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(12/03/03 4:53am)
The fashion industry in the United States has become a phenomenon, attracting consumers as well as potential employees. \nIntense competition, rapid turnover rate, high demand and the need for new talent often cause a career in the world of fashion to be less promising than one might believe it to be. \nBut where exactly do these students end up and where do they even begin?\nAlthough Indiana is not considered the nation's fashion metropolis, IU supplies students with many of the tools and experiences an aspiring fashion merchandising student can anticipate in his or her career paths. \n"In my opinion the Indiana University Apparel Merchandising program is one of the best retail programs offered in the Midwest," said Jennifer Grady, an IU graduate and business analyst at Marshall Field's. "My experience proved to put me far ahead of other individuals with the same or similar retail degrees. The faculty's knowledge of the industry also put a 'real life' flavor into every project and lesson." \nThe fashion business grants employment to an increasingly large number of people each year, ranging from the actual manufacturing to buying and selling of apparel articles. \nFor many students the idea of a real job is intimidating. Young adults are often bewildered when the time comes to enter the working world.\n"You have to be aggressive and go after what you want," said senior Laura Barker, an apparel merchandising student. "It's never too early to get started looking into various careers."\nBarker said she is interested in corporate retail. She experienced the life of an assistant buyer at Nordstrom in Indianapolis and later landed an internship as the assistant buyer for Bloomingdale's in New York City. \nBarker said she believes she has benefited from IU's Apparel Merchandising Organization (an extension of the apparel department) as well as the annual career seminars she has attended, the next of which will be held Jan. 22. \n"AMO has had a major impact on my experience here at IU," she said. "It is through my contacts with the AMO that I was able to find out about internship opportunities and network with the recruiter's representative and retailers nationwide."\nBarker has accepted an offer from Bloomingdale's to join its Buyer Training Program in New York. She plans to stay with Bloomingdale's and eventually become a buyer there.\nSenior Rachael Rugh said she is grateful to IU's Apparel Merchandising program because the curriculum gives students insight into many different skills in the industry that are useful for a large array of professions. Rugh has interned for Coach, where she developed her aptitude as an assistant manager. \nShe is currently interviewing across the nation for prospective opportunities but said that location is not a factor in her quest. \n"It's not about where I live but associating with a company that offers long-term fulfillment and upward mobility," she said.\nIndiana is home to many of the century's names in designer apparel. Famous American designer Halston attended IU. Roy Halston Frowick grew up in Evansville and studied at IU before receiving his big break at Bergdorf Goodman, where he initiated a hat craze which marked the jump start of his career. The late Bill Blass is also a product of Indiana, growing up in Fort Wayne and rising high as one of the most influential Ready-to-Wear designers.\nGood fortune seems to be present for fashion careers originating in Indiana. New York and Chicago are the cities that many IU students migrate to in attempt to conquer a profession in the trade.\nFashion merchandising professor Janice Shaffer said she takes pride in her students' work, ambitions and well-deserved success. \n"The fashion industry is a business where there are many wonderful opportunities and challenges," Shaffer said. "Each day is different no matter what the job, and there are many opportunities for advancement. Our students are highly recruited by companies in the industry and they enter the industry with positions leading to a great deal of leadership, people interaction and financial responsibility."\nSome of Shaffer's students have already begun their careers. Senior Kate Coxworth has designed her own clothing line and created a fashion show for her premiere. \nBarker gave some advice about how to jump start their careers.\n"Take advantage of all of the fabulous resources you have here at your fingertips." she said. "Your professors and peers are all wonderful resources with whom you should network and make contacts. Get involved in AMO because many of the recruiters who visit campus know of AMO and will respond well to those involved. Go to career fairs because there will be no other time in your life when so many recruiters will come to you."\nRepresentatives from major companies such as Macy's and Sears came to IU for last year's Career Day seminar. They revealed their personal experiences in obtaining their current positions and answered students' questions. After the seminar, students were able to further inquire with the representatives and talk personally. For a few students, this event was the threshold that led them to future internships and jobs if recruited.\n"This is a very exciting time and there are numerous opportunities in the retail/fashion industry," Barker said, "so don't be afraid to explore."\n-- Contact staff writer Mallory Zalkin at mzalkin@indiana.edu.
(10/27/03 5:33am)
Sexy, stunning and sophisticated describe the vibe radiating through the walls of the John Waldron Arts Center last Saturday at the premier of Kate Coxworth's fashion line. Coxworth teamed up with fellow student photographer Katherine Forrest to present their final project for IU's Individualized Major Program.\nThe presentation included a photography exhibit by Forrest featuring some of Coxworth's designs, which were unveiled at the fashion show later that afternoon.\n"Spanish Castle Magic," the show's title, illustrates the strong influence that the Spanish flamenco look played in Coxworth's designs. For her designer name, Coxworth translated her last name into Spanish, so all her designs figure under the label of Kate Boggiano. She had always loved the vibrant statements that ethnic dress illuminates and incorporated red-hot flamingo flare into 25 elaborate ensembles. She was inspired by designer Oscar de la Renta, who also used Spanish panache as the major stimulus in his work, she said.\n"The Spanish influence in her designs is just great," said apparel merchandising professor Kathleen Rowold. "The red and black really made it work."\nA strict red, black and white color theme was consistent in each of Coxworth's styles. This vibrant three-color pattern intensified the overall mood of the show. Bright and brilliant reds coded the various sized ruffles on many articles of Coxworth's apparel. She said the bold use of red was drawn from the classic styles of designer Valentino. Coxworth identified her collection as simply chic.\nCoxwoth's vivid color application didn't steal attention away from her unique cuts, arguably the most impressive aspect of her designs. The detail of each cut was so complex that it kept eyes glued to every passing model in an attempt to fully understand the creation of such an unusual phenomenon. Biased cuts, such as asymmetric necklines, were frequent, giving extra spunk and lengthening the female figure. Coxworth used fishnet trains often for the purpose of creating a curvy silhouette. \nThe term 'material girl' comes to mind when examining the various fabrics in which each model was saturated. Sleek and simple satin appeared to be most popular in her designs and was occasionally combined with crepe, providing a more casual feel. Unlike some designers who have a hard time mastering tulle and chiffon, Coxworth was right on target, using just enough tulle or chiffon to add a kick of flavor without cheapening the look. \nThe appearance of Coxworth's final design triggered gasps from all corners of the room as model Cissy Saylor strutted down the runway. She sported a tiny black dress covered with the outside of plastic pens that were held together with colored ribbon.\n"When you are designing you must look at anything and everything for inspiration," Coxworth said. "I use a pen when I'm drawing and the idea just struck me, so I went for it." \nForrest's photography display demonstrated a means of examining the female body's relevance to fashion. \n"I wanted to see how clothing changed the female form," Forrest said. "The human body is usually portrayed sexually, and I tried to avoid that."\nThe exhibit, "Desnuda/Vestida: A Celebration of the Human Form," contained Coxworth's designs photographed in a natural country setting to intensify the glamorous clothing worn by the models. Shadow and light were essential in Forrest's representation of the human body, she said. \nCoxworth's designs were incorporated into the nude/dressed theme in the photographs as well as in her entire clothing line. She strategically dressed half of the models in fully covered outfits using loose materials while other models wore tight provocative clothing with large cut-outs in many areas.\nCoxworth and Forrest have high ambitions for their future career paths, beginning after their graduation this December.\n"I can't ever imagine doing anything else," Coxworth said. "My designs are timeless. I'm not into just trends. I'm going for a timeless, classic look."\n-- Contact staff writer Mallory Zalkin at mzalkin@indiana.edu.
(10/23/03 4:00am)
If one thing's true about fashion, it's that old styles always come back. Whether we're talking about the hippie-chic fashion statements our parents attempted, the Mary Janes that our grandmothers might have worn or Travolta's famous bell bottoms, it's confirmed that fashion revolves cyclically ... where the return of the past is inevitable. \nStyle doesn't just die -- it dies out periodically.\nKnowing that what's old will eventually be new again, the next step to successfully achieving the latest look is knowing where to shop. Perhaps we have just foolishly overlooked one of the greatest advantages available for us fashion-driven consumers. Bloomington may not be the most chic city in the world, but with the wide variety of vintage stores located right near campus fabulous fashions are hardly out of reach. Shopaholics beware -- a store is right around the corner. \nAnd when one's vintage shopping, price is never an issue. Why waste hundreds of dollars on the jacket that you just had to have, when you could score a similar jacket, a few shirts, some jewelry, jeans and a pair of boots for just $20? \nYes it's true; your fashion fantasies have come to life right in the middle of Kirkwood -- Who would have thought? Fashion fanatics and critics have been guilty of associating great style with great big prices forever. What a shame. Glamorous fashion doesn't mean emptying your bank account. \nBesides, do you really think anyone cares, or is going to look twice simply because you're drenched in Burberry plaid and have a red stripe on every sleeve? Doubt it. So please, just keep the brand on your back tag where it belongs, not obnoxiously plastered across every inch of your outfit. \nNow, if you are the kind of person who wants to simply die the minute you see someone wearing the exact same jacket that you just bought the day before then you should hit the vintage stores as soon as possible to avoid this. Vintage is about individuality and creativity while reflecting one's own personal taste. You don't have to worry about anyone else stealing your look because it's nearly impossible. \nJill Shaffer, owner of Cactus Flower Vintage Clothing, says her customers want to look different and express themselves through fashion. The Cactus Flower has items from as far back as the 19th Century, including many collector's items. Shaffer says the consumer's demands are always changing, so stocking clothes from a variety of time periods is a must. \n"Now people are buying stuff from the '70s and '80s. Last year they were inspired by the rockabillydance items from the '50s," Shaffer says. Regardless what decade will inspire the next trend, odds are the styles are already draping on racks at the vintage boutiques.\nOther vintage stores in Bloomington include Material Plane, Rags to Riches, Vintage Warehouse, Goodwill, Amused Clothing, Plato's Closet and of course the Salvation Army. \nMaterial Plane has arguably the largest selection of men's clothing in the area. With five rooms of clothing and other items from the 1860's to the 1970's, owner Karen Cherrington takes pride in finding all of the items herself. She finds items from all sorts of people and places. People are always wanting to get rid of old stuff, she says, which might not be such a great idea being that styles undeniably always come back. Nevertheless, that's why we are fortunate enough to snag the epic threads at these cheap shops. \nWhile Vintage Warehouse doesn't sell a wide selection of vintage clothing, there is more than enough antique jewelry to keep your eyes glued to the shelves for hours. The owner of the warehouse uses the vintage clothing that she finds and makes an array of wonderfully elaborate costumes out of them -- which will be ever-so-convenient later this month.\nIt seems like the vintage sensation has hit the mainstream stores as well. Regular clothing stores have been selling new clothes that are specifically engineered to look old. This new tactic doesn't compare to old school steals though, because prices are still high and companies are selling in mass, eliminating the one-of-a kind thrill of real vintage shopping. \nAnd when you don't feel like shopping in the traditional public way, remember that an alternative method is the beloved Internet. Ebay is a great source to get the items you want. \nFor the first time in a long time, fashion finally makes sense. No more traveling far, maxing out your money, or looking the same as everyone else.
(10/22/03 11:30pm)
If one thing's true about fashion, it's that old styles always come back. Whether we're talking about the hippie-chic fashion statements our parents attempted, the Mary Janes that our grandmothers might have worn or Travolta's famous bell bottoms, it's confirmed that fashion revolves cyclically ... where the return of the past is inevitable. \nStyle doesn't just die -- it dies out periodically.\nKnowing that what's old will eventually be new again, the next step to successfully achieving the latest look is knowing where to shop. Perhaps we have just foolishly overlooked one of the greatest advantages available for us fashion-driven consumers. Bloomington may not be the most chic city in the world, but with the wide variety of vintage stores located right near campus fabulous fashions are hardly out of reach. Shopaholics beware -- a store is right around the corner. \nAnd when one's vintage shopping, price is never an issue. Why waste hundreds of dollars on the jacket that you just had to have, when you could score a similar jacket, a few shirts, some jewelry, jeans and a pair of boots for just $20? \nYes it's true; your fashion fantasies have come to life right in the middle of Kirkwood -- Who would have thought? Fashion fanatics and critics have been guilty of associating great style with great big prices forever. What a shame. Glamorous fashion doesn't mean emptying your bank account. \nBesides, do you really think anyone cares, or is going to look twice simply because you're drenched in Burberry plaid and have a red stripe on every sleeve? Doubt it. So please, just keep the brand on your back tag where it belongs, not obnoxiously plastered across every inch of your outfit. \nNow, if you are the kind of person who wants to simply die the minute you see someone wearing the exact same jacket that you just bought the day before then you should hit the vintage stores as soon as possible to avoid this. Vintage is about individuality and creativity while reflecting one's own personal taste. You don't have to worry about anyone else stealing your look because it's nearly impossible. \nJill Shaffer, owner of Cactus Flower Vintage Clothing, says her customers want to look different and express themselves through fashion. The Cactus Flower has items from as far back as the 19th Century, including many collector's items. Shaffer says the consumer's demands are always changing, so stocking clothes from a variety of time periods is a must. \n"Now people are buying stuff from the '70s and '80s. Last year they were inspired by the rockabillydance items from the '50s," Shaffer says. Regardless what decade will inspire the next trend, odds are the styles are already draping on racks at the vintage boutiques.\nOther vintage stores in Bloomington include Material Plane, Rags to Riches, Vintage Warehouse, Goodwill, Amused Clothing, Plato's Closet and of course the Salvation Army. \nMaterial Plane has arguably the largest selection of men's clothing in the area. With five rooms of clothing and other items from the 1860's to the 1970's, owner Karen Cherrington takes pride in finding all of the items herself. She finds items from all sorts of people and places. People are always wanting to get rid of old stuff, she says, which might not be such a great idea being that styles undeniably always come back. Nevertheless, that's why we are fortunate enough to snag the epic threads at these cheap shops. \nWhile Vintage Warehouse doesn't sell a wide selection of vintage clothing, there is more than enough antique jewelry to keep your eyes glued to the shelves for hours. The owner of the warehouse uses the vintage clothing that she finds and makes an array of wonderfully elaborate costumes out of them -- which will be ever-so-convenient later this month.\nIt seems like the vintage sensation has hit the mainstream stores as well. Regular clothing stores have been selling new clothes that are specifically engineered to look old. This new tactic doesn't compare to old school steals though, because prices are still high and companies are selling in mass, eliminating the one-of-a kind thrill of real vintage shopping. \nAnd when you don't feel like shopping in the traditional public way, remember that an alternative method is the beloved Internet. Ebay is a great source to get the items you want. \nFor the first time in a long time, fashion finally makes sense. No more traveling far, maxing out your money, or looking the same as everyone else.