On Saturday night, an eclectic group dressed in patterned hats, vintage T-shirts and chunky jewelry gathered for the launch of the first issue of Haze Magazine at the KidSuper store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. An exposed brick wall was the perfect back drop for an evening of beauty, beanies and beverages.
Haze is a biannual fashion and arts magazine created by several NYU students showcasing the raw culture and lifestyle of downtown New York City, rather than simply focusing on mainstream trends. The magazine exhibits content about exuberant youth, ranging from Lower East Side street style to profiles about local musicians and artists.
KidSuper, a clothing brand and shop launched by CAS junior Colm Dillane, was featured in Haze’s first issue and served as the perfect setting for the launch party. On Saturday the store was transformed into a place where creative individuals could meet and collaborate with other innovative people. This interaction captures the spirit of Haze Magazine, according to CAS junior and the magazine’s co-editor-in-chief and head of publishing Kendall Brezinski.
“[Haze’s mission] is to embrace a collaborative process and have writers’ voices shine and communicate their points of view to our readership,” Brezinski said. “We are our readership.”
CAS senior and co-editor-in-chief Valerie Chan came up with the idea for Haze Magazine when she first moved to New York. Through the magazine, Chan hopes to offer a creative platform for local designers and artists as well feature the creative energy of downtown Manhattan.
“I came to New York and met a lot of creative people who were photographers, artists and stylists. I felt that there are not enough outlets for creative people,” Chan said. “I wanted to launch Haze in order to provide a non-confining way for young, creative people to express themselves and showcase their talents.”
Haze’s creative team have some ground-breaking story ideas and photo shoots in store for their January issue, including a shoot at the Staten Island shipwreck.
They also plan on building relationships with their advertisers. American Apparel has agreed to advertise in the magazine, and the staff is in the process of reaching out to other brands and local businesses that reflect the magazine’s underground essence.
“We are in an interesting position,” Chan said. “I really feel like we have something here.”
Even though the first issue was printed on glossy paper, the team plans to shift to a newsprint format, providing a free-flowing structure that will capture the gritty spirit of the magazine.
CAS sophomore AJ Bayt loves the magazine’s ideas and collaborative efforts.
“I think Haze Magazine has a great structure,” Bayt said. “[The magazine] is honest and appropriate.”
Visit hazemagazine.net for updates on the magazine.
A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Nov. 19 print edition. Paige Brott is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].