Victims and supporters of the SA prevention movement are reminded to make both a stand and a style statement during Denim Day April 16. Participants are advised to wear denim attire as a way to express solidarity, standing with victims who did not receive justice.
According to the Los Angeles activism group “Peace Over Violence,” Denim Day started after a misconduct conviction was overturned by Italy’s Supreme Court because the tightness of the victim’s jeans implied consent was involved. Since then, citizens nationwide come together to support individuals impacted by violence and the lack of proper legislative action taken against offenders.
Former United States President Donald Trump will be taken to civil court April 25 on counts of defamation after he denied accusations of SA recounted by advice columnist and author E. Jean Carroll. In patriarchal tradition, this country will be exposed to an influential person of power on trial for misconduct the day before a survivor campaign dedicated to activism against misconduct.
“When you work in a male-dominated field versus an equitable one, consent needs to be established and emphasized at all times,” said Erica Ben, the administrative support coordinator for the Ethnic and Women’s Studies department at Cal Poly Pomona.
Picture this: you’ve just joined the latest dating app that introduces you to singles in your area. You can match with a certain number of users a day, so you get to swiping, yet you run into an issue — you just can’t get yourself to match with anyone. You swipe and swipe, giving each user a reason that they’re just not “dating material” in your eyes.
When you do find someone attractive, you eventually find at least one flaw while investigating all of their social media accounts. You tell yourself that maybe your standards have grown over the years, or maybe you’re just not attracted to the locals in your city. Either way, it’s looking like you’re going to be single for a little while longer.
Now picture this: you’re living in a time where the internet is nonexistent. No phones, no World Wide Web and no social media. You strike up a conversation with someone at your local coffee shop. You’re slightly attracted to them and the more they talk, the more you see the possibility of a non-platonic connection developing.
There’s no virtual profile you can view with all of their personal information, no technology to create communication complications, and no guarantee that you’ll meet another person like them again. There is just the momentary pleasure of a face-to-face conversation.
Experience the vibrant energy of the Panana Night Market at Ontario Mills, where the mall’s parking lot transforms into a bustling hub of international cuisine, live entertainment, and cultural celebration.
This feature video captures the sights, sounds, and flavors of the event, highlighting the diverse array of food vendors, artisan stalls, and performances that draw crowds from across the Inland Empire.
From sizzling street food to dynamic live music, discover how Panana Night Market offers a unique nighttime experience that brings the community together under the stars.
In this feature story, we step onto the diamond at Cal Poly Pomona, where the university’s baseball team plays hard — but often without the recognition they deserve. With a backdrop of empty bleachers and overlooked talent, the video explores how athletics, particularly baseball, struggle to find support and visibility on polytechnic campuses traditionally known for academics and engineering.
Through candid interviews with players, students, and parents, this story highlights the passion, challenges, and quiet resilience of a team that refuses to be defined by crowd size. As Cal Poly Pomona’s student-athletes juggle rigorous coursework and competitive sports, one question echoes louder than the cheers: Why are sports still on the sidelines at polytechnic schools?
If you’ve ever looked at a runway show or a collection drop and thought, “Am I supposed to understand this?”, you’ve just stumbled into the exclusive vortex where clothing meets occult. This is because fashion isn’t just an art form; it’s become a medium for insider language. Beneath the surface of runways lies a world of hidden meanings, historical nods, and subtle details meant to be understood by those with the insight to decode them.
Esotericism in fashion invites a deeper conversation—one that goes beyond aesthetics and into the realms of identity, intellect, and self-expression.
Let’s delve into how fashion has become its own secret society, how certain designers and pop culture moments have furthered this narrative, and why this appeals to stylish creatives seeking to wear stories.
Runways as Rituals and the Hermetic Codes of Style
At its core, portions of the retail industry market off hidden knowledge. This could look like a runway show that doubles as performance art, a collection that references niche cultural movements, or a thrifted piece whose value lies in its history rather than its price tag.
The runway, in many ways, is fashion’s altar; A place where uniqueness is initially misunderstood by most and morphed into the blueprint for modern trends.
No designer encapsulated the esoteric quite like Alexander McQueen. His shows were theatrical rituals, each one steeped in symbolism.
Consider his Spring 2001 collection, Voss, where models performed inside a mirrored box meant to resemble an asylum. McQueen’s commentary on voyeurism and beauty’s darker side wasn’t spelled out—it was embedded in the layers of his work, waiting for those willing to peel them back.
Rick Owens’ work is another example of fashion’s hermetic nature. His designs are dystopian, architectural, and intentionally alienating to mainstream tastes. When his models walked the runway wearing towering platform boots and flowing leather garments, it wasn’t about accessibility. It was about creating an alternate world that rejects the ordinary.
Allure of the Obscure
The rage pertaining to the past and all topics vintage in fashion is purely based on time and melancholia. Reflecting on individual style in transformative and experimental phases of life, much like being a women in their late 20s, fashion’s esotericism feels particularly resonant.
Celebrity creatives like Björk were known for rejecting the status quo when it came to her sense of style. Sources say she never wore jeans and a T-shirt because they are ‘a symbol of white American imperialism, like drinking Coca-Cola’.
“I like fashion when it’s a creative thing, when it’s about expression, when it’s about waking up in the morning and feeling a certain way and putting clothes on that will support you as an individual,” said Björk to a later edition of Nylon Magazine.
Even her infamous swan dress by Marjan Pejoski at the 2001 Oscars was mocked at the time, but now it’s seen as a touchstone of esoteric fashion. It wasn’t just a dress—it was a surrealist statement, a rejection of conventional Hollywood glamour, and a reminder that fashion can (and should) be art.
Pop culture serves as a bridge between high fashion’s elevation and the everyday consumer. Certain icons translate the obscure into something aspirational, albeit still layered with hidden meaning.
Chloë Sevigny’s style is the blueprint for alternative fashion with a touch of mystery. From her early days as a New York City “It Girl” in the ’90s to her modern-day red-carpet appearances, Sevigny’s wardrobe choices are unapologetically eclectic. Her ability to reference underground subcultures, like punk and indie film, in her outfits makes her a walking archive of niche aesthetics.
A vintage band tee paired with archival Miu Miu, or an obscure designer piece styled with loafers and white socks—these are not just fashion choices but subtle nods to her place in the art-house, DIY, and fashion worlds.
Translations to Mainstream Consumerism
The cryptic side to the retail industry offers an antidote to the oversaturation of micro-trends and disposable fashion. It invites us to slow down, to think critically, and to connect more deeply with what we wear. It’s not about being exclusive—it’s about being intentional, about wearing clothes that feel like extensions of our inner worlds.
Chances of fine-art inspired jewelry designs like Panconesi making its way to your Pinterest feed is higher than ever. Marco Panconesi’s sculptural, otherworldly creations look less like accessories and more like artifacts from an ancient (or futuristic) civilization. Panconesi’s work taps into wardrobe esotericism by challenging traditional ideas of adornment.
Wearing a Panconesi piece—like an asymmetrical ear cuff or a molten metal ring—is becoming a conversation starter for most who recognize his work, and for the few who have yet to become familiar with the name.
Another topic that’s been circling in the realm of retail is the resurgence of the twee aesthetic. Think Peter Pan collars, Mary Janes, and whimsical vintage, which has brought back a sense of curated individuality.
Originally popularized in the 2010s by figures like Zooey Deschanel and Wes Anderson films, twee is often dismissed as overly sweet or shallow. But its latest iteration leans into wardrobe esotericism by layering irony, nostalgia, and a touch of darkness.
Today’s twee revivalists use the aesthetic as a way to reference niche cultural touchpoints, like forgotten indie bands, thrifted fashion, or obscure literature. Pairing a cutesy dress with heavy Doc Martens or a deliberately clashing handbag turns twee into a kind of sartorial in-joke, signaling an understanding of its deeper, subversive potential.
The Intersection of Fashion and its Secret Society
Wardrobe esotericism thrives in the realms of niche, artsy, and alternative pop culture, where fashion becomes a deeply personal expression rather than a mass-market statement. These spaces, often characterized by their rejection of mainstream trends, are rich with layered meanings and insider references.
This inward approach to fashion invites us to see clothing as more than just clothing. It’s a canvas for identity, an homage to subcultures, and a way to connect with others who share a love for the obscure and the unconventional.
So next time you slip into a carefully chosen piece—whether it’s a Margiela jacket, a handwoven scarf, or even your grandmother’s vintage earrings—know that you’re participating in something bigger. You’re speaking a language not everyone will understand, but the right people will. And that, perhaps, is the greatest allure of all.
Two months into 2024, February brings a rather angsty tone to today’s landscape of contemporary fashion. As opposed to the soft and coquettish resonance from the past year, I’ve heavily noticed themes of grunge from exactly a decade ago are sparking up the media, with today’s teens experiencing 2014 Tumblr nostalgia.Alongside recent prominence of 90’s and 2010’s craze, indie reverie and authenticity are just a couple of relieving outcomes seen in modern style.
The Soft Relaunch of Indie Sleaze
Although many of us aren’t nearly ready to re-embrace our Tumblr personas (myself included), all of the emo GIFs, angsty quotes, and edgy fashion that flooded my timeline are entering the runway.
Making a lasting impression at London Fashion Week, designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Conner Ives bring sleaze realness to their Fall/Winter lines, debuting faux fur coats and punk choker styles. Along with incorporations of modern mafia wife romanticization, their designs are quite reminiscent of early themes stuck in our Tumblr reposts.
Bygone technology such as wired headphones and iPod Nanos also made LFW appearances this year, with Ives ending his clothing line in a dewy-eyed ode to last decade’s quintessence. As crazy as I feel calling life before airpods ancient, it does make me feel a whole lot older than I actually am.
On a side note (that I promise is relevant to the topic), I just recently finished the new Netflix show ‘One Day’ and realized how much of the media I’ve been indulging in is based in Europe. The idealization of the European lifestyle is nothing new, with the European summer vacation micro-trend making its wave last summer and ongoing themes of blokecore in fashion.
Taking a look at the niche genre of the Britain-based young adult, the Euro-academic (as seen in popular media like Conversations With Friends, Saltburn, Derry Girls, Sex Education, Normal People, etc.) has this incomparable, indie coming-of-age film vibe. I couldn’t tell you what is so appealing about the life of a young adult in Europe; Maybe it’s the dynamic of their social culture or the fact that every scenario they live out feels like The 1975 should be playing in the background. Whether you’re a frequent at the London nightclubs or an introverted Oxford bookworm, you’re serving angst that current fashion and media are living for worldwide.
In all of this year’s sleaze and glory, resurgence of punk themes from the 90’s and 2000’s also makes big moves into both fashion and pop culture, which I’ll go ahead and touch on further.
Is Y2K Dead or Just Being Redefined?
Before I get into this next topic, I want to preface: I love Renee Rapp. I do. I watched ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ at least three times in full and I send my love to my girl Avantika as well.
But, I have to agree with the Internet conflict in saying that the style representation in the Mean Girls reboot was a giant flop. Although I didn’t go bother to see it in theaters, the pictures online were enough to form the opinion. Every character’s outfit was giving Shein clearance at best.
As iconic as 2000’s fashion has been, many believe the discourse on how Y2K fashion has been morphed and misunderstood throughout the past couple years will ultimately lead to its downfall. Yet, I beg to question — are we just leaving our ‘Mean Girls’ Lindsey phase and embodying ‘Freaky Friday’ Lindsey instead?
This year’s Coachella lineup shocked many with an unexpected reunion from No Doubt announced as a surprise guest headliner, along with other alt favorites such as Deftones and Sublime. Although these bands were based in the 90’s, their prominence in 2000’s grunge culture was undeniable.
Feminine angst is taking back pop culture this year, with newfound audiences resurfacing nostalgic 2000’s cult classics like Girl Interrupted and Jennifer’s Body.
The perfect example of a modern Y2K grunge icon is internet sensation, Tarayummy. I’ve been watching her online for a little bit now and am in no way surprised at her recent levels of popularity increase. Aside from her looks and charm, she has this natural cool girl aura to her and fully reclaims the 2000’s punk princess aesthetic.
Although some might be able to compare her it-girl status to the likes of a Y2K icon like Megan Fox, Tara seems to have more of a relatable twang to her style and brand that reels in an audience. Her vulnerability online and influencer persona might be accredited to the difference, but I’d like to argue that a new age of indie sleaze also calls for a new age of bona fide femininity.
Be Real, Be Raw
We simply cannot talk about grunge icons without mentioning Miss Bella Swan who, might I say, was low-key a fashion icon. She gave Rock Revival, minimalist it-girl before Pinterest was even born.
People were so quick to throw Bella in the “I’m not like other girls” bandwagon until they realized Kristen Stewart is just real life Bella Swan. I think the point of making her character this awkward teenage girl was not to make her this poster child for how girls ‘should be’, but to be the representation for the girls who relate to her.
In this discussion over modern age grunge, our society is slowly steering away from the ‘not like other girls’ trope and accepting people for who they are. The vampire queen herself is fictional proof that you could be the uncomfortable loner and also be that bitch, all at the same time.
With all the media hype on female figures normalizing no-makeup campaigns, our simultaneous embodiment of authenticity is spreading into our mainstream means of entertainment. I saw all the online controversy about those criticizing the new Mr. and Mrs. Smith show on Netflix starring Maya Erskine and Donald Glover. Many had something to say about the stars’ looks, especially compared to the original movie’s leading couple, Brad and Angelina. After finishing the full show (and loving every second of it), I was especially pleased of not only their undeniable chemistry together, but how raw and organic the show’s sub-content was. Alongside the action, the show was emotional, dark, and just plain real.
As much as the culture of Hollywood has revolved around the unattainable idea of edited perfection, a new era of angst and melancholy pushes the boundaries of a once false reality.
Brands That Push Back
I’ll admit— I’m aware I am not saying anything new when I share my love for Tyler McGillivary. But when I say I am obsessed with her work, it is an understatement. Little did I know that the 90’s grunge floral pieces I was pinning on Pinterest was Tyler and as a fashion enthusiast, it is a little embarrassing. BUT, nevertheless, I think her brand is very on par with our general topic today.
One of her pieces that I see being worn constantly is her infamous pomegranate tee. You might be surprised to find out just how much controversy surrounds any imagery of the fruit, and some would argue that pomegranates have been a symbol of female fertility for quite some time. Her delicate yet dark feminine designs feel sultry and, dare I say, subtly obscene, which appeals to the indie sleaze coterie in young contemporary fashion.
I’ve noticed a lot of subliminal themes of sexuality within pop culture, art, and media throughout the recent years. More so in the grunge subculture, there’s a grit to the idea of something being vulnerable, which interestingly tends to teeter on the line of feeling borderline provocative.
When I think of other brands that push ordinary boundaries, Diesel immediately comes to mind. I follow HypeBae on Instagram and they wrote an article that covered the brand’s most ‘sex-positive’ campaigns, which involve advertisements, art installations, and other marketing ploys containing sex toys, condoms, and eroticism.
The topic of sex has always been a taboo one, with constant controversy surrounding conservatism and its moralistic value. The term “sex sells” is very prevalent in today’s market, but instead of looking at sex from a capitalistic point of view, I do believe positivity surrounding safety and normalization will only become more frequent this year.
There’s always been a certain connotation to anything sex-related and critics are always quick to call something tasteless. People are quick to judge when they’re fed anything that feels abnormal or tumultuous in their heads. But I’d like to argue a component of art will always be mass misinterpretation, and with themes of grunge sleaze continuing to push the limits in our media landscape, art will call for all sorts of untraditional passages the rest of 2024.
