Sonny Angels are small, 10-centimeter figurines that look like little cherubs with angel wings featuring cute themed headpieces — like fruit, animals or flowers. Despite being nude, they give off an innocent, childlike concept.
Then there are Hippers — mini versions of Sonny Angels — designed to be stuck on personal items like phones, laptops or mirrors. They’re just as...
Welcome to the world of fashion and self-expression with Vain UCR! In an exclusive interview with Austin Laniyi, the club’s president and upcoming fourth-year student at UCR, The Highlander delves into the topic of summer fashion. Alongside his involvement in UCR club’s soccer and his passion for anime, manga and fashion, Austin founded Vain UCR in the fall quarter...
In the world of fashion, trends come and go, but it seems like the 2000s are making a strong comeback. Low-rise bottoms, fit and flare denim pants, mini skirts, baby tees and velour tracksuits are all making their way back into the fashion scene. This nostalgic revival of Year 2000 (Y2K) aesthetics has been fueled by various influences, including...
The team at Vain led by Austin Laniyi worked tirelessly throughout the summer to organize their fashion show. Their hard work is clearly visible as the runway show feels like an upscale event that came straight out of New York Fashion Week. The room was packed with every seat being occupied by an eager UCR student or a Southern...
With commencement ceremonies right around the corner, one might assume that the class of 2025 is only thinking about one thing: celebrating to the fullest. But between planning parties and dreading final projects, this year’s graduates still have much to do in these last two weeks — or at least, much to figure out.
Nestled among these hallmark moments of...
Growing up as an Asian woman in a predominantly white area, the alienation was subtle but aggressive. For the first seventeen years of my life, I attempted to hide myself through the clothes I wore. I thought if I dressed in ways that hid my body, I could hide from criticism and prying eyes.
College, for many, is the first...
Critics argue that fashion is fundamentally utilitarian — a means of covering the body for protection and modesty. In their eyes, the practicality of clothing overshadows any artistic intent. This perspective contends that, while certain designers may infuse creativity into their work, the primary purpose of fashion is to serve basic needs.
Some even argue that labeling fashion as art...
For many, being represented in the media is one of the most liberating feelings. This is especially true for minorities who have fewer opportunities to feel seen or heard. Inclusivity, if done right, is beneficial, but when done wrong, it is detrimental.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was iconic. Everyone would gather around the TV and marvel at the Angels...
VAIN is here in collaboration with The Highlander to forecast some of the hottest trends for the 2024 season.
Rockstar Made
A trend that is gaining momentum is “indie sleaze:” a grimy, grunge aesthetic born from the early 2000s era. One can think of it as an overly exposed film picture in a bathroom, a pile of cigarette butts in a...
The fundamental phrase of a winter dress code implies that there is a standard of style that we have to abide by, but that is simply not true. There are no rules to fashion, let alone a dress code. With the winter chill creeping in, here are some tips for not sacrificing warmth and style this winter.
If skirts and...