THE MUSIC + FASHION ISSUE
IN THIS ISSUE
1 OUR TEAM 2 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 3 EDITOR’S OBSESSIONS 6 M U S I C I A N FA S H I O N I C O N S 8 “SOUNDSUITS” 2 2 T O P E I G H T B E S T- D R E S S E D M U S I C A L S 40 AMERICAN ICON 4 4 T R A N S C E N D I N G M U S I C & FA S H I O N 5 8 S E A R C H I N G F O R WA N D E R L U S T
Nick Cave, Soundsuit (detail), 2010, Mixed media, 90 x 30 x 16 inches. Courtesy of AMOA-Arthouse.
OUR TEAM CHELSEA DUNIVAN Ed it or-in-Chie f
JONATHAN OCHART TAYLOR PREWITT A s s ist a nt s t o t he Ed it or
JONATHAN OCHART He a d of Writ ing
ELIZABETH JONES H e a d of Pub lic R e la t ions
MARY KANG FROM PRIMA LUCE STUDIO Phot og ra p he r
EDUARDO CAMACHO Gra p hic D e sig n
P UBL IC RELATI O NS
ED I T O R I A L
PR O D UCT I ON
M ady Ed g a r K r i s ten R a ine s
Ta ylor Pre wit t Ra che l S olom on Tyle r Kilb y Tyle r Ne a l
Ronit Jose le vi tz Ta ylor Gra h am
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Music has always been my number one passion. Growing up I learned how to sing from the likes of LeAnn Rimes, Bonnie Raitt, Pat Benatar and many other musical icons. Along with making it my life goal to have the rap segment of “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls memorized, I was also rocking out to my dad’s Bob Segar and Fleetwood Mac albums while admiring their seemingly otherworldly album cover outfits. I became inspired by Bonnie Raitt’s blue suede shoes, Pat Benatar’s fringed tops and long peasant dresses and black wool hats a la Stevie Nicks. My point here is that music and fashion work together hand in hand. A musician’s style aesthetic can add so much to their appeal and really bring together their whole look creating a perfect synergy. What would Britney Spears be without her seductive schoolgirl look? Katy Perry without her retro meets sultry bubble gum get-up? Nicki Minaj without her crazy unique “outfit” concoctions? This spring, I encourage you to define your personal style just like your favorite music stars do. Do you gravitate towards flowers and all things girly? Channel Taylor Swift’s feminine appeal. Feeling bohemian and “one” with the Earth? Make Florence Welch’s look your own. Go all out and don’t be afraid to be yourself! After all, all the world’s a stage and the campus sidewalks are surely your runway. We hope you enjoy this issue’s stories about Soundsuits and Nick Cave’s unique perspective on style and sound, how music inspired our very own University of Texas senior design students, our photo shoot “Searching for Wanderlust” with our beautiful model Jasmine Mills and more!
Chelsea Dunivan
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FLORALS AND PASTELS The Texas Hill Country is, hands down, at its most beautiful in the spring. It is around this time that wildflowers start to pop up all over the place; beautifying everywhere they grow whether it be around highways or at my favorite Austin spot, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Just thinking about those blooms makes me want to fashion up my own flower crown. Another aspect of spring I love is the idea of fresh renewal that I take advantage of every year. I’m obsessed with boxing up my winter garb and stocking up my closet with light pastel layers and ladylike floral prints.
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Braided hair and a simple flouncy dress scream springtime and sunny days ahead.
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Another spring necessity? Stripes. A girl can’t go wrong with stripes and a long, dreamy skirt.
2 This necklace has such a cute, understated way of announcing spring’s arrival. 3 The chunky sweater + adorable floral skirt + shoes and green socks pairing = this outfit could not get any cuter. 4 I’m pretty crazy about the cutouts on this creamy dress.
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LAYERING WITH SCARVES JONATHAN OCHART: As a self-proclaimed hater of snow, I can only think of one positive to the winter season: countless opportunities for layered ensembles. Despite spring’s close approach, cool temperatures still breeze through Austin. So, why not continue topping your outfit off with stunning scarves? I am. After all, March is considered the month of unrelenting winds. Preventing colds and wind-chafed skin with scarves in eye-catching colors and prints makes it to the top of my list. Here’s why you should, too:
1 When I visited Paris during winter break, I had to break out my multicolored striped scarf my mother bought me from Primark. It provides the perfect touch to a solid-colored coat, adding well-needed personality that complements a structured trench’s more serious nature. It’s now March, and I’m still finding myself snagging this scarf before leaving for school.
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Have an evening formal event and don’t want to bare your neck for the elements to attack? Let your regal roots roar with a luxurious-looking scarf, like that featured in Etro’s Fall 2013 collection. Bordeaux and amber tones with a velvety sheen champion comfort and class, intimidating gutsy gusts from going your way.
3 Balenciaga focuses on creating clean, well-tailored ensembles, and its Fall 2013 collection was no exception. Pairing a charcoal gray scarf with a solid-colored outfit (like the camel-colored ensemble pictured here) scrubs away any chance of a messy look. What’s the takeaway lesson from the historically Spanish fashion house? Contrast, contrast, contrast - with a minimalist approach, of course.
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The University of Texas at Austin might not boast the title of an Ivy League school, but its students can still wear preppy accessories. For a scarf in between Balenciaga’s extreme simplicity and Etro’s luxuriousness, check out Saint Laurent’s Fall 2013 collection. Several classic striped scarves in bold colors found their way onto the runway, but this time, they were much longer. So long to ordinary scarves and wintry chills, hello style.
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Catch yourself feeling a bit warm in the afternoon, but still fancy a scarf’s ability to bring vivacity to your outfit? Then try a foulard. It’s shaped like a scarf but lightweight; combinations of silk and cotton outweigh wool when worn in 70-degree weather. They pack a 2-in-1 punch, like this “Fantasy” foulard from Zara.
LAZY GIRL CHIC ELIZABETH JONES: As school starts to pick up, I find myself going back to comfort where style is concerned. I’ve gone back to wearing my low-top Converse sneakers and jeans. I find True Religion to be the most comfortable pair I own! Lately, the weather has been all over the place, so I just pair a jacket or hoodie with whatever I’m wearing. For days when I absolutely have to dress it up, I keep it simple with things i can just “throw” on. Loafers, like these from H&M are easy and comfortable to slip on. Usually I’m not a fan of leggings, but when they are dressy, I like to wear them with an oversized print sweater.
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S P R ING The combined world of music and fashion is a no-brainer due to the creative artistic factor relating the two. Here, our team members dish on their musical style inspirations.
My music style inspiration would have to Lana Del Rey. I love her throwback to classic fashion! M. Edgar
Though I don’t (and won’t) rock the fedora or, frankly, tacky suits, Jack White’s fashion risks are inspiring in their ability to remain outside of the box. Plus he’s my dream man and his bejeweled Western ensemble at the Grammys rocked it. T. Prewitt
I’m really into musician style festival gear right now. Very Coachella-esque with hats, crop-tops and boots. As for musicians, I like Beyonce’s style when I want to go out, get glitzy and glam; and Rihanna when I want to have a bit of a bad girl twist. K. Raines
My musician style inspiration is Gwen Stefani. She always mixes feminine and masculine impeccably. Also, she can pull off the sexy grunge look or hyper glam look, giving her versatility with her style that a lot of celebrities in general lack. T. Neal
I would say it’s a tie between Lana del Rey and Florence Welch because they are the epitome of contemporary boho chic. Lana del Rey has gotten me obsessed with making my own flower crowns, and Florence Welch’s flowy style has shifted my style from form fitting to oversized garments. R. Joselevitz
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Florence Welch has a knack for mixing ethereal goddess-like looks with ‘60’s vintage finds. Her flowing red hair and incredible pipes have added to her rock star appeal making her a major fashion icon contender. C. Dunivan
Beyoncé not only inspires me with her music, but with her style as well.I love how she keeps it simple and classy, even when she’s just out and about or courtside at a basketball game. The Tibi ensemble she wore at a Nets game is what I love most. E. Jones
Nobody wears a crisp white button-up like Shania Twain in “Man! I Feel Like a Woman.” I wanted to be her for years. Then there’s Barbara (Streisand, of course): classic, timeless and that signature cat eye! What’s not to love?! T. Graham
While I can’t call myself a survivor of the ‘80s or a material girl (I am a male, after all), Madonna’s rebellious yet sultry style inspires me to this day. Whether expressing herself with leather jackets, gaudy multicolored pieces and attentiongrabbing jewelry fit for the Lower East Side, her style always screams “Vogue.” If only she could dress me up with her love…then my style wouldn’t seem like such a virgin compared to her celebrated taste. J. Ochart
When it comes to musicians, I must bow down to the flawless style and fashion choices of Queen B. Whether it is a pant suit or dress, Mrs. Carter knows how to work it whether it’s on the red carpet or the streets of New York. If anything else, Beyonce has shown that confidence and composure is key. Also that hair is just as much an accessory as anything else. T. Kilby
My current musician style inspiration is ZZ Ward for her ability to appear strong yet relaxed, bold yet feminine, and effortlessly beautiful. R. Solomon
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Installation image of Nick Cave: Hiding in Plain Sight at the Jones Center, AMOA-Arthouse, September 29, 2012–February 24, 2013, Courtesy of AMOA-Arthouse, Photo by Eric Nix.
“So und suits”: Evolved “Fashion” with Voices of their Own
By Jonathan Ochart 9
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ome people call fashion an art and one of the ultimate forms of personal expression. After all, designers bring their hand-drawn sketches to life after hours of sewing and stitching, and people’s individual styles may reflect their deepest sentiments. Much like paintings and statues, however, clothes cannot speak.
Nick Cave, a contemporary artist, dancer and performer, creates art that integrates fashion, sculpture and musical elements. In other words, he produces an evolved form of clothing that can speak. He calls his creative hybrids “Soundsuits,” as the otherworldly costume-like figures made from unique mixtures of items transform into instruments when worn. For example, one of the suits composed of dogwood makes rattling noises when the wearer jostles from one side to another, whereas the suit consisting of carpets makes a delicate rushing sound when the textiles rub against each other. Cave’s “Soundsuits” would never be considered part of a ready-to-wear collection, as they possess couture and avant-garde qualities. He meticulously intertwines various items, from pearly buttons to sequins to toys, with various textiles before finalizing his work. Strolling through downtown Austin any time between Sept. 29, 2012, to Feb. 24, 2013, meant possibly coming face to face with one of these wild creatures. AMOAArthouse, a contemporary and modern art museum, hosted an exhibit during these dates featuring Cave’s work at the Jones Center. Located near the capitol, two of Cave’s “Soundsuits” were visible through the space’s glass windows on the corner of Congress Avenue and 7th Street. One suit seemed like a massive toothbrush staring into space, while the other resembled a human mountain of twigs. Titled “Nick Cave: Hiding in Plain Sight,” the presentation included seven of the artist’s magical suits, two videos and an eclectic wall structure. Andrea Mellard, curator of exhibitions and public programs, began planning for the exhibit in the summer of 2011. She recalled observing passerby on Congress Avenue stopping in their tracks to take pictures with their cell phones when one of the first suits was carried into the museum.
Installation image of Nick Cave: Hiding in Plain Sight at the Jones Center, AMOA-Arthouse, September 29, 2012–February 24, 2013, Courtesy of AMOA-Arthouse.
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Nick Cave, Drive-by, 2011, Blu-ray disc, 16 minutes, Edition 1 of 5, with 1 artist proof, James Prinz Photography, Chicago. Courtesy of Nick Cave and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.
“…BUT WHEN CAVE OR DANCERS PUT THEM ON THEY THEN BECOME FASHION, WEARABLE WORKS OF ART - COSTUMES. IF THEY DANCE IN THEM AND MAKE THEM MOVE, THEY CAN BECOME INSTRUMENTS OF SOUND.” – ANDREA MELLARD
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Nick Cave, Untitled (detail), 2012, Mixed media, 96 x 72 x 18 inches. Courtesy of AMOA-Arthouse.
“They spring from the imagination,” Mellard said of the suits. “They come from a world of fantasy and dreams, and they’re also fantastic in their ‘more is more’ aesthetic. Cave kind of works at the intersection of art media…sitting here in the gallery we’re surrounding by what you’d call sculptures, but when Cave or dancers put them on they then become fashion, wearable works of art - costumes. If they dance in them and make them move, they can become instruments of sound. As an artist, he occupies a rich interesting place in between sculpture, fashion, performance and dance.” “‘Soundsuit’ is an odd name as in the gallery they are still and quiet,” Mellard continued. “But Cave encourages you to imagine if you get inside of this, how would you need to move to make sound and what sounds would these materials make.” Cave constructed his first “Soundsuit” in response to Rodney King’s beating in 1991. After a jury acquitted police officers charged with assaulting King, an AfricanAmerican man who was on parole for robbery, with excessive force and a deadly weapon following a high-speed car chase, racial tensions intensified throughout the United States. A year later, the Los Angeles race riots ensued. Chants and cries pervaded the six-day riot condemning the police’s acquittals. After several burglaries, arson cases and assaults committed during the riots, 53 people died, and thousands were injured. The situation led Cave to creating art – art that produced sounds different from police officers’ yells and protestors’ shrieks of pain. In 1992, Cave thought about what kind of armor an African-American man might need while living in the city to hide and protect himself from future attacks induced by racist sentiments. As he sat in a park, he picked up twigs that inspired him to assemble his first suit of armor – a vest and a pair of pants – that camouflaged the wearer like a soldier in battle. From then on, he continued assembling these whimsical works of wearable art. “I think he likes to imagine a world where he wouldn’t be defined as a black male or a gay male, but that there might be categories beyond that or no categories at all,” Mellard said. “That there’s room for these creatures that have sprung from our imagination - that we could be who we are in our dreams and not in our physical bodies.” “[The suit] erases your perceptions of the outside world, but it also erases your identity – or, the outside world’s perception of you,” Mellard continued. “It’s like a second skin, and that can be unnerving to some people. There’s an element of submission of having to let the suit take over and listening to the suit, and how it wants to move because different materials play in different ways.”
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“I THINK HE (NICK CAVE) LIKES TO IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE HE WOULDN’T BE DEFINED AS A BLACK MALE OR A GAY MALE, BUT THAT THERE MIGHT BE CATEGORIES BEYOND THAT OR NO CATEGORIES AT ALL...” – ANDREA MELLARD
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Nick Cave, Soundsuit (detail), 2010, Mixed media, 90 x 30 x 16 inches. Courtesy of AMOA-Arthouse.
Although the police’s behavior and racism prompted Cave to birth his first suit, the artist began making mixed media art at a young age. Born in 1959, he was one of seven sons raised by a single mother; as a result, he had to make things himself or find materials and repurpose them as art supplies. Years later, he studied fiber at the Kansas City Art Institute, and then earned his Master’s of Fine Arts at the Cranbrook Academy of Arts in 1989. Now, Cave lives in Chicago and serves as the chair of the fashion department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Nicole Bernard, an advertising student at The University of Texas at Austin, visited the exhibit in November. “I actually work right next to the museum so I would see it every day as I walked to work, and I thought it was the most awesome-looking thing,” Bernard said. “I’m really into graphic art, and they looked like futuristic cartoon characters. But when you look at their story and what’s behind it, they seem so much cooler.” “It’s amazing that the pieces are visually striking, and that he was interested in the sounds they make,” Bernard continued. “I like the combination of the sounds, visuals and performance aspects. I think the fact they have layers is amazing, and being able to watch a film about them and see them in action was great.” Modern art museums embrace Cave’s work, and so does the fashion community. Vogue included some of his “Soundsuits” in its September 2010 issue as part of a fur accessories spread. Style mavens looking to incorporate Cave’s eclectic aesthetic into their looks can do so with leggings designed by the artist himself for commercial sale at soundsuitshop.com. AMOA-Arthouse’s exhibit ended Feb. 24, but Cave’s work continues resonating around the world; no matter their location, the suits’ signature voices echo in museum halls, video installments and more. Their provocatively winsome personas fascinate the eyes, penetrate the ears and speak to society – all while reverberating change. Can you hear them?
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Nick Cave, Soundsuit (detail), 2011, Mixed media, 109 x 34 x 30 inches. Courtesy of AMOA-Arthouse.
About AMOA-Arthouse: AMOA-Arthouse presents audiences the opportunity to experience contemporary art in various novel ways. Whether through exhibitions, education, interpretative programs and more, the museum allows visitors to actually interact with art. Look out for these upcoming events at AMOA-Arthouse’s two locations: “Of a Technical Nature” – March 2-August 11, 2013 Driscoll Villa, Laguna Gloria “New Works: Jessica Halonen” – March 2-May 26, 2013 Gatehouse Gallery, Laguna Gloria “Five x Seven” (annual Spring fundraiser) – April 4, 2013 “Seher Shah: Constructed Landscapes” – April 6-June 30, 2013 The Jones Center, First Floor Gallery “Temporary Insanity: Pinaree Sanpitak” – April 20-June 30, 2013 The Jones Center, Second Floor Gallery For more information, contact: The Jones Center 700 Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78701 Phone: 512-453-5312 Laguna Gloria 3809 W. 35th Street Austin, Texas 78703 Phone: 512-458-8191
Nick Cave, Untitled (detail), 2012, Mixed media, 96 x 72 x 18 inches. Courtesy of AMOA-Arthouse.
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By Taylor Prewitt
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usicals, a fortress of feel-good fun, reign as people pleasers. But when the music pauses and the audience breathes sighs of impressive lengths, the aesthetic principles of drama are to blame: set design, lighting, and of course, the renowned and intricate costumes that tell stories of their own.
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1. The Lion King At No. 1, on top of an overhanging cliff in the arms of Spark Magazine, “The Lion King” holds the first best-dressed musical spot while overlooking its lesser costume underlings as king of the jungle. Julie Taymor, the renowned director, costume designer and mask/puppet codesigner, has snagged numerous awards for her original rendering of the Disney classic, including a Tony Award for Best Costumes and a Molière Award for the same. Though the musical has gained
critical acclaim for its merit and costumes alike, its unbridled mainstream success has raised the bar for Broadway perhaps in part to the African aesthetic reminiscent of the musical’s score and origins. The costumes themselves are works of art and functional props even as they encompass the masks that each actor wears to portray his or her character.
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2. WICKED Whimsy comes to mind when viewing the various interpretations of “Wicked’s” costumes, as it should when telling a story about witches (good and bad), a corrupt wizard and a fantastical town. Monochromatic hues of emerald are the musical’s closest ally as they are translated into fanciful and surreal 19th century cinched waists and insane hats.
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3.GREASE Never has a musical inspired more Halloween costumes than the film version of “Grease.” Poodle skirts and silk pink jackets are well and all, but the true winner is the musical’s grand final of a creation. Sandy’s transformative character from innocent darlin’ to hot babe via leather, leather and more leather is enhanced by the costume. We know even before she starts singing that Danny Zuko better shape up (oooh oooh ooh) because she needs a man.
4.CATS Leotards are kind of in again, right? But there’s no denying that “Cats” was heavily supported by its most infamous player: the tiger-striped, skintight plastic and face paint. The costumes are as iconic and recognizable as the play, and its opening song, “Memory.”
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5. Les Miserables Period pieces leave costume designers weak in the knees over the opportunity to bring an abandoned era of corsets and frills to life. The most recent movie adaptation is of course a brilliant one in terms of costumes, thanks to a sizable budget. The film covers such a vast array
of characters and their subsequent outfits that it’s difficult to pinpoint a particular masterpiece. The French revolutionary donned by Aaron Tveit and Eddie Redmayne make a case with cropped jackets and complimentary color palettes.
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6. My Fair Lady The costumes of “My Fair Lady” are as classy as their leading lady, Audrey Hepburn. Fashion photographer Cecil Beaton designed the film version’s Academy Award-winning legendary black and white ensembles, thanks to his awareness of silhouette. The monotone
color scheme echoes his penchant for black and white photographs and solidifies the costume’s pure fashion instinct. The over-the-top, garish hats, bows and dainty parasols would have been just as fitting in an early 1900s fashion editorial as they are in the 1964 cinematic creation.
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7. DREAMGIRLS Through various interpretations and remakes, a central thread has tied the Dreamgirls’ dream together: costume pageantry that’s as much center stage as the belted tunes and leading ladies. With a ‘60s and ‘70s culmination of big voices, the triplet is often featured
in silhouette. As such, their outfits ranged from mermaid skimmers and tight flapper-esque concoctions, similar to those in the 2006 remake featuring Beyoncé. High slits and satin gloves set off the girls’ dreams (and ours, too).
8. BURLESQUE Though certainly not known for its critical acclaim or acting chomps, this movie musical does boast Cher’s presence, and with it, worthy costume design. Christina Aguilera’s rise to burlesque stardom a la Coyote Ugly is accentuated by her barely-there sparkling excuses for clothes. Notable standouts include
the decadent pearl concoction that reveals itself draped across Christina Aguilera upon a bed of feathered fans and the crystal encrusted number she rocks with a bowler hat and curly poof. The handprints on either extremity (breasts/bottom) are the perfect culmination to the songstress’ seduction.
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AMERICAN ICON
By Tyler Kilby
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ustin boasts the label of music capital of the world, but in recent years, the city has been making its mark on the fashion scene as well. One local collector and vendor, Jonathon Galyon of American Icon, believes Austin is on its way to becoming a hotspot for fashion and music alike. American Icon, Galyon’s online vintage store, prides itself on quality band tees rocking scores of personality. He predicts that eventually, the two industries will meet each other head-on based on his experience in both realms. Galyon, who is in his early 30s, seems to be a twenty-something upon first sight. Sporting long hair, slim-fitting jeans and a band T-shirt with rolled-up
sleeves, he has found a way to preserve his youth as well as he does his merchandise. He attests this to “living the young life,” in that he attends concerts and stays true to his business’ purpose. Originally from Tennessee, Galyon traveled down to Austin in hopes of creating what he anticipates will be “the biggest vintage clothing online store.” “It was literally like an epiphany.,” Galyon said on creating American Icon. “All of the sudden all these kinds of ideas exploded in my mind.” He possesses the largest vintage concert shirt collection around, and judging from his knowledge of bands and personal attire, that claim should remain uncontested.
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Ask Galyon about some of his most popular pieces, and he will list bands such as Radiohead, the Smiths, Iron Maiden and Metallica. However, he does mention a specific requirement for his shirts. “They have to be original,” he said. “What makes them valuable is that they are original concert shirts, not reprints.” Galyon acknowledges that a market for reprints exists, but he has not lost faith in buyers who seek original, vintage concert tees. “Reprints have made [originals] more popular in the sense that people will settle for reprints, but it’s more sought after to get the vintage shirt,” the owner said. Galyon’s plans for the future include opening
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flagship stores on the East and West Coasts where vintage band merchandise would vary based on the communities and cultures located around the area. The idea of bringing in vintage vendors from all over into American Icon stores thrills him, creating a united and centralized atmosphere for vendors scattered across the nation. On that same note, Galyon doesn’t see himself leaving Austin any time soon. One of his biggest goals is to plan an event bringing together vintage vendors and live music under one roof. Galyon imagines a three-day event with vendors from all around the world. “Hundreds and hundreds of vendors…” he said. “Fifteen bands play a day. Basically a vintage clothing
festival meets a music festival. The Rose Bowl meets Lollapalooza.” In his opinion, the city of Austin is not only a perfect place for local businesses, but also one of the largest “fashion and music meccas in the world.” Already with what could be the biggest vintage band shirt collection and a large following in the Texas capital, Jonathon Galyon is making his mark on the city’s music and fashion scenes. We don’t think he’s going anywhere but Austin anytime soon – and why would he, considering Austin provides the perfect atmosphere for mixing music and fashion?
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TRANSCENDING MUSI C & FASHION BY TYLER NEAL
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niversity Fashion Group, a student organization at The University of Texas at Austin, produces a spectacular fashion show at the Frank Erwin Center each year showcasing collections from senior textiles and apparel design students in the School of Human Ecology. Senior designers in the past have gone on to work for designers such as Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch and Timo Weiland, just to name a few. Last year, the show boasted 5,000 attendees, which included Brad Goreski, celebrity stylist and star of Bravo’s “It’s a Brad, Brad World.” Spark caught up with three designers for this year’s show, Transcend, to get a better idea of the inspirations behind their collections and how music has influenced their work.
KI N N I SON G Q: What was the inspiration for your collection? A: My inspirations for my collection were collars and emphasis on the back of the garments. Q: What techniques or materials did you use that distinguish it from the other designers? A: To my understanding, not many cocktail dresses are made out of cotton. Therefore, the purpose of this collection is to emphasize and enhance the use of cotton. Additionally, to distinguish my designs from the others, I’m actually applying the collars on the back of the garments. Q: Tell me how you became interested in fashion design. A: I’ve always liked artsy stuff when I was a kid. I also enjoy coming up with new and cool ideas. It’s crazy, but I was actually inspired by Project Runway. Q: Do you listen to any music while you create your garments? A: Yes, I like to listen to music when I create garments. Most of the time, it would be upbeat like pop, something that can keep the energy. Q: Who is your favorite musician and why? Do they inspire your designs in any way? A: At this moment, I’m not inspired by any musician. However, I have thought about it. Hopefully, I get to design for a well-known musician in the future.
Q: Name a few musicians that you would love to dress. A: I would love to dress Rihanna and Taylor Swift because these two girls have different styles yet both are still very feminine. Q: What are your plans after graduation? A: My plan after graduation is to find an internship. Hopefully, after interning I will be able to work for wellknown designers such as Vera Wang, Elie Saab or Oscar de la Renta.
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C H RI S T I N E LE W Q: What was the inspiration for your collection? A: My inspiration is organic architecture, so I am trying to convey the balance of structural and flowy details seen in my collection. Q: What techniques or materials did you use that distinguish it from the other designers? A: I am using soft and hard materials, balancing silk chiffon, wool, leather, and mesh. Techniques include sewing materials of different weights together and creating soft and hard shapes in the silhouettes of my designs. Q: Tell me how you became interested in fashion design. A: I have always been interested in design and art, and I just became interested in expressing myself through fashion.
Q: Who is your favorite musician and why? Do they inspire your designs in any way? A: I can’t really narrow down a favorite musician, but music definitely helps my creative juices flow. Q: Name a few musicians that you would love to dress. A: I would love to dress Julian Casablancas, Chris Chu, Claire Boucher, Florence Welch and Lana Del Rey. Q: What are your plans after graduation? A: Stay fierce and fabulous.
Q: Do you listen to any music while you create your garments? A: I have really different moods when I am designing, so sometimes I like to listen to really chill music such as old John Mayer, Priscilla Ahn, Frank Ocean and POP ETC. However, when I am feeling more pumped up, I like to listen to The Strokes and electropop like Giraffage.
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BRI AN A JOHNS ON Q: What was the inspiration for your collection? A: My inspiration for my collection was Egyptian kings and queens. I wanted to do something that related back to my heritage of being from Africa. I find that the Egyptians lived fascinating lives that were royal and scandalous at the same time. Q: What techniques or materials did you use that distinguish it from the other designers? A: All of my clothes are heavily draped which none of the other designers are doing. I am also using small bits of leather and natural mineral and crystal stones. Q: Tell me how you became interested in fashion design. A: I was always interested in fashion design. I used to play Barbie Fashion Designer on the computer when I was 7 years old. When I turned 11, I started drawing Croquis on the computer in paint and making hand sewn clothes for my Barbies. Q: Do you listen to any music while you create your garments? A: I usually listen to “intelligent” rap or pop music. Q: Who is your favorite musician and why? Do they inspire your designs in any way? A: My favorite musician is Kanye West. I love how he reinvents himself and makes music that no other rapper can do. I originally was going to name my collection after one of his songs called “Hell of a Life” but my designs changed. He also has a fashion line called “KW” which he shows sexy, strong and modern clothes.
Q: Name a few musicians that you would love to dress. A: I love eclectic, fresh and modern musicians. I would love to dress Rihanna! She’s super sexy and really connecting to our generation with her music. Secondly, I would love to dress Iggy Azalea. She’s a new upand-coming rapper and has a body of a model. She’s gorgeous. Q: What are your plans after graduation? A: I will continue selling vintage clothes on Etsy and I plan on modeling more. I also plan on starting a mobile styling group with make-up artists, stylists and photographers and myself acting as a modeling coach. Transcend is on Apr. 18, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center. The show is free and open to the public. For more information, visit universityfashiongroup.com/transcend.
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SEARCHING FOR WANDERLUST
P HO TO G R AP H Y MARY KAN G P RI M A LU C E STU DIO WW W. P R I M A LUC ES TU DIO .C O M M O D E L J A SM I NE MILLS S T Y LE D B Y R O N IT J O S ELEV ITZ HAIR A N D M A KE U P B Y R O NIT JO S E L EVI T Z
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Think Florence Welch meets Lana del Rey with this white linen dress and tropical bikini combo paired with a pastel flower crown.
Dress, Frock on Vintage. Bikini, Blue Glue Bikinis. Belt, Frock on Vintage. Jewelry, stylist’s own. Flower crown made by Ronit Joselevitz, price upon request.
A colorful maxi skirt meets its best partner with a graphic crocheted jumper.
Skirt and crochet jumper, Frock on Vintage. Necklace, stylist’s own.
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Pile eclectic jewelry atop a swimsuit and fringed wrap.
Pants, Frock on Vintage. Bikini, Blue Glue Bikinis. Wrap, stylist’s own. Jewelry, stylists own.
The coolest denim vest you’ll ever find atop a floral jumper.
Jumpsuit, denim vest and turquoise rings, Frock on Vintage.
Hidden waistlines behind an asymmetrical dress and a cherry red kimono.
Skirt, red kimono and ring, Frock on Vintage. Head wrap made by Ronit Joselevitz. Gold cuffs, model’s own.
Prepare yourself for the hot days during SXSW with a bandeau and a kimono to block the sun’s rays.
Kimono, Bandeau, bracelets, rings and short necklace, Frock on Vintage. Flower crown made by Ronit Joselevitz, price upon request. Long Necklace, Stylist’s Own.
CREDITS Special Thanks to: Mary Kang from Prima Luce Studio Frock on Vintage Blue Glue Bikinis Jasmine Mills Meg Floryan, AMOA-Arthouse marketing and PR associate