Statement Fall 2019 by Mercyhurst University Fashion Merchandising

Photo By: Casey Phillips

MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY FALL 2019

CONTENTS

Photo By: Casey Phillips

03. 07. 09. 13. 17.

Christian Siriano: Diverse Fashion Designer Fashion Through My Lens Meet Marisa Menswear Spring and Summer Trends Mercyhurst Fashion Law

Photo By: Casey Phillips

letters from the editors

hen contemplating the co-editor position for STATEMENT my freshman year, I finally decided to embrace a leadership position. In the past I would have shied away, concerned of the responsibilities that would prevail. Now, starting off the year as editor, I am so grateful for pushing myself out of my comfort zone. STATEMENT has helped me discover my passions and lead me towards my future. Of course, I would like to thank this year’s co-editor, Sarah, for all of her tremendous help and as always, Jen for overseeing and guiding us throughout this process. This issue’s theme is all about what inspires you. As a fashion department we all have such distinctive styles and draw inspiration from various outlets. The fashion industry is constantly evolving and adopting such unique perspectives, there is no doubt that each and every one of us can make a STATEMENT.

-MacKenzie Lewis

am so happy to join STATEMENT’s editorial team this year! Ever since I wrote my first article I knew that I wanted to be much more involved. It was certainly not an easy decision to take on so much responsibility, but I knew that Mackenzie and Jen would be there to guide me. And oh how much I have learned! I hope that you all enjoy this issue of STATEMENT, and maybe think about how fashion inspires YOU. I see fashion as a spectrum with many layers and many parts, not just a single mold that fits every company or every person. Nothing inspires me more than my peers in Mercyhurst Fashion. So thank you to every person who contributed to this issue.

-Sarah Fertal

Diverse Fashion Designer Growing up it was no rare occasion to find me seated in front of my television on a Saturday afternoon, watching season-long reruns of Project Runway. In fact, my interest in fashion was first set in motion from the inspiring creations that would come to life on my TV screen. In 2008, the fourth season of Project Runway produced arguably one of the most successful contestants, Christian Siriano. Siriano was an audacious twenty-one-year-old from Annapolis, Maryland. His theatrical designs were enough to capture the first-place title. Now, eleven years later, Siriano has taken the fashion industry by storm, creating countless garments for Hollywood’s A-listers. Despite my appreciation for Siriano’s show stopping gowns, what I find much more inspiring, is his inclusivity for the men and women he designs for. In 2016, actress Leslie Jones took to Twitter when she did not have anything to wear to her upcoming movie premiere, due to other designers declining to dress her. Siriano quickly stepped in and designed a classic red dress for Jones. From there, the young designer continued to show compassion towards all celebrities regardless of their size, age, or gender.

This past year, Siriano has taken large strides towards gender-neutrality. First, designing the iconic velvet tuxedo gown worn by Billy Porter at this years Oscars. Then, at the Met Gala, Michael Urie revealed yet another bold Siriano style. Urie wore a gender-fluid design with half the garment displaying a pink tulle ball gown and the other a pinstripe pantsuit. Most recently, Siriano presented his Spring 2020 ready-to-wear collection showcasing his dazzling designs on a diverse group of individuals. Siriano’s design decisions have been reimagining what is considered beautiful. In the world of high fashion, this sort of inclusivity is often unheard of. Nonetheless, Siriano has embraced the beauty of the everyday woman, proving that fashion can be for everyone. I believe fashion is far more than mere clothing, it is a representation of who we are as individuals, and a display of creative expression. I am truly inspired by Siriano and the way he puts purpose into his designs, making each of his clients feel empowered. Christian Siriano continues to inspire me with each bold move that he takes, and I look forward to what he will surprise us with next.

MacKenzie Lewis

FRESH FACE OR BEAT FACE: MY PERSPECTIVE Why Natural Beauty Prevails the time to beat my face every morning. I have no idea how my peers can do it, I barely leave the house on time as it is, let alone have time to do a full face of makeup!

I have never been a fan of makeup. I remember doing

Although, the main reason I don’t wear any form of

“

my makeup for prom and afterwards rushing to take it off—I hated it so much. The main reason why I hate any form of makeup is due to my sensitive skin. I have oily skin along with bad acne, so my face breaksout easily. I know there’s makeup for sensitive skin, but I do not have the patience or money to experiment between products that may not work. Furthermore, I do not have

I WON’T CHANGE WHO I PHYSICALLY AM TO FIT IN OR IMPRESS ANYONE. makeup is because it actually makes me feel ugly—that’s the total opposite of its purpose, right? When I wear makeup, I don’t feel like myself. Instead, I feel like a build-abear version of who I am. I’d rather perfect my hair and edges, instead of struggling to get my eyelashes on perfectly. I love the natural look, even with my hair. It shows everyone, this is who I am, this is me,

“

Females all around me wear some form of makeup; whether it is mascara, contour, or even drawing their eyebrows on. As for me, I am not included in this mix. Sounds crazy right?

take it or leave it. I feel like it’s so important to embrace this look because I believe every woman is beautiful.

When I wear makeup, I feel like my insecurities and self-consciousness shows through. When I go on a date,

I can’t imagine putting on highlighter and eyelashes to meet a guy. That would be the opposite of who I am.

I’ve always been adamant on the belief that makeup is an enhancer. Therefore, people should love who I am naturally. I won’t change who I physically am to fit in or impress anyone. My goal is to start a new trend—be yourself.

Deja Cummins

Marilyn Whenever someone says, “Marilyn” my first response is, “Monroe” and it is for a lot of other people too.

But why? Marilyn Monroe was popular in the 1950s to early 60s and died in 1962, well before we were all born. But why is she still so popular today? Most famous actresses, singers, models, and so forth are popular for a short period of time and then their fame dies out. Marilyn Monroe never did. Celebrities still try to recreate her image: her blonde hair, red lips, and of course her iconic beauty mark has appeared many times on the covers of fashion and beauty magazines. As an article from Newsweek states “No one ever asks, Marilyn who?” Most people say that the only reason she became—and still is—famous is because of her hourglass body shape.

Why She is Still So Iconic Marilyn Monroe was a sex symbol in the 50s and still is to this day, but I think there is something more. There were a lot of pretty actresses, singers, and models in the 1950s but they are not as well-known as Marilyn. This shows that it’s not just looks, it can be brains too. Everyone who worked with Marilyn said that she was not your average dumb blonde, she was actually pretty smart. She loved to read and had a whole library in her house. Lily Karlin wrote an article titled “Marilyn Monroe’s Legacy is Way More than Curves and a Blonde Bob” that talks about how smart she was. “While Monroe garnered fame playing characters who matched the ditzy blonde stereotype, the actress was actually quite intellectual. She was an avid reader and maintained a personal library that included work by Ernest Hemingway, D.H. Lawrence, and James Joyce.” Marilyn Monroe was an underrated feminist. According to “Marilyn Monroe Hollywood Icon and Greatest Sex Symbol of All time,” in 1946, she got divorced from her first husband James Dougherty because he thought she was working too much and didn’t have time to be a “good wife.” In the 1940s being a “good wife” consisted of cooking and cleaning. He made her choose between him and her work and she chose her work. Seems like a pretty

feminist thing to do if you ask me! She got divorced two other times too, for different reasons. I believe the underlying reason could be that her husbands were jealous of her. Everyone loved Marilyn Monroe and they wanted a piece of her. She was always in the spotlight. Typically, men are in the spotlight and their wives just sit silently and look pretty. But that wasn’t the case with Marilyn, no one really cared about her husbands in the same way that they cared about her. Another reason is that she didn’t wait for roles to be given to her, she made roles for herself. According to Lily Karlin, Marilyn once said in an interview that she wanted to play more interesting roles, so she created her own, called “Marylin Monroe’s Productions” to do just that. Marilyn Monroe is still so iconic today because of her looks, intelligence, hard work and passion for becoming an actress. She was a very good business woman because she made herself one of the most memorable and recognizable people in the world. Marylin proves that you can be smart and pretty, which is something that society doesn’t often assume. Our society tells young girls you can either be smart or pretty, you can’t be both. But Marilyn Monroe shows that you can be whatever you choose.

Natalie Yurasits

Photos By: Casey Phillips

FASHION THROUGH

MY LENS

Growing up, I loved taking pictures. I would set up small scenes around my house and take pictures of them. I focused on the lighting and angles, loving that it was a tangible memory of that certain spot in time. I got my first camera for Christmas when I was about 10 years old, and I still haven’t grown out of it.

In middle school, I started getting much more interested in fashion. I looked to the girls in high school to see what they were wearing and would try to recreate their looks. I would look at fashion magazines and dream about the outfits. The combination of the photography and the outfits in the magazines kept me creatively fueled. There was something so magical about it. Fast forward a few years and I developed an even greater obsession for photography. I took a film photography class in high school that gave me a deeper appreciation for the time that goes into taking photos. It really is not something we should take for granted. I began looking at photography as more of an art form and less of something to do for fun. Combining my love for fashion and my love for photography is one of the best things I’ve ever

done. I started taking pictures of my friends’ outfits for their Instagram pages in high school. I would beg my sister to take a picture of my outfit, so I could also post what I was wearing that day. It was a creative outlet for me that allowed me to mark that outfit and time of my life forever. My dad saw my love for photography and began showing me some of the photos he used to take on his film camera when he was in South America. I was blown away. It was interesting to see one’s perspective through the camera lens. Now, I have been using my dad’s 35mm film camera to take some of my own photos. I love styling and shooting pictures of my friends on film. The combination of the fashion and photography is something that keeps my creative side content and happy. It is funny how photography has made me love fashion even more. Now, I not only look at a clothing item and think if I like it or not, but I also think about how it will photograph. Photography gives me fashion inspiration and allows for me to have a creative outlet that is documented. I am glad I never stopped taking pictures.

Casey Phillips

Meet Marisa

n a Tuesday evening, I made my way towards Ryan Hall with the warm golden glow of the sun following close behind. I entered the residence hall and to my left sat Marisa Ripepi. As I drew closer, she looked up from behind her laptop, smiled and said hello. Marisa currently attends Mercyhurst University, studying Fashion Merchandising. Her interest in fashion began to really take off in high school. But since then, she has taken inspiration from high end designers, and a renowned celebrity to sculpt her style and her future aspirations. Marisa has always known how to stand out from a crowd. In high school Marisa would part the gray sea of sweatpants with a stylish pair of jeans. “I never really owned sweatpants,” she added. Instead, Marisa’s personal style bounces between edgy street style and classy chic. Depending on her mood, Marisa can be seen sporting biker shorts, a t-shirt, and sneakers one day, and jeans, heels, and a blazer the next. Her aesthetic has rooted from some of her favorite designers—Gucci, Chanel, and Balenciaga. Marisa has found inspiration in

Chanel’s classy style and vintage jewelry, as well as the edginess of Balenciaga. Although, her love for the bright and crazy colors Gucci embodies, may have it placed first, as she proclaimed, “I think honestly everything they have I would actually wear.” When discussing Marisa’s style icon there was one person in particular that made the largest impact. Marisa spoke with a proud grin, “of course, Kylie Jenner,” when responding to who she is inspired by. So, matter of fact, it was clear that to Marisa that was the obvious and only answer to that question. Beginning with her fascination for “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” and the introduction of her first iPhone. Marisa was able to follow along to their glamorous lives, sparking a true interest in fashion. Kylie especially has influenced Marisa up to this point. Her ability to take casual pieces and make them look more elevated is an element that Marisa has imitated within her own style. In addition, Kylie has become so influential

TRENDING WITH MARISA

1. Chunky Sneakers 9.

2. Large Barrettes

with her large following that everything she wears, regardless of how risky it may be, is likely to become the next big thing. In fact, “when I see her wearing a fanny pack, I go buy a fanny pack, because it’s the newest trend” Marisa said. Kylie Jenner’s large following is something that Marisa also hopes to obtain someday as part of her future career goals. It was during her Personal Styling class sophomore year when everything seemed to come together for Marisa. Learning about all of the various aspects that occur in personal styling, really captured her attention. “That’s when I started really getting into following stylists on Instagram and just seeing what they do—I really started getting into that,” Marisa stated. Currently, Marisa plans on moving to LA after school and working her way up to be a personal stylist. Ideally, she would like to gain a big following through social media and style well known celebrities for important events and red carpets.

Photo By: Casey Phillips

Her dream job would be to, “have a huge client who would go to her for everything,” she said. From staying away from sweatpants in high school to falling in love with personal styling in college, Marisa has never doubted wanting to pursue fashion.

3. Vintage Oversized T’s

4. Biker Shorts MacKenzie Lewis

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walk

ing london

fashion week

How did you find such an awesome opportunity?

Last year I went to NYFW where I met Michael Lombard, an up-andcoming designer, after watching his show. I wanted to put myself out there so I messaged him on Instagram over the summer to make myself a candidate for any future modeling opportunities. He messaged me back to tell me that he thought I had great potential, and wanted to see if I would walk in his LFW show!

Was the decision easy for you?

I definitely had my doubts because I had never runway modeled before, but my parents were super excited and wanted me to go. I realized that this really was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and with so much support from my parents I couldn’t say no!

What did you have to do to prepare? To prepare for the show I purchased the heels that I would be walking in, and practiced my runway walk a lot. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and practiced my face in the mirror to make sure I wouldn’t smile, because Michael is very strict about no smiling. I also had to mentally prepare for being on stage in front of so many people.

Did you have time to prepare for the show in London?

Yes, there was a rehearsal Friday night before the

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show. The stage manager was very scary and she threatened to kick us out if we smiled, but I felt better once I walked the runway a few times. There was always more than one girl on the runway so that made me feel better.

What was the day of the show like? We had to be at hair and makeup at 8 a.m. even though the show wasn’t until 5 p.m. A lot of the other designers who were there shared their hair and makeup artists but Michael had his own. My mom even got to help do some of the hair! We weren’t allowed to bring any food or drinks, so all we had to eat all day was the croissants and water they provided. People were passing out and getting sick! I also got really long fake nails done that they took off after the show with floss, which really hurt.

And of course, how was the show? It went really well! We were the grand finale which was exciting, and I ended up walking in front of about 400 people! After the show we were allowed to talk to the audience and do a little bit of networking. There were afterparties but I was tired so I went to dinner and then to bed.

Lastly, any upcoming shows in your future?

Michael did ask me about walking in Milan or Paris fashion week. I really want to go to Paris, but that isn’t until February, so stay tuned!

Kenzie with fashion designer Michael Lombard

An exclusive interview with Kenzie Blakeslee mu'â&#x20AC;&#x2122;23

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MENSWEAR spring&summer trends straight off the runway

As the tail end of the fall fashion month approaches we have been exposed to what will be the likely fashion trends in the spring and summer months of 2020. New York, London, and Milan have come and gone and all that’s left now is Paris. Tragic. You know what always cheers me up though? Talking about menswear trends, it works every time. I will retract back to men’s fashion earlier in the year as I narrow down what are predicted to be several of the forecasted fashion trends for menswear in the upcoming spring and summer seasons.

Short Shorts

Fellas, someone correct me if I’m wrong, but shorts are meant to be short. I mean, it’s right there in the name isn’t it? Quads are the new biceps so in spring and summer 2020 let’s get risky with the inseam and liberate those thighs just the way dad used to in the 80s. A variety of different inspirations have ranged from athletic wear, like the Saul Nash collection for example. Then to elaborate more, try shorts featured by Jordanluca containing flashy texture and intricate details. Pick and choose from different styles, textures, and designs to execute weekend casual looks or even a sharp and refined appearance. The months will eventually get hotter and hotter and the shorts will need to get shorter and shorter. “Skies out thighs out” is the motto for guys in spring and summer 2020.

Bowling Shirts

A menswear trend with a lot of balls might be just up your alley for the upcoming season. That was a bowling joke. What’s not a joke however, is that bowling shirts have arrived as a hot trend in menswear for spring and summer 2020. Unlike the shirts your grandpa probably wore to his Thursday night senior league, these have been crafted with exquisite fabrics accompanied by floral designs and, supplemented by a diverse range of color schemes from bright oranges and greens to bland browns and greys. Worn on the runway loose and open, these bowling shirts radiate tropical visuals and a lively appearance that says “After I nail this strike you owe me a mai tai.” If you plan on not looking like a turkey for half of 2020, then perhaps investing in a bowling shirt might just spare you. That was another bowling joke.

Pinstripes

It would appear that the New York Yankees had much more of an impact on London than just baseball when they played there in June. The pinstripe jerseys of the Bronx have found their way onto the business attire for men. The thin stripe appeared on the runway running along suits of black, blue, and grey. Due to differences in tone and stripe width, several suits came stomping down the runway with a loud and bold appearance while others were more blended and reflected a subtle, yet professional feel. This dynamic tailoring finish has made itself comfortable for spring and summer of 2020, and if you really think the Yankees had anything to do with this, you’re wrong.

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Michael Wtulich

WHY I CHOSE TO BE A

FASHION MAJOR Growing up, I always had a lot of personality. I needed an outlet to express who I was as an individual, and fashion has always been that escape for me. As a young girl, I would constantly beg my mom to let me dress myself. I still remember favorite pieces of mine that I would try to wear every single day. You could always catch me in a little cheetah skirt my mom bought my sisters and I to share, which quickly became strictly my skirt instead. After going to a Catholic school and wearing uniforms for a large majority of my life, I went into high school with an abrupt switch. My public high school had no uniform, which threw me straight out of a routine that I had felt safe in. I tried different styles all of the time and was always doing what I could to dress to impress. I realized that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to have a particular style, I needed to find comfort in my body and dress for myself, no one else.

I chose to be a fashion major at Mercyhurst because of the personalized program that we have to offer. With all the great men and women, I have already met, I have found comfort here. Even though I had selfdoubts about whether I could handle being a fashion major because of just a pure interest, I fell in love with the program. After the Day in Fashion last February, I had a new excitement that I was missing for a long time. I hope to one day make a difference in the fashion world and bring the excitement of Mercyhurst everywhere I go, forever.

Celeste Veitch

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FASHION Q: What made you want to get involved in fashion? A: Originally, I loved fashion because you can gain so much insight about people; with the psychology of fashion, we can tell a story through how we dress. I also like it because it can be artistic; you can create something beautiful out of items that are 2-D and flat. There is so much creativity that comes out of fashion. Ashlee Rzyczycki Mercyhurst Fashion Professor

A: I’ve been involved in fashion for as long as I can remember. The best way I can describe my love of fashion is from hip hop. Listening to rap naturally got me more into the thought of collecting clothes because of rappers constantly talking about luxury brands. From there, I started collecting rare pieces of clothing as a hobby. After about a year of doing that, I was confident that I wanted to turn fashion into a career.

Erin Magorien Mercyhurst Fashion Professor

A: My mom was actually the one who thought that the major was a good fit for me when entering college. I always had a love for fashion, and would spend hours making my own version of trend forecasting boards with magazine cut outs and photos that I had taken of myself and friends. I also had a calendar adjacent to the board in order to ensure that an outfit was not duplicated with in a month. Although my first love is fitness and sports, I will even look at athletes and sports figures and how they use fashion as a function.

A: My first interest in fashion was actually through sewing, which I started doing when I was about 8 years old. I never thought about it as a potential career or major until my junior year of high school when I took a Intro to Fashion Merchandising class through a local college. I fell in love with the business side of fashion.

15.

Jerrad Fleck Mercyhurst Fashion ‘23

Sarah Fertal Mercyhurst Fashion ‘22

INSPIRATION Q: How does fashion inspire you? A: Today when I teach, I am passionate about the impact the fashion industry has on the environment and social injustice. My goal is to teach my students about this disastrous impact and to encourage my students to come up with solutions. Additionally, I am inspired by the idea that through my teaching, I am creating agents of change with every graduate from our program.

Jerrad Fleck Mercyhurst Fashion ‘23

A: Fashion inspires me possibly more than anything else. Fashion to me is a way of expression, and that provides incredible value in itself. For some people that have trouble getting out of their shell, clothing is a very easy way to show who you are. In fact, some of the most famous designers are recluses. The thought of using clothing as a form of self expression is an amazing opportunity for inclusion in today’s world. Seeing people’s lives made just from buying a shirt is inspiring to me. I want to make people feel like that.

A: I am inspired by fashion having comfort, function and being unique. I tend not to like things (or wear things) that other people have, I like to be different. Along with that, I often dress based on fashion working for me and my lifestyle, whether it be based on my workout or whatever else I have on a given day, not the other way around.

Sarah Fertal Mercyhurst Fashion ‘22

Ashlee Rzyczycki Mercyhurst Fashion Professor

Erin Magorien Mercyhurst Fashion Professor

A: I think fashion is the most unique and dynamic form of art that there is. It has to do so many things like be comfortable, fit well, and be durable, all while still looking aesthetically pleasing. This is such an interesting concept to me and I love to watch other everyday people and how they all dress differently for their unique lifestyles.

Sarah Fertal

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MERCYHURST FASHION...

Fashion Law Course Coming Soon!

The new Fashion Law course will provide students with an overview of the legal and business issues that regularly impact the fashion industry.  Intellectual property law, namely, copyright, trademark, patent, trade dress, and trade secrets, will be covered extensively in this course. Additional topics will include employment law, right of publicity, and licensing. Current cases will be emphasized in class discussion.

Course Offering Details:

Only one section of FASH 324 Fashion Law, will run this spring semester.  It will be offered on MWF from 11:00-11:50 AM. The course will be taught by Amy Weaver-Kaulis.

Why a Fashion Law Course?

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There doesn’t seem to be a single day that goes by that a luxury designer isn’t chasing after counterfeit good producers or a manufacturer isn’t signing a licensing agreement with major companies like Disney, Marvel, or national sports teams.  Other courses in our program scratch the surface of these topics, but this course will provide students with the ability to delve much deeper into the exact legal implications of such.

What Benefit is there for Students?

Students who complete this course will not only learn the ins and outs of the legal issues surrounding the fashion industry, but will also learn about the educational and career opportunities related to the field of fashion law.

“In addition to teaching the new Fashion Law course, I’m also so excited to serve as the faculty advisor for the Fashion Law Club, which was recently approved as one of Mercyhurst’s Recognized Student Clubs and Organizations (RSCOs).  So even if students don’t have room in their schedules to take the Fashion Law course this spring, they can still get a taste of the topic by attending the club’s monthly meetings!” -Amy Weaver-Kaulis

The Fashion Law Club

We are excited to announce that this fall marks the first official semester of the Fashion Law Club! Led by student president Shannon Gotham, the fashion law club is now a great place for majors and nonmajors alike to learn about the legalities of fashion. We cover topics such as intellectual property, trademarks, patents, careers in fashion law, and so much more! If you are interested, or would like to learn more about our club, email sgotha10@lakers.mercyhurst. edu or come join us at our next meeting!

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FASHSPOTLIGHT

Lollie Casual Couture 2662 W 8th St. Erie, PA 16505

MERCYHURST FASHION DEPT.

k c a b l l a F into fashion

Visual Merchandising is a fashion elective offered each fall semester. Every year the class receives hands on experience by traveling outside the classroom to a local business. From there, the class demonstrates what they have learned throughout the semester by showcasing a visual display within a small group. This year’s visual class will be holding its event at a local boutique, Lollie, located in the Erie Colony Plaza, at 6 p.m. October 24. There is a lot of preparation leading up to the event. From delegating a project manager to assigning groups in charge of anything from social media and marketing to photography and donations.

Free food and refreshments!

OCTOBER 24TH 6-7:30 PM

10% off to guests the night of the event Raffle baskets (must be present to

Visual merchandising event

win) $1 for 3 tickets and $5 for an arms length

Each person in the class has tasks they must accomplish either leading up to or the day of the event, in addition to their visual display. The class requires a true group effort and keeps everyone involved. This year’s inspiration has been drawn from primarily fall with subtle nods towards the 70s. Once gathering a better understanding of Lollie’s merchandise, we have decided to have each of the four groups encompass one of the following themes: denim, mom’s night out, athleisure, and professional wear. In the upcoming weeks, each group will gather props to incorporate into their display and utilize the specific skills we are taught during class.

Days before the event we will visit Lollie and begin to build our displays. The day of, we will showcase our visual displays. In addition, there will be free food and refreshments offered at the event. Additionally, there will be a 10 percent discount for guests and raffle baskets from the Mercyhurst Fashion Department and other local businesses. Visual Merchandising is a wonderful elective where you learn all about the interior of retail stores and how products and displays can be positioned in a way that translates messages to consumers. The class is very hands on and is great for getting acquainted with working in a group setting.

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A special thank you to Jen, Marisa, and Casey for making this issue of the STATEMENT possible Photo By: Casey Phillips

STATEMENT FALL 2019 MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY FASHION MERCHANDISING DEPARTMENT