An introduction to Lotus’ new theme, presented in a photo collage.
@LOTUSMAGAZINEMU / INSTAGRAM
Maddie Rosado Managing / News Editor
On Feb. 7, Manhattan University’s (MU) Lotus Magazine officially announced its spring 2026 theme “metamorphosis,” unveiling the concept on Instagram with a visual definition of the word, and a collage of creative teasers previewing what readers can expect from the team this semester.
A snapshot of transformation: metamorphosis.
@LOTUSMAGAZINEMU / INSTAGRAM
Ivy Jaep, editor-in-chief of Lotus Magazine and a senior marketing and global business major with a minor in management, explained to The Quadrangle that the foundation of this semester’s theme, and each idea that conceptualizes it, comes from the organization’s deep sense of diversity and collaboration.
“There’s around 30 of us on the team,” Jaep said. “And with so many different styles, opinions and cultures coming into one room, we check so many boxes with all these different insights and ideas. I think that’s why it seems effortless, because when you put that much creativity in one room, it just flows and pours out.”
With such ever-growing creativity, Jaep continued to emphasize that the theme of “metamorphosis” is relevant not just to her personally, but to the magazine’s overall journey and evolution.
“Beyond my personal opinion on ‘metamorphosis’ and how it aligns with me, I would say it goes the same for the club as well and how much we’ve grown,” Jaep said.
Jaep then described the process of choosing the new theme, giving everyone the opportunity to contribute ideas and vote on what it should be.
“We open up a Google form for everyone to submit just a single word, which we then vote on… After all the votes were in, ‘metamorphosis’ did win,” Jaep said. “And as it turned out, Abby Booth did come up with the concept.”
Abigail Booth, assistant fashion and beauty editor and a sophomore communication major with a concentration in public relations, spoke to The Quadrangle about the inspiration behind the theme.
“To be honest, I’ve been on a real ‘bug’ kick recently,” Booth said. “Really thinking about the transformation that a caterpillar goes through to become a butterfly, I think it is truly incredible.”
Booth went on to explain that, although her initial inspiration did come from insects, “metamorphosis” also holds a more personal meaning for her.
“For me, ‘metamorphosis’ has been about coming to this school from a small hometown, growing into myself, and being surrounded by people who are growing too,” Booth said.
As Booth reflected on her personal experiences, she also described that finding a community within Lotus Magazine has given her the opportunity to fully embrace her own journey of self-discovery.
“I think Lotus truly embraces that growth and authenticity,” Booth said. “I was honestly ecstatic when I found out it got picked, and it kind of made me feel like, yeah, I’m in the right place.”
Mia Porritt, social media director and senior communication major, agrees with this sentiment. Porritt explained that the magazine’s collaborative environment inspires members to push their creativity beyond their individual contributions.
“I created the phrase ‘create beyond yourself,’ because I think Lotus is so much bigger than just an individual,” Porritt said.
Porritt then offered an exclusive glimpse into how the team is bringing the theme to life across their social media platforms.
“While channeling ‘metamorphosis’ through our socials, we really want to leave it to interpretation,” Porritt said. “I’m really making sure it’s more of an ambiguous, looser concept. We want people, especially our writers and our shoot directors, to play around with it and make it their own.”
As anticipation grows for Lotus’ spring 2026 fashion show and 18th print issue, the team’s creativity and collaboration set the stage for a semester of bold ideas and exciting content.“I don’t want to give away too much, but on our Instagram, keep an eye out for teasers,” Porritt said.