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(09/21/07 4:25am)
The holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, will begin Friday at sundown. Services will mark the beginning of a period of praying for forgiveness for individuals and the community as a whole. At 7 p.m. Friday evening, St. Paul Catholic Center, 1413 E. 17th St., will hold a Yom Kippur service.\nYom Kippur, the “day of atonement,” marks a day when Jews will pass before the creator like sheep awaiting their fate to be sealed in the book of life or the book of death according to their deeds, said Rabbi Sue Shifron of the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center. Shifron said the imagery which is established in many prayers makes for a solemn day.\n“It’s as if your fate is sealed on Yom Kippur,” Shifron said. “It’s the closest time to simulating death. We wear white and we don’t eat. We become very aware of our own mortality.” \nJewish law requires that Yom Kippur be a day of fasting, including no drinking of water. Other stipulations for the holiday include no washing, no wearing leather and no sexual relations. These rules are established to deny the physical body in order to focus on spiritual needs, Shifron said. \n“It’s a time to be focusing on God and our relationship with him; not the physical,” Shifron said. “It’s a very solemn day, but if you understand the liturgy, it’s very spiritual with the potential for a new birth.” \nShifron is expecting between 500 and 750 students at Yom Kippur services, but many students will be going home for the holiday. Inna Kolesnikova, a junior at IU, said she will take the time to work on relationships with family members and to spend it with the ones she loves the most. \n“I feel like I need this holiday, especially this year because I have been going through things, as a way to repair relationships with family and friends,” Kolesnikova said. \nRepairing relationships and starting over with a clean slate is a goal Kolesnikova and other Jews work towards between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. \n“It’s one of the most important holidays, if not the most important,” she said. “It’s one of those holidays where you feel the most close to God.” \nSophomore Eric Goode said he will focus on his spiritual needs, but also on other things that are important to him as a Jew. Goode feels that Yom Kippur is a rare moment in the Jewish year and he is happy to be a part of such a time. \n“I like to look at is a more than a day of repentance, but thanking God for what we have,” he said. “On very few occasions do Jews get together just to pray. It helps me to keep in check where I am, who I am and the choices I’ve made.”
(09/11/07 5:48am)
On Wednesday evening the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn, will sound what many Jewish students at IU refer to as the one of the most important holidays during the year, Rosh Hashanah. \nRosh Hashanah, a time of celebration and repentance with family and friends for Jews across the world, marks the beginning of the Jewish spiritual New Year and is the start of a spiritual awakening.\n“During the daytime services we blow the Shofar, to awaken us from our slumber, which is a part of the services,” said Sue Laikin Shifron, rabbi and executive director of the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center on campus. “People really remember the sound of the Shofar. It is associated with\n the holiday.” \nTraditionally on Rosh Hashanah, most people eat candle-lit meals, including the traditional Jewish bread Challah, which is braided into a circle to represent the circle of life. Apples dipped in honey and apple cake, which represent hope for a sweet new year, are also a common cuisine at a Rosh \nHashanah feast.\n“It is definitely a festive holiday, (as) opposed to Yom \nKippur, (which) is a solemn one,” Shifron said. “It’s a freeing time to start anew in the coming year.”\nFreshman Aaron Rusnak said Rosh Hashanah has deep meaning to him because it gives him a rare opportunity to be introspective.\n“It means a time to reflect on what went bad in the past year and restart,” Rusnak said. “On Rosh Hashanah, you think about good things, and on Yom Kippur, about bad things and how you can \nmake changes.” \nShifron said letting go of the past and focusing on better choices in the new year is the essence of Rosh Hashanah. The holiday begins “The Ten Days of Awe,” a period that requires T’shuvah, or a spiritual return, by asking forgiveness from those you have wronged in the past year. The period then ends with \nYom Kippur.\n“It’s not enough to just ask God for forgiveness,” Shifron said. “You have to ask the person you hurt or offended, ask God, then think about how you are going to change your ways. It’s a positive concept, though the liturgy can be \nvery heavy.” \nRusnak said he will take advantage of the day’s \nspiritual tone. \n“I’ll be going to services and dinner, and I won’t be going to classes,” he said. “It’s a day that requires a lot of \nthinking.” \nThough some students will be traveling home to celebrate the holiday, many students will be attending Rosh Hashanah services on campus. Hillel will be hosting services at St. Paul’s Catholic Center and smaller services at Hillel. Shifron is expecting at least 1,500 students to attend services Wednesday. \n“We have services at St. Paul’s because Hillel isn’t big enough and St. Paul’s is nice enough to host us,” Shifron said.\nHillel will also be hosting a Full Frontal Comedy event as an alternative for interested students who may not want to attend services. The event will take place 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in McNutt Quad. Shifron said the event is meant to give students a comedic look at Rosh Hashanah.\nJunior Michael Simon said he is happy that a campus organization will be holding services on such an important holiday. \n“It’s nice that Hillel is here for students who can’t get home for the holidays for many different reasons,” Simon said. “It’s time of celebration; of being with friends, family \nand community.”
(10/02/06 3:28am)
Though most of the student population will be in class today, a small group of students will be asking for forgiveness and praying they will be included in The Book of Life. \nThe Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, or The Day of Atonement, began Sunday evening and ends at sundown Monday. Rabbi Sue Shifron, executive director of the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center, said Yom Kippur is one of the most important days in the Jewish calendar.\n"It's the single holiest day in the Jewish calendar," Shifron said. "Many students who don't come to regular Shabbat service will come to Yom Kippur service."\nShifron said the holiday is important because it is about asking for forgiveness from those you have wronged in the past year. The Jewish new year Rosh Hashanah, which was last weekend, marks the beginning of the Days of Awe. Shifron added that during this time forgiveness should be asked from the people you've wronged in the past. \nSenior Claire Bernstein said the day is a chance for her to look back at who she has been the past year. \n"It's not a celebratory holiday; it is a very solemn holiday," Bernstein said. "You're hoping you won't be asking for forgiveness for the same thing next year." \nMany Jewish students go home during holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but Joanna Blotner, senior and president of Hillel, expects a big turnout for Yom Kippur service. \n"During Yom Kippur you see people and family you haven't seen all year; hence, that is why a lot of students go home," Blotner said. "This year it does not fall on a weekend, so a lot of students will attend service at St. Paul Catholic Center. You wouldn't know it was a Christian place. It's still a holy place, and that's good."\nSt. Paul Catholic Center offered to host Yom Kippur services, and Shifron said the group took it up on the offer immediately. \n"There isn't a space on campus that can accommodate us," she said. "The IU Auditorium would make us pay thousands of dollars, and it was too big, it didn't feel like we are close, and the biggest room at Hillel holds only 150 to 200 people." \nSt. Paul's Catholic Center hosts Yom Kippur for free and covers up all Christian symbols at its own expense and initiative. \n"You couldn't imagine the graciousness and outpouring from the community," Shifron said. "They've been warm, welcoming and loving. We couldn't ask for a space to be given to us with more love." \nFasting and prayer are a big part of Yom Kippur, and many students took part in a pre-fast meal before fasting began at sundown Sunday. Along with no eating or drinking, observers are not supposed to bathe, brush their teeth, wash their hair, wear leather or have sexual relations. Though those are the usual customs, some students will choose to observe the holiday differently. \n"I can't go a day without showering," Blotner said. "I don't feel like I could repent or pray as well if I hadn't showered. I couldn't concentrate on repenting." \nBlotner said the holiday is more personal and cultural for her. She will go to at least one of her classes and shower, but it does not take away from the importance of the holiday or what it means. \n"It is an experience of self--discovery," she said. "The new year is about self-discovery and evaluating yourself as a Jewish individual and how it affects the community"
(04/27/06 4:15am)
For the last fashion column of the school year, I could write about many things. I could write about how IU was ranked the No. 4 most fashionable college by Women's Wear Daily, how IU opened the doors for other colleges like Harvard and Rutgers to write about fashion or about the endless amount of fashion events that were held this semester. But I decided to write about something more -- friendship. \nAs I look back to when I started writing about fashion at IU, I was the lone ranger. I had to convince the Indiana Daily Student it was worth while and that people would be interested. That was four years ago. A column, an editor position and a magazine later, I have to say I did not do it alone. I have had two wonderful people by my side, and they are fashion photographer Christopher Farrar and fashion writer Mallory Zalkin. They have helped create a fashion scene at IU just as much as I have. \nWhen it comes to thriving in the fashion industry -- an industry built on connections and secret gatekeepers -- having friends is essential and having friends you can trust is even more imperative. I am lucky enough to say I have had two people who have encouraged me, and I have encouraged them. For that, we have reaped a multitude of rewards. I can remember dragging Farrar to Fashion Week in New York City as a photographer. I had the go-ahead from my connections in NYC, and I wanted a photographer for the IDS. We stepped on the scene, hit the ground running and never looked back. Those were fun times, but times got even better when Mallory decided she wanted to write about fashion. Farrar's sleek photos brought life to our writing. \nAt first, I hated Mallory. I will admit I was a bitch to her, and even now sometimes we want to kill each other. As I got to know her, I realized we had the same drive. Farrar would always say we got along so well because we are both crazy as hell -- call it a city mentality. What is so wonderful about Mallory is that she is just as stubborn and determined as I am. Instead of whining about wanting to write about fashion for the IDS and being jealous, she came to my apartment, sat down and listened. Secret meetings would become a regular part of getting things done and making connections. As our friendship and working relationship grew, I taught her everything I knew. I helped her get internships in New York, pulled strings to get her into Australia Fashion Week and taught her how to work the scene. Farrar and I fondly called her "The Baby," and as some people painfully learned, nothing can come between us. We are the two fashionistas who never dress up -- unless there is a celebrity involved, of course. \nThough I taught Mallory a lot, she has also helped me because I was and still am learning. When I needed stories done, she was always there. When I almost tripped and fell on my face backstage at the Bill Blass show, she caught me. And while I faced overt and covert racism here at IU, she was always there to say, "Don't let them stop you. They are just jealous, everyone is jealous." As I have struggled to get my degree and fulfill my passion, the encouragement from Farrar and Mallory has meant so much to me. \nNow that Farrar is following his passion of photography in California, and Mallory is about to graduate, I must say we have come a long way. We share each other's secrets, cry on each other's shoulders and have learned how the fashion business is done. The industry is built on great teams and friendships: Juicy Couture, Badgley & Mischka, Sass & Bide, Y & Kei, Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley, and so on. \nI think the most important thing I have learned is that in an industry and on a campus where money and clothes seem to matter most, great friends can get you and keep you at the top. We have every door opened to us because of each other. We will be the next great team. So for all of you out there: Find good friends you can trust. Friends open doors, teach you about yourself and are there to help celebrate when the rankings come in and you're at the top.
(04/20/06 3:54am)
Today is the start of what is considered the greatest college weekend in the United States, and I am proud to be a part of it. Since we are one of the top fashionable colleges in the Big Ten, this is our weekend to show those others below us how it is done. This spring on the runways of New York and on the Web pages of Eddie Bauer and La Redoute, linen is a must-have. Try pairing linen pants with a colorful bandeau top or a colorful or sparkly tank top and a scarf on your head. For the 21 and over crowd, a colorful martini in your hand also adds a secret agent sophistication to your outfit. \nColor is another staple for spring, and this weekend is a perfect excuse to be as colorful as a Brazilian bird. Colorful skirts and party dresses are a must for lunch dates, but when it is time to party and get loose, a denim skirt or capri denim jeans paired with a beaded colorful camisole or empire waist top is perfect. Add bangles, tear-drop earrings and flat strappy sandals, and you are hot, hot, hot. \nGuys should try wearing a pair of jeans or linen pants and a T-shirt or no shirt. The look on the runways is island-relaxed, and with the temperature sure to rise, less is more this weekend. If you must be runway-fashionable, try pairing a Lacoste polo in pink, green, blue or purple with white or stone-colored khakis and sandals. If it gets too hot, change into a loose linen button-down and cabana hat and lie back. This year, I am sure with new hits like "Touch It" by Busta Rhymes, "Poppin' My Collar" by Three Six Mafia and "Ms. New Booty" by Bubba Sparxxx, dancing is at the top of everyone's list and functional clothes are a must. \nSpeaking of "Ms. New Booty," Alpha Epsilon Pi did the world a favor when it announced Bubba Sparxxx is giving a concert for Little 500. I almost dropped the copy of the Indiana Daily Student I was reading when I found out and went home to pick out my outfit (because he wrote "Ms. New Booty" for me. I know he did.) \nAll I could think about was the pair of booty pants I was going to wear and how I was going to get in the remix video. Oh, IU is not ready. I am planning to be on stage in booty pants; you might see me on "Uncut." Of course, I know I am not the only girl trying to figure how I am going to get on stage, but being fly at the concert is a must. Try a pair of tight booty pants or booty shorts, a sparkly top and cute beaded sandals.\nFor spring at IU and across the nation, I have seen and heard about people painting their jeans with different scenes or stitching patches on the leg. The look is cool, funky and depending on what you paint on your jeans, you can wear them with just about anything. One of my fashionable friends has a pair of jeans with a surfing scene painted on the bottom of one leg and in the middle of the thigh on the other. \nThe jeans are hot and add color and individuality to a fashion staple that can easily blend in among hundreds of pairs of jeans on campus. The look is also good for representin' your favorite Little 500 team or in the case of the Little 500 Step Down, your favorite frat. This weekend is the weekend when IU represents, and wearing your letters on your clothes is fashionable and a great way to celebrate IU's greek system and the hottest weekend at IU. Have fun, drink responsibly and shake your ass in the name of IU, of course.
(04/06/06 4:20am)
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness month, and in honor of this month, people are encouraged to wear black in support of victims of rape and sexual assault every Thursday. Isn't it ironic that wearing black on Thursday is symbolic of supporting the victims of rape, but wearing a little black dress on Friday could be held against you in court if you have been raped?\nWe live in a society where justifications are made for the violent act of rape and, ladies, what you are wearing is one of them. In "Convicted Rapists' Vocabulary of Motive: Excuses and Justifications," rapists and victim blamers say women are seductresses, women say "yes" when they mean "no," nice girls don't get raped, women eventually relax and enjoy it and other things to justify violating someone sexually. \nWhat I don't understand is how a woman asks to get raped. I have never heard of a woman saying "come rape me," but justifying rape by saying she seduced me because she was wearing a tank top and tight jeans basically means that every girl on IU's campus is asking to get raped. \nIf nice girls don't get raped, then who does? \nAccording to Emily Fairchild, a volunteer at Middle Way House, 85 percent of rapes are committed by people women know. Many rapes occur at the victim's home by someone with whom they have established trust, like a platonic male friend. These are nice girls. Nice girls who like to go out to the bars and have fun with their girl friends on the weekends. Nice girls who go to class everyday and call their parents to tell them they love them every other day. \nYes, they go to the bars, yes, they wear short skirts and high heels, yes, they like to dance. Should women not be able to wear certain items of clothing or have fun out of fear of being sexually violated? I don't think so. When a woman is wearing black pants, heels and a sparkled tank top she is not asking to be bent over, pinned down and have sex forced upon her so that her tears and spit stain her clothes, and then when she finally tries to get up she falls back down because the rips and tears in her vagina hurt her so badly. \nAs a fashionista who enjoys getting dressed up to go to the club, this is not what I am asking for when I go out to dance and have fun with my girls. So why do we justify any kind of rape? A few weeks ago when I heard about the lacrosse team at Duke being involved in a gang rape, I was not surprised. \nIt's not that I assume lacrosse players go around raping women, but according to Fairchild, one out of every four women will be raped or sexually assaulted and one out of every ten men will experience being raped or sexually assaulted. I was not shocked because rape is so common, especially when perpetrators are in a position where they think they can get away with it or justify it. What I find to be the most surprising part of the entire story is the victim, a black exotic dancer, gathered the strength and courage to report such a humiliating and violent crime. \nI commend her for doing so, despite the stigma associated with rape victims such as "they asked for it." See, the problem with victim blaming is that it scares women who have been raped from reporting the crime and allows for rapists' crimes to perpetuate. Fairchild went onto state that rape is one of the most under-reported crimes in the U.S.\nSo instead of blaming the victim, lets commend those who do find the courage to report being raped. Lets not excuse or justify sexually violating someone because they had to work hard to pay the bills or because of what they were wearing. Instead, wear black every Thursday in support of victimized women. Keep in mind though the little black dress in considered a fashion staple it can also be considered a tool of seduction warranting unwanted sexual violation. So, what are you wearing today?
(03/30/06 6:11am)
This weekend, IU hopes to highlight some of the finest moments of both the spring semester and the University's fashion history. The events begin with the Apparel Merchandising Organization fashion show at 8 p.m. tonight at the IU Auditorium. This year's show is titled "Rockin' the runway: a history of '80s fashion," and will include looks from Charlotte Russe, Cha Cha, JR Stallsmith & CO and Urban Outfitters. \nThe show, which will include looks put together by AMO members and apparel merchandising majors will also include designs from fashion design students as well. Students junior Liz McKearn, senior Bailey Redick and senior Dorothy Shestak are sure to be a hit as well as everybody's favorite part of the show: the tutu parade. \nThe parade consists of tutus designed by costume construction technology majors, which will allow the creative talent and skill that is hidden in the sewing lab most of the year to shine on the runway. Junior Weronika Gierlak, who is involved with producing the show, said she is excited about the event and the silent auction which will have some of the best items to bid on to date. Sponsors for the auction include a list of designer goods including Betsey Johnson dresses, Coach handbags, The North Face jackets and more. The auction starts at 7 p.m., prior to the show. There will also be an opening performance by the IU B-boys and break dance team.\nThe Black Student Union fashion show will begin 8 p.m. Friday at the Willkie Auditorium. The show is a celebration of pop culture, urban fashion and the flair of black style that is unique to IU. Instead of models coming down a runway, the show has scenes which are based on different looks and music. The title of this year's show is "Unpredictable: Giving you something we've never done before" and will include looks such as: throwback, workout, casual, political and formal fashions. \nThis is the 6th Annual BSU fashion show and I am sure it will be as hot as T.I's new movie "ATL: A New American Story." There is no doubt that fashionistas from the BSU show will turn the opening night of "ATL" into a Bloomington fashion event that will celebrate black culture and the rise of a new African-American generation. \nThe third show of the weekend will take place at Second Story Nightclub after the BSU show at midnight on Friday night. The show is expected to be influenced by counter-culture fashion and the mod look -- seen manifesting itself all over girls and guys on campus. Students and non-students will reflect a look not usually represented at IU. Many of the designers for the show are not fashion designing students, but their passion for fashion is undeniable. One such designer and a friend of mine, junior Melissa Harrold, said she is excited about the show and is experiencing the trials and tribulations of a professional designer. \n"I have so much today two of my looks aren't even done yet," she said. \nHarrold, who was also pictured in the May 2004 issue of the Women's Wear Daily's college issue, has a style that represents the individual side of fashion not obsessed with designer labels. I have confidence that this thoroughbred fashionista, who was clad in skinny 80s style jeans, a cropped military jacket, striped shirt and vintage style pink flats when I talked to her, will not miss a beat when she presents her designs on Friday night. \nSo there you have it: a weekend full of fashion for Bloomington residents and IU students to enjoy. It is sure to be as flavorful and sumptuous as a triple scoop of ice cream.
(03/28/06 4:55am)
The injustice and evil of oppression came alive with raw emotion and talent Friday evening through the IU Department of Theatre & Drama's performance of "Our Country's Good"in the Wells-Metz Theatre. The Timberlake Wertenbaker play, which tells the story of a group of convicts exiled from England to Australia for petty crimes, allowed the talent of each cast member to shine, while confronting issues of class, racism and sexism.\nThe play takes the audience members into the mind of the oppressor and shows the effects injustice has on both the oppressed and the oppressor. In an early scene, the officers who are sent to Australia for losing the American Revolution are questioning whether or not the convicts should put on Farquhar's comedy, "The Recruiting Officer," which depicts the development of inferior races and classes. \nAs the officers discuss whether the convicts should be allowed to rehearse the play, they validate each other's beliefs that the convicts are inherently savage. Their dialogue reveals how education and culture are often kept from people in inferior positions because it threatens the imbalance of injustice. \nJunior Kevin Anderson, who plays Ketch Freeman/Major Robbie Ross, and graduate student Scot Purkeypile, who plays Captain Captain Campbell/Harry Brewer, did an excellent job gaining sympathy from the audience as victims of oppression and, in the very next scene, as abusive and humiliating oppressors. \n"I double-cast the play so the convicts play the officers because we're all one in the same," said Director Bruce Burgun. "We could incubate either side in us. It is all about which side you choose." \nDehumanization of the poor and unfortunate is a recurring theme in the play. Many of the officers violently abuse the convicts, illustrating that inhumane actions create dehumanization. As the play takes the audience through the characters' struggle to see themselves as more than criminals and sex objects, it shows how the officers stubbornly try to keep the convicts from gaining a voice of empowerment. \nThe officers humiliate the convicts, challenging their manhood and modesty, sexually abusing one of the female convicts and threatening the Lt. Ralph Clark, the director of the convicts' play. Clark, who is played by returning actor and graduate student Jason Marr, uses the power of the theater to reveal that savagery in humans is constructed, not inherent, in people.\n"I loved the play because it's about me, it's about us, the actors," Marr said. "My character gets into the play because he wants to be promoted. He sees it as political at first, but through the play, he finds his voice and humanity. Anyone who is a theater artist can understand that." \nJuxtaposed with Marr's empathetic and powerful performance, the offending officers are seen as terrorists who use mental manipulation and physical violence to keep the convicts frightened and meek. \nThe complex work explores gender roles, depicting women pigeonholed into being married and valued for the amount of sex they provide. Senior Jenna Weinberg, who gives an energetic performance of convict Dabby Bryant, challenges stereotypes by begging the director to play herself in the "Recruiting Officer," because as Dabby Bryant puts it, "getting married and playing a seductress is not interesting." This specific character sheds light on women's roles in society and on how women from diverse backgrounds can be seen as less than feminine.\nAs the convicts continue to practice the play, the act stimulates their senses and thoughts, and a sense of understanding forms between the group and Lt. Clark. When Meg Long, played by senior Rachel Crouch, and Clark confess their love for each other, a nude scene thoughtfully symbolizes the vulnerability love creates in all of us, regardless of station. \nThe scene that demonstrates the actors' bravery and dedication to the theater is a turning point in the play; theater and love transcend brutality and injustice. As the play closes, the convicts are transformed from brawling women and common criminals into introspective men and women who use art as a way to find hope in a dark place. \nAdditional performances of "Our Country's Good" are at 7:30 p.m. tonight through April 1 at the Wells-Metz Theatre. For ticket information call 855-1103.
(03/24/06 4:22am)
Can art lift the human spirit and restore humanity in dark times? That is the question playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker set out to answer when she wrote the play, "Our Country's Good," which opens at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Wells-Metz Theatre. \nThe play, which is based on true events, traces the story of convicts and soldiers who the British government have exiled to Australia. What unfolds on the small continent is a tale of brutality overcome by the theater and its ability to lift the human voice and spirit. \n"Wertenbaker is not a famous writer, but she should be," director Bruce Burgun said. "She was inspired by Thomas Keneally, the guy who wrote 'Schindler's List,' so it shows you the human concern she expresses." \nBurgun, who has been away from the stage for about three years, stood outside smoking a cigarette, anxious about what would happen on opening night. \n"I much prefer people to be disturbed than bored," he said. "The play opens up with an act of brutality and ends with an act of beauty."\n"Our Country's Good opens with a man being flogged and tells the story of convicts sent to Australia to die who decide to stage a performance of Farquhar's comedy "The Recruiting Officer" while they are exiled. Though performing a play seems innocent, the convicts encounter resistance that becomes a battle for humanity and spirit in the face of inhumane treatment. \n"It shows how powerful art is in bringing out the humanity in people," said junior Tijideen Rowley, who plays both a native Aborigine and a convict named Black Caesar. \n"These convicts start out as being treated as not human, and they probably think of themselves as less than human, but as they get deeper and deeper into the play, more is revealed about them to themselves and to the audience," Rowley said.\nRowley is passionate about the piece and feels it can speak to a number of people and themes. \n"For people living in poverty who have never had much, it can tell that through art they can create or be someone they never had the chance to be," he said.\nJenna Weinberg, who plays convict Dabby Bryant and Lieutenant Dawes, said the play reminded her of her own ancestors' struggle for humanity.\n"In a concentration camp in the Czech Republic, Jewish people were allowed to perform plays for the Red Cross because it reflected well on the camp, but they were killed afterwards," Weinberg said. "Fortunately in this play, the convicts have a better end than the Jews did, but it teaches us if we manage to hold onto what we create together, we can rise above the abuse." \nAs the actors talk about the play and what it means to them, the passion emanates from their voices and faces. Senior and Assistant Director Laine Bonstein attributes this to a combination of the director, subject matter and experience of the cast. \n"Bruce is a huge mentor. He reaches out to the students to show them how to act," Bonstein said. "I think this is why they're so passionate, because this -- it is about people that are lost and finding hope in something that can change their world in a desolate universe." \nOne of the central themes in the play is the opportunity to get a second chance at life after all hope is lost and redeeming the meek. Bonstein said the passion that the cast possesses is also a reflection of themes within the group. \n"These are not the usual stars of the main stage, so they can relate to the prisoners," she said. "They were given something special and did not squander it all." \nBurgun hand-picked the diverse cast to be in direct conjunction with the themes and overall message of the play. \n"I have a multicultural cast and women playing men because it is about people who have not been empowered playing the authority or powerful role," he said. "It's about people getting a second chance and people getting a chance that never got one." \nPerformances are tonight through April 1. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors. For more information, visit www.indiana.edu/~thtr/.
(03/23/06 5:34am)
Two days ago, I awoke to the shock of my life: snow, snow and more snow. It wouldn't have been so bad if it had been there before spring break or maybe even in February, but spring break brings up thoughts of spring. I didn't expect to come back to campus and be surrounded by acres of snow. \nOn top of that, when I walked out of my apartment in a white pea coat that needs to go to the cleaners, old sneakers, black pants and a scarf, a little boy with rosy red cheeks ran up to me with the biggest smile on his face and wanted to play. \nI promptly smiled back but was thinking, "Where the hell did all these kids come from? Did it snow children too?" \nEveryone not at college-level got out of school, and here I was, too busy running to the bus stop and trying not to slip on ice that had formed on the first day of spring to enjoy any sort of winter glee.\nIt was interesting to contemplate how before spring break everyone was leaving with shorts, flip-flops, sarongs and bikinis on their minds and now they come back to this. Have the gods gone crazy? Though I wasn't anticipating 90-degree weather, 60 would have been nice. I didn't want to have to wear a coat, boots or a scarf. \nIf you look around campus, you will find many people expressing similar sentiments. People have given up on winter fashion. Sweats, boots, crazy-looking hair and non-matching outfits are dominating campus. Fashion has taken the back seat to the "we are holding out until the snow melts" look. Blazers are nowhere to be found, girls in winter skirts are long gone and guys who cared a little before really don't care now. We are sick of the snow and the only ones enjoying it are kids 17 and younger. So, I have a few tips for getting through the winter and preparing for the fashionable days of spring. \nSkin care is a must when preparing for beautiful weather. I am a fan of soft brown skin glowing in the sun and have become partial to Johnson & Johnson Soothing Naturals Nourishing Lotion. I started using it when I lost my bottle of cocoa butter, which is also good for keeping the skin nice and smooth. It works the best if you apply it everyday after bathing. \nWhen it comes to hair, I have two words: deep conditioning. My boss just went to get a deep conditioning treatment and as I saw her bounce out of the office, I thought to myself, "I've got to get one of those." For anyone who has dry hair or has come back from a spring break vacation with sun- and sand-damaged locks, a deep conditioning will get your hair back into shape.\nBecause wind and harsh weather conditions do a number on your face, Noxzema Citrus Scrub will provide relief. I, for one, do not like Noxzema, but the Citrus Scrub is a different story. It is not as harsh as apricot scrub, but it cleanses your skin just the same. It doesn't leave the same film on you face as regular Noxzema, which is a plus. For people of color, I would suggest Ambi face soap. Hands down it is the best facial soap I have ever used. You can not find it in many places in Bloomington, but Osco Drug Store carries it. \nFollow up your skin cleansing with a good facial lotion. I use eye and face lotion. I use Kinerase or Shu Uemura eye cream and the lotion from my L'Oreal Refinish MicroDermabrasion kit. Though it is a little pricey, it is well worth it. While you're busy lotioning and exfoliating, don't forget to soak your feet and body in Epsom salt, keep up with manicures and pedicures and remember the No. 1 rule: "Thou shalt wax." \nSo, while you're inside relaxing, doing your pre-spring beauty routine, you can actually enjoy hearing the children playing in the snow.
(03/07/06 5:12am)
A small audience caught a glimpse at what is created when vintage inspiration and fashion collide Saturday afternoon at Willkie Auditorium.\nFashion design major Jill Hutcherson presented her senior line, titled "No Turn on Red" inspired by 1930s and 1940s vintage cars. The collection consisted of various fabrics and colors that enhanced sex appeal and the vintage theme remained. \n"She was very good at taking an inspiration and applying it to the design," said apparel merchandising professor Kathleen Rowold. "If she would have taken it literally, it would have looked silly, but the design lines were more inspirational like the curve of the fender." \nThe collection, which included 13 looks out of the 15 required to graduate from the Individualized Major Program in fashion design, included dresses in colors taken from 1930s and 1940s cars. There was a black velvet sunsuit with decorative seams and maroon velvet just above the model's bottom. One model wore gray metallic shorts with lace trim and a red and black crushed velvet twisted wrap. \n"She has a wide range of fabrics -- from stretch velvet to silk," Rowold said. "Automobiles being the inspiration led to classic lines." \nA canary yellow silk charmeuse dress with black round side inlays and a red tricot cowl neck dress with black inlays also graced the stage. The red dress showed off Hutcherson's skill and knack for creating clothes with subtle sexuality.\n"I loved the red dress with the cowl neck," said Mary Grusak, assistant professor of music and regular costume department supervisor. "I think she did a really good job combining her influence. Technically, she is very skilled as far as sewing and pattern making. She makes sure everything looks exactly how she wants it to. She doesn't compromise her technical skills."\nElegance pervaded the show with a black and gold dress that had a knee-length gold skirt and gold crisscross at the waist over a black top. Other looks included a black and white hounds tooth jacket and skirt with black trim, cream slacks paired with a blue and white striped blouse with ruffles on the collar and sleeves and a silver and rose crinkle pleated dress with silver on the front and rose on the backside that went into a sheer open back. Hutcherson said she was inspired by the woman who created many styles for the silver screen in the 1930s and 1940s. \n"I am inspired by Edith Head," Hutcherson said. "I love old movies and I love vintage." \nThough many of the looks stood out as vintage, it was a more modern-looking black backless dress with a sheer angular skirt that showed off Hutcherson's creativity and skill that got all the praise. \n"I thought it was beautiful," said senior Kristen Tharp. "I loved the black dress with the white jacket ... it was stunning." \nThough many of the past IMP fashion design students used pieces they created for classes throughout their four years, each piece in Huctherson's line was newly created for the show. \n"I worked hundreds and hundreds of hours on the show," Hutcherson said. "I started in May of last year and this has definitely been an experience." \nHutcherson said she wants to design professionally and has no preference regarding which designer she works for. \nAt the end of the show, like the cars that inspired her senior collection, all Hutcherson could say was, "Whew -- that went fast"
(03/02/06 5:22am)
After class one day, one of my sociology teachers and I had a conversation about the fashion industry and weight. She said, "Patrice, you don't think fashion magazines put pressure on women to be thin?" \nAs I tried to defend the fashion industry, she interrupted me and said, "Patrice, just admit it." \nAnd so I did. Still, while many of the fashion magazines and runways are full of women that are a size 0-2, I admitted they never show what the stylists, editors, writers and designers look like. Attending many shows each year, I have to say, the only ones who are ultra-thin are the models, which brings me to my point. I recall the day my professor asked the class the average size of an American woman. Hands flew up and students guessed, "size 4," "size 5" and "size 7," and just as she was about to give up, I raised my hand and said, "size 14." I was right. \nEveryone in the class seemed to be surprised. I thought to myself, close your mouths, there is nothing wrong with a little bit, or in my case a lot, of booty. Is the general consensus that a bigger woman or a woman with a backside and curves can't be fashionable or beautiful? If it is, I am going to challenge the consensus a bit. Of course, there is nothing wrong with being naturally thin, but does that have to be the only accepted form of beauty and style?\nThere are many designers who are not ultra-thin. Look at Tracy Reese, Alice Roi, Kimora Lee, Betsey Johnson, Cynthia Steffe and Anna Sui; the list goes on and on. \nI have found that very rarely does the entire staff in any fashion company, magazine or label reflect what is on the runway. There are also many fashionable women who are not ultra-thin. Take Tyra Banks, Beyonce Knowles and Catherine Zeta-Jones. In my opinion, being ultra-thin plays second fiddle to being stylish unless you are on the runway, and, let's face it, being model-thin comes with a price. \nAlthough many Americans consider Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn fashion icons, let's not forget there was speculation they both had eating disorders. Is that fashionable? \nNot wanting to base this column solely on my opinion of the industry and what is considered beautiful, I asked college-aged guys how they felt about the situation and I got some surprisingly consistent results. Every one of the guys I asked said they liked girls with curves.\n"Most of the negative things girls get about their bodies comes from other girls and fashion magazines," said senior Patrick Hague. "Women are the worst thing that has happened to women. Fashion magazines are horrible. I like girls with curves and hips; Mariah Carey is a perfect example."\nBeautifully voluptuous women do not populate hip-hop just to fill space. Ludacris, Bubba Sparxxx, Nelly and many other rappers have written songs about thick girls with booties and breasts. Every guy I spoke to about women's bodies expressed a fondness for the more curvaceous form.\nSo, women, who are we really dressing to impress? One of the things many of the men I interviewed brought up is that women say the nastiest things about other women. I will admit I have noticed this. I have even noticed women who are nowhere near model-thin or beautiful calling other women fat or ugly. Ironically, it is probably those women who are the least happy with themselves and have the worst body images. \nOf course being overweight causes health problems that we should all be aware of, but being overweight and being healthy are two different things. If you have a problem with what is filling the pages of fashion magazines, change it. Write letters to fashion magazines, raise hell and do not give in. Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Rita Hayworth and Elizabeth Taylor are remembered for a reason.
(02/16/06 5:50am)
Spas that were once considered a frivolous expense have been part of a recent trend developing around Bloomington. The spa trend, which has recently spawned such establishments as Les Champs Elysees and other establishments, is catering to IU students' health needs as well as their beauty needs. \n"There has absolutely been an increase in spas but not just in Bloomington, it is part of a national trend," said Carmen Delgado, owner of Carmen Delgado Spa Oasis Spa and Salon at 2613 E. Third St. \nDelgado has seen the face of Bloomington change over the years and has seen firsthand the increase in spas. \n"When I first came here I was the first I was the only one with an esthetic license, and now there are over 1,800 in the state of Indiana," she said.\nMany of the spas are catering to the student population. Les Champs Elysees, located at 601. N College Ave., decided to open its doors because of experiences owner Margarete Disque had as a student at IU. "I was a student and there was nowhere to get Aveda (beauty products)," Disque said. "I obviously wanted to bring the product to Bloomington because it is a good one." \nDelgado feels the increase in spas' popularity can be attributed to a significant student population from large metropolitan areas. \n"There are many international students that go to school here and students from big cities that are used to going to spas," Delgado said. "Kids from big cities like New York, Chicago and L.A. are used to it, but people are also becoming more sophisticated about taking care of themselves." \nJames K. Lewis, the manager of Mondo Salon and Spa at 222 S. Walnut St., said there was a time when people thought it was a frivolous expense, but they are realizing it is a major health benefit. Mondo caters to the student population by offering an everyday 15 percent student discount. \n"It's not just to pamper yourself," Johnson said. "It's a health thing -- massages are great for people with arthritis and for athletes." \nSpas are known for massages, but Delgado said the most popular service among students are the waxes. \n"Temporary hair removal is very popular," She said. "Young ladies like to keep their bikini area nice and tidy." \nLewis also said the wax treatments are popular, but for different reasons.\n"College-age guys get their chest waxed, back waxed and ear waxing is popular," he said. "If guys want the whole deal they can get it waxed here." \nMany of the spas are getting an increase in appointments because of spring break, and Delgado said she starts to get appointments in January for spring break. Though vacations can be a good reason to get a wax, Disque said she sees her clientele pick up during other times. \n"We get a lot of appointments for spring break of course, but we also see an increase right after they get back for any type of holiday or before graduation," Disque said. "Right before finals students need a break, people need the attention to themselves." \nDelgado agreed, saying she feels the massages and skin treatments are great for students under a lot of stress. \n"Massages trigger endorphins and they are a great stress reliever and it is better than popping pills or drinking martinis," Delgado said.
(02/16/06 5:47am)
Style has become a force to be reckoned with on IU's campus, and this year is no exception. Students from all over the country have adopted fashionable styles that are fit for any college student, but are distinctive to IU. This semester new styles have been established such as the Vera Bradley bag, while other pieces like the UGG boots remain a staple among students at IU. \nIU continues to remain a fashionable college according to Women's Wear Daily. Though college is a place to study and receive a higher education, many students are getting an education in fashion and designer \nlabels.\n"I think it has a lot to do with how IU is. Students are very stylish," said junior Ruthie Riechard. "My designer quotient has gone up. Before I came here, I did not know anything about designer labels; now I have four pairs of designer jeans, a Coach bag and a Vera Bradley bag." \nVera Bradley bags have become an overnight phenomenon on campus with students having multiple bags in various colors. Women sport the bags on the weekends, and during the week the bags double as book bags.\n"I am very into totes, and it carries a lot," said junior Carrie Neilson. "It's pretty versatile."\nThe paisley bags with a different paisley-patterned trim at the top are made in Indiana and can be seen all over campus. Now they can be found at the Indiana Memorial Union Bookstore. \n"I noticed students wearing them and being a husband, father and grandfather, I was alerted to it," said Paul Hazel, bookstore director.\nThe bookstore sells the bags in a small space on the second floor. It began selling the bags in October and the store just received the spring stock last week. \n"We try to listen to the students," Hazel said. "We had some requests and Vera Bradley came up with a college bookstore program, and fortunately they sell well." \nHazel said the fact that the bags are made in Indiana definitely had an influence on his decision to stock the bags. Though the bags sell well, Hazel finds the recent phenomenon ironic. \n"They are expensive as are other name brand bags," he said. "That's interesting being a bookstore director and getting complaints about the price of textbooks. Anytime we are told we have to buy something, there is some resistance. When you are told you need a $98 Vera Bradley, you're going to buy it."
(02/09/06 6:36am)
Students who rock Baby Phat coats and jeans will be proud to hear that for fall 2006, the Baby Phat collection will keep next winter just as hot, if not hotter. While Baby Phat puts a spin on ghetto lovely, other designers set a new trend of relaxed royalty.This season Kimora Lee Simmons, designer for Baby Phat, put on a successful show when compared with other seasons. The show was highly anticipated and even actress Angie Harmon got caught up in the excitement. \n"Yes I am looking forward to the show, I can't wear this many diamonds anywhere else," she said. \nModels high stepped to the sounds of Young Jeezy, Fat Joe and Pitbull. \nThe audience cheered as model Alec Wek came down the runway wearing a butterscotch hooded faux fur coat with patterned trousers and a brown Baby Phat bag. Model Omahyra Mota broke it down on the runway sporting a short fur coat, Baby Phat jeans, a glittery shirt and a pill box hat. Other looks included satin puffed short culottes, a short suit with a black corset and a tweed coat. Simmons used tweed often in her collection. One model sported a tweed plum-colored military coat and another wore short puff culottes paired with a tweed jacket with metallic thread. \n"My inspiration was an eclectic mix of Hollywood red carpet and important pieces that every woman needs in her wardrobe," Simmons said. \nLeather pants paired with a peach silk ruffled blouse gave the collection a harder edge, and a black-belted leather dress that was short in the front and long in the back caught the eyes of many in attendance. \n"I thought the show was great," singer/songwriter Mya said. "My favorite piece was (the) leather dress."
(02/07/06 9:50pm)
Who knew fashionistas liked football was the question many were asking themselves as Olympus Fashion Week kicked off to a slow start. While editors waited fro shows to begin you could hear them placing bets on which team would win the Super Bowl. New York designer's competed for guest attendance with the Super Bowl this past Sunday and the Grammy's on Wednesday. As fashionistas piled into shows editors and groupies alike couldn't help but notice empty seating in many of the most sought after venues, but the shows and parties went as the Moet was poured.
(02/02/06 5:00am)
As I pack for New York Fashion Week, an event at which American designers showcase their collections, I have realized I want to pack lightly. I absolutely can't stand to carry a lot of baggage around no matter where I go, and when I go to Fashion Week, this can become a challenge. I always want to look fabulous, and between seeing my family, working, studying and going out, I want to look put-together without looking like I tried too hard. I have made a list of clothing items all college students must have in order to look put-together when away from home. \nFirst, a pea coat is essential when looking polished and it can be worn absolutely anywhere. It can look classic and dressed-up or they can be worn with a pair of sweats and still be acceptable. Though I am a big fan of color, I would stay away from the rainbow with this one. When you are investing in a pea coat, try a neutral color like brown, white, black, navy or gray. These colors can be easily matched with any outfit and look good year-round. \nNext, a nice pair of dark-colored jeans is essential when away from home on a trip or at college. Jeans are versatile and can be worn with sneakers and a sweatshirt or dress shoes, a turtleneck and blazer. When shopping for jeans, look for dark blue jeans with gold edge stitching. I am very partial to blue jeans with gold stitching because they tend to be a heavier denim and better cut. For guys, straight-leg jeans are a better investment because they aren't trendy and can be worn with just about anything -- like a button-down shirt, blazer and loafers. Black jeans are OK but they tend to fade. Blue edge stitched denim tends to fade before the thread, which tends to show wear. \nThird, button-down shirts from Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, Target or The Limited can help pull any wardrobe together. You can wear them with any style of pants and they will always look good. When buying button-down shirts, go for classic cuts and first invest in white. After buying a white button-down invest in a button-down with stripes in blue or red. Striped button-down shirts go with just about anything and can add versatility to your wardrobe. \nIf anyone has ever watched an '80s brat pack movie, they would know the collegiate look is symbolized by the blazer. For guy and girls, the blazer not only represents iconic style but is also a classic look. The blazer made its way back on runways on the backs of rappers and frat boys alike. Now blazers are available in tweed, denim, velvet and wool, and are acceptable at both the bar and at work. Women can pair a blazer with a camisole underneath and jeans or khakis for a great look. The blazer also works with the circle skirts that are back in style for spring. \nGuys can also wear blazers over hoodies, with jeans and with sneakers, to look collegiate but casual. If you seek a dressed-up look, pair a blazer with jeans, a turtleneck and loafers. Both genders can pair the blazer with a trendy T-shirt, jeans and sneakers and be ready to party. \nFinally, my favorite piece of the travel wardrobe is the black pant. I love my black pants because out of all the items mentioned above, these can really be worn with anything and look good. Pair black pants with a potato sack and it works. Pair black pants with a hoodie and it works. Pair black pants with a sparkled halter top, hat and heels and go the club and it works. Black pants are like the savior of any wardrobe. Guys can wear them with button-down shirts and if they want to look very Ryan Phillipe in "Cruel Intentions," a black turtleneck and black pea coat look sexy and strong. Black pants give men a look of sophistication they don't even know they have until they actually put them on. Plus black pants make both sexes look 10 pounds lighter, which always works. \nNow everyone knows at least some of the things I will be sporting in the tents this weekend in New York. For more information on the shows during fashion week, visit www.aquafina.com/fashion.html.
(02/01/06 6:15am)
In his class period Tuesday, as IU professor Frederick McElroy's Contemporary Black American Writing class finished "A Lesson Before Dying" -- a story about a black man's struggle to die with dignity -- he broke the news that Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., had died.\nMcElroy, after hearing of King's death, gave a short lesson on how she not only died with dignity, but lived with dignity.\nBorn in Heiberger, Ala., she spent most of her life fighting for the equality of blacks in America and throughout the African diaspora. \n"Coretta had an equally significant career involving a lot of sacrifice," McElroy said to the class. "Four days after Martin's death, she led the garbage picker march in Atlanta." \nMcElroy went on to explain how King attended the New England Conservatory of Music, but put her own musical talents on the backburner to help her husband in the struggle for civil rights. \n"This was a very intelligent, aggressive woman," McElroy said. "She was at all the marches -- you can see that in the photos. They were partners in the movement. They were a power couple but because the movement started in a church and churches are conservative, she had to be more careful than, say, Hillary Clinton." \nLike Clinton, King struggled with her husband's extramarital affairs, but stayed with Dr. King despite his noted cheating, McElroy. He said he feels it was harder for her to be appreciated because she was a woman. \n"She saw the larger picture," McElroy said. "Though she struggled with his infidelity, she knew how much he meant to America. She was the first lady of Black America. It wasn't just loyalty to him, but loyalty to the causes of an era."\nKing was the first woman to give a commencement speech at Harvard and the first woman to give a sermon at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. In 1970 she formed the Full Employment Action Council, protested apartheid and lobbied to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a national holiday. \nMcElroy said he was taken aback by her "aura" when he met King about five years after King's death outside of Ebenezer Baptist Church, the church where Dr. King gave sermons. \n"I was struck by how attractive she was," he said. "She had an aura of intelligence, faith and beauty. They had no fear. You would think a family that is constantly threatened with assassination would be fearful, but they were clearly a family of faith." \nJunior Heather Essex said she feels that with the death of King the faith necessary to fight for civil rights is slowly disappearing. \n"Well, it's the death of a dynasty -- it's like the first black family," Essex said. "The black community needs to look elsewhere for guidance and wisdom it takes to sustain us through the future." \nIn three months both King and Rosa Parks have died, and senior Tykia Rodgers said she feels that a chapter has closed and the nation is beginning a new era with many questions to answer.\n"Civil Rights pioneers are starting to die off so we have to ask ourselves, 'Is the civil rights movement over?'" Rodgers said. "We've become comfortable. We need a new face for civil rights ... a new generation." \nMcElroy, who said he feels the struggle for equality and justice is more sophisticated than when the Kings were leading the civil rights movement, said blacks need to follow in the footsteps of women like Parks and King who lived and died with dignity. \n"As a professor, I try to inspire young people to deal with these problems," McElroy said. "That is the first step Coretta, Martin, Rosa took: They said we have to confront these problems. \n"She sacrificed a lot for the good of humanity"
(01/26/06 4:53am)
This semester, I have flipped the script and decided to expand my horizons and take classes that I normally wouldn't take. This semester there are no fashion classes in my schedule.\nI told myself the experience wouldn't be so bad and that I might actually enjoy it, but now I am questioning my reasoning. I admit, I tried to fit at least one apparel class into my schedule, but after coming up 16th on the waiting list and having the professor tell me I would have to wait until next semester, I gave up. Now my days are full of learning about gender roles, acting and logic. Last semester, I took three fashion classes and going cold turkey is giving me withdrawal. \nThe worst part is that I have to do well in all of these classes, which has me wondering how I am going to survive this semester. The situation is a familiar one: you wait until late in your college career to take your required classes and in your junior year, you spend most of the day looking out the window or up at the ceiling. \nIt happens to many upperclassmen and now it is happening to me. My situation is similar to a physics major taking a semester of apparel merchandising classes and learning about how Tommy Hilfiger revolutionized fashion. The outcome would probably look grim, as does this one. \nWhen the logic professor asked our class to introduce ourselves, I heard an abundance of informatics, computer, math or philosophy majors. When I introduced myself as having a concentration in fashion, the room went quiet. \nI knew the professor was thinking, "We are going to have some real problems." My academic counselor even politely suggested that I look at another course. \nNow I spend my time looking around, wanting to strike up a conversation about fashion or how fabulous I look in my new coat during class.\nIt isn't that I cannot comprehend the material; it is fairly easy. It just doesn't have the same appeal as learning about Chanel, mood boards or how fashion is capitalism's favorite child. \nYesterday, I had my first performance in my acting class. I have been thinking about this performance for days. I focused on what I was going to wear. The piece was "Russian Sonia" from the Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters. I mimicked what a modern-day Russian girl would wear. I wore a black scarf, white pea coat, black pants and a textured holey sweater with a black camisole underneath. Needless to say, the apparel didn't affect my acting abilities, but I actually thought it might. \nAs I looked over the piece, I asked myself, "What are you doing in an acting class?" But it was too late for questions. Class had started. The majority of the class performed before me because I was a nervous wreck. I couldn't get anything close to a Russian accent and I kept repeating the words "Dos Ve Danya," which mean "good day" in Russian. It wasn't helping.\nMany of the students performed very well and there I was, an amateur. Not to mention half the time I am in class looking around and thinking, "They can't be serious, let's talk about clothes." My attention span barely has the capacity to get me through my own performance, let alone an entire semester of this class. \nIf I would have known being well-rounded was this much of a challenge, I would have opted for some kind of fashion camp. I would be surrounded by old issues of Vogue and playbacks of fashion shows. Though eating and breathing fashion doesn't make sense to some people, taking as many fashion classes as possible seems like great logic to me.
(01/12/06 5:17am)
In the September issue of Vogue, editors predicted that the future of fashion lies in the hands of designers who had taken romantic inspiration to another level. \nRuffles, frills, lady-like dresses and satin ribbon have dominated the runways of 2005, but I predict we will not see the same old trends in 2006. Though velvet blazers, wide leg pants and A-line skirts flatter most figures, there is a strong trend bubbling up in 2006 that I can't ignore. \nThough fashion is influenced by the runways, and Vogue praises designers such as Narciso Rodriguez for their romanticism, Gwen Stefani and Madonna have taken a different approach. \nAs I sit here listening to Madonna's "Hung Up," I can't help but embrace the urban disco trend in the video. As the beat pulsates, I can't avoid picturing my Portuguese grandmother and mother wearing halter top jersey dresses in colors of maroon, aqua green and pink, with sparkling disco shoes to match.\nThe entire video conjured up memories that made me want to do the Bus Stop, Electric Slide and dance the night away. My grandmother and mother were queens of the disco and urban chic, and their descendent is ready to embrace all of the breakdancing and disco that are becoming popular. \nLike Stefani getting her nails done in her new "Luxurious" video, I sat with my grandmother every other week while she got her nails done. Now, Stefani has embraced the ultra-long "ghetto" nails, big earrings and eye-enhancing eyeliner. \nQueen Gwen took ghetto fabulous, dropped the fabulous, and is making "ghetto" fashionable again. I must admit, I love the long nails and the sparkles below the eye. I have been sitting on an entire CD case full of Swarovski sparkles that stick to your body, and now I know exactly what to do with them. \nIn her video, Stefani also touched on another trend that has been bubbling up for some time now -- the Spirit of the Latino culture.\nSo, be on the lookout for Latino artists such as Ivy Queen, Pitbull and Don Omar. They will have everyone saying "y dame un poquito de reggaeton" (which translates to "give me a little raggaeton," the hook from "Play that Song" by Tony Touch with Nina Sky). \nDesigners have been making room for Latin women in their collections and it is a beautiful thing .\nWith ethnic and cultural influences bubbling up in the music and fashion industry, I can't help but wonder how long the lady-like looks of Cynthia Steffe, Tracy Reese and Narciso Rodriguez are going to last. The spirit of fashion for 2006 will be dominated by the city streets and the colorful people who populate them. \nWhat is bubbling up is spilling over, and now we must embrace it, fashion and all.
