Issue 5. CAROLINE
CAROLINE + HER BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE
Caroline can captivate me with one sentence - she has a magical ability to recall the most tender details from her life, transporting me to a moment I never lived but wish I had. When she shares moments from her childhood in Birmingham, Alabama, it’s like being submerged in honey. They’re so sweet and real, and I get stuck in the moment with her. As we talked about her upbringing, Caroline painted vivid pictures of her grandparents' backyard, where pear and pecan trees grew. She described shaking the pecan trees, gathering the nuts as they collected on the ground. And the pear trees - “We always knew that the pears were ripe when the squirrels started eating them from the trees,” she told me. I’m mesmerized! Her thoughtful storytelling ability translates perfectly into her work, which positions the Black community at its heart. In her film suBLACK, she explores narratives of the American south through the lens of Black southern artists. Her work strikes a deep chord of love, nostalgia and pride.
The Outfit
When I asked Caroline to describe her outfit in three words, she said: Bright, Comfy, and Sturdy.
Caroline’s fashion is inspired by independent artists, street style, and music. She values being comfortable in what she’s wearing, which wasn’t always the case. There was a time when she’d dress in uncomfortable clothes when she didn’t want to but felt like she had to. One evening, she was going out to a nice dinner with a male friend of hers, and she got dressed up for it. She looked at her friend who was dressed comfortably and thought, why can’t I just wear what I want? And it clicked for her then: she could. There was no reason she couldn’t. From that moment on she chose clothes that enabled her to feel most herself. She often goes for a monochrome look in a relaxed silhouette, wearing the same sentimental pieces of jewelry everyday. She’ll sprinkle in new elements, like a colorful pair of trainers or a bright necklace, but none of them stop her from being able to move freely and comfortably.
When I asked Caroline about her relationship to cooking, she shared that her mother taught her to read through recipe cards. Caroline would return home after school, and while her mother cooked, she would read aloud the recipe her mother was using for dinner. It’s a really beautiful thing, learning to read through recipes. As she learned the construction of language, Caroline simultaneously developed a deep connection to the world of cooking. Again, mesmerized.
The Dressing
When I asked Caroline to describe her dressing in three words, she said: Tangy, Fresh, and Savory.
For her dressing, Caroline made her version of a restaurant favorite. Growing up, after church, she and her family would go to Tzatziki Mediterranean Cafe, where they made a special balsamic vinaigrette. She loved it so much, she figured out a way to make it at home. This is no ordinary balsamic vinaigrette - it’s sweet and filled with aromatic herbs that separates it from any others I’ve tried. The most surprising ingredient: Grape Jelly. I learned about how thoughtful and purposeful Caroline is by watching her cook; she doesn't just chop the rosemary, she chops rosemary mixed with salt to brighten the flavor of the herb. She doesn’t just make enough dressing for our salad, she makes a full jar for me to take home. She’s considered and attentive.
Caroline’s Copycat Balsamic Dressing
Instructions:
Remove the rosemary leaves from the stems and chop finely. Add salt to help break down the rosemary.
Roll the basil leaves together and slice into ribbons.
Combine all the ingredients in a jar and shake to emulsify.
Taste for salt, pepper, and sweetness, and adjust amounts of those if needed*
*Adding more jelly or honey will make it sweeter!
Caroline is a lovely mix of honoring her past while looking to the future. She stands as a tangible intersection of tradition and individuality, seamlessly honoring her family roots and hometown of Birmingham while forging a personal style and vision uniquely her own. Her dressing recipe, an homage to her upbringing, reflects the nostalgia and pride she embodies with her work and personal style. Even as she curates looks that reflect her individuality, she remains grounded in her support for independent artists and creatives, wearing brands that align with her values and aspirations. Make no mistake, while I describe Caroline as being thoughtful and sweet, she is fiercely committed to causes she cares about and incorporates her activism into her work. It’s a pleasure being able to witness all these parts of her blend together to create not just engaging and important work, but a lovely human being.
Caroline is an Art Director and Photographer! You can check out her work here.
Thanks for reading! Until next time. <3