On May 2, Thread Magazine launched their spring semester issue.
For those unfamiliar, Thread Magazine is a student-run fashion, arts and culture magazine that produces an issue every semester, each with its own theme. Every aspect of these magazines — from its photos and outfit designs, to its post-production and editorial — is completely done by Cornell students.
Thread aims to showcase the multitude of talents within the Cornell student body, though specifically in visual design and editorial storytelling. Every Thread model is also a Cornell student, each styling their own distinct looks to create a diverse representation of Cornell students. Thread gives students an opportunity to express themselves artistically and brings many different stories and perspectives to its magazine, allowing it to encompass a variety of aspects of art.
This semester’s theme surrounded sports, exploring a variety of athletic (and non-athletic) aspects of sports culture.
Thread took a different approach to creating their issue this semester as they attempted to avoid a trickle-down process where leadership drives what individual shoot teams do, something that often restricts creative freedom. Thus, sports, something inherently centered on teamwork, became this issue’s theme. Individual shoot teams were “challenged to propose and execute unique ideas where development was driven by curiosity and exploration,” said Lillian Casazza ’28, Thread’s creative director.
What emerged was a diverse spread of what sports embody. Photos feature the camaraderie of soccer, the tragedy of coming in second place, the undying fan culture and much more. One of my favorite shoots is “An Education of Play,” featuring models wearing brightly colored, kid-like clothing as they engage in classic childhood activities.
On May 2, Thread also hosted their first ever gala, with both its members and models in attendance. The gala served as a celebration for the launch of the record magazine as they had over 100 models, 17 pieces written and 20 different shoots across five teams.
The gala consisted of food, speeches and, of course, a ton of photos. Thread members showed up and showed off their best outfits. At Cornell (and college in general), personal expression can be limited by the constant expectation to be professional. Outfits at the gala were undoubtedly a highlight of the night, giving its members another outlet for creative expression and personal identity — values that Thread promotes as a whole.
I highly recommend checking out Thread Magazine’s Instagram, @threadmag, to further look into the production process and their pieces. If you are especially intrigued, make sure to check out this semester’s issue! Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Amina McCain is a freshman in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She can be reached at akm267@cornell.edu.
