DarkMatter is a trans South Asian performance art duo comprised of Alok Vaid-­Menon and Janani Balasubramanian that blessed Reed with their cool vibes and talent two weeks ago. Here at Reed, this duo has had a significant influence on one Reedie’s style—junior Sidra Morgan-­Montoya! Sidra appreciates how the duo incorporates clothing in a playful and constructive way. They are also inspired by how DarkMatter uses style as social capital and subverts it. Sidra enjoys complexity in dress, sometimes using clothes to express their various identities.­ They say they’ll come across as a “straight white woman, [or a] racially ambiguous queer boy.” Both DarkMatter and Sidra toy with society’s expectations by introducing a fun and refreshing approach to fashion.

Who loves both the destruction of industrialized civilizations and Lisbeth Salander? Kevin James Snyder '16. Kevin’s hobbies range from aromatherapy to lacrosse, perhaps explaining the mesh, and include fictional heroes, the cosmos, and the mimetic nature of camouflage. Kevin takes all of these influences and masterfully weaves the unexpected into a seamless look while combining characters and characterizations. Having been accused of “not dressing queer enough,” Kevin attempts to mitigate gay stereotypes through clothing. Having featured Kevin for this week’s issue of The Grail, we shall now return our ginger fashion icon to their home amongst the soulless and damned.

Bowie. Lennon. Twiggy. What do these three fashion icons have in common? Jake Gonnella. Not sure why? We’ll explain. Drawing from ’70s style, Jake incorporates pieces from the decade into a distinct brand of contemporary men’s fashion. Although the pieces on their own call to a different era, Jake fuses retro with current by mixing textures, patterns, colors, proportions, and a coy pair of little striped pink socks. Details like these are what make Jake’s style all his own.

The best style is often inherited. I mean, take a look at Kardashians. Aziza Azfal ’17, theater major, is another perfect example of it. In a nod to her mother's advice that turtlenecks are soft, supple, and stylish; she wore one combined with black trousers and offset the neutral palette with clean white sneakers, giving her a subtle, polished look. Sometimes the best outfits are those that are the least contrived and most comfortable ... and make you look as dope as your madre.

hasta la proxima,

aa & muk

Psychological studies have found that red enhances the wearer’s sex appeal, but here in the offices of The Grail we found that we do not give any fucks. Instead, our study shows that red as a statement color enhances any outfit, allowing it to make the leap from the stale to the sublime. Studio art senior Paloma Martinez-Miranda spices up her simple black style with, not only one, but two, statement pieces that showcase a classic red and gold pairing. Subtle gold weaves itself against the crimson threads within both her scarf and her earrings, transforming her classic black uniform into a striking image.

Your girls here at DeSastre have taken to the style of Alejandro Chavez ’16 since way back. Since the dawn of O Week, ’Dro has exhibited a taste in style that although subdued, is adventurous in its subtlety. To this day we still talk about a fuzzy, beige, sheep-like sweater that he wore back in the day (RIP) Alejandro’s style has evolved since then, favoring more outfits that challenge the “rules” of men’s style by employing pattern and texture within the context of a neutral color palette. Drawing inspiration from his roommate Josh Cox ’17, with remixes from his thrift store finds; ’Dro is a stellar example of well cultivated men’s style.

“I just really love Halloween. It’s what I live for.”

With pretty pumpkins parading every corner, scary skeletons scaling the houses of Eastmoreland, and a harrowing haunted tour of Reed (this Friday!), you may (or may not have) noticed that the Halloween season is upon us.

In preparation, Caitlin O’Shea ’17 wears a white sweatshirt with black outlines on the cuffs and the collar. Three ghostly ghouls greet anyone she happens to meet with a “BOO” each. Little yellow sparkling stars bedazzle the space around them. She says she found the sweatshirt at a thrift shop. Since then, she wears the top every October 1 and once in the last week of October.

A turtleneck peeks out from under the collar of the sweatshirt. Another white piece, yet this one decorated with little black cats and various orange and black Halloween themed designs. By placing both of these statement pieces atop basic, slim-cut blue jeans and black flats, Caitlin pulls off the effortless integration of her Halloween pride and her elegant style.

Happy Halloween!!! Create creepy costumes and treat yourself to some trickery! ;

“All the good cuss words are in Spanish anyways.”

This week we decided to turn the camera to our lovely latina Hazel Flores. Taking after the talented, stunning, and sexy reina Selena Quintanilla, Hazel wore a red halter crop top and white pencil-skirt. Complemented by the coordinating candy-red pumps, Hazel’s statement shirt reads “Judging you in Spanish”. A birthday gift from her best friend, the shirt is one of Hazel’s favorites. Matched with the skirt, heels, hoops, and her dazzlingly disheveled dark locks, Hazel Flores succeeds at being the baddest bitch around (latina edition).

¡Con tu adiós, ustedes llevan nuestro corazón!

Today’s awe-inspiring aesthetic comes from Olivia Dawson. While the foundation of her outfit is a thrifted simple black maxi, Olivia’s style testifies to her globe-trotting friends and her appreciation for the unconventional. Her organza crop top is from Japan; the top’s ethereal and voluminous cap-sleeves enhance the look by challenging the simple proportions of the A-line dress. Her chain and pendant hail from Cuba, a gift from her lovely human adding a sentimental touch to the whimsical aesthetic. Olivia’s earrings, made out of beetles, echo the opalescence of her not one, but two, nose piercings. These accessories bring forth her inner Luna Lovegood and eccentricity.

Emilio Pucci. James Beard. Gary Snyder. Stripadillas. Reedies have always had a reputation for innovation and creativity. Case in point, Emily Merfeld. At first glance, one might think her skirt is just a skirt, but she in fact has turned a shirt into a skirt. The creativity does not stop there! She continues to build on it with the contrasting plum purple of her skirt adding to the orange sherbet palette, starting the year in a burst of color.

So if the Devil wear Prada, Adam Eve wear nada, Cris is in between but way more fresher.

As you may have noticed, ya girls from De Sastre love a good ’Ye reference. With the album release looming, it appears Reedies have taken to the god’s affinity for leather joggers. Cristobal takes Yeezy’s aesthetic further, remixing the statement oxblood basic with a concert tee and daring deep blue houndstooth socks. Finally, we have found someone who loves Kanye’s style as much as Kanye loves himself.

Until next time, ON SIGHT.

Bound,

aa & muk

Often in our lives we incorporate our upbringing into the persona we hope to present to our future. Fashion is often an amalgam of what you know and what you want to become. In Cris Cambianica’s outfit, there is the sentimentality of “grand-me-downs” and an inherited heightened aesthetic awareness. Simultaneously, they adapt their LA-style to the rainy Portland. Their thigh-highs are a nod to the Portlandian sock culture but also keep them warm in this cool climate. Until next time, we encourage you all to ponder your past, present, and future as you pick out your pants.