House of Strike: Strike UF’s Issue 07 Fashion Exhibition
Strike is like a cake. You’ll have a taste, and you want more. And then you’ll want every issue for yourself.
But for the launch of its lucky seventh issue “Who Do You Think You Are?” Strike UF couldn’t help but share. Succeeding its Issue 06 launch’s drive-up runway, the magazine hosted a fashion exhibition featuring seven original set designs, each emblematic of a personal, journeyed answer to Issue 07’s titular question.
While art, like beauty, has no price, each exhibit’s staff-constructed pieces were available to visitors for auction. Proceeds benefited the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida (PCCNCF), a local safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. "We decided to choose the Price Center because the LGBTQ+ is something that Strike and all of our members have a deep connection to, whether they are an ally or a member of the community," said Nicole Poplewko, Assistant Creative Director at Strike UF.
Guests were also met with host How Bazar’s signature commodified decor, drinks and music by Majo, as they perused each piece and pondered identity. "We were beyond excited to work with The How Bazar because of how creative they are, and it was such an enjoyable experience to collaborate with them," said Sarah Sheerer, Assistant External Affairs Director at Strike UF. "We're also looking forward to collaborating with them for our launch party this Friday, December 10th."
Here’s what attendees experienced at House of Strike.
SET 1: STOLEN INNOCENCE
The floral fantasy of the “Stolen Innocence” exhibit is evocative of a pain felt, an object lost by most Zoomers. We were never privy to the simplicity of the world granted to generations before us. Thus, we’re especially grateful for any breath of fresh air we manage to gasp. The set is a literal display of Generation Z’s connection to nature; seen in a widespread commitment to environmental activism, and ironically stolen away as irreversible climate change blights us more every day. We mourn the innocence lost, signified by the barefoot model’s muted makeup. Yet we remain grounded by nature, as displayed by the blossoming headpiece, stubbornly entwining ourselves in its importance. It’s a refusal of having nature robbed from us as corruption was.
SET 2: PERCEPTION
Perception is everything. It affects our view of the world and the world’s view of us. In the present day, many of us have lost our “Perception'' in favor of becoming entangled within a matrix of interconnectedness. Our model is plugged in, representing this notion of being overwhelmingly connected to everything without truly perceiving anything. Our dependence on this technology removes the element of time, causing us to shift from our present to a future state. We are consumed.
SET 3: IDYLLIC LIFESTYLE
Finding who you think you are often begins with considering where you want to be. It’s a bar that’s only raised as increasingly strict beauty standards propel our ideal selves into the stratosphere. Meanwhile, our dissatisfied and immortal selves remain on the ground, tangible as the operating table in “Idyllic Lifestyle.” The set’s subject sits atop it, puffing their pearls in vain. Her pearlescent headdress and shiny accessories become indiscernible from her surgical state. It’s idealism at any cost, regardless if it’s real or not.
SET 4: OVERCONSUMPTION
Woven into the American fabric is our innate inclination to consume without bounds, paying no regard to the trail of destruction we leave behind. There will never be enough, and we will never have enough. Our wants bleed into our needs, leaving a gray area with no distinction following every purchase we make. The model in “Overconsumption” exemplifies this. They look fabulous wrapped in the bespoke jacket. However, what lies beneath is the trail of destruction their habits have created. “Overconsumption” serves as a proclamation of the imperative to buy less, live more and preserve the very place we call home.
SET 5: TEMPTATION
We’re made up of our choices, but what we choose is often determined by desire. The model, a living gateway to the most evocative aspects of gothic and grunge, stands atop a crimson cloth-draped table of excess. Their smokey ensemble leaves them looking bare between the candles and champagne glasses, open to the seductive whispers of substances, sex and the rest. It’s emblematic of a cyclical society that keeps itself alight through eternal objects of “Temptation.” Will you take a taste?
SET 6: BALANCE
Achieving perfect “Balance” is something many will attempt but few will achieve. In our evolution through time and humanity, perfect symmetry is no more. The model demonstrates this as they sway back and forth between two light fixtures, situating their stance in what one would call “perfect” asymmetry. Through this imperfect display and learning of balance’s infinite interpretations, the subject becomes their truest self.
SET 7: REFLECTED IDENTITY
With or without a fulfilled sense of self, anyone can recognize at least a piece of their person by looking into a reflection. Our calloused skin, our newfound soft spots, every inch of us constructs the pair of eyes peering back through the mirror. Reflected Identity pleads that spectators not lose sight of their parts. The silk-enveloped model challenges onlookers through their veil. Though their view is hazy, they stand tall. We’re invited to embrace the lack of clarity. The outfit’s illusion of dampness, conveyed with paper mâché, leaves the subject seeming seasoned yet fresh-faced nonetheless. Their unconfined, flowing state honors both growth done and growth yet to come. Though we may be swept away on the stream to self-discovery, we’re reminded to float along; to keep connected to our ever-cascading parts.
The seven sets showcased at House of Strike are a reflection of Strike UF’s creativity, artistry and values. “From pitching the concepts, to styling the models, to physically building the sets, all of our staff members worked so hard to bring these visions to life,” said Hannah Shelton, Assistant Editor-in-Chief at Strike UF. “I feel so lucky to work with and be inspired by such an incredible team of people.”
Although the event is over, the celebration continues. Purchase event tickets, preorder the publication, and join the staff this Friday at the How Bazar from 7 - 10 p.m. to celebrate the launch of Strike Magazine UF’s seventh issue: “Who Do You Think You Are?”
Strike Out,
Writers: AJ Bafer, Jacob McLean
Editor: Hannah Shelton
Photo: The How Bazar
Model: Dayanna Peek, Jordan Ortiz, Isabella Leon, Zion Brown, Nelson Rivera, Christina Moreno, Grace Rodriguez
Gainesville