MODA Designer Profile: Carolyn Johansen

Carolyn Johansen is a First-Year undergraduate, who considers majoring in Economics or Chemistry - or both. In addition to designing outfits for this year’s MODA Fashion Show, Carolyn also enjoys playing flute in the wind ensemble.

In order to discuss Carolyn’s work for the upcoming MODA Fashion Show, we met over coffee to discuss her artistic style and inspiration.

What are some sources of inspiration for your collection?

A lot of my inspiration comes from things being comfortable and practical, which I know isn’t very exciting, but I really thought about things that were missing from my own wardrobe, that I wanted, and had just never gotten around to making. So for this show, I’ve been focusing on designs that people could wear to class or around Chicago - just because that’s where my head has been lately. 

This @beautyspock image was another inspiration for Carolyn’s collection: “I really loved this image because of the bold print of the jacket. The silhouette is very classic, but the print makes it look modern and trendy, which is something I am trying to capture in my collection.”

“So for this show, I’ve been focusing on designs that people could wear to class or around Chicago - just because that’s where my head has been lately. ”

— Carolyn Johansen

Original sketches of Carolyn’s collection.

Have you ever done fashion design work before? 

I’ve loved to sew for years. I was seven when I first started (I was in second grade). And since then, I have sewn many projects, from my prom dress to my high school graduation dress. 

I have also taken some courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. That was my introduction to formal fashion design. Before that, I just thought of items I wanted to make and I made them. So those courses taught me to make more mature fashion designs, as opposed to home sewing projects.

Carolyn (left) stands next to her friend Grace at their Senior Prom. Carolyn wears the dress she created for the occasion.

What are some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the process?

I have to say that the most challenging aspect has been designing things for me that aren’t actually for me. I’m used to making clothing adjustments for myself. But I can’t call my models up and have them try my outfits on within 20 minutes. It’s more of a process. But that has been a great learning experience, for me to better understand how the fashion industry really works. 

“It’s more of a process. But that has been a great learning experience, for me to better understand how the fashion industry really works. ”

— Carolyn Johansen

Something that I’ve really enjoyed so far is being able to connect with people across campus through MODA. I have a friend who is a model, and it’s been really fun to talk to her throughout the process and to get her opinion. She’ll be modeling one of my designs. I’m going to make her a jumpsuit, which will be trendy and cool. She can also put a jacket on with the jumpsuit, and wear it to dinner with her parents, so the look will be versatile. And just having that open communication with MODA participants isn’t something I’ve had in the past, because it was always just me.

What are you looking forward to most about the show?

I don’t know. I think I’m just excited for the whole thing. It’s going to be very different from anything I’ve ever done or experienced before, so it’s going to be really cool to see how it all comes together.

Who do you have in mind when you’re designing?

I’ll admit it’s usually me, because I focus on my experiences. I also think about my sister. We have always sewn together, and I reach out to her for guidance and advice. We once made First Communion dresses out of wedding dresses, for some family friends. It was a really fun project - and working together also alleviated the stress of cutting up people’s old wedding dresses. My sister and I have also made curtains for my mom. So we work together and give each other feedback. And she’s excited and curious to watch me go through this design process on campus.

“We once made First Communion dresses out of wedding dresses, for some family friends. It was a really fun project - and working together also alleviated the stress of cutting up people’s old wedding dresses. ”

— Carolyn Johansen

In this high school graduation photo, Carolyn (left) stands next to her sister. Carolyn wears the dress that she made for graduation.

If you could give yourself any advice on the design process, what would you say to your younger self?

Advice I would give to myself in general is to challenge myself. There are things that I sometimes brush off as too challenging, but I’m trying to approach those challenges for MODA - which makes things more interesting.

What’s your favorite aspect of the design process?

I like it because it’s so custom and I have so much freedom to do what I want. When I was younger, I couldn’t always find the clothing I wanted. So, by creating pieces for myself, I can plan and actually make my ideas happen. 

“So, by creating pieces for myself, I can plan and actually make my ideas happen. ”

— Carolyn Johansen

Hermès Carré Club

When living in Paris, attending a free Hermès exhibition at Le Carreau du Temple is just a typical Saturday morning activity.

Okay, maybe not. A typical Saturday morning for Parisian students is squeezing onto the metro before squeezing into a crowded café, all the while hoping no one makes you buy something before you finish your coursework. But, sometimes, appreciating a little fashion on your way is not out of the question.

Now, a bit of history on this iconic French luxury goods manufacturer:

Images via 1 and 2

Hermès has served the international elite, initially for their horse-and-carriage accessory needs, since 1837. The original workshop on the Grands Boulevards of Paris specialized in award-winning harnesses and bridles for French noblemen. By 1880, one of the Hermès brothers established a store at 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where loyal customers can shop today (or people like me, a girl who stares longingly at the chic throw pillows for her imaginary Parisian apartment).

Aside from the iconic Duc carriage logo and that ever-recognizable ‘H,’ perhaps the most well-known image of Hermès is that of the carré—the (square) silk scarf. First introduced in 1937, the carré still makes up 12% of Hermès’ sales today. Each measures 90 cm by 90 cm, with hand-stitched hems and carefully printed designs that go well beyond the popular Brides de Gala edition. The square has been worn by royalty and fashionistas alike (see Grace Kelly Princess of Monaco sporting it as an arm sling below) since its inception.

And it is just this creativity surrounding the silk scarf that the Carré Club aims to celebrate. Showcasing around 11 artists on their world tour, the brand comes home to Paris to invite anyone and everyone into the studios and minds that birth the new prints debuted every year.

Images via 1, 2, and 3

But it isn’t just idle observation of artists at work that makes up this multi-day event. There’s a karaoke booth, professionally-lit photo-ops, a skate ramp (with bean bags?), and multiple cafés/bars. Everything is Hermès-themed, with some questionably English-translated lightbox signs to match (not sure “born to be square” or “be there or be square” quite convey what they wanted). Monochromatic booths with old rotary phones held Carré Stories, which gave listeners another way to discover the spirit behind the creative process.

Images via the author

The one I picked up featured a man recounting, in his most sensual French, his love for—uh—peas (pois): “J’adore tous les types de pois. Les pois cassés (split peas), les pois chiches (chickpeas)… mais mon preféré est la princesse au petit pois (the princess and the pea).” It was the almost non-sensical features like that that made a potentially haughty setting so light-hearted and inviting… Until you consider getting a carré for yourself. The Brides de Gala motif retails for about 370 euros. Maybe next holiday season.

Regardless of the steep prices, this event gets an A+ in terms of marketing. Scarves are strewn about a table for everyone to fawn over, and nearby is a row of stylists ready to artfully wrap the carré in any style you’d like; be it in your hair or around your neck. Attendants are ready for all questions and, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, can direct you to any of the three Paris locations.

Images via the author

Despite the grandiosity of Hermès, the Carré Club really is just a perfect addition to your typical weekend in Paris. Open to anyone, the space was neither intimidating nor suffocating but playful and bright. In a place that prides itself on celebrating art and the art of fashion, there was really no better city for the Carré Club to have its last hoorah.

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Little Women: Movie Review

Warning: The following review features major spoilers, but it’s a story that’s been out for 150 years, so I feel like this is fair.

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2019 was a year of great cinema, and one of its most standout films was Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women.

This latest adaptation features a stellar cast, starring Saoirse Ronan as tomboyish and rebellious writer Jo, Emma Watson as responsible oldest sister Meg, Florence Pugh as ambitious and artistic youngest sister Amy, Eliza Scanlen as sweet and musically-inclined Beth, Timothée Chalamet as boy next door Laurie, Laura Dern as loving matriarch Marmee, and Meryl Streep as condescendingly wealthy Aunt March.

Each of the main cast, as well as the supporting actors, all step into their roles with grace, effectively bringing to life some of the most beloved characters of all time. I’ve always admired Laura Dern and Meryl Streep’s acting, so naturally, I loved their performances, and Saoirse Ronan shines as the protagonist of the story. However, the standout performance of the movie is definitely Florence Pugh as Amy. Throughout the course of 2 hours and 15 minutes, she grows from a bratty, self-absorbed child into an elegant and thoughtful young woman. It is a testament to Pugh’s talent that the historically least popular character from the story has quickly become one of the most adored following the release of the film.

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There’s an idyllic charm in each of the film’s beautiful scenes, from the March sisters wearing pastel-colored dresses to go to the beach, to Laurie confessing his love for Jo against a backdrop of gorgeous New England foliage, to Amy painting in a Parisian park.

The March family by no means live an easy life: there are many references to the family’s financial hardship, their father is off at war, and Beth dies from scarlet fever. However, throughout its depiction of these hardships, the film continues to maintain its romanticized tone. The picturesque quality does not undermine the suffering of the characters but rather presents that life can still be beautiful in these circumstances if we work to romanticize it. The characters of the film, particularly the March sisters, spend a great deal of time using their vivid imaginations and artistic talents to cope. Meg pushes herself into acting, Jo writes stories of adventure as well as plays for her sisters to perform in, Beth relishes in her love for the piano, and Amy turns to her adoration for painting.

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The film is generally a faithful adaptation of the novel but is more explicit in its social commentary. Both Jo and Amy deliver powerful monologues regarding the role of marriage in women’s lives. Amy is particularly concerned about marriage as an economic institution for women, who had few other options to achieve financial freedom. Jo is disheartened by the fact that women are merely limited to their role of wives, maintaining that women have so much more to offer. The film also does an excellent job at blurring the line between Jo March and Louisa May Alcott in a way that has never been done before in other adaptations.

Little Women is definitely a must-see film that is visually stunning, thoughtful, and full of phenomenal performances. Make sure to catch it while it’s still in theaters!

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Vogue Italia’s Photoless Issue: How Sustainable is Sustainability?

When I open a magazine, or see one displayed in a store, the first thing that comes to mind is usually something like, “Wow, she’s pretty!” or “I think I need those shoes,” and then not much else (sorry). Before recently, I have to admit, I had never considered anything beyond what was shown to me in the photos. I had never thought about the environmental cost of operating the photoshoots: I had never focused on how many hundreds of clothing articles, accessories, and equipment for the shoot are shipped overseas or for that matter how many people are transported to run the whole thing. I had never thought about the lighting which is needed for the entire day of shooting and how it is powered by gasoline generators. None of this had ever crossed my mind until Vogue Italia announced their January 2020 issue– an entirely photoshoot-less edition. 

It’s the first of its kind for all sectors of Vogue.The issue features only images which have been hand-illustrated by artists. It has eight unique covers, all displaying vibrant drawings of figures in exclusively Gucci ensembles. The goal, according to editor-in-chief Emanuele Farneti, was to “prove it is possible to show clothes without photographing them” and “without travelling, shipping entire wardrobes of clothes or polluting in any way.”

While Farneti certainly achieved his goal of cutting down on resources, the photo-less showcasing of the clothes appeared in a less literal way than I had imagined when I first heard about the issue. In terms of the actual presentation of the clothes for potential buyers, or even people who just want to browse new collections, I’m not sure some of the highly stylized and abstracted illustrations in the issue make sense. Don’t get me wrong, from an artistic perspective the images are great, and I fully support the intention behind the concept. But many of the drawings aren’t detailed enough or realistic enough to serve as a practical means of representing the clothes as they are in person, which, at the end of the day, is a large part of why people buy magazines like Vogue. People like to see the clothes! So, ironically, on the business side, I don’t know if this is really a sustainable option at all. There is also the livelihood of fashion photographers and editorial models to consider. But seeing as there seem not to be any plans by the magazine to continue this no-photo print style, perhaps the January issue is less of a declaration to commit to this particular way of being environmentally aware, and more about making a statement– a nod to the massive expenditure of the industry and an acknowledgement of the rapidly growing sustainability movement in fashion.

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MODA Designer Profile: David Schalop

David Schalop is a 2nd-Year undergraduate, double majoring in Business Economics and Art History. He is a film photographer, whose work influences his fashion designs and how how he sees the world. David is also part of the Smart Student Advisory Committee.

In order to discuss David’s work for the upcoming MODA Fashion Show, we met over coffee to discuss his artistic style and inspiration.

What are some sources of inspiration for your collection?

My first inspiration is definitely the weather and the seasons. That was my jumping off point for my fashion designs. I drew inspiration from how people’s dress changes, over the course of the year. In warmer seasons, people wear lighter colors and materials. And then, in colder seasons, people wear darker colors and heavier layers. Spring and summer are somewhere in between these two extremes. And these seasonal changes in attire are more defined at UChicago than at other schools, which is something I wanted to highlight in my designs.

Sketches of David's Fashion Designs

Sketches of David's Fashion Designs

Sketches of David's Fashion Designs

Sketches of David's Fashion Designs

I’ve also been inspired by some of my favorite artists. Hiroshi Sugimoto is a photographer who I really like. He shoots black and white photography. And, like him, I shoot mainly black and white film, but I’m also really interested in color. So while my designs tend to be monochromatic, one of my designs has a pop of color. Geometric shapes and patterns are also important to me, and Josef Albers is an inspiration for that.

“Uneven Terrain.” An Original Photograph by David.

Have you ever done fashion design work before?

Never. Before participating in the MODA Fashion Show, I’d never made anything. So this is really the beginning. Before this experience, I’d only seen sewing machines as old decorations, which weren’t being used. So this is a new experience for me.

What are some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the process?

I think the most challenging thing about making clothing is that you have to visualize something in 3D, but when you’re putting fabric through the sewing machine, it’s 2D. And the space that you leave between the fabric is where the body goes. So it’s often difficult to imagine how to transition from 2D to 3D pieces. And while this process has been an interesting challenge, no mistake is unfixable. Sometimes you sew something and realize afterwards that the pieces don’t fit - but you can always take the stitches out.

“...no mistake is unfixable. Sometimes you sew something and realize afterwards that the pieces don’t fit - but you can always take the stitches out.”

— David Schalop

I think we live in a world where people are very removed from the production of things. I’m in this art history class right now where people had to bring in objects of value to them. No one out of 25 people brought an item that they had personally created. We live in a disposable world. And so I want to create something with my own hands. And hopefully it will last for a long time. That’s an inspiration for my work. 

A Sneak Peek of one of David’s Creations for this year’s MODA Fashion Show…

“We live in a disposable world. And so I want to create something with my own hands. And hopefully it will last for a long time.”

— David Schalop

What are you looking forward to most about the show?

Seeing my friends walk. The models that I picked are three of my good friends. I’m excited because none of them have ever walked before, and so I think it’ll be really exciting to see them walk down the runway, with so many people watching. And to see my friends’ reactions to that will be really cool.

I’m also really excited to see them wear my designs. I’m designing three complete outfits. So each of my friends will be wearing a complete design. Two of the designs will probably have the same basic forms (a sweater and a pair of pants), but these designs will have different accents to make each outfit unique.

Who do you have in mind when you’re designing?

I don’t have any single person in mind. I make minimalist menswear with vintage accents and elements, because that’s my personal style right now. And I call my style menswear, even though a woman will be modeling one of my designs. I don’t really care about the shape of the body wearing my pieces - just about the style of the clothing.

In The Green Book, Dr. Shirley’s outfit (right) serves as inspiration for David.

I’m also really interested in historical fashion. One of my favorite things in the world is watching movies with great outfits, and seeing how timeless many of these pieces are in the world today. One of my favorite movies is “The Green Book.” The Musician, Don Shirley, has really great style. His outfits are incredible. I also watch “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” which is set in New York (where I’m from). And the show has great fashion looks.

In The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Midge’s outfits also inspire David.

If you could give yourself any advice on the design process, what would you say to your younger self?

I think in general I can be a perfectionist, so I’d remind myself that this is my first time doing this, that things are going to go wrong, and that what I envisioned in the beginning is not going to be exactly what I get. As a photographer, often times you imagine the perfect shot, and you go to the dark room and print that shot and it never looks as you imagine. And sometimes it’s not what you want it to be, but other times it’s even more incredible than you could have envisioned. So when you design something, it doesn’t always turn out exactly as intended, but sometimes you end up with something even better. And even if things don’t go according to plan, I need to be okay with things changing along the way.

“As a photographer, often times you imagine the perfect shot, and you go to the dark room and print that shot and it never looks as you imagine. And sometimes it’s not what you want it to be, but other times it’s even more incredible than you could have envisioned.”

— David Schalop

“Color Warp.” An Original Photograph by David.

What’s your favorite aspect of the design process?

There are two things. The other people in my fashion design program are really cool, and I’m really interested in getting to know them. I also just love creating designs with my own hands. I haven’t created many things in the past. And, especially at UChicago, we spend a lot of time writing papers and thinking abstractly, but it’s really nice to actively create something tangible.

“And, especially at UChicago, we spend a lot of time writing papers and thinking abstractly, but it’s really nice to actively create something tangible.”

— David Schalop

Parasite: From Top to Bottom

The genius of director Bong Joonho’s work is in the fact that his films are so immensely human. With many notable pieces of work under his belt, from Okja (2017), to Snowpiercer (2014), to Mother (2009), and many more, there is an originality to his style, an ability to weave matters of dysfunction and ethicality with sincere performance and rich humor that is undeniably captivating.

It is through Parasite (Korean: Gisaengchung –  기생충) that he cements himself as a major-league filmmaker, transcending the boundaries of “foreign” or “international.” Winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival by unanimous vote, and most recently of Best Foreign Language Film at the 77th Golden Globes, Parasite is ruthless, and tells everyone to take a look in the mirror. 

(Discussion of the film ahead, but no huge spoilers or reveals present)

From left to right: Kim Kiwoo (Choi Wooshik), Kim Kitaek (Song Kangho), Kim Chungsook (Jang Hyejin), Kim Kijung (Park Sodam), in their semi-basement apartment. Image via

Most of the film takes place in the home of the Park family, which, much to my surprise, is not at all a real house: the set was built entirely from scratch, a tremendous feat by production designer Lee Hajun. 

Housekeeper Moongwang (Lee Jungeun) walks through the Park family’s home. Image via

Digital rendering of the Park family’s home by Lee Hajun. Image via

Park Dahye (Jung Jiso) spies on Kijung. Image via

Kitaek observes the sleeping Parks in their home. Image via

It’s through the meticulous delineation of Bong, though, that the vision of Parasite as a whole could come to life. Not only did he create a full storyboard of the film himself (each scene sketched out one by one), he also outlined a detailed floor plan of the Park family’s house, taking into account the blocking elements presented in the script. The set acts as a psychological map, almost, the architecture and spatial connections between the characters suggestive of the secrets each one of them is hiding. 

Though the Park family home is luxurious, it’s anything but flashy: sleek, modern, and open, the jewel of the house lies in its beautiful front lawn, green and drenched with sunlight.

The Kims, on the other hand, reside in a dingy semi-basement, windows allowing the family to sneak just a peek above ground. It is with this established that the viewers begin to understand that the class warfare simmering beneath the surface of the film is not only metaphorical. It is physical, and not solely due to the jarring aesthetic differences between the two homes: it’s the spatial disparity, the substantiality of the “upstairs” family and the “downstairs” family that hones in on the Kim family’s desires and aspirations for more.

The use of sunlight and water as motifs in particular key us into this discrepancy. The Kim family’s semi-basement, dense and cluttered, gives them just a taste of what’s up above. Juxtaposed to the floor-to-ceiling windows and glimmering front lawn of the Park family’s home, the airy freedom that wealth yields, we see that there is hope here.

Park Yeonkyo (Cho Yeojeong) looks out the window of her home. Image via

Kitaek looks out the window of his apartment. Image via

Water, usually a common symbol for purification and renewal, is a motif most devastating in this film. Acting as our line of continuity, the water from rainfall flows down, down, down, flooding into the poorer districts, and Kitaek, Kiwoo, and Kijung have no choice but to follow it home. Though it poses no threat to the Parks, it is the impact of something as familiar as water that transforms not only the motives of the Kim family, but their livelihood. 

Kiwoo, Kitaek, and Kijung in the rain. Image via

“It’s important that the characters are moving down, but what’s more important is that water is moving with them: Water is flowing from top to bottom, from the rich neighborhoods to the poor ones, and these characters, they have no control over it.”

- Bong Joonho on Parasite. Via Indiewire

Bong claims that one of the greatest parts of cinema is the fact that you can make your audience feel exposed, stripped raw for all they are. The painfully vulnerable nature of the characters, in all of their delusion, selfishness, and naivety, remind us of ourselves. They instill in us an uncanny self-awareness, and yet, he is not preaching to us: he is showing us that the dreadful weight of reality on our shoulders is unshakeable. 

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What to Watch: Great British Bake Off

Excited about your new classes? Ready for the snow that is most definitely in our future? Ready to be back on break already? Whether you answered “yes” to any of these or are somewhere in between, I have something you need: a show recommendation!

The Great British Bake Off, for those of you who don’t know, is the most blessed version of the cooking show that has ever, or will ever, exist. This is not hyperbole. Watch it. You’ll agree. (It’s fine if you don’t, but also good lord how can you not?)

What I find so special about this show is it’s genuine kindness. The bakers form lifelong friendships, and there is no prize money. They are there because they love to bake and they want to show what they can do—and hopefully win the glass “Great British Bake Off” cake plate that is the material prize. This show is perfect for snowy days, watching with family, when you need to escape for some alone time, getting ideas for new things to cook, and enjoying an hour of beautiful bakes and warm-and-fuzzy heart-feelings.

The basic premise is that a dozen amateur British bakers are selected to compete in a massive white tent, completing 3 challenges each week: a signature (which they can practice beforehand), a technical (a mystery recipe set by one of the judges, very fiddly, and judged anonymously), and a showstopper (which is, as its name implies, meant to be a masterpiece).

The original judges were Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, and the “MC” type people were Mel and Sue. The more recent seasons are judged by Paul and Prue and hosted by Noel and Sandi, and, while I am definitely biased towards the original judges, the new folks are doing a great job.

Each week one baker is awarded the title “Star Baker”, and one (or sometimes two!) of the bakers must go home. The cycle continues until there are just 3 bakers left. The victor of that weekend’s competition is the winner of the entire show!

Do yourself a favor:

Images via here, here, here, here, here, and here

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2020 Through the Stars

I hope we are all thankful 2019 is finally over, so we can start again with the same mentalities and goals that we never actually accomplish. Hopefully, this can give you a sense of what goals you should really chase after or who you should chase after this year.

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Aries

With the ram’s Mars, the sign’s ruling planet, in the fiery and adventurous Sagittarius at the beginning of this year, you should branch out and jump at a chance to experience something new (or even someone new). After a wild time with Sag, we go straight into Capricorn (start grindin’ boys). The sun will be in our sign from mid-March to mid-April, letting us get our bag while handing out L’s to any of these who try to get in our way. The season is one to be remembered, so be prepared to make moves. While we will have a great time in Aries season, we will also be dealing with Chiron in our sign all year, spelling trouble for our self-proclaimed, life path. However, from early July to mid-December, we’ll get a reawakening of our fire when Chiron goes into retrograde. The year will be spearheaded by Jupiter, giving 2020 a feeling rooted in ambition and growth (what more can we ask for?).

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Taurus

With Venus entering Aquarius at the beginning of this year, you should get ready to get experimental and open to new ideas. Don’t let your inner bull from stopping you from getting a lil weird this January (or freaky, if the time calls for it). Your ruling sign will experience a retrograde, mid-May to June, so you finally get reflective about your obsession with money and comfort. Taurus, your horns are about to be pulled throughout the year by Uranus, who will be in your sign all year, forcing you be flexible and open-mind. It seems like 2020 will be a learning experience for the bull.

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Gemini

With Mercury being your ruling sign, it is time to pay attention to Mercury’s retrograde this year. I am sorry to say (as I do love Geminis), but the retrogrades will be even more exhausting as they pass through the water signs (my least favorite signs, so I give you my sincere condolences). You should also make sure to take advantage of your birthday season, because you’ll be able to see more than most during this time (don’t waste it!). You should make sure to take this year as an opportunity to open yourself up, allow yourself to be free with your emotions and talk through the miscommunications that will occur over the year (you can thank those watery Mercury retrogrades). Overall, this year will focus on the growth of intimacy, learning, and expanding your own horizons.

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Cancer

It is time for you to be your number one priority. By paying attention to the moon’s movements, you will be able to better understand your overwhelming amount of emotions. One may feel drawn to one’s family due to the lunar eclipse and full moon occurring in the middle of this month. Just be careful to not reignite relationships that leave you in a toxic headspace. Cancer season this year will be a time of rebirth and rebooting for you; it’ll give you a chance to figure out what’s missing in your life. Your year will focus on emotional support (not surprising at all), intimacy (again, not surprising), and social bonds.

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Leo

With the sun, your ruling planet, in Capricorn, you will be working for what you want in the beginning of this year. You’ll have to wait until Leo season for things to get really crazy (I mean, if you try hard enough you never have to wait…). Once your birthday season hits, your mood switches to outgoing and playful; you become the life of the party again. One thing to watch out for this year is Chiron in Aries. It might leave you having an identity crisis (like you don’t already). This year for you will focus on partnerships, habits, and work (grind time!).

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Virgo

The year, with Mercury in Capricorn in conjunction with Jupiter, will bring you a great deal of optimism. It will start you off feeling open-minded and sociable. Due to Mercury being your planetary ruler, you need to watch out for Mercury’s retrograde. It could bring all your socializing to a halt. During this time, intuition will always overcome your logic (especially with the retrogrades going through the water signs). Overall, your year will focus on health, joy, and self-expression.

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Libra

Venus starts the year in free-spirited Aquarius, quickly followed by a transition into sensitive Pisces in mid-January. The duo gives the beginning of your year a dreamy period of affection and love (a perfect time to get cuffed!). Later in the year, during October, you may face trouble when Venus moves into Libra. This may lead you to put your close relationships before your own health and making you cripplingly indecisive (very Libraesque). Your year will be focused on your creativity, romance, and self-worth.

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Scorpio

It seems like 2020 going to be your year! Mars will be in Scorpio in the beginning of the year (giving your all-consuming sexual power a new boost). With Capricorn in Pluto, you know what you want and you will fight for it (more than you usually do). You may find yourself trying to reinvent yourself this year, so just let it happen. You never know what may come from it. When it comes to Scorpio season this year, you will be magnetic and oozing confidence. This year seems to be yours for the taking, focusing on the growth of your communications, personal interest, and your mentality.

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Sagittarius

Another tame year for you Sagittarians, it seems. With Jupiter, your parent planet, in Capricorn, you’ll be working hard all year to achieve your dreams of escaping (basically, you’ll be daydreaming about traveling). During your planet’s retrograde, mid-May to mid-September, it will be time to reconsider your goals and the actions you have taken thus far (thanks to Capricorn’s influence). It seems like your year will be all work and no fun, so I recommend forcing yourself to go to a party from time to time in 2020. Overall, this will be a year focused on the growth of your self-worth, communications, and finances.

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Capricorn

Carrying over from last year, Saturn still continues to be in Capricorn, so the first quarter of the year will seem fairly familiar to you (basically, filled with your boring complaints about grinding for an elusive “ultimate purpose”). Saturn will move into Aquarius in mid-March, giving pursuits for your coin a more interesting feel with new ideas and actions (maybe make that big investment purchase you keep talking about—idk, just do something wild). Your year will be a focus on the growth of your finances (typical), confidence, and personal outlook (lol).

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Aquarius

Since last year, your sign has been in stubborn Taurus (so it’s a fair assumption to make that your life feels like the personification of mixed signals). With inflexible energy of Taurus mismatching the experimental energy of your parent planet, Uranus, you should stay conscious of your efforts to stay true to your flexible personality (or risk letting Taurus make you an inflexible bull for the rest of the year). A break will come around mid-August to the end of the year with Uranus going into retrograde, giving you a chance to be the rebel you so need to be. 2020 see you focus on the growth of your spirituality, compassion, and tolerance.

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Pisces

Neptune, your mother sign, travels through your sign all year, making it very important to do what you do best: dream. You need to listen to your intuition and messages from your dreams (at some point I feel like this is all y’all can do lol), but be very aware of the retrograde of Jupiter occurring from June to November where your dreamy landscape could come crashing down. In the end, you may end up finding yourself picking up the pieces of the facade you created, but you’ll come out with a stronger grip of the reality that's around you. This year will be all about the growth of your dreams, emotional health, and friendships.

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Quad Style: Yolanda Dong

Hi, I’m Yolanda, currently a third year in the college pursuing a double major in Psychology and Visual Arts. I participate in MODA as a designer for the show, an assistant beauty editor for the magazine, and a blog member. My hobbies and interests include mixed media art, karaoke, photoshoots, skiing and snowboarding, traveling, and playing with my pomeranian BAO.

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How would you describe your personal style?

I love things that are complicated — my style too. I like to wear excessive amount of accessories — hats, sunglasses, earrings, necklace, belts, etc. — that adds on to the complexity and completeness of the look. The main color schemes are black, white, and grey while I like how colors of the accessories pop here and there. I would say that my style is also futuristic, and eccentric at times.

I had three looks for the shoot. The first was a clash of leather, denim, and fur, featuring a heavy silver chained crossbody wallet. The inner top piece is from Marine Serre, the glasses were from a collab of Fendi and Gentle Monster, and the wallet on chain is from Kara

Where do you find style inspiration?

My style always change perhaps because people like different things at different points of time. My inspiration mainly comes from Instagram and other social media platforms. I like being exposed to and learn new brands that bloggers tag in their posts. But mostly my style depends on my mood that day — what kind of look I’m feeling that day.

“My style always change perhaps because people like different things at different points of time. ”

Where do you like to shop?

I used to shop a lot in malls with my mom in middle school and high school. Nowadays I like to shop mostly online since it gets pretty cold in Chicago winters. I especially like concept shops and buyer collection stores such as ESSENSE, Opening Ceremony, 10 Corso Como, and Dover Street Market that offer wide variety of selections and creative, immersive user experiences both online and offline. It feels like buying unique concepts and aesthetics and not the clothes themselves.

The second look was a shirt with a leather corset for the top and snakeskin printed faux leather skirt for the bottom, matched with a hat from Misbhv and crystal hand bag from Alexander Wang

The third look had a corset top from Dion Lee and matching blazer and bottom shorts, matched with a vintage Prada Hobo bag and sunglasses from Celine. The platform boots I am wearing throughout the shoot is from Prada. The other pieces were from independent designers brands from Chinese and American online shops.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

I really liked to wear hairbands everyday in middle school and that has kind of become my signature look that time. In retrospect, it seems kind of naive but I guess that was how I was feeling at the time.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

Fashion has definitely grown from my interest to a career path that I want to pursue in the future. I used to only pay attention to different designer brands and what celebrities wear. Now, I focus on how my outfits or styles would have conversations in particular situations and surroundings and I also try designing different makeup looks to match the style of the day. It usually take me 1.5-2 hrs to prepare my outfit and makeup and hair so I’ve definitely come to put more care and effort into fashion nowadays.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is definitely a part of building my self image. It’s like a resume or an introduction of myself to others so it’s important for me to have a particular fashion style, be bold, and not to fear catching others’ attention.

“It’s like a resume or an introduction of myself to others so it’s important for me to have a particular fashion style, be bold, and not to fear catching others’ attention. ”

In your opinion, are there notable differences in style and fashion between China and here in the States?

It would be hard to say the distinctive differences in styles between China and the US because even within each country, there are different trends and styles. I would say that with the increasing mingling of cultures and easy access to information online, the boarders are blurred. Overall, I think there is a more free, comfort, and athletic vibe in the States compared to China. Very rarely would older generations in China think that it’s ok to wear leggings out.

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Photos courtesy of Elliot Duprey.

In 2020, Try Filming One Second Every Day

With the dawn of the new year comes an onslaught of New Year’s Resolutions. This year, if you’re looking for a New Year’s Resolution that’s highly rewarding but easy to commit to, consider making a One Second Every Day video.

The concept is simple: you film one second each day, and you compile your clips together at the end of the year to look back at your memories. Because you only have to film one second each day, the project is incredibly low-commitment. The 1 Second Everyday app even sends you daily reminders so you don’t have to worry about remembering to film. Even with such a low commitment, you get over 6 minutes’ worth of content to look back at the end of the year. The end result is a beautiful video that’s a great way for you and your family and friends to reflect on your favorite memories from the year.

I’ve been filming every day for the past two years, and it’s been a great experience! If I want to remember what I was doing a certain day, I can just pull up the video I filmed that day for a refresher. I also love rewatching my videos to remind myself of the moments I’m lucky to have had. In the midst of life’s stress, it can be easy to forget that happy moments exist, but capturing such moments every day is a great reminder that life is always better than it seems.

What better time to start documenting your daily life than the new year? Get started by downloading the free 1 Second Everyday app. All you have to do is upload your videos to the app, and it mashes them together for you. Happy recording!

1 Second Everyday - 2017

I filmed one second of every day of my life during 2017. This is what it looked like.

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Why I Love The Rankin/Bass Cinematic Universe

December: the apex of consumerist joy, the holy grail of awkward family interactions, the pinnacle of overindulgence. No matter how long or hard a year has felt, I anxiously await December not for the good food, gifts, or holiday break, but because of the movies. To me, nothing says ‘tis the season like the claymation Christmas specials from Rankin/Bass Productions. With their big eyes, full hearts, and intricate backstories, every holiday icon is made lovably relatable in the RBCU (Rankin/Bass Cinematic Universe, which I will soon be trademarking). What gives it the lofty and coveted Cinematic Universe label? Rankin/Bass took massive liberties with holiday characters, a practice that peaked with the release of Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas In July (1979), and no, I couldn’t make that up if I tried. Crossovers galore. From aspiring elf dentists to big eared baby personifications of the New Year, Rankin/Bass strikes the perfect balance of wacky, sweet, and inspiring. Corniness and all, these movies never fail to get me in the holiday spirit.

Perhaps the most iconic Christmas special of all time and certainly the definitive version of Rudolph’s story is their version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Rudolph was their holiday icon that started it all—the Iron Man of the RBCU, if you will. You might be clouded by the title song-induced nostalgia and have forgotten the signature brand of Rankin/Bass weirdness in the movie. Rudolph makes friends with a miner and an elf who wants to be a dentist, visits an island ruled by a dictatorial winged lion, kills an Abominable Snowman, and, of course, saves Christmas.

The songs are complete and total bops, from Rudolph and Hermey the dentist elf’s “I want” duet We’re A Couple Of Misfits to Christmas anthem The Most Wonderful Day of the Year, sung by toys deemed defective and exiled to the Island of Misfit Toys. The “outcasts are cool” message is a delightful and uncommon one in the canon of Christmas movies which usually center on believing, peace on earth, goodwill toward men, etc. It’s refreshing to see another spin on the “true meaning of Christmas” cliche. Misfit toys forever!

Physically unable to leave well enough alone, the Rankin/Bass team sought to extend the holiday spirit for just five days longer and tap as much as possible out of the Rudolph gold mine, and thank God they did! Their overreaching gave us the only Christmas special I can’t go without seeing during the holiday season, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year. What didn't it have? The baby New Year, named Happy, runs away because people make fun of his huge ears, Father Time sends Rudolph to the Archipelago of Last Years to save him from Eon the evil vulture who will die at the end of the year and has thus kidnapped the Baby New Year to keep the year from ending. Along the way he befriends a whale, a caveman, the three bears from the Goldilocks tale, and Ben Franklin. It is positively insane and endlessly endearing.

While less iconic than its predecessor, my humble opinion is that the songs are superior. Father Time explains the unstoppable passage of time with The Moving Finger Writes, a sweet montage of a baby new year growing old that makes me inexplicably emotional? But my absolute favorite part of this movie is the awfully animated and beamingly optimistic It’s Raining Sunshine, sung by Rudolph’s caveman companion. Watch this painfully low quality video of it and tell me you didn’t smile.

The other major hero of the RBCU is the jolly man himself, Kris Kringle. Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town is hands down the best origin story I’ve ever seen, telling the story of how Santa Claus came to be. He evolves from boy to legend, making him the comparable Captain America of the RBCU. This special hits the ground sprinting with a stop-motion animated Fred Astaire (!) as the narrating mailman. Kris Kringle is an orphan adopted by toy-making elves, there’s a grumpy Winter Warlock who gets a redemption arc, and the mayor of a place called Sombertown, where toys are banned, is named Burgermeister Meisterburger. Priceless. This is perhaps the apex of Rankin/Bass magic, with a deeply lovable lead, fun side characters and so much plot.

The songs don’t measure up to Rudolph standards, as they mostly serve as plot devices, but Fred Astaire’s rendition of the title song is cute and Santa’s inspirational song encouraging the Winter Warlock to finally leave his ice hideout is exceedingly wholesome. A solid addition to the canon, overall.

The continuity of the RBCU continues seamlessly with the release of The Year Without a Santa Claus in which Santa gets sick, has an identity crisis, and cancels Christmas. But Santa is nearly irrelevant in this special, as campy side characters Snow Miser and Heat Miser completely steal the show. Mrs. Claus and Co. need the diametrically opposed Misers to compromise on the weather so that Christmas can happen, or something, but their characters are so creatively conceptualized that the rest of the movie honestly falls away. The Misers are snarky, fun, unique, and deserved more time in the franchise!

Frosty the Snowman receives only an honorable mention—it’s the Ed Norton Incredible Hulk of the RBCU (replaceable, unlike the others, and drastically different from the sequels). Frosty inexplicably got the hand-drawn animation treatment rather than stop motion, which loses points in my book, but it gets credit as the definitive version of Frosty.

TL;DR—skip the overplayed and dubiously moral Charlie Brown specials this year in favor of the creativity, joy, inspiration and overall superiority of Rankin/Bass Christmas fare.

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Feature image via.

Fashion on YouTube: A Facet Worth Exploring

YouTube really is something. There’s nothing you can’t find on it. There are always new genres of home-produced content, new forms of vlogs, new “lo-fi chill study music” videos waiting to be discovered. But there’s so little time and so many recommended-video-playlist-rabbit-holes to avoid! I’ve got you covered. Get a taste of some style vloggers the world is enjoying right now, and let’s form some opinions.

Favourite Outfit via

bestdressed

bestdressed, run by the recent UCLA graduate Ashley, started off as your average “I’m trying to be an influencer” channel, but now has a whole 2.3 million followers. Full of thrift hauls, thrift flips, lookbooks and collaborations with other YouTubers, she also films occasional room makeovers and even conversations with her followers on twitter. Her style is preppy with a lot of thrifted vintage items being moulded into current trends (not too hard since the 90s are literally back).

I liked her a lot, you know, I really did. Her obsession with gingham and ruffled babydoll tops dipped in pastels and floral patterns were my Urban-Outfitters-flavoured wet dream. But now her style seems a little repetitive, and maybe even juvenile. Her thrifting finds get more and more refined each time, and she maintains her cute editing style with the captions chalked on in a handwritten font. But I crave a fresher take. And fewer forced monologues on the patriarchy, being awkward and being single (we get it Ashley- ur rElAtaBLe). I, however, will not stop drooling over her collection of strappy sandals from the 2000s, chunky buckled boots and pointy-toed slip-ons with the small wedge heels.

Favourite Video: 30 BACK TO SCHOOL OUTFITS to help you survive the school year

Studio86

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Sisters Bao and Sheng run this chic channel that is admirably focused on delivering as a fashion blog. Dotted with some skincare tutorials, majority of this channel is thrift hauls, thrift flips and lookbooks. My personal favourite- the section dedicated to exploring the versatility of the items in their wardrobe, called “Maximize Your Wardrobe” (they once created a hundred outfits from fifteen garments?!). Versatility is the backbone of affordable yet innovative street style and they keep that in mind.

Their essence lies in the maturity and composure that their outfits convey. A collage of solid earthy tones presented in unique silhouettes, I think of culottes, linen button-downs and straight-legged jeans when I think of them. Unfortunately, I also think of every single search result for “minimalist fashion” on Pinterest when I think of them (it’s all those oversized blazers!). Their outfits sometimes border unexciting and their colour palette, unadventurous- two words anyone would hate to describe style as. But they pull everything off with elegance, and elegance is an accessory that everyone can use.

Favourite Video: HOW TO PUT TOGETHER AN OUTFIT 101

Shahd Batal

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One of my more recent discoveries, Shahd’s style leaves me intrigued. She is more of a lifestyle vlogger, with daily routines, make-up tips and a whole set of “Get Ready With Me” videos. Her fashion videos are mostly hauls and look books that showcase her less conventional style. Shahd’s outfits don’t conform to any single aesthetic or colour scheme, so you could find looks bestdressed would endorse and outfits that look like a Studio86 creation in her videos, with her own twist to them.

Shahd takes the opposing aesthetics of hypebeast and minimalist chic and sandwiches them together. Her fresh spins on current trends leave me grinning, like the time she layered two handbags to add a new dimension to the tiny-grandma-purse fad or when she paired a trendy snakeskin print in her hijab with a solid rust gown. The only thing that you can find faults in is her editing. Her footage isn’t as sharply or stylishly edited as the others in this article, making the experience less visually appealing. But no one can doubt, her style is exciting.

Favourite Video: WHAT I WORE IN A WEEK

Valeria Lipovetsky

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Another one of my more recent discoveries, Valeria has actually been around for a while and is more popular than most vloggers I have mentioned here, with over a million subscribers. Valeria is a model turned influencer, a nutritionist and a mother of 3 adorable boys whose childhood she documents in her weekly vlogs. Valeria, being older, has a more sophisticated style but still puts in some livelier, more individual touches here and there.

You get a sense of how to look put-together with Valeria, as she guides you through season essentials in flawlessly shot and edited videos. There’s something so relaxing about watching her crisply trimmed clips compiled with upbeat music; it’s like ASMR for fashion-vlog-junkies like me. Her little habit of letting a fluorescent, contrasting bra peek through a silk cami and layering a blazer under oversized coats add personality to her work. Her channel is not the most experimental, though, and she seems fixated on the idea of her outfits appearing “expensive.” But you go to it for more sombre everyday looks curated with class.

Favourite Video: 10 Coats You NEED This Season | **Winter Essentials** (her best editing yet)

CatCreature

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Probably the most artsy on this list, CatCreature or Anabelle is a RISD student and her channel is a whole lot of vlogging with bits of style here and there. I included her in this list because all the rules that Valeria might recommend you follow, all the colours Studio86 would be too shy to touch and all the trends that bestdressed isn’t able to explore fully, all come together in the few fashion videos that Cat puts up.

Her hauls come seasoned with informed monologues about textiles and garment supply chain and all that good (important) stuff you should know when choosing your outfits. Her make up is bright and coordinated with her art-museum-souvenir-shop accessories (her handmade blown glass peach earrings!!) to complement her simple but adventurous style. There’s not much fashion on the blog, so to say, but the little there is- I’m a fan. But then again, artsy isn’t the only way of doing experimental, and is certainly not what everyone looks for, so I would go in with a pinch of salt.

Favourite Video: 🌤OOTW- Last Sunny Days Before Autumn \\ CatCreature (my actual favourite is this video she took down D’: so this will suffice )

These channels capture people’s attention with their unique takes on style. We love wardrobes with perspective, and they’ve got exactly that to offer.

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Top 5 Style Comebacks from the 70s & 80s

With 2020 approaching, MODA Blog rounds up the best, worst, and most iconic phenoms of the 2010s.

I’ve always liked to think of fashion as an investment, justifying purchases by invoking the cyclical nature of trends. “It doesn’t matter if this becomes outmoded. It might be next year, next decade or next half-century… but it will return.” Pieces that our parents, or even grandparents, once wore in decades past seem to be increasingly re-emerging, inspiring the present and future of fashion’s latest. Trends that we thought, and sometimes wished, would never make a comeback are on the rise: here are the top five 70s and 80s revivals:

1. Mullets

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Bringing to mind images of the legendary David Bowie and his Ziggy Stardust mullet, GQ Men says the following about this returning haircut: “mullets always were provocative, abrasive haircuts – and taking little skill to execute they were inherently DIY, thus channelling Swampy-style eco-warrior sensibilities.” (GQ). If you’re looking for a new re-birth, why not visit your local hairdresser before the new year sets off?

2. Corduroy

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Corduroy is a type of material, distinguished by its textured feel and “cord” pattern. Throughout history, it was mostly used in the making clothes for royals or noblemen. Nowadays, the pattern is incredibly versatile; it can range from trendy, to retro or from casual to smart, depending on how you style it. For instance, if you’re looking for something that adapts to current times, try regular or skinny-fit corduroy pants. If you’re looking to fully channel past times, maybe opt boot-cut pants instead. 

Check out this article for more inspiration on How to Wear Corduroy this coming season: Fashion Trend Walk

3. Baggy Ankle-Length Trousers

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Somewhat of a melange between sweatpants and dad-jeans, “a decade and a handful of half-hearted pants trends later, we've finally found a silhouette with the potential to rival the skinny jean era in a real way.” (Refinery29).

The best part about this upcoming trend? Fashion meets comfort!

4. Grandpa Jumpers

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…most recently styled by the one and only Harry Styles: “the clash of bold stripes and kitschy graphics is like a delicious optical illusion. The pants are hiked-up just enough to add a hint of tailoring and definition to the silhouette, while the shoes and their uplifting colour make for a perfect contrast (Vogue). It definitely sparked images of late 80s/early 90s fashion icon Princess Diana!

5. Flares

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One of the on-going debates of recent years… will jean flares ever make a comeback?  According to Glamour, the key lies in sprinkling some modern spice onto the trend, with pairings such as “self-tie silk blouses, flatforms, and really good tailoring keep the look contemporary, for example; split hems offer a brand-new take on a classic leg shape.” (Glamour)

Review: Camille Norment, "Untitled (red flame)"

Haunting in its simplistic glory, Camille Norment’s newest work “Untitled (red flame)” is a must-see.

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The exhibition room is dark, save for a corner that’s faintly illuminated red. There is a trio of red megaphones in the center of the room whose hums make the floor faintly shake. At its base is a red light that gives the megaphones an eerie glow. All around are sounds of fire - crackling, snapping, the low hum of anticipation and fear, the dull roar of a burn. I can almost feel the heat of the flame on my skin. Standing there, I am suspended in a moment of both nothingness and action. This is “Untitled (red flame)” an immersive sound-based installation by Camille Norment.

A US-born sound artist currently based in Oslo, Norment’s work combines sonic and visual elements into an immersive and compelling installation. Here, Norment uses fire and speech to explore issues such as community, autonomy, remembering the past, and moving forward.

Norment uses fire and speech to explore issues such as community, autonomy, remembering the past, and moving forward.

At the Artist Tour on November 15, 2019, Norment talked about her inspirations in creating the work, which range from church bells in French towns to the feedback sound of a room. For example, Norment took inspiration from the town bell, which appears as a low hum in the installation, as a sign of unity, protest, and warning. Likewise, Norment, citing influential sound artists from the 60s, saw the continuing feedback loop in the exhibit as a reflection of moving backward in order to move forward, a moment of evolution amidst revolution. She also went into detail about the process of creating the installation, which uses sounds taken from locals in the South Side and were manipulated into creating fire-like sounds. A reflection of agency and autonomy, these voices appear as the fire-like sounds that envelope the exhibit.

…a reflection of moving backward in order to move forward, a moment of evolution amidst revolution.

“Untitled (red flame)” is available until January 5, 2020 in the Logan Center.

Images courtesy of Karina Holbrook

International Singer-Songwriters You Should Know

A list of all the international musicians that you’ve probably never heard of, but need to add to your playlist immediately! Click below for the accompanying Spotify playlist, plus some extras and honorable mentions that almost made the list. Keep reading for more information about the artists.

1. AURORA (Norway)

Norwegian born and raised AURORA is trying to spread kindness through her songs. Often compared to Björk and Lorde, the 23 year old singer and songwriter produces memorable pop tunes with enchanting lyrics. To top it off, the performer gives off strong Princess Mononoke vibes in both her music and her personal style. 

https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/aurora-different-kind-human-step-2-review

2. ¿Teo? (Colombian-American)

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Colombian-American singer ¿Teo? is changing the landscape of the genre that he calls “neo-American.” Although his inclusion on this list could be contested, his Colombian heritage shows in the lyrics and style of his music. ¿Teo? sings both in Spanish and in English, incorporates smooth Bossa-Nova influences into his sound, and is known for running a creative project with Jaden Smith.

https://soundazed.com/review-teo-u-street-music-hall-04-05-19-photos/

3. Freya Ridings (UK)

A rising star, Freya made a name for herself with her original song “Lost Without You” in 2018 which became a platinum-selling song. This UK-singer’s music is both beautiful and haunting. Her voice and extraordinary songwriting has enchanted her fans. The majority of her music was recorded live. In fact, she did not release a studio-produced album until this year. Though the studio album is smoother sounding, the live recordings contain far more raw emotion in them and demonstrate her incredible talent better than the studio album.

http://atwoodmagazine.com/trca-freya-ridings-castles-song-review/

4. Nakhane (South Africa)

The talented Nakhane is not just a singer-songwriter, but also an author and actor. The path that he has carved out for himself, both as an artist and as a human being, is admirable and inspiring. Originally hailing from an incredibly religious upbringing, Nakhane broke away from his community and from Christian “conversion therapy”, moved to Johannesburg, and publically came out and celebrated his queerness in his very first album Brave Confusion in 2013. His electro-pop sound meshes well with his smooth voice, lending an interesting sound to his music.

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/8494112/nakhane-anohni-new-brighton

5. ONUKA (Ukraine)

Ukrainian electro-folk is probably the most unlikely collection of words you will read today. ONUKA (translated as “granddaughter”) is a project that aims to revive traditional Ukrainian instruments (like the bandura). Don’t be fooled though, this group of artists creates dance music like no other and has taken to the stage all over, including Eurovision.

https://empr.media/opinion/interviews/onuka-30th-anniversary-chornobyl-nuclear-disaster/

6. Nina Abdel Malak (Lebanon)

Lebanese singer Nina Abdel Malak is an absolute sensation. Starting out as a contestant on Star Academy Arabia, a pan-Arab t.v. show that trains candidates to compete against one another in a talent show, Nina has carved herself out a spot in the charts and in the hearts of her fans. Her music combines both traditional Lebanese instruments and electronic and dance elements.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10392140/mediaindex?ref_=tt_mv_close

7. Okean Elzy (Ukraine)

Easily characterized as the Ukrainian Radiohead, Okean Elzy (translated as “Elza’s Ocean”) has entirely revolutionized the Ukrainian music scene in the past decade. Outside of their incredible musical influence (they are the most well known and beloved band in Ukraine and many other post-Soviet countries), Okean Elzy’s songs and lead singer Svyatoslav Vakarchuk are known for carrying strong political messages. In fact, there was even a sizeable movement for Vakarchuk to run for the office of president of Ukraine (he never did).

https://www.songkick.com/artists/449779-okean-elzy

8. Ana Guerra (Spain)

Ana Guerra is another product of a TV talent competition. The singer finished 5th in the reality show and nearly represented Spain at Eurovision with her top hit “Lo Malo.” Her sound is reminiscent of Dua Lipa and Rosalía.

https://diariodeavisos.elespanol.com/2018/07/ana-guerra-soy-la-primera-que-tengo-inseguridades-y-lucho-contra-ellas-la-perfeccion-no-existe-la-imperfeccion-es-mas-bonita/

9. Sigrid (Norway)

Another Norwegian indie-pop powerhouse, Sigrid releases relatable songs with incredibly catchy beats. Her top songs sound more like Dua Lipa with eclectic drum beats. With songs like “Don’t Kill My Vibe” and “Don’t Feel Like Crying” Sigrid delivers for all your empowering pop needs.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/508343876685272382/?lp=true

10. Anushka Jag (India)

This Indian singer-songwriter is new to the music scene. Splitting her time between Mumbai and Los Angeles, she’s so far churned out 3 incredibly catchy singles. A little known fact is that she has a degree from the London School of Economics and has previously worked as a TV reporter in Mumbai. Now making most of her music in LA, Anushka is hard at work releasing pop music.

https://medium.com/@kkingme2003/the-anushka-jag-project-d2cf57314e0d

Honorable mentions:

RM (Kim Nam-joon of BTS, Korea)

Мы (Stylized in English as “We”, Israeli-Russian band)

HYUKOH (Korea)

Mahmood (Italy)

Soap&Skin (Austria)

Monetochka (Russia)

Leebrian (Puerto Rico)

Vald (France)

ionnalee (Sweden)

The Top 10 Films of the 2010's

With 2020 approaching, MODA Blog rounds up the best, worst, and most iconic phenoms of the 2010s.

The 2010s has seen a rise in media as an aspect of culture with ever-increasing impact. Now more than ever, movies and film dictate and reflect politics, fashion, and music of our time. With this cultural impact has come a new question for the age: is cinema entertainment or art with purpose? While film houses such as A24 usher in the era of the indie film, some entertainment companies are further monopolizing the industry (see: Disney buying Marvel). And as the Oscars continue to decline in popularity, it is evident that film critique is no longer an expert skill: social media has given the consumer a newfound platform to engage with the film industry. So in this spirit of conscious viewership, it’s time to round up the top ten of the 2010s: indie films, blockbusters, coming-of-age, and horror alike.

10. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

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Just barely released during this decade, Edgar Wright’s cult classic redefined the action film, right around the rise of Marvel’s formulaic approach to the genre. What makes “Scott Pilgrim” so enjoyable is not only the star-studded cast of indie darlings and baby film-stars who all give great performances (Michael Cera himself, Aubrey Plaza, Anna Kendrick, Chris Evans, Brie Larson), but Ramona Flowers’ characterization as the antithesis of the manic pixie dream girl singlehandedly destroys the archetype that popularized rom-coms of the previous decade. Bottomline, it’s a smart film, loaded with quotable dialogue, dedicated set design, a stellar soundtrack, and it pays homage to its comic book roots.

9. Hustlers (2019)

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Coming in at the tail-end of the decade is Lorene Scafaria’s heist drama about strippers during the financial crash of 2008. Starring JLo and Constance Wu, with Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, Cardi B, and Lizzo in minor roles, the film made waves at the box office following its release in September. It also generated some controversy, calling into question JLo’s alleged mistreatment of actual strippers she studied for her role in the movie, and the temporary loss of income the film caused for strippers at Show Palace, the actual club where many of the scenes are shot. All things considering, the film does a great job of staying faithful to the real tale it adapts from, and crafts a believable and realistic narrative of workers in an industry often deemed too explicit for media representation.

8. I, Tonya (2017)

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“I was loved for a minute. Then, I was hated. Then, I was a punch line.” Craig Gillespie’s drama film recounting Tonya Harding’s story of the 1994 attack on Nancy Kerrigan for which she is most known for, as well as other pivotal moments in her career and life, is a masterpiece of the biopic genre. Elements of comedy and docufilm combine to create an honest depiction of the controversial and prolific ice skater, given a new life by the talented rising star Margot Robbie. The best part of “I, Tonya” is its reliance on an unreliable narrator. Based on “irony-free, wildly contradictory, totally true” interviews, Gillespie puts the final judgment in the hands of the viewer by recreating interview clips of key figures in Harding’s life that act as character confessionals and incorporating dialogue interjections that break the fourth wall. All in all, this is a classic underdog tale.

7. Roma (2018)

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Alfonso Cuarón’s autobiographical drama was awarded the Oscar for Best Picture at last year’s ceremony, and deservedly so. The film is a period piece that follows an indigenous maid in Mexico during the political turmoil of the 1970’s. Throughout its two-hour running time, every possible thing that could go wrong in protagonist Cleo’s life does go wrong, and we are given a clear sense of her character, desires, and worries. Somewhat based off of Cuarón’s own mother, Roma crafts the narrative with a characteristic intimacy and intention, which is only further enhanced by his choice to film in black and white. This greyscale coloring goes much deeper than aesthetics; it also implies a nuance that is representative of the student-led revolution that provides a backdrop to the film, and the racial dynamics at play in the white Hispanic household Cleo cares for. Overall, this is a gorgeous film with political undertones that hint at the upheaval of this decade.

6. Heaven Knows What (2014)

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The Safdie Brothers made some waves at film festivals in recent years for their most recent projects “Good Time” starring Robert Pattinson and “Uncut Gems” starring Adam Sandler. But while “Heaven Knows What” follows the similar gritty New York City tone characteristic of the Safdies’ filmography, it stands alone in its timely and honest portrayal of the opioid crisis. The Safdie Brothers paid recovering addict Arielle Holmes through rehab, in order for her to finish the book for which the film is based on. Holmes stars as herself, along with a rotating cast of junkies and panhandlers who play minor roles in Holmes’ chaotic daily life. From its exposition, “Heaven Knows What” has you always on the edge of your seat, and is a feat of the street film genre.

5. Hereditary (2018)

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Since it seems like Toni Collette won’t receive her dues at the Oscars anytime soon, I’ll say it here: Ms. Toni, you’re doing great. Ari Aster’s psychological thriller about grief and (without giving away too much) family secrets stars Collette as matriarch of the Graham family, alongside Nat Wolff and newcomer Milly Shapiro. And while some were disappointed with the conclusion of the film, I think Aster does a fine job of carefully foreshadowing future events without being predictable or relying on cheap jump scares. Instead of shaming the cheesy horror of the past decade, Aster pays thematic homage to that era, making “Hereditary” a sort of pastiche. In a post-Paranormal Activity era, Aster is bringing the thrill back to the thriller genre.

4. Eighth Grade (2018)

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While the 2010s have seen many a breakout features, Bo Burnham’s “Eighth Grade” stands out among the rest as a candid portrayal of children growing up in the Internet age. The film follows Kayla, played by Elsie Fisher, navigating her last week of middle school. At times painful to watch, Kayla’s journey to self-confidence lands her in situations both comical and dangerous, but all true to the social media-dominated times in which we live. A triumph of the adult comedy genre, “Eighth Grade” stands out from its predecessors, because of its underlying seriousness: Burnham covers school shootings, social anxiety, and sexual assault, all while weaving in raunchy jokes and comforting monologues from Kayla’s single dad. It is guaranteed to leave you in tears from laughter or sadness for your middle school self, seen vicariously through this awkward protagonist.

3. Get Out (2017)

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You’re all probably tired of hearing about it, but the cultural impact of “Get Out” is not to be understated. Coming out of a decade where black people were always the first to die, the butt of the joke, or just flat-out nonexistent in horror, Jordan Peele reclaims the genre and gives it depth with an obvious racial commentary. “Get Out” also truly exemplified the impact of social media on marketing and blockbuster success, and what’s even more impressive is that this was Peele’s breakout film. A first of its kind “social horror,” Daniel Kaluuya is an excellent leading actor, and Lil Rel Howery provides just the right amount of comic relief for the film to remain serious, while dealing with such heavy subject matter.

2. Sorry To Bother You (2018)

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Let’s make one thing clear: “Sorry to Bother You” is not 2018’s “Get Out.” Where “Get Out” is horror, “Sorry to Bother You” is absurdist. Boots Riley takes all of Peele’s racial commentary and goes one step further to craft a daring and radical film experience that criticizes late-stage capitalism. Through his not-so-subtle metaphor of WorryFree alluding to Amazon and the idea of white-voice that drives the film, Riley makes clear his political agenda, only expounded upon through sci-fi elements. “Sorry to Bother You” has many moving parts that through its nearly two-hour running time, begin to muddy; it is not easy viewing. Still, in a time where labor exploitation is only ramping up, Riley is recalling early cinematic roots in propaganda and returning film to its earlier purposeful functionality. Also, Tessa Thompson’s and Lakeith Stanfield’s Cash are excellent as a modern-day, revolutionary Bonnie and Clyde.

1. Moonlight (2016)

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“This is not a joke. Moonlight has won best picture.” The mix-up between La La Land and Moonlight at the 2017 Oscars may have been an iconic moment in pop culture, but beyond the controversy stands a film that truly merits a Best Picture award, not only for 2017 but for the entire decade of the 2010s. With a black gay man as its protagonist, it is a love story never put to the big screen before. It is also a coming-of-age, offering representation to narratives too often stereotyped in film and TV: the black drug-dealer, in a low-income neighborhood, subject to the violence of poverty since childhood. Never before has this cliché of black men been given such visible nuance, and with such raw candor from young actors, namely Alex R. Hibbert and Ashton Sanders. Based on the unpublished screenplay In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, Barry Jenkins crafts this film in a stunning color palette that is a testament to his talent as a visual storyteller.

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MODA Blog Favorites: November 2019

Welcome to MODA Blog Favorites! This is our monthly series where MODA Bloggers, photographers and editors let you know what we’re loving this month! Here’s what the team is loving, hopefully bringing you a monthly dosage of inspiration.

Andrew

Minimalism Art Bullet Journals

As an avid bullet journalist, I’m really picky about the stationery I use. I was looking for a cheaper alternative to some of the more popular bullet journals and I stumbled across Minimalism Art on Amazon. They’re a San Fransisco based company that produces really nice journals with a wide range of colors, paper types and accessories. I’ve actually been using their smaller and cheaper classic notebook to design my collection for this year’s show and I find that high quality stationery motivates me to work harder.

ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner

Now that winter’s here, I needed to transition my skincare from dealing with summer’s oiliness to our beloved midwestern chill. I started using ACWELL’s Licorice pH Balancing toner and OH MY GOD, it is INCREDIBLE. Formulated with a pH of 5.5, the toner helps return your skin to its natural pH, and it contains Green Tea Extract, which is a holy grail ingredient for anyone who has to deal with acne. It definitely softens and brightens my skin and a little goes a long way. If you’re looking for a winter skin fix, I highly recommend this toner.

Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream

I picked up this moisturizer with the above toner, and I think the combo of both is really what’s pulling me through winter. While I was originally sceptical of the small size, I now see that the tiniest bit of this moisturizer can cover me for a full day of bone chilling cold. The moisturizer contains Jojoba Oil, and Shea butter which are incredibly potent moisturizing ingredients, as well as Ceramide 3, which helps repair the skin barrier. With its small size and hyper hydration, this product is also perfect for taking on planes for the holidays; big recommend for the chilly season.

Images via here, here and here.

Katherine Maschka Hitchcock

Buxom Full-on Plumping Lip Polish Gloss

I recently rediscovered this lipgloss after tossing it a few years ago in a wave of minimalist purging but I have now decided that it is an absolute necessity. The formula is so smooth and is infused with mint so your lips feel fresh and tingly after application.

Sephora Collection Hippie Girl Eyeshadow

Every time I wear this shade I get mad compliments on my eyeshadow. It’s the perfect shimmery pink and it’s only 8 bucks!

Philips Wake-up Light HF3520/60

As an LA native I am used to waking up with the sun streaming into my bedroom every morning and so Chicago winters hit me like a truck. This alarm clock makes the miserable winters slightly easier. The alarm slowly brightens to wake you up naturally and then can play bird noises so you feel like Cinderella even if you feel like Maleficent.

images via here, here and here.

Eleni

Tower 28 Beauty’s SOS Save.Our.Skin Daily Rescue Facial Spray

I was skeptical about this spray at first because it only has 3 ingredients: water, sodium chloride, and hypochlorus acid. According to Tower 28’s description, hypochlorus acid is found in our white blood cells, “so when applied to the skin, HOCl triggers an immune boost, which then signals your body to repair and heal irritated skin.” I don’t know about all that, but this spray has turned out to be an essential product in my skincare routine. I use it twice a day before moisturizing and it has calmed my redness and facial irritation like no other product I’ve ever tried.

Nature Made’s Melatonin Gummies

I don’t take these gummies every night, but when my sleep schedule is off for one reason or another (naps, travel, late night studying) these help a lot with falling asleep at night.

The recommended dose is 10mg, but I just take one 5mg gummy and I’m out within minutes. They taste good and I have not experienced any side effects.

Antica Farmacista Diffuser

This diffuser has saved my room from that musty dorm smell. Plus, people who come to my room always compliment the scent– I’m hoping the nice smell distracts from the otherwise unacceptable mess. My favorite scent right now is the orange blossom, lilac, and jasmine.

images via here, here, here

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Featured image via Andrew Chang

Chicago's 24th Annual Christkindlmarket is Now Open for the Season!

A Festive Chicago Tradition

As the Chicago days get colder, it’s become tempting to stay in my dorm room, turn up my radiator, and binge watch holiday episodes of Friends. However, to stay indoors this holiday season would be a mistake. Starting November 15th, Chicago opened its largest open-air Christmas market. And the festival is well-worth the trip North to Daley Plaza.

Inspired by Nuremberg, Germany’s famed Christkindlmarket (which began in 1545!), this year marks Chicago’s 24th Annual Christkindlmarket. The festival has grown over the years, to include a wide range of vendors from around the world—selling everything from fresh strudel, potato pancakes, and hot apple cider, to intricate Cuckoo clocks, pewter holiday ornaments, and Matryoshka dolls. Since I was little, I’ve loved attending Chicago’s Christkindlmarket with extended family and friends.

The Vendors: A Selection of My Favorites

To navigate Chicago’s Christkindlmarket with a to-do list of “must-see” vendors would be to miss the point. After all, the market is about more than completing holiday checklists. And while it’s undoubtedly a great opportunity for gift-purchasing and holiday photos, it’s also worth taking the time to enjoy the festive atmosphere; for a few hours in downtown Chicago, visitors feel as though they’ve been transported to a German fairytale. And the experience itself is worth pausing to enjoy.

Nonetheless, I left this year’s market with a few favorite vendors worth mentioning. And what follows is a description of a few standout vendors - although it is by no means exhaustive. The point is not to create a “must-see” list; rather, the point is to illustrate the wide variety of fun holiday goods, available this year.

Arrow Mattick: Homemade Soaps, Wickless Candles, and Natural Products from Crystal Lake, IL

Located just to the left of the Christkindlmarket’s main entrance, Arrow Mattick’s wickless candles may have been my favorite find, this year. Since moving into UChicago’s housing, I’ve really missed the scent of burning candles. And while string lights can act as aesthetic candle-replacements, I had wrongly assumed that there was no replacement for the scent of holiday candles. However, Arrow Mattick produces a wide selection of wickless candles—which smell great, without the hassle of a flame (and the fear of accidentally burning down my dorm). My favorite three scents from Arrow Mattick are Christmas Pine, Merry Mistletoe, and Berry Christmas. I opened a wickless Christmas Pine candle on my dresser, as soon as I returned from this year’s market - and now my room smells like fresh Christmas trees!

TeaGeschwendner: Premium Loose Leaf Tea from Chicago, IL and Meckenheim, Germany

It was admittedly difficult to narrow down the choices at this vendor’s stall. With teas ranging from Rooibush Eggnog, Rooibush Cream Caramel, and black Christmas, to a Tea Advent Calendar, the stall offers many holiday-inspired teas. My favorites were the Snowman Tea and the Rooibush Eggnog.

Wooden Wonders: Traditional Hand-Crafted Slavic Gifts from Eastern Europe

As a Russian and Eastern European Studies major, I always keep my eye out for this stand. The stall features a wide range of Matroyshka dolls and Eastern European holiday ornaments. And it’s especially fun to study the larger Matroyshka dolls, towards the back of the stall; they feature scenes from beloved Eastern European fairytales. My favorite Matroyshka doll (pictured above) came from this fairytale-section of the stall!

Sweet Castle

My dad and little brother love this vendor. Selling everything from lucky marzipan pigs, to gingerbread cookies, vegetarian Haribo Smurf gummies, and chocolate-filled German music boxes, this vendor is worth the wait to get inside. I especially love Sweet Castle’s Edelmarzipan Mit Kirsche (a marzipan-cherry-chocolate candy).

Chiya Chai: Delicious Chai, Pie and Donuts from Chicago, IL

Each year, the Christkindlmarket features a different collector’s mug (this year’s new designs are pictured above). Many different vendors sell these mugs, but I especially liked Chiya Chai’s stand. They sell collector’s mugs filled with hot chocolate, hot cider, or hot chai for $8.00 (which is less money than the $10.00 price nearby, so be sure to compare prices!). Chiya Chai also sells mini donuts and savory and sweet pies, among other foods. I especially liked their Kale and Potato Pie.

And a Few More Vendor Favorites, Pictured Below:

Hoffman Company: German Wood Art from Dresden, Germany

Hoffman Company: German Wood Art from Dresden, Germany

Bienes Honighaus: Gifts Made from Honey from Augsburg, Germany

Bienes Honighaus: Gifts Made from Honey from Augsburg, Germany

Black Forest Clocks, from Germany’s Black Forest

In addition to the vendors featured above, the Käthe Wolfahrt of America building is another festive market stop. There’s sometimes a short wait to get into the building, but it’s worth it; the building features everything from wooden ornaments and Christmas napkins, to German playing cards and advent calendars. It’s one of the prettiest components of the market, but photos aren’t allowed - otherwise this article would be filled with many images of Käthe Wolfahrt’s holiday goods!

The Details:

• When: November 15-December 24

  • Hours: Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm; Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm (with special hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve)

• Where: Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St., Chicago, Illinois

• Free Admission!

The Best Looks from our Fave Rom-Coms

Romantic comedies are the ideal movies to watch whether you’re curled up in bed alone or having a chill night in with friends. The characters’ personalities are often showcased through the way they dress, making for some beautiful and memorable outfits. Here are some of my favorite looks from rom-coms.

Crazy Rich Asians

Crazy Rich Asians is a film showcasing the glamour and lavishness of Singapore’s elite, so it’s no surprise that it features some spectacular outfits.

Summer 2018 was the summer of jumpsuits, and this golden number was the jumpsuit to end all jumpsuits. Araminta looks just as fabulous as you would expect the bride-to-be in Singapore's wedding of the year to look at her bachelorette party. The jumpsuit is incredibly flattering, and the golden sparkles create a perfect ready-to-party look.

Astrid was who audiences wished they could be: powerful, beautiful, and charming. She went on to have some of the best lines in the movie, but from the moment she was introduced in this light pink dress, it was clear that she was the epitome of sophistication and elegance.

The most memorable look from Crazy Rich Asians was this blue dress worn by protagonist Rachel at Araminta and Colin's wedding. Rachel looks gorgeous as she and boyfriend Nick exchange loving gazes as "Can't Help Falling in Love" plays in the background. It's a perfect moment, and it's no wonder that this dress has been described as part of Rachel's "Cinderella moment."

Images via 1, 2, and 3.

Clueless

Clueless is responsible for some iconic lines like “Ugh, as if!” But let’s not forget about the outfits: Cher was always dressed in preppy, quintessential ‘90s perfection.

You can't talk about rom com fashion without acknowledging Cher's yellow plaid outfit. The combination of the classic plaid pattern with the bright yellow color made it the perfect mixture of preppy and bold. Between the matching blazer and skirt, the yellow cardigan, and the white shirt, this outfit was perfectly coordinated.

Another plaid set, but this look feels more subtle and relaxed. The black beret and boots pair nicely with the red and black coat.

Images via 1 and 2.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before gave us what feels like a never-ending stream of cheesy Noah Centineo Netflix movies, but it also gave us some cute outfits to match its charming depiction of high school romance. Whether she was on a ski trip or just relaxing in her room, Lara Jean always looked put-together in a colorful and whimsical outfit.

This outfit is simple, but that adorable rainbow striped sweater looks so good with the denim skirt. Throw in a cute necklace and some sunglasses, and you've got the perfect look for sending your older sister off to college.

This is the ultimate first day of school look. It's the perfect combination of cute and vintage, and the unique shorts and combat boots make the outfit stand out.

This coat is to die for! The bold pink color is gorgeous, and the toggles are adorable. Here, Lara Jean has paired it nicely with a plaid skirt and a white button-up under a grey sweater.

Images via 1, 2, and 3.

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again

I have some very strong opinions on why Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again didn’t do the first Mamma Mia movie justice, but I can’t deny that it had some dreamy outfits.

Lily James stars as a younger version of Donna, Meryl Streep's character from the first movie, in which her signature outfit was overalls paired with a white blouse. This outfit shows how a younger Donna would have styled overalls, taking a yellow floral blouse and using the overalls to dress down the blouse. The pose she uses to model the outfit as well as the details like the butterfly statement necklace showcase Donna's bold, adventurous personality.

This is an absolutely gorgeous skirt that makes me wish I lived on a Greek island and communicated my feelings solely through ABBA songs. It's hard to pull off orange, but Lily James does it effortlessly here. The orange and navy also go together perfectly.

It wouldn't be an ABBA-inspired movie without some over-the-top '70s outfits. These ruffle-tiered bell bottoms paired with gold glittery tops are the perfect look for forming a girl group with your best friends.

Images via 1, 2, and 3.

Cover image via.