"Creativity" is his middle name. Put George Caceres behind the lens and he’ll do more than just capture the moment. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. For three years, George has proven that a picture can leave the mind astounded. This is not an illusion, his camera sees what the human eyes cannot. From Jersey City to the streets of New York, who knows where his camera will end up next? As he expands his knowledge in The New Schools Parsons University, George is always just one snap away towards success. Let alone value, his photography brings you variety. Fashion, beauty, and essence have never looked so good wrapped up in one. From the outside looking in we see a photographer. George is beyond that, he’s a creator!

What once was a sudden thought is now reality...
[Here's a little taste]




Photography by George Caceres

For more of George Caceres Photography please visit:
www.myspace.com/photographybygeorgie
http://www.georgecaceresphotos.com/ [coming soon]

This article was written by: Fatima Scott

The Concept Of Beauty

"I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men.
-Marlene Dietrich

When we look in the mirror, why is it that constantly we find ourselves asking the same question: do I like what I see? As women, we spend several hours focusing on our flaws, when there’s not enough time to love the skin were in. True beauty has been misunderstood and slowly, the media has been playing with the concept of today's image. Character transformation in fiction, facial creams, constant dying of the hair, layers of makeup, and even plastic surgery are factors that have effected a women's self image. Aside from the media, it's sad to say that teens have found the solution to make up for their flaws, believing the more skin we show the sexier we are.

Sophia Loren believes "A woman's dress should be like a barbed- wire fence: serving its purpose without obstructing the view." In today's society, we are so focused on fitting in that our clothing has become a cry out for attention. Whatever happened to a woman’s morals? It's as if we left that behind with our self-esteem and respect for one another. Fashion sends messages through textures, colors, materials, and accessories. Though we are not mind readers, it's obvious to see the many messages teens send out when they wear less clothing: they're selling themselves. Not only is it unflattering but it doesn't leave anything to the imagination.

Music videos, magazines and television ads are becoming the leading inspirations to today's unhealthy fashion sense. As we watch our favorite artist wear less clothing, we then feel the need to follow their footsteps, hoping to receive the same attention. Though we associate revealing clothing with teens, many adults are just as guilty. Take a good look around because you might want to ask yourself what is this world coming to? Children, not just any but our very own brothers and sisters are being exposed to this negativity. If some of our peers aren't wearing proper clothing, then who do we seek to for guidance?

The key to healthy fashion is being comfortable in our own skin. Materials just add the cream to the filling. Women should dress according to their shape and body type. Yes, there are woman who have the advantage of revealing what others can't, but that doesn't mean they should flaunt it because they can. Be the woman that sets the example. Everyone has something someone else doesn't. We should accept our flaws and admire what we do have; this is the concept of beauty.

This article was written by: Fatima Scott

Looking Your Best, For Less!

We often underestimate affordable uniqueness. When it comes to fashion, it's reassuring to look great without literally emptying your pockets. Baby Phat, Prada, and Versace are among several labels that tempt us, make our eyes pop out, and give us reasons for wanting to look great. Aside from receiving compliments, there are several factors that come along with shopping to look your best. We find ourselves in bliss during shopping sprees but the end result leave us down once we realize how much money we’ve actually spent! So, with a little discipline and financial savvy, it is possible to look your best for less!

Compare and Contrast: Two skills that play a huge role in the process of bargain shopping. Setting your eyes on a particular item is expected, but give yourself time to compare the first item to the next so compromise can occur. Let us think back to the last time we went to the mall. Purchasing that cute blouse or those dark denim jeans made us happy but four hours later we stopped in Macy’s and saw a better bargain.

The first step to looking great is being satisfied with where your money is going. Keep in mind that the quality of clothing is a key component when it comes to shopping for less. Even though the more affordable item may be tempting, typically high-end products are assumed to have better quality material. No one wants to buy a shirt that will shrink or fade after one or two washes. Or, we may walk into a thrift store and see a t-shirt that is very affordable. What we fail to notice is having that shirt for an extended period of time may not be guaranteed. Ironically, the cheap thrift store t-shirt may outlive the high-end Gucci or Prada shirt.

Everyone wants to have the hottest name brands without paying attention to price. Setting yourself with a budget before shopping can help get you get the look for less and keep you from shopping on impulse. Shop for the best but do it for less.

This article was written by: Fatima Scott

Promoting Healthy Fashion !

Ladies of Fashion starve their happiness to feed their vanity, and their love to feed their pride.
-Charles Caleb Colton

Lights, Camera, Action: The models are ready to walk the runway. Behind that glow, those six inch heels, glistening skin, and dress rehearsals, lies an image that is like a mirage. From the birth of fashion until today, it’s evident to see that models have become the backbone to this industry. Constantly browsing through magazines, and glancing at billboards, our attention is automatically drawn to their figure, the clothing, hair, and makeup. But what stands out more than anything is their body type; ranging toward the width of their waist down to the curiosity of how much time was spent getting those Abs. As we dig deeper into this major issue, let’s ask ourselves, has fashion created a fixed image of what a model can and should look like?

Many health experts have come to the conclusion that some of the causes of anorexia are the fashion industry, thin models, and a passion for the runway. Understand that our models hold a bigger responsibility than just looking great. In fact, these individuals are the missing piece we found to the puzzle; they're able to promote healthy fashion in a desirable way. The objective is to inspire. The complexion of your skin, and your curves from head to toe, are factors that the industries have taken for granted. What we fail to notice is that models come in every figure, shape and form.

With further research on the lives of our famous models, twenty one year old Ana Carolina Reston was an interesting case. Beginning her career at the age of thirteen, the beautiful 5-foot-8-inch model weighing only 88 pounds, died of a global infection; anorexia nervosa. A disorder characterized by an abnormal fear of weight gain that is life threatening. In most cases, it leads to even bigger problems such as depression, trauma, and obsessive compulsive behaviors. This goes to show that, what goes on behind the scenes of ones life is pretty much unseen in reality. Being able to glance back at those magazines and billboards and instantly seeing the models inner beauty is enthralling. From this day forth let’s not draw ourselves to unhealthy fashion but become the trendsetters of healthy fashion!

This article was written by: Fatima Scott

Fashion Makes A Statement !

From Christian Dior’s textures to Vera Wang’s colors, streaming towards accessories and cosmetics; Fashion has become the air we breathe. Every time we blink, fashion passes us by. We hear the latest trends, and can’t wait to get our hands on it; consider it a craving. Constantly “out with the old and in with the new,” what’s so fascinating is that we never know what’s next!

Pizza with extra cheese, brownies with vanilla ice cream; the taste of seafood lingering in our mouths are all desirable cravings. Just as we crave food, we crave the need to have the latest Coach handbag, to see how we look in a pair of Dolce and Gabbana frames, or to even know Jordan’s next release date. It never occurs to us that a craving is beyond our favorite piece of candy, but in fact the material of our clothing or how textures can compliment our complexion are things we desire more than anything.

Has fashion become a recycling process? In Henry David Thoreau’s exact words, “Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.” Let’s think back two years ago, when we laughed at the way people dressed in television programs from the 80’s; surprisingly the era of bright colors, big frames, and gold chains are a part of today’s generation. It started off with plaid, and then we moved up to the 80’s; after the 80’s retirement we moved up to the 90’s, wearing baggy clothing, white t-shirts and bandanas. It’s now the year 2007 and yes the plaid and the skinny leg jeans are back in style. Walking down the streets, you would have thought you were reliving the 80’s era all over again.

We often fail to notice fashion’s potential. There will always be critics; people who form opinions and expresses judgment. Reading various fashion magazines, these individuals tend to classify what we wear in groups “as best and worst dressed.” Fashion is a form of creativity and should be a way to promote positivity. What better way to express yourself and your ideas than through clothing? We often dress depending on our mood; deciding to wear all black on a rainy day, or wearing bright colors on a nice summer day are just a few examples. A person’s shirt can tell so much about them depending on the way they wear it, the colors, or it might even be the words on the shirt.

It’s naive to not see that fashion is essential. Not only has it made a statement on clothing but costume ideas for Broadway plays, movies, and even the way we decide to decorate a room. From this point on let’s be our own designers and start off by taking fashion to the next level!

This is my first article for my schools newspaper.