Fashion and feminism: a Q&A with Muslim Iranian fashion blogger Hoda Katebi
By Alexandra Whittaker Most college students worry about grades and college life, but 20-year-old University of Chicago student Hoda Katebi is focused on social activism. With her popular fashion blog JooJoo Azad (“Free Bird” in Farsi) Katebi has worked since the blog’s launch in 2013 to change the media’s portrayal of Middle-Eastern, hijab-wearing Muslim women […]
Oscars red carpet lacks diversity
By Alexandra Whittaker Although Hollywood stars dressed to impress for the red carpet before Sunday’s 2016 Oscars telecast, many failed to dazzle. A few stars stood out among the conservatively dressed crowd, but most played it safe by sticking to darker colors and designers they wore before. Armani Prive gowns dominated the red carpet, which […]
Artist aims for radical visibility with new clothing line for queer people with disabilities
By Rebekah Frumkin Sky Cubacub, who uses the personal pronoun “they,” runs excitedly around this Lakeview studio, retrieving various chainmaille garments in the process. The bounty includes a chainmaille vest, a halter dress and bands of “metamaille,” or chainmaille that has itself been woven into a chainmaille pattern. “I’m super drawn to chainmaille because of […]
Downton Abbey exhibit coming to Chicago
By Alexandra Whittaker A Downton Abbey costume exhibit opens at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum in downtown Chicago on February 9, putting looks from the hit TV show on public display for the first time in the Windy City. “Dressing Downton: Changing Fashion for Changing Times” will run through May 8 and feature more than […]
BREAKING: Chicago cuts fashion funding
By Alexandra Whittaker The City of Chicago has eliminated funding for Fashion Focus Chicago, Chicago Fashion Week and the post of program director for Fashion and Culinary Creative Arts and Industries due to budgetary cuts. All were administrated by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and the cuts took effect on […]