Issue #4 - Spring/Summer 2014

the Fash ion Re port Spring/Summer 2014

letter from

the

editors Many college students find it difficult to manage

time wisely when involved with on-campus organizations while keeping up with schoolwork. Both Kiah and I struggle with this same issue. Our schedules fills up quickly when taking 15 credit hours, being Editors in Chief of The Fashion Report, and planning photo shoots and runway shows. It is as if we work four full time jobs at once. In order to manage our ridiculously busy schedules, we implement a successful time management plan, which we believe would be helpful to anyone feeling overwhelmed with their schedule.

Our plan consists of three parts: 1. Write down your schedule Creating a schedule to manage your busy life is extremely useful in order to not forget anything.

Whatever way you choose to keep track of it, be it either a calendar, planner or other online source, it’s important that you take the time to sit down, think about what you have going on, and write it out.

2. Learn to say no In college, there are always distractions ready to sidetrack you from getting your work done. Of course, it would be awesome to participate in all of those activities, but you would never get anything done. It is important to say no to distractions. If your friend wants you to go to this frat party he heard about, but you have a 45-page paper due in two days − say no. It can be

extremely difficult to say, but in the long run, you will be less stressed and thankful that you learned to say no.

3. Take some time for yourself This is the most important step in our opinion.

Having a busy schedule is tough and overwhelming at times, but when you are approaching your breaking point, make sure to take some “me” time. Personally, I enjoy reading a book, watching a movie, or even just catching up on some much needed sleep. Doing something that will calm you down and center yourself is essential and allows you to feel revitalized and ready to get back to work. However, be careful of over-indulgence; taking too many breaks can ultimately backfire and result in less motivation.

Using these strategies has been imperative to our success. It has allowed us to balance keeping our grades up along with working on new and exciting ventures for The Fashion Report. Both Kiah and I agree that having strong time management skills is the key to success of this magazine. We hope you enjoy this issue; it represents the work of talented students and is truly a labor of love.

n a i r B & Kiah

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Table of Contents

Ta ble of Conte nts

5 Fashion Rules That Were Made to be Broken

5

EDUN Design Report

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Designer Profile: Dolce and Gabbana

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Take Me to Summer

20

Be Like Parrell Williams and Just be Happy

21

Everything’s Coming Up Rose Gold

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Rendering Reality

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It’s All Greek to Me

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Five fashion rules made to be broken Etismverandsincetoward the 1960s, Western fashion has gravitated away from conservaa world where anything goes and personal choices reign.

Though we are far from the days of matching every piece of an ensemble, there are still some pesky, outdated rules that seem to sneak their way into our wardrobe vocabulary. Luckily, The Fashion Report is here with a free pass. We are putting an end to those policies that your mother never lets you forget with these five fashion rules that were made to be broken.

Paige Beaufort

Your bag, shoes, and belt have to match.

Gone are the days of Jackie O’s pink pillbox hat, matching pink purse, and dainty pink shoes of all the same material. Matching these three accessories isn’t the only way to make sure your outfit is cohesive; pull it together in other ways like relating a motif throughout or pulling colors from the main garment and emphasizing them in your shoes or bag. You can easily put together a polished look without struggling to match each piece.

No red lipstick during the day.

Red lipstick is a final touch of confidence for any woman. Who says that you can only have that confidence at night? Whether it’s for work, school, or just hanging around the house, there is no wrong time for red lipstick.

Stick to Neutrals for Job Interviews Though it may be a smart choice to dress conservatively when first entering a workplace, you do not have to bore the employer with the traditional white and black. Use these basics and stock your closet with them, but also throw in your power color: whatever complements your skin tone and personality, and what makes you feel your best. Who knows, the interviewer just might remember that pop of color in a sea of gray and beige applicants.

Avoid Denim on Denim We have recently seen a spike in denim action- chambray shirts are back, and jean jackets or vests never quite left. However, it can be awkward trying to wear these options casually since that usually involves pairing them with jeans. By sticking to different washes, you can surpass this whole rule. Try a lighter denim shirt with dark wash skinny jeans and brown boots to offset the blue.

Never Mix Patterns

Here is another rule that your mom taught you in toddlerhood. However, this has fallen by the wayside as we see multi-print dresses, animal stripes and spots paired together, and vivid checked fabric with dots. A good way to break this rule is to stay within the same color family, or pair a black and white pattern with one of color. Also, pair tiny prints with large patterns so not to overwhelm the eye.

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Images from The Sartorialist and Cult of Pretty

A Rockstar's Eco friendly fashion label

edun

He may be a rock star, but U2 front man Bono is also a co-founder

of the ecofriendly and fair trade based fashion label EDUN. Back in 2005, Ali Hewson and husband Bono founded EDUN to promote African culture and their rich history of textile and pattern making while using an environmentally friendly processes. The company name comes from the eponymous Garden of Eden (as well as being “nude” spelled backwards). Though the label was built around the idea of having a positive relationship with countries in Africa through the fair-trade initiative, they now source globally from a number of countries like Peru and China. The company not only focuses on the products these countries produce, but they also set up programs to help train workers in their numerous factories. One program titled The Conservation Cotton Initiative Uganda or CCIU, provides funding, training and enterprise support to cotton farmers in Northern Uganda.

Another endeavor the company started is called EDUN Live. This part of the business produces t-shirts that are made entirely in Africa, meaning the shirts are being made from African grown cotton and sewn entirely in African factories. Since being launched in 2007, around 700 million EDUN Live shirts have been sold worldwide.

But it wasn’t all sunshine and daisies in the beginning. The company struggled to meet deadlines which translated into delayed shipments and lost profits. By 2008, the company was 8.7 million pounds in debt (or roughly $14.4 million in US dollars). In fact, Hewson and her husband almost gave up the idea completely, but after careful examination, decided to save the brand. Investing $20 million dollars out of pocket, as well as selling 49% of the entire company to LVMH (a luxury goods conglomerate that also owns Dior, Givenchy and Marc Jacobs), EDUN was once again in business.

In 2008, the company had 8 factories all located in Africa, which produces an increasing 37% of the entire company’s merchandise. In 2012, EDUN partnered with luxury jeans company, Diesel, to produce a label made entirely in Africa. The collection was inspired by African fashion, especially Malian prints. In 2013, the company had the opportunity to show their brand during Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, a huge milestone in the company’s development.

Madalyne staab

All images from edun.com

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1958: Domenico Dolce born in Generosa, Sicily.

1962: Stefano Gabbana born in Milan.

1980: Dolce and Gabbana meet.

1982: Dolce and Gabbana establish a designer consulting studio.

1985: Dolce and Gabbana’s first collection shows at Milan Fashion Week under the name “Dolce & Gabbana.”

1986: Their first store opens in Milan.

Mid-1980s: Their fourth collection makes a significant impact on the Italian fashion market; the Sicilian Dress is born (one of the most influential dresses ever designed).

1990: Dolce & Gabbana open their showroom in America and launch their first men’s collection.

1991: Their men’s collection wins the Woolmark Award for the most innovative men’s collection.

1992: Dolce & Gabbana release their first perfume 1993: Their perfume wins “most feminine flavor of the year.”

1996: They win an Oscar for best male perfume of the year.

2004: Dolce & Gabbana begin designing the on-field attire for AC Milan.

2009: Dolce & Gabbana launch their first line of cosmetics.

2010: Dolce & Gabbana sign a three year deal with the Chelsea Football Club to design their on- and off-field uniforms and attire.

2012: Dolce&Gabbana and D & G merg to be one brand: Dolce & Gabbana.

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Desig Desig Dolc Dolc DD

& Gabbana is an Italian olce & olce Gabbana is an Italian fashionfash house started

by Italian-born designers house started

by Italian-born designers Domenico and Stefano Gabban Domenico Dolce Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in the mid-1980s.

The two met while in the mid-1980s.

The two met while working thefashion same fashion house in working for thefor same house in 1980 before opening a designer consul 1980 before opening a designer consulting studio together in The 1982.brand The brand ing studio together in 1982. to be “Dolce & Gabbana,” grew togrew be “Dolce & Gabbana,” with with their first collection debuting their first collection debuting in 1985inat1985 a Fashion year, th Milan Milan Fashion Week. Week.

WithinWithin a year, athey had opened theirstorefront own storefront in Mi had opened their own in Milan. thanand men and women’s clothing Other Other than men women’s clothing, & Gabbana expanded to include Dolce Dolce & Gabbana expanded to include footwear, handbags, sunglasses, watche footwear, handbags, sunglasses, watches, perfume and cosmetics. jewelry,jewelry, perfume and cosmetics.

They They partnered with various partnered with various soccer soccer teams, teams, designing attire AC Milan, designing on-fieldon-field attire for ACfor Milan,

gner Profile ner Profile ce and and Gabbana Gabbana ce

Alexa Phillips

inspiration for the designers, often using & G and&Dolce&Gabbainspiration for the designers, often using central lines—D central lines—D G and Dolce&Gabbaf-field off-field attire forattire the Italian for theNational Italian National 1940s film sirens their as muse. na. D &na.

G was trendsetter line 1940s filmassirens theirThis muse. This D &the G was the trendsetter line ootballFootball Team, and bothand forboth Chelsea Team, for Chelsea creates acreates perfecta balance betweenbetweentargetedtargeted toward atoward younger audience; perfect balance a younger audience; ootballFootball Club. Dolce Gabbana’s vision vision mixturemixture Club.&Dolce & Gabbana’s authentic Italian influences and the and edgythe edgy howeverhowever the company decided decided to disconauthentic Italian influences the company to disconevolvesrevolves around the designers’ Italian Italian around the designers’ fashion fashion that currently line this in 2011 to 2011 put more into and sophisticated that currently tinue thistinue line in to put more into oots taking from Sicily and rootsinspiration taking inspiration from Sicily and and sophisticated Italy today. influences collections, so the two merged in ItalyModern today. Modern influences their other their other collections, so the two merged Milan. Catholicism and Italian Milan. Catholicism andstereoItalian stereo- exists inexists juxtaposing ideas, ideas, into justinto Dolce Gabbana in 2012.in 2012. for theinclude brand include juxtaposing just&Dolce & Gabbana pes such as Mafioso machismo (translat-(translat-for the brand types such as Mafioso machismo such as such high-low fabric mixes, Dolce &Dolce Gabbana’s A/W 2014 collection, as high-low fabric mixes, & Gabbana’s A/W 2014 collection, d to gangster boss pinstripe suits) or suits) or ed to gangster boss pinstripe sex and sex religion, and old and oldshowed showed during Milan Week, was gender-bending, and religion, duringFashion Milan Fashion Week, was icilian Sicilian widows,widows, completecomplete with little black with little blackgender-bending, modern.

They also playalso intoplay into described as a “fashion fairytale,” with with world and modern.

They described as a “fashion fairytale,” resses, dresses, headscarves and fishing headscarves andvillage fishing village world and of heroin andchic minimalism, and charming storybook idea of chic heroin and minimalism, whimsical whimsical and charming storybook askets, baskets, are commonly seen in their are commonly seen shows in their showsthe ideathe seen in the of their of their elementselements in both the clothing and seensimple in thesilhouettes simple silhouettes in both the clothing and nd collections.

These reflects and collections.

These the reflects the These influences appear in the in the atmosphere.

While known theirfor their These influences appear atmosphere.

Whilefor known mosphere surrounding them. Though atmosphere surrounding them. Though clothing.clothing. cross-dressing and suitsand cutsuits withcut with Sicilian Sicilian motifs, they want to want expand of cross-dressing motifs, they to expand amorized in the form of form sequined icons iconsforms offorms glamorized in the of sequined or lace paneling.

They are also are also beyond that, thisthat, collection serving as a or lace paneling.

They beyond this collection serving as a r rosaryorbeads as worn necklaces, the rosaryworn beads as necklaces, the corsetrycorsetry theirfor black motif, point forpoint the identity of known theirbra black brasparking motif, sparking turning turning for the identity of eligiousreligious imageryimagery remainsremains strong. Addistrong. Addi- known for wearing underwear as their collection. theoftrend of wearing underwear as their collection. onally, tionally, the Italian industry served asserved asthe trend thefilm Italian film industry outerwear.

Dolce &Dolce Gabbana had twohad two outerwear. & Gabbana All images from Dolce & Gabbana’s A/W 2014 collection courtesy of style.com

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Take Take me me to to Directors: Stephanie Bowles Brian Guiducci Assitant Director: Mary Jane Shively Photographer: Austin Simpson Assistant Photographer: Jenny Simacek Hair: Salon Salon Makeup: Madison Meagher Models: Lauren Lotspeich Regan Jules Lee Angela Wood Photoshoot Team: McKenna Elise Clothing Provided by: Cira Ltd.

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summer summer

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Sleeveless Jumpsuit $49.50 Bracelet $7.50

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High Waist Skinny Jeans: $44.50 Crochet Lace Crop Top: $39.50 Asymmetric Felt Fedora: $34.50

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Roll-up Sleeve Button Down Shirt $22.50 Mint Green Skirt $36.50 Polka Dot Print Neckerchief $9.50

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Roll-up Sleeve Button Down Shirt $22.50 Mint Green Skirt $36.50 Polka Dot Print Neckerchief $9.50

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Be Like Pharrell Williams and Just be Happy

Madalyne Staab

“It might seem crazy what I’m about to say, Sunshine

she’s here, you can take a break.” Although those lines may not be entirely true (the sun may be here one day and gone the next), the feeling of happiness and freedom is still in the air. These lyrics, from the hit song “Happy”

by Pharrell Williams, capture what I am hoping a lot of people are starting to feel: happiness. This winter was brutal. We survived freezing temperatures simulating a sub-zero Antarctic tundra, as well as a fair amount of Colorado snow. But with the passing of Spring Break, summer is trying to make an appearance. It is like that scene from “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the snow and ice are melting and the trees are starting to bloom, the grass is getting greener, the birds are singing and the winter parkas are finally being pushed to the back of the closet.

“

Seasonal Affective Disorder is the onset of depression during the late fall and early winter months, when less natural sunlight is available.

”

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What should also be returning is that feeling of joy. It’s a known fact that people feel more depressed in the winter months than the summer months. There is even a classified illness that accounts for this: SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is the “onset of depression during the late fall and early winter months, when less natural sunlight is available” according to WebMD. The lack of sunlight can actually make you feel sadder, which is why we tend to feel happier and more uplifted once spring and summer arrive. But you shouldn’t have to wait for the summer and sun to feel happy. There are a lot of ways you can accomplish this, even during the dreariest of winter months. Discover an exercise that you enjoy and gets your heart rate up. Running and swimming are activities you can do year round, as long as you have access to an indoor pool. Winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and even a snowball fight are all great ways to put down your hot chocolate, your fuzzy blanket and get moving. Doing something that makes you feel good both inside and out is definitely a smart option in those darkest of winter days.

Uplift your spirits by reconnecting with family and friends. Hanging out with people that make you laugh and smile is an obvious way of feeling better fast.

Meeting up for a home cooked meal, a movie date, or even just sitting by the fire and playing a board game is a sure way to put a smile on your face.

However sometimes you need to just embrace the weather. When the snow is coming down and the temperature is below freezing, pull out your favorite winter coat, put on those Sorrels, grab that adorable beanie and go outside and simply enjoy the snow. As Pharrell Williams’ insanely catchy song states, “Clap along if you know what happiness is to you, because I’m happy”. Feeling happy may seem difficult in these cold winter months, and even into spring (we had a snow day here at CSU on May 1st last year). But there are easy ways to perk up your mood until you too can be singing, “Because I’m happy”.

Everything’s Coming Up

rose Gold Paige Beaufort

Rose-gold is a feminine twist on the metallic trend that

seems to out-shine its competitors. Pinker than traditional yellow gold, it is often called “blush gold”. It is actually crafted from a mixture of copper and gold alloy, according to WGSN.com. The new “it” color is making a statement in jewelry, as well as creeping into the apparel color palette. Rose gold provides a luxurious iridescent finish for consumers at any price point.

But how do you wear such a fresh metal? Those accustomed to matching their golds and silvers may find it difficult to incorporate this trend into their daily wardrobe. So here are some guidelines to help you bring in the new “it” jewelry color:

1) Like traditional metal colors, rose-gold creates a stark contrast against black or dark clothing. Pair it with that little black dress, or wear a couple of bracelets with a dark leather jacket. Olive green, gray, rich chocolate brown, and navy blue will also highlight rose-gold.

2) Rose-gold is light with super high shine, and therefore gets easily lost when paired with pastel tones

Mesh and rose gold boots by Giuseppe Zanotti

like light blue, green, or yellow. So try to stay away from lighter colors, and instead stick with darker hues.

3) Don’t be afraid to incorporate rose-gold with a cream or pink/red based outfit. The similar colors just amp up the delicate metal and will therefore create a soft and cohesive look.

4) Don’t just stick to wearing rose-gold in jewelry; instead, look for bags with rose-gold fastenings or clothing with rose-gold zippers, which will help introduce it into your style more easily.

5) Depending on the shade, mixing other metals with rose-gold can make one of them look dull and out of place. One full-proof combination is to mix rose-gold with silver; the lighter and shinier interpretations of both look graceful together instead of overwhelming.

6) Another great combination is to mix rose-gold with your favorite pearls, or if you are feeling daring, pair it with your favorite, bright statement necklace.

Oversized rose golden Lexington Chronograph

by Michael Kors

Rose-gold shoes by Dries Van Noten

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“Rendering reality” is quite vague when it comes to something like fashion, allowing much room for interpretation. Now

leave it up to twenty-five senior designers and the possibilities are virtually endless. In the sold-out Lincoln Center, Rendering Reality was a show where imagination, inspiration and execution united to produce something that truly showcased the talent of the designers.

Theme Breakdown:

Modern Visionary: Key words – here, now, next Characteristics: black and white, cutouts, simple, modern Endless Adventurer: Key words – wanderlust, space to roam, freedom Characteristics – relaxed, sporty, urban, edgy Day Dreamer: Key words – lost in the moment, imagination Characteristics – flowy, tribal, bright colors, whimsical Midnight Romantic Key words – luxurious, rich texture, mystery Characteristics – dark colors, romance, sexy, floral

Winners:

Best Draping – Hannah Mentch Best Construction – Phillip Miller Most Marketable Collection – Valerie Graumann Most Creative Collection – Melanie Cho Outstanding Designer – Verretta Anderson

Rendering 22

reality TT

his was histhe wassecond the second year the yearshow the show was held was at held The at Lincoln The Lincoln Center, Center, whichplayed whichplayed host to host family to family members members and esteemed and esteemed guestsguests of allofwalks all walks of life. of life.

Guests Guests also included also included approximately approximately one-hundred one-hundred and fifty and Colorado fifty Colorado high high school school students students that participated that participated in in “Spotlight “Spotlight on Design on Design and Merchandisand Merchandising Day”; ing Day”; a dayawhere day where prospective prospective students students learnlearn aboutabout the Design the Design and and Merchandising Merchandising Department.

Department.

In In addition, addition, the show the show featured featured a panel a panel of of threethree guestguest judges. judges.

Denver Denver designer designer Stephanie Stephanie Ohnmacht Ohnmacht from from the current the current season season of theofhit theTV hitshow, TV show, “Under “Under the the Gunn”, Gunn”, freelance freelance styliststylist TracyTracy Bozarth, Bozarth, and knit and designer knit designer TaceyTacey JonesJones judged judged the collections the collections and gave and gave awards awards in thein the following following categories: categories: best draping, best draping, best construction, best construction, most most marketable, marketable, most most creative creative and finally and finally outstanding outstanding designer. designer.

JuniorJunior Grayden Grayden Roper Roper served served as theas the master master of ceremonies. of ceremonies.

Although Although he he stumbled stumbled on hisonwords his words a fewatimes, few times, he he engaged engaged the audience the audience whilewhile introducing introducing the four the collection four collection themes: themes: Modern Modern Visionary, Visionary, Endless Endless Adventurer, Adventurer, Day Day Dreamer Dreamer and Midnight and Midnight Romantic.

Romantic.

EachEach category category featured featured a handful a handful of designers of designers whosewhose collections collections characteristics characteristics fell into fell into one ofone theoffour the themes. four themes.

WithWith each each new new theme theme camecame an alteration an alteration in theindécor the décor of theofrunway, the runway, be it be large it large light light bulbsbulbs for for the Modern the Modern Visionary Visionary segment segment or or freestanding freestanding poppy’s poppy’s for the forMidnight the Midnight Romantic Romantic section. section.

EachEach setting setting gravitatgravitated towards ed towards the definition the definition of theoftheme. the theme.

In addition In addition to thetosenior the senior collections, collections, the junior the junior draping draping class class opened opened the the entireentire showshow with with their their dresses dresses mademade from from donated donated parachutes. parachutes.

The models The models were were escorted escorted downdown the runway the runway by by

Alexa Phillips

military military members members to show to show thanks thanks and and appreciation appreciation for their for their service. service.

OnceOnce the show the show concluded, concluded, the the designers designers were were introduced introduced to theto the audience audience and some and some of their of their amazing amazing accomplishments accomplishments were were highlighted highlighted by by CarolCarol Engel-Enright, Engel-Enright, the internship the internship coordinator coordinator and professor and professor in theinDesign the Design and Merchandising and Merchandising Department.

Department.

Whether Whether it wasitstudying was studying abroad abroad in in placesplaces like Florence like Florence or London, or London, or or interning interning for anforup-andan up-andcoming coming designer designer in New in New York,York, thesethese seniors seniors have have brightbright futures futures aheadahead of of themthem and are andsure are to sure make to make an impact an impact on the onfashion the fashion world. world.

Presenting Presenting their their collections collections for Rendering for Rendering Reality Reality marksmarks the beginning the beginning of a career of a career with with endless endless opportunities opportunities for these for these youngyoung designers. designers.

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Images from Austin Simpson and Harper Point Point Photography Images from Austin Simpson and Harper Photography

its all greek to me Alexa Phillips

Above: Queen Amalia of Oldenburg wearing what we now know as the “Amalia jacket.”

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Image from Wikipedia.com

This garment from Pucci’s A/W 2014 collection (right), mimics the same embroidery pattern as this sample from the Maccdonia region (left).

The layering effect from Edun’s A/W 2014 collection (right) resembles the layering in this costume from the Macedonia region (left).

W

ithin the last few years, the Grecian fashion craze has circled the globe, picking up celebrities, designers and us regular folk along the way. “Grecian” style braids, “Grecian” style sandals and “Grecian” style dresses have become a worldwide style phenomenon. The style has its roots in something unexpected; traditional Greek costumes from the 18th and 19th centuries.

In a partnership with the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation Museum, London’s Hellenic Centre has a new exhibit on the history of Greek fashion. Two years in the making, the Patterns of Magnificence exhibit features Greek costumes, as well as embroidery and jewelry from several different regions of Greece.

While many other countries have a single national dress, Greece has costumes for every region of the country. The costumes, defined by the lifestyle of the people living there, were worn for both everyday occasions and formal events. Design and structural elements from outside influences eventually integrate into part of the costume itself. Two prominent trends; the Roman style tunica and the Renaissance pleated dress, were adapted and served as the foundation for many costumes.

One distinct influence on Greek fashion was German born Queen Amalia, the wife to King Otto who took the Greek throne in 1836. The Queen was an avid fashionista in her day. Her signature garment is known as the “Amalia jacket,” a cropped, bolero style jacket using traditional embroidery. The jacket, copied by women all over the country in the 19th century, became a staple item in many different regional costumes.

"While many other countries have a single national dress, Greece has costumes for every region of the country."

The relevance of this takes us to present day. Pieces from collections by designers Edun, Pucci, and Marios Schwab reflect Greek costume design elements, such as geometric patterning, pleats, kaftan-like dresses, and loose sleeves.

Pucci incorporated a pattern similar to embroidery from the Macedonia region of Greece; Edun used a similar layering technique to that of a costume from Macedonia, while Marios Schwab used the loose sleeve silhouette from a costume from Attica in his spring/summer 2014 collection.

Greek dress influences many designers and only recently have people started noticing it. This exhibit is bound to open the eyes of the tastemakers of the industry who will see exactly where this Grecian trend hones its roots.

Images from Style.com and Patternsofmagnificence.com

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Sprai Apparel

Nina Mascheroni

Knowing nothing about Sprai Apparel beyond their name, I

decided to look through their current line of clothing in preparation for this article. What I found was an offering of streamlined street art to sketch style drawings; all incredibly well branded. A quick favorite of mine is the SkyLined t-shirt depicting a meld between the Colorado flag and the Denver skyline.

Check out the full line at

SpraiApparel.com

In between working on the CSU Spring Senior Fashion Show and adding women’s wear to his line, I got a chance to ask the founder of Sprai Apparel, a junior student in the CSU Department of Design and Merchandising – Grayden Roper – a few questions.

Q: How was the company created? What fueled its creation?

A: It started with a love for street art. I used to Q: How has being in the Apparel and Merchandising department draw all day and realized no one ever saw my helped you as an entrepreneur? drawings. I started to make t-shirts in my parent’s basement with spray paint. This all happened while I was looking at colleges. I came across the Apparel Design Department at CSU and it became a full on dream.

Q: What was your inspiration for the brand?

A: I started the brand because I love street art and graffiti. I would spend hours drawing graffiti, but when I finished, I would hang it up in my room and it would never be seen beyond my bedroom. I started putting designs on shirts with spray paint and stencils and when I created a logo and name, I wanted it to show how it started. Also, I put the “i” on the end instead of a “y” because I’m dyslexic and I realize that nothing is perfect. Adding an “i” created something imperfect and original.

Q: When you first started out, what was your method of production and where was your market?

A:When I moved into the dorms, I came with 25 one of a kind t-shirts that I made in my parents basement. I sold them within a few weeks. Once I got to college I started using a vinyl cutter and heat press in production.

Q: As your demand increased, were you able to meet it immediately?

A: We are now producing our 4th line of clothing and our demand has increased tenfold.

That being said, we are still trying to meet our demand.

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A: The department has helped me in many ways. They’ve taught me the skills I need to know, helped me make connections and showed me that my dream is a reality.

Q: What is your favorite piece in Sprai?

A: I don’t know what my favorite piece is. I put so much time into every design that I couldn’t pick one!

Q: Now that you’ve reached your Kickstarter goal, what is coming next for Sprai Apparel?

A: We are taking everything to the next level by bringing in more women’s clothing, hoodies and hats. Next, we are moving into cut and sew, making jackets, Colorado shirts and creating something different than anything on the market today!

As a student in the Apparel Design and Production department at CSU myself, interviewing and eventually meeting with Grayden was instantly inspiring for me. In his own words, “It started with a love for street art”, and that was all the motivation he needed.

Sprai Apparel has grown beyond one college kid’s basement dream and into a symbol for all aspiring design students. Take it from Grayden’s story - we don’t need to wait until graduation to break into the industry.

Credits

Editors in Chief: Brian Guiducci Kiah Anderson Assistant to the Editors: McKenna Elise Photo Editor: Austin Simpson Photographer: Jenny Simacek Hair & Make-up Director: Madison Meagher Layout and Design: Karli Beedle Content Editor: Madalyne Staab Contributors: Alexa Phillips Paige Beaufort Nina Mascheroni

The Fashion Report has been made possible by Fashion Group International.

Fashion Group International is a global, non-profit, professional organization with 5,000 members in the fashion industry including apparel, accessories, beauty and home.

The FGI mission is to be the pre-eminent authority on the business of fashion and design and to help its members become more effective in their careers. To do this, FGI provides insights on major trends in person, online and in print; access to business professionals and a gateway to the influence fashion plays in the market place.