ZIPPED STRIPPED DOWN

STRIPPE D-DOWN.
D-DOWN.
STRIPPE





Lauren Hurwitz Jillian Dembs Adelle Wade
Abby Fritz Ray Dilawri Aspen Taylor
Jordan Clewner Esther Diza Ava Notkin
Julia Lawrence Liv Doe Troy Parks
Kristiana Morell Harrison Mayesh Kelly Chang
Elizabeth Goldish Anna Morello Joelle Josette
Ashley Watchfogel Molly Scheuer Zuzanna Mlynarczyk
Zack Robinson Abby Cheng Special Thanks to
Isabella Alvarez Heni Danson Jessica Robinson &
Fjolla Arifi William Khabbaz Justin Burns
George Hashemi Liv Pines
Kate Regan Joelle Schneider
Nina Bridges Chloe Scopa
Bianca Franco Audrey Chen
Izzy Madover Vera Zhou
Eva Suppa
Malia Rivere
Yasi Akyurek
Madi Bauman
Jennie Bull

CONTRIBUTORS

Isolation
Identity
Creation

we are independent. the
opinions expressed are not
those of Syracuse University
or the student body.

06 08 10
Isolation in Quarantine Cottagecore
vera on culture shock the good and bad of a fairytale tend Conscious Self-Care in Quarantine
time for rest, relaxation, and reflection

12 14 16
Identity in Quarantine Natural in Nudes
a on gender the raw, candid, and unfiltered reality Queer, Black, and Fashion Obsessed
jacorey moon talks fashion

18 20 24
Creation in Quarantine Q&A with Coverstar Appleby Fashion is a Privilege
studying fashion during a pandemic tennis player turned musician how classism keeps fashion inaccessible

ISOLATION IN QUARANTINE 2020

Isolation: the feeling of being separated from everyone and everything else. No
wonder it starts with the letter “I,” this word literally shouts me, myself, and
I. I believe most people have encountered some of these moments throughout their
life — I am no exception.

At the age of 16, I decided to leave my home country, family, and friends to
study abroad in America. I have always been an independent kid, so the idea of
moving to a new country never really scared me. There was not one second that I
wanted to chicken out. I still remember the thrill and excitement I had a couple
of weeks before I left China. I was dreaming about Hollywood, The Big Apple, and
mostly the freedom that I would have from being away from my parents. The future
is unknown, but that’s the most fascinating part, isn’t it?

This feeling of excitement lasted until the day I departed. It was a hot and humid
summer day in 2014. I don’t remember many details, but there’s one moment I still
remember clearly. It was my turn to board and had to say goodbye to my family in
the airport lounge. I hugged my whole family and said a quick goodbye, then I gave
them the biggest smile and said, “I will be ok!” I quickly walked straight to the
gate, scared of looking back to see the tears in their eyes. At that moment, the
thrill suddenly disappeared because the idea of being physically separated from
the people I loved finally crept in. That feeling was so strong and heavy that the
minute I was out of their sight I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore.

The sadness I had from being physically isolated quickly went away after I
arrived in America. I made some friends and my host family at that time was
just like my real family. However, as days went by, this feeling evolved into
mental isolation.

I was isolated from my culture. Being thrown into a whole new culture is a pretty
weird experience. I felt like there’s nothing wrong with my life but at the same
time everything is just not right. There weren’t random Chinese pop songs playing
on the radio, no one had heard of the city I come from or knew how to pronounce
my name correctly. Every Chinese restaurant was giving out this thing called a
fortune cookie, which I had never seen in my life before. It almost felt like a
part of me died. I gradually shut myself down because I didn’t want people to know
I am vulnerable, to know I am afraid to embrace my differences. I was surrounded
by people but I felt so lonely.

Then here we are, the year 2020.

Just when I have finally gotten pretty familiar and comfortable with being
isolated from my family and culture, COVID hit. Thanks to coronavirus, isolation
has become the keyword. With the virus rampant and the lockdown order spread
across the world, many people, including myself, have experienced isolation from
the people they love and care for. The word “social distancing” is everywhere
and it is making me exhausted.

This time, my experience is different from any isolation I have faced before,
because many people across the globe are going through it with me. It is an
isolation, but everyone is in this together. The isolation I have faced before
can be fixed by phone calls with my family, quality time with my friends, or a
flight ticket home. This time, it seems like the solution to isolation hasn’t been
found and I have no idea when it is going to be actually over.

Nonetheless, there’s one thing that I realized has changed: my attitude towards
isolation. Isolation used to be so daunting to me. This year, I started to
appreciate isolation a little bit more. I realized all these moments of isolation
might not be that bad after all. It has allowed me to learn a little bit more
about myself. I take the time to reconnect with myself and reflect on my life. I
learned how to get along with myself, because at the end of the day, I am the
only one that I can count on. I started to appreciate little things around me
and complain less. This is how I know I have found the beauty of isolation. It is
a time to be stronger and mindful, to be deeply connected with myself, to love
myself more so I can love the people I love even more. Vera

ISOLATION | 7

Cottagecore:
The Comeback and

Controversies

an escapist reality,

an environmentalist dream

Freshly steeped chamomile platforms. What’s different now is same idea that colonialist settlers
tea sits in a hand-painted that cottagecore has popped up came to America with. Continuing
mug adorned with pink roses. The at a pivotal time, particularly within the cycle of occupying space on
dried daisy-like leaves harvested the United States—a time where stolen land makes any argument
from a small herb garden, strewn everyone must be present. that cottagecore is exempt from the
throughout with lavender bushes capitalist agenda irrelevant.
and cherry tomatoes that cut What can’t be ignored about this
through the green-toned scenery. seemingly harmless call to a self- One redeeming quality of the
sufficient living is the endorsement cottagecore movement is the focus
No one is around aside from a of an escapist mindset that has on environmentalism. The trend is
young femme running towards a turned a blind eye to history and pushing for people to become more
stone cottage while dressed entirely current calls to action. self-sufficient. Want some bread?
in white tulle and lace. The scene is Make it yourself! Fresh veggies?
backed with soft vocals over simple The rise of this trend during Start your own garden! If you are in
guitar chords. The short video ends. the COVID-19 pandemic is not a privileged enough place to take
surprising. Many people have been the time to move towards a more
Who wouldn’t want a little dose of secluded in their homes and are left self-sufficient or even zero waste
“the simple life” to grace your TikTok dreaming of places they’d rather be. lifestyle, then cottagecore is helping
For You page every once in a while? Cottagecore videos serve as a mini people move in the right direction.
escape from divisive presidential
Between Zoom Meetings and debates, pandemic statistics, In defense videos online, the
continuous movie streaming that protests, and the need to keep up community also encourages putting
have taken over the lives of the with the 24 hour news cycle. more energy into small tasks to
privileged and secure during this benefit mental health. Learning
pandemic, a new trend called Particularly popular amongst about a new niche skill from a how-
cottagecore has grabbed the queer internet communities, to TikTok with the tags cottagecore
attention of an audience looking to cottagecore has become more have sent many to invest in
escape reality. than an aesthetic, but a calling. A hobbies that can make them happy.
decision to focus on creating a new Normalizing the little things is a
The trend romanticizes buying a life so different from modern reality priority of cottagecore that many
secluded house in the countryside, that it ignores the things that matter. have been thankful to get behind.
living off the land, and frolicking in
long dresses through flower fields. Rightful uprisings across the The irony of this trend is that
While its reach extends across most country, an election year, and a a whole community built around
social media platforms, it has a pandemic—all thrown to the wind simplifying an over-developed
special place in TikTok culture. To that runs through tree branches on lifestyle has been made possible by
this day, TikTok’s algorithm seems the path to an ostensibly apolitical the same technology they are trying
to continuously promote videos of dash for the hills. to escape -- a reminder that the
bread baking, firewood heaters, reality of the world you live in
and videos explaining how to make Aside from the obvious issues is inescapable.
syrup from violet flowers. with ignoring the political state of a
country you live in, or even the world, But let’s keep seeing the Molly
Cottagecore, like many trends, those engaging in the sentiments Goddard style tulle dresses that
started years ago on Tumblr and of cottagecore in the U.S. are the cottagecore community fully
has wiggled its way back into the ignoring the fact that cottagecore endorses, and so do we.
forefront of many social media has banded around an old idea. The



Conscious
Self-Care in
Quarantine

podcasts, roller skates,
and vibrators

It’s safe to say that 2020 has led to stress amongst relationships, work-life, and
overall safety, making us question our future during quarantine. Most people have
put their lives on-pause, while others have picked up new hobbies. Whether that’s
listening to podcasts on racial inequality, roller skating, or finding the perfect vibrator,
taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually is vital during quarantine.

revamp your sex life

Social distancing has hindered sex lives and the ability to meet new people. People
who rely on dating apps for sex —or anyone who can’t safely see their partner(s) IRL
— can use this time to explore their body and what they find pleasurable.
Alyssa Teixeira, a sex educator and doula (a support system for individuals with
health-related issues), provides queer affirming, pleasure-centered sex education.
As a specialist, her most prominent piece of advice is exploring new solo sex
techniques, being patient, and trying new things.
“Quarantine is a great time to explore your body and what you find pleasurable,
whether you are having partnered sex or solo sex!” Tiexiera says. “Shelter-in-place
is also a great time to try out something you haven’t done before. Buy a cool new sex
toy or talk to your partner about a fantasy you’ve always wanted to give a try.”
SU Student Laura Caraballo has been browsing different websites and small
businesses to find what works well for her body at an affordable price.
“Quarantine was a moment of clarity since I couldn’t be as sexually active. It made
me question what I wanted sexually,” Caraballo says. “I had to find gratification
through other things such as researching what I like, and it’s liberating. I can do this
by myself, and it doesn’t have to be in the hands of my partner.”
The Gaia Eco Biodegradable Vibrator ($10-16) is the first biodegradable vibrator
with internal and external stimulation. It’s a great way to climax while reducing one’s
carbon footprint.
Centro University, the world’s first sex worker university, has created free classes on
adult influencers. Courses provide in-depth conversations on topics ranging from
the online adult industry to starting an OnlyFans.

educate yourself

During times of protests, understanding and learning about
distress encourages people to seek change. Freshman, Jade
Cedano, highlights how podcasts, like Syracuse Speaks
and Black Girl Magic, have kept her aware of what’s been
happening on-campus and at home.

“Listening to podcasts makes me feel like I’m having a
conversation with the hosts. It’s different than just listening to
mainstream media and feeling overwhelmed. It’s been a scary
time, especially being a Black woman,” Cedano says. “I don’t
want to hear about how Black people are dying consistently.”

Other podcasts to learn about racial injustice include Seeing
White, Justice in America, United States of Anxiety, and It’s
Been a Minute with Sam Sanders.

While staying up to date on racial injustices and news
surrounding the pandemic, remember to take time to disconnect.
It’s a privilege for someone to not to feel overwhelmed or
worried about issues that don’t directly affect them. Use this
time to reconnect and disconnect when needed.

The podcast, Pod Save the People, uses grounding techniques
for those who need to de-stress from news-cycles while looking
at stories per week.

move your body
while socially
distancing

Although gyms are reopening in certain
areas, finding a creative way to exercise
while social distancing can be difficult.

Scrolling through Tik Tok, people eventually
run into the massive surge of individuals
obsessed with roller skating. The 80’s
trend is becoming more popular again with
customizable and affordable skates.

Tik Tokers like Ana Coto sparked the new
trend, causing stores to stock-up on their
skates and selling out almost instantly on
sites like Moxi and Impala Skates.

Abbey Goya, or @abbey_goya on Instagram,
discusses learning to roller skate during
quarantine. “I enjoy roller skating because
every time I lace-up, there is evidence of
progress. I’ve unlocked a whole new level
of confidence for myself,” Goya says.

Impala Roller Skates have updated their
shop with roller skates, inline skates,
skateboards, and accessories. Other small
online businesses include Angel Skates
and Five Stride.

Quarantine has allowed time to reconnect
through ways that go beyond in-person
interactions. Finding what works best while
maintaining ways to stay connected with
close friends and family can redefine what
quarantine means for someone.

ISOLATION | 11

IDENTITY IN QUARANTINE 2020

All I want is to be loved. While I am fortunate enough to receive love from
those around me, I still feel so lonely. What happens when the only person who
would understand me doesn’t fully love me back? I have always considered myself
to be an idealist in the realm of love. With that understanding and mindset,
there is a lack of consideration for the negatives or the hardships that exist
in experiencing love. Over quarantine, I spent months waiting to be back on
campus, hoping that once I left home, I would have the opportunity to explore
new feelings and desires. I wanted to change my hair, change my eyebrows, wear
make up, and wear more effeminate clothing. I wanted to do all these things to
help myself feel new. Feel better. But now that I am here and I do get to have
those opportunities to try new things, I still don’t feel comfortable with myself.
I thought that seeing myself in a new way would make me feel happier. Feel
more beautiful. I thought I’d actually see myself as a woman. Maybe then, I’d
genuinely feel like one too. But that feeling never came.

“...today i realized how similar ‘diaspora’ and ‘dysphoria’ look on a page: we
have always been made to feel foreign in our own bodies.”

This quote comes from Alok Vaid-Menon in “Identity Blues”. (Femme in Public)
Although this quote specifically addresses a physical sense of dysphoria, it
still speaks to me. When I began using different pronouns and trying a different
name, I didn’t consider that I wouldn’t recognize myself. Currently, I go by
the name Aspen. When I first began telling people about this name, I was nervous
but excited at the thought of trying something new. As I sit with this name and
hear people refer to me as Aspen, I feel like I’m lying to others and to myself.
I also feel simultaneously overwhelmed with concerns about whether I even like
the name. Aspen was the name I would have been given if I were born a girl. And
while there are some people who do find comfort in this method of choosing a new
name, I feel insincere.

I didn’t technically choose the name for myself, so why should I keep it?
I don’t really know if i like how it sounds.
Do I even like what this name means?

At times, I catch myself introducing and referring to myself by my birth name.
Part of me worries that in taking on this new name, I am subconsciously attempting
to suppress or deny the person I grew up as. Sometimes, I miss Aiden.
Many of my experiences with my gender identity coincided with doubts of authenticity.
I understand that I cannot escape authenticity given that every choice, action,
and thought is authentic facet of myself. However, when I considered this idea of
self-growth and trying to love myself authentically, I had no idea how vulnerable
or isolated I would feel. I feel lonely when the person I envision in my head
isn’t the person looking back at me in the mirror. I feel lonely when people of
both the Black and queer community don’t accept people like me who intersect the
two. I feel lonely when I build up the courage to wear a dress or a skirt, but
still choose to walk in secluded areas so people don’t see me. I feel lonely when

I see names of Black trans women trending online and I think to myself, That
could’ve been me.

I would say that these convoluted, and at times counterintuitive, thoughts exist
in my mind on a daily basis. And I don’t mean to paint myself as a pessimist or
anything. It’s just suffocating sometimes. You know that moment, when you’re
crossing the street and you look both ways before you can go? You have to check
yourself and make sure you feel comfortable before going any further. Sometimes
it can be scary when there’s cars coming at you. It’s even scarier when for
a split second you think, what if I went too early, too late? What if I’m not
walking fast enough? What if I let it hit me? But you don’t. You get to the other
side. Taking these steps with my gender identity feels like a repeating cycle of
that experience. It’s draining, but I make it to the other side.

While I have brought up the heavier feelings that come with my experience, I
have had my fair share of good moments as well. Many of which come through my
hair. Getting my hair braided is extremely important to me as well as many other
members of the Black community. While it does hurt sometimes, it too is very
grounding and intimate. It’s the sensation of having someone graze through your
hair and oil your scalp. It’s knowing that tradition, which served its purpose
to aid our survival, and served as a ceremonial process. I especially cherish
getting my hair braided, because I get to experience a side of myself I wasn’t
offered as a child. I picture little five-year-old me wearing a towel on my head,
imagining that I have inches at my back. I got extensions braided into my hair for
the first time last year. Not only did I finally see myself as who I wanted to be,
but when I looked in the mirror, I saw my mom. Everytime, I think of that moment,
I have the same feeling. That feeling of embodying the same feminine beauty and
energy as my mother. That feeling of love. No one can take that from me.
(This is not to say that I should feel restricted to only loving myself when I
have long hair, but it’s a start)

I wanted to close this piece by writing to myself. I often write with the
intention of writing to both my past-self, as a way of letting her know that she
will be okay, and to my future-self knowing that when I look back, I’ll see how
far I’ve come.

This may not be where you want to be, but you are where you need to be.
You will always find a way.
You are not as lonely as you may think.
Let your heart expand, even when you feel afraid to.
The love you are looking for does not need to come from others.
Do not rush yourself.
You are not taking up space. You deserve to be here.
There is so much light in you waiting to come out. So let it.
Thank you for being alive and thank you for existing.
I love you. I love you. I love you. A

IDentity | 13





QUEER, BLACK,
AND FASHION OBSESSED

how the south shaped jacorey moon

and his future in fashion

Jacorey Moon is currently living and other people of color to have a anything back. No answers, no calls,
in Atlanta, where the weather creative space and be seen. no interviews, no anything, because
is “stuck in that ugly purgatory everything is for show.” These
phase where it’s cold, but like, it’s Although he didn’t come out until are things he looks for in terms of
still insanely hot… and filled with 15, Moon believes that requesting a employment and who he works for;
Trump supporters.” After getting his Beyonce CD at age 6 should have he only wants to represent a brand
graduate degree from Newhouse’s been a sign. His mother always that represents him.
magazine program this past May, stressed the importance of looking
he was quickly hired by Office your best, so he always dressed That’s why Moon loves working for
Magazine in NYC, for which he well. “I came out the closet (when) Office Magazine, a publication who
currently works remotely. While Lady Gaga was at her Apex and focuses on bridging the gaps for
he waits for the city to “return to (had released) Born This Way. I was underrepresented groups. “They go
normal,” he shares what being like yes, my time. Then I immediately into the margins and take the people
back home means to him as this went to school in crop tops and out of the margins and put them
time allows him to look back on his really tight jeans.” Before coming into the pages.” They focus heavily
journey to success. out, he was always thinking of the on the LGBTQ+ community, who
looks he would pull once he was are some of his favorite interviews
Moon’s great grandmother comfortable. “I was already thinking he’s gotten to do. Already having
introduced him to fashion at a very about what I would be, who I would 50 clips under his belt, Moon has
young age. As a neighborhood be when I came out. I was thinking, interviewed rappers, trans models,
seamstress, he was always okay, this will be good when I have and activists. He was happy to see
watching her making garments, the courage to wear it, or this will Office’s response to the Black Lives
using patterns, and fitting customers be good when I don’t feel like Matter movement; the publication
in awe. He would sit in her office everybody is staring at me. I already published any kind of story that was
and dive into the stacks of knew who I was going to be; it was Black centric and put Black people
magazines she had laying around just actually finding the courage on the pedestal to make them feel
for customers. At ten years old, she to do it.” like their voices were getting heard.
bought Moon his first Vogue, and
everything aligned. While initially, He mentions that while the “I never thought that I was the
he wanted to be a fashion designer pandemic has negatively affected smartest or the most creative or
after binging Project Runway, he his mental health, it has taught him the most fashionable. I graduated
“broke four sewing machines and the importance of patience. He undergrad and didn’t feel like I
quickly learned that I didn’t have the has learned to “tuck away” more was any of those things because
patience,” and decided to go creative ideas to save them for when I just never saw anybody like me
into magazine. he’s in a better headspace. doing what I’m doing.” Working at
Office Magazine has been a very
If Moon could create his own In terms of the Black Lives Matter educational experience for Moon,
dream publication, his focus protests that have been happening and he’s already taken notice of
demographic would be the youth. recently, Moon sees right through things to keep in mind. “Do the work
“I don’t feel like we have a lot of publications giving a false sense of that other people don’t like to do.”
publications if you’re in college, inclusivity, ones that are looking to He’s learned that by doing this he
or 18 to 28-year-olds, we don’t check off a box. “As a person who’s has gained more work experience
really have magazines that cater currently trying to get a job in the and had more writing opportunities
to what our life really is, or what middle of a pandemic in an industry as a result.
we’re actually thinking or what that’s already super competitive, it’s
we’re actually doing. Unless it’s like, with Black Lives Matter things Although it’s hard to imagine a
like Air Force ones and like baggy happening during the summer. It month in the future, let alone post-
jeans.” He explains that it’s easier was like everybody was saying, grad, Moon is the perfect example
for publications to capitalize on ‘Yeah, we see we hear you yada of making it during this confusing
this age group, but not relate to it. yada, yada.’ But then it’s like, okay, time. His ability to stay on his toes
His publication would also “push now a few months after, and we’re and go with the flow helped him
the needle forward” and create reaching out to be Black editors, land his position at Office and stay
conversations about Black people stylists, creatives (etc.). I reached sane while working from home.
out to these people and did not get

IDentity | 17

CREATION IN QUARANTINE 2020

When Covid hit at the beginning of March, I was studying abroad at the London
College of Fashion. After experiencing a whole other world, I was catapulted back
into my parent’s home and quarantined in my bedroom for two weeks. My quarantine
began as a time to finish projects from my semester in London, and afterward
became a time to reflect. With so much extra time on my hands, it felt important to
gather inspiration for future projects, try out new hobbies, and make new things.

With a general fear of leaving the house, especially as I was at home with
my parents, using items I found lying around remained the general theme for
anything I made over the summer. I think that during the course of the pandemic,
many people like myself were hopeful that we could use this time of subjected
isolation to better ourselves and expand our skillset. With fabric stores near me
only open for curbside pick-up, instead of buying new yards of fabric, I decided
only to use the things I already had, which, as somewhat of a fabric and thrift
haul hoarder, was a lot.

I began flipping clothes I found in my basement into new garments, like an old
button-up dress into a two piece set and XL pants into dresses. I was finally able
to transform some of the things that I picked up at the thrift store because I
liked its materiality into real things; it was the first time I couldn’t use the
excuse “I don’t have time.” While I have always put designs for classwork at the
forefront of my schedule, and during the summers always worked tiring service
jobs, this felt like the first time I was my own boss. I could design for myself,
in my little bubble without distraction and free from critique. Although this
isn’t how I expect the real world to operate, the pandemic gave me time to explore
things that I really liked doing and do them the way I wanted.

Despite the pandemic, I was lucky enough to find an opportunity to work from home.
I set up a studio space in my room with all my sewing tools. As construction has
always been my favorite part of fashion, having my sewing machine with me helped
me carry on and fill my free time. I was also fortunate enough to begin a position
as a technical design intern at For Love and Lemons. This job was entirely remote,
as the rest of the team with headquarters in Los Angeles were also working from
home daily. Even though I was far away from L.A. in Chicago, I was still able
to connect with the rest of the design team easily.I acted as an integral part
of the team since working remotely required much more organization and planning
throughout the stages of product development. Seeing how the team operated gave
me insight and hope about how fashion developments and fitting can still take
place during the pandemic. Only a few people and a fit model would meet weekly
for fittings and I would be able to relay that technical information for the next
steps at the factory.

The pandemic has changed how people do things in all occupations daily, yet I
think that in some ways, it has made creative work and actual work easier in
certain situations. Although the idea of not being face-to-face with others was
foreign at first, in the workspace it led to making more efficient systems that
kept everyone up to date. In my personal projects and endeavors, I was able to
work on my own schedule and make my own clothes which meant I could shop less.
Throughout quarantine, I could move through different creative phases that all
had expiration dates. Now, as I’ve been transitioning back to a much more fast-
paced mode at Syracuse, I’ve been able to hone in on skills that I’ve learned and
use them to think forwards in how I can apply them in the future.Adelle

Creation | 19



Q&A with
Cover star

Appleby

tennis player turned musician

The beats are like the slow
steady breeze of California
where musician Justin Burns,
who goes by Appleby, moved
last September. An easygoing
rhythmic experience juxtaposed
against the honest lyrics that
took years of self awareness
and vulnerability to muster into
words. It’s like his music knew
before him that he belonged in
Los Angeles.

But the trajectory of the 29-year-
old tennis prodigy who grew
up in Ohio, Illinois, and Florida
has never been clear. When
speaking about staying creative
during quarantine, prioritizing
mental health among hate, and
learning vulnerability through
music, it is clear Appleby is an
old soul on a lifelong mission.

Read more about falling in
love with music and pushing
the boundaries of creation with
techology in this Q&A with
Zipped’s cover star Appleby.

Creation | 21

Q A

“Where did the name Appleby come from?” “It’s my mom’s maiden name. I kept the idea of me being an artist from
my family and friends, so Appleby was a way to keep them on the
Q journey with me despite not including them initially.”

“Is there a particular reason you chose your A
mom’s maiden name?”
“I wanted to find a name that is at the core of who I am, what I reflect, and
Q something that I can grow with. My family’s never going to change. So
it was to include them in the journey, but also a way for me to maintain
“How would you personally describe humility. No matter how big I get as an act, my name is my family’s
your music?” name. If I start fucking up, I’m screwing up my family’s name.”

Q A

“When did you start really getting into music?” “It’s interesting. You’re catching at a point where I’m transitioning and
learning to separate myself from the struggles of genre. For a very
Q long time I was making music not for genre, but then when you release
it people will ask: ‘What genre is it?’ Since I’ve never gravitated to
“How were you lacking direction?” one specific label—it was just more of a feeling—I would just accept
whatever genre somebody would tell me. Alternative R&B was how so
many people described it. But as of late I recognize that I don’t fit inside
of that box and have stepped outside of that mindset to create a sound
that reflects Appleby.”

A

“In terms of being creator of music, that was seven years ago. I watched
a music video for this artist named Spooky Black who now goes by his
real name Corbin. I was like, ‘Oh, this is so sick, I want to try writing.’
That actually gave me purpose that I lacked years previously.”

A

“I grew up playing tennis. I started playing when I was five, traveling the
country by 10, and the world at 12. I tried to go to traditional high school
but I was missing so much school that they threatened to hold me back.
My mom was like, ‘Nah, that’s not gonna happen.’ So I went to a tennis
academy for the remainder of my high school years. By the end of that
time period, when it was time for college I had burnt out.
That first year of being responsibility free after playing tennis seven
hours a day for five or six days a week—and that’s not including
tournaments—I recognized how many hours are in a day. Initially, it was
kind of fun, because I can party with my friends and finally get out of the
house for the first time because I didn’t have to be up at 4am to practice.
I eventually lost myself trying to figure out how to make days matter.
Without tennis, I didn’t really have anything to describe myself other
than being referred to as the former tennis player that could have been
something. It wasn’t until I found music that I started to address those
emotions and find the words to express what I just expressed. That gave
me sort of peace of mind and comfort.”

Q A

“What’s your favorite way to create?” “I think I have a dual ideal. First and foremost, it has to be a comfortable
space. My room is typically my favorite space because it’s the spot that I
Q know the most. It’s my curated environment, everything on the wall is my
choosing, everything in it is mine. I also love being on my own, because
“Has COVID impacted your creative process?” then I can bump my head up against the wall for however long I need to
to get the ideas out.
Q Then on the other hand having somebody else to bounce ideas off of
or just to gauge what’s good and what’s not is nice. Artists like myself
“There has also been rightful uprisings and who write autobiographically, it can sometimes be hard to judge your
political unrest of the past months, has this experiences properly, so it helps energy wise when you have somebody
impacted your creative process?” you trust to help you figure out what’s good and what’s not.”

Q A

“How has music been able to serve you on this “I think it hurts from the collaboration aspect. But luckily, with technology
journey?” it actually made the idea of collaboration that much easier. It puts the
control in my hands and the understanding that it was always there. So a
Q lot of times you’ll wait for your friends that are overseas to come to LA or
New York or Chicago or vice versa. Now everybody can be collaborative
“What do you hope your music brings partners if they’re comfortable with virtual creating.”
to people?”
A

“We’re already dealing with COVID and there aren’t essays about how
to deal with this sort of isolation and the relentless sadness. So we
are struggling to handle that and as you find your flow, then you have
the the side of the social movement kicking in. For any of us that had
our lives uprooted, as African Americans and especially as an African
American male, you start to see a lot of imagery that could either be
you, your family members, or somebody that you know. That can mess
with you emotionally. It can make it challenging to know what to say
creatively or even be inspired to say anything. Even just to be able to
feel like yourself and comfortable in your skin. All of that then impacts
the creative. For me respectively, I’ve had moments where I had to step
away from music and get my mental health to a good spot.”

A

“I write autobiographically, I spend a lot of time diving inward to better
understand myself. To understand what it is I’m trying to do, achieve,
say, or feel. Through the creating process, it makes me a better person
because I’m a bit more self aware. You find things about yourself that
you like and things that you don’t like, then once you’re aware of that
you have the ability to either change or not change.”

A

“A big thing for me is being honest and vulnerable in my music. Most
of what I make, has a root of human interaction and human emotion.
Hopefully I’ve found a way to say something that somebody else has
always felt but never had the words for. That’s something that I hope,
because if you hear that, you feel a little less alone and that’s always
been something I’ve always wanted to feel—a little less alone.”



Fashion
is a Privilege

syracuse is no exception

2020 has brought pain, anger, If someone has the financial the suburbs and still easily access
and frustration, but also, growth. ability to partake in sustainable the city. The poorer minorities of the
This time has forced people to face fashion practices like buying from 15th ward, the neighborhood that
hard truths, learn new realities and eco-friendly brands and shopping was torn down to build the elevated
become more aware of the world at second-hand clothing stores, they section of I-81, weren’t given the
around them, especially within the should. While it is important to be same opportunity to relocate after
fashion industry. more environmentally conscious, their home was destroyed. “It
there is an inherent privilege in worked for suburbanites. It did
The world of fashion is no stranger that choice. not work for the rest of the citizens
to classism. For decades, people inside the city,” says Carter Jr.
have used style as a way to reflect Many Syracuse residents
their wealth and status. There is don’t have economic freedom, Suburban residents also have
an expectation within the fashion and additionally lack access easier access to Destiny Mall.
industry to keep up with constantly to transportation and stores. In Destiny is the largest mall in New
changing trends and follow Journalist, Alana Semuels Atlantic York state and a fashion hub in
them closely. article, “How to Decimate A Central New York with over 200
City”, she investigated how the stores. Before Destiny, smaller
Those who are wealthier have construction of I-81 affected the city suburban malls and city stores were
the privilege to stay on top of and its residents. Semuels wrote, how the community had access to
these trends. Money gives people “this construction would destroy fashion, but Destiny “ruined every
the ability to access fashion. If a close-knit Black community … mall in the region by cornering the
someone has the privilege of being essentially separating Syracuse market,” says Carter Jr.
economically stable, they can afford into two.”
the latest trends and hottest styles. For suburban residents who have
On the other hand, those who lack And that’s exactly what it did. cars and easy access to I-81, there
the privilege of wealth also lack Semuels says when I-81 was isn’t an issue. They can hop on the
access to fashion. built, the city created “a 1.4-mile highway and exit into the mall’s lot
section of elevated highway that within minutes. Inner-city residents
Classism in fashion has created separates Syracuse University from don’t have this luxury. Most families
a system that makes the industry downtown and the city’s high- are too poor to afford a car. The
almost inaccessible for anyone who poverty South Side.” Centro schedules and running times
isn’t rich. Syracuse is a real-life There is a clear contrast between restrict those who take the bus
example. Many SU students’ wealth the sides. To the east is Syracuse routes from downtown. Other times
gives them the privilege to follow the University, SUNY Upstate Medical, shopping locally is their only option
latest trends and choose their style, Syracuse VA Medical Center and despite stores not always having
while most city locals wear whatever Crouse Hospital. To the west are what they need, or at an
they can afford. Syracuse resident’s the projects and Pioneer Homes, affordable cost.
fashion is controlled by their which are government housing.
economic situation, not preference. The contrast is obvious. Urban Lack of access and economic
development, proper infrastructure privilege goes beyond the fashion
As recorded in the 2018 Census, and affluence quickly turn into industry. These issues interconnect
30.5% of Syracuse residents immense poverty right at the with countless other issues like
were living under the poverty line. underpass with little transition zone. racism and feminism. The factors
Considering it is one of the poorest I-81 is the barrier. Rich to the east. restricting Syracuse residents from
cities in America, the average Poor to the west. participating in the fashion word
Syracuse family doesn’t have the Emanuel J. Carter Jr., associate hold true in other vectors of their
luxury of deciding where their professor at SU and previous lives, like finding a job or buying
clothes come from. Syracuse city planner, says the city a home.
created the highway to promote
The fast fashion industry has growth. However, it instead, “made Breaking down classism in
recently been exposed for their poor it easier for people who lived in the fashion begins with recognizing
practices, resulting in a movement suburbs to get downtown quickly … privilege, realizing that not everyone
against popular brands like Forever and to get out quickly.” gets to choose what they wear and
21 and Zara. However, many tend The creation of I-81 allowed white where it comes from. Being more
to rely on these cheaper stores for residents the opportunity to flee to aware of the luxury of choice will
their clothing. For most Syracuse bring people that much closer to
families, those places are the most becoming more equal.
affordable option.

Creation | 25

shopsupport local and check out some
Black-owned businesses in and

localaround the Syracuse Community
FASHION Ace of Brave
FASHION INDEX ACCESSORIES All Money Spends
Better Daze Clothing
BombFlowerZoeBeads
CELLetto
Checkz N Balances
CMENchi
Cruddy Sport
Good Vibes Only Clothing
Gotta Have It Boutique
HatWorld
In My Image Children’s
Clothing Boutique
InOurWords Apparel Company
Locs and Tingz
Made in Threads
Regal Athletics
Rooted.
Royal Creations Apparel
The New You Boutique
Glory Felt
LadyWalkerDesigns™️
PrettyKitty Commissions
Rhema Revelation Music
Productions LLC/Designs
Tru Soundz Entertainment
RedLotus The Poetess

Legacy Gems Jewelry
Mixed Genre Jewelry
Shikoba Jewels
VC3 Fashion Boutique

BEAUTY Allure Hair Studio FASHION INDEX
A Perfect 10 Natural
LASHES Hair Salon
FOOD Goode Looks
Infinite Design
FITNESS Hair Crea’Tique Beauty Bar
Hernu Beauty Services
Marti B’s Crowning Glory
Olivia’s Family Hair Care
Body Care for SELF
Flossy Chic Beauty Services

A List Lashes
Asia’s Lash and Brow Studio
La Lashes
Lash Mafia 315

Asempe Kitchen
Bad Vegen Café LLC
Habiba’s Ethiopian Kitchen
Neighborhood Chef, LLC (NY)
Taste of Africa
Royce Catering Kitchen
Crave Dessert Studio
Cupcakes R Me
SISTASWEETSNY

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