LONGHORN LIFE
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Friday, April 12, 2013
LONGHORN
Editor’s Note It’s finally springtime on the Forty Acres — or some erratic Texas season of the sort — and you can finally ditch the jacket and jeggings for shorts and sandals. With the UT senior fashion show on April 18 and Austin Fashion Week coming up May 3-11, we’ve dedicated this entire edition to all things fashion. We caught up with local Austin Fashion Week designers Kendra Scott,
Ross Bennett, Gail Chovan and Stephen Moser to talk about their style inspirations and advice for aspiring designers on page 8. For a peek inside the closets of some of UT’s stylish students, check out page 11. Feeling inspired yet? Wait until you see the collections at the senior fashion show next week. It’s free for all UT students, so check out the final products of the talented
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textiles and apparel students. We even got a chance to talk to Macklemore about his thrift shop finds and his upcoming clothing line. Read Chris Gilman’s interview on page 13. Also we apologize in advance for the Macklemore references scattered throughout the edition, we couldn’t help ourselves. While poppin’ tags in Macklemore’s footsteps can be a great way to
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add some new pieces to your spring wardrobe for cheap, a clothing swap can be another option. Check out tips for throwing a successful one on page 10. If you’re looking to clean out your closet instead of add to it, go streaking. Yes, you heard me right. Participants in the annual Undie Run donate the clothes off of their backs (page 4). We hope our fashion
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issue inspires you to use campus as your runway. So toss those Nike shorts and embrace your inner fashionista!
Pop those tags,
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Special Editions Editor Alex Vickery Web Editor/Associate Editor Ali Killian Designers Jacqui Bontke, Sara Gonzalez, Felimon Hernandez, Daniel Hublein Writers Elysse Alvarado, Shantanu Banerjee, Kaci Borowski, Priyanka Deshpande, Channing Holman, Bianca Moragne, Katey Psencik, Jackie Ruth Photographers Leanne Chia, Chelsea Jackson, Sneha Joshi, Alejandro Silveyra, Trisha Seelig, Monica Zhang Cover Design Daniel Hublein
Making streaking philanthropic
Good Eats
Exploring the “Fabric of Social Dining”
Features Austin Fashion Week designers give us the dish
Features Inside the closets of UT fashion gurus
Features Our interview with Macklemore: sort of
Our Campus Celebrating the faculty and staff at UT
Director Jalah Goette Advertising Adviser CJ Salgado Campus & National Sales Rep Joan Bowerman Broadcast & Events Manager Carter Goss Student Manager Trevor Nelson Student Assistant Manager Zach Congdon Student Account Executives Fredis Benitez, Christian Dufner, Jake Dworkis, Rohan Needel, Paola Reyes, Ted Sniderman, Emil Zawatski Student Lead Generator Jennifer Howton Student Classifieds Clerk Nick Cremona Student Digital Assistant Stephanie Vajda Event Coordinator Lindsey Hollingsworth Special Editions & Production Coordinator Abby Johnston Senior Graphic Designer Felimon Hernandez Graphic Designer Daniel Hublein Student Graphic Designers Jacqui Bontke, Sara Gonzalez Longhorn Life is an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan produced by students in Texas Student Media’s special editions office. Reach us at specialeditions@texasstudentmedia.com. Copyright 2011 Texas Student Media. All articles, photographs and graphics are the property of Texas Student Media and may not be reproduced or republished in part or in whole without written permission. CONTACT TSM: We are located in the Hearst Student Media building (HSM). For advertising, call 512-471-1865.
Friday, April 12, 2013
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LONGHORN LIFE
Spotlight LOVE THAT STYLE!
Showcasing students around campus photos and story by Sneha Joshi
CHATTER
Aidana Omarbekoya
Christine Ku
Alexandra Gibner
plan II and sociology freshman
computer science junior
Maybe the Nike shorts haven’t gotten to her yet, but this freshman is determined to show that being on campus doesn’t mean being unfashionable.
With Kate Middleton as her style icon, Ku has an international taste. Her Taiwanese skirt is our favorite touch, playing the patterns off of her fun boots.
biochemistry freshman
Style pet peeve: ill-fitting clothes Wearing: Tahari peacoat, Theory turtleneck, bodycon skirt, gray, ribbed tights, Urban Outfitters boots
“
I think it’s important to stay comfortable during the hotter spring days, so I like to keep it casual with airy shorts that also keep me cool.
”
Style pet peeve: frayed clothing Wearing: Tiffany necklace, Gap V-neck, Taiwanese skirt, Fabshoes boots
WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG? Thomas Mylott
Caroline Garcia business honors sophomore
“
I like to add a pop of color to my outfits, and coral is the perfect tone for the spring season.
”
plan II sophomore
There seems to be a color scheme to this bag, don’t you think? Mylott keeps it practical, with his laptop, cords and notebooks. His large, sturdy backpack assures that his expensive gear remains safe, while the roomy compartments leave space for more.
Janice Maliakkal plan II freshman
“
A staple piece for me is something that I can wear a bunch of different ways and can style each look differently. Black jeans are great because they can be very casual, but can also be dressed up with a nice top or bold accessories.
”
What is your best piece of fashion advice?
LONGHORN LIFE
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Friday, April 12, 2013
Impact Streaking for a cause No one thought that the founders of the Undie Run would literally give them the clothes off their backs, but the admirable act might even excuse them from running a mile in nothing but their skivvies. Austin’s Undie Run had approximately 700 participants last year and MTV Act, a blog about charitable organizations, called it “the sexiest charity work you can ever do.” The run will celebrate its sixth year in Austin on May 3, the last day of classes. The Undie Run as it is known today turned philanthropic in 2006, when Weston Carls, Kyle Kuhlmann and Ryan Tisinger organized a run at San Diego State University. The three friends decided to give it their own charitable twist after seeing another clothes-free race at The University of California, Los Angeles. Carls, who was born in Lufkin, decided to bring the Undie Run to Austin as a UT senior in 2007. The following year, Austin hosted its first Undie Run. There were approximately 300 participants who donated approximately 1,000 pounds of clothing — one runner even wore multiple layers of clothing that had to be pulled off by helping hands. After its inception, Carls said the founders were getting approximately 10 emails a week, asking how people could start Undie Runs at their schools. “I feel very strongly about helping those less fortunate,”
by Jackie Ruth
Carls said. “It makes you feel good that there are people across college campuses that feel the same way.” Although the Austin Undie Run isn’t officially affiliated with UT, Carls headed a now-defunct student group called the Undie Run Texas Chapter, and encourages students to revive the organization. The founders want to prevent vandalism on campus, which is one reason why it is a city event
“I never thought...that I would help start a movement that’s going around the world. It’s a showstopper.” - Weston Carls, Undie Run co-founder rather than a university-sanctioned one. There are a lot of benefits to participating in the Undie Run, for those who are wary of showing that much skin in public. “We want as many people as possible to participate,” Carls said. “We encourage people to drop off clothes even if they’re not going to run.” People of all body types take part in the run, and the runners are welcome to wear whatever makes them comfortable, including costumes. Also, there is no entry fee for the run,
other than clothing donations. So far, the Austin Undie Run has provided a total of approximately 25,000 pounds of clothing to locals in need. LifeWorks, an Austin nonprofit that aims to build strong families, has volunteers help out at the event and gets the first pick of the donated clothing. Lifeworks picks out apparel for young people who can’t afford to buy clothes for job interviews, so Carls encourages people to donate polo shirts, dresses and other similar attire. The rest of the donations go to the Trinity Center, a nonprofit that benefits the homeless and impoverished, and St. Vincent de Paul, a thrift shop. Recently, Will Ferrell has announced his intent to get involved in the Undie Run, largely due to his famous streaking scene in “Old School.” The organization will be giving an autographed cowbell to the top fundraising team at UT. There’s even a rumor circulating that he may show up to participate in one of the 2014 Undie Runs. You can learn more about Ferrell’s participation on the Undie Run Facebook page. “I never thought, when I was growing up, that I would help start a movement that’s going around the world,” Carls said. “It’s a show-stopper.”
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Friday, April 12, 2013
Longhorn Life
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More closet space could mean a fatter wallet
by Kaci Borowski photo by Leanne Chia
Spring cleaning can help fill your pockets, in addition to creating some much-needed space at home. Here are a few tips and tricks to get yourself organized and get paid.
CRAIGSLIST Craigslist is a great, free option to rid yourself of large or unorthodox items that you no longer want. When making a post on the website, be sure to include clear photos and an accurate description of the item for sale; it will save you a ton of unnecessary questions. To avoid spammers, include a keyword in your listing for verification, and make sure to only accept cash or trade. If possible, try to speak to the buyer on the phone beforehand to ensure credibility. It can be a little weird having strangers show up at your door, so keep friends or roommates around if it makes you feel more comfortable.
SPECIALTY STORES With a little research, you can find a place for most anything you’d like to get rid of. Local retailer Play It Again Sports buys used sporting equipment and offers trades, in case you want to take up a new game. There are plenty of music outfitters around town who will buy back that old acoustic guitar you were totally going to learn Taylor Swift songs on — it’s probably not going to happen, so put some cash back in your pocket for your next new hobby.
CLOTHING RESALE SHOPS Here is a perfect opportunity to get rid of all of the clothes hanging in your closet that you never wear. Local retailers like Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads Trading Co. will offer you cash or store credit for trendy items in good condition that you no longer want. Make sure the clothing you’re trading in is seasonally appropriate and free of any holes or discoloration. You can use the store credit to restock your now streamlined closet, or you can take the cash and splurge elsewhere. It’s a win-win.
EBAY If an item exists, someone on the Internet will likely pay you money for it. eBay can be an amazing resource to help you sell rare or collectors’ items, in addition to anything you can’t get rid of locally. All you need is an Internet connection, a digital camera and a credit card to get yourself going and start raking in the dough. Be sure to use a service like PayPal to protect your finances while you send or receive funds. A note of caution, however: eBay is the black hole of the Internet. Unless you have a spare four hours to waste looking at vintage UT sweatshirts and bulk turquoise jewelry, search judiciously.
DONATE By this point, you’ve hopefully managed to get rid of a good chunk of your unwanted stuff. If you do find yourself unable to sell your items, donating them to a thrift store, such as Goodwill, Savers or the Salvation Army, can be a good alternative. Some stores will offer discount coupons for donations, so you can be rewarded monetarily for your good deeds.
LONGHORN LIFE
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Good Eats
Friday, April 12, 2013
Embrace your inner foodie
Fashionable dining hits Austin
by Elysse Alvarado photo by Trisha Seelig Texas is a state of mind, but Austin is the world’s obsession. Not only is it the capital of our beloved state and of live music, but it is increasingly a city of endless culinary bliss. From food trucks to Tex-Mex, there is something for every foodie in town, and now Austinites have something else to look forward to on their plates: Searsucker, the third restaurant of that name from chef Brian Malarkey and “hospitality visionary” James Brennan. The San Diego chef will stretch his national expansion to Austin this May in the former Maria Maria space downtown. Malarkey, Top Chef veteran and recent judge on ABC’s The Taste, is equally enthralled by the capital city. “This town is incredible,” he said. “It’s home to a significant creative class, the largest university in the country, a vibrant music scene and a growing and diverse culinary community. I honestly can’t think of a better location for our restaurant.” With Searsucker, Malarkey and Brennan will introduce the “Fabric of Social Dining,” a concept that the pair coined and trademarked as a brand new dining experience. Expect more than just a meal — it highlights the social experience and proves that there is more to eating out than just the actual, well, eating. “We really aim to make every guest feel at home in our establishments, almost like they are at a dinner party at close
submitted by Searsucker
submitted by Searsucker
friends’ house,” Brennan said. “When our team began discussing possible locations, Austin was at the top of our wish list. ... It seemed like a natural fit for Searsucker’s fabric of social dining concept.” Brennan borrows the Longhorn football season mentality in his aim for the restaurant: “Come early and stay late and enjoy every part of the experience.” “Searsucker guests come in not just for a meal but for an entire evening — one that often starts with cocktails, moves to dinner and ultimately transitions into a lounge vibe with more cocktails and great, untraditional and unexpected music,” he said. But while the complete focus isn’t on the dining, Malarkey plans on bringing the unpredictable and authentic to the table. Searsucker’s San Diego menu divides offerings into categories like greens, bites, ranch, farm and ocean. Dishes include everything from bacon grits to marrow bone with fleur de sel and peach. Craft brews and artisanal cocktails are created to complement the sustainable menu. He emphasizes that new American cuisine allows him to cook food that is both sophisticated and laid back. “I can meld together classic dishes and comfort foods with fun and unexpected ingredients,” he said.
The first Searsucker opened in San Diego 10 years ago, and the fabric of social dining philosophy has struck a chord with guests. The second location opened last summer in Scottsdale, Ariz., making Austin’s Warehouse District location the third. The name is a combination of the word sea, a reference to the original San Diego location, and seersucker, the lightweight pinstriped fabric adopted in the 1920s. The Warehouse District has had issues with keeping customers due to city roadwork. The construction rounded off after six months of work, and Brennan hopes his restaurant will help rejuvenate the area. “The once-thriving Warehouse District has undergone some big changes lately,” he said. “Simply put, we look forward to opening a new destination in the district, doing our part to support business in the area and providing a great night out for our patrons.” Combining Brennan’s nightlife expertise and Malarkey’s unpretentious approach to food, the end result is sure to be an exciting addition to the culinary community.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Longhorn Life
Making spring s w e e t e r by Kaci Borowski photo by Leanne Chia Slowly but surely, Austin is starting to warm up. Before you know it, it will be summer, and you’ll be sweating through your clothes, wishing for sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes all over again. Before that happens, arm yourself with this versatile Popsicle recipe to keep cool during the impending six months of heat that await us. Perfect for a barbeque, a trip to float the river or just hanging out under your air conditioning, these treats are easily customizable. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, add a flavored cider or champagne for an alcoholic kick (assuming you’re of age, of course). Make, freeze and enjoy.
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POPSICLES Ingredients: 2/3 cup sugar 1 cup of pineapple chunks 1 cup of raspberries 1 cup of chopped strawberries ¼ cup lemon juice Water Directions: 1. Boil 1/3 cup of water with the sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside and let cool. 2. Combine the pineapple, raspberries, strawberries and lemon juice. Purée in a blender until smooth. 3. Add in 1/3 cup of simple syrup to thicken and blend for another 10 seconds.
4. Pour your purée into a Popsicle mold or paper cups and freeze for one hour. Once the mix is a little icy, insert Popsicle sticks and freeze for another four hours. 5. Remove and enjoy!
Visit our Pinterest for more frozen recipes! pinterest.com/ txlonghornlife
Move over, New York; Austin’s Fashion Week is coming in hot. As classes end on May 3, swap the burnt orange T-shirts for nine days of high-class couture, featuring national and local designers, such as these four. Each Austin-based designer brings something unique to the table, from Gail Chovan’s raw, earthy line and Stephen Moser’s dark glam style to Ross Bennett’s paisley patterns and Kendra Scott’s bold, colorful jewelry. Austin Fashion Week kicks off with Noir, a true dinner and a (runway) show, and Encore, the after party that showcases local hair and makeup teams. The week continues with showcases and runway shows, and concludes with the fifth annual Austin Fashion Awards and after party on May 11. To feed your style hunger until Austin Fashion Week begins, check out the textiles and apparel seniors’ designs in Transcend, the UT School of Human Ecology runway fashion show on April 18, and read up on these four designers who will represent Austin’s best in fashion in the beginning of May.
STEPHEN MOSER
by Jackie Ruth
T
hough he now calls Austin home, Stephen Moser ruled the fashion scene in many major cities working with super models Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss before settling down. The Austin Chronicle columnist began his fashion career in 1975 at the Zach Scott Theatre. He attended fashion school at Seattle Central Community College, and has also lived in San Francisco, Houston and New York City, where he sold designs at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Frank Stella. However, despite returning to the place where his career was birthed, Moser still misses his former metropolitan pace. “I like my lifestyle in Austin, but there’s nothing like New York,” he said. Moser has been interested in fashion since he was a child, styling original Barbie dolls in the late 1950s with his older sister. They would use their parents’ record player for fashion shows, strapping the dolls to the record spindle and coordinating the clothes with the music. “I was entranced by their clothes,” Moser said. “I always considered Barbie my first client.” Five years ago, Moser was
diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer and given six months to live. Since then, the cancer has spread to his colon and lymph system, but he continues to stay active in his career. “I’m not dead yet,” he said. “I’m going to do something with my life. I think everything I design is going to be my last, so it has to be wilder and faster.” Moser recognizes that the stressful fashion industry may not always be relaxing, but he can’t pull himself away. “I love all of it,” he said. “It’s not always fun, it’s not always glamorous, but I can’t get it out of my blood.” Whether working alone or with others, Moser says that his inspiration comes from the fabric. Rather than designing clothing and trying to decide what fabric to use, he does the opposite. “I find the fabric and the fabric speaks to me and I listen to it,” Moser said. “It tells me what it wants to be, and I, as its willing slave, obey.” Although Moser is inspired by fabric rather than people, he admits to being influenced by Christian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga and 1970s designer Halston. He also loves the way that Nicole Kidman dresses, though he doesn’t pay much attention to young,
contemporary celebrities. “I prefer old Hollywood glamour, like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren, who wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without looking like a million dollars,” he said. “It takes exactly as much time to put on pretty clothes as it takes to put on ugly clothes.” One of the greatest obstacles in Moser’s career is that he falls in love with the clothing that he creates, which makes it harder for him to sell anything or have it used on the runway. In one show, he was mortified as one of his gorgeous dresses was dipped in dye, shredded and ripped. Another designer told him, “You can’t fall in love with your clothes after you make them; they aren’t yours anymore.” The advice has stuck with him, but he often still wants to keep what he creates. To anyone who wants to work in fashion, Moser advises getting an internship as soon as you graduate, as well as getting any job in fashion. But he warns: “If you think you’re going to get married and have children and have your daytime job in fashion, get out of town.”
O
nly a few designers around the world can claim to have Hollywood actresses fawning over their product. Award-winning, Austinbased jewelry designer Kendra Scott is one of them. Scott has launched the multimillion-dollar brand Kendra Scott Jewelry, with collections sold to prominent retailers such as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, as well as direct availability to the customer. She will be showcasing some of her couture pieces at Austin Fashion Week as an Austin Fashion Awards Designer. During Austin Fashion Week, Scott will unveil a unique composition of jewelry highlighting distinctive styles and textures. “This year, our AFW collection pays tribute to the seasons, infusing rich colors and textures to create mega
statement pieces reminiscent of spring, summer, fall and winter,” she revealed. “A parade of bold baubles merging layering chains, tassels, ornate caging and organic etched metals with a kaleidoscope of colors, from lavender and mint, to turquoise and poppy red, will create a season sensation on the runway.” Starting her business from a consumer standpoint, Scott’s exclusive hand-crafted creations cater to women of all ages. Her chic metal patterns display a rank of sophistication and modernity, featuring custom-cut gemstones in a lively array of colors. “When designing for a collection, I always try to envision the woman for whom I’m designing,” Scott said. “The woman I designed my latest collection for was exotic, loves to travel and immerses herself in the culture. Our jewelry is for that vivacious, fun woman who wants to express her style
through bold, colorful accessories, and isn’t afraid to turn heads when she walks in a room.” A trip to Bali last year inspired her upcoming summer collection. After being amazed by the culture, architecture, people and geography she encountered on her travels, she set out to express her experience in her newest line of jewelry. While headquartered in Austin, the company has expanded across the nation, with specialty stores and showrooms in Beverly Hills, Dallas, Houston, Scottsdale and New York City. The company looks forward to its seventh store opening at Newport Beach’s Fashion Island on April 15, and is scouting new cities for future store locations. While she has had plenty of success as an entrepreneur, Scott has not limited her pursuits to the jewelry business. With the founding philosophy
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GAIL CHOVAN
by Katey Psencik photo by Sneha Joshi
G
ail Chovan professes that she doesn’t fit into the Austin fashion scene. “I’m not overly influenced by the industry or trend,” she said. “I feel like what I’m doing is really personal to me. I think my style is darker. It’s more raw or organic. Some people
say it’s sexy or more sensual and I tend to think it’s maybe a little more androgynous.” And in an industry where mass production and market researchers try to latch onto the next big trend, Chovan doesn’t design for the world — she designs for herself. “It reflects more of what I want to wear, not so much what
other people want to wear,” she said. “When I design something, if I see a person try it on, I know if that’s the right person to wear the clothes.” Chovan, owner of Blackmail Boutique, returned to Austin from design school in Paris in 1997 and instantly became an Austin style icon. She won the Austin Chronicle’s award
for Best Designer in 2011, in part thanks to her passion for workmanship and non-industrialization. “The art of designing and sewing is very ingrained in me,” she said. “I do it all myself. I’m not interested in having manufacturers involved. The beauty in what I do is that I’m going back to craftsmanship.” One step into Chovan’s workshop and it became clear that she is exactly that — a craftsman. Her bookshelf reached to the ceiling, full of titles that read “Chanel” or simply “shoes.” Various-sized scissors hung from hooks alongside measuring tape. Behind her work desk, a large painting of a graveyard stretched out above a stainless steel tea set and tall, waxy candlesticks. Dress forms, butter paper — the designer’s nickname for parchement paper
— and pattern paper were scattered across her workspace among varying fabrics. Chovan is acutely aware of the industry in which she works and the city where she lives. She knows where the lines are drawn and how to neatly tiptoe around them. “Austin’s fashion is growing, but it’s hard to pinpoint,” she said. “You either have the fancy designers, which, unless you’re getting married, there’s no place for that here because it’s really a rather casual town. Then you have the other end, the easy-to-put-together kind of style. I don’t fit into either.” The designer calls her work “artisanal couture,” using techniques taken from her schooling in Paris. Her most recent line was inspired by Georgia O’Keefe, who is known for wearing mostly black and white.
ROSS BENNETT
KENDRA SCOTT
by Priyanka Deshpande photo by David Heiser
LONGHORN LIFE
Friday, April 12, 2013
LONGHORN LIFE
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by Channing Holman
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of “family, fashion and philanthropy,” Scott has also dedicated her time and effort to giving back to the community. She serves as the co-founder and co-chair of LifeWorks Entrepreneurs & Professionals and has been involved in charity work for the American Heart Association’s Go Red
Campaign for Women, as well as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Also, Scott will be co-hosting a CNBC primetime reality competition show for small business owners called Crowd Rules with Pat Kiernan, premiering April 30.
oss Bennett may not be NBC’s Fashion Star, but Austin will claim him as ours. After being knocked out of last year’s competition, the designer is still thriving. In his newest collection, he pays homage to pastera trends with a modern twist. The former University of Texas fashion student is staying true to our laurels, changing the world with one garment at a time. “I love lots of colors, floras and paisleys, but I pushed the fall collection to black and white with accents of red, leather and fur,” Bennett said. “It’s classical chaos inspired by my life and the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.” Bennett’s traditional take on the runway is similar to his personal style. Even as a kid, Bennett said his parents dressed him as the traditional “Ralph Lauren baby” look. In fact, Ralph Lauren is still one of Bennett’s biggest
fashion inspirations in his collections today. His own personal style has not gone unnoticed. Congressmen request custom-made suits from Bennett for an upgrade on the black office suit. “I just made a tuxedo with red polka dot lining,” Bennett said. “I always do things with a twist.” Although college campuses are far from the runway, Bennett still encourages students to dress their best no matter where they are headed, regardless of time of day, and urges students to leave the sweats at home. “You may walk into a store on The Drag and strike up a conversation with someone,” he said. “If you’re dressed well, they’ll remember you. Put in a little effort.” And since Bennett knows college students may be financially limited and unable to buy every new hot trend, he recommends vintage resale stores over stores
“I think the process of inspiration is one that most young designers don’t necessarily comprehend,” she said. “Most students say they were inspired by a fabric or a color and I say you have to close your eyes and imagine inspiration coming from within. What I’m trying to do right now is about the earth, rawness and skulls and bones; not in a gothic way or anything, just deterioration.” Chovan said designing clothes wasn’t what she always wanted to do. In fact, she didn’t realize her calling until her late 20s. “As a little girl, I didn’t dress up my Barbie dolls,” she said. “I was a tomboy. I played sports, and I read. I started spending time in Paris and then I went to graduate school to become a professor. It was kind of a calling that I got in Paris. I wanted to do it because I thought I
that sell less expensive items. “I hate H&M,” Bennett said. “You buy three pairs of cheap jeans that only last a little bit of time. Be classic. I rather spend $100 on shirt and pants that last. Remember, you’re building your empire.” Bennett also said that when shopping on a budget, mix and match different colors and use accessories as accents. Be bold, be daring and don’t put too much thought into what others say. “People are going to love you or hate you, but they’re still talking about you,” Bennett said. “They’re jealous that your style is innovative.” With so much charisma and confidence, it’s no wonder Bennett is jet-setting across the country, showing America that Texas has their own style icons. His meetings with senators and constant flights across the country were once a dream that have
would be good at it. I thought, ‘I can do this.’” So Chovan came back to the United States, sold everything and enrolled in design school in Paris. “My parents thought I was crazy,” she said. “I think it’s amazing when there are 12-year-old bloggers and 13-yearold designers, and I’m like ‘Oh, honey, there’s so much to do before you decide.’” Chovan’s workshop is her safe haven in the middle of a city that’s not as unusual as they find her clothes to be. “I do get very happy and flattered when somebody gets what I’m doing, but it’s very avant-garde for Austin,” she said. “I’m just happy in my studio by myself making what I want to make. I could sit at a sewing machine all day. I love to cut fabric. I love to touch it.” While Austin may not be the city to understand Chovan’s unique line of clothing, she’s perfectly content where she is. “I’m not trying to design for the masses,” she said.
become his reality. The name Ross Bennett is associated with a quickly growing empire. Because of his expanding brand, he had to make some sacrifices, including completing his degree at UT. Bennett was enrolled during the fall of 2012 but withdrew due to his inability to attend classes. “At what point do you realize there is too much going on, but I’m still following my dreams and my passions?” Bennett said. “I just launched my luggage line and I have my fall collection in New Orleans coming up. A degree is something I can always get, but the connections I’m making are now.” Things may not always fall into place in the traditional order for Bennett, but for now, he’s enjoying the places his designs take him. Catch him at this year’s Austin Fashion Week before we inevitably lose him to New York.
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LONGHORN LIFE
Making cents Swappin’ tags
Friday, April 12, 2013
Doing more for less
by Kaci Borowski photo by Trisha Seelig
With the season starting to change, it’s time to stow away that winter gear and pull out those trusty denim cutoffs and tank tops that have been sitting up on the shelf. If you’re looking to spruce up your warm weather wardrobe, a clothing swap is an easy way to add new pieces. It’s also a great excuse to get some friends together for a bit of socializing without having to spend any cash. Here is a simple guide on how to host your own clothing swap.
•Prep your guest list beforehand. In order to have a successful clothing swap, an important thing to consider is inviting friends that share similar tastes in clothing or have similar body types. Try to ensure that everyone has at least one swap partner with a similar size or build so everyone can participate. •Clean out your own closet — judiciously. This is likely the hardest part of hosting a clothing swap. Be realistic about what you still wear and what fits you. It’s easy to hold onto articles of clothing for sentimental reasons, but if you haven’t worn it in more than a year, it’s probably time to unload. This also goes for accessories, shoes and bags. What you haven’t worn in years might be a friend’s new favorite staple. •Set aside adequate space for your friends’ items. One effective way to do this is to set up several tables to display clothing on. Hangers and some string pinned to a wall also work in a pinch. When your guests arrive, instruct them to lay everything out where your swap partners can easily see it. Sort items by type so it’s easier for you and your guests to go through. •Open up a walk-through period with drinks and snacks before the swap so that your guests can get a good look at
Fashion emergency kit
by Bianca Moragne photo by Sneha Joshi
Quick fashion fixes that can save your garments
Problem #1: Stuck zipper
Problem #2: Ripped seam
Solution: Sometimes the teeth on a zipper don’t line up just right, causing the zipper to catch. Either way, most people will get rid of the article of clothing. But, with a simple DIY fix, you won’t have to toss it. You will need: A pair of pliers Scissors Thread Needle Nail polish Instructions: Remove the metal stopper at the bottom of the zipper with a pair of pliers. Zip the zipper all the way down to the bottom without completely pulling it off. Next, rearrange the teeth of the zipper so that they line up straight. Slowly zip the zipper halfway to test whether or not the teeth are locking together correctly. If they are, use the needle and thread to sew around the place where the metal stopper was, at the bottom of the zipper, until secure. Tie the knot at the back of the zipper. Now it’s time for the ultimate test. Pull your zipper all the way to the top. It shouldn’t catch anymore! Prevention: To prevent stubborn zippers, use masking tape on both sides to protect the fabric and then spray the entire zipper with WD-40. This will oil the tracks of the zipper and allow it to glide up and down without catching on the fabric.
Solution: Seams will tear due to stress or lots of wear, but that doesn’t mean the fabric can’t be fixed. Mending a seam is so quick and easy that it should never be the cause of tossing out your clothes. All you need to do is replace the thread. You will need: Scissors Needle Thread Instructions: Tie off the loose threads on the tear to prevent any further unraveling. Start by inserting your needle on the opposite side of the tear where the seam is closed. Sew above where the existing seam is in place toward the open seam. When you get to the open part of the seam, lay both sides of the fabric together and sew in a straight line. Continue sewing in small stitches all the way down until the tear is closed. Tie off the thread from view and cut.
Problem #3: Stains Solution: Vinegar! If you don’t have a Tide To-Go stick handy and have managed to spill your lunch all over yourself, don’t fret. Vinegar makes stain removal a snap. You will need: Vinegar Instructions: For a majority of stains, saturate the stained area with vinegar. Allow it to soak in. Rinse and repeat as needed with water. Then, wash immediately.
what they’re bidding on and make sure it fits. This will save a lot of time when you begin the swap and give everyone a fair chance. •Pick names out of a hat to determine the order for selecting items and continue in that order for the rest of the swap so everyone gets an equal opportunity. Allow people to opt out once they’ve reached their swap fill so anyone still hunting can continue on. •Bag up the leftover items and take them to a resale shop, once everyone has selected their articles of choice, such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Not only will you be making all of your friends’ loads lighter, but you’ll also be helping your community.
Have you and your friends hosted a clothing swap? Tweet us pictures @TXLonghornLife
Friday, April 12, 2013
LONGHORN LIFE
INSIDECLOSETS
OUR
Ricardo Hernandez
Ricardo Hernandez knows fashion, but more importantly, he knows all about style. “I really don’t try to stick to trends, it defeats the point of dressing for yourself because you’re dressing like everybody else,” he said. His fashion blog, The Style Inquisitor, emphasizes the importance of personal style, inspired by other fashion blogs like Fashion Toast and Style.com. Hernandez also does a lot of his shopping online at sites like ASOS and Topman, and names like Theory, Rag & Bone and Alexander Wang are among his favorite (but expensive) designers. “I try to invest in quality and things that will last,” Hernandez said. “It’s better to splurge on things that I’ll wear over and over again.” His closet is the perfect mix of affordable and luxury brands. “I have a lot of jackets because I’m in a constant state of denial about seasons changing,” he said. “The hardest time for me is summer because you’re always sweating.” One of his favorite jackets is a camel blazer from the
Angeli Aguilera
Angeli Aguilera’s closet is a reflection of everything she is passionate about. Her style inspiration comes from a legendary actress. “I’m obsessed with Audrey Hepburn,” Aguilera said. “She is clean and classic. She was always a lady. That carries over into the pieces that I like to buy.” From a garment rack full of blazers to beautiful textured skirts, Aguilera keeps it simple without being boring. A recent purchase from Zara includes a jacquard skirt that can easily be matched with many tops. “I’m not too big on color. I prefer neutral tones and then I pile on accessories and pair it with some great shoes,” she said. Her go-to shopping spots are Zara, Urban Outfitters and ASOS. Aguilera is a huge fan of textures, which add subtle detail to a seemingly basic ensemble. She also isn’t afraid to borrow from the past. Much of her jewelry and wardrobe comes from local thrift shops. “I
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by Elysse Alvarado photos by Monica Zhang
The Style Inquisitor journalism senior
special collaboration between H&M and Margiela. “This jacket fits perfectly like a glove, even though it’s not custom tailored,” Hernandez said. Another favorite is a gray knit sweater from New York based brand, Theory. “I’m really into knits. I wear them all the time,” he said. Many of Hernandez’s pieces are versatile and easy to mix. His closet is filled with basic pieces from H&M and Zara, so don’t expect any overthe-top ensembles any time soon. “My style in general is very casual. I don’t like to be suited up just because it makes me feel pretentious,” he said. “I try to do something casual that doesn’t make me feel like a hobo.” As a result, most of his clothes are comfortable and approachable. Hernandez’s advice for aspiring fashionistas: “Go to a store and try things on. Trying on is free. Whatever doesn’t look right or feel comfortable, don’t buy it. Take risks. Start with whatever you’re comfortable in and then slowly start taking risks.” Check out Hernandez’s site at thestyleinquisitor.com.
UFG president marketing senior
have a lot of jewelry,” she said. “I collect pieces that many people don’t have.” One of her favorite pieces of jewelry is actually from Serendipity, the famed restaurant in New York City. The vintage pair of earrings is not only unique, but also match Aguilera’s classic style. This lucky find fit right in with Aguilera’s firm belief in fate. “They remind me that things do happen for a reason which is what I believe in the most,” she said. Aguilera’s fashion advice to others is to take time for yourself. “Get through the first five minutes in the morning where you choose to put on whatever and leave,” she said. “For me, dressing up is my favorite thing to do in the morning. It’s like a little time to play.”
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LONGHORN LIFE
Friday, April 12, 2013
More than just poppin’ tags
story and photos by Katey Psencik The musty smell of old clothes reaches your nose. A fringe leather jacket and a pair of Harley Davidson chaps hang from the ceiling. Look around and you’ll find a Taylor Made golf bag, a 1970s Fisher Price toy garage, countless pairs of cowboy boots and a grandfather clock — among hundreds of other things. One step into Top Drawer thrift store on 49th Street and Burnet Road launches you back in time. Store manager Karin Kokinda puts it lightly: “It’s a really weird mix.” “You never know what’s going to walk in that back door,” she said. “We’re a little kooky around here.” The brightly colored walls, eclectic mix of music and what Kokinda called “trannequins” — male mannequins wearing makeup and women’s clothing — reveal the store’s “kooky” vibe. Top Drawer, unlike many other thrift and consignment shops, takes donations during business hours every day rather than during designated days and times. “We put new stuff out every day, and there’s always something on sale,” Kokinda said. Sales rotate at Top Drawer using a color-tag system. New items get no discount but after they stay on shelves for a month, they’re discounted 25 percent. The next month, they’re 50 percent off. After that, if they’re still on the shelves, they’re 75 percent off. Kokinda said the store receives quite a bit of designer clothing. “We get Ben Sherman, J. Crew and Banana Republic, she
said. “We also get the occasional Chanel and Burberry. People bring things in barely worn, even with the tags still on. We get a lot of designer jeans — Lucky, Seven for All Mankind — and we sell them for $10, $12 or $15 because we have to get them out the door quickly since stuff is coming in every day.” Top Drawer opened in 1993 by way of Project Transitions, a nonprofit dedicated to serving people with HIV and AIDS by providing hospice, housing and support in what they call “a compassionate and caring environment.” All proceeds from the thrift store benefit Project Transitions’ programs and services as well as other AIDS organizations’ clients. Project Transitions is the only HIV and AIDS hospice and housing agency in Central Texas. However, the number of people living with AIDS in Texas increases about six percent annually. “People aren’t as afraid of AIDS as they used to be and that’s frightening,” Kokinda said. Many donations come from established donors that bring items in regularly. A large amount of the donations that don’t come from established donors come from people with family members who have died, are moving into assisted living facilities or are downsizing into a smaller home. Sometimes these donations bring unexpected surprises. “We had someone call us about a man that had passed away and he collected irons, so we went out to his house to see what he had,” Kokinda said. “We don’t have them yet, but he collected irons. He had four thousand irons in his house.”
Some established donors are old friends from Project Transitions’ birth in 1989. “We have a large support system from the fabulous rich, older gay men in the area,” she said. “They’re men that had friends that were in the hospice in the late ‘80s, when HIV and AIDS were prevalent. These men had friends that died in the hospice program, so they still support us. We’ve always been a safe place for them.” Since Top Drawer is completely nonprofit, Kokinda is the only full-time employee. There are a few part-time employees, but all other workers are volunteers or student interns from UT. “The fashion merchandising interns that UT sends us are just fantastic,” Kokinda said. “They keep the store running. They do things that we don’t have time or money for.” Top Drawer thrift store is everything about Austin that locals love — and locals do love Top Drawer. Customers roll in and out of the store from open to close, buying everything from vintage electronics to 1800s mahogany writing desks to Glee board games. At first glance, the musty smell and crowded feel are eyerolling examples of a typical secondhand store. However, one look closer and you’ll see — beneath the costume jewelry, the illuminated black velvet “Last Supper” portrait and the Spuds McKenzie doll — that the store is run with a lot of love.
Friday, April 12, 2013
The Heist
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LONGHORN LIFE
by Chris Gilman
our fake interview with Macklemore
courtesy of Macklemore
Along with producer Ryan Lewis, Seattle rapper Macklemore has broken out in the last few months with debut studio album The Heist. His stop at SXSW was a packed schedule of day parties and showcases, packed largely due to his single “Thrift Shop.” We wish Macklemore would have spoken with us on thrifting fashion — but he didn’t. So our imagined interview with him covers his upcoming used clothing line and the economics behind being a fashionista and all around “cold-ass honky.”
Longhorn Life: Since “Thrift Shop” has become a massive success, sales in second-hand stores have skyrocketed. How do you feel about your influence on people wearing clothes that smell like stale urine and old burritos? Not Macklemore: Good, damn good. Looking fresh to death doesn’t mean your clothes actually have to be sanitarily fresh, or clean at all for that matter. If you look dope in that $2 bathrobe with mysterious white stains on it, who cares what it smells like? It’s just two dollars well spent in my opinion. LL: You’ve made cheap but flashy fur coats part of your thrifty fashion trend. How do you feel about animal rights groups that villainize those who sport fur coats? NM: Murdering animals for fashion purposes has been done since the beginning of time. What do you think cavemen wore? Bleached denim? No, they carved up a deer or a buffalo or something and wore the parts they didn’t eat to keep warm. If cave people knew that for 13 dollars they could walk out of a thrift store and be able to keep their families from freezing to death during the winter season, they’d be amazed at how much modern society’s taking this for granted. LL: What’s the best deal you’ve ever gotten at a thrift shop? NM: I once scored a fedora covered in different characters from Dragon Ball Z for 50 cents. The inside was kind of sticky, but hey, you can’t argue with economics. LL: Paisley or argyle? NM: That’s easy, cause everyone knows there’s no doper item of clothing than a pair of paisley cut-offs. LL: When did you first cut your hair in that style?
brought to you by NM: Well, I have a rare type of male pattern baldness that allows me to grow hair on the top of my head, but not the right and left side. Thanks for pointing out the receding hairline on the sides of my skull for everyone to see, asshole. LL: How many 20s are in your pocket now after topping the charts? NM: Still just one bill, I didn’t forget where I came from. All the money I make from my music goes to paying people to burglarize nursing homes so we can take their clothes and put them back into circulation in thrift shops. Can’t let the elderly hog all the fashion accessories. It’s my way of giving back to the people, you know? LL: My granddad’s clothes are not available to be worn by rappers. I don’t care how incredible you think you may look in his hand-me-downs. Those are supposed to be for me. This is not a question, just stay away from grandpa. NM: Can’t make any promises. I love cardigan sweaters previously worn by grandfathers. What size shirt is he? LL: After your tour ends, what’s next? NM: I figure I gotta have my own clothing line since every rapper has one these days: Wu-Tang, Diddy, Odd Future, etc. I’m going to open up a chain of Macklemore Thriftwear shops, and the way they’ll work is you mail me a box of all your old clothes, I take the ones I want to wear for myself and then I sell the rest at the store for $10 or less; 10-dollar imported seal fur jackets, 10-dollar tuxedos, 10-dollar wedding dresses, you name it. No one will beat the price or swag-level of Macklemore Thriftwear.
OUR CAMPUS
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OURCampus
Friday, April 12, 2013
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Celebrating the faculty and staff at The University of Texas at Austin
Expert Q&A: Fashion sense with Eve Nicols by Priyanka Deshpande
courtesy of Eve Nicols
With Austin Fashion Week right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to polish up your knowledge of the fashion industry. Senior lecturer Eve Nicols, of the department of textiles and apparel in the school of human ecology, is here to help. She has some experience in the business, having taken her designs to Milan, Italy, London and Hong Kong. As a Fellow of the Charted Society of Designers, Nicols gives an academic perspective on the role and study of fashion, as well as what the future holds for the industry and up-and-coming designers.
Longhorn Life: From an academic perspective, what is the role of fashion in society? Eve Nicols: Fashion is a reflection of social attitudes. It shows what we believe to be important. People incorporate new technology into making clothes, which is good because we need to make clothes for practical purposes. But it’s also important that we make new styles because people feel good when they wear something that they like. There’s a psychological aspect to it as well. Design is always exciting and never boring. It brings joy in times of darkness and people need that. LL: What is the main focus of the study of textiles and apparel? EN: We have the textiles and apparel department within the school of human ecology. Students focus on retail merchandising, conservation — which deals with the chemistry behind textiles, for example, if one were to preserve garments in a museum — and design. Design can include technical and functional design. Functional design concentrates on garments for special purposes. These designs take into account ways to protect you from the external world. For instance, there are antimicrobial garments and special fabrics for first responders. LL: What is the process by which a designer can take his or her product to customers? EN: A designer begins with an inspiration for a particular garment or product. They must know whom they are designing for, what the end use will be and where it will be worn. They must consider the design carefully to make sure it is in the appropriate form for the customer. Once they do that, depending on their end goals, designers choose to produce their garments. The final creation may be made in special boutiques or mass-produced in large numbers. One of our previous graduates has a license to make her products in China, while another one chooses to create them on demand for individual customers. It really depends on which way the designer wants to go. Once they have a pattern and develop their skills,
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they can really go start a business just about anywhere. With creativity, they have a chance to make it big. LL: What are exciting trends in the fashion industry today? EN: People are starting to incorporate new technology into fabric. There are performance fabrics that change color and light up; some have computer chips embedded in them. Many fabrics have all kinds of functions, from monitoring heart rate to charging an iPod. I can see that in the near future there will be the development of several garments with clever technologies that can really enhance the lives of their users. LL: How will your students be involved with Austin Fashion Week? EN: Austin Fashion Week focuses on the fashion industry within Austin and highlights entrepreneurs with their own businesses. Our students will be involved with the production, either backstage or front-of-house, volunteering to help make the event run smoothly. LL: What professional advice can you give to aspiring designers? EN: We tell our students to work for a while after graduation, for about three years. Students are required to do internships, and several work here in Austin or go to New York. It’s all about gaining experience and building contacts. Once they get the experience of applying their knowledge from class to a practical, professional environment, they can branch out to start their own business. When they decide to take their own initiative, I say embrace it, go for it. There are so many areas that our graduates can get jobs in and there are so many opportunities out there. It’s about finding the direction that you’re interested in. Sometimes people say that they feel like they are having fun rather than working hard, and that is so true. People have made their millions in this industry. Be tenacious. Follow your dream and put in 150 percent effort into your work.
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Friday, April 12, 2013
Meet the...
OUR CAMPUS
Page 15
Direcor of the Harry Ransom Center by Shantanu Banerjee | photo by Alejandro Silveyra
Dr. Thomas F Stanley Dr. Thomas F. Staley has been the director of the Harry Ransom Center for the last 25 years. The Ransom Center boasts a variety of historical materials including the first photograph ever taken, a Gutenberg Bible and the Woodward and Bernstein Watergate papers. In addition to his duties at the Ransom Center, Dr. Staley is an English professor, the Harry Huntt Ransom Chair in liberal arts and was a Fulbright Scholar at Italy’s University of Trieste in both 1966 and 1971.
Longhorn Life: What are your responsibilities as director of the Ransom Center? Thomas Staley: I direct the Ransom Center’s efforts to advance the study of the arts and humanities by acquiring original cultural materials, preserving and making these materials accessible, supporting research in our collections and providing education and enrichment opportunities through our exhibitions and programs.
LL: What is a typical workday like for you? TS: One of the wonderful aspects of this job is that there is no typical workday at the Ransom Center. I never know when a great writer or photographer may call looking for a home for his or her archive. Most days include meetings or phone conversations with staff, visiting scholars, rare book and manuscript dealers, faculty members, donors and other interesting visitors. The day often extends well into the evening with one of the Ransom Center’s public programs, often followed by a late dinner with visiting speakers.
LL: What is your favorite item in the Ransom Center? TS: The Ransom Center has remarkable collections, from drafts of plays by Tom Stoppard to the lyrical letters of James Salter. As difficult as it is to choose, the page proofs of James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” which are covered with Joyce’s handwritten notes, will always be my favorite.
LL: Had you always wanted to be the director of a humanities research center? TS: I began my career as an English professor and James Joyce scholar, but was always drawn to archives, manuscripts and rare books and used them extensively in my research. I later became provost of the University of Tulsa and was very involved in building the modern literature collections for the library. My work as a professor, scholar and provost helped prepare me for my role as director of the Ransom Center. LL: What about the Ransom Center do students take the least advantage of? TS: The Ransom Center’s collections are rich resources for the students of our university, who can see, and in turn be inspired by, the original texts, artwork and photographs that they study in their classes. Students can learn so much about the creative process by studying the false starts, cross outs and hand-corrected drafts of some of the most important writers of our time. Students can conduct research in our reading and viewing rooms, view collection materials in our exhibitions and hear interesting speakers at our programs.
LL: You were planning on retiring by 2011, what made you stay? TS: It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as director of this remarkable institution. When I was asked to continue my tenure for a brief period, I agreed.
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