Portugal from its publications under Cofina Media to LightHouse Publishing which was already under the issuing of GQ Portugal for a year and a half. As a result of this change, there was a brand new establishment of a team which included Editor-in-Chief. José Santana and Sofia Lucas, two very close artistic and talented friends for over 20 years, both worked under Cofina Media. Lucas was the Art Director for the magazines being produced, and Santana began as a designer. Remaining alongside each other in the industry, Santana was given the position as the Art Director for Vogue Portugal and GQ Portugal, which was very well deserved. Having such a special friendship allowed them to combine their own strengths and expertise into launching the creation of LightHouse Publishing together. Having years of knowledge, being so experienced in the field of publishing, and already having previously worked with Condé Nast, they were more than the perfect fit for taking on the role.

It should be noted that Mateus, Santana, Lucas, and their team have brought personality, life, and creativity over the years to every page flipped through in Vogue Portugal. Despite Vogue being known as one of the top fashion magazines in the world, this brings the idea to people that their magazine should not reflect the current issues in the world today. The cover of the April 2020 magazine for Vogue Portugal captured by Branislav Simoncik, is of a man and a woman, Bibiana Baltovicova and Adam Bardy, kissing through their surgical masks. While this reached a topic of controversy among some, a fashion magazine is not just a report on the latest trends and runway reviews. There are other issues facing the world, people, and the economy. Vogue Portugal released a “Planet Earth is the Trend” cover in September 2019 to highlight sustainability and bring awareness. In April 2020, there was also the “Freedom On Hold. COVID-19, fear will not stop us.” Haters will always misjudge and have their opinions towards people, brands, or companies that derail the idea of being conventional and sticking to a specific stereotype. Going beyond the traditional cover everyone normally expects, Vogue Portugal brings the importance to trends and news not just on the runway, but off of it as well.

In addition to being such a dominating force in the fashion industry, Vogue Portugal’s charm is more than what people see on the cover. Behind every photo is a team that works to curate an emotion and reflect a form of art. Anybody can take a picture, format a layout, upload it, and call it their magazine, but Vogue Portugal views their work with heart, pride, and motivation to never settle for mediocre ideas. Compared to other international Vogue magazines, each and everyone one of them have their own style that reflect their identity and character. Soon after the line up, set up of photoshoots, and pages are laid out and settled within 3 weeks, the printing process begins. Once sent to the printer, copies and prints are then dispersed to the distributor and subscribers. This is the moment that all subscribers to the magazine have been waiting for the most. Once distributors receive this, they are brought to be displayed in newsstands. Although all Vogue magazines have continued to stay true to their original physical forms, they all have digital versions to their editions, which began several years ago for Vogue Portugal.

Photo Credit: Vogue Portugal

Report: Pamela Valdez

Continuing to remain diverse, influential, and relevant, it is important to listen to readers, critics, haters, and fans. Vogue Portugal delivers content in response to always evolving themselves and leaving behind the idea that they must focus on physical fashion such as clothes, shoes, and accessories, but instead to incorporate that and issues around the world into a form of art to surpass the expectation of readers. Being a monthly magazine means that the team is not only putting full energy and ambition towards their work, but making sure that every cover, word, and page leaves them just as proud as the last month. 

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A Modernized Past

It seems safe to say this is an interesting time for millennials, particularly in fashion. The terms throwback Thursday and flashback Friday are coming to life. The past times of the ’80s and ’90s when bright neon colors and fanny packs were in have now made an impeccable comeback.

Today in society it’s all about women empowerment and body positivity, about time! Now, what’s one thing every woman needs when she revamps her life or makes a big life change? A killer wardrobe.

Que “The Sweetest Thing” Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate wardrobe movie montage. Today it’s all about style and comfort. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and hubby Kanye West with their trendy and expensive clothing brands Skims and Yeezy make it look so effortless.

The times of struggling to find the right button-down shirt with the best slacks are over. It’s all about bright slightly oversized blazers or puffy jackets with a crop top and a great pair of biker shorts or jeans. 2020 is basically a fashion time capsule.

Then we have our favorite social media influencers advertising that makes it look good enough to order right then until we see the price at checkout. Fortunately, major retail brands such as Forever21 and Fashion Nova are giving us a hand with that. This time around we have a more modern twist to the trend. Nude hues and bodysuits have taken over.

We can actually get a version of all the cute outfits from our favorite 80s and 90s movies now and all the accessories you can think of. It’s bringing back a simpler time to the now. So here’s the complete wardrobe list, a blazer, cropped cardigan, crop top, bodysuit, ripped jeans, biker shorts, tight, thick leggings, joggers, oversized nostalgia graphic T-shirt, jean jacket, and a cropped windbreaker. Pair it all with tiny sunglasses and tiny purses a pair of sneakers or clear heels and off you go, fashion goddess.

The best part of this fashion rewind is that this time body positivity is highly encouraged for women so these clothes are designed to hug your curves and make you feel sexy and powerful.

Report: Josephine Coiscou

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KITH and Sailor Moon Team Up For New Collaboration

Sailor Moon was one of the flagship anime in the 1990s that introduced an entire generation to the distinct art style and boundless creativity of Japanese animation. Over two decades later, Sailor Moon’s legacy is still felt throughout pop culture, a milestone that is commemorated by the clothing brand KITH.

KITH has officially collaborated with the Sailor Moon franchise itself in celebration of the television show’s 25th anniversary. The label’s latest products are hoodies and t-shirts depicting the eponymous superhero with the KITH logo. As a series that resonated most with young girls, Sailor Moon proved that femininity and strength are mutually inclusive, a sentiment best symbolized by the pink cropped hoodie with an image of the Sailor Scouts wearing KITH clothing emblazoned upon it.

Conversely, Sailor Moon’s character design, consisting of her colorful dress and signature blonde pigtails, is prime for graphic streetwear, creating a look that is casual and youthful, yet feminine. KITH’s new merchandise will undoubtably reignite older consumers’ nostalgia for their beloved childhood cartoon, all while subtly invoking the younger generation’s curiosity about the anime, eventually leading to another era of young girls becoming invested in the iconic heroine. Overall, KITH exemplifies the modern art of mainstreaming what was once a niche interest through the innovation of fashion trends.

Report: Nia Hunt

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Spend Quarantine Creating a Streamlined Closet You Feel Good About

Let's face it, we are stuck at home for the next however many weeks. We can twiddle our thumbs, make banana bread, and binge watch Tiger King and Little Fires Everywhere: done, done and done. But we could also be tackling our cluttered and outdated closet that we would organize and purge "if only we had the time"; and we may never be granted with this considerable amount of time again.

Having a messy closet creates a messy mind. Taking the time to go through items you no longer need will only make it easier to find the items that you truly love. Why keep a piece of clothing you feel average wearing? Imagine having a closet featuring only items that make you feel confident and self-assured when you put them on. Creating a streamlined closet can also make your mornings less stressful, allowing you to use your energy on something other than deciding what to wear. Just look to Steve Jobs and what all he accomplished by simply eliminating the conflict of choosing an outfit.

One approach to condensing your closet could be to build a capsule wardrobe. This is a trending practice although the world’s idea of the capsule wardrobe has strayed far from its original design when fast fashion came walking down the runway in the early 2000’s. Susie Faux is known as the first to conjure up this simple idea in London in the 1970’s and a decade later was made popular in the United States by Donna Karan’s Seven Easy Pieces. If the capsule wardrobe is such a simple concept, why is it so challenging to put into practice? For starters, purging cherished items can be overwhelming. The simplicity of a minimalistic life remains only a concept for many when they are faced with the reality of what it actually entails; parting with some of our “old favorite’s”, “nostalgic pieces”, and of course our “I-might-wear-that-someday”’s.

So maybe you won’t have Susie Faux’s 12 piece closet, but taking advantage of this time to arrange your closet in a way that makes YOU feel good could be just as beneficial. Admit to yourself you will never again wear those ill-fitting jeans or that itchy sweater, or even that t-shirt that WAS your favorite back in 2016. You might soon realize that less is truly more. I know it can be difficult to part with clothes that hold so much sentimental value, but if you can unearth some inspiration during this time of quarantine, you may find yourself walking out of this mess, well, in less of one. I suggest bagging these items up and setting them aside and when the world opens up again consider donating these once loved items to someone who will love them once again.

Photo Credit: Vogue.com

Report: Emily Casey

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Blackpink's Jennie and Korean Eyewear Brand Gentle Monster Team Up

Korean eyewear house Gentle Monster teamed up with Jennie from Blackpink for an upcoming collection of sunglasses and accessories, “Jentle Home.” This would be the first collaboration between the two. Gentle Monster has done multiple collaborations, such as Alexander Wang, Fendi, Hood By Air and many more. Jennie, a Chanel Ambassador and a model for Korean beauty brand Hera.

The collection has transparent frames, metal frames, and multicolor lenses creating retro to oversized sunglasses. The collaboration also features a variety of eyeglass chains with a Jentle logo. One is a chunky black chain, and a chic glasses chain to necklace that comes in gold and silver. The Jentle Home collection ranges from $130 to $230 USD. It is set to release on the Gentle Monster website on April 21. It was first shown in a Marie Clare editorial with Jennie. The collection will be featured in a pop-up shop in Seoul in May, and will be available in the Los Angeles and New York flagship stores once it is deemed safe. Images from Gentle Monster.

Report: Katie Mok

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