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(02/16/06 5:55am)
The is past winter break I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to spend 10 days in Israel. My trip was sponsored through an organization called "Birthright," a program that sends Jewish students to Israel. Caught up in my excitement, I pulled out the itinerary a week before my departure so that I could figure out what to pack. When I saw a New Year's party and nights at Israel's famous clubs scheduled, I thought the trip was right up my alley and I knew exactly what to bring.\nI packed my usual New York City party attire and some more casual wear for the daytime. Beaded shirts and high-heeled pumps were among the formal clothing I brought in my oversized suitcase; perfect for clubbing in cities like \nTel Aviv ... or so I thought. \nWhen I arrived in Jerusalem, a coordinator of the program, Shlomo Lifshitz, came to greet my tour group and introduce himself. Lifhsitz began to tell us he doesn't attend American weddings because he feels Americans get too dressed up for parties in formal gowns and tuxes while Israelis attend weddings and parties in jeans. That's when I realized I could've done without my snakeskin pumps and miniskirts.\nOur first night out on the town in Tel Aviv was a little cold and we were all tired after the 13-hour flight. I said to myself, "Forget it, I can't think about getting dressed up tonight." \nI went to the club wearing my old UGG boots, jeans and a long-sleeved thermal top. It was a great decision.\nMy tour group of Americans stuck out like sore thumbs in Israel. While everyone dressed up as they would for a night out in the States, Israelis wore sneakers, UGG-type boots, ripped jeans and big sweaters. On New Year's Eve, I traded in my high-heeled boots for a more comfortable and laid back look consisting of rainbow flip-flops and a wife-beater.\nWalking the streets of various cities in Israel, one notices the style is very eclectic. People also wear a lot of colors and mix a lot of different and unusual pieces into one unique look. I would like to attribute the eclectic style to the vast amounts of people from around the world in the country. Surprisingly, the most stylish Israeli fashion items aren't found in the designer stores but are bought in the flea markets which are set up all over Israel. \nWomen in Israel, like women at IU, carry cotton messenger bags with colorful patterns and designs. Israel is known for beautiful jewelry, especially stones. Anywhere you go, you can find rings and earrings with gorgeous gems in a wide range of prices. Antique-looking jewels with crystal detail and colors are also very popular. Beautifully embroidered scarves and shawls are worn frequently by Israeli women and can be found in most stores. \n"My favorite Israeli purchase is this brown, embroidered shawl with a gorgeous pattern that I bought off the street in Eilat," said Ali Mann, a fellow American on the Birthright trip. "I've worn it three times already. It looks so rich, and it was only five American dollars!"\nThe Israeli fashion scene is fun, casual, colorful and free. Anything goes and there are no strict rules for dress like there are in America. You can score the latest Israeli styles and still be comfortable, and more important than that ... you definitely won't put a dent in your bank account.
(02/16/06 5:51am)
As I arrived at the famous Bryant Park tents for what was to be the beginning of my last Fashion Week ever, or at least the last that I would be covering for the Indiana Daily Student, I took a deep breath and reminded myself of everything I came to do. I hadn't been to a Fashion Week in New York since September 2004, and I had forgotten how exciting it was. I wanted to go to every show, interview all of the designers, attend all of the after-parties and mingle with the prestigious fashion elite, with whom I hope to someday work.\nEntering the tents, the thrill came back to me. It always gives me a natural high, being between celebrities prancing around with their champagne and the photographers snapping away at otherwise ordinary onlookers like myself. I realized that this was it! This was the place to see and to be seen. Business cards and portfolios were being passed back and forth while the world's fashionistas waited impatiently for the next show to open up. I did my best to network through the Bryant Park bubble this year, taking a deep breath each time I looked around, and again, just taking it all in. \nThe first show I attended was Max Azria, formerly known as BCBG. The show was packed and once the music started, I had a feeling that I was going to be shocked. To my surprise, the preferred colors were grays and blacks, much different from the colorful patterns prevalent in previous seasons. What stood out as the most alluring aspect of the line were the beautiful knits used. Sweaters and jackets were bulky and unique. The only colors that came into play were brown and tan earth tones which made the collection very warm.\nAfter the Max Azria show, I headed over to see Zang Toi. The music for this show provided the perfect sensation for Toi's collection. The opening music was from the movie "Vanity Fair," then transitioned into opera music and closed with models walking to the music from "Sleeping Beauty" in evening gowns with beautiful crystals. \nToi also leaned toward dark grays and used a generous amount of wool for his designs. He detailed his clothing with glamorous, colored fur trim on plaids which livened up the collection. His use of embroidery on suede also stood out as a trademark.\n"I was inspired by my new apartment on the Upper East Side. It is done in 18th-century French decor, but in more modern ways," Toi said of his Fall '06 collection. "I used blacks and grays with a touch of fire for romance."\nBill Blass, an Indiana native, created the next collection worthy of an honorable mention. Michael Vollbracht, the designer for Blass, succeeded in making a collection that captured everyone's attention and glued their eyes to the runway.\n"I wanted to keep Bill's style, but was also told to put a touch of my own personality into it," Vollbracht said.\nThe collection radiated sexy class for the independent woman. The colors were rich as were the fabrics. Red, brown and purple gave a warm feeling and the patterns were sensational. Many of the outfits had a high-waist and balloon-type skirts, which were popular in other collections but not as exaggerated as in previous years. His short fur coats and use of fur trim were some of the best I have seen this season. The models walked the runway to the song "Diamonds are Forever," in my opinion, a perfect choice for the designs and the mood of the show.\n"Michael Vollbracht just got it," Cynthia Nixon, actress from "Sex and the City," said after viewing the collection\nAll in all, everyone in New York seemed to be glowing about something -- whether it was because they were raving about the last runway show or excited about attending the next party. I will miss those flashing lights, annoying photographers and swarms of people trying to get a peek inside the tents. There's nothing that can compare to New York Fashion Week. I love it all. It's a scene that's simply unimaginable.
(04/12/05 4:40am)
When you travel to a foreign country and everyone speaks English, it is easy to be deceived about cultural differences. But after hearing the Australian perspective on anything from politics to daily life, it has become more obvious that Australia is really a world away. \nProstitution is legal here, not because it is a condoned profession, but for purposes of monitoring the selling of sex. The business of prostitution is unionized to enforce rules such as age requirements and frequent testing. There is even a program in which heroin addicts can legally shoot up in a controlled environment where they are watched for a period of three years while receiving counseling to overcome the addiction. The reason behind the practices is to make the country more safe for Australian citizens.\nAnother custom that isn't part of the Australian way of life is tipping. While Americans have adapted to a lifestyle where certain professions depend on tips for their primary income, Australian employment policies have set a standard wage rate for each job, and tipping is never expected. When a man buys you a drink in a bar in Australia, get ready to return the favor. If someone buys you a drink, regardless of your gender, it is considered rude not to buy them a drink back. This is called "shouting." I have found this custom a lot harder to get used to than the idea of not having to add tips to services.\nIn New York City, I would never think about getting in the front seat of a taxi cab. It is just habit for the passengers to sit in the back. Cab drivers sometimes even consider it rude in NYC if a passenger comes up front. While in Australia, my American friends and I assumed the taxi cab seating situation was the same. But in my class, I found out cab drivers here find it offensive when a passenger will sit in the back. It is considered an obnoxious action. Because our cultures are so different, I have found people jump to conclusions, which are really just misconceptions.\nClasses here are different in a few ways. Teachers don't expect students to raise their hands; there is a more laid-back, conversational atmosphere. My teacher, or as Aussies call them, my tutor, held me back after class and said he noticed I raised my hand a lot that first week. I asked why that was a problem, and he told me it was not necessary to do in the schools here.\nSurfing is more of a way of life here than anything. Kids learn to surf at a very young age and it becomes their favorite pastime. Almost everyone I have met here surfs. Because Australians learn so young, they look natural out in the waves. For us Americans who have tried to become skilled surfers, we just don't look as graceful.\nIn general, Australian culture is just more laid-back than American culture. Time never seems to be an issue. Appointments, classes and even movies don't start when they are scheduled. Dinner is considered a night-long event here, so if you don't ask for your check, you will never get it. Australians just aren't as uptight, and they live in a relaxed state of mind. Perhaps this is why I love the Aussie culture so much.
(03/22/05 4:17am)
Australia is the world's smallest continent but sixth largest country. People don't realize how big the country really is. After living in Sydney for a month, I soon realized that it is an amazing city, but Australia has a whole lot more to offer. \nLast week, I took a trip up north to Surfers Paradise on Queens Island. Surfers Paradise is like the Miami of Australia. The beach is beautiful, and surfing is the official way of life. I took a day-long surfing lesson at the beach on the Gold Coast. We got our surfboards and wetsuits, split into groups and headed into the ocean. Then we were taught how to come in on the board in the shallow waters. \nNext we learned how to turn right and left while lying down on the board. I didn't realize how much we had to learn before actually getting up on the board. After trying out our new skills, we came back onto the sand for a short lesson about what to do when a wave is coming. You are supposed to hold your board on the side of you, give the board a push and jump on it. You have to keep your hands at your chest, and your toes should be touching the back of the board. There is a lot of technique to surfing and it takes a long time before being able to stand up. \nAfter spending two days in Surfers Paradise, we took a two-hour bus ride to Nimbin. My friends and I went on a guided tour called "Crazy Jim's Alternative Tours." Marijuana is still illegal there but you wouldn't know it. \nPaul Recher, a native of Roslyn, Long Island, moved to Nimbin, Australia after he visited and fell in love with it. After exotic fruit tasting, a tour of the marijuana museum and the hemp embassy, Jim's tour went to Recher's 88-acre jungle that he grew by himself. Nimbin was definitely an interestingly bizarre experience. \nThe next two days were spent in Seal Rocks, a small town about an hour and a half away by bus. Seal Rocks is a small beach town where surfing is again the major pastime. The rocks around the ocean are tall, shiny and beautiful. We surfed for three hours each morning and three hours in the afternoon. We stayed in cabins located 20 minutes from the beach while some friends stayed in teepees near us. While we were at the Seal Rocks I finally got to see something I have been longing to see since I got to Australia: kangaroos. We also saw wallabies, echidnas and big lizards. Some people in the surfing group saw dolphins as well. The kangaroos were definitely the coolest animal sighting, because we got to watch two kangaroos have a boxing match. \nAfter my outback adventure, I finally returned to Sydney and started class. Each class is only one day a week here and, as one Australian professor said is "more laid back" than school in the States. One difference I noticed was that teachers, who are called "tutors," always ask for students to call them by their first name.\n Academics are certainly not the only aspect of Australian living that's laid back. Everything in Australia is low key and life in general is just looked at a little bit less seriously. I'm looking forward to another few months living the Australian way in beautiful and sunny Sydney.
(02/22/05 4:41am)
After a 22-hour flight, I arrived in Sydney and spent one week in Australia on orientation for my study abroad program. During this time, I met a variety of people and was introduced to various aspects of the Australian culture. The program put us up in a beautiful hotel on Bondi Beach, which is the most famous beach in Australia. Surprisingly, the beach is not commercialized, which adds to its laid-back charm. On the second day, we were taken to the Blue Mountains where we spent two days exploring and being taken on adventures. We went abseiling, a sport known in America as repelling, down large cliffs where we could look around from the mountain tops and enjoy the amazing views. After our activities we were rewarded with beers instead of water, another aspect unique to the Australian culture. The orientation ended in Sydney with a dinner cruise around Darling Harbour where we were able to get great views of the city's highlights.\nAfter orientation ended, I backpacked around the South island of New Zealand for one week on a program called "Extreme Adventures." Pseudo-celebrity Merlin Luck, from the hit reality series "Big Brother: Australia," guided us as we traveled through the island, stopping at various attractions along the way. The week began in Christ Church and from there we headed out to Franz Josef, home of New Zealand's famous glaciers. We set out in the morning to hike the large glacier and explore the blue ice, ice caves and ravines. After each of the days activities, we were always rewarded with free beer and drinks for our bravery.\nThe next day we moved on to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. We began the morning with a high-speed jet boating ride through the gorges of the Shotover River. We continued exploring the Shotover river that afternoon while we went white water rafting through the intense rapids. We stayed in Queenstown the following day, taking advantage of all of the crazy activities that are offered. Our days didn't slow down as we embraced the following morning by testing our courage on the Nevis Bungee Jump. The Nevis is the largest bungee in the world at 134 meters, which is an overwhelming 440 feet. The jump is located in a suspending pod in the middle of a valley which can only be reached by taking a small cable car attached to the same wire. While everyone's nerves began to set in, our guide encouraged us to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, because it is the most liberating experience. Once taken to the platform and looking out unto the deep valley, the anxiety began to overwhelm me. But after diving off the platform, the adrenaline rush sets in and the indescribable feeling of free falling through the air while finally opening your eyes to an amazing scenic view makes all of the built-up tension worth it. \nThe adrenaline-filled day continued with an afternoon gondola ride high above Queenstown to a destination where we raced down a luge track. After luge racing, we embraced another bungee-like apparatus called the Giant Sky Swing, which allows you to fly hundreds of meters above Queenstown. The last day included a stopover at Mount Cook before heading back to Christ Church to prepare for our departure. \nThe trip to New Zealand was packed full of outdoor activities that enabled one to truly experience the adventurous atmosphere of the island while admiring the beauty of the environment. But coming home to Australia was another adventure to look forward to as I continue to learn about and live in a culture whose ways greatly differ from the American lifestyle.
(01/18/05 5:28pm)
Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in which students have the opportunity to live and adapt to the lifestyle of another culture. Because this chance won't come again, or at least in the near future, I chose to get as far away from America as I could get. As of this February, I will be half way around the world and about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime once I arrive one full day later in beautiful Australia.\nWhen people ask me why I chose Australia as my desired destination, my typical response is, "Well, why wouldn't I?" Living just minutes away from the world's most beautiful beaches and taking trips to exciting and unusual places like the Outback was just enough to \nget me to buy a ticket. Once I was sold on the idea of spending half a year down under, I soon found there was a whole lot more the country has to offer than just \nwhite sand beaches. \nBeing a native New Yorker, I knew I had to live in the fast-paced city of Sydney. Sydney is known for its beautiful beaches and temperate climate, which according to me makes the city one of the world's most glamorous. The beach is a major part of life for native Australians whether they surf and swim or just love the beautiful ocean view. I expect that life in Sydney will be a mix of sophisticated cosmopolitan city and beach living.\nThe harbor of Sydney is extremely large and divides the city into northern and southern halves. Some of Sydney's most famous tourist sights are the zoos, beaches and mountains that are said to be as scenic -- if not more so -- than those in the other parts of Australia, according to "Fodor's Australia 2005." \nOne of the natural sites I am excited about are the Blue Mountains, which I will be visiting on an overnight trip during my five-day orientation. I also will be going on a week-long trip to the South Island of New Zealand. I will be visiting Queenstown, home of the world's highest bungee jump (the Nevis), and Franz Josef, which is known for glacier hiking. New Zealand, otherwise known as an "adventure playground," has been called one of the most beautiful atmospheres in the world. \nIf you are planning on going to Australia, then a trip to the Outback is definitely essential. The Outback occupies one-sixth of the Australian continent but is home to less than 1 percent of the population. Known for its rough terrain, dreadful heat and overwhelming landscape, the Outback is an excursion that should not and will not be missed by me. Kangaroos, koalas and other animals indigenous to this region are fascinating. Australia is also home to some of the most interesting and noteworthy plants not found in other parts of the world, according to "Australia: Beyond the Outback."\nThis is a country rich in culture. Fine and performing arts are plentiful, and so is the liberal attitude that encourages multiculturalism and diversity while promoting pride in being an Australian.\nAnd now my favorite topic: fashion. After the UGG explosion last winter, everyone associates Australian fashion with UGGs. But Australian fashion goes far beyond the famous boots. In fact, UGGs aren't a fashion statement by any means for native Australians, and they aren't considered trendy or stylish, according to University of Pennsylvania student Ariel Blorian, who just returned from a semester of studying in Australia. Blorian's Australian friends say UGGs are worn around the house and often by surfers after getting out of the ocean. In fact, Australian fashion is taking off, and many of Australia's leading designers concentrate on the nation's natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, cashmere, mohair and alpaca. Australia is quickly becoming a fashion mecca. The latest styles are showcased annually in Mercedes Australian Fashion Week.\nI'm sure that my future experience living in this magnificent country will far surpass my expectations. The Great Barrier Reef, the Outback and the beautiful beaches are just some of the things that I am looking forward to seeing. While this large continent has a great deal to offer, it will be nearly impossible to experience it all. But I will do my best to embrace every opportunity afforded me on this excursion, and I'll be sure to report all the highlights of this new adventure.
(12/09/04 5:27am)
MtvU, the newest channel from MTV networks, is giving young adults a chance to express their creativity by providing grants for top college activists. "MtvU Grant" is a new program dedicated to empowering and awarding student social entrepreneurs at mtvU partner schools.\nGrant winners represented schools nationwide, including IU student Douglas Briney. Each student or group received up to $1,500 and an array of resources and tools to aid in their community improvement projects. Briney was awarded the full $1,500 to create the Maumee Youth Project with the help of friends. The project's goal is to develop a music venue open to all ages that will provide an artistic outlet for local youth. \n"MtvU is always encouraging students from their designated universities of any age range to participate and apply for a grant," Briney said. "They don't make it competitive or anything. Applicants could be awarded any sum of money up to the $1,500."\nAccording to a press release, mtvU is the largest and most comprehensive television network oriented specifically to college students. It broadcasts to more than 700 colleges across the country. Youth Venture, a national nonprofit organization that invests in America's youth by providing them with the tools they need to create, lead and launch their own businesses, organizations and clubs to benefit their community, is working in conjunction with mtvU to help students bring their ideas to life.\n"We took a look at the fact that college students have historically been the engine for civil change," said Stephen Friedman, general manager of mtvU. "Take a look at past movements. College students typically are at the forefront of activism."\nBriney is a prime example of college students being at the forefront of activism and civil change. He had previously created a project called the Art Factory in Fort Wayne. The Art Factory held shows on Friday and Saturday nights where bands, mostly local, would play. Briney and friends would rent out the venue for the night. The money received went toward paying rent and the remainder was paid to the bands. The project ran for two years but closed when the building manager decided to turn the location into a parking lot.\n"The Maumee project is going to be different," Briney said. "It will be set up all over. We learned now what to do differently." \nThe place designated for the Maumee Youth Project will be called "The Rise Above," which will hold shows for all ages that will be the backbone of the program and finances for the project. The project will be run by a board of directors that will be mainly or entirely composed of people under 21 to ensure that it will serve the best interests of that age group. \nAllowing people to hear music isn't all that the Maumee Youth Project is striving to achieve. In addition, Briney and his partners want to set up programs that will educate youths about different activities they can do by themselves, including screen-printing T-shirts, recording and distributing albums, and making and distributing magazines. Briney and coordinators are still looking for a building to hold their project, but it will most likely be located in Fort Wayne.\nThe mtvU grants will be awarded every week throughout the school year. But grant applicants will be getting more than just money; they will be getting the assistance they need from Youth Venture. \n"We are working with schools to get kids involved in community service organizations," said Linn Landon, community service director with United Way, which just partnered up with Youth Venture as well.\nParticipants will also have an opportunity to be featured on mtvU News and receive exclusive access to helpful resources and tools in cooperation with Youth Venture. To find out more about the mtvU grants, visit www.mtvu.com or www.youthventure.org. \n-- Contact staff writer Mallory Zalkin at mzalkiin@indiana.edu.
(11/11/04 5:32am)
Ingredients for living don't have to be traditional, plain or even trendy. Why buy lackluster items when you can buy something luxurious with original style? There's a new store in town where you can find a fresh innovative way to decorate, dress and reinvigorate your way of living. Relish, 204 N. Morton St., provides everything to create a unique, ultra-modern look in clothes and accessories and at home.\nOpened for just eight weeks, the new store attracts a variety of IU students and local customers who want merchandise that's high in quality and departs from the norm, its owners say. The items go for a wide range of prices and are reasonable in comparison to national vendors of similar objects.\n"I don't understand why people want to look like everyone else does," said Sharon Fugate, who co-owns the store with her husband Brad. "Creating your own style is much more appealing, and I think that our clients feel the same way."\nRelish has a large collection of contemporary furniture, clothing, kitchenware, home décor, body products, shoes and accessories. The products are object-oriented and focus on the details of structure and design. The furniture and home decorations are architecturally defined and unique. A trip to Relish can help spice up your home with a sense of flavor that is extraordinarily different from standard pieces. The unusual designs are eye-catching and can be utterly appealing to the average consumer. \n"We are less concerned with being trendy than other stores are," Fugate said.\nThe store's jewelry collection has a variety of earrings, bracelets, bangles, rings and necklaces that are either beaded or crafted with Italian Murano glass. \n"They're made on a well known island off of Venice, Italy," said Brad Fugate. "They've been blowing glass there for centuries."\nRelish also currently is selling a large array of leather accessories. The striped gloves by Adrienne Vittadini have flown out of the store, owners said, and popular leather bags by Maxx and Hobo are available in various colors and sizes. The Hobo passport bags and wallets displayed turn into clutches. The store also carries stylish leather laptop cases that are Italian-designed and French-made. \nThe clothing sold at Relish is by boutique designers and isn't sold in department stores. The Relish owners said their favorite clothing designers are Neesh and Asian designer An Ren. The clothes are classy with silhouette shapes as an essential detail. The Fugates described the clothing as in line with Urban Outfitters.\nAsymmetrical seam lines and flowing materials give character to otherwise clichéd pieces, such as lace and cargo skirts. Warm printed jackets reflect the styles of this fall season but embody fur and colorful accents that makes them original. The chic scarves and hats sold at Relish come in many styles and patterns, and offer protection from cold weather. \n"I thought that it was just a cool furniture store," said IU student Erica Levine. "I was surprised when I walked in to find such different clothes that were really very pretty."\nThe store's stock will expand even more in the future. Relish owners have recently purchased a new body product line called Zents. The line includes 10 basic scents of soaps, lotions and body salts that can be worn alone or layered with one another. \n"Zents encourages you to create your own scent, which is much like the philosophy of our clothing," Sharon Fugate said.\nThe new and popular store seems to offer the best of almost everything. Relish offers Bloomington residents a unique blend of furniture, clothing and accessories that can add flair to personal style.\n-- Contact staff writer Mallory Zalkin at mzalkin@indiana.edu.
(10/18/04 4:13am)
The School of Fine Arts revealed its latest exhibit at a gallery opening Friday night. Among the new works on display were the large-scale bronze and fiberglass sculptures of Neil Goodman, an IU-Northwest professor of art.\nGoodman has exhibited internationally, but Friday night he graced students and faculty at the SOFA Gallery with a lecture about his work. He said his latest exhibit, "Lenses and Loops," is a reflection of his interest in the landscape and topography of where he has lived and worked for most of his life - northwest Indiana.\nGoodman received his B.A. from IU and his M.F.A. from the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. Two of his former IU professors attended his lecture.\n"It means a lot to me that my teachers are here," Goodman said. "It's sweet when people's lives and careers continuously cross each other."\nSOFA Gallery Director Betsy Stirratt said she has loved Goodman's work for a long time. \n"The installation worked out and it's just beautiful," Stirratt said. "I really like his small pieces."\nGoodman said his inspiration comes from philosophy and his surroundings. \n"I try to create poetic and human space," Goodman said. "(I design my sculptures to act as) a lens: lines moving through space that change the landscape like lightening, a great theater."\nGoodman said his first artistic projects were all still lifes. After adapting to still life, he began to work out visual thinking about the idea of how objects work with one another in space. In still life, Goodman was interested in creating pictorial space and drama. He said he tried to stretch the idea of a pictorial plane to expand the field of vision. \nHe said by expanding the field of vision, we can see what happens when perception is altered because of the way we live. \nLiving in Chicago for some time, Goodman observed architecture that motivated later projects. Goodman also got inspiration for his work from the character Sidney in the movie "Toy Story." The character is made out of a lot of different pieces. Goodman started making many small wooden sculptures and arranging them in a way to make one large sculpture out of individualized pieces. \nThe works currently on display at the SOFA Gallery are prototypes for a sculpture garden Goodman is designing for IU-Northwest's sculpture garden in Gary. Goodman said when he works with a public space he tries to find what is unique about it. He then creates forms related to landscape rather than to interior space. \n"I've seen his show in Indy and I love his work. Many of the forms are similar but on a smaller level," said sculptor Dale Enochs. "Enlarged forms impact very differently. It affects you in a visceral manner."\nGoodman has done a variety of things with his art. He continues to use the skills he has mastered while adding fresh additions to provide a modern and never before seem form. \n"Once a body of work is played out it just becomes part of your vocabulary and then you can go back and use them at different times," Goodman said.\n-- Contact staff writer Mallory Zalkin at mzalkin@indiana.edu.
(10/06/04 4:09am)
Though some fashion trends might be short-lived, you can always count on the new stuff becoming old and old stuff becoming new again. Old fads from each decade have been brought back, and are often worn in a way that looks even more stylish than the original appearance. Because of fashion's cyclical manner, purchasing new apparel that simply imitates historical looks can be frivolous. Thanks to vintage and antique stores, shoppers can buy the latest styles at a bargain price.\nThe Antique Mall is a huge three-story building, located on Seventh and North Morton streets that sells everything from furniture and books to jackets and jewelry. The mall has been opened for 16 years and has a number of consistent dealers and customers. The emporium hosts over 120 shops of quality antiques. Having one of the largest antique collections in town, items that date back to 1900 make the merchandise attractive to die-hard vintage shoppers. \n"Some students come in before school starts and buy furniture or some things for their houses," said retail clerk Sherry Baker. "There is just so much here that people come for just about anything."\nThe first and second floors of The Antique Mall are loaded with furniture, pictures, books, magazines, house ware, clothing and jewelry. The furniture varies from fancy antique embroidered couches to comfy sofas perfect for college life. Decorative lamps and pictures could add simple touches of elegance to a home. Other items sold include porcelain rotary telephones, Barbie doll collections, and wooden desks and armoires. \nThe trendy shopper would be most impressed by the malls' compilation of antique jewelry. Costume jewelry is showcased throughout the store and grouped in sets by the dealer. People sell their belongings to a dealer who sells it to the mall. The dealers are in charge of sales and promotions of their items. \nBrooches are the most prevalent fashion trend this season and The Antique Mall has plenty of them. There are hundreds of shapes, sizes and colors of brooches sold for around $5. The prices will make shoppers want to boycott department stores selling similar pins for $500. Brooches are this fall's must-have accessory, and The Antique Mall allows shoppers to get this trendy look without spending a fortune.\n"In the spirit of the season's pile-on-the-pins trend, a fresh take on how to wear the bejeweled piece is welcome," says Harper's Bazaar fashion writer Jenny Rubinfeld in the October 2004 issue. "... on her travels, New York jewelry designer Carol Cohen scours flea markets and thrift shops to find the most interesting vintage brooches ... and combines them with beads to create one-of-a-kind, stand-out-from-the-crowd necklaces."\nThe hot new brooch-on-necklace style makes a definite statement. The look can be easily scored by purchasing a beaded necklace from The Antique Mall, which typically ranges from $2 to $8, and accenting it with your choice of brooch, and there's certainly a lot to choose from. Employees say that brooches are the most popular recent hit accessory that students have been buying.\n"I never even knew about the mall. It's so big," said IU junior Erica Levine. "They have so much stuff. I think I can honestly spend all day in there."\nWondering where you'll ever find a purse to match? Look no further because stylish purses can be found there. Sequined and beaded clutches in all colors are sold for reasonable prices. The store carries an assortment of evening bags with detailed trim that are sure to spice up any ensemble. \nIf the costume jewelry and handbag collection doesn't make shoppers run over and check it out, there are other items to explore. An eclectic assortment of clothing including timeless classics, such as a Giorgio Armani cashmere sweater, and new styles are on display. Fur is another chic essential for the fall. However you want to wear it, coat, shrug or just a fur muff, The Antique Mall has it. \nIf readers haven't been wooed yet, the newest addition to the store might catch their interests. Oct. 15, the mall will be opening a tea room in the basement called the Greenbriar. Customers can leisurely lounge while drinking tea in between shopping.\n"Becky Clayton, manager of the mall, thought it would be a good idea. She's working really hard on it," said assistant manager Jan Arnold. "We've gotten a lot of positive feedback."\nLooking for something particular or just browsing, there's something for just about everyone. When shoppers find it, they better buy it fast because, explained Arnold, if they don't get it when they see it, they'll turn around and it'll be gone.\n-- Contact staff writer Mallory Zalkin at mzalkin@indiana.edu.
(09/13/04 4:51am)
NEW YORK -- The pressure must be on for the youngest hot new designer in the biz. But Zac Posen looks as cool and calm as ever. After his recent merging with P. Diddy's Sean John Clothingline, the two seem to radiate only confidence and class. Posen's long-awaited show had the highest of expectations; and without a doubt, he lived up to his potential.\n"The lights went on and the black sand runway looked like diamonds, setting the tone for the show," said Fonzworth Bentley, a member of P. Diddy's entourage.\nThe first segment of the show was filled with neat white satin suits and chiffon dresses detailed with modest trimming and perfect tailoring. The looks oozed sophistication with a touch of sexy boldness. And just when you thought the show was reflected in this light, Posen hit the audience with a fresh new surprise.\nPosen's fun and colorful prints were seen again, but redefined of course. Mixing three to four different patterns in one dress would look tacky in most cases, but Posen's multi-colored sensations spoke nothing but the best of high-couture fashion. Playful, flirtatious and clever are some words that come to mind with the emergence of each new ensemble. \n"I'm not interested in forcing character," Posen said. "I'm just interested in making pieces that expand the imagination of the woman."\nImagination was a necessity for Posen to have created a third genre of eye-catching styles. The last looks were evening dresses re-invented with long flowing capes containing cut-out patterns. Capes were a popular addition to evening dresses this season, but Posen's version still wooed over the crowd.\nA-list celebs such as Paris Hilton, Claire Danes, Joe Pesci, Tyson Beckford and more came out to get a front row glance at what Posen created. Even P. Diddy's dog Sofie came out dressed to impress in an original Sean John tux to celebrate the occasion. And how do top-notch stars, models and fashionistas celebrate? With an endless amount of expensive champagne and the most exclusive parties that last until dawn. And that's just what they did.
(09/10/04 6:11am)
This Sunday, Bloomington residents will have the opportunity to join the ranks of Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Roger Corman, Eric Stoltz and Laura Linney. The Manhattan Short Film Festival, a competition evaluating quality film submissions, is coming to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, and viewers will help determine the competition winner.\nFor any filmmaker, producing a short film is an important route to becoming recognized. In 1998, Nicholas Mason came up with an approach to provide new talents with a route of entry into the film industry. He created The Manhattan Short Film Festival, which gives 12 up-and-coming filmmakers an opportunity to present their short film at Union Square Park in New York City. Each filmmaker competes for the grand prize, which includes all of the materials and services that are needed to make a full-length feature film. \n"Any art has a statement that says 'Show me, don't tell me,'" Mason said. \nThe first festival was so lucrative that it became an annual happening. All of the short films featured at the festival are commercially viable and targeted to a mainstream audience. The inevitable excitement and public acclamation the festival brings is a positive bonus for the contestants.\n"All of the films involved are very well constructed and well conceived," said Danielle McClelland, Buskirk-Chumley managing director. "They are high quality production films, not independent such as those featured in the Ann Arbor festival. These films require a lot of money."\nThis year, Mason chose Indiana as one of the seven states where the short film festival would be screened and the selection of a winner would take place. The film festival will screen at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. The winner of the competition will be announced in Manhattan Sept. 18.\nIn the past, judging of the films has been done by celebrities who have used their insider perspective and knowledge in filmmaking to help in choosing the winner, Mason said. While about 3,000 viewers from the general public have been admitted to the screening in Union Square, they only viewed the films for personal entertainment purposes in the past. This year, Mason said he decided to hand festival judging over to the general public. \nWhen asked why he chose to allow the public to pick the winner rather than those with status similar to previous judges, Mason quoted actor and studio director Stella Adler. As Mason had watched her do interviews in the past, he heard someone ask her the question, "If you go, do you become a star?" \n"We teach acting," Adler replied. "It's the public that creates stars."\nMason said he strongly agrees with Adler's remark and continued to account for the reasons which influenced him to shift over the voting process. \n"If the general public likes it, Mickey Mouse likes it too," Mason said.\nThis year the festival received 632 entries from 32 countries. All films are less than fourteen minutes. The 12 2004 finalists include entries from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Spain and India. Tickets to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater are $10 and $8 for students with a valid ID.\n— Contact staff writer Mallory Zalkin at mzalkin@indiana.edu
(05/03/04 4:09am)
The main purpose of the internship experience, according to the views of many, is to learn and work in a position relating to the career the intern desires. Though this might be true to some extent, some internship opportunities serve to help students realize they might not be interested in pursuing the designated career. \nAshley Sadler, a junior majoring in accounting, and Tiffany Kraft, a junior majoring in finance, are two IU students currently interning in London. They work for Stella McCartney, a London-based fashion designer and daughter of Paul McCartney. While the girls are gaining valuable knowledge in their field of study, they are also realizing what types of professions they want to pursue.\nThe women obtained the internship through the Committee on Institutional Cooperation London internship program through the Kelly School of Business. Susan A. Carty, Assistant Director of Overseas Study, said requirements for enrollment in the program include IU student status, making academic progress, completion of or enrollment in at least four college semesters and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. \nStudents must complete an Internship Field Request form including information about their objectives, qualifications, experience, anticipations and career plans, in addition to a resume and letters of reference. Based on this information, the staff in London arranges an internship placement that is a good match for both the student and the internship host. \n"Once students have arrived in London, they meet with a prospective internship host for an interview. After the interview, should either one (student or host) feel that the match is not right, a second interview with an alternative placement is arranged," Carty said. "Selection is based on maturity, seriousness of purpose and appropriateness of match between program and applicant."\nWhen Kraft and Sadler heard Stella McCartney opened internship positions, the women jumped at the opportunity. They work in different departments where they fulfill the specific duties to their aspiring careers.\n"I'm a finance major, but I was also interested in marketing," Sadler said. "I work for the marketing director of Stella McCartney and do a lot of public relations stuff."\nSadler is working in the public relations side of the company where she sets up events and is becoming accustomed to the marketing side of business while gaining the experience of living in another country. Sadler is in charge of planning a party at Stone with Vogue magazine. Her tasks include things like coordinating the RSVP lists and arranging catering for events. \nSadler's other major duty is competitive analysis. She travels to stores like Gucci at Bond Street and takes notes on new styles in certain areas of apparel. Sadler said she enjoys working in a multi-cultural place where she realizes people are more accepting of different nationalities and speak more languages as well.\nKraft works in the accounting department of Stella McCartney working with bills and invoices. Her boss and the CFO of the company assigns her tasks such as the daily recording of sales from the three Stella McCartney stores and ensuring they match the records at Gucci, since Stella McCartney is in a partnership with the Gucci Group. Kraft also finds invoices and makes sure her bosses pay their bills.\n"It's really cool because I get to see exactly what they spend money on," Kraft said. "I sometimes find like 500 pound limo invoices for Stella to get to Kate Moss' party and just cool stuff like that."\nKraft's biggest challenge is learning different accounting practices in London. She has to incorporate what she already knows to become accustomed to a new method. \n"It's much more difficult when you're dealing with an international company that must deal with converting currencies. Since the dollar is so weak right now, Stella isn't doing as good as she could be because her stuff is all made in Europe so costs are incurred in Euros," Kraft said.\nFashion is an international industry, requiring more than the glamorous aspects that are usually associated with it. Working in fashion has alluring perks such as frequent high profile parties with celebrity contacts, but, as Sadler and Kraft are learning, there's an entire world that lies behind the scenes.\nKraft said she realizes her background in accounting will be valuable in the fashion industry. She wants to move to a major city like Chicago or London, depending on where she can get a job.\n"From this experience, I learned that I love working in the fashion industry," Kraft said. "It's really exciting stuff to be able to sit there all day and listen to people talking about who is wearing what to wear the Golden Globes."\nKraft said her only doubt about landing a career in the fashion industry is it seems like in order to achieve success one must know more than one language and she is not bi-lingual.\nSadler said she doesn't have any plans for a fashion-related future. She enjoys finance and plans to pursue a career that has nothing to do with fashion.\n"I realized that I'm lacking the creative aspect of marketing," Sadler said. "I still loved getting to work in an international corporation overseas."\n-- Contact staff writer Mallory Zalkin at mzalkin@indiana.edu.
(04/05/04 6:09am)
A fashion show that incorporates almost all areas of apparel might seem difficult to achieve, but it's certainly not impossible, as the Apparel Merchandising Organization proved this past Thursday night. The annual AMO fashion show combined trendy street wear, sports and casual attire, formal evening looks and ballet costumes as a part of its student-organized show. The looks on the runway represented all aspects of collegiate fashion, along with unique designs constructed by students majoring in fashion design and costume construction technology.\nA raffle that consisted of more than $13,000 worth of prizes set the night off to a good start. A new North Face jacket, hats, sandals and leather bags for spring were some of the items won by audience members. Ticket holders who didn't get called had the opportunity to claim extra prizes after the raffle. Though the prizes pleased the crowd, the real excitement began when the lights went down and the music went up. The IU Essence Dance Team hit the floor and jump-started the show by snagging the audience's attention with its funky dance moves and hot beats.\n"I think the dancers were really great," said the show's Assistant Director Jamie Held. "They really pumped up the audience."\n Scene I was designated to corsets, which were designed by the Costume Consturction Technology students. The student designers demonstrated there's more than one way of looking at a corset and a lot of room for adding personal taste. Each corset differed in pattern, color and shape. Pink trim was popular, as were open backs with elaborate ribbon holding them together. Ruffles, leather, chiffon, beads and satin were materials that added edginess and flavor to the corsets.\nThe next scene was centered on the final projects of CCT students. Many of the students have never premiered their lines, and some were even featured in the show modeling their own lines. Some of the student designs included elaborate evening wear inspired by each designer's personal taste. The evening attire included satin gold and purple dresses detailed with colored beads and ribbon. Lisa Dininger, a senior majoring in apparel merchandising and the fashion show coordinator, said she was happy with the scene, and it was different than in previous years. \n"I was really pleased with everything. It was the first time that this class had their designs displayed," said Dininger. "This year there was a lot more CCT students' designs."\nScene III was the tutu segment and also featured designs by the CCT students. Much like the corset scene, students spiced up standard tutus and turned them into stylish hip looks. This scene provided a soft feminine feel as well as a harder look, not often associated with tutus. Melissa Kurlan, a senior majoring in apparel merchandising, went a different route with the construction of her tutu with her New York-inspired tutu. \n"I wanted to do something unique," said Kurlan, who created a tutu and leotard with New York Yankees and N.Y. Police Department patches on the corset. \nKurlan said she wanted to create something unique that would add style to the runway. \n"Fashion is about making new styles by changing what's already there. I thought that adding hip patchwork would do the trick," Kurlan said. \nLocal retailer J.L. Waters dressed the men who appeared in Scene IV. The look for this segment was sports and casual. The informal yet fashionable styles were achieved with brands such as North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear and Beneficial & Nalgene.\nSpring fever was the theme for Scene V. Clothes from Kirkwood Avenue's Cha Cha's looked fresh and funky in colorful patterns. Skirts were short and the heels were high on the models that strutted down the runway. \nJR Stallsmith dressed men in designer suits for the next scene. Striped collared shirts were favored, and some even came with striped cuffs in different colors. Like the girls, men wore colorful ensembles that provided an aura of spring .\nThe finale gave the crowd one last glance of the various styles and elaborate designs incorporated into each scene. The tutus and corsets drew the most applause from the audience. AMO members were pleased with the outcome of the show. \nHarper Slavin, a sophomore majoring in apparel merchandisings was happy with the turn out of the fashion show.\n"It was the perfect collaboration of all types of dress. I don't know how, but they did it. Not everyone could produce a show that includes sportswear with tutus, and it makes sense." \n-- Contact staff writer Mallory Zalkin at mzalkin@indiana.edu.
(04/01/04 5:58am)
The Apparel Merchandising Organization is one of the largest groups on campus, consisting of over 300 members engaging in fun and educational activities relating to fashion. One of the long-awaited AMO events is the annual fashion show which will take place tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Alumni Hall at the Indiana Memorial Union. The AMO Fashion Show is put on by apparel merchandising and interior design majors, and will feature a combination of looks from local retailers and IU Costume Construction Technology students. Local retailers include Urban Outfitters, Cha Cha, JR Stallsmith and JR Waters. A number of CCT students donated personal designs from their course projects, such as suits and corsets, to be presented in AMO's show. AMO members have worked all year in preparation to deliver another end-of-year production to reflect their hard work. \n"We started working on the show right after the summer," said Jamie Held, the show's assistant manager and sophomore majoring in apparel merchandising. "The past few weeks have just been crazy. I'm nervous, but I'm also really excited."\nThe producers of the show wanted to come up with a theme people can relate to and have fun with. The decision to have a "New York" theme for the show satisfied their desire. The New York City skyline will be the backdrop for the show, providing a scene of models strutting to famous New York songs, which divulges the excitement, craziness and surprises associated with New York City. \nDressing 600 people seems extreme, but the AMO knows it can be done. The show will be divided into segments -- corsets, tutus, final projects of CCT students and apparel from local retailers. The show gives the fashion design students and the CCT students an opportunity to show off their craft.\n"I get to wear my own corset, jacket and skirt," said Heather Elrod, a model and senior majoring in fashion design. "They're all made out of leather because that's what will be my line for next year."\nCCT students in their third and fourth semesters are assigned to design corsets and tutus -- a course requirement. Student designers then volunteer their products if they want to present them. \n"This year, we focused more on student designers," said fashion show director and senior Lisa Dininger. "Usually officers aren't CCT majors. Since I'm an AMID and CCT major, I really want to give student designers a chance to show off their work." \nAlthough the event is called a "fashion show," the AMO has encompassed a lot more than models walking down the runway in the latest styles. A pre-show banquet will be used to introduce the new AMO officers. The IU Essence Dance Team will give two performances between segments. \nThe actual fashion show will begin at 8 p.m., but audience members who arrive early can purchase a raffle ticket. Over $13,000 in prizes has been raised so far this year, according to AMO president Karielle Foist. The money from the raffle will go to scholarships for AMO members. For more information, call 333-4746.\n-- Contact staff writer Mallory Zalkin at mzalkin@indiana.edu.
(03/10/04 4:50am)
The apparel merchandising and interior design students aren't the only ones who know what it means to dress to impress. Phi Alpha Delta collaborated with the Black Law Students Association in organizing the first Law School Fashion Show, which took place Saturday at Axis Nightclub. The show featured tons of great styles that were categorized into scenes such as "Business Casual," "After 5," "Holiday Gala," "Business Professional" and "Summer Chic/Garden Party/Golf and Tennis." Students from the Law School strutted enthusiastically down the runway flaunting each ensemble.\n"The basic idea was that we wanted to give a spin to the job search presentation," said Amy VonDielingen, venue committee chairperson of the production. "We needed to come up with a fun way to get students feeling a little more comfortable when looking for jobs."\nLocal retail stores loaned the clothing and accessories modeled in the show. Sponsors included JR Stallsmith, L.S. Ayers, KS Menswear, deeAaron's Boutique, CHA CHA, Deb and TJ Maxx. \nFellow IU students were excited to see the final result of their classmates' hard work.\n"We're law student groupies," masters student Jason Rodocker said. "They went to all of these local stores to get the clothes. I think one model is even wearing a $600 suit."\nModels sporting the business casual look wore pinstriped slacks and jackets with button-down shirts. Khaki's and neutral tones brought down the formal look of the styles. Pastels and pinks gave a more feminine look to typical business attire. \nThe "After 5" look was accomplished with a touch of flavor and a laid-back attitude. Models set up the scene with a backdrop of themselves drinking cocktails and mingling while the models before them strutted down the runway in their "After 5" attire. The women wore red, black and pink, giving a softer look for a night on the town. Men achieved a laid-back style with their shirt sleeves rolled up for the "After 5" look.\nThe "Holiday Gala" scene was classy and sassy, full of satin sequins and stunning suits. The men wore Kenneth Cole tuxedos and Tommy Hilfiger and Joseph Abboud suits. The Joseph Abboud suit cuts fuller in the hips and backside, specialized for fuller men, such as athletes. Men also wore sophisticated double-breasted coats and silk ties. Women wore full-length halters, fitted down to the knee and flared out into a full skirt. One dress had black and white sequin stripes contouring the body. Another look was an all black, fitted dress with silver embroidery at the fullest part of the dress. \nThe law students proved business professional fashions don't necessarily translate into basic and boring. Two-button collars, slacks and fitted jackets were typical for the men. \nWomen radiated confidence and professionalism in fitted black skirts or a pair of straight slacks with a button-down shirt and a jacket to tie it all together. Black was the dominating color for the business scene.\nThe "Summer Chic/Garden Party/Golf and Tennis" scene was fresh, fun and emulated the lighthearted aura of the entire production. Tommy Hilfiger shirts, dresses and even suits perfected the look for a Sunday, country club brunch or a day out on the range.Women wore tennis visors, plaid capri pants and tennis skirts. V-neck sweaters and a polka dotted evening dress brought class to this selection.\nPhi Alpha Delta and the BLSA delivered a show radiating the fun and casual feeling associated with spring. The chosen attire fit appropriately with the designated scene. \nLisa Adelman, law professor and chair executive of the show, said the show wasn't just for entertainment, but served a specific purpose. \n"We wanted to educate law students on how to dress for different legal scenarios in law firm life," Adelman said. "I thought it was a huge success. We are even planning on doing this again in the future."\nThe show portrayed possible situations calling for specific looks. Whether dressing for an interview at a prestigious job, a night out on the town or just a relaxing summer afternoon, law students definitely met the dress code. They snagged the styles of spring and did so with pure enthusiasm and high spirits, identifying themselves as fun law students with a flair for fashion.
(02/19/04 4:34am)
The Elizabeth Sage Collection, a costume collection at IU, preserves clothing that traces the evolution of fashion. Elizabeth Sage founded the collection in 1937, when she was appointed IU's first professor of clothing and textiles. The collection is located off-campus in a private warehouse. Items in the collection are never worn again but are used in certain exhibitions for perspective. \nThe Sage Collection is a historic collaboration, consisting of more than 17,000 artifacts representing the evolution of styles from 1765 to modern day. The collection features men's, women's and children's clothing. It also includes a large array of fashion books, articles and magazines such as Vogue, with issues dating back to 1920. \nThe collection is limited to dress and adornment of Western fashion. It doesn't include ethnic or folk dress. Military and sports items are also preserved there, demonstrating changes and development in all forms of dress from uniform and occupational or casual wear to glamorous couture evening wear. \nWorks by prestigious designer names, such as Balenciaga, Dior and Bill Blass, are preserved in this exposition. Although high- profile designs play a major part in the Sage Collection and are undoubtedly the most recognized, the collection illustrates an accurate portrayal of Western fashions that goes beyond the big-name designers to include down-to-earth looks worn by the average person at each time period. \nThe Sage collection consists of two parts -- one part is dedicated to student study, while the other museum-like collection carefully protects and stores fashion artifacts from around the world. Apparel merchandising and interior design majors use the articles dedicated to the study program to learn about costume history and advances in design and techniques. This separate work-study collection has duplicates, which can be seen at Memorial Hall. The MAC rents costumes for its performances, and students and curators from the Sage Collection make replica costumes to be put into the study collection.\nGraduate students who have an interest in costume history work at the Sage collection to gain experience on what would be the appropriate preservation methods for various designs. The same protection tactics students learn and use at the Sage Collection are required in museums. \n"I help facilitate expositions and work with other institutions like Monroe County Historical Society," said Petra Slinkard, a graduate student who works at the collection. \nEvery item preserved in the collection is a donation. Elizabeth Sage's personal collection donated in 1937 set the basis for the function and was kept alive and up-to-date with added donations throughout the decades, allowing for visual perspectives of life and styles of previous times. Curator Kathleen Rowold and Assistant Curator Kelly Richardson frequently accept donations, which usually come from socialites or people who are prominent in in fashionable society, designers and museums. They then select which items they will add to the collection and which items will be given to the work study program. \n"Most donations come from socialites," Richardson said. "Some people just donate to get tax write-offs." \nThe curators are now processing their largest donation ever. The donation is from Chessy Rayner, a friend and interior designer of Bill Blass. Rayner's sister donated to the Bill Blass exhibit and gave her clothing to the warehouse, which is 75 percent Bill Blass. \n"She was the first to mix ethnic and army-navy Gap stuff with high-end designs," Richardson said. "Her clothing shows fun and personality." \nThe Bill Blass exhibit took place last year. It was a collaboration of Blass designs held at the IU Art Museum. Students and faculty worked hard to set up the exposition. Graduate students Jessica Rall and Petra agreed the hardest part in preparing for the exhibit was layering the mannequin forms to properly fill out the clothing in which they will be placed. \n"I had an interest in costume history. Through Costume Construction Technology, I was able to get into it, and the Blass exhibit was at that time" said Rall. "Being part of such a big production helped me realize that this is what I want to do." \nRall works at the Sage Collection and is also a wardrobe assistant at the M.A.C. \n"I make the wigs for the opera," Rall said. "It's good to know about costume history and apply it to theater."\nClothing must be kept safely preserved by someone with skill in costume preservation to keep the clothing protected correctly. \n"Everything here will never be worn again. We have been asked to do fashion shows, but we don't do that here. This is more of a museum exhibition," Richardson said. "We have items here worth thousands. We use acid-free materials to ensure protection. Fur is segregated because it is most vulnerable to attack." \nItems from before 1940 are stored flat and packaged on shelves, labeled neatly and organized with respect to the materials used.\nIn honor of Girls Sports Week, the Sage Collection presented a fashion show Feb. 6 as part of an alliance with Bloomington museums. The show featured the uniforms of former IU athletes. The sports articles and uniforms chosen for use in the show demonstrated how drastically style in sportswear has changed throughout time. \nA 1910 blue bathing suit, which covers a large portion of the body and comes with bloomers, which was the standard, was on display. The collection shows how bathing suits have evolved from early suits, which were designed for the sole purpose of concealing the body, to the modern-day tiny Speedos and sleek and sexy bikinis. \nThe Sage Collection is thorough in representing high designer and popular fashion trends in our culture. The collection is particularly specific in its focus on representing Indiana styles by including IU sportswear as well as old Indiana traditions in dress. \nAccording to Rowold, senior cords were a phenomenon popular in Indiana high schools and colleges from the 1920s to the 1970s. During this time frame, students would decorate white pants and skirts with anything related to their high school. Attire would be covered with luminous beaded designs reflecting aspects of their hometown and school. The Senior Cords collection is also referred to as "the great unwashed" because the apparel was so carefully assembled with delicate items and materials that it could not be washed. The Sage Collection contains a wealth of pieces made during the era before this Indiana fashion custom died out. \nThe Sage Collection will stage its next exhibit in the fall. It will be in collaboration with the Kinsey Institute and the Mathers Museum. The tentative theme and basic concept of the show will be "Fashion, Function, Fantasy and Fetish." The Sage Collection was asked to participate to explore ideas of modesty versus immodesty in dress and adornment of Western fashion.\n"The idea of the show is to contrast old styles with modern looks and further contrast concealment versus exposure," Rowold said. "The concept was developed by Kinsey and Mathers to look at different cultures and the way they cover and reveal their bodies." \nRichardson said by storing apparel in the fashion warehouse, the Sage Collection requires tedious labor and extensive time to accomplish a museum-style exhibition, which is properly organized and catalogued while being informative and entertaining. \nRichardson also emphasized the work put into the collection and said curators and graduate students are constantly working to ensure protection of materials. Richardson also said students` write regular condition reports, tend to legal elements of costume preservation and supply IU's Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design program with study useful tools.
(02/17/04 5:54am)
NEW YORK -- Collections for the fall 2004 season differed in style and designs making them special, but all had similar reoccurring themes. Lavenders and greens were the two hot colors of the runway, while fur, tweed and satin were most popular for fabrics. Although designers used some of the same cuts and fabrics, each designer personalized his or her line with familiar touches reflecting their style.
(02/12/04 5:19am)
NEW YORK CITY -- New York City was the place to see and be seen last week when the world's leading fashion designers premiered their fall 2004 collections. This began Friday, Feb. 6 and will end Friday, Feb. 13. This year, New York Fashion Week was sponsored by Olympus, a leading camera manufacturer, instead of Mercedes--Benz, who is keeping their sponsorship at L.A.'s Fashion Week. The turnover brought with it changes, as coordinators put an emphasis on photographers. This season Olympus introduced Stylus Digital, and the new E-1, the industry's first all-digital SLR camera system. The company gave photographers the chance to test out the camera during the runway shows. \nThe semi-annual week-long extravaganza included exciting shows as well as a star-studded guest list. A-line models, celebrities and socialites congregated at the Bryant Park Tents to enjoy cocktails and get an exclusive view of next season's trends as they hit the runway for the first time.
(01/28/04 4:38am)
Costumes are an important element helping define the aura of many successful performances. Each costume provides the audience with insight into the character's personality. Wardrobes might often provoke an audience to subconsciously create a predetermined opinion about the show through the fact that appearances are the first noticed aspect of most commodities. IU has costume design studios in the Theatre and Drama department and in the Musical Arts Center, where students can observe this intense process.\nCostumes must be carefully envisioned, designed and assembled. IU students with an interest in costume design have the chance to work in the theater or music costume studio helping make the clothes, props and accessories that are used in IU's opera, ballet and theater productions.\nBoth the Musical Arts Center and the Theatre and Drama department have individual costume design shops, where outfits are constantly being assembled so they are ready in time to be featured in the next show.