Dear Reader,
In 1989, Anna Wintour, Editor of Vogue, published her first September
Issue. While she had been editor since November 1988 publication, I consider
her September Issue as her final step into the position. And while in no way do
I compare myself to “Ice Queen” Wintour, I like to think of this October Issue
as my final step.
It is true that I began my term as editor last issue, but the experience
was awkward, clumsy, and the beginning of a whole new learning experience.
Thanks to Maya Singhal, previous editor, it hasn’t been too hard, but like any
new experience, it has it’s own set of challenges and for me, it’s important we
maintain the heart of the Bard--which is to shed light onto forgotten elements,
whether that be the arts or social issues we ignore.
For this issue we chose shadows as our theme. Initially, given the fall
season, the shady gloom of the sky, and the upcoming spooky holiday, it
would seem cliched. However, we’d like to take it further and weather not only
through gloomy skies, but also the shadows that are casted in our lives. We’re
trying to come back to the heart of the Bard and shine a light onto the arts and
social issues that often fall into the shadows.
You may have recognize the image of Peter Pan’s shadow on this spread,
and I think it says something about the parts of us that aren’t always recognized. Often times, we forget or leave behind aspects of ourselves that are
equally animated, and spirited, and representative of who we are in order to
perceived being of ourselves that is permitted into the operating spectrum of
“normal” or “typical.” So instead, own it, sew back those shadows that gives
you depth and let’s celebrate them.
Enjoy the October Issue.
Kthxbai
Helena Ong
Editor-in-Chief