A persona is often defined as a character one assumes to be. It is never based on the reality of one’s true self; it is more akin to how much you decide to let in others to your world. You may hide pieces of yourself, never fully accepting that the people you surround yourself with may love the part you hide. On the other hand, you may see yourself as a larger-than-life figure. Someone who is destined for lavishness and recognition. You may also be somewhere in between these two extremes. Wherever you stand, immerse yourself in Être’s world of persona, but keep in mind this question:
Who do you desire to be?
Letters
Staff Spread
The Faces We Wear
Persona
Colors Of Our Joy
You Can Always Come Home 58. Mama, I Wanna Be A Rockstar
Life Of The Party
Elegy Couture
Bella Nichols President
Almost six years ago, as I was scrolling on Instagram, I stumbled upon a livestream of a Fashion Board show - and from that moment on, my life was forever changed. Even through a screen, I could feel that there was something so uniquely special about Fashion Board, and I desperately wanted to be a part of it.
As I sat in the interest meeting my freshman year, I looked around the room and thought there was no way, out of all those talented individuals, that I would become a member. But I also knew that if I did, I wanted to make an impact. Now, four years later, I can confidently say that Fashion Board is the most special corner of campus, and there is truly nothing like it.
The saying “it takes a village” could not be more true for Fashion Board. It takes every member and every committee to make our shows not just happen, but become magical. From the initial concept of a theme to the moment the models walk the runway, each detail is shaped by the dedication, talent, and heart of our members. Every role matters. Every voice matters. Every idea matters. The beauty of Fashion Board is found within each and every member.
However, Fashion Board is more than just shows. It has given me and so many others lifelong friendships. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, and I have found that is where the most growth happens. It teaches you the power of collaboration. It is about taking creative risks and supporting one another every step of the way. Watching members not only give their all to this organization, but also step more confidently into who they are, has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
Serving as President has been the honor of a lifetime, and no amount of time would ever feel like enough. Fashion Board has shaped me in ways I will carry with me long after my time on this campus comes to an end.
With all the love in my heart, Bella Nichols
Jordan Jackson Editor-In-Chief
As I am writing this letter, it is currently 5:12 am on April 4th, a Saturday. The only light in the room is coming from my MacBook, and the mainstay candle I got from Walmart. I am up this early because of my brain that is currently agonizing over the completion of this magazine. I have made so many iterations of so many things because, despite it all, at my core, I will always be a perfectionist.
Now I know some people say constantly seeking perfection is a fruitless endeavor, but I only get this way when I know that something is worth the work. Être is worth the sleepless nights, the daydreams in classes, and the internal warfare that goes on in my head, whether something should be #800020 or #830E0D. It is all worth it because Être has done so much for me.
Être and Fashion Board as a whole have given me so much: friends, memories, and skills, but most importantly, they have given me an identity. As a freshman, what I would do after college always seemed to resurface in my thoughts. I had no clue until I did my first photoshoot on October 8th, which was to advertise the Dollhouse Fashion Show. I felt at that moment that I knew where I was going in life, and the person I was before no longer existed.
I thank everyone who has contributed to Être this year, my amazing staff, and my astronomical directors. Without them, this piece of Être history would not be possible.
For those that don’t know, “Être” is French for “to be”; our entire publication has and will encompass that. Those feelings of just being have surfaced in this year’s magazine.
I ask you to prepare to see Être like never before. Bear witness to the personas and the fashion they appear in.
Au Revoir, Jordan Jackson
Mariama Hawkins Creative Director
Often people will come up to me and say that they love art, but they’re just not a creative person. To that I always have the same response.
Yes, you are.
If you have ever worried about the outcome of a situation, you use creativity. You gave yourself multiple versions of what you thought the future would look like. If you have ever solved a problem, you used creativity.
Creativity is ingrained in us. We are the only beings that can reshape our realities by a single thought. You hold the power to mold your own persona.
I pray that as you slip through the pages, viewing the work of these very talented individuals, you are encouraged to take chances and risks so you can embrace your own higher power. Trust yourself to create.
Sincerely, The Farmers Daughter, Mariama Hawkins.
Emily Loveless Art Director
Serving on Être has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my journey as a graphic design major. What began as an opportunity to contribute creatively quickly grew into something much more, a true introduction to the dynamics, challenges, and rewards of a real working environment.
Persona is more than just a magazine to me. It represents long hours, dedication, and an incredible amount of heart from everyone involved. I am endlessly proud of my committee, whose commitment, creativity, and willingness to push boundaries made every page something special. Together, we built something that reflects not only our artistic abilities but also our collective identity.
Working alongside such a passionate and talented team pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. From late nights refining layouts to bringing our collective vision to life, every moment reflected the dedication and creativity of this committee. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve produced and even more grateful for the people behind it.
This experience has shaped me both as a designer and as a collaborator, and it’s something I will always carry with me. Persona will always hold a special place in my heart! Not just for what we created, but for the people, growth, and memories that came with it.
For Persona, always, Emily Loveless
ÊTRE STAFF
DUALity
All throughout the day
She wastes her time dreaming
Of all the things She would say. She wastes away, wishing it away
She lays and prays in hopes to someday
Find who it is she’s searching for
All day she searches in the wind
From the earth to the sky
For the person in the mirror
When alone at night she no longer hides
And the search stops
While she’s delicate before dusk
She finds herself in the spotlight
The kind of girl who commands the attention of a room But can’t introduce herself to it
CREDITS
Venue:
Photographer:
Writer:
Designer:
Rick’s Cafe
Stylist: Gabrielle Bridges
Aniyah Mills
Model: Gabrielle Bridges
Camille Bullock
Emily Loveless
LADY SOCRATES
I am lavish and live in excess. In this atmosphere, it would be possible to see my worth.
If I meticulously apply makeup, dress up, and feel presentable, I can feel worthy; however, these manifestations of materialism are only a façade of thought.
I am not naïve to the fact that my truest desire is to speak my mind without the fear of judgment. I do not want to regret not having the ability to articulate my thoughts.
I want to be seen as something more than what I am now. My desires are innately inhabited, and I can envision exactly who I want to be.
I want my cup overflowing with confidence. I want to be layered in finery and perfumed in femininity.
In the dim light, I am not limited to expectations of agreeability and meekness. I do not want to regret not having the ability to articulate my thoughts.
I want to be seen as something more than what I am now. I want to be outspoken. Not to feel embarrassed when I do speak my mind.
I want to feel fulfilled. I want to be pretty. I want to not feel at war with my body.
These redundant wants frequently occupy my mind, but I can be free in my daydreams. I am both fulfilled in my hopes and receive the validation of desirability.
CREDITS
Stylist: Kait Johnson
Photographer: Nyiah Landfair
Lighting: Jahari Bell, Adryana Mar
Models: Maura Rorie, Kait Johnson, Riley Anderson
Makeup: Ja’kirah Hollis, Adryana Mar
Hair: Kaylee Lawson
Writer: Riley Howell
Designer: Jordan Jackson
I never feel in tune with myself. Pieces of myself break off and falter on how to be placed back together.
I believed the only solution was to live in my dreams, yet I get too comfortable in an escape where I become afraid of reality.
When I am required to leave the comfort of my delusions, I realize how much I rely on them.
My state of consciousness runs on what I feed it, but I do not know how to change.
I am stuck in constraints of my own making under the dim light, but soon, maybe, I can leave for the sun.
Caroline Taylor JEWELRY
Corrin Taylor is the founder and designer behind Caroline Taylor Jewelry, a Mississippi-based brand inspired by her daughter, Caroline. When Caroline was born with significant medical needs, Corrin sought a way to remain close to home while building something meaningful for her family. What began as a small creative outlet at her dining room table quickly grew into a thriving jewelry business rooted in craftsmanship, purpose, and heart.
Rooted in love, resilience, and motherhood.
Each piece of Caroline Taylor Jewelry is thoughtfully designed and handcrafted using highquality materials, including 14-karat gold-filled findings and personalized engravings. Corrin’s signature style blends classic Southern elegance with modern simplicity—creating pieces that feel both timeless and personal.
Customers are drawn not only to the beauty of the jewelry, but to the meaning behind it. Many pieces commemorate milestones, celebrate loved ones, or carry initials and symbols that tell a deeply personal story.
Over time, Caroline Taylor Jewelry has grown from a home-based idea into a beloved boutique-style brand across the South, appearing in curated markets and events while maintaining its personal, handcrafted touch.
Today, Corrin continues to design and create while balancing life as a mother and caregiver—proving that passion and perseverance can transform life’s challenges into something truly beautiful. At its heart, the brand reflects the same strength and joy that Caroline brings to her family every day.
Each piece of Caroline Taylor Jewelry is thoughtfully designed and handcrafted using high-quality materials such as 14-karat gold-filled findings and personalized engravings. Corrin’s signature style blends classic Southern elegance with modern simplicity, creating pieces that are both timeless and deeply personal.
Customers are drawn to the brand not only for the beauty of the jewelry, but for the meaning behind it; many pieces commemorate milestones, celebrate loved ones, or carry initials and symbols that tell a story.
Over the years, Caroline Taylor Jewelry has grown from a home-based idea into a beloved boutique-style brand across the South, appearing at curated markets and events while maintaining its personal, handcrafted touch.
Corrin continues to design and create while balancing life as a mother and caregiver, proving that passion and perseverance can turn life’s challenges into something beautiful. At its heart, the brand reflects the same strength and joy that Caroline brings to her family every day.
There is a profound power in the items we choose to wear every single morning. While we often reserve our finest treasures for the highlight reels of life we believe that the most meaningful jewelry belongs in the quiet spaces between the milestones. This is an invitation to embrace everyday moments and to find a sense of polished ease in the pieces that never leave your side.
Your jewelry should feel as natural and essential as the first cup of coffee or the soft texture of a favorite knit. Our signature gold chains and essential studs are engineered to be the silent supporters of your most dedicated hours, whether you are leading a boardroom or navigating the beautiful chaos of a busy afternoon. These are the heirlooms that transition with grace from the focused energy of the workday to the warm glow of a dinner table.
Ultimately, you do not need a holiday or a grand occasion to deserve the confidence that comes with a perfectly curated layer of jewelry. True luxury is found in the reliability of a piece that can withstand the ordinary moments of motherhood and career while maintaining its brilliant shine. We invite you to step into each day with the quiet booster of a timeless staple knowing that these are the investments that grow more precious with every wear. Choose the jewelry that celebrates you in the now and find the joy of wearing an heirloom that was truly made for the everyday. https://www.carolinetaylorjewelry.com
She Drives Her Own Story
Female fashion and the expectations behind how women should dress in certain settings or occasions has vastly changed throughout the past century. Even with these expectations, new ideas have emerged, breaking through with avant-garde choices of style. However, when women take up new spaces with their upcoming ideas and expressive styles, society deems it as performative.
CREDITS
Stylist: Amelia Cantoreggi
Photographer: Nyiah Landfair
Models: Bowen Winans, Sarah Kathryn Coleman
Writer: Katherine Alonzo
Designer: Margaret Keith
auseitfeelsmostcomfortabletotherestoftheworld
Theworldexpects a womanto be one thing,butw o nem era ton to be con fi n tde o eno c o nceptsimply b e c
A woman can be not only anything, but everything she desires to be.
It is not performative for a woman to be multifaceted, and she is not obligated to shy away from her desire to be and appear as she wants, even if it makes the world uncomfortable.
The feminine spirit in herself is freedom. Women do not have to choose one version of themselves; they can be every version. Every goal, style, and persona that an individual woman embodies is to be embraced fully without fear and without regret. There is no need to reshape yourself to make society feel comfortable.
You can be anything and everything.
Who am I?
I look in the mirror and I see me, but my reflection is not myself at all.
I see traces of myself, affixed beside fragments of personas that belong to another.
Clothing: MSU Theater
Stylist: Devyn Lee
Photographers: Mariama Hawkins, Jordan Jackson
Color and Photo Editor: Lex Lu
Model: Emeree Moncrief
Makeup: Emeree Moncrief, Kaela Moorehead
Writer: Katherine Alonzo
Designer: Elijah Gilliland
Who am I? The face that I see isn’t real. It’s composed of artificial materials and sentiment, concealing something beneath.
Who am I? Every day it’s something new, an added layer to the artificial skin that blankets my truth. CREDITS
A new visage to appease the eyes who watch me. The eyes who watch from all around, from near or afar, from the darkened corners of the room or from the leather couches of their homes.
What could happen if I let the layers fall? If I felt the plastics melt across my face and down my neck. If I allowed the cracks to take form without mending. If I let it all crumble away, so they could see it, so they could see it all.
What’s really concealed behind it all? If the plastic all melted away and the cracks turned into crumbles and the mask finally fell away, what would be seen? Who am I?
Who am I if not the masks I put on? The mechanical smile: digitized and sent beyond to the world of illusions, the performed laugh I sing for the ears of those most beloved to me, or the assertive eyes burning to grab the attention of executives and peers alike.
Who am I? The choice of what mask—what version of me to wear is unbearable. They won’t approve if I make the wrong choice. They would despise me. Who am I if not the façade?
Who am I if I get to choose?
Who am I at all?
There have been times where I reflect on key moments in my life, trying to dissect potential meaning and lessons from situations.
I have often noticed that I was limiting my own potential by placing limitations onto myself. I was too focused on the pressure to pick apart pieces of myself to show others.
I memorized what each person in my life enjoyed and molded myself into that box. It became second nature to hide parts of myself to fit in.
I didn’t want to seem like too much, so I lessened my value. I didn’t realize at the time how detrimental this can be.
Humans are multi-faceted creatures; however, showing only fractions of a whole is a form of self-isolation.
Lasting and worthwhile connections cannot be made without letting go of the comfort of being simplistic.
The simplicity of a stereotype moves one further away from self-actualization.
The different elements are bound together to form a unified whole.
I began to envision a version of myself that could break free of this habitual
I saw myself having my own autonomy, and I held onto this ideal persona of myself.
Once I began to move away from these limitations, I noticed who was not interested in knowing aspects of myself that did not appease their own interests or desires.
Although discouraging, growth is never comfortable.
It only made finding those who are accepting all aspects of myself even sweeter.
Holding onto the persona of who I wanted to be allowed me the courage to break away from being stuck in a mold formed for comfort.
Before I knew it, my vision became my reality.
A better and freer way to live awaits those who accept every version of themselves.
The persona that is stuck in the mind can be a reality, only by breaking free of the limiting nature of perpetual portionality.
No one tells you that you have begun to edit yourself. All of a sudden, a navy blazer takes the place of your beloved blue cardigan. A nude lip rather than a specific shade of crimson, the one that feels like confession.
O U R J OY
A slow, careful death of individuality. Morning arrives, expectant and fluorescent. Closets are opened, posing many questions. Rows of obedient blacks and gentle cream stand at attention, whispering words like acceptable and polished. You reach for them— a dutiful soldier preparing their armor for battle. But your hands, oh your hands. They are faintly stained with fuschia, as if scrubbing away any trace of brightness. Of vibrance. Of life.
Along your eyelids linger a ghost of cotton candy pink, daring to peek through your porcelain façade. The face says I understand the rules. The eyes scream I was never meant for them. Clothing is perhaps the most ancient of languages. A dialect of hems and hues. We are taught early on which shades are praised and which are punished. Sparkles are applauded at a party but berated in a boardroom.
Which softness reads as grace and which as weakness? There is a staggering difference between presentation and possession. Between what we wear and what we bury, deep within us. The mirror is a traitor. In its reflection, your cheeks bloom—— an unapologetic coral. Glitter is scattered across your temples, constellations against a midnight sky. Society demands cohesion. The soul pleads for color.
CREDITS
Stylist: Faith Williams
Photographer: Sierra Case
Makeup becomes the diary we keep. A swipe of chartreuse at the inner corner of the eye. A touch of violet tracing the lower lash. Lips painted like petals while the jaw stays set in a stoic calm. This is the inner monologue made visible— if only you dare to look closely. Joy is indulgent, so we are told. But joy is not frivolous. It is a wild thing. It tends to stain.
Models: Hali Hollman, Maya Mabry, Lane Coleman, Seth Caruthers, Ayden Roberts, Sarah Stone
Makeup: Adryana Mar, Kaela Moorehead, Emeree Moncrief
Writer: Reese Yeager
Designer: Margaret Keith
Home is where my heart is.
Home is where my soul is.
Home is where I can just be.
As I lie on my bed, I look around at all the pieces of myself that now decorate these four walls. In this room, I am infinite. My books fill the shelves, my drawings scatter the desk, and my personality SHINES THROUGH THE ROOM.
When the day drags on, I long for my home, for the place where I can shed all artificial parts of myself. I do not have to act for anyone, and that is what I love about it. When I need a friend, I consult one of my favorite bo books.
My journals hold my secret thoughts and feelings, and my drawings are a representation of them. Every idea, every creation, every fiber is my own in here. Countless hours I have spent here, yet I will never grow tired of it.
Over the years, my definition of home has begun to change. I always thought of it as a physical tether to my being, like the pin on a map marking the spot of my glorious treasure. I could not be without my home. Without my home, I did not know myself. My personality was confined to those four walls because I thought no one would ever understand the real me.
Home is where my heart is because home is where I make it. Home is where I find it. Home is where I cultivate it.
When I started to show my true personality to those around me, I found pieces of home in shared laughs and radiant smiles. Some showed me kindness while others showed caution. Some people gave me the gift of radical acceptance while others led with rejection. Little by little, I built the foundation for my home in every little corner of my life. I weathered the storms that tried to destroy all that I had built, and I did some remodeling when certain features were outdated.
My home is my sanctuary. Those who make me feel seen and appreciated are permanent fixtures in my safe space. My home still exists within these four walls, but I now find glimpses of it all around me. I carry pieces of home with me everywhere I go. I know now that anywhere I go, I will always find those who will allow me to unapologetically be myself. Whether it be in the people, or the places, or the physical items I own, home will always be my favorite place to just be.
CREDITS
Stylist: Emma Frayser
Photographer: Dahnia Bell
Model: Adryana Mar
Makeup: Adryana Mar
Hair: Adryana Mar
Writer: Katie Garcia
Designer: Emily Loveless
Mama, I Wanna Be a Rockstar.
What do you think of when you hear freedom? Eagles, fireworks, flags? The 4th of July, boats, summer celebrations? Shoot stylist Katie Rose Miller thinks of the 70s, their rockstars, and retro outfits featuring bell bottoms and denim on denim (both making a comeback). She sees the warm colors swirling through the air and imagines the wild individuality that blazes through each and every person who embodies the 70’s spirit.
Literature has developed around references and events synonymous with the 70s. Think Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Albums from that decade were crafted with the vibes you’re remembering now. Remember Stevie Nicks. The raw, captivating magnetism that so many personas from that decade encompass, through many mediums, but the key is music. TV shows, books, and so much more circle music from the 70s because, like the people, it’s so enticing you can’t look away.
CREDITS
Venue: Rick’s Cafe
Stylist: Katie Rose Miller
Photographer: Sierra Case
Models: Natalie Magee, Sam Yeager, Katie Rose Miller
Writer: Phoebe Musial
Designer: Cate Simmons
Like Miller, you’re intrinsically drawn to it. Its retro styling and symbolic attitude allow not just Miller, but so many others across generations to welcome the revamping of the 70s. From the concerts to the infectious energy, everyone, even just a little bit, recognizes the 70s invading life now.
You feel the complexity and untamed image of Daisy Jones when you hear Let Me Down Easy. You become driven and wild when you channel Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks. The artistry of it all motivates generations to remain passionate.
Miller is thrown back to her early teen years. She first felt the base of rock music pulsing in the background of her life at thirteen. She was hypnotized by the culture of it all. She finds herself, and her free spirit in it. The defiant characters of the 70s entered her soul, and never left. She doesn’t conform to societal expectations, her wild child personality from when she was little still resonates with her deeply today, just a little bit calmer and leveled off.
The persona attached to the 70s allows for her to hold admiration for it and dig deep inside her to bring it out.
The retro tones have enriched the air, do you feel it, yet? Freedom, passion, and drive have been infectiously making its way through our generation as trends from the 70s come back around. Because we all know fashion is cyclical. The 70s are coming back even stronger than before, and freedom rings through the wild child.
I am who everyone wants to be around. Why would anyone want to leave me? What happens if everyone leaves me?
I find comfort in the parties, in the people, in the commotion.
That is who I am.
I do not know silence. I do not know peace. In the chaos I am born again. I lose myself in the scene. I am dancing. I am free.
My friends love me. My friends need me. Do they?
Yes, they do.
How could they survive without me?
What would they do without me?
I bring the party; I bring the fun. Without me, they would be nothing. They love me. They need me.
I make them laugh and I make them smile and we have fun.
We always have fun.
We are always all having fun all the time. Life is fun.
Life is a party.
We are always having a party all the time.
I am having fun. Are they?
Yes, they are.
Why wouldn’t they?
We’re dancing.
me They They They needed loved me
CREDITS
Clothing: MSU Theater
Models: Daiton Strange, Ayden Brown, Jacob Gomez
Creative Direction: Mariama Hawkins
Stylist: Ayden Brown
Photographer: Jahari Bell
Writer: Katie Garcia
Designer: Cate Simmons,
I know I love my friends because they love me.
I know they need me.
I know we are having an amazing time.
I know I am making them laugh.
I know they love me.
The night goes on, and we have fun.
They love having fun with me.
They needed loved me. me.
I love parties.
I love dancing.
They love all the same things I do because they love me.
I love having fun.
We have the best time together.
I thrive in chaos. The chaos loves me. I stay because this is all I know. May this party never end.
ELEGY COUTURE
CREDITS:
Stylist: Nora McCarthy
Photographer: Jahari Bell
Model: Maley Dale Ford
Writer: Phoebe Musial
Designer: Cate Simmons
It started with a movie. A character really. Debbie, in Addams Family Values, sparked inspiration for stylist Nora McCarthy to create a dark and mysterious character, one that strays so far from the usual alter ego that she borders on controversial. Despite that, she has numerous characters that exhibit her values and personality across time, displayed on television throughout the years. Sure, a lot of people in our generation have ambitious, confident personas, but Debbie inspired a deadly cool, boundaries-pushing woman, unlike any risqué character we’ve seen before. She scandalizes front pages and the families at the same time, during which rumors of her husbands’ passing fly. People questioning her involvement in his death, her attraction to him in the first place, or lack thereof, and more talk of her only feed who she is. She wants the flattery, the attention, everything to revolve around her. She is selfish, slanderous, and materialistic. She is The Widow.
The widow lives a luxurious lifestyle and displays all of it for the world to see. From assaulting graves to showing herself off, the widow focuses only on her image; her image with the press, with the family, and with people walking around while she gallivants around the world. She draws in friends, side characters, and her husbands: any age, no type, but always rich. She encourages you to be selfish, egotistic, and arrogant. You can tell people off, be the drama, and drive your life any way you so desire. Any girl struggling with self-esteem needs to channel her inner widow. Dressing to kill and flaunting your status, the widow allows you to dominate any space and be the center of attention. The widow’s goal is to catch eyes, pull everyone in, and entice her audience.
The widow consumes you, she takes over, organically running every part of your life. She doesn’t back down and she will never run. She hosts the funeral despite the gossip circling and stares his family in the eyes while she mourns. What is she mourning? Who cares, she looks hot doing it. The loss of a husband, a no-longer-growing bank account, who knows? She struts away from the body descending into the earth, the sounds of cameras clicking, reporters’ questions, and the crying of attendees drowned out by the songs that embody her best: I Put a Spell on You by Annie Lennox, Back to Black by Amy Winehouse, Freak by Lana Del Rey. She knows that she runs the show, after all, she chose the grave, the site, and the man.
The widow sticks out; she forces people to acknowledge her and doesn’t back down until she’s done. The swagger she exudes rolls onto her creator. McCarthy centered her interview around the widow; every aspect of the conversation was the widow’s moodboard. The details and pictures, which McCarthy took herself, evolved and revolved around the widow and her character. The widow devours any conversation, and this one was no different.
CREDITS
Stylist: Douglas Turner
Photographer: Nyiah Landfair
Model: Izzy Dupre
Makeup: Adryana Mar
Hair: Kaylee Lawson
Writer: Reese Yeager
Designer: Elijah Gilliland
The sleeping city flickers below, presently unsure of its own weak glow.
The moon does not compete with the sun.
She lies in wait, for her own hour will come.
Sailors stranded among the sea long ago offered up their loyalty.
She will not chase them. She promises no warmth. And yet, she becomes their mistress. Time and time again.
No comfort does she offer, no fire to dull the edges of dusk. And yet they kneel at her shadow. Calling her theirs while knowing deep down that she never was.
No roar of thunder announces her arrival. Only a quiet ascent.
The dead of night seems to open like a velvet box, whispering both answers and questions, if only you bend an ear to listen.
The darkness is her domain. She is tainted not by the palette of day, and its greedy wishes to sweeten her edges and soften the truth.
For you to see, the moon is not soft. She is cunning. She carves herself into the shadows, veiled in gossamers and secrets.
The light pools her hips and spills down her spine. She is not merely lit, for she is illumination itself.
The break of day will soon be upon us.
Although dawn arrives, stretching her radiant limbs and drenching the fields in a daily dew, she still remains.
Watchful. Hushed. Utterly untouchable.
The moon lingers, like the euphoric taste of a long-awaited kiss, begging the question: Is this the end?
Or only the beginning of an eternity?
And so, she lingers. Faint but certain.
She must go, but she will be back soon enough.
A ghost of luminescence refuses to be mistaken for absence.
The lighthouse does not follow the ships. It stays. An ever-present beacon. It burns silently.
Rachel Woodward Faculty Advisor
Dear readers,
As you reach the final pages of this magazine, I hope you pause for a moment to appreciate the remarkable work that fills every page. This publication is more than a collection of images, words, and ideas. It reflects the creativity, dedication, and collaboration of the talented students who make up Être and Fashion Board!
I am continually inspired by the passion our students bring to this magazine every year. From thoughtful writing and innovative styling to striking photography and careful editing, each element of this magazine represents countless hours of teamwork. The work you see here is the result of students challenging themselves, trusting their creativity and supporting one another throughout the process.
What makes this group especially meaningful is the spirit of inclusivity that defines it. Fashion is at its best when it welcomes diverse perspectives, celebrates individuality, and creates space for everyone to express themselves. This magazine reflects that belief. Each page tells a story not only about style and aesthetics, but also about confidence, collaboration, and community in every “persona”.
As the faculty advisor, it is truly an honor to witness students discover their voices and grow in their abilities. I am incredibly proud of the full group of Fashion Board and especially proud of the Être team! Fashion Board covers all facets of the university, and it is my pleasure to serve you well beyond the classroom and runway.
To everyone who contributed to this magazine (writers, stylists, photographers, models, hair team, makeup team, editors and more) thank you for your vision and your commitment to excellence. You have created something meaningful that represents not only your talent, but the heart of this organization.
I look forward to seeing how each of you continues to innovate, inspire, and shape the future of fashion and beyond.
