Spring 2016
Issue 1
FOUNDERS Alexis Kelly Kaitlyn Lauer Jordan Moorhead EDITOR AT LARGE SENIOR EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jordan Moorhead Alexis Kelly Kaitlyn Lauer
FASHION WRITERS
Sarah Merrifield Amanda Snyder Rachael Thomas Crystal Thompson
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jessica Belsito Monica Bradburn Jessica McKeever
PAGE DESIGNERS
FOLLOW US
Amber Koenigsknecht Macey Ronquillo @therawmag_cmu
Page 2 MEET THE FOUNDERS The students that started it all Page 3
URBAN TAKE A look into the style of local rappers Page 4
LOCAL LOOKS Fashion finds in Mt. Pleasant Page 7
THE PLEAZY PROJECT CMU student launches local brand Page 11
24-HOURS A day in the life of a fashion student Page 12
BEAUTY IN ALL SHADES The perfect makeup for every face Page 14
GROWING IT OUT The latest trends guys are trying Page 17
SPRING CLEANING The Capsule Wardrobe project Page 18
BRINGING THE INDUSTRY TO OUR UNIVERSITY Students showcase their talents at Threads Page 20
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Looks that will make you feel free Page 23
Page 3
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Alexis Kelly, Kaitlyn Lauer and Jordan Moorhead Sophomores Alexis and Jordan are majoring in Fashion Merchandising, and minoring in Journalism. Kaitlyn studies fashion design, and sees herself working as a creative director for a fashion label. Both Alexis and Jordan would love to pursue careers as fashion editors. With skills in writing, styling and designing, the three of us have the mindsets and talents that created the inital idea for RAW. Fashion is an interest for many students, yet Central Michigan University, a school with one of the best fashion programs in the mid-west, lacks a student run fashion magazine. There are other publications, but nothing that focuses exclusively on fashion. This is why we have created a magazine that does. RAW is a way of expressing new ideas, new trends and new people that are interesting and exciting to every student on campus; men and women alike. We wanted to create something minimal, clean, yet powerful that showcases a higher end of fashion. We want students to see a side of fashion and style that they may not have seen before, but in a way that is relatable and attainable. It’s fresh, it’s something different that our campus desperately needs. None of this would have been possible without our team of writers, photographers and designers. They have worked very hard with us these last few weeks with bringing RAW to life. We hope it reaches everyone on campus, and that people will interact with us and be excited to do so. With that said, keep reading and join us on this journey we’ve founded.
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U R B A N TA K E
A Look into the Style of Local Rappers
S
By: Crystal Thompson Photographed by: Jessica Belsito & Alexis Kelly
tyle is a word that can be perceived in many different ways. Here in Mount Pleasant, style may not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds but it still exists. Style is personal; everyone has their own unique way of showing it. There are two men in particular who exemplify personal style to the upmost standard. I saw them while attending the second annual rap battle here at CMU. While I was there, I noticed a certain trend. It wasn’t because everyone was dressed similarly. Many people stood out with their unique statement pieces—snap backs, or a crazy pair of Jordan’s, I
even spotted a Fresh Prince style sweater—but it was the guys on stage who caught my attention. Here we were watching the two finalists go head to head, Deuce vs Cassius Tae. The crowd was going crazy over their rhymes, but I was still stuck one thing—the embodiment of who they are as rappers into their personal style. I needed to know more; I wanted to find out their thoughts about style and the hip-hop community. After the show, I had the pleasure of doing just, where I learned more about “Straight outta” Pontiac Deuce, aka Devin Desjardins, and Chicago native Cassius Tae, aka Deonte Gardner.
Page 5 those. I’m sure they’ve been around but just the fact that the young cats are wearing them. What would you say is your go to outfit? CT: My go to outfit would be—because I like to be comfortable, but I like to look nice—I would do a hoodie with something on it, a white long hem tee, because I like when the tee shows, and some blue ripped jeans because all of my jeans are ripped so I don’t have a choice. Shoes just depend on the weather, and I like wearing hats a lot too.
What inspires your style? D: The hip-hop community, watching the music videos and all of the people, it kind of brings out a style in me that I never thought I had when I was younger. CT: I like almost a European kind of look. I’m really into Zara a lot; it’s probably one of my favorite clothing lines. Even my denim I pretty much order from overseas, I just like the way that they do things. I would say it definitely has a Chicago influence too, the way that it’s pieced together. I would also describe my style as very fashion toward, just always good with keeping up with the trends, but not keeping up to the point where I have to be that but just adding them to my own style. You’re from Chicago, so do you feel like it’s hard to express yourself in a smaller town like Mt. Pleasant? CT: No, I feel like me coming to Mount Pleasant I’m always asked where I get everything from. I got a lot of stuff that I know is hard to find. Are you seeing any new trends that you really like? D: I’ve been messin with Pink Dolphin, that’s a brand that I like. The designer has come a long way because I’ve been following him for a while. I don’t have any layered clothing, but I might try some on just to see how it looks. CT: I really like jackets and I like bomber jackets, they have just evolved over the last couple years, not necessarily the style but just the material and the patterns they put on them. So I like bomber jackets. That and color waves for low top shoes like Asics, Huaraches, and New Balances. D: The people who are my age that are famous, a lot of them are wearing bomber jackets, so I like
Do you think your music has any influence on your style? CT: I definitely think it does. I feel like I dress the part, not on purpose just off of the strength of how I perform and how I was brought up. In Chicago it’s such a segregated city, I can tell by the way you dress where you’re from. If I dressed in dingy looking clothing and I wore chucks that were beaten up on purpose you could probably get a perception of what my music is going to be like, I dress so put together just like my music. D: With rap I have to have something to talk about, it’s deeper than that, like when I wear clothes I think about everything, everything that I do. When I wake up, my clothing it literally reflects my feelings.
Page 6 Who is your favorite music artist and why? D: Kendrick Lamar. He’s very inspirational to me; he stands for something in music that’s bigger than just himself, its bigger than him and he knows it too, and that’s what I think I’d like to see. I would want people to see that in me-inspiration, me standing for something that’s bigger than me. CT: Drake and Kendrick are my favorite music artists right now because they create the norms and I feel like that’s important to do in life, just be a leader. They’re comfortable in their own lane they make everybody copy them, and that makes up the trend. Is there a style decade that you gravitate towards? CT: I think I pull from, like that KAYNE 808s and heartbreak era. You’ve got so many sides of fashion. That’s about the same time that snap backs where introduced, but then you had someone like Kanye showing you how to dress like a man and you just wanted to do both. So I’ll say that’s where I draw most of my inspiration from as far as fashion. Do you see yourself as a risk taker when it comes to your style? D: Not Really, I like to keep it simple but at the same time I also like to express myself. Growing up I didn’t have the ability to choose what I wanted to wear and now that I’m older I still fall back on the simple clothing but at the same time I like to have something different. CT: I own a pair of cheetah print shoes. I think it’s my biggest fashion risk because you don’t see men wearing that like who would’ve thought to design them.
Keep your eye out for Devon Desjardins and Deonte Gardner, aka Deuce and Cassius Tae, around campus. These two are bringing fresh style to Mount Pleasant. This won’t be the last time we’ll see either of them, they’re putting their mark on the world through music, fashion, but most of all by expressing themselves through the things they love.
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LOCAL LOOKS
Current Trends, Featured In Your Local College Town By: Jordan Moorhead & Amanda Snyder
Photographed by: Monica Bradburn
ets just face it; Mount Pleasant isn’t exactly the most accommodating city for shopaholics. We can list the number of retailers on one hand, and for some of us, those stores just don’t cut it. With our busy college schedules, there’s simply not enough time in the day to drive to another town to get our retail therapy fix. That’s where we come in. Grab your friends and your wallet, because we’ve put together some outfits with
pieces bought strictly in the pleasant mountain. Styled completely based off of some current trends, these outfits include some must-have staples that you need in your wardrobe. From distressed denim to lace-up body suits to bomber jackets, we’ve covered all of the bases. Not only is everything pretty affordable, it can all be found within walking distance from your apartments or dorm rooms. You’re welcome.
L
F R AY E D & D I S T R E S S E D
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Rue 21 $21.99
JC Penny $27.99
Page 9
THE BOMB
Rue 21 $14.99
Rue 21 $12.99
Rue 21 $26.99
LACE IT UP
Page 10
Rue 21 $16.99
Target $19.99
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The Pleazy Project A street-wear brand customized just for you By: Kaitlyn Lauer
Photographed by: Alexis Kelly & Mr LAWAVES
Fashion design student, Julia Rae Allen, has created a unique street-wear clothing line right here in Mount Pleasant branded as Pleazy. Julia is currently a sophomore in her fashion design program, and due to the unavailability of open seats in her next sewing class this past spring semester, Julia had to resort her passions of design to a hobby. Thankfully for us, this hobby turned into a branding project that is still being permanently established. The brand Pleazy began this past January and is short for Mount Pleasant, where CMU is located and where Allen is currently learning to do what she loves; fashion design. Julia’s inspiration for Pleazy is her love for high-fashion street-wear brands that she admires in rap music videos, including Supreme and Bape. Although these brands already have a target market of youth cultures, Julia hopes to see her brand on anyone. “In reality, I know my target customer is the younger generation, but really there is no target. If you like it, you like it, and I would be happy to make something that I think would be fit for the person buying,” she explains. To further establish her target-less market for Pleazy, Julia is creating all her clothing in unisex sizes because she personally owns a variety of men’s clothing. She thinks they are cool and that any girl can make them work, “like half the time, if I’m wearing something you wouldn’t even know if it was boys or girls. So that’s kind of the point, you know?” she said. In terms of products, Julia usually creates her designs on hoodies, crewnecks, and t-shirts in a variety of colors and prints that are all customizable to every single customer. “Really every Pleazy piece is different in some way, no one gets something that someone else has,” Julia explains. Her sewing processes are quite simple, she goes to buy all the necessary items needed to complete the piece, then goes to the sewing lab on campus to play around with the orientation of the lettering, patches, and pockets “until
it clicks,” and finally begins sewing. Julia keeps the pricing for Pleazy pieces very reasonable; all pieces are under $30. Currently Julia has a few long sleeve t-shirts available to purchase if you are looking for something now and don’t have time to get something customized for you. You can reach out to Julia on Instagram by searching for her personal account or her branding account found under Pleazy Project. With a brand this hot and local, every Pleazy piece also includes a signature blue camo denim tag, so keep your eyes out for fakes!
“I wanted to create clothes that would look bad on a girl and dope on a boy.”
Julia’s sole purpose of the Pleazy Project is to have fun with the branding and creative processes. From going to Joann’s Fabrics to choose all the fabrics and design details, to the sewing lab to see the pieces come together, and finally to the locations of the photo shoots which brand the clothing line. Julia doesn’t have an exact plan on where she’s going with Pleazy, she is just taking life day by day. Her goal for Pleazy is to make something for all groups, “from my squad at CMU, to my friends back home and at different universities, to my high school buddies who crack me up, and hopefully to some people in CMU’s fashion program. Everyone will be rockin’ Pleazy” she said. For more insight into the pieces and photo shoots, follow @pleazyproject on Instagram!
Page 12
24-HOURS with Jamie Campbell
A day in my life is never anything less than crazy busy; with finals (the final “finals”!) sneaking up, the Threads Fashion Show coming up alarmingly fast, and the whole trying-to-find-a-job-before-graduation thing hanging in the foreground, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it all. Staying busy doing what I love is completely worth every second, and I can’t wait to graduate and do it in the real world. My day-to-day routine right now is pretty consistent and all consumed with classwork, preparing for the fashion show, and trying to stay a little bit sane.
8:00 AM
Every morning my alarm goes off at 8am and an internal struggle ensues that usually ends in the snooze button.
8:15 AM
By this point I am laying in bed making a mental list of everything I need to get done that day, because lets be real even though I hit the snooze button, the alarm already woke me up and trying to fall back asleep for another 15 minutes is a lost cause. This usually translates to me getting out of bed and making a physical list; my life is ran by a series of lists.
8:30 AM
I have a 20-minute morning workout taped to my wall that, at this point in the morning, I decide if I am going to actually do or not. I’d like to say that I do it every morning, but we all know that only Gweneth Paltrow actually follows through with that.
9:30-10:00 AM
By this point I am usually dressed and ready for the day, give or take some time in case I decide to do that work out and actually make it last 20 minutes. Then of course you always have to leave some time for wardrobe malfunctions because none of us ever have anything to wear.
10:00 AM
Time to grab a quick bite before I head out, it’s almost always avocado toast or cereal with berry flax seed. I have class everyday at 11am (not sure how that worked out so well, but I’ll take it) but I get to the lab early because there is always something that I need to do.
11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Now I’m in class, which is usually fairly uneventful. Since it’s my last semester all of my classes are fashion related, and I’m a super big nerd and love all of it. Also, I always have a bag of snacks with me because class during lunch time is just not fair.
3:00 pM
Here is where my days start to vary, if it’s Wednesday then I’m still in class for a few more hours (Wednesdays are rough because the only thing worse then class during lunch is class during lunch AND dinner. My bag of snacks is extra big on Wednesdays). Some days I am in the sewing lab working on my Threads collection, other days I am working on something in the CAD lab or planning something for FAMD. The majority of my time is spent in Wightman partly because I focus better there than the library and partly because I am always surrounded by my FMD family who are always to there to have a laugh or give a second opinion.
6:00 PM
This is usually when I start to get hungry but I know that if I leave Wightman I probably won’t have the energy to come back. So at this point I usually decide if I can finish my work at home or if I need to stay (Jimmy Johns may or may not have my address listed as Wightman hall).
11:00 PM
Now is the time that I usually try to shift out of work mode, maybe make another list. I also start watching something created by Shondra Rhimes on Netflix and get engrossed in that for a couple of hours, because let’s be real, I couldn’t fall asleep at 11pm if I tried.
Page 14
BEAUTY IN ALL SHADES Different Skin Tones, Same Love: Makeup By: Rachael Thomas Photographed by: Jessica McKeever & Alexis Kelly Every girl represents a different and beautiful skin tone. In a society that is increasingly embracing diversity, the beauty industry should be no exception. In order to cater to every skin color, there needs to be a variety of makeup so that each girl can find the products that make them
feel like the queens they are. In this article we’re featuring six beautiful girls, representing six different beautiful skin tones. Their skin color and beauty products may be different, but they all share one thing: their love of makeup.
Page 15 Olivia Gentile, Sophomore Makeup products she cannot live with out: Maybelline New York Fit Me! powder and any Chanel lipstick “I love being able to play around with looks. Just like wearing different outfits, when you wear different makeup looks you can be someone else. When I chose make up I think less is more! Also, test it on your hand in the store.” What she is wearing:
Foundation:Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup in ‘Nude’; Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Powder in ‘02’ Contour: Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit in ‘Light to Medium’ | Bronzer: Too Faced Sun Bunny Natural Bronzer | Highlight: Chanel Highlighting Powder | Eyeliner: Maybelline Eyeliner in ‘Black’ | Mascara: Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara in ‘Black’ | Lips: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in ‘Amsterdam’
Jordin Wilks, Junior Makeup products she cannot live with out: Mascara and eyebrow powder “Stay with one brand. I use Neutrogena, my doctor said it’s one of the best products you can use. And if you stick with one brand, it’ll be better for your skin. I use their foundation, powder, and face wash.” What she is wearing:
Primer Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer | Foundation: Neutorgena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup in ‘Soft Beige’ | Concealer: NYX Color Correcting Concealer Palette | Powder: Neutrogena SkinClearing Mineral Powder in ‘Natural Ivory’ | Contour: NYX 3C Conceal Correct Contour Palette in ‘Light’ | Eyebrows: Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade in ‘Medium Brown’ | Eyeliner: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in ‘Trooper’ | Mascara: Maybelline New York The Colossal Volum’ Express in ‘Glam Black’ | Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette | Lips: NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in ‘Soft Spoken’
Olivia Urso, Junior Makeup products she cannot live with out:
e.l.f. eyeshadow, Too Faced eyeliner and Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! mascara
“There’s so many different kinds [of makeup] and you can experiment. I like picking it out, especially eyeshadow. I go to Sephora and have the consultant help me. I also have really sensitive skin, so I’m really picky about what I put on my face.” What she is wearing:
Foundation: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water Broad Spectrum SPF 30 in ‘Medium/Dark’ | Eyeliner: Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in ‘Perfect Black’ | Mascara: Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara in ‘Black’ | Eyeshadow: e.l.f. Baked Eyeshadow in ‘Toasted’; Sephora Collection MicroSmooth Baked Eyeshadow Trio in ‘Sunray’ | Lips: Rimmel London Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in ‘Stay Glossy’
Page 16 Torey Ware, Freshman Makeup products she cannot live with out: Liquid foundation, setting powder, highlighter, concealer stick, eyebrow pencil, and her eye shadow palette “The first thing I look for when picking makeup – especially foundation – is something that is oil-free. Pick something that fits your color. And start simple, but also experiment and take risks if you want.” What she is wearing:
Foundation: Maybelline New York Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation | Concealer: L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer Powder: Maybelline New York Dream Wonder Powder in ‘Caramel’ Eyebrows: e.l.f. HD Lifting Concealer; e.l.f. Eyebrow Pencil Eyeliner: Maybelline New York Master Precise Liner Mascara: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Lips: Color Design Custom Lip Styling Lipstick in ‘Plum’
Taiah Pelt, Freshman Makeup products she cannot live with out: e.l.f. and Maybelline liquid eyeliners, NYX lip glosses, NYX eyeshadows, NYX eyebrow gel, and eye pencils and mascara of any brand “I just used to type in ‘makeup tutorials for women of color’ on YouTube or Google, and all different shades of women of color would come up. I’d take little bits and pieces from each video and use them to create my own style.” What she is wearing:
Foundation: Maybelline New York Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation | Concealer: L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer Powder: Maybelline New York Dream Wonder Powder in ‘Caramel’ Eyebrows: e.l.f. HD Lifting Concealer; e.l.f. Eyebrow Pencil Eyeliner: Maybelline New York Master Precise Liner Mascara: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Lips: Color Design Custom Lip Styling Lipstick in ‘Plum’
Rachel Fritti, Sophomore Makeup products she cannot live with out: Make Up For Ever HD Micro-finish translucent powder (great for people with naturally oily skin) and Chapstick “It’s really hard to find makeup that fits your skin tone. Especially when it comes to your specific skin tone. So one piece of advice I would give is to look at your skin’s undertone, whether it’s cool, neutral, or warm, and then pick your foundation” What she is wearing:
Primer: Bobbi Brown Primer | Foundation: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 in ‘Walnut’ | Contour: Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit in ‘Medium’ | Blush: MAC Powder Blush in ‘Desert Rose’ | Finishing Powder: Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder | Eyebrows: Marie-Jose Eyebrow Powder in ‘Jet Black’ | Eyeliner: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in ‘Trooper’ | Mascara: Lancôme Hynose Drama | Eyeshadow: L’Oréal Paris HiP Studio Secrets Professional Crystal Shadow Duos in ‘Daring’ | Lips: MAC Matte Lipstick in ‘Sin’
Page 17
GROWING IT OUT Between Drake, Ryan Gossling and James Franco, every guy seems to be growing a beard. Guys are loving the masculine look, and so are the girls. It can create a whole new style for each individual; like changing your clothes, guys grow and change their facial hair. Here are a few guys on campus who have began their own journey with a beard. By: Alexis Kelly
The Long Beard
The Moustache
Sideburns
Stubble
The Short Beard
Page 18
CAPSULE WARDROBES Change your shopping habits...change the world By: Sarah Merrifield Typically, a love of fashion evokes a desire to shop. I know this much too well. Years ago, I would consider a shopping trip that didn’t result in me purchasing an item to be a waste of time. So much of what I loved about fashion was tied into the fact that I could own clothing. I could own dozens of pieces, never mind the fact that more than half of them would sit in my closet collecting dust. I have craved a change for well over a year, but it wasn’t until my recent introduction to the concepts of capsule wardrobes and slow fashion did I realize I could re-design my entire closet, and in the meantime, change the all too familiar habits of my life that were also impacting the world around me. The term “capsule wardrobe” dates back to the 1970’s, and was created by a London boutique owner named Susie Faux. The idea was later popularized in the 1980’s, after
the release of Donna Karan’s “7 Easy Pieces” collection. A capsule wardrobe is a pared down closet containing essential, timeless pieces that is updated every few months with seasonal pieces. Today, bloggers like Un-Fancy and Into- Mind promote the idea as having a positive effect on their lives. Caroline, the blogger behind Un-Fancy, says “A capsule wardrobe represents more time and more money and more energy for the things in life that really matter.” She recommends paring down your wardrobe to just 37 pieces, and even provides a handy little planner to help the process. Reading about others’ success with the experiment made me even more excited to try it on my own. I knew that I had well over 37 pieces and it might be a challenge to let go of items I have held a spot for in my closet for years, but I was so ready to try. I was so ready for a change, and coupled with my recent devotion to a more sustainable lifestyle, I knew it had to happen. One may wonder, what does a capsule wardrobe have to do with sustainability? How does cleaning out your closet help save the world? To be frank, it doesn’t quite exactly. It is the actions that accompany a more streamlined approach to owning clothing (and everything else you own) and the refusal to latch onto consumerism with your every limb that can not only change your life but the lives of millions of others. I am talking about a menace in our society, the beast that congregates in our shopping malls and likely our closets, the disaster for humanity that is referred to as fast fashion. The True Cost, a phenomenal documentary that chronicles society’s affinity for fast fashion and urges us to abandon it, shows the effects of our desire to always have more, more and more. Since most garment production occurs in underdeveloped nations overseas, the short deadlines workers must meet, coupled with negligence towards building inspections and working conditions, incredibly low wages, and wasteful and harmful environmental practices makes for an urgent crisis in our world. Possibly the most haunting tale from this hidden underworld is the tragedy that struck Rana Plaza in Bangladesh on April 24, 2013, when an eight-story building that building managers failed to inspect for years collapsed, killing at least 1,134 people. It was a horrific, murderous event—but it serves as a reminder of the pure denial of basic human values that fast fashion supports,
Page 19 and what many of us unknowingly buy into. Most ter my closet. I knew there were pieces I had clung onto American consumers do not see that though. When we for far too many years. So I did it, and it was a lot easier go into stores like H&M, Target, and Forever 21 and see than I expected. I simply opened up my closet doors and, a skirt for $5 we think “Wow, it’s my lucky day!” rather piece by piece, pared down my closet to about 40 items. than “Wow, I can’t imagine who must have had to suffer Some items I laughed over—I distinctly remember an to make this $5 skirt.” That is the true cost of fast fashion. eighth grade me thinking I was the chicest girl in school And that is why I and millions of others have decided to with this velvet blouse. Some items I was torn on—I knew abandon our past shopping habits of buying into these I would never wear them again, but I also couldn’t sell irresponsible and immoral fast fashion companies, and are them because they had some sort of memory tied into learning to re-evaluate the way in which we bring items them. I decided to simply store sentimental pieces. That into our lives. way, they wouldn’t take up space in my closet but I could Most Americans wear 20% of their clothing 80% of also find them years later and enjoy the smile they would the time. What does the rest bring to my face. Declutterdo? It clutters our closets, ing my closet was liberating. and our lives, and because Not only did it allow the inwe own so much we become terior of my newly refreshed attached to this and think it mental state and beliefs to is normal to trample others match the exterior of my — Vivienne Westwood over just to obtain cheap room, but it reminded me clothes in sales like the ones just how much my identity on notorious Black Friday. Something has got to give. It has been tied in with clothing. The fact that I had held is not acceptable to turn a blind eye to the effects of our onto familiar pieces that served me no purpose for years consumerism anymore, not when documentaries like The speaks volumes to the comfort and security I once clung True Cost and campaigns like Fashion Revolution are to, but that is no longer me. speaking out and providing us with the numerous reasons As I come to learn more and more about how to live why we can’t keep buying into this. Next, we must know a sustainable life that produces the least amount of harm, how? How do we go against the very grain of American I am learning to reflect this in my habits and how I live culture and deny the importance of things over human my life. By disavowing fast fashion and rejecting the lives, and welcome an ethical, minimalist approach to not ridiculous amount of things I felt I needed to possess, I just our closets but our lives? am focusing on the more important things. I am valuing While it may take some getting used to, the idea of a each and every item I bring into my life, I am living with capsule wardrobe is an exceptional one in that it not just intention, I am remembering that fashion is a tool for discourages buying into fast fashion, but encourages when self-expression but also an instrument for change, I am one does shop, to choose quality over quantity. Do more realizing just how capable each and every one of us is of with less, use what you already own, and if you must shop, creating this change. either thrift or buy from Fair Trade companies such as A capsule wardrobe might not be for everyone. Maybe People Tree and Reformation. The clothing may cost more you’re not at the point in your emotional journey yet to let than what we are used to, but considering that it is progo of so much, or maybe minimalism does not float your duced with respect for the laborers who put their lives into boat. Although I know that you and I and all of us are more it and the safety of the textiles, it is well worth it. When we than capable of opening our eyes to the impact we have on pare down our closets we must also be conscious of what this world with our habits. Recognize that a garment didn’t we do with our extra clothes. Western clothing donations just appear; it has a story, and it was either born out of have become an enormous issue for developing nations; someone else’s suffering or created with love and attention. it is where a large portion of our donated clothing ends I urge you to delve deeper into this information in order up, and the flood of free clothing cripples their garment to be more conscious of the things you bring into your life industry and massively slows their economy. The better and what they represent, and make sure their stories line up alternatives: Have a clothing swap with friends, have a with your values and priorities. Just start with something garage sale, sell clothes online, or if you do donate, find small: your closet. When we turn our wardrobes inside out out where your clothes are going to end up. The idea of and examine the human reality behind everything we have doing a lot with a little is so expansive here. We cannot just quite literally bought into, we become catalysts for change. build endless outfits with a few timeless pieces, but we can We prove just how revolutionary fashion can be. also take something small like our shopping habits and, For more information, check out: by adopting more ethical and environmentally conscious Fashionrevolution.org practices, we can begin to alleviate a significant amount of Truecostmovie.com http://bemorewithless.com/project-333/ suffering in the world. into-mind.com Learning all this, I was absolutely enthralled to declutun-fancy.com
“Buy less, choose well and make it last.”
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BRINGING THE INDUSTRY TO OUR UNIVERSITY Students showcase their talents at Threads Fashion Show Written by: Rachael Thomas & Jordan Moorhead
S
tudents in the fashion design and merchandising program here at CMU have been busy preparing for Threads, the annual student run fashion show. Threads puts students’ designs, garments and projects on display for the Mount Pleasant community. “It provides students an opportunity to showcase their skills, talent and hard work to a large body. We often don’t get a chance to showcase on a large scale,” Ian Mull, the faculty advisor for the show, said. FMD students begin working a year ahead of time to put together Threads. It requires a lot of attention to detail due to the high number of attendees the show has, anywhere from 600 to 1200 people, Mull said. From raising money, recruiting models, collecting submissions, promoting the show, and creating the perfect venue, the producers and students in the fashion production and promotion class have a lot on their plates. The production class is the driving force behind the
Photographed by: Alexis Kelly
show and Alexis Jones, Director of PR and Sponsorship knows this from experience. From January to April, the students in the class work on every aspect of the show. There are different committees that the students are a part of, and they work with the producers to take Threads from concept to reality. The show woudn’t be much without the work of the designers either. Their skills are put to the test as they create collections. Zachary Stoner, winner of Best in Show in 2015, is putting in his work to impress everyone once again. Regardless of awards though, students get to show what they are made of on that stage; designers, producers, and models alike. “We have a lot to be proud of in our program. Threads is a point of pride, we get to show Mount Pleasant what we’re all about as a program,” Mull said. Threads this year has been a joy ride for everyone involved and here are two of their stories.
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Communication is Key Meet Alexis Jones: student, director of Sponsorship and Public Relations for Threads, a young woman who knows how to put her best foot forward, and a fashionable businesswoman in the making.
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f there are two things that every single person involved in the fashion industry should know how to do, it is network and communicate. These two words may sound simple, but hold great power, and are the tools that really define how successful one’s career in fashion will be. These are important factors that Alexis Jones, junior and Fashion Merchandising and Design major has known for quite some time now, and became even more aware of when she became Director of Sponsorship and Public Relations for this year’s Threads Fashion Show. “The most important thing for anybody going into the fashion industry is networking,” the director emphasizes. “It’s kind of something they always say, ‘it’s all about who you know’ – but it really is. Reaching out, meeting other people, and getting out there is the way to go. Communication is a prime skill,” she said. Alexis has been involved with Threads every year that she has attended the university. When describing her duties as director, Alexis states that she and her committee are responsible for going out to the community and talking to local and corporate businesses, asking if they would like to take part in sponsoring Threads. Her and her committee also oversee all of the social media outlets used for the fashion show, and make sure that each one is used to best represent the show, and make it known to the public. “Being the director, I have a committee of four other girls, and what we do is compile a list of local and corporate-level sponsors that we would like to reach out to,” she declares. “We identify their needs, how Threads will benefit them, and how they could benefit us.” Then a process of emailing, calling, and visiting these businesses ensue. In the midst of all the communicating between businesses, Miss Jones has to check in and make sure her and her committee are reaching their weekly goals. They have a committee plan that they look over each week to make sure they are on track. Alexis and her team closely work with the fundraising and events committee as well. In regards to the social media aspect of her job, Alexis and her team focus on putting together creative content for Threads’ social media outlets to get people engaged, obtain more followers, and make people want to come see the show for themselves. They created social media accounts for Threads on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Through those accounts, the committee posts events for Threads, links to blog posts on Threads, outfit tips and tricks, current events, and cute gifs – all expressing creativity and innovation. Of course the director has some “dos” and “don’ts” for maintaining multiple social media outlets. “Be aware of what you post,” she states. “If you’re posting flyer after flyer, after flyer, you don’t want your page
to look the same. You have to break it up so it’s not so boring or standard” Being mindful of how visually appealing your social media advertising is key. Alexis also stresses that each social media platform should be different because the audience, for each outlet is different. “You’re targeting different people on your social media accounts – Instagram followers and Facebook followers are not the same people.” The committee also goes beyond the social media realms and holds PR booths in the university’s library, exposing people who may have never even heard of Threads to the show. Being involved in the Threads Fashion Show means being committed to the production for most of the school year. Countless hours are needed, working in teams is necessary, and patience is required. Seeing that final display of the students’ hard work at the end of April each year is what makes it all worth it. Alexis was able to share these priceless moments even more so when she took on a director position this year. “Going from the class [FMD 357: Fashion Show Production & Promotion] and watching the step-by-step process of all the other directors and producers come together and put this show together is the most fulfilling feeling in the world,” she proclaims, reflecting over the year well-spent. When asked if she could give any advice to students who may be interested in being a part of the Threads experience in the future, or specifically wanting to be a part of the committee she is currently involved in, Alexis states that there is a variety of opportunities for students. Designing, submitting computer-aided design work, and being a student volunteer are just to name a few. And in regards to the Sponsorship and Public Relations committee, Alexis says her committee is looking for people who are interested in sponsorship and aren’t afraid to get out there and network, as well as people who are social media lovers who will consistently update the fashion shows’ social media accounts.
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A Fashion Mogul in the Making A look into the successful and promising career of student and fashion designer, Zachary Stoner, a young man with a unique style all his own, a focused path, and someone who is destined for great things.
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merican fashion designer Ralph Lauren once said, “I don’t design clothes, I design dreams.” This holds very true for any fashion designer, because they are creating a piece of themselves and sharing that with the world in the hopes of delighting and inspiring other people. This is no small feat however; the journey to the final product is a long and meticulous one. This is a world that junior, Zachary Stoner knows all too well. The Fashion Merchandising and Design student has accomplished much during his time here a Central, and has proved himself to be an excellent student, and an even more impressive fashion designer that will indeed be someone the fashion industry should look out for in the years to come. Every designer has that moment when they know this is something they are destined to do for their entire life. For Stoner, he has known since he was a child. “As a kid, I used to sketch women in gowns, like princesses, and I used to play dress up whenever I had the chance,” he says. “I have always been an artsy person who taps into many creative outlets.” The 21-year-old also exuded from a young age three qualities needed of somebody that wants to have any type of job in the fashion industry: creativity, knowledge of what one wants, and drive. “As I grew up,” he remarks, “I knew that I didn’t want to be stuck in a career that made me dread going into work each day, so I looked for something that would use the creative mind that I have. Fashion seemed to fit, as I am driven and willing to put in the time and effort to achieve a career in the fashion industry.” Figuring this out so early on is the first step to success in a career in fashion, so Stoner was already on his way to a promising future. A successful designer should also know early on his or her aesthetic and target market. What the defining attributes of his or her work are, and the people they are really focused on designing for. Stoner described his aesthetic as “dark, mysterious, edgy, futuristic, and seductive,” an intriguing mix of traits that will undoubtedly spark the interests of many. Stoner’s target market is just as fascinating as his described aesthetic, but it is also very clear and direct. “The customer that I cater to is typically a 20 to 30 year old male who is health conscious and loves showing off. The garments in Body Love [this year’s collection for Threads] would be seen at a high-end night club, where individuals are expected to dress well, but do not need to where a suit and tie.” Stoner is no stranger to Central’s student-produced fashion show, Threads. Zachary has been involved in Threads every year of his attendance at the university. His freshman year, he designed a collection, and partnered up with a merchandising student who helped create concepts and accessories for the collection. It only got better for Stoner during his sophomore year, for not only did he design again for the show, but he co-produced it as well. That year, he also won an award for “Best Collection.” When asked what winning the prestigious award meant
to him as a designer, he replied, “The Best Collection award that I won last year for Threads was completely unexpected, as it was given by Renaldo Barnette, a designer working in the industry. The feedback and inspiration from Barnette pushed me as a designer to mature my aesthetic and work towards a higher quality product.” For his junior year, which will be his third and final year of participating in Threads (Stoner has excelled academically during his time at Central, and will be graduating early), he will definitely not depart without leaving his mark. Stoner is designing a small menswear campaign entitled “Body Love,” consisting of four men’s looks, original printed fabric and a photo collection. This happens to be his favorite collection because as he described, it “shows the design process from ideation to production, and how each process is connected to the other.” Stoner is also helping Peter Januzelli, a sophomore whom Professor Ian Mull introduced him to. Stoner will be helping Januzelli with sewing and creating a menswear collection for this year’s show. Zachary Stoner is indeed a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry, and Central Michigan University is lucky to have such an accomplished student and designer that anybody in the university’s fashion program can look up to. Of course this story could not be closed without some advice for people looking to be involved in Threads, or looking to pursue a career in the fashion industry as a whole. When it comes to Threads, Stoner emphasized that it is all about getting the necessary resources and contacts in order to obtain the desired information and experiences. “You cannot expect things to come to you,” he proclaimed. “You have to focus to find them.” And it regards to the fashion industry as a whole, Stoner firmly states to take risks, stay determined, network, and never take “no” as the final answer. “Things may get difficult, but the payoff is worth the effort.”
Wanderlust
From left: Lauren wears an Express shirt, Express culottes, Lucky Brand necklace and Free People sandals. Marley wears a Billabong dress. Madison wears a Free People shirt, Free People bell bottom jeans, Target hat and Lucky Brand necklace.
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Bohemian Rhapsody
DREAMY and WHIMSICAL looks that will make you feel FREE Photographed by: Alexis Kelly
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Free Falling
Left: Lauren wears an Express shirt, Lucky Brand necklace and Free People rings. Marley wears a Free People dress and Lucky Brand necklace. BEAUTY NOTE: Pair loose beachy waves with braids and a messy bun to complete this look.
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