Aesthetic

The Latin Lover Is Back and He Has A “Mustache Goatee Combo”

Your crush is a dud with a good barber and colonizer genes and your interest in him is based on a hollow perception of Latinidad. Oops! …

February 9, 2024

In an illustration about core aesthetics, a combination of many different items that people consider a part of aesthetic themes.

Does Everything Need a ‘Core’ Aesthetic?

Shawna Smith, University of Phoenix

With the rise of social media trends and Pinterest boards that focus on specific themes, everything seems to be done for the clout nowadays.…

October 13, 2022

Is Indie Sleaze the Next Big Fashion Trend?

Kaitlyn Anderson, Cornell University

Could the indie sleaze aesthetic be the next Y2K? Fashion trend experts predict a comeback for the aesthetic, but what does that entail?…

September 18, 2022

A stylized illustration depicts three of the four new Olympics sports: athletes surfing, skateboarding and rock climbing.

The Beautiful Games: The 2020 Olympics’ Four New Sports

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

Climbing, surfing, karate and skateboarding are linked by a common thread: an appeal to the inherent beauty and aesthetic nature of athleticism.…

August 7, 2021

Doja Cat is illustrated in space-themed attire and colors to demonstrate the aesthetic of her recent music videos.

Doja Cat’s Artistry Demonstrates the Value of Aesthetic

Sydney Smith, University of Pittsburgh

With the singer's recent release 'Planet Her' comes a renewed focus on captivating styles, something that has been lacking from mainstream pop as of late.…

August 4, 2021

illustration of a flower with an eyeball and butterflies in an article about Dreamcore

Dreamcore Mixes Nostalgia and Liminality for a Complex, Emotional Aesthetic

Zach Terrillion, Oberlin College

The trend is reminiscent of dreams. Do the images it depicts make you feel nostalgic or do they leave you feeling terrified?…

July 1, 2021

An illustration of white men reading for an article on the lack of diversity in dark academia.

Dark Academia Has a ‘White’ Problem

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The classical literature aesthetic is far too Eurocentric and lacks diversity. So how can we change that?…

January 18, 2021

Dark Academia Is More Than Just an Aesthetic — It’s Building a Community

Haven Worley, University of Rochester

The fashion trend and subculture is rekindling an eagerness to learn after going viral on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.…

November 12, 2020

vaporwave style photo of a car behind balcony bars

Vaporwave Might Be Dead, but Its Ghost Continues To Haunt Pop Music

Ian Nordin, University of Texas at San Antonio

Whether you think the genre is long gone or still thriving, it continues to influence artists like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Tyler, the Creator.…

March 20, 2020