The UlTimaTe GUide to Dressing Like the Basic Hamiltonian
Runway
to Martin’s Way How to Sport this Season’s Biggest Trends on Campus
Behind The SceneS Highlights of the Fashion Bussiness
Signature STYLE
WINTER 2015
3 letter From the editors | ContriButors
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Fashion Blogging
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Patagonias, leggings, and Bean Boots!
Behind the Businesss oF Fashion
5 runway
to
martin’s way
hoW to Wear this season’s biggest trends on caMpus
8 FaBulous and aFFordaBle for those on a budget!
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Flash Tattoos
the chicest neW accessory
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now Channeling
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Controversial Clothing
be bold, Make a stateMent!
When politics Meets fashion
14 looking good, doing good social responsibility in fashion
15 signature designers
the neW stars of the industry
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FaCes oF hamilton
fashionable faculty MeMbers and high-fashion interns FRONT AND BACK COVER BY BEN ABELES ‘18
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Who should you be folloWing?
Must have iteMs to survive at haMilton
Letter from the Editors Hamilton is full of fashionable students, creative minds who view clothing as an art and a means of personal expression. Through Signature Style, we hope to create an outlet for this fashionable community and give a voice to students who are passionate about the industry. Our goal is to make real-world fashion accessible to the student body by extending beyond the Hamilton sphere to feature the latest trends on runways and in designer studios. We aim to highlight how these trends can transform into practical on-campus styles. It’s that time of year when the snow begins down under the seemingly endless drag of slushy treks across campus and long nights in the library. Fashion becomes our last priority and we fall into that inevitable Patagonia/legging/scarf combo. So how can you put together a fashion forward look when all you want to do is hunker down in a blanket and never resurface? We have reviewed this winter’s
Alicja biggest trends and industry highlights to help you slip out fromZak under that comforter and into this seasons cozy fur coats, plush sweaters, and winter whites. We may be headed into a rough winter, but we’ll make it through in style.
CONTRIBUTORS EMILY MALTER, RYAN ONG, TAYLOR HEALY Editors-in-Chief Creative Director MARIA HEWKO Director of Photography BEN ABELES Editorial Director HANNAH MORSE Stylists JON CARKEEK, DANIELLE NELSON, EMILY BONACUM Beauty RACHEL KANE
Contributing Photgraphers HENRY RITTENBERG, ANNA ARNN, SAMANTHA DONOHUE, ALICJA ZAK
Contributing Wrtiers JOHN CARKEEK, DANIELLE NELSEON, HANNAH MORSE, TAYLOR BRANDIN, JORETT JOSEPH, ALI GAY, SAMANTHA DONOHUE, MARIA HEWKO, ANNA ARNN, ANDY CHEN, EMILY BONACUM
Distribution Directors SYDNEY CANTOR, EMILY CHAN Design JULIE LIN, KAITLIN DUNNE, TAYLOR BRANDIN, LAURA CHONG, ASHLEY RAMOS, HELEN OLIVO Models MONIKA RYBAK, AURELIE VAN WIELE, HANNAH FINE, SHANNON TOWLE, MAGGIE MALONEY, ALI GAY, NJIDEKA OFOLETA, LIA PARKER- BELFER, BRIAN FERRELL, ROBBY GARDINER, MERCY CORREDOR, GABRIELLA SANES, THOMAS ISEN, BRADLEY GIFFORD, BECCA LUNT, GRACE WARD
Email SIGSTYLE@HAMILTON.EDU | Instagram @SIGNATURESTYLEMAG
Signature Style WINTER 2015
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FASHION UPDATES
Running short on free time during finals? Here’s what you’ve missed in the fashion world while you’ve been camped out in KJ. MARIA HEWKO ‘15 JOHN GALLIANO John Galliano was named the new creative director of Maison Martin Margiela. This appointment comes as a shock to the fashion industry because of the label’s reputation for (and policy of) strict anonymity. Martin Margiela himself has never given an interview and never been photographed, and when he was designing for his namesake label he would stay backstage after his shows. Galliano’s appointment also raises the question of whether or not the fashion industry has turned a blind eye to the anti-semitism scandal that got Galliono fired from his position as head designer for Christian Dior. It seems as if Galliano has traded his extravagant over the top styles for his white lab coat, the required uniform for the Maison Martin Margiela design staff. Perhaps he is trying to remake his public image by making the switch to the brand that values anonymity over stardom. wwd.com; photo by paolo RoveRsi
KIEV FASHION DAYS This past October Mercedes-Benz “Kiev Fashion Days” was held in Ukraine despite the current political climate and tumultuous war that has ravaged the country for close to a year. For Ukrainian designers, Kiev fashion week means more than just a place to display the country’s newest fashion; it is a platform for them to express their identity as premier Ukrainian fashion designers and to be spotted as the next location for finding new talent. Ukrainian designers have already gained recognition in the fashion world. Anna October from Odessa was a finalist for the prestigious LVMH Young Designer Award. Designer Anna K’s simple t-shirts with slogans such as “I am not a blogger” and “I am on the list” have taken the fashion world by storm and are sold at high street stores like Colette in Paris. With all the turmoil in the eastern regions of the country, designers also used fashion as a way to express their Ukrainian patriotism. Designers were struggling to receive fabrics to complete their collections, but the Ukrainian perseverance continued on. Ukraine is a prime example of how fashion is a platform for expressing a national identity. wsj.com
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Oscar de la Renta passed away from cancer on October 20th, 2014 after battling the disease for almost nine years. A week prior to his death he announced that he was stepping down as creative director of the eponymous brand that the president of his home country, Danilo Medina, stated had “raised up the name of the Dominican Republic.” Peter Copping, the creative director at Nina Ricci, will be taking over his position. With the passing of de la Renta, one wonders if Copping will be able to live up to his legacy. Will he be able to give justice to de la Renta’s beautiful and lavish designs that have dressed the world’s most renowned and powerful ladies? We hope that Copping retains the mantra behind the sophisticated and elegant brand, as Oscar once said, “I design clothes for women to wear. I am not interested in shock tactics. I just want to make beautiful clothes.” de la Renta was a Dominican hero who many remarked had worked tirelessly to promote the Dominican image to the world and increase the popularity of the small island among tourists. businessoffashion.com 4
Signature Style WINTER 2015
RUNWAY TO Martin’s Way Photos by Ben Abeles ‘18
How to wear this winter’s top runway trends
Faux fur
My new obsession is winter coats, and not the boring black North
coat
While I’m coveting the glamorous (and completely out of my budget) Kumiko coat by Whistles, there are many wallet-friendly options to be For those wanting to rock this trend without making waves, choose a subdued white or grey short jacket and pair with a dark beanie, jeans, - HStyle annaH Morse ‘17 Signature WINTER 2015
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M anaging to be fun and innovative while still looking
Public School
Men’s suiting
is becoming less rigid and allows for more personal expression. The fashion world has realized that the white dress shirt paired with a black or blue suit is becoming a thing of the past as boundaries are being pushed on the runway and red carpet. For us regular guys, try dressing down
sweatpants (and other items) should still be avoided at
- Jon Carkeek ‘17 American Eagle Joggers $39.99 6
Signature Style WINTER 2015
In fashion today, the rules concerning white, such as the saying “no white after made headlines last year:
Winter white
Formally making a huge presence in the fall runway shows of prominent designers, such as Céline and Mulberry, this trend has only
ASOS Longline Tailored Blazar $90 H&M Sweater $25 Zara Faux Leather Trousers $60
An all-white look can be ageless and timeless, and nothing looks more sophisticated than a white blazer paired with white or black pants. However, to pull off this trend correctly, there’s one thing you need to remember: it’s all about the fabric. During the colder months, white cotton or linen will look out of place. Alternatively, try wool, cashmere, cable knit, or leather. If an all white look is too much for you, mix and match neutral colors with white to break up the look. Brown, beige, and pink contrast beautifully with white. If ever in doubt, accessorize with black, black, and more black. This will add a degree of sharpness and elegance to your winter white look. - Danielle nelson ‘16
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FABULOUS & AFFORDABLE BEING FABULOUS ON A BUDGET ANIMAL EMBELLISHMENTS
ASPEN CHIC
Urban OUtfitters beanie $20 Urban OUtfitters ClUtCh $78
asOs Dress $66.33
tOpshOp skirt $20
fOrever 21 sweater $27.90 asOs shOes $43.57
Zara bOOts $120
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Flash Tattoos PHotos By saMantHa DonoHue ‘18
T
he results are in: Flash
and targeted marketing is responsible for their fast track to “cool girl”
the chicest accessory of the summer. No metallic temporary tattoos that managed street style scene, spreading from runways to lookbooks, style blogs, and pop culture in a few short months. Billed as the perfect accessory for music festivals and days at the beach, these stylish pieces and polished styles. Each pack (contain$25) offers a range of styles including bracelets, rings, and necklaces, as well as henna-inspired designs and scripted phrases. But the brilliance of the company’s design lies in the amount of creativity that the countless combinations of the tattoos allow for. Pieces can be “layered” can be made into body and hand chains, earrings, clavicle accents, or more intricate designs. No need to splurge on Flashtats are economical, insanely cool, and since they last only about seven days, constantly changeable. So how did one small company take the temporary tattoos we covered ourselves in as kids and redesign them into a highly coveted, grown up, and crazy beautiful fad? Besides an inno- vative and creative design team, socialmedia
started to pop up all over facebook, instagram, lookbooks and blogs. Instagram in particular helped the company reach its target demographic, and its instagram consistently uploads gorgeous user vative ways to wear the tattoos- and the glamorous lifestyles of the fashion bloggers, runway models, and celebrities who snap a picture wearing them. Eye catching photoshoots in trendy online magazines like The Glamourai and Smitten Magazine helped the company gain footing in the fashion world, and their designs graced many a runway show in the designer swimwear and resort world. They also showed incredible marketing savvy by focusing on stores Child of Wild; creating a brand that caters to the fun, youthful, trendy, and fashion forward young-adult customer. By aligning themselves with these brands and their target customers, well connected and chic girls who love taking photos and living a young and wild lifestyle, Flash tattoos rapidly became a must-have accessory. But are Flashtats here to stay? I’d say yes. Though popularized for summertime events, these gold and silver
ation since there is such a DIY element to the application process. These tattoos can add a statement to a dreary look, or The stylists here at Signature Style preessential accessory for upcoming holiday parties. During the cold and dreary wina metallic elephant or feather between your shoulder blades for an upcoming formal, or place some words on your collarbone with a scoop neck shirt. Layer when you take off your mittens, or paira With the added dimension that these temporary tattoos offer, no holiday look will be complete without their eye catching sparkle. - eMily BonaCuM ‘16 Signature Style WINTER 2015
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NOW CHANNELING: TUNING THE LATEST STYLES
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“
Designers are challenging gender norms for dress codes, and women have more freedom than ever when it comes to dressing in a wide range of styles.
”
“
The “Old Boys’ Club” is becoming outdated. As women work tirelessly to shatter glass ceilings and are slowly but steadily earning executive positions within the corporate world, their form of dress is evolving. Over the years, womenswear has mastered the art of gender-bending. Designers are challenging gender norms for dress codes, and women have more freedom than ever when it comes to dressing in a wide range of styles. Signature pieces from menswear clothing are being integrated into womenswear fashion. Menswear inspired looks provide structural lines and comfort, freeing women from To channel the “Old Boys’ Club” look on a college budget try working some wide leg trousers into your wardrobe. Wear a tailored blazer and mix it with more feminine separates. The blazer will provide lines and structure and the separates will class presentation. Want a more rugged look? Ditch the winter boots and wear some edgy sneakers or oxfords with a pair
All Black Everything Want to wear something that contrasts the piles of snow on the ground this winter? Try wearing black. And no, I’m not referring to your black down coat. There’s a reason why magazine editors are said to dress mostly in black. Not only is it easy to look put together after staying in your bed until the last possible second before class, black also slims and lengthens the body. Incorporating the dark hue the color with a mix of different fabrics like silk, cotton, cashmere, or leather. The mixture of textiles will help you steer clear of a gothic look. Don’t be afraid to wear all black from head toe- but make sure you look chic, not unapproachable. Leave the black lipstick in your dorm! Celebrities and fashion experts, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, sport the look consistently. If you want to soften the look, add a splash of white, such as a simple white T-shirt or crossbody.
- Jorett JosePH ‘15
PHotos By anna arnn ‘17 Signature Style WINTER 2015
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C
ontroversial Statements that rocked the Fashion World
E
very year it is expected that the fashion industry will be racked by controversial issues concerning body image, lack of diversity, and offensive products or advertising. This year was no different with controversies surrounding top fashion household names such as Victoria’s Secret, Topshop, Vogue, and several more. For decades, the depiction of the ideal body type for women in fashion has always been portrayed though the use of tall, skinny, attractive models. This year, from Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, the CEO of a New Zealand fashion label saying, “clothes look
the topic of body image has been exceedingly popular. So much so, that even Victoria’s Secret has gotten backlash about their new ad campaign for their Body by Victoria bras. In this ad, several models are dressed solely in underwear with the tagline “The Perfect ‘Body’” appearing over them. Although this slogan is suppose to be a clever play on the word “body” to emphasize their bras, consumers are outraged that, yet again, thin models are being used as the singular standard of beauty. Yet, it is no surprise that the fashion industry lacks basic portrayals of diversity. In terms of racial diversity, several models, including Chanel Iman, Naomi Campbell, Beverly Johnson, and Jourdan Dunn have all come forward to speak about the lack of diversity on the runway, in fashion editorials, and in the business period. Tyson Beckford even goes as far as calling fashion “the most racist business out right now.” Recently, in the November issue of Vogue Japan’s 15th anniversary, white Australian model Miranda Kerr adorns the cover in traditional Japanese clothing and hairstyle. 12
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C
l
Clothing Inside the issue, Kerr even wears a complete Geisha Culture appropriation is nothing new in the fashion is put in “ethnic” clothing in order to depict another race. models available to represent their culture authentically, or is the fashion industry simply not interested? When it comes to offensive advertising, this year Interview Magazine may have caused one of the included an editorial spread entitled “Pretty Wasted,” However, the most disturbing part is that the women appear to be left unconscious in dark alleyways and surrounded by an abundant amount of trash and spread, one thing that becomes overwhelmingly clear is the glamorization of alcoholism and party culture, in addition to increased degredation of women in the media and society. In this constantly changing multibillion dollar industry, the things you can always count on are problematic issues, angry consumers, and controversies. In more ways than one, these are some - Danielle nelson ‘16
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LOOKING GOOD, DOING GOOD
W
e all dress for different reasons. Clothing evolves out of a functional need for protection and warmth. On a freezing winter night, we might opt for a down parka, not for its style or particular beauty but because it keeps the biting cold and sharp winds from reaching us. Skirting the need for survivculture to which we belong. What we wear on our bodies made from an innumerable set of choices, the possibilities in all of fashion. These decisions underlie the rationale for why we dress as we do. We dress to be seen as the aesthetic aspect of a culture we seek to express. But our choices in the aesthetic; individual articles are the laborious process of philosophy, design, and production. The realization that what we buy and wear rethe philosophy and morals of the brands we choose to endorse is the fundamental founda- tion for sustainable design- ers. In recent years, sustain- able fashion has carved out a substantial niche in the global industry, with companies and designers such as Nudie Jeans, Everlane, Alternative Ap- parel, Ryan Jude Novelline, and Lucy Tammam. Horny Toad, based in Santa Barbara, California, sells functional clothing designed to be “socially adept”, while striving to create items that encourage adventure and The current fall collection features an array of denim, chore coats, work shirts, and Henley tees that together exude a strong air of Americana. The pieces are reminiscent of but have a new age, yoga-lifestyle feel along the likes of prAna. Horny Toad prides itself on using environmentally sustainable materials including organic cotton, clean cellulose-derivatives like Tencel® and Modal®, and recycled
synthetics. The more familiar textile, cotton, is deemed organic when grown and harvested without pesticides and other chemicals to reduce environmental impact, while the synthetics and cellulose-derivatives make use of pre-existing materials. Overall, the collection contains essentials that promise integrity in aesthetic design and environmental development. One of Signature Style’s own staff raves about Horny Toad, having found the perfect basic black dress for both athletic and style needs almost four years ago. While worn about once every two weeks, the dress still looks as good as it did when she bought it, which is a testament to why the brand has gained so many loyal supporters and life- long customers. In addition to being environmentally sustainable, Horny Toad also strives to be socially sustainable. Today, Horny Toad retains its philosophy that started with the Access Company. The founding of PAC was a collaboration with the Search Developmental Center, a center based in Chicago that provides work and talent opportunities for developmentally disabled adults. Now, the PAC warehouse team, who employs over 120 individuals with developmental disabilities, handles the entirety of Horny Toad’s web-based orders. Horny Toad has united with organizations like 1% For the Planet, Stoking out the Locals, and Search for Adventure, attempting to reach out and “do good,” which is the company’s philosophy statement. Horny Toad is changing its name to Toad & Co, but I have no doubt that the company’s direction will not experience any change. Perhaps most interesting is the fact that Gordon Sea- bury, CEO of Horny Toad, is an ’89 alumnus of Hamilton College. To the sustainability inclined, Horny Toad repre- sents a bastion for the future possibility of the direction of fashion. The fact that a Hamilton grad is at the forefront of fashion, sustainability, and public accountability is no coin- cidence- the diversity and breadth of the classes offered and the opportunities afforded as a Continental prepared Sea- bury for this multifaceted approach to clothing. - ANDY CHEN ‘16
PHOTOS FROM HORNYTOAD.COM
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STARS SIGNATURE THE NEW of the DESIGNERS FASHION WORLD PAS DE CALAIS Founded in 1998 by Japanese designer Yukari Suda, Pas de Calais made its New York City name from the Pas-de-Calais region in France. The brand’s stylistic approach comes from
York and featured as one of its new designers of the Fall season. Besides Barneys, Pas de country.
PASDECALAIS-INT.COM
PAUL ANDREW SHOES When one thinks of cutting edge designs in women’s shoes, Britain-born Paul Andrew immediately shoe business by storm. With a successful 15 year career working for Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Alexander McQueen under his belt, Andrew took his experience and created his personal shoe label in 2013. The care and precision that goes into each shoe begins with Andrew designing each shoe himself. His shoes are known for their signature sharktooth-like point found right above the ball of the foot. With loyal celebrity customers like Lupia Nyongo and Emma Watson, Paul department store, such as Bergdorf Goodmans, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and online at Net-A-Porter and ShopBop. PAULANDREW.COM
SIMON MILLER
Simon Miller is a men’s and women’s specialty denim and clothing brand based in Los Award. With its foundation on the principles of Japanese fabrication and American found in the American Midwest. The primary designs focus on selvage, raw denim, and indigo-dyed pieces. The company produces its clothing in Los Angeles and is becoming online at Mr. Porter. Its women’s collection can be found at Barneys. SIMONMILLERUSA.COM
ROSIE ASSOULIN favorite new designer . After dropping out of the Fashion Institute of Technology after four months, Rosie took her design skills to Oscar de la Renta and Lanvin, where she
and world renowned fashion icon Miroslava Duma. Rosie’s designs made their red carpet debut when Michelle Dockery of Downton Abbey wore one of her stunning dresses to found at Bergdorf Goodman and Jeffery.
ROSIEASSOULIN.COM
- MARIA HEWKO ‘15 Signature Style WINTER 2015
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FACES
OF HAMILTON
HIGH FASHION INTERNS AND FASHIONABLE FACULTY MEMBERS
W
alking down Martin’s Way on a chilly November afternoon, it’s not long before you pass a fellow Hamiltonian who has a great pair of beautiful cognac-leather riding boots, or a long, black tailored coat that looks straight from the runway, or who, more simply put, just has great style! That’s the norm for those of us on the Hill- despite our home’s insular location among acres and acres of farmland and conifers, we certainly know high-fashion. Even our faculty members have styles of their own that they use to look good on the job. For this issue’s Faculty Spotlight, we had the opportunity to speak to auRelie van de wiele, a well-known French professor here on the Hill from France who has definitely learned a few things about great style from her upbringing in one of the most fashion-conscious countries in the world. In addition to her specialty in French language, Professor Van de Wiele has a natural eye for fashion. Considering herself a “Butterfly”, Van de Wiele defines her style as natural and effortless. As she says, “I don’t have one specific taste... I like to break patterns - on top something colorful with a piece that ties it together.” Wearing a simple black dress with a geometric patterned scarf tied around her neck, she described herself as “not being brand conscious but creating [her] own style.” Growing up in France, Van de Wiele opted for a more monochromatic style, but since coming to America, she has been braver in experimenting with different colors. Coming from a modest family, she believed from a young age that fashion wasn’t all about expensive brand names or being overly extravagant. A large part of her sense of style stems from finding versatile and affordable pieces that she can layer. This way, she is able to use pieces throughout the year in multiple ways, especially given Hamilton’s ever-
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changing climate. Every fashionista has certain styles or pieces that he or she dislikes, and for Van de Wiele, these are Teva sandals and college sweatpants. To Van de Wiele, college sweatpants should be reserved for “students studying for finals.” The fashion-inclined students on campus don’t stop at perfectly styles outfits, however. Many Continentals have a great deal of interest in pursuing careers in the field of high fashion in a variety of disciplines, from fashion journalism to working in the PR departments of some of the most highlyregarded couture companies in the world. A few have even had the chance to explore these careers via internships, and we were curious to learn more about what it’s like to work in the highfashion world. For our student spotlights, we spoke to Shannon Towle ‘16, Hannah Fine ‘15, and Maggie Maloney ‘15, three students who have had internship experiences in the industry. This past summer, shannon towle ‘16 wasn’t afraid of taking on many initiatives at her fashion internship with the PR and Wholesale Departments of French Connection. After getting the opportunity to talk with the French Connection National Sales Manager, she landed an interview with the wholesale team and immediately was asked to intern for them and the PR Department for the summer. Working with the wholesale team, she tracked shipments to and from clients, worked with off-priced programs and past season collections, previewed the upcoming season collection, and was even asked to prepare and pick pieces for fashion shows. In addition to Wholesale, Towle was able to experience Public Relations at French Connection. As a PR intern, she contacted Vogue, Cosmo and even Oprah (who is a huge fan of the brand) to discuss looks for upcoming stories. Towle states, “I liked PR because it was personable. I was able to see how we form rapports and great relationships with fashion publications.” She emphasizes that the most rewarding part of her internship at French Connection was that she could physically see the impact that she had on the brand. Working with teams that really invest in their interns, Towle was able to provide her input and receive feedback from those she worked with, learning through experience. She enjoyed working in the fashion industry this summer and appreciates
the relationships she developed at her internship. For those interested in working she mentions that, “it’s important to form good relationships because everyone knows each other and everyone talks. Be appreciative of the connections you make and be aware of how interconnected the industry is.” Towle plans to continue working in the fashion industry next summer, specifically in merchandising or retail. Given the many facets of the fashion industry, she wants to explore all of them to figure what she wants to accomplish in the future. The fashion industry might not be the first thing that
comes to mind when you think of a Creative Writing major with a double minor in Mathematics and Cinema and Media Studies, but hannah fine ‘15 used her writing and quantitative reasoning skills to land a fashion lover’s dream internship at Oscar de la Renta. She worked in the Ecommerce department, a group consisting of just two people, updating the Oscar de la Renta website daily, remerchandising grids, and writing Search Engine Optimization as part of the company’s digital marketing. Highlights of the internship included the hands-on responsibilities she had from working in such a small department, running a photo shoot, and being surrounded by a creative environment. Quoting The Devil Wears Prada, Fine says, “Fashion is art but
you live your life in it,” explaining the self-expression which comes with fashion and the ability to enjoy the art of clothing each and every day. Fine first realized the possibility of fashion as a career after listening to legendary fashion businesswoman, DKNY PR Girl, at a conference. Fine wrote her an email afterwards and was pleasantly surprised when DKNY PR Girl responded asking for her resume. After interviewing at DKNY, Diane von Furstenberg, and Oscar de la Renta, Fine ended up landing an internship with Oscar de la Renta. To anyone looking for an internship in the fashion industry, Fine recommends using the career center as a resource as well as fashionista.com as it can be difficult to find straightforward applications in this field. Fine has now moved away from fashion and has landed several internships at NBC News, hoping to turn this into a career. maggie maloney ‘15 is yet another Hamilton
student who has had the opportunity to embrace her passion for fashion in a professional, high couture setting. A World Politics major and Communications minor, Maloney worked as a Public Relations Intern for Gucci in none other than the fashion capital of the world, the Big Apple. She managed to obtain the internship via a past work connection, as Maloney had previously worked for jewelry designer Kara Ross who had a friend working for Gucci in New York. Thus, it wasn’t long before Maloney applied and interviewed for the position and then began her work at the company. As a PR intern, her responsibilities included working on press clippings, gifting, and pulling and cataloguing pieces from the various Gucci collections available to them for different photo shoots. Maloney can also be credited for her help with the launch of the Gucci Cosmetics line, as she and her small group of interns worked on the press day when the Cruise Collection first came to New York this past summer. When asked about some of the most memorable parts of working for Gucci, Maloney responds, “The most exciting part for me was seeing a look I pulled for a photo-shoot with Ethan Hawke appear in Entertainment Weekly. I picked out the entire look so it was beyond exciting to see it published.” She also explains that her experience at Gucci was one that taught her the importance of being both a good listener and observer on the job. Maloney plans to pursue a career in journalism, and would like to combine her passion for writing with her interest in fashion working for a fashion-centric publication or creative department of a high fashion company. We greatly enjoyed the opportunity to speak with both Van de Wiele and our student spotlights. In speaking with others who are passionate about fashion, one is always able to experiment with new styles, appreciate the styles of others, and to learn more about the world of fashion and how it is continually evolving and changing. - RYAN ONG ‘16, ALI GAY ‘17, & SAMANTHA DONOHUE ‘18 PHOTOS BY HENRY RITTENBERG ‘15 Signature Style WINTER 2015 17
SOCIAL MEDIA FASHION BLOGS W
e live in an age of accessibility. We have fast food, online
and the simplicity and down-to-earth nature of the images empowers readers to ask, “Now why can’t that be me?” Up-and-coming blogger Danielle Bernstein of weworewhat, like Scott, draws a
an entire research paper using online sources, we learn breaking news from across the world within minutes, and you can even make friends over the Internet. Therefore, it is no surprise that the world of fashion has changed its ways because of the Internet. Though we can still look up to big fashion houses and celebrity styles, we now have a whole world of Internet fashionistas on sources such as on blogs and Instagram.
always following New York or Paris fashion week and keeping “on trend.” Danielle consistently captures the popular style of today, one of edgy, fearless, yet minimal design. What I like about Danielle is that she features periodic entries titled “Currently Craving,” in which she
Some promote a lifestyle aesthetic, such as Danielle Bernstein’s blog and Instagram, weworewhat. Others, like Karla Reed and her Instagram, @karlareed, maintain a busy lifestyle and blog on the side. No article about fashion blogging would be complete without a shout out to Scott Schuman, mastermind behind the everpopular blog THE SARTORIALIST (and its accompanying Instagram,
she creates a blog true to her mission of giving people inspiration in their daily wardrobe selection. By featuring music on her blog as well, Danielle creates an appealing fashion atmosphere that consumes every aspect of life. One scroll through her Instagram and you’ll know what I mean. Karla Reed is a fashionable mother of two who is not only inspirational in her style but also in her contagious positive
for all others. Scott is no slouch. Before deciding to create a blog, Scott worked in the fashion industry, and after the rampant success of “The Sartorialist,” he received invitations to work with Vogue Italia, Vogue Paris, and GQ on several advertising campaigns. interesting, fashionable people, he always composes his shots in effortless beauty. Each of his photographs are veritable works of
Scott will give subtle reminders that this is still a street style blog. When he went to India last week, for instance, Scott unassumingly 18
asked his readers if they had any tips for him. Many of the pictures catch people doing very
Signature Style WINTER 2015
look great. As college students, I think we have a lot to learn from but she stays thankful for the little things, especially her constant around thrifting, and said in an article by Carly H. from the website “The Glitter Guide”, “The great thing about thrifting is that it gives you an opportunity to play around with style without breaking the bank. So have fun!” Karla preaches that you don’t have to have everything together to look put-together, and that fashion and happiness don’t have to come with a heavy price tag.
- ANNA ARNN ‘17
PHOTOS BY THESARTORIALIST.COM, WEWOREWHAT.COM, & INSTAGRAM.COM/KARLAREED
Your Guide To The Hamilton
Basic
There’s no use denying it- if you’re a girl at Hamilton college, most likely when it’s so cold outside that you’re considering skipping class (again…), you’ve reached for your bean boots, pulled on your black leggings, and ventured reluctantly across campus. At least once during our time on the hill we’ve all dressed like a basic college girl. There are a few items that a typical Continental keeps in her wardrobe for days when she can’t even (I’m questioning my own sanity for signing up for two 9 AM’s). Wondering where to get that dress that you’ve seen every other girl wearing at the VT? Wracking your brain for the perfect shirt to wear under your J. Crew vest? Feeling out of the loop because you’ve never seen so many monograms on one person? You can relax (literally), because Signature Style has put together
BEAN BOOTS
You will wear these from October to April, foregoing all attempts at style as the snow starts to fall and morale gets low. While we may be kidding ourselves that these boots are cute (remember when we thought uggs were the epitome of cool?), they’re functional, warm, and keep me from slipping on the black ice outside the library (you’ve been warned freshman). Add some cute knit socks to detract from their lack of style and pretend they don’t make your feet look two sizes larger. LL Bean, $109; LLBean.com
QUARTER ZIP SWEATER
Quarter Zip Sweater: Everyone’s favorite when the weather gets cold. If basic girls at Northeast colleges stopped buying Patagonias, the company might go out of business. That won’t happen though, because fleece pullovers are the comfiest things imaginable. Relationship problems? Curl up in a fleece and blanket, grab some popcorn, and vent to your friends until you feel better.
SWING DRESS
While it only makes it into the daytime outfit rotation in the first and last weeks of school, it’s guaranteed that at least one girl will be wearing a backless, loose dress on any given weekend night, even in the freezing cold. For the most basic of looks, go with black, navy, or white, but try this patterned version if you want to stand out (while still fitting in).
QUILTED VEST
I’m not ashamed to admit it- I own three versions of these vests, and I want more. Combining style and coziness, quilted vests keep you warm while showing off cute sweaters and tops. Add a monogram necklace (I’m digging a tortoiseshell acrylic) and skinny jeans to complete the look. Quilted Puffer Vest, $98, J Crew Factory
FLANNEL
50% cute, 30% I’m-crammingfor-my-test, 10% hungover, and 10% laundry day, this is the staple piece for any Sunday commons or library excursion. And of course, you need something to wear to farm party, right? Avoid the farmer look by pairing with boyfriend jeans, not overalls, in everyday life. H&M, $25, hm.com
WHITE SNEAKERS
Popular with sororities and girls from the NYC area, tennis shoes are the go-to footwear of any self-respecting basic Hamiltonian. The perfect blend of comfort and generic style, wear these with anything from Brandy Melville and you’ll be sure to find someone wearing the same outfit that you can snap a #twinning picture with for your Instagram. Just don’t leave out the #socollege hashtag.
Signature Style WINTER 2015
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Signature Style WINTER 2015