letter from the editors

Since its founding in 2006, STITCH Magazine has been at the forefront of exploring the multifaceted nature of fashion as a conduit for personal expression and cultural dialogue. With the release of our Winter 2024 issue, we embark on a journey not taken since Winter 2016: replacing a singular thematic focus in favor of a broad spectrum of narratives that mirror the dynamic landscape of fashion today. This approach is born from our desire to offer the editorial and creative teams the utmost creative freedom to explore anything and everything. The result is a celebration of the diversity and richness of fashion as experienced during the winter of 2024, crafted to serve as a transportive time capsule of current culture.

This issue — titled simply “Winter 2024 Issue” — reflects a breadth of articles and photoshoots that traverse a wide array of topics, from the spiritual and cultural significance of fashion to personal narratives of style and identity. 

“Spirituality & Style: A Tapestry of Identity” delves into how Northwestern students utilize fashion as a medium to express their spiritual beliefs by highlighting the interplay between fashion and personal identity. “Sarees in Switzerland: Cultural Threads in Unlikely Places” illustrates the global impact of Bollywood cinema on fashion, while “What Year is it Again?” offers a retrospective glance at the cyclical nature of fashion, showcasing the resurgence of early 2010s aesthetics and the anticipation of upcoming trends that redefine contemporary style.

“Like Mother, Like Daughter: The Bonds of Fashion” presents a heartfelt narrative on the influence of maternal relationships on fashion choices. “The Evolution of Corporate Couture” examines the shifting norms of workplace attire — from formal dress codes to the contemporary embrace of casual, expressive fashion in the corporate sphere. Finally, “Why Does Pink Have So Much Baggage?” navigates the complex cultural and emotional associations tied to, what is arguably the color of ‘23/24, pink. Why and how did pink transition from a symbol of masculinity to one of feminine empowerment and dissent, the latter of which is perfectly encapsulated by the Barbie movie?

On the creative side of this issue are two photoshoots. The first is inspired by the audacious spirit of Mugler and Balenciaga, think sharp silhouettes and futuristic aesthetics. The second captures the preppy ruggedness that transpires when sports meet vintage fashion, and more specifically, when they meet at North Beach and the Deering Gardens. As we present this issue, we eagerly anticipate sharing this exploratory journey with our readers, celebrating the stories, trends and cultural moments that shape our understanding of fashion today. Here’s to the Winter 2024 Issue — a testament to the creativity, diversity and dynamism that fashion continues to embody. 

– Molly Van Gorp & Carly Witteman