Four 1920s Trends I Want to See in the Roaring 2020s

One hundred years after the era of flappers, speakeasies, and jazz, I think it’s time to awaken our inner Gatsby as we begin to spend more and more nights out on the town as the pandemic calms down. Exiting a couple of years spent in sweatpants behind my computer screen, I’ve been diving headfirst into creating more thoughtful, dramatic outfits embellished with accessories now that school is in person and I will be actually seen out in public. Though I tend to draw on more recent vintage styles (80s, 90s, etc.), I’m ready to be inspired by the drama and delicacy of the Roaring Twenties.

Trend 1: Drop-waist dresses

Image via Pinterest.

We’re busy, we’re on the go, we no longer have time to fuss with skinny jeans! May I propose: the drop waist dress. I can easily imagine myself zipping around campus or the city in a more formless piece like the drop waist dress. As vintage is the future of fashion, the drop waist silhouette adds a nostalgic element to a modern outfit. Dress it up with knee-high boots, or dress it down with a pair of white sneakers.

Trend 2: Headbands

Image via Pinterest.

After seeing resurgence of Blair Waldorf-esque headbands over the past few years, I loved the concept of reintroducing hair/headpieces into my accessory arsenal. While the puffed, argyle headbands of Gossip Girl are not my style, embellished and elegant 1920s hairpieces offer a great, vintage-inspired alternative. Here is a beaded example from the 20s that I love. Though they’re more decorative than practical in terms of keeping hair out of your face, a 20s headband will add a touch of delicacy and class to your look.

Trend 3: Long, beaded necklaces

Image via Pinterest.

Move over chokers (or not). Long beaded necklaces, often made of pearls, were very popular among women in the 1920s. They often wrapped twice around the neck, with the tighter part almost acting as a choker and the longer part draping down the chest. More is more with accessories, and I would love to see these types of necklaces layered with other jewelry. The pearls could compliment both silver or gold, or even multi-metal chains. If you—understandably—don’t want to buy a real pearl necklace, a chunky, acetate bead necklace would be a great modern alternative.

Trend 4: Fur-collared coats

Image via The Vintage Woman.

Note: if you decide to buy a fur/fur-lined coat, please buy vintage or faux fur!!! Now that I have that out of the way, I am obsessed with the drama of big, fluffy, fur-collared coats seen on fashionable women in the 20s, like Josephine Baker pictured here. Not only are these coats timeless, but they’re also easily thriftable if you hunt for them. If you’re lucky enough to find one for this fall and winter, you will find yourself pulling it out again every year after.

Bonus: Suits

Image via ED Times.

With the popularization of workwear as everyday wear, including blazers, trousers, and button downs being mixed and matched with casual pieces, a 20s silhouetted suit would take this trend to the next level. As opposed to a wide leg trouser, opt for one that tapers to the ankle (or even culottes that taper at the knee). Similarly, a double-breasted blazer or suit jacket is very 20s. If you choose not to adopt those vintage silhouettes into your workwear collection, go for earthy tones and check patterns to draw inspiration from 20s suits.

Featured image via Pinterest.

The Inbetweeners: Not the TV Show

When you’re scrolling down your Instagram feed, how often do you pause to think, “Hey, I look like that!” On the other hand, how many times do you think, “I love what he/she/they’re wearing, I just don’t know how it would look on my body?” 

More often than not, Instagram influencers and their incredible styles are relegated to thinner people; not necessarily size zero, but the lithe and slender figures of Kendall Jenner-esque figures. Most of us don’t look like that.

When we think “curvy,” we think of the Kim Kardashians and Kylie Jenners; their body types are also lean, but with fuller hips and chests. Most of us don’t look like that either.

When we think “fat”––which is, by the way, not a bad word––we think of Tess Holliday or Lizzo; their body types are not lean and often demonized, but you already know that. Most of us don’t look like that either. 

We love representation, and body positivity is only one part of it. We want to look on a screen and relate to the people we’re looking at. I, for one, love looking through style inspo on Instagram; finding new ways of pairing x with y, or styling x with z. What I don’t love is only seeing these outfits on people who don’t look like me, because they inevitably don’t look the same on my body; whether that displeases me or not is a separate discussion, but it would definitely be nice to have a realistic idea of what I’ll look like when I try certain trends.

We all want to see different shapes and sizes in the media, bodies that deviate from the convention of a socially ascribed “good body.” However, we often forget that those of us that don’t look like Instagram influencers are also allowed to want to dress well, to have our unique, trendy sense of style. Fortunately, more and more “midi,” “inbetweeners,” or midsize influencers—often wearing sizes 10, 12, or 14––are coming along. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for any stylists of any size, but the appeal of a diversified feed and realistic models is undeniable. For the last few months, I’ve made a conscious effort to look for influencers as diverse as I can find, exploring styles radically different from mine. It’s definitely spiced up by my Instagram scrolling, and I think it will yours too.

In the following list, I hope you find at least one person who either dresses or looks like you. And I hope they inspire you––to either dress more freely, or live more freely.

1. Francesca Perks (@francescaperks)

A more colorful Y2K aesthetic, Francesca destroys the notion that prints and light colors only look good on thinner people. Side note: Her room is gorgeous. 

2. Winnie Parker (@winnieparkerr)

Real and unfiltered, Winnie’s style is simple and classic. Her wardrobe and her feed, however, are enviable.

3. Joanna Pincerato (@joannapincerato)

Y2K princess meets modern minimalist, Joanna is proof that your Pinterest board looks phenomenal on everyone. 

4. Lauren-Nicole (@laurennicolefk)

A contributing curve editor for Cosmopolitan UK, do I need to say any more? No, so I have only one word: glam. 

5. Sarah Kim (@iamsarahkim)

Sarah has the modern minimalist look down. Classic nudes, beiges, and browns, her feed is the dream Tumblr aesthetic.

6. Ishini Weerasinghe (@ishiniw)

Proof that the Desi and Western aesthetics can coexist, and look sexy as hell––together and individually.

7. Holly Ah-Thion (@thekittyluxe)

You probably own at least one of the pieces she has but have just never thought to pair it like that. Holly’s nailed the girl-next-door vibe, with a prettier feed to accompany it. 

8. Rosa (@rosariummm)

“I Only Wear Black” is a song from The Wombats and that’s all it should be. Rosa proves time and time again that you can be hot and fat and wear more than just black. 

Hot tip: Her Depop store is incredible and incredibly affordable. You’re welcome. 

9. Javiera (@javiera)

Her tattoos, her make-up, and the way she mixes vibes. Also, her Youtube channel has phenomenal style inspo, Instagram advice, and brutally honest confidence tips. 

Bonus feature to round out the list, my current crush: Mikayla Klewer (@mikaylaklewer).

And a reminder: You can wear whatever the fuck you want, whatever size you are, and whatever you look like.

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The Darkness of Aging

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The other day I was doing my hair and thought of experimenting a bit. I thought of maybe doing some space buns since I used to do that style a lot and kind of missed it. But then I stopped myself, thinking that I didn’t want to look childish or immature or just out of place, so I just went with my usual style- a simple blow-dry, parted in the middle. As I was walking back home from running my errands, I found myself thinking, “Why didn’t I do my space buns?” and not only that but “Why do I feel like all the cute hairstyles I want to do are too ‘childish’?” These questions quickly evolved into something more introspective: “Why do styles get so boring as you age?” Think about it; a typical outfit in a professional, corporate environment is mostly either black, gray, or navy, makeup and hair are often in more conservative styles, and shoes and bags are muted beiges and blacks. When people over a certain age are told to “dress their age,” it usually refers to dressing in more muted or darker colors, in other words, less “fun.”

I was not super familiar with this phenomenon until recently; growing up, it seemed that the older you were, the brighter your outfits were. My great-grandmother hated wearing black or neutral colors, and she was always dressed in bright, eye-catching colors and prints, with bold accessories and bright pink lipstick to match. My grandmother dresses similarly, always wearing bold color-coordinated outfits with matching prints, nice accessories, and her signature shiny red lipstick. Wearing darker colors seemed more for the teenagers and young adults in the family. I recall that my mom would tell me stories about how my great-grandmother would comment that the clothes in her closet were so dark when she was younger.

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Then I noticed that my experience was an outlier. I began to perceive that I second-guessed wearing certain hairstyles to avoid looking childish or, God forbid, immature, but who decided that certain hairstyles were this way? Why can’t a lawyer wear a pink tweed suit and a crown braid to court? Why can’t an investment banker wear space buns and some bright red shoes? Why is it “embarrassing” for a forty-year-old engineer to have rose-gold luggage? I’m not saying dress codes are a bad thing since there still needs to be a certain image of professionalism, but why does that have to mean sacrificing some creativity and fun? Dress codes, in my opinion, should serve as a guiding force rather than an oppressive one that crushes individuality. I personally don’t think there’s anything more professional about the colors black and navy than the colors pink and red.

Furthermore, this “dull/darkness” phenomenon is not strictly relegated to adult fashion but also adult television. Shows that are viewed as “mature” and “intellectual,” in my experience, are usually dark, both literally and figuratively. The lighting and clothes the people wear are muted, gray, and quite frankly, depressing, the storylines are often about the darkness of humanity, and the endings are bleak or just… kind of there. Why is this? Why does age have to be associated with darkness and a lack of fun and brightness? People will say, “oh, that’s reality” or something about how when you grow up, you’ll understand, but what does that even mean? Why does our society have such a pessimistic, negative view of aging? Why does getting older have to mean getting boring? Is this a generational thing?

I certainly don’t understand it or see it that way; I’ve always viewed growing up as something to look forward to because I felt like I would have more freedom to do things that I would enjoy, such as travel or learn a new skill or fall in love, which you can’t fully do as a child who needs to go to school and depend on your parents. I also thought growing up would give me new wisdom to share with the next generation, which is something I look forward to since I often rely on the wisdom of generations before me, like my parents and grandparents. I wanted to grow up because I viewed it as an adventure. I feel like that is what growing up is supposed to be—an adventure. And if adventures are supposed to be fun, why can’t we dress like it?

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"Quarantine Cuts" as Spectacle: Why My Boyfriend Got a Haircut over Zoom & We Recorded it

Every time I get a haircut, I’m nervous. I’ve had bangs for years, and I’m very, very particular about their length. Particular might even be an understatement. I want my bangs to cover my eyebrows, but not my eyes. This means that I need to trim my bangs frequently. And for this reason, I often drop into my favorite Hyde Park hair salon, on my way to class. I don’t even have to say anything; the kind woman at the front desk always knows that I’m there for a quick bang trim.

As such, I’ve had my mom trim my bangs under quarantine. And while she’s very good at cutting my hair, I always remind her - repeatedly - that I don’t want her to make my bangs too short. While Audrey Hepburn could pull off the super short bang look, that’s not the look that I’m going for. More than that, while I trust my mom to cut my bangs, there’s no way that I would let someone film one of my haircuts. I’m nervous enough as it is.

However, after weeks under quarantine, my boyfriend said he needed a haircut. Eli’s hair wasn’t even that long, but he’s like me, in that he’s particular about his hair. To be fair, he’s not nearly as intense as I am about hair length, but he likes having a military cut. And he was worried that his hair was getting out of control. As such, while his mom had never cut his hair before, he ordered a clipper online and asked her to cut it for him.

When Eli said he was going to have his mom cut his hair for the first time, I said that we should film it. I found myself needing a fun project to focus upon, and I joked with him that this might be it. However, I honestly didn’t expect him to agree. I knew that I wouldn’t want my first “quarantine cut” to be filmed, so I wasn’t going to push it. More than that, I knew that many of these home cuts don’t go as planned, and I wasn’t going to talk him into posting the video if he wasn’t fully supportive of the endeavor. But, to my surprise, Eli agreed.

A few days later, I called him over Zoom. He and his mom were both in high spirits, as we discussed where to begin. Eli even arranged the lighting in his room, to improve the video footage. And what follows is a video of this haircut - plus a (post-haircut) discussion of his decision to let me record it.

The Video:

The Interview (Post-Haircut)

Me: When did you first decide it was time to get a “quarantine cut,” and why?

Eli: I think there’s always a moment when I enter a panic and realize my hair is too long. And usually I resolve that by walking to the barber. But, this time I realized that obviously wasn’t going to happen.

I’m in a noticeably worse mood when my hair is long…I’m in a bad mood, because I spend all morning trying to get my hair right. And sometimes I don’t want to look in the mirror because I’ll look ridiculous. So I swore to myself that I would always try to keep my hair short. I wasn’t going to be stingy about this. And so I bought a clipper. And I realized that maybe I got the better end of the deal. Maybe, now that I have a clipper, I’ll never have to get a haircut again. Maybe I’ll make lemonade out of lemons.

Me: Awesome. And why did you let me record it? Because I really didn’t think you’d let me do it.

Eli: Cause I’m vain, probably. I just love the look of my face.

Me: Eli! You don’t really mean that.

Eli: I think it’s because I love watching my face in action. I like watching myself make expressions. So I said, well, why not immortalize this for narcissistic means?

Me: You’re not being serious now!

Eli: That’s not true. That’s not true! [He laughs.] Is that not a good answer?

Me: That’s not not a good answer, I just didn’t think that would be your answer.

Eli: Is that not allowed to be my answer?…Well, let me tell MODA this, I love videos of myself. I am not camera shy. So the idea that there would be memories of me immortalized in film, I like that idea…It’s like a blog with my face in it. It’s perfect, right? So I’m a vain cat. Right?

Me: Well, now I know. [I laugh. I’m still not fully convinced he’s being serious.] And were you nervous for the recording? Or how did you feel the day of?

Eli: Well, I was nervous for the haircut, but I rationalized it ahead of time that if there were any major [screw] ups, then we would just call it quits and I’d go bald. And I was okay with going bald. So, I accepted that fate and I wanted to be valiant for the video. So I was ready. I think what you can say fairly is that I was ready. Was I nervous? Maybe. Was I scared? Perhaps…were there butterflies in my stomach? It’s possible. But I was ready. I was as ready as I was ever gonna be for an experience like that. And let me tell you, it paid dividends.

Me: And worst-case scenario, what would have happened? You’ve already basically said this, but-

Eli: I would go bald. Now should I stay with bad hair, that would be worst-case. But I’d already decided that worst-case wouldn’t be acceptable. I said, if we get to that place, “he’s going bald.” (But the “he” is me there.) So that was the mindset I took.

Me: That’s awesome.

Eli: What else do you got? [He laughs. He loves being interviewed.]

Me: Do you now recommend the experience to others? You’ve already answered a bunch of my other questions, but-

Eli: Can I also say this? If you think that you’re going to get some totally cheese cake answer out of me, like, “man, was I scared,” nuh-uh. Right? These are the only answers I’m capable of giving. Alright? So sorry about that. This is all I can do.

Me: You’re on such a roll right now that I can’t tell if you’re serious about the answers you’re giving me.

Eli: Ok, well look. If you love the sound of your voice and the look of your face… and I’m not kidding…if you’re camera shy, then you’re going to be even more camera shy in terms of your hair. And let me tell you this, also, I was scared. Okay? When I looked at that first-

Me: But you said you weren’t scared!

Eli: But now I’m getting to when I was [scared]. When my mom drove that [clipper] through my hair the first bit, and it was like… what did we say on the phone? A reverse mohawk maybe. I was like, “oh no, this is going to be bad.” But then it was okay…And by “do you recommend this,” do you mean have it recorded or cut your hair at home?

Me: Both.

Eli: Well, if you just mean having a haircut at home, then there’s no promises… [But] my hair cuts really easily. So if you have a hair style that you really care about, then you should just let it grow out. I’d also say that most people who have a haircut that they care about, it’s not short. Because if it’s short, then how much do you care? Right? So, if you have a long haircut that can get a little longer, wait this pandemic out. But if you’re okay being bald and you like good risks, like speeding down the highway…if you’re that type of person, and you don’t mind going bald, then it’s for you.

Me: Okay. And then the last big question: are you happy with the cut?

Eli: Oh we can keep going for awhile, I promise. But, yeah, I was elated, actually. And I’ll say this-

Me: Ahh, Eli, I think recording you was a bad idea. Because now you’re just on such a roll. I don’t trust-

Eli: I’ll say this… if I had to graph my emotions, let’s say I was good, then I was a little scared, and then it went way up when I thought it was great. [He points to illustrate his “graph.”] And that [after] photo you took, that’s the height of it. Then I looked in the mirror later, and all down here [he points to the back of his head], it was too long. My mom hadn't seen it, because of my very good lighting. So I had to refine it, and once it was refined, the graph went back up.

And now, you noted that my hair has been a little uneven. But I will say, as a “vouching mechanism,” that I’m getting my mom to do this again. So if I really thought it was a bad idea, then I wouldn’t have her cut my hair again. But she’s going to. So that’s good evidence that I thought it was pretty good.

Needless to admit, Eli really enjoyed both the haircut itself and the spectacle of having it recorded (and of being interviewed).

Click here, for thumbnail image source. The video’s soundtrack is the Austin Powers theme song: “Soul Bossa Nova.”

Quad Style: Andrew Chang

Hi, I’m Andrew! I’m a second year English major from Toronto and the incoming Editor-in-Chief of the MODA Blog. This year I designed for the MODA Show as part of the Designer Boot Camp Program, which was an amazing experience! When I’m not studying, editing articles for the Blog or bouncing very aggressively back and forth between classes, I’ll likely be drawing or taking photos.

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I love wearing suits, but styling them to be more casual. Here, I’m wearing a sports coat and skinny trousers from H&M with a pair of adidas Stan Smith sneakers. I’ve paired the look with a t-shirt that my best friend and I found at a thrift shop in Toronto; we somehow managed to find two and whenever I wear it, I’m reminded of the wonderful times we’ve had together.

How would you describe your personal style?

Honestly, I’d say that I’m pretty basic. I have a sense of what works on my body and I’d say that most of my wardrobe is made up of items that can be easily mixed and matched together with one or two more eccentric statement pieces that I like to play with.

I like to wear pieces that are quite classic but with subversive touches, whether that’s an unexpected icon or a slightly off-kilter phrase. It makes me feel rebellious to play with people’s expectations about fashion; I enjoy watching the shock on people’s faces when they see that I’m wearing a Peppa Pig watch or that I have ‘Canadian as Fuck’ printed onto an otherwise plain white tee.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I get inspired by people with really bold fashion perspectives who can translate their eccentricity into something more accessible. I am obsessed with Ezra Miller right now as I find myself getting more and more interested in exploring androgyny and various subcultures and how they interact with mainstream fashion.

I’d say other inspirations are people like David Bowie, Michael Jackson and Elvis because they really understood how to push the boundaries of style and fashion to translate themselves as characters rather than just people wearing clothes. I admire a lot of stylists as well such as Grace Coddington, Katie Grand and Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele because they understand how to bring fashion to the level of fantasy.

For me, style is all about collecting, mixing and subverting garments to project the image of who you want to be; that kind of persona play excites me the most about the possibilities of fashion.

“For me, style is all about collecting, mixing and subverting garments to project the image of who you want to be”

For this look, I’m wearing a leather jacket from Forever21 with a pair of black jeans from H&M. The T-shirt is a gift from a friend who read my article on Peppa Pig’s growing influence on the streetwear scene and the ring and necklace are from Amazon.

“These virtual personas we craft through fashion are simply images of unspoken desires, fantasies and dreams.”

For this look, I’m wearing a T-shirt from Peace Collective, a Toronto based apparel brand that celebrates Canadian identity, a pair of blue jeans from H&M, a pair of Nike sneakers and a thrifted bowling jacket that I got from Black Market Thrift in Toronto. I got lucky and somehow found a black satin bomber with my name embroidered on it. I’m not sure who Andy is, but I’m glad that they decided to donate their championship bowling jacket to a thrift shop, because now I have it and I am obsessed with it.

Why is fashion important to you?

At the end of the day, fashion for me is about self expression, and I think internally, I understood that from quite a young age. I got really invested in fashion when I was in middle school and I was designing outfits for the characters in a comic book I was writing. I was always thinking about how different garments or different style choices translated into personality traits, desires, fears, and emotions; I wanted people to be able to understand a character through what they wore and how they wore it and I think unconsciously, those thoughts began to leave the pages of my sketchbook and enter my own life.

Fashion gives people the opportunity to design their own character, to be whoever they want to be that day, and to erase it all and start over again the next day. I think we’re so fortunate to live in a time and place where we can feel more free to express our identities or to project our ideal personas through fashion and hair and makeup.

I never thought of this process as deceptive or fake because in some ways, who we are and who we want to be are one and the same. Our projected selves or these virtual personas we craft through fashion are simply images of unspoken desires, fantasies and dreams. Years from now, I’m sure I’ll have a completely different perspective on fashion, but for the time being I’m just enjoying how it all makes me feel. There’s something so uplifting and empowering in choosing to dress a certain way and in choosing to be the person I want to be.

“I’m just enjoying how fashion makes me feel. There’s something so uplifting and empowering in choosing to dress a certain way and in choosing to be the person I want to be.”

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All images courtesy of Isaac Tannenbaum. View more of his work on his website or Instagram.

Fall '19 Ready-to-Wear Trend Report

Fashion Month is always such a wonderful opportunity for artists to voice their opinions on how the world is shifting, and it seems that this season there are many things to think about and so many conversations to be had regarding what we’ve seen on the runways.

I found it to be such a creative and bold season with one big theme in mind: an exploration of femininity. So much of what has taken place in the past year has to do with the changes in how the world views women, whether that’s with regards to their historic rise to power in Congress, their taking over of major fashion houses across the world, or voicing their opinions and telling their stories. This RTW season, I feel that fashion wants to celebrate the major strides society has made in supporting and empowering women around the world.

It was such a defiant and beautiful season, with so much focus on showcasing the power in femininity. We saw so much wonderful color and texture. Many collections were very fun and playful, but simultaneously, I think we saw a lot of joyous strength in the volume that designers were sending out. There were incredible and unique proportions to garments that we’ve never seen before, many wonderful coats that I’m certain will make quite a splash in stores next September, and very innovative executions of the fashion show from Moschino’s Price is Right performance to Saint Laurent’s Glow in the Dark extravaganza.

We’ve seen a wonderful blend of high and low that I think many designers are fixated with at the moment. There are always conversations surrounding the blending of two different cultures, but now I think we’re seeing so much discussion about the mixing of two cultures within the same city. I must cite Ricardo Tisci at Burberry, who showed a wonderful mix of dramatic coats and hoodies this season that completely emphasized an optimistic vision of togetherness and unity.

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Finally, with the loss of one of fashion’s greatest legends Karl Lagerfeld, I think the one thing we’ve seen so much of is a respect and love for this world of fashion. While the news was certainly devastating, I have to applaud the houses of Fendi and Chanel for putting on two wonderful shows in Karl’s honor. It’s truly remarkable to see an artist’s legacy continued in such a beautiful way with so much reverence, optimism and love.

There’s certainly a lot of food for thought following the Fall 2019 fashion season, but thankfully, we can feast our eyes on all the wonders that fashion has brought us in the past month right here, right now. So without further ado, here are our top trends, straight from the Fall 2019 Ready-to-Wear runways!

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The Floral Coat

We have seen a lot of florals this season, again emphasizing the focus of fashion houses on redefining contemporary femininity. I think the most effective way to wear florals for Fall (groundbreaking!) is in the form of a fabulous coat. I find that a good mix of masculine tailoring with such a vibrant, blooming print creates a wonderfully structured and playful image. I must say, this trend was completely mastered by the wonderful Richard Quinn, whose florals this season looked both glamorous and youthful, with a subversive touch in head-to-toe floral skin-suits and enormous floral bows. I also loved Erdem’s romantic take on the trend as well as Prada’s and Jacquemus’ very modern, three-dimensional blooms adorning their coats this season.

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Huff and Puffs

Designers, particularly in America, seem to be all about accessible romance and whimsy this season. It seems that many houses are questioning how to dress the modern woman in a way that flatters her feminine qualities without dampening her innate strength. We’ve seen a lot of very dramatic silhouettes and really unique proportions throughout the month, but it seems that what will sell and what will catch on trend-wise will be the puff sleeve. From a looser bell sleeve at Zimmerman to a higher princess puff at Brock Collection to a dramatic ruffled puff like at Tomo Koizumi’s freshman collection, the emphasis on strengthening the body through volume, yet softening that drama through feminine draping seems to provide a framework for a new and contemporary kind of woman.

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Shreds and Patches

Textural eccentricity and variation went in a decidedly bohemian direction this season with designers focusing on mixing prints through patchwork. There’s an eclecticism to the blend of so many different prints and textures, but also a carefree playfulness that I think designers want to emphasize for women this season. I must credit Michael Kors for adapting leather patchwork into fabulous, glossy long coats for fall, which I suspect will be quite popular with his customers. I also must cite the wonderful nomadic sweater dresses at Etro, which I think highlight a focus on comfort and coziness. And I must say, I certainly appreciated Rio Uribe’s patchwork denim gown for Gypsy Sport. Though it might not be the most wearable garment, I appreciate his subversive, bizarre and wonderfully wacky work.

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Birds of a Feather

It seems that fashion houses have recently been very interested in how to make a wearable piece more dynamic or more vibrant texturally. I think the technique that many designers have been focusing on this season has been the implementation and construction of feathers. We saw fabulous flamingo feathers at Christian Cowan’s show and wonderful feathered gowns at Marc Jacobs in New York, and of course, who could forget YSL’s amazing glow in the dark feathered cocktail dresses? I’m interested to see how sustainability plays into the design game this year. With the Paris Good Fashion act underway, are designers implementing techniques that utilize more synthetic textiles?

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Wordplay

It’s all about making a statement on the runway these days, and what’s a more effective way to do so than to have it written on your clothes? We’ve certainly seen some rather unfortunate instances of wordplay dressing (cough cough Melania Trump) in the past year, so it seems that designers are trying to really establish a clear message that hopefully won’t offend any more people. Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior appears adamant on using text to underscore the solidarity of women while Jeremy Scott seems to use the rebellious nature of graffiti and the potential for miscommunication in language to spread a more anarchistic message. I must also cite Christopher Kane who uses the statement tee in such a fun way to explore something as complex as perverse sexual expression. Ultimately, the focus on text is a trend that I think many people can implement into their daily lives to express whatever message they hope to share, and what fun that will be for us to see.

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Midcentury Mania

This season, we’ve certainly seen a lot of designers look towards hyper-femininity as a starting point for their collections. Many houses seem particularly interested in the nouveau-look silhouette that Christian Dior made famous in the 50’s and it’s quite engrossing to see how they’ve been subverting that silhouette to reinterpret a contemporary notion of womanhood and femininity. Obviously looking at how Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior reinterpreted the look for the modern woman, we can see that femininity goes hand-in-hand with mobility, an active lifestyle and accessibility. At Jeremy Scott, we saw a mix of Midcentury silhouettes with the vigor and spirit of punk in accessories and print and at Oscar de la Renta, we saw a retention of that fabulous and glamorous structured silhouette as a means of bringing 50’s glamor into the 21st century.

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Suit Yourself

Contrasting the hyper-femininity of the 50s, we’ve also seen a lot of houses looking at dressing women in more masculine tailoring. Sharp suits and wonderful trousers rendered in beautiful prints seem to hint at women appropriating a traditionally masculine trend but retaining an air of womanly power. Standouts included Julien Dossena’s decadent tailoring and prints at Paco Rabanne, Anthony Vaccarello’s super sexy suiting worn without much else, and Tom Ford’s fabulous velvet pantsuits, which seem fit for a sensual, textural look, perfect for the dynamic women of today. Though the queen of tailoring this season was definitely Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen who presented what the house is best known for: mens suits with subversive details.

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Bedroom Dressing

Finally, we come across the revival of the underwear-as-outerwear trend. So many designers seem occupied with a return to or subversion of classic sensuality. There’s something very empowering in houses choosing to focus on showcasing a woman’s lingerie, but done in a way that highlights the contemporary freedom of the modern, sexually liberated woman. I must cite Simone Rocha’s fabulous transparencies with embroidered gems imitating corsetry boning, as well as JW Anderson’s wonderful pajama sets and sheer slips at Loewe. I’m fascinated by the ways designers translate classic sensuality and bring it to a level of punk, or rebellion, and the reigning king of this must be Olivier Rousteing at Balmain, who released the most stunning denim corset I have seen in my life.

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All images via Vogue.com

Fresh Womenswear Looks to Wear to Atelier MODA

It’s that time of year again; the annual MODA fashion show is right around the corner! It’s one of the rare opportunities for a college student to go all out and wear something eccentric, bold, or over-the-top. But this freedom comes with pressure to pull through with a perfect look. If you’re unsure where to find inspiration, I have you covered: keep reading to find the best look for your night out on the town.

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Baby, it’s (still) cold outside, so layer up!

Ever since Demna Gvasalia sent a 7-layer coat down the Balenciaga runway for his FW18 collection, I have been inspired to pile on the layers. The brutal Chicago winter makes this trend even more appealing, and the best part is that your wardrobe probably already has all you need to pull this look off. Adding a turtleneck under a sweatshirt or slip dress or wearing a blazer under a coat are great ways to achieve the look. If you want to try this trend but are afraid of it feeling too bulky, try layering lots of jewelry instead. Maximalism is all the rage now, making this style a perfect one to replicate.

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Screw gender norms, opt for an androgynous fit

The past few seasons have seen countless gender-fluid looks go down the runway, especially as more and more labels, including Gucci, JW Anderson, and Kenzo, choose to merge their menswear and womenswear collections into one show.

Many streetwear brands also use both men and women to model the same pieces in their collections. A big part of fashion is exploring gender fluidity and the ideas of what menswear and womenswear are, so don’t be afraid to push boundaries by trying out a look that is more traditionally masculine than feminine. An easy way to do this is to wear an 80s-inspired power suit, characterized by their exaggerated silhouettes, loose fit, and boxy shoulders.

If you’re looking for something a little more comfortable and casual, try a more streetwear-inspired look. Oversized sweatshirts, tees, and sneakers all fit the style, and since streetwear is so widespread nowadays, it won’t be difficult to find the perfect fit. Adding unique accessories (think: bright hair clips and tiny sunglasses, which are all the rage now) can also elevate an outfit and create a more personal feel.

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When in doubt, go for head-to-toe monochrome

Dressing all in one color can be far from boring; in fact, it usually makes for a strong fit. It’s common to see people wearing all black, but choosing a brighter color can create a bold statement too. Try putting together different shades of one color or adding prints to break up the look and keep it interesting. This has been a huge trend for the past couple seasons and shows no signs of stopping, so you’ll definitely have your finger on the fashion pulse with a monochrome fit.

Mixing textures is another great way to create a unique take on a monochrome outfit, as the different finishes add dimension to the outfit. My personal favorite textures to play with are velvet, silk, and faux fur, but sherpa, corduroy, and PVC are also great options (and good for the cold!).

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Feature image via. All other images via Pinterest.

Quad Style: Paris Bezanis

My name is Paris Bezanis and I am a third year in the College studying Russian Eastern European Studies and Visual Art. I am involved with University Theatre as a scenic designer.

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This look is a combination of some old and new pieces. The shoes are Allen Edmonds, a graduation gift. I’ve worn them religiously since getting them, and they are a little worn out now. Nonetheless, these are great shoes and they mean a lot to me. The pants and coat are both new pieces I bought while abroad last quarter. They are by a Russian design brand named Blizko.

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How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style changes seasonally and is definitely dependent on what I’m working on at the moment but there are a few constancies: texture, color coordination, and fit are all important to me. I am a big fan of material with unique visual and tactile properties such as leather, cashmere, wool, and denim, and I generally prefer natural materials. I also tend to wear solid colors, as those are easier to coordinate. Lastly a good fit is very important to my personal style. I tend to avoid loose fitting or oversized articles and instead opt for something more form fitting. In my mind, you want to work with what you’ve got, and a few well-fitted pieces will help accentuate that.

A foundational piece in my wardrobe is the turtleneck. As so many months of the year are cold in Chicago, turtlenecks are a very versatile and practical base for any outfit. It’s actually pretty funny–as a kid, I used to loathe turtlenecks, I found them uncomfortable and I hated being forced to wear them. Now I spend my own money to buy a well-fitted (usually black) turtleneck. All this said however, I definitely frequent the jeans-and-a-t-shirt look. If I’m working in the shop or in the studio, the comfort and practicality of a worn pair of jeans and an old t-shirt is unparalleled.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

In general I find style inspiration in a lot of classic looks, which is why I opt for the pea and trench coat for my winter outerwear. I come from a family of tailors–both my great grandfather and grandfather worked building suits and coats in Chicago. I think I draw a lot of style inspiration from the heirloom wardrobe of my family which has been passed down to the men of each generation for almost 100 years now.  A lot of the pieces are time-honored staples in menswear–layered, double-breasted wool coats, silk scarves, vests. My sense of style has definitely been influenced by these pieces, which my father gave to me as I left for University. Outside the classic style, I draw a lot of my inspiration from mid-century looks. I love the layering of blazers, cardigans, and light coats. Plus, layering-inspired fashion really lends itself well to cold Chicago weather.

I’ve had this denim jacket since sophomore year of high school, and I’ve been working on it since. This jacket means a lot to me, as it’s seen a lot of different periods of my recent life. My favorite part of this jacket are the patches, of course. I’ve collected these patches over the years during travel or received them as gifts. Moreover, almost every patch on this coat has been sewn on by someone important to me. As such, this coat is the work of a lot of different people who are or were once close to me. The inside of the jacket has some signatures, too. I don’t wear this jacket often anymore, but it represents a lot of love for me. The pins are also important. They represent all kinds of things–a coqui frog from my mother’s home in Puerto Rico to a pin from a friend’s gallery opening. This jacket is still a work in progress. I bought some more patches and pins in my latest travels, and I hope to add them soon.

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Where do you like to shop?

I don’t think I have a particular store I love to shop at. A lot of the clothing I’ve accrued over the past years has been from an amalgam of thrift stores and outlet malls. But for staples (especially pants) I have a few go-to places. I like to buy Dockers Slim and Tapered fit pants and for jeans, I buy Lucky Brand on layaway. The fit of Lucky Brand is the best for me.

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

Fashion regrets? Not really. Not because I don’t have any horrible past outfits draping the skeletons in my closet, but because I don’t really look on them as regrets. Fashion is a fun and experimental thing, and sometimes we wear things we think are “the look” but are really not. I think it’s important to experiment and every once and awhile look a little silly. If I have to pick one misstep, I think the entire ten years I wore board shorts might qualify. Board shorts are certainly not “the look”.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

My relationship to fashion has certainly evolved over the years. When I was younger, I think like most kids, I didn’t really pay attention to what I wore and mostly just went with whatever trend was in. Growing up in Texas, that meant a lot of khaki shorts and polos. In high school I started to become more conscientious of what I wore and started making my own choices, which led to the development of my own style. I think developing one’s own style is important to formulating a notion of self. Now I am definitely more deliberate in my outfit choices; I choose things that make me happy. On a broader level too, fashion is something I am more aware of now. I notice how people present and arrange themselves.

Why is fashion important to you? 

To me fashion is a medium of synthesis. Fashion connects distinct times, locations, and realities and coalesces them into a singular image. I’ve found this in my own style. There are parts of my wardrobe that reflect different parts of my life and story, and as such, different parts of my identity. From my great grandfather’s coats to the rings I wear each day, these articles connect all the disparate aspects of my character and help create a cohesive narrative.

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All images courtesy of Owen Rudalevige.

Quad Style: Anne Wang

Meet Anne, a fourth-year majoring in Economics and minoring in Visual Arts and NELC. On campus, she’s in AKPsi and helps run Pareto Solutions, a strategy consulting RSO. Her free time is largely spent on painting/drawing, creative writing, and studying Chinese history or Hittite.

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How would you describe your personal style?

The two outfits probably gave it away, but I pay basically zero attention to brand and all my attention to the vibe that a piece gives me. Although I’ve never thought of any labels as describing some sort of personal style, I can list things I like, and something might arise from them: turtlenecks, oversized things, muted colors, loose pants and loose sleeves, high waists, and having as many earrings as possible. So lots of muted colors, pairing loose with tight, and honing in on one standout accessory. I also have to credit a large part of my personal style to hair and glasses—they’re there everyday and not changeable in the short term, but people often underestimate how they affect others’ perceptions of their style.

I’m wearing a crop top from Forever 21, and L.L. Bean pants my grandma randomly gave me one day. No lie—she said that a houseguest from China had left it at her place and never came back for it.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

Generally, I find that people at UChicago dress in interesting ways and are pretty good sources of inspiration. I’ve been to plenty of other campuses and I think I can confidently say that we dress more interestingly as a school. Images on Instagram are fun to look at too, particularly the accounts that feature random people on a street rather than a set of curated models. I always pay more attention to someone’s clothing when they carry themselves confidently—I’m always interested in “how he/she pulls it off”.

Where do you like to shop?

Uniqlo, thrift stores, H&M, and my grandma and mom’s closets. I’ve got plenty of aspirational shopping destinations in mind, but they’re going to have to wait until I become a full time salaried worker.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Early middle school was rough—I think I wore all possible permutations that you can get from two polos and 3 pairs of Bermuda shorts. I don’t regret wearing clothes from Walmart throughout my adolescence, though. Walmart was where my mom really honed my instincts for finding an incredible deal—the kind that’s $15 or under.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

Changing your outfit everyday is just fun. It actually used to be really tedious for me, particularly when high school started at 7:20 AM, but somewhere along the way I discovered that clothes could be convenient, comfortable AND look interesting. Once that epiphany was had, and since I’m always shopping on a budget, it became an exciting challenge to look for a piece I wanted that wasn’t going to break the bank. I was never big on watching runway shows or following high level trends, but clothing and “look” became another way, along with writing and painting, to explore what pleased me to make, wear, and be.

“I think understanding and appreciating the diversity of clothing styles and “looks” can be key to appreciating difference in general.”

Why is fashion important to you?

I think understanding and appreciating the diversity of clothing styles and “looks” can be key to appreciating difference in general. For example, I may think that neon colors look terrible on myself, but I will not stop gushing about a particular person’s ability to pull of neon athleisure. Whether it’s musculature, haircut, or lifestyle aesthetic, there’s a reason one person can rock a look that I can’t (yet). 

Being able to recognize how someone pulls something off goes a long way to appreciating your own unique qualities that allow you to pull off what you wear. Sometimes it can be a step to exploring something new for yourself. Honestly, this philosophy applies to lots of other things outside of fashion, but clothing is relatively accessible and common among all of us.

This ensemble is made up of a tank from H&M, pants from my grandma (who literally has the same waistline as me), and a jacket thrifted from Village Discount. The boots for both outfits were bought from a girl on campus for $5! Still happy with myself for that one.

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All images courtesy of Yamini Nambimadom. See more of her work on Instagram.

Brands to Know: Charles & Keith

Founded in 1996 by brothers Charles and Keith Wong, this shoes and accessories retailer grew from their parent's local shoe store in Singapore to an internationally-recognized brand. The brothers decided to cut out the middleman by designing their own shoes and after expanding further into Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the company has grown to 300 stores worldwide. 

Nowadays, Charles & Keith continues to make its mark with in-house designs that explore global trends with a unique spin. A few of the many styles that Charles & Keith has adeptly made its own include florals suspended in see-through acrylic and textured geometric detailing.

Despite its in-house designs, Charles & Keith remains at an accessible price point for college students and young professionals alike, from affordable earrings to thigh high boots that rarely reach the $100 mark.

Additionally, most of the pieces are wearable on a daily basis, so whether you're looking to bring basics up a notch or switch up your going-out style, Charles & Keith products are sure to help make a statement.

You can check them out here or on their Instagram.

All images via. Feature image via.

Quad Style: Shereen Al-Sawwaf

Meet Shereen! She’s a fourth year, (former) pre-med, Global Studies major. On campus, she’s involved in Alpha Omicron Pi and GlobeMed. Off campus, she works at a brand strategy firm and helps produce a podcast called The Big Jump. She loves contemporary art, traveling, Barry’s Bootcamp, and trying new restaurants!

I’m wearing a combination of Aritzia, Zara, and Vince. Both tops are from Aritzia as are the black pants. The plaid skirt is from Zara, and the shoes are Vince.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is definitely modern, though I wouldn’t venture to call it minimalist. I love clean lines, simple colors, and modern cuts with some unique touches here and there. I tend to be very picky when I shop for myself and have made a conscious effort over the years to buy fewer, higher quality pieces rather than get caught up in trends. In the long run, it’s better for my wallet and the environment. It’s also allowed me to create a more cohesive closet over the years as well. I like the idea of curating a closet rather than just shopping.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is the simultaneous expression of individuality and collective effervescence. It’s someone’s opportunity to express her unique self in the context of an increasingly connected world where trends are homogenous. I use fashion as a means of creating my own expression of what I see, appreciate, and admire around me. But most importantly, I value fashion’s ability to empower, inspire, and innovate.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

My middle school years, for sure. Sad to admit I’ve owned more than one Juicy Couture terry tracksuit and a few too many Abercrombie sweat sets.

Where do you like to shop?

Vince, Theory, Rag & Bone, and Aritzia. Lately, I’ve fallen in love with Reformation. Their cuts are all so flattering.

Where do you find style inspiration?

Anywhere and everywhere. From combing through the latest collections to just walking down the street, I'm influenced by everything I’m exposed to. My phone is littered with random screenshots and photos that I often scroll through for ideas and inspiration.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

I’ve always had a pretty strong relationship with fashion. As a kid, I was an avid fan of the New York Times and often poured over the Style section, learning about Fashion Week, different designers, and the style world. My mom would always dress me in the most outrageous outfits and encourage my creativity. My relationship to fashion has only grown stronger through the years as I’ve developed my own strong sense of style, an understanding of the importance of presenting yourself well, and the opportunity to see how fashion has grown to reflect larger trends in day-to-day society.

All of my jewelry is from my cousins’ jewelry shop in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia called Al Nadera.

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All images courtesy of Charlotte Wang.

Fashion Trends for Fall 2018

Now that fall is in full swing, polish off your wardrobe with some patterns, colors and coat styles that have been in trend for the past several seasons, but wear them in unexpected ways. This preview will help you curate an on-trend, eye-catching wardrobe that’s still comfortable, versatile and perfect for class.

Animal Print

Believe it or not, animal prints are in again. Aside from the usual cheetah print, designers have included white snow leopard designs and bold tiger stripes in their collections as well. This trend is not for the faint of heart, however. To avoid looking like a total animal, consider keeping the rest of your outfit pared down by combining with neutral tones like black and white and fabrics like denim and silk.

Ruching

Oh yeah, ruching has returned. This year, gathered fabric detailing is showing up everywhere from skirts to sleeves and can add fun texture and volume when done correctly. Keep an eye out for pieces that are tighter-fitting and monochrome rather than patterned to help define and elongate your frame–so you don't get lost in all that fabric!

Plaid

While this beloved check print is not exactly groundbreaking, there are plenty of fresh ways to showcase the look, whether head to toe in varying materials or asymmetrically across a dress. As a challenge this season, try mixing different colored plaid pieces together, a la Clueless.

Red

Red has definitely been this year's color and its versatility is what makes it such a fun shade to play with. Red is worn best as a statement piece–think along the lines of big jewels, a flashy pair of shoes or a perfectly tailored coat. A monochromatic red look is especially fiery and filled with potential.

80s Western

The 80s have been trickling into a lot of runway collections lately, and while we're not necessarily complaining, we think the combination of big sleeves and high waisted pant pairs especially well with the laidback ease of Western-inspired style. Look for 80s silhouettes and styles that come in neutral shades, incorporate a bit of fringe or utilize durable fabrics (such as wool, corduroy or denim) for a look steeped in nostalgia that isn't too over-the-top.

Color Blocking

Color blocking has been a huge trend all year round and shows no signs of stopping. Layer cozy knits and coats over thin sweaters, tees and pants in an array of colors to easily elevate any look. Playing with a handful of colors in the same range is often the most successful way to approach this trend.

All images above and feature image via Vogue.com

For a Laid-Back Look, Shop SugarHigh LoveStoned

For contemporary takes on 70s, 80s and 90s fashion, look no further than SugarHigh LoveStoned. The brand cites The Replacements, Talking Heads, and Siouxsie and the Banshees as sources of inspiration alongside Chloe Sevigny and Madonna as its eternal fashion muses. You don't have to look far for these rock-n-roll and grunge influences, from their breezy festival-ready frocks, to delightfully embroidered rompers, and vintage style tees with cheeky slogans.

The Hawaii-based brand is working to expand its tribe of "lovestoners," so shoot them a message on social media or pen a letter and get rewarded with their "ever-changing supply of stickers for your van, phone, window or favorite street sign."

Shop the latest spring/summer collection on their website and peruse their Instagram for endless, nostalgia-infused inspiration.

All images and feature image via

Calvin Klein by Raf Simons is Now Selling for $60

Calling all Calvin Klein and/or Raf Simons super fans: as of Friday, July 13th, the designer is unveiling a debut collection for a new sub brand called Calvin Klein Jeans Est. 1978.

Est. 1978 will provide shoppers and fashion fanatics on a tighter budget with staple items that showcase Simon's tongue-in-cheek usage of Americana iconography. Est. 1978 will combine Calvin Klein's "American heritage with the graphic, streetwise aesthetic of youth culture in 2018," so expect to see boyfriend jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with the American flag fit for the modern day, irony-loving hypebeast (Vogue.com).

Shop the collection here.

All images and feature image via.

Quad Style: Maya Rodriguez

Meet Maya Rodriguez, a fourth year Psychology major. She's from the South Side of Chicago and one of the Co Editors-in-Chief of MODA Magazine. On campus, she's a member of Pi Beta Phi and the Organization of Latin American Students, and a student intern for the Office of the Provost.

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I purchased this jumpsuit and hoops from Akira and my go-to nude block heels are from DSW. As for my makeup, it’s a mix of high and low end products all thanks to Benefit, Fenty, and Colourpop.

How would you describe your personal style?

If I could sum it up in a few words, I would say effortless, feminine, and statement-making. Above all things, I’ve got to be comfortable and truly that’s the main motivation for purchasing many of my clothes. I also always have to have modern pieces that’ll make me stand out without breaking the bank or make me feel odd wearing them.

Where do you find style inspiration?

Some of the people who I think embody the kind of style and confidence I try to have with my own brand are Elaine Welteroth, Grasie Mercedes, and Desi Perkins. They’re all women of color involved in different areas of fashion, well-respected in their fields, and encourage representation by unapologetically being themselves. In addition to them, I would say that keeping up with American trends is something I can’t deny I do as a means of finding inspiration. Items that are very reminiscent of Latin American culture immediately call to me as well and I try to incorporate pieces that speak to Latin American culture and heritage into my wardrobe more frequently than other styles.

Where do you like to shop?

Forever 21, ASOS, H&M, Zara, and Gap on occasion. Sometimes if I am lucky I find a cool item from Village Discount. To be completely honest, I’m not exactly ~ ahem ~ affluent, so I have to rely on fast fashion brands to stay on trend and get the basics. I’ve gotten great casual and fancier clothing from all these places, so I can’t knock them for their price. What I end up doing then is combing unique accessories from small vendors, many who are Latin American, as well also experimenting with makeup, especially lipstick.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Besides the heinous era that was mid and late 2000s and the very beginning of the 2010s, I regret some of the very boxy and shapeless silhouettes that I tried out in my fashion career. As a former athlete who has a penchant for sweets, I tend to be a little more reserved in using clothes that would highlight certain body parts. However, after finding the nice balance of less structured clothing as well as continuously traveling on my own path of health and body positivity, I think I’ve crossed that hurdle.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

My relationship with fashion has become representative of the conversations that we are having in the world today, as well as my own personal growth. I wrote about design and improvisation in my final “Letter from the Editor” for the MODA Mag, and I would say it is a pretty accurate process of how I’ve come to love and understand fashion when I didn’t believe in it or its influence at a young age.

Since I was limited in high school, I joined MODA in order to learn more about cultivating my own style. As a result, I was finally able develop and explore my own relationship to fashion, and to have the opportunity to be engaged with how the fashion world is impacting my life and society at large.

Fashion, in my opinion, functions as a personal art form, but also as a medium through we can speak out on societal issues–especially considering how entrenched it is in contemporary society and how obvious a mode of expression it is. I wouldn’t have thought this four years ago, nor would I have been comfortable expressing what I thought was representative of my personality. College was my first real chance to have impactful discussions with myself and with others, and fashion has helped me in ways that I don’t think I fully understand yet, as personal style is an ever evolving process.

I’m wearing a top and skirt from Forever 21, earrings from a vendor in Pilsen, and shoes I got at an amazingly inexpensive outlet from Stuart Weitzman. 

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is a medium that most [individuals] think is inaccessible but in reality is one of the easiest ways to express oneself. I’ve heard many times throughout college that people are scared to try trends or don’t believe they fit in the fashion world based on the perceptions we have come to associate with it. But I want to push back on that. I firmly believe that a more universal embrace of fashion is the only way to challenge a dynamic of expensive, pretentious, and obscurely avant-garde brands we often associate with the only kind of style we should want to have. I’ve learned that lesson with my peers in MODA throughout my four years.

It is undeniable that some of the voices we hear the most in fashion are ones that aren’t representative of who we are, but by speaking up, vocally and sartorially, we can show others that there is so much more to fashion than money. There are also so many ways to make a statement in fashion that doesn’t strictly involve clothing. With the use of other style pieces, makeup, and any other form of art you associate with fashion, you make yourself part of this conversation. Without being able to do this through my personal sense of style, I wouldn’t have become the person I am today; more confident and outspoken than ever on issues that are critical to my identity.

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All images courtesy of Julia Attie. To view more of her photography, click here.

Quad Style: Cecília Resende Santos

Meet Cecília Resende Santos, a fourth-year Art History major focusing on 20th century architecture and urbanism. On campus, she's a part of Kitchen Sink. 

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“Fashion is a daily, non-consequential way of experimenting with aesthetic preferences and, if you will, projected versions of oneself.”

For this look, I am wearing a Worthington wool coat (thrifted), a Zara Basic ribbed mock neck long-sleeve shirt, a black lace top passed down from my mom (probably custom-made) and Uniqlo wool cropped wide-leg trousers.

How would you describe your personal style?

I came to think of my style as prioritizing shape–the geometry of the clothes and its relationship to the body–wearing often mono- or dichromatic outfits and primary colors. I almost never wear patterns. However, I have recently started thinking about texture, which can be very rich and appealing combined with form, for example, the pairing of a ribbed shirt with ribbed trousers, the embroidery-like texture of the top I inherited from my mom, or just the thickness of a fabric. Eventually, I want to find a way to reincorporate more color and patterns. And I tend to dress more put-together than I actually am.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

I gather fashion inspiration in a variety of ways, none of which are particularly intentional or conscious. I like looking at people on the street, observing people I know, and artists and professionals I admire, as well as occasionally going through Instagram and labels I know. The latter two often have very specific, well-defined and self-aware style, and it is interesting to observe them as statements and micro-verses from which to abstract principles and take inspiration. Ads in fashion and art magazines are also a source.

These earrings were maed by my stepmother’s mother, São Paulo-based jewelry designer Lia Barrella. 

Where do you like to shop?

Recently, I have mostly been shopping in thrift stores. Some of my favorite items come from thrift shops in Chicago and other cities. I tend to shop when I am traveling, as I walk in the city and perhaps to take something from a place (the black flowy trousers, for example, are from a thrift store in Brussels). Other favorites come from my mom or were made by my great-aunts–they are singular items made with great craft. But I have shopped for basics at Uniqlo, Everlane, sometimes Zara, and places with petite sizes.

I'm black ribbed flowy wide-leg trousers (thrifted), a Uniqlo white mock neck short-sleeve shirt and Miu Miu shoes (thrifted).

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

I wouldn’t wear much of the stuff I wore as recently as my first year of college, but I don’t really have regrets. I understand that my relationship to fashion, my taste and my self-perception have changed, and fashion choices reflect that.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

My relationship to fashion has changed dramatically over time. Until I was maybe 14, I didn’t care at all about fashion–almost to the point of condemning it. Most schools in Brazil require uniforms, so this wasn’t a big part of the day-to-day in any case. After that, in high school, as uniforms were no longer required, my attitude to fashion began to change. I became mostly concerned with wearing something composed, but neutral, making no statements. It was only in the end of high school and in college, when I moved out of my parent’s house in early 2014, that I started experimenting with outfits and developing some sense of personal style.

In the past two years my style has stabilized somewhat to its current version, but what is interesting and entertaining about fashion is the possibility of experimenting, making new combinations with the items I already own, and rediscovering preferences (or challenging them) when looking through magazines or thrift-shopping.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is a daily, non-consequential way of experimenting with aesthetic preferences and, if you will, projected versions of oneself. For me, the considered thoughtlessness of it is part of a healthy diet of creativity, intellectuality, and amusement. And it has a real relationship with one’s self-confidence and perception of one’s own image – which I think can be harmful at times, but at other times can be very useful.

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All images courtesy of Angela Fung. Check out more of her photography here.

Quad Style: Keira Li

Meet Keira, a 4th year Art History major from China. She plans to study architecture after college, and her dream is to design a palace complex for dogs!

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How would you describe your personal style?

Mostly streetwear/vintage. I wear a lot of black, and I don’t like clothes that are too colorful or extremely feminine. Usually when I run out of ideas for outfits I put on my favorite combination— black turtleneck sweater and jeans (aka the Steve Jobs look).

I'm wearing a white t-shirt from JNBY, Leather jacket from Genuine People, velvet pants from Genuine People, boots from Unif.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

’90s Hong Kong movies, my mom’s closet and Instagram!

Where do you like to shop?

I’m a fan of Vetements and Acne Studios. However, they are way too expensive for me to actually afford anything from them. In reality, most of my favorite pieces are from Unif, Opening Ceremony and Genuine People (those are still not cheap, but occasionally affordable). For bags and accessories, Building Block has a great collection of minimalist designs.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Yes. I once bought a black hoodie from Anti Social Social Club. The first time I wore it I came across two random people wearing the exact same hoodie. Absolutely didn’t like that!

I'm wearing a sweatshirt from Sandro, skirt from Aritzia, boots from Unif.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

I think that ultimately, our relationship to what we wear boils down to our relationship to our body. There was a time when I believed that the only way I could look fashionable was by wearing size 00/XXS clothes. I’ve always been naturally skinny, but during that time I somehow got super obsessed with getting the body shape of a runway model. Now when I look back it seemed ridiculous and I honestly didn’t look great because I lacked confidence in myself. Instead of changing ourselves to conform to a certain type of beauty standard or fashion style, it is more important to appreciate our individuality and choose clothing that best suits that. To look nice and confident we have to first accept and become comfortable in our own bodies.

Why is fashion important to you?

Because I care about how I look and I have to wear clothes!

“I think that ultimately, our relationship to what we wear boils down to our relationship to our body... To look nice and confident we have to first accept and become comfortable in our own bodies.”

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All images courtesy of Julia Attie. To view more of her photography, click here.

The 2018 Met Gala: Where Celebrity Meets Heavenly Bodies

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Every May, the Met Gala marks the penultimate fashion event of the year as celebrities and leaders in the fashion industry flock to the Met's red carpeted stairs. This year, Andrew Bolton, the Met's Costume Institute curator in charge of visualizing and planning the annual show, found inspiration in Catholicism and the many influences it has asserted on fashion and materialism from the medieval era to contemporary brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Versace, Dior and more. 

“Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" opened on May 10th, marked by the much-celebrated Met Gala and will run until October 8th. Co-hosts for the Gala include Anna Wintour, joined by Rihanna, Amal Clooney and Donatella Versace.

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Interestingly, a majority of the designers featured in the show are from Catholic backgrounds. The influences of their religious upbringings in their later creative visions manifest in an array of compelling designs and theorizations about religion and materiality. In the pieces selected for the show, inspiration is drawn from Catholic doctrines, imagery, metaphor and narrative that spans history and moral spectrums. Purity and chastity meet with eroticism, sensuality and carnality. Spirituality stands alongside idolatry and materialism, monarchy with school uniforms and monastic garb.

“... what struck me is how religion—Catholicism in particular—has really shaped the mind of these designers with a richness of imagery, a storytelling tradition, and seeing the world through metaphor. I hope, no matter what your faith, this will cause you to reflect on whether your religion has had an influence on your creative development.”

— Andrew Bolton to Vogue.com

For a more in-depth discussion of "Heavenly Bodies" and the influences of Catholicism in fashion, public imagination and American society, refer to the following article by Maureen Dowd for Vogue.com.

Jean Paul Gaultier

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Versace

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Dolce & Gabbana

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Chanel

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Dolce & Gabbana

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Yves Saint Laurent

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Balenciaga

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Dolce & Gabbana

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Chanel

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Guo Pei

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John Galliano for Christian Dior

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Dolce & Gabbana

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