MEMBERSHIP

Calling all graphic designers! We are still accepting design applications for Spring 2026. Reach out to Editors-in-Chief on Slack for the application ASAP. Applications close at 11:59PM TOMORROW, Saturday, 1/31.

UPCOMING

Coulture Conversations is BACK. We know you love to hear us yap. Stay tuned for the first episode, set to air in February on Spotify.

Our lovely Production Director, Miss Aly Ignacio, is hosting Corsets & Cocktails, a Wuthering Heights-themed cocktail in collaboration with Warner Bros. Come dressed in your best corset-chic attire and join her for a night of games, charcuterie, drinks and a chance to win tickets for a free screening of the movie. Check your Slack to RSVP!

PARIS FASHION WEEK

We are in the thick of Paris Fashion Week. While a full digest is coming soon, we wanted to leave you with some initial thoughts. Here’s what’s on our mind:

A Sneak Peek – Alessandro Michele – you’ve done it again. The creative genius staged a Kaiserpanorama-inspired show, a unique take on perspective that also paid homage to the label’s late founder.

Gardens & Scorpions & Birds, Oh My! – From Dior’s “Garden of Delight” to Schiaparelli’s scorpion tails and wing-adorned jackets to Blazey’s whimsical pink-mushroom-wonderland runway, brands are looking to nature for inspiration.

Finally – Another trend we’re spotting? Hair. Ashi Studio designed a Victorian corseted dress with hair embroidery coils, while Charlie Le Mindu returned to the runway after a decade away with SKINS, a couture collection dedicated to body visibility.

Vive la mode,

Coulture

With the spring semester quickly speeding up, Coulture is too.

MEMBERSHIP

Coulture is welcoming 50+ new members to the 2025-26 team this spring, now bringing the total Coulture community to 290 creatives.

NEW ARTICLES

Fashion Forecasters or False Indicators? by Jiya Gupta

‘Are you not entertained?’: Why Hollywood can’t let go of the movie remake by Hannah Merritt

Why Jazz Is Back in the Zeitgeist — And Why It’s No Coincidence by Ava Rayle

The Emergence of a Sound That Defies Translation by Valerie Arango

UPCOMING

We have four photo shoots planned for the spring, so keep your eyes peeled for the BTS posted on our Instagram.

Our Art & Aperitivo student art showcase event is taking place on January 31, 2026, at 7 PM. Members, check Slack for more details!

Viva la mode,

Coulture Mag

1. The basics

Aly Ignacio, Production Director, First year on staff

2. What do you hope Coulture accomplishes this year/what are you most excited about?

I am extremely excited to work with some of the most creative and artistic people that I know. Especially with production, I have grown up in the theatre realm and have always loved conceptualizing fun photoshoots, so I cannot wait to bring those both together with this role. I cannot wait to experiment with color and set-building and of course having fun.

3. Who or what is creatively inspiring you right now? What’s filling your cup?

I am currently OBSESSED with the choreographers Robbie Blue and Sergio Reis. Blue directed the choreography for Gap’s Katseye campaign, as well as shows for Tate McRae and Doechii. Reis has done phenomenal work with Charli XcX and Troye Sivan, one of my favorite pieces he has done was his piece with the song “Somebody That I Used to Know.” I would also like to add that I derive a lot of my inspiration from the people around me. My roommates, best friends, parents, sister, strangers I meet in the cities I travel to. I am always curious as to what individuals’ passions are, and I love to hear what inspires others which in turn inspires me. I recently traveled to Germany for a conference with my professor, so of course I had to listen to some techno music which has been a fun new genre to get into.

4. What’s your go-to when you feel like you’re in a creative rut?

Whenever I am in a creative rut I put my noise-cancelling headphones on and literally have a dance party in my bedroom. Typically Charli XcX, Lorde, Lady Gaga, Passion Pit, KAYTRANADA, Tyla, Berlioz, or Magdalena Bay, quite literally any hyper-pop or house music to get the creative juices flowing. Vintage shopping too. I also love to host events at my house, sometimes I will get my roommates and friends together to do craft nights. Also just going on a walk too. OH and of course facetiming my sister. (I also love to surf on Cosmos which is like a better version of Pinterest).

5. What’s in your bag? What are your essentials?

AQUAPHOR, the Nuxe Rêve de Miel Honey Lip Care, and the mini harmonica attached to my keychain.

6. Why did you join Coulture?

Throughout my college experience I have felt as though I have not exercised my interest in art and fashion as much as I have wanted to. I joined Coulture as it is the perfect community and chance to apply all my hobbies and interests into awesome work with the most fabulous people. I am thrilled to be an editor this year and I can’t wait to make some cool stuff :)

꧁ ༺ ༻ ꧂

thank you for reading and stay tuned for learning about another editor for the year!

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viva la mode,

coulture

good afternoon, coulture fans! today, we are chatting with the talented nora lyons, 2025/26 co-director of graphic design. read below to see what she’s into right now.

1. The basics

Hi! My name is Nora. I’ve been on the graphic design team since last semester, and this year, I’m one of the Directors of Design.

2. What do you hope Coulture accomplishes this year/what are you most excited about?

I’m so excited for Coulture to step out of our comfort zone and really push the boundaries of design. My personal design style leans into fun typography, bold graphic elements, visually unique layouts, and anything but the conventional. This year, Coulture is aiming to stretch our creativity further than ever before and I can’t wait!

3. Who or what is creatively inspiring you right now? What’s filling your cup?

Studio Ghibli is always filling my cup :) I’ve loved it since I was a child, and to this day, it still inspires everything I do in design. Studio Ghibli can take credit for a phrase I strive to live by: “spectacular mundane.” Life gets dull if we don’t push ourselves to see the extraordinary within the ordinary, and I believe that in itself is an art form. I try to live each day finding the spectacular in the little things, and I bring that same attitude to my designs.

4. What’s your go-to when you feel like you’re in a creative rut?

Pinterest and Cosmos are my go-to sources for inspiration. My graphic design teacher once told me that no thought is truly original. We’re all inspired by one another and by the creative work that already exists. In this industry, it’s natural (and necessary) to draw from others as you develop your own ideas.

5. What’s in your bag? What are your essentials?

My planner is my number one essential. I love planning my day down to the minute, and I carry it with me everywhere! Besides that, my bag usually includes my laptop, Owala bottle, Aquaphor, and (hopefully) both my film and digital camera.

6. Why did you join Coulture?

Coulture feels like my dream environment, served up on a silver platter at UNC. There’s so much creativity and innovation flowing through the minds of my peers, and it’s incredibly inspiring to be around. I hope to one day work as a creative director in the editorial design industry, and Coulture is truly fostering my love for that world.

꧁ ༺ ༻ ꧂

thank you for reading and stay tuned for learning about another editor for the year!

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viva la mode,

coulture

1. The basics

Hi my name is Nate Diers and I am the Associate Photography Director. It is also my first year at Coulture and I can’t wait to get to work!

2. What do you hope Coulture accomplishes this year? What are you excited about?

I hope in this new decade of Coulture, the magazine further establishes and innovates its reputation among other fashion mags. I also hope Coulture innovates creatively in ways the magazine hasn’t before and I am so excited to contribute to this new era of the magazine. I can’t wait for all the amazing shoots we have planned too!!

3. Who or what is creatively inspiring you right now? What’s filling your cup?

Right now one of my greatest inspirations is PinkPantheress and everything she is doing creatively, especially her revival of Tartan. The art of noticing and focusing on the present is also constantly fueling me and my creativity.

4. What’s your go-to when you’re in a creative rut?

When I am in a creative rut, I look to so many things — music, fashion, magazines, movies, art books, friends, and YouTube video essays. Magazines like Fruits and ID, and the app Xiahongshu, all give me a lot of inspiration when I am in a rut.

5. What’s in your bag? What are your essentials?

My bag is like Rico from Madagascar — never-ending and full of random things. Some things I commonly keep on me includes: a Dior lipgloss in shade cherry cause it tastes like thin mint Girlscout cookies, a fwee blush pudding pot, at least 2 tide to go sticks, my AirPods and wired air buds (depends on my mood which I use), and most importantly my IPad is a MUST, I literally can’t go anywhere without it. It is my entire world, and I am truly an iPad kid at heart.

6. Why did you join Coulture?

I joined Coulture because I wanted to work collaboratively with other creatives to learn and create amazing work that I never would’ve landed on alone.

꧁ ༺ ༻ ꧂

thank you for reading and stay tuned for learning about another editor of the year!

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viva la mode,

coulture

1. The basics

Hi! My name is Hannah Merritt, and this is my first year with Coulture Magazine. I’m beyond excited to be serving as the Associate Director of Arts and Culture this year!

2. What do you hope Coulture accomplishes this year/what are you most excited about?

One of the things I’m looking forward to the most is seeing how much “outside-of-the-box” thinking myself and the rest of the team can bring to life. Watching everyone’s niche passions and interests shine through their writing is something I never take for granted, and I’ve always found it to be incredibly inspiring.

3. Who or what is creatively inspiring you right now? What’s filling your cup?

Most recently, I’ve been inspired by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic sense of style. I think she had the classiest, most chic look ever, and I am forever enamored by her wardrobe and fashion choices. Her timeless, minimalist aesthetic, created with essential hints of intricacy, has inspired not only my personal style choices, but the tone and structure of some of my writing.

4. What’s your go-to when you feel like you’re in a creative rut?

Either journaling or going outside on a run--always. Turning on my favorite songs and writing a few paragraphs has never failed to make me more connected with my thoughts. It’s the same with running- for however many miles I go, my brain gets to wander freely. I’ve found that my most creative/insightful thoughts come to life on a good run!

5. What’s in your bag? What are your essentials?

I can’t live without my lip gloss, water bottle, or headphones. There’s nothing a little Revlon lip oil, hydration, and music can’t fix!

6. Why did you join Coulture?

Joining Coulture is probably the biggest step I’ve taken to grow creatively. I’ve always found myself enthralled with pop culture, and having the opportunity to share that passion in such a talented space is a dream come true. I can’t wait to grow as a writer and creative with those around me!

꧁ ༺ ༻ ꧂

thank you for reading and stay tuned for learning about another editor for the year!

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viva la mode,

coulture

1. The basics
Hi, I’m Helen! I’m the Creative Director for Coulture this year. This is my first year on staff, and I’m so excited to get started.

2. What do you hope Coulture accomplishes this year? What are you excited about?
I can already tell this year is going to be really exciting for Coulture. The team is ready to push creative boundaries and produce work that feels fresh and innovative. I can’t wait to bring this energy to our shoots and create some awesome visuals.

3. Who or what is creatively inspiring you right now? What’s filling your cup?
Right now, I’m obsessed with Zac Posen and the creative team at Gap. Their choices continue to surprise me, and I think Gap is carving out an exciting new space that bridges accessible and high fashion.

4. What’s your go-to when you’re in a creative rut?
Go to the movies! If you know me, you know I’m a huge proponent of the AMC A-List membership, and I try to go as often as possible. Watching a movie always resets my brain and reminds me why I love storytelling.

5. What’s in your bag? What are your essentials?
My bag is always overflowing. Wherever I go, I carry a bunch of notebooks, at least two pairs of sunglasses, Aquaphor, and my film camera.

6. Why did you join Coulture?
I joined Coulture because I’ve always been impressed by how the magazine feels professional and editorial while still being full of personality. I see creative direction as a chance to bring my love of storytelling together with my passion for style and design, and I’m excited to help create work that feels fresh and unexpected.

꧁ ༺ ༻ ꧂

thank you for reading and stay tuned for learning about another editor for the year!

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viva la mode,

coulture

1. The basics

Elizabeth Nam, Wellness Editor, 3rd year (since 2023)

2. What do you hope Coulture accomplishes this year/what are you most excited about?

I always look forward to the launch party because you finally get to see everyone who worked so hard in Coulture throughout the year (not to mention the dressing up and food)!

3. Who or what is creatively inspiring you right now? What’s filling your cup?

I absolutely adore Eva Meloche and Moya Mawhinney for their fashion, aesthetics, and media (favorite youtubers).

4. What’s your go-to when you feel like you’re in a creative rut?

Turning up the music and scrolling through Pinterest is an unbeatable combo to get those creative juices going. If that doesn’t work, go on a walk and/ or people watch to get away from electronic screens and relax your brain. It helps extra to explore a new style, sport, book, film, or music genre you’ve always been scared to try!

5. What’s in your bag? What are your essentials?

I can survive the day with just two things: my phone and keys. Regardless, my bag carries wired EarPods, wireless headphones, cards, sunglasses, a lippie, mini perfume, kleenex, breath mints/gum, a book, and on occasion my electronics.

6. Why did you join Coulture?

I was a magazine fanatic in high school, and I remember seeing the tennis cover photo for the 2023 Coulture issue on Instagram. It actually blew me away, and since then, I knew I wanted to be a part of Coulture Magazine (100% lived up to my expectations).

꧁ ༺ ༻ ꧂

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thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next issue!

viva la mode,

coulture

1. The basics
My name is Arushi Rathod, and I am the Design Co-Editor. This is my third year on staff, my first two years I was a member of the graphic design team.

2. What do you hope Coulture accomplishes this year/what are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about this edition’s spreads. I want to really have fun with layouts by experimenting with space, typography, and color in new ways.

3. Who or what is creatively inspiring you right now? What’s filling your cup?
Right now, I’m very inspired by Lihn Truong. Not only is she incredibly fashionable, but her graphics are playful, artistic, and fresh. I’ve admired her work since high school, and she continues to inspire me today.

4. What’s your go-to when you feel like you’re in a creative rut?
I usually scroll through TikTok for design inspiration and see how people mix and match creative elements. I always revisit Lihn Truong’s page for ideas, and Pinterest is another go-to for exploring the work of other amazing designers.

5. What’s in your bag? What are your essentials?
I always carry my black honey lipstick, a small mini perfume, and strawberry Altoids (they’re so good!).

6. Why did you join Coulture?
I’ve been passionate about graphic design since middle school and earned six Adobe certifications in high school, which only grew my interest. When I came to UNC, I wanted to keep growing that passion, so when I saw that Coulture was accepting applications for graphic design positions, I knew I had to apply.

꧁ ༺ ༻ ꧂

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thank you for reading and stay tuned for learning about another editor for the year!

viva la mode,

coulture

what is your current summer read?

“a small place” by jamaica kincaid. it’s a travelogue-style nonfiction book that examines colonialism in antigua

what is something you can’t go without during summer?

my panera sips club membership. it’s only $10 a month and get unlimited lemonade and iced coffee!

what is your current hobby this summer?

i’m trying to learn italian again, since i studied abroad in rome last fall i’ve neglected it

what is inspiring you right now?

i’m recently been inspired by anthony bourdain and his philosophy on writing and travel

what is your summer snack staple?

dill pickles and cheese

what are you up to this summer?

serving at bartaco and interning for the carolina alumni review, having a laid-back chapel hill summer

what is the #1 item on your wishlist?

true religion jeans

what is your most worn outfit this summer?

basketball shorts and a tube top with hoop earrings

what are you most looking forward to when school starts?

getting back into a routine

🐚

giving a super huge thank you to phoebe and the rest of the editor team who gave us time to interview them on their summer favs! be on the lookout for a new series to come…

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as always & viva la mode,

coulture

what is inspiring you right now?

the recent women by women photoshoot in vogue italia’s latest issue!

what is your current project?

collecting more wall art for my room

what is something you can’t go without during the summer?

my hokas

what is your current read?

the secret history by donna tartt

what is your most worn article of clothing?

probably this pink maxi summer dress i have from aritzia

what have you been up to this summer?

i’m working with the beauty and style team as an intern at people magazine!

what is the #1 item on your wishlist?

the sandy liang arden dress is my dreammmm dress

what is your summer snack staple?

mushroom jerky

what are you most excited for when school starts?

so excited to be working with the mag and do so many creative projects!!

🐚

a big round of applause for miss laney crawley! we loved hearing her summer staples and we are so excited to see what she has in store for the magazine this year. until next time…

viva la mode,

coulture

🐚

what are you up to this summer?

i did a super awesome marketing internship with depop in NYC! now i am working as an intern for celine kaplan PR!

what is your current summer read?

clothes… and other things that matter by alexandra shulman

what can you not live without this summer?

i thrifted my dream miu miu bag for soooo cheap & i have been using it every day as a work bag, sleepover bag, errands bag, grocery bag, etc. atp i can’t live without it

what is your current hobby or a summer project you’ve been working on?

i have been working on a zine with one of my best friends, sofia nyiri. you can see the BTS here!

what is the #1 item on your summer wishlist?

i have been dying to get this ylang ylang and grapefruit solid perfume from roots rose radish. the perfume summer scent…

what is your summer snack staple?

i’ve been eating peaches with basil whipped cream

what is inspiring you this summer?

indie mags! when i was in nyc, i bought byline and HOMMEgirls. they have been such a huge inspo when planning the next issue!

what is your most worn outfit or article of clothing?

i bought a gingham shift dress on depop a month or so ago and i haven’t put it down since!

what are you most excited for once school starts?

i am studying abroad in florence, so i am super stoked to go to europe for the first time! i am also super excited to see how far coulture goes this year :))

🐚

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a big thank you to sav for sending over her summer scoop. see you next time!

viva la mode,

coulture

(Pictured in the middle)

what are you reading right now?

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

what is the #1 item on your summer wishlist?

Longchamp le pliage tote in this fab animal print

what is something you can’t go without during the summer?

Sunglasses. My favorite accessory for any summer outfit

what is your current summer hobby?

Long walks and listening to podcasts

what is your summer snack staple?

Peaches

what is inspiring you right now?

AcnePaper’s 20th issue - golden. and copenhagen fashion week

what is your most worn outfit this summer?

a breezy sundress, metallic Mary Janes, accessories to the max

what are you up to this summer?

i am interning in the marketing department at Marie Oliver, an independent women’s fashion brand.

what are you most excited for once school starts up?

Coulture shoots! And getting to create a beautiful magazine with such a wonderful group of people

🐚

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thank you to the darling elizabeth for interviewing with us today- we are so excited for what you have in store for coulture this year! until next time…

viva la mode,

coulture

what are you reading right now?

sunrise on the reaping by suzanne collins

what is something you can’t go without during the summer?

my pink Hydroflask

what is your current summer project?

reorganizing my room for the 11th time this summer

what is inspiring you right now?

ansel adams’ photography of Yosemite

what is your most worn outfit this summer?

a green anthropologie slip dress with a pair of silver Onitsuka Tigers

what is your summer snack staple?

Strawberry Pocky sticks.

what is your #1 item on your wishlist right now?

this beautiful peony tiffany lamp.

what are you up to this summer?

i’m working as a legal assistant at a law firm in my hometown, asheville, NC

what are you most excited for once school starts up?

i’m going to be studying abroad in Florence, so i’m SUUUPER pumped to explore italy and travel around europe this fall!!

🐚

thank you to daley for her awesome summer staples! until next time…

viva la mode,

coulture

what are you up to this summer?

I’ve been working as a Junior Fellow at the Library of Congress’ VHP. I loved writing a blog post on women’s service uniforms across the 20th century!

what are you reading this summer?

Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Quartet is the perfect summer read.

what can you not live without during the summer?

my favorite perfume, Victoria Secret’s Bare, is always in my purse. It’s the only way to mask… the summer’s.. musk.

what is your current favorite hobby or project?

I’m channeling my inner Martha Stewart as I settle into my apartment!

what is inspiring you this summer?

the tenacity and beauty of Western North Carolina!

what is your summer snack staple?

In desperate need of a TJ’s Inner Peas restock

what is your most worn outfit this summer?

a tired white shift dress picked up from the thrift #layerstothis

what is the #1 item on your wishlist?

The new Lee Radziwill handbag from Tory Burch

what are you excited for once school starts?

It’s my senior year! I cannot wait for it to begin, and hope it’ll never end. <3

huge thank you to the lovely mary thomas for being such a fun interviewee! more to come…

viva la mode,

coulture

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what are you up to this summer?

I’m in NYC working as a marketing intern at L’Oréal.

what are you currently reading?

Poeta en Nueva York by Federico García Lorca

what can you not go without during the summer?

Sunscreen! Kiehl’s Better Screen is my current favorite.

what is your current favorite hobby or project?

Eating somewhere new every Friday and collecting cool matchboxes.

what’s your summer snack staple?

Trader Joe’s rolled corn tortilla chips.

what is inspiring you right now?

80s Italian disco music.

what’s the #1 Item on your wishlist?

Loewe tomato leaves candle (Big one).

what is your most worn outfit this summer?

Wrangler jean shorts, an oversized Uniqlo white shirt and On Rogers sneakers.

what are you excited for once school starts?

Spending time with my friends and admiring the beautiful colors of fall at Carolina.

🐚

xoxo,

coulture

this blog is meant to be a more personal, behind the scenes look into the magazine compared to our professional, posh website where we have articles and art made by our astounding members.

get excited to dig more into the coulture world! more coming soon…

viva la mode,

coulture

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