V
magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS Staff and Sponsors ............................................................. 4 Letter from the Editors ...................................................... 5 Editors’ Fashion and Beauty Picks ................................. 6-7 New York Fashion Week ..................................................... 8 Remembering 9/11 ............................................................. 9 Tis’ Autumn ................................................................. 10-11 Fall Music Playlist
Album Review ................................................................... 10 Kaputt by Destroyer
We Got the Beat ................................................................ 11 Remembering the 80s
Hoo knows these Hoos? .............................................. 12-13 Famous Alumni
The College Years ........................................................ 14-15 Jack Wills- The University Outfitters ......................... 16-17 Street Style .................................................................. 18-21 Out with the Old, In with the New ............................. 22-23 Vintage Vixen
fashion 24-32
Marlowe: pantsMondi 1980’s $100, shirt “Christian Llinares” 1970’s $45, shoes by Ferragamo $80; Joanna: blouse by “Givenchy” 1980’s $125, orange belt by “Givenchy” $75 1970’s, purple pants, “Kenar” 1970’s $50
COVER LOOK Marlowe: Blazer: Valentino, 1980’s, price $450, Black Pants: model’s own.
Editors in Chief: Nabilah Jiwani & Chanel Parks Production Manager: Kelly Malacarne Business Managers: Anna Xie & Victor Nguyen Managing Editors: Michelle Ross & Kelsey Field Copy Editor: Ellen Haick
layout artists
fashion
photography staff writers
Tulip Majumdar Head Fashion Editor: Amanda Henry Kelly Malacarne Glynnis Maynard Brendan Rijke Glynnis Maynard Co-Editors: Amanda Lim, Christian Anne Sun Chanel Parks Paxton & Brendan Rijke Brendan Rijke Michelle Ross
Hannah Brock Dilsher Dhillon Kelsey Field Amanda Lim Christian Paxton Michelle Ross Anne Sun Elise White
We want to thank Student Council and College Council for funding the production of V-Magazine. We would like to additionally thank Vintage Vixen for the clothes used in the shoots. Vintage Vixen is located at 300 East Market Street in Charlottesville, Va.
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NOTE FROM THE EDITORS In the sunset of dissolution, everything is illuminated by the aura of nostalgia. [The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Milan Kundera]
To reminisce is to indulge in the recollection of our past; all of it--the agony, the distress, the joys and the delight--has shaped who we are today. As we depart from our past, we construct (or deconstruct) what was once there and begin to create our future. In this issue, our aim is to interlace memories of fashion, music, and legacies unique to the University with the present, as a depiction of the evolution (and devolution) that defines the culture and psyche of the modern collegiate landscape. As you read this issue, we hope that you connect with some of our memories and also embark on a journey of your own reminiscing. Chanel Parks Nabilah Jiwani
Editor’s Pick: Top 90s Film Fashion Icons By: Chanel Parks I love movies. They’ve defined my past, influence the present, and inevitably will impact my future. Whenever I think of growing up, I think of the 90s, which channels a slew of movies that make me go into a nostalgic coma. The one thing I love most about my favorites movies, are the style icons that come with them. Courtesy of Polyvore.com, I give you my Top Style Icons based on my favorite 90s movies, paired with a modern twist of what they would be wearing today if they walked around Grounds!
Forrest Gump Jenny Let’s be honest, Jenny had her ups and downs throughout her life. If she wasn’t yelling “Run, Forrest! Run!” she was going through drastic changes with each passing decade, which included drugs, nudity, peace, love and tragedy. But who can forget her tree hugging, hippie outfit when she and Forrest meet at the DC rally against Vietnam? I certainly didn’t.
Edward Scissorhands Edward He looked dangerous, seemed creepy, and has weapons of mass destruction for hands; but the boy had the heart of an angel. When he’s not clumsily poking holes into Kim Boggs’ water bed (that part gets me every time), he’s (inevitably) changing your hairstyle or trimming shapes into the neighbor’s hedges with cutting edge style. You think you could be as sharp as him? Maybe.
Clueless Dionne Davenport While Cher stole the show as the sassy narrator, let’s not forget her “technical to nonexistent” virgin and sassier best friend, Dionne. Cher and Dionne shared the same fashion tips, but Dionne always took her style a step further, whether it was donned with a simple accessory or with flashy, almost gaudy jewelry. Dionne stays on point, even with the immature Maury trailing behind her. She’s All That Laney She might’ve been all that once she got her makeover, but Laney had the best style before she was transformed into another “popular girl” clone. She was artsy, lazy, and downright funky with her look, topped with nerdy glasses, loose clothing, and a lack of color coordination. To this day, I am still waiting for Freddie Prince Jr. to ask me to prom…
Editor’s Pick: Beauty By: Nabilah Jiwani
Jo Malone Rosemary & Lavender Skin Tonic, Nordstrom.com, $40
M.A.C. Pigment in ‘Old Gold’, Bloomingdales.com, $20 [subtle shimmer but definitely makes a statement]
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion - 12 fl oz, target.com, $6.99
tarte emphasEYES aqua gel eyeliner in navy, sephora.com, $18
Kiehl’s Eye Alert, saks.com, $21.50 [after those long nights spent laboring in the library, this is my ultimate secret weapon.]
Deborah Lippman ‘Shake Your Groove Thing’ Nail Lacquer, neimanmarcus.com, $18 [this is the perfect accessory to make up for a minimalist outfit]
Nars Sheer Blush in ‘Orgasm’, neimanmarcus.com, $27
Tom Ford Lip Color in Deep Mink, neimanmarcus.com, $48 Burberry ‘Body’ Eau de Parfum 2 oz., Nordstrom.com, $75
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EVERYONE MUST... CRASH NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
F
rankly speaking, I am a rookie when it comes to the inner workings of the fashion industry. I had my first internship ever at NYLON magazine this past summer and I cannot do justice in telling the immense value I took away from that experience. Even still, nothing prepared me for what was in store this fall on the catwalks. Though this may come as a surprise, this is in fact, not my first fashion week appearance. And so as I prepared to hit the Mercedes Benz tents for a second time, I knew something special, wondrous, something explosive was in store. One thing I learned about this business is that creative fashion junkies (a.k.a. designers, stylists, models, producers, etc.), love to be different, offbeat, and always surprising. This is certainly no shocking revelation, but to an Orange County, California, native like myself, offbeat oddities are quite a refreshing contrast to the plastic bubble I left behind as I moved to the East Coast. This year, designers passionately collaborated within and across their innumerable brands to produce pieces that echoed with nostalgia, bravery, exuberance, and a simultaneous leap into the future trends I hope to see stick around for seasons to come. Below are merely the highlights of what should be venerated as New York City’s most glamorous week of the Fall season. Read on for an inside look on my favorite shows; these designers are truly stylistic forces to be reckoned with. From pops of neon orange and electroturquoise to subdued olive green, color ruled the runway at Bumsuk Choi’s menswear line, General Idea. For my first show and only menswear line of the season, I was more than ecstatic to find myself sitting front row. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised to see that designers are flamboyantly flaunting color as a major asset. This arose right alongside the ever-rising hemline on men’s shorts. Sexy or just a plain fashion faux pas? You decide. Later that Friday afternoon, Rag and Bone designers, David Neville and Marcus Wainwright proved that women are the true front runners carrying this season’s neon trend as Fei Fei Sun (my ideal model of the
by Amanda Lim
moment) stomped onto the catwalk. She set the tone for what was a fabulous, in-yourface mix of street style that is presently ascending the fashion ranks to settle among what is now known as “shabby chic couture.” From Karolina Kurkova donning an electric cobalt charmeuse cardigan over a vertically navy and white striped pencil skirt to Joan Small’s lightweight periwinkle mesh tank and light turquoise loose pant combo, what’s not to love? Add some clutches with a pop of neon orange, a few pair of free flowing pants and skirts with a tribal Aztec art deco mash up super power combo. Not to mention the structured denim blazers and neon mustard yellow coats and you are looking at one savvy, street smart New York City woman a la Rag and Bone. What can I say? I am smitten. Later that night, I had the good fortune of being invited to the Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion Showcase by CEO Ian Gerard. It was a refreshing, clean cut view of where Fashion is headed for the 2012 Calendar Year as models walked the runways donning a lot of free flowing pieces mostly colored in black and demure shades made largely out of organic and or recycled materials. Apparently fashion can even make going green look tres chic. The weekend only got better as Alexander Wang’s show proved to be THE trendy success story of the week as everyone from Alicia Keys to Susie Bubble and Anna dello Russo arrived fashionably on time for this young New Yorker’s take on Spring trends. It blows my mind that only a few years ago, Mr. Wang quietly erupted onto the New York Fashion scene. Now, every ‘of the moment’ fashionista/ fashionisto has one of his darkly hued, delicately draped staple pieces hanging in her closet or dangling from her boudoir. Alexander Wang debuted his refreshing take on the upcoming spring season in NYC in ‘gangs,’ as he was quoted calling them in a post-show interview, marrying delicate floral patterns with urban biker chic leather pieces to pairing darkly meshed jerseys with neon (again) cotton polos. Don’t forget the patterned, brightly color blocked high waisted pants/light sweater combo. And those white, pointed, strappy heels…can you say nineties throwback? Only Wang pulls it off.
by Elise White
REMEMBERING 9/11 America remembers, New York remembers, and “U.VA Remembers 9/11.” This is the title given to the series of events organized by our University to commemorate the tenth year anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day we are not able to forget. We remember when and where we heard the news or watched the towers fall on television. The word ‘terrorism’ was introduced into our fourth and fifth grade vocabularies and this tragic moment triggered a series of events that would forever alter the trajectories of our lives and the future of America. Suddenly, we were forced to pay attention to the religious conflict and politics of the Middle East. Our world no longer consisted of just the prosperity of the United States but it also included the terms ‘jihad’ and ‘Al-Qaeda’ and an uncertain future. The religious and racial tolerance of our country was severely tested. Zainab Al-Sayegh, a member of the Muslim Student Alliance, shared her experience of living as a Muslim woman in post 9/11 America in an Interfaith
Dialogue on the Muslim American Experience hosted by Sustained Dialogue during the commemoration events. Zainab has found herself, her family, and her faith targeted by students, teachers, exaggerated media representations and unimpeded violence since the age of twelve. Yet, as she continued her story and engaged in further discussion throughout the week, she noticed sympathy instead of strife on the faces of her peers. “I felt so supported by these groups, and I had an outlet for issues that I had never known I could discuss, and people whom I could share these experiences with- which to me are the highest joy I’ve met with so far, and I’m very glad that I could experience it at this time.” From the image of hundreds of miniature American flags littering the lawn and the fresh coat of red, white, and blue painted over the fading Z adorning the McIntire Amphitheater steps, it is obvious the students of U.Va. are able to set aside our differences and respectfully remember the events of
September 11. The annual remembrance of this painful occasion could be commemorated by tears and anxiety instead of honor and patriotism. However, as Americans, we have come to the realization that the refusal to surrender to defeat is a testament of America’s resilience and also a reproach to the forces behind the attack. In the midst of war, governmental divide, and recession, President Obama reminds us that whilst Americans memorialize the victims of 9/11, “they will be reminded that we are not perfect but our democracy is durable and that democracy, reflecting as it does the imperfections of man, also gives us the opportunity to perfect our union.” Although the U.S. is still adjusting, the events of September 11 have birthed a necessity and thirst for new knowledge about the politics, religions, and quality of life of people in the Middle East as well as nations around the world. Although we’ve entered an era of uncertainty, this heart for the world may usher us into an era of hope.
9
Tis’ Autumn
by: Hannah Brock
Fall is here and that means a new season of How I Met Your Mother, turtlenecks, and new releases from our favorite/soon to be favorite artists. As the leaves turn orange, the pies turn orange, and our skin begins to loose it’s orange summer glow, there is one thing that will keep you from being bored with the monotony- Leaves of Green. The solo album by James Madole (he’s only 20...makes me feel rather unaccomplished) features laid back vibes focusing on guitars and hauntingly beautiful vocals; if you’re a fan of Grizzly Bear, check out Leaves of Green’s Manhattan Ave. The title song, “Imago,” is peaceful and creepy, addicting and relaxing, and all-around, three thumbs up. On a lighter note, Little Marjorette is a new must listen, if you are a fan of Feist. The Swedish band combines easy piano and drum beats to create quite the dynamic song, including ones with an under-appreciated trumpet. If interested try the Lykke Li sounding “Never Be the Same.”
Following the fun is April Smith and the Great Picture Show. With her vintage vocals and community sounding beats (its sounds like a whole miniature mountain village is participating in the songs), there is so much that keeps you entertained, you won’t even notice the days getting shorter. But shorter days mean longer nights! Let the neon GLOW! Neon Indian that is. Their new album Era Extrana is simply entrancing. Continuing their electronic theme, their sophomore album definitely doesn’t disappoint. concoction of acoustic folk and ambient electronica with some brass sections and airy synth effects added for good measure. Although Bejar danced around these styles before on previous records, never has he produced something this diverse with such beautiful symmetry. In today’s commercial era, music artists are brands or commodities that can be summed up in a line or two. It seems insane to look for genuine wisdom in modern music, while we’re consistently devouring the all-you-can-eat buffet of post-modernist popular culture. But Kaputt feels wise and real, like a mirror that actually points Kaputt by Destroyer back at something greater. A disc you can jam to and completely immerse yourself Popularly known as the tour de force masterpiece “Bay of Pigs”. Ranging from spacey trance to acid- in. Essential listening for anyone who calls behind the New Pornographers, Dan Bejar has made his own pretentious folk records jazz, Kaputt features a variety of styles that themselves a lover of great music. This is as Destroyer for more than a decade. With Bejar develops with childish delight. Instead one of my favorite records of all time. Kaputt, Dan Bejar unleashes the latest of Bowie, names like Bryan Ferry and Art by: Dilsher Dhillon chapter in his ever-evolving independent Pepper become relevant. A few efforts – like musical adventure. Bejar’s ninth disc “Poor in Love” and “Savage Night at the detours into all manner of early 80’s Opera” – are surprising even for a eclectic glossiness — smooth New Wave bass lines, songwriter like Bejar. The latter’s synthrock-opera synths, backup vocalists straight heavy funk beat is prominent. Fortunately, off a Doobie Brothers record, all filtered the unpredictable sounds don’t stop there. through the bizarre, literary bent that make My favorite song on the record is the Destroyer albums such intricate fun puzzles. powerfully melancholic “Suicide Demo for Bejar, a Ph.D in English Literature, is a Kara Walker,” which unveils a free-flowing prodigy for great lyrics. He weaves sad-poet fusion of rock and jazz and features some spirals, ruminating over politics, sex, drugs powerhouse phrases such as, “Enter through and music, and packed with perfect New the exit and exist through the entrance”. Age indie regrets like “Magnolia’s a girl/ “Song for America” touches on vintage Her heart’s made of wood/ As apocalypses funk, “Blue Eyes” plays with the soulful side go, that’s pretty good, “ from the 11 minute of soft-rock, and “Chinatown” is a delicious
New from Ladytron is Gravity, The Seducer. The first single from the British band’s new album, “White Elephant” is slower than their typical songs but the vocals, similar to those of Metric’s Emily Haines, continue to captivate. If you are looking more for nerds who make awesome music, try Astronautilis. As if his name wasn’t nerdy enough, his album This Is Our Science features a catchy song called “Dimitri Mendeleev”- named after the great man that premed students hate for creating the periodic table. If you like fast paced beats to bob your head to, then check out Astronautilis, though sometimes his lyrics are lame (am I the only one who hates when people use “that’s why I wrote this song” in their song?). If you want to dance instead of bob, check out Mates of State’s “Maracas;” just saying the name is fun so it’s no surprise that the song is too. Listen to it. For some down to earth feeling, good ol’ soul filled folky fun, Blitzen Trapper drops a new album in the middle of September. A single that’s hard to miss is “Love the Way you Walk Away.” If you are a fan, you will remain a fan. Remember the fun music video of those guys running on a beach at night while they sang, “I wanna go surfing?” Well The Drums are back, with a new album titled, Portamento. This means new songs! Like “Money;” it’s catchy, but it’s not as addicting as “Let’s Go Surfing.” But hey, I first hated that song too, so maybe “Money” will grow on me.
So as the temperature declines, there should be enough here to keep you warm on those cold nights. If not, I’m sorry, buy a sweater.
We Got The Beat Remember the 80s? Probably not, because most of us had not been born yet or our brains were too mushy to absorb anything. But when I say 80s, the first thing to pop into your mind is probably shoulder pads, neon blue jackets, Return of the Jedi, and “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Most of us think the vibe from the 80s is gone, stuck to the decade by the immense amount of hairspray used to keep those tresses teased. Well, much to your surprise, the eighties are coming back. With modern culture pulling influences from Generation X, it’s like a really bad time machine. Many things happened in the 80s; one of particular importance was the computer. First technology snuck into government buildings and schools, and before we knew it, machines had invaded our music. Synthesizers appeared in almost every song; digitally altered tunes were frequent finds on the radio (think Cyndi Lauper and Soft Cell). Few artists in today’s decade go without some sort of auto-tune. The 80s diluted pure talent, but it also brought new musicians to light, especially saxophonists. Of course, Lady Gaga is on top of this trend featuring Clarence Clemons (R.I.P.) in two of her singles from Born This Way. Some might even think of the 8os when they hear these titles- “Hair” – for obvious reasons- and “Edge of Glory” (quite possibly a reference to the great 90s
by: Hannah Brock movie, the Cutting Edge, about the 1988 Olympics?) For all of you dweebs who don’t know who Clarence was, he was one of the greatest saxophonists. Ever. And a member of the E Street Band when they performed with Springsteen (Bruce Springsteen, that is). Gaga also tends to mimic Madonna, the 1980s queen, with her style and musical influences--some may say the controversial “Judas” and “Alejandro” are similar to Madge’s “Like a Prayer.” Katy Perry also features another great saxophonist in her T.G.I.F. single, Kenny G. So in Clueless, when Cher said, “Thank you, Josh. I SO need lessons from you on how to be cool. Tell me the part about Kenny G again?” she could actually learn a thing or two from her dorkburger brother/boyfriend. Not just in contemporary pop are 80’s influences appearing, but also in the alternative scene, though it comes as less of a shock. Using the synthesizers and electronic riffs and, once again, saxophones, from the 80s for years, M83 had been keeping the essence of the decade alive. Even the soul filled folk vibes of Bon Iver have turned to the 80s, as evident with “Beth/Rest” from his new album Bon Iver, Bon Iver. With the haunting keyboard and sporadic drum and synthesized vocals, it
sounds as thought “Beth/Rest” was straight from Phil Collins’ talent bag. The rest of his album features other 80’s influences such as the electronic beats and extended vibrations in “Lisbon OH.” Like Pat Benatar, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are heavy on the drums in their new single, “Heart in your Heartbreak,” must I even mention the “Heartbreak” reference? The main difference between the two is ironically, heart. Pat sings it with more passion, the one thing that seems to not have come back. I think I can handle this amount of reemergence of the 80s for now, but if A-HA or Wham! decides to come back… gag me with a spoon.
Hoo By: Kelsey Field
Hoos?
knows these
Famous Graduates of the University of Virginia
No matter the university, college students all across the country love discovering famous alumni who attended their university. It is fascinating to know that people of such high stature and success began where we began and had the same opportunities to thrive as the current University of Virginia students do now. By researching or taking the initiative to find alumni who succeeded in particular fields, students can learn pathways to take in order to excel in their areas of interest by seeing where these graduates got involved at U.Va. or even something as simple as their majors or minors. Not only can learning about prominent alumni provide inspiration for students
to achieve to the same level or higher, but it allows students to realize that U.Va. is involved all around the world and is making a significant change. U.Va. has specialized in the areas of politics, athletics, education, business, land, sea and space, news and media, health care and medicine, entertainment, arts and literature, international/foreign affairs, the Supreme Court, and science and technology. Not only are previous U.Va. students successful in the world outside of the university and Charlottesville, but current students are doing big things and 12
changing the world within U.Va. Some students are making a difference through prestigious internships over summer breaks, while others are volunteering and taking upon themselves leadership roles unique to many young adults. Mandy Giampaolo, a current second year stated, “This summer I interned at the Civil Military Fusion Centre, which is a NATO ran information sharing website. While I was there, I published an article on recent maritime changes due to privacy in Somalia. It was an experience I’ll never forget.” Mandy is just one of thousands of students influenced form the famous graduates, who initiated excellence and innovation of the U.Va. community. Here’s a list of some notable alumni who we’ll never forget: - Walter Reed (MED 1869) saved lives through his discovery of the vaccination for yellow fever. - Deidre Downs (CLAS ’02) was voted Miss America in 2005. - Jonathan Mariner (COMM ’76) currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Major League Baseball. - Charles T. Pepper (MED 1855) had the original “Dr. Pepper” named after him. - Bob Gazzle (CLAS ’87) is the president and C.E.O. of the American Film Institute along with being an Emmy-nominated television producer and writer. - Sean Patrick Thomas (CLAS ’92) is known for Saved the Last Dance, Army Wives, Cruel Intentions, just to name a few of his roles. - Stephen J. Malkmus Jr. (CLAS ’88) was the lead singer of the band Pavement. - Daryl Brewster (CLAS ’79) was the former president and C.E.O. of Krispy Kreme. Some more recognizable U.Va. grads include Katie Couric (CLAS ’79), the successful news reporter and Tina Fey (CLAS ’92) recognized for her Saturday Night Live skits, television productions such as 30 Rock, and hit comedy movies. Couric was
undoubtedly influential even during her college years at U.Va. where she wrote for The Cavalier Daily, was a Head Resident on the Lawn, and was a sister of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She majored in English with a focus on American Studies. Tina Fey’s autobiographical comedy, Bossypants (published this past April) explains some of her experience at the University and the journey to her current success. Fey majored in drama and it is said she loved her time at U.Va. She jokes about her luck with the guys and relationships during her college years, “Thomas Jefferson—another gorgeous white boy who would not have been interested in me. This was my problem in a nutshell. To get some play in Charlottesville, you had to be either a Martha Jefferson or a Sally Hemings.” Yet a deeper look at the content of Fey’s book conveys messages like, “THERE ARE NO MISTAKES, only opportunities.” While many U.Va. students and the Charlottesville community know about these two ladies, there are quite a few famous graduates that could come as a surprise. Heather and Heidi Burge, twins who were both CLAS ‘93 graduates, ended up playing for the WNBA. Heather played for the Sacramento Monarchs, while Heidi played for the Los Angeles Sparks and the Washington Mystics. Each girl, standing 6’5” tall, were said to be the world’s tallest set of female twins in the Guiness World Records in 1991. A Disney Channel Original Movie,
originally aired in 2002, illuminates their lives, from hardships to achievements throughout their high school career, titled Double Teamed. Learning about successful and famous graduate from the University of Virginia creates pride and instills the mindset of a promising future to current students. Admiration and support will always flow from U.Va. to its alumni. Current students aspiring for the same success and accomplishments as these notable alumnus should listen to what the graduates themselves have to say. Tina Fey said it best in her book, Bossypants, “You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.”
For further information on notable U.Va. alumni, visit http://publicaffairs.virginia.edu/notablealumni/
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TheCollege Years
unentertaining.2 Fraternities seem like a jackpot for hilarious plotlines, but these plot lines appeal to a by: Michelle Ross younger audience…an audience in college. Students are not a network’s prime target considering most students don’t have the money or time for television. Other forgettable shows like Delta House and Class How do you kill a television show before it starts? of ’96, which only lasted one season like Glory Daze, Make the premise about the college years. It’s most likely fell prey to the same pitfall: an unreliable funny how the four years of life we fantasize about target audience. 3 when we are young, and the four years of life we Students in college spend their leisure time reminisce about when we are old, cannot sustain living the college life as opposed to watching it on itself on cable or network television. It does not screen. Granted, Spies don’t sit around watching make sense considering what college brings to Burn Notice and doctors probably don’t watch Grey’s the table: the make-ups and the break-ups, that Anatomy, but teenagers in high school will watch Glee night that was legendary, a class that changed our and Pretty Little Liars. Typically, an age group will world, or a professor who sparked that flame in us. watch shows centered on characters their generation. Those four years of our lives are a mixed bag of It’s hard to find a 20 year old yuppie whose favorite the superficial, the ridiculous, the inspiring, and show is Golden Girls. So, it is hard to believe students the intellectual – all of which sell on television. But in college won’t watch a show about college. looking at ratings of past college shows, the truth Another plausible reason for low ratings could is, if we were channel flipping, we would skip right be that all of these shows debuted on cable or network through it. as opposed to HBO and/or Showtime; therefore, the shows were more restricted in terms of content. Glory n a way, shows centered on college are doomed Daze belonged to TBS, Delta House was ABC, and from the beginning. If you start with freshman, Class of ’96 was FOX. Another show to last one season and follow them through the years, the series was Judd Apatow’s Undeclared. Unlike the previous can last only four seasons that correlate with shows, it was critically a success and intelligently their four years. Hypothetically, the students written enough for a wider audience ranging in age. could stay more years for various academic Apatow blames the failure on the restriction network/ reasons such as graduate school, but the cable has on what the show can be about. “One reason likelihood the whole cast continues their education at for the death of college shows is that it’s difficult to the same school is not be honest about campus life on realistic. But, looking “Students in college spend network or basic cable. It’s hard at a history of college portray truthfully. The truth is, their leisure time living the to shows, the majority of kids are high, drunk, and having college life as opposed to sex. No matter what you do, you’re college shows do not last the first season, so fudging it.”4 The Education of Max watching it on screen.” we never find out what Bickford on CBS takes the same happens after the characters are seniors and graduate. fate as it tries to probe into thought provoking issues For now, this theory has to be scratched. Freshman but plays it safe to avoid scandal…resulting in a show year of college is one of the most exciting years of our that is feels fake. Digesting these instances, the reason lives, but we won’t watch it on TV. We would rather could be college shows have not survived in the past drool over vampires or watch kids five years our junior because they do not depict college realistically. But here’s the hole in the reasoning, shows like get pregnant in high school. The fact of the matter is that college shows Christopher Hooton, Glory Daze: Dude this bro-medy has, cannot find an audience. They repeatedly garner low 2 like, NO laughs, 2011, http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/reviews/857145ratings. Take for instance, TBS’s show Glory Daze glory-daze-dude-this-bro-medy-has-like-no-laughs IMDB, Delta House, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078597/ & which lasted a mere 10 episodes.1 Critics and audiences 3 IMDB, Class of ’96, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105972/ deemed the show superficial, predictable, and frankly
I
1
IMDB, Glory Daze, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1684734/
4 Lynn Smith, TV dramas explore college years, 2006, http:// www.thefalcononline.com/story/article.php?id=4856
Battlestar Gallatica and Star Trek are obviously out of this world, but they still have a huge fan base. Maybe college shows can’t find a happy medium between relatable television and escapist television? Putting television series that start in college aside, shows that start successfully in high school also die when the characters go to college. Most notably, the two shows that famously hit this sour note were Saved by the Bell and Boy Meets World. Since these shows already have an audience and didn’t let cable/ network restrictions hurt their growth, the reasoning
“Maybe college shows can’t find a happy medium between relatable television and escapist television?” for their sudden death is different. Often times, these characters grow up with the audience, they become part of the audience’s childhood, but the when the audience grows up and goes to college themselves, they leave these shows behind them. In addition, the plotlines of the episodes weaken as writers do not know how to keep the characters familiar but realistically change them just as college would change anyone else. But simply, a show about college demands a different audience then what the show started off catering to. The show ends up becoming a new show within itself where the old audience loses interest and the show can’t attract new people. It had already established a reputation for catering to certain types. It is a lose-lose situation. Despite the majority of college shows being plagued by low ratings, there is one show that stands out as being remarkably successful. A Different World, about students attending a historically African American college, was a spin-off of The Cosby Show.
The show debuted with 22.15 million viewers and sustained healthy ratings for six seasons.5 The reason this show thrived was because it appealed to a large audience. It did not rely on immature humor or superficial drama but frequented heavy topics even for today. The show touched on the HIV/Aids epidemic, date rape, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and the mammy image.6 In short, it realistically portrayed college life as not all fun and games. And, it was intelligent enough for people past their college years to be interested in. From 1988-1991, the show was ranked the #1 watched show in African American households; young adults were not the only ones watching this show.7 Larger appeal equals larger audience. A Different World is not the only college show to have a long run. Greek, on ABC family, pulled through five seasons on a low average of 1 million viewers per season.8 Since it aired on ABC Family and not ABC, stellar ratings were not necessary to keep it alive. To pitch and maintain a highly rated college show is difficult, but not impossible. It proves some things in life are great to live through but watching them on screen is a different story. But this does not mean there isn’t hope for college shows in the future. Shows like Moonlight tried to sell vampire characters but it took True Blood to make the genre popular. So basically, are we waiting for that one show to successfully sell the college year’s theme? Or does it boil down to what we dream of experiencing in life is not what we want to fantasize about on television?
5 Wikipedia, A Different World (TV Series), http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Different_World_(TV_series) 6 Wikipedia, A Different World (TV Series), http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Different_World_(TV_series) 7 A DIFFERENT WORLD, http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=differentwor 8 Wikipedia, Greek (TV Series), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Greek_(TV_series)
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Jack Wills - The University Outfitters by Anne Sun
True to its name, the newly opened boutique on The Corner was created to outfit the ideal University student, with a touch of British flair. From traditional cut English blazers to quirky fabric detailing, Jack Wills draws heavily on the British heritage and culture. Design inspiration flows from British military history, sporting traditions, and classic English casual with a dash of eccentricity. The designers of Jack Wills stick to the traditional British lifestyle, in both concept and look, inscribing in their labels, “Fabulously British.” I sat down with the store manager, Charlotte, to discover more of JW’s history, stylistics, and future plans for U.Va. A: To start off, could you tell me a little about the history of Jack Wills; where it started and by whom? C: Yeah, Jack Wills opened 11 years ago, set up by two guys, who had just finished college, from Salcombe, Devon, which is in the southern part of England. It started in a really small town and actually had a very slow start. It started out with one store, and then it expanded to London, where we now have six stores. And from there, it just got bigger and bigger, spreading to various University campuses. Last year, JW came overseas, starting in
Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and around Boston campuses.
C [laughs]: Yes. I love that show.
A: So, what made you guys come
Serena Van der Woodsen type?
to U.Va.?
C: At the moment, we were on several campuses already such as New Haven, Greenwich, West Port, and basically around the New England area. Pretty
A: Would you describe JW as the C: Definitely, definitely. But without the scandal. A: What are some of JW’s
but we stick to what we know our customers are going to wear. A: What would you say your goal
or plan of action is to advertise JW around U.Va. and really getting your name out there to the students?
influences? Maybe is it more Ralph Lauren or Abercrombie?
C: Most of our stores are in Massachusetts, the northern parts,
C: JW doesn’t compare itself to any other brand… there’s no comparison. We get all our pieces from British heritage, so all our blazers and tweeds are based on traditional English cuts that have come down through our history. The casual wear comes from the
so no one [in Charlottesville] knows who we really are yet. And basically to put our stamp on Charlottesville, we plan to throw the best parties; [in fact], a little bit of information that no one really knows yet, we are sponsoring Boylan Heights, dressing their staff head-to-toe in JW. So pretty much, we’re planning to really collaborate with Boylan events where everyone can go see and understand the lifestyle that we want to live. This is our way of putting the stamp on U.Va. and show that we’re not just about clothes, but about having fun. 17
“...classic English casual with a dash of eccentricity.” much the reason why we came to Charlottesville was for U.Va. We’ve been told many a times that it’s been typically a very preppy university… U.Va.’s pretty much our target market, they live and breathe the lifestyle that JW advertises [and embodies]. A: And could you tell me a little
more about the “JW lifestyle?”
C: It’s fun, it’s party, it’s working hard; and, just having a good time basically. Hanging out with friends, partying, and looking good as you do it. A: So what would you describe as
the typical JW girl or guy?
C: [laughing] Oh gosh. [Well, they would be] very laid back, chilled out, goes with the flow—very popular, in with the cool crowd. But not necessarily in with the “popular crowd,” but popular with their circle of friends, and they just know how to have fun and a good time. A: Do you watch Gossip Girl?
“JW doesn’t compare itself to any other brand... there’s no comparison.” lifestyle; so on weekends, you just lounge around in your sweatpants, but you’ve also got the cool pieces to wear on a night out. So we don’t necessarily follow trends,
STREET
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STYLE
Candid photographs of students around grounds Photographs by Brendan Rijke, Amanda Henry & Anne Sun
STREET STYLE
Krista Berry First Year Foreign Affairs Major
Elaine Henry Fourth Year Biology Major
What inspired your look? I really like floral prints
What inspired your look? It’s actually pretty hard
and feminine, simple shift dresses like those of Oscar de la Renta. I found this at a thrift store back home and added a belt to shape it better. And I love watches so wear one usually every day.
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to distinguish where myinfluence of style comes from, im influenced by anyone and everything, whether it be from fashion magazines, my friends, celebrities, etc.
UVA students tell us what inspires their fashion style
Xing Zhang First Year Pre Commerce
Jessica Turpin First Year
What inspired your look? My look is inspired by a
What inspired your look?
mix of modern Korean fashion and American 1980s vintage.
Anything cute and affordable, but I do tend to go for vintage inspired looks.
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OUT IN
with the
old
with the
new
by Christian Paxton
A step from Market Street brings me under the cool overhang of a corner brick building. I enter to immediately find myself looking back at my own reflection in the most dramatic and enormous mirror I think I’ve ever seen. I am in Vintage Vixen, a brand new clothing store that’s all about the brand old, and not to mention brand names. Everything is vintage. Chanel, Valentino, Dior, Christian LaCroix, Givenchy, Prada, Hermes, and others. Heard of ‘em? Robert Moffett, one of the esteemed new employees, certainly has. Just as fashionable as the clothes he helps market, the eager young salesman greets me and begins taking me on a tour around their collections. My ears try to take in as much as my eyes while Robert talks about the pieces, but I am too distracted by my desire to try on everything to catch all of his words. I spy with my little eye the cocktail dress rack when suddenly, belts in my face! Back to Robert, “Look at the hardware on some of these…incredible.” He’s right, too. Chunky gold and silver buckles, fine leather and crocodile skin bands, uniquely crafted to make any outfit show a little zing… or a lot. I can almost hear my mother’s voice echoing in my head: “They just don’t make things like they used to.” I snap back to my mission and begin probing Robert with questions for background details. I learn that the owner is a former model who has worked all over the world: Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo… the list goes on. Now, in addition to having a daughter for a model, she has decided to continue along the fashion track by opening Vintage Vixen. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder… why vintage? In a world spun by new
technologies and an obsession with modern designs, giving the cliché “living on the face track” a whole new meaning, doesn’t it seem a bit odd to be turning the fashion time machine backwards? Almost immediately after the thought leaves my head the door opens and an elegant middle age woman with sky-high cheekbones and brown shoulder-length hair walks in. From Robert’s warm greeting I quickly deduce that this is the lady of the hour, the infamous model-turnedVV-owner herself, Carol Thompson. With the two of them now present, I know I will get all of my answers. The initial reasoning behind the vintage idea stemmed from a motive that I found rather unexpected. While I was assuming fashion, Carol was actually thinking environment (well, and fashion too, of course). Because all of the pieces are originals from (mostly) the sixties, seventies, and eighties, no new materials are being extracted from the earth to produce excess clothes. What’s more, these fabrics clearly have some wear-ability; not a single piece looks worn down or decrepit. Forever-in-21-Days? Not here. As I continued flipping through hangers, my amazement could yet be ceased upon realizing how alarmingly in style many of the designs were. In truth, I was told that sometimes the
pieces were slightly edited: a shortened hem length here, a shoulder pad removal there (and wow are there shoulder pads!). Nevertheless, the clothes’ timelessly flattering designs are enough to make one swoon. Out of curiosity, I learn that Carol’s favorite piece is a striking orange Oscar de la Renta knee-length dress trussed up on a mannequin in one of the windows. Robert opts for a long sea-green dress that he dubbed “the Lady Liberty dress.” It was easy to see how one could unintentionally get attached to some of these one-of-a-kinds. I think I’ll take the mustard yellow Valentino blazer, thank you very much. Pulling myself from an accessories table, I finally begin to make my exit feeling as dramatic as the décor and clothes surrounding me. But a pause in movement and thought brought me digging deeper into the concept of wearing vintage clothing. Perhaps, the most fashion forward thing for the moment actually comes from looking backward to all of the styles that precede us. After all, isn’t history supposed to repeat itself ? I ask Robert what he thinks of this. “Well, to gain any new ideas you have to take inspiration from all that’s been done in the past.” So he agrees. Satisfied in my visit (I bought two belts!) and ready for my next one, I start to leave, but not before being stopped once more by Robert. “Hey Christian, check out this pair of vintage red Ray-Bans! I’m wearing them to the Pretty Lights concert tonight.” I want a pair.
Joanna: bodysuit by “Faber” $40 1990’s, white chiffon dress $225, shoes are vintage, price upon request. Marlowe: 1970’s Emerald outfit $125, pu shirt by “ Dior” 1980’s $125, red boots by “Zodiac” $125 1970’s, vintage tights, price upon request. rple belt by “Christian Lacroix” 1970’s $300, shoes are vntage, price upon request, jewelry is model’s own.
Industrial Antiquity
Clothing courtasy of Vintage Vixen
Taylor: shirt by “Dior” 1980’s $125, red boots by “Zodiac” $125 1970’s, vintage tights, price upon request.
Robert: Amani blazer and shirt and stubbs and wooten shoes and jeans by 7 for $125 Vanessa: shirt by “Gucci” 1980’s for $200, red pants by “Escada” 1990’s $250, belt by “Valentino Night Collection” 1970’s $125
Robert: sweater by “Saks Fifth Avenue” wool 1980’s $125, sunglasses “Persol” 1970’s $365, Pants Jack Wills, shoes by “Clarks” desert boot $125
Marlowe: pantsMondi 1980’s $100, shirt “Christian Llinares” 1970’s $45, shoes by Ferragamo $80; Joanna: blouse by “Givenchy” 1980’s $125, orange belt by “Givenchy” $75 1970’s, purple pants, “Kenar” 1970’s $50; Robert: Amani blazer and shirt and stubbs and wooten shoes and jeans by 7 for $125; Vanessa: shirt by “Gucci” 1980’s for $200, red pants by “Escada” 1990’s $250, belt by “Valentino Night Collection” 1970’s $125
Taylor: 1970’s vintage liquid silver gown, $125--shoes, model’s own Robert: 1980’s Georgio Armani tuxedo blazer $125 and shirt $35 and pants by Jack Wills $90 and shoes by “Stubbs and Wooten” $425
Marlowe: Blazer: Valentino, 1980’s, price $450 Black Pants: model’s own.
Marlowe: Double-brested Blazer: Chanel, early 1990’s, price $900 Leather pants: Nigel Wearing, early 1990’s, price $50 Vintage Black boots, price upon request