Fashion Fridays: The Roaring 20s

I awoke last Friday morning to a series of frantic-sounding emails from the newspaper's editor in chief. Did you know about this? Are you covering it? Can you take photos? Further investigation and a couple of emails later, I learned that Clare Sauro, curator of the Drexel Historic Costume Collection, was hosting a special seminar that afternoon. "No," "Now I am!" and "Yes!" were my answers.

The Style section of the Triangle is a fairly new entity, only having been around since fall of last year. At this point we only publish three issues a term, so I was flattered that I was contacted directly to cover a breaking story (the A&E editor was carbon copied on these emails as well, but I was willing to fight her for it). I briefly considered sending out a mass email to my contributors who, though I appreciate a great deal, are not the most responsive people I've had the pleasure of working with. So off I went, with my Moleskine in one hand and my Nikon in the other, to report on the first ever Fashion Friday seminar.

Myself, along with about a dozen attendees, were guided into the costume collection's new state-of-the-art storage facility. According to Clare, the container units we have in the URBN center are the same ones used by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Met's Costume Institute. Laid out on display were only a select few of the Costume Collection's items which date back to the 1920s.

One of the most novel items on display was a copy book from importer Harry Angelo. These books contained illustrations of couture dresses from leading European designers and were sent to independent dressmakers in the United States. Dressmakers could select and order a dress kit that came complete with a pattern, fabric, and trims, which they would assemble themselves and sell as a designer piece!

A donor, who happened to be in attendance, recently gifted the collection a series of small enamel handbags made by the premiere producer of the time. They were small enough to hold a woman's makeup compact and lipstick tube, because that was all she needed for a night out. It was unheard of for a young woman to carry around money.

Clare was also able to determine the how early in the decade these beaded dresses would have been worn based solely on their hemlines! A dress with a more constricting shape would not have been worn during the height of the Charleston dance craze.

But what may have been the crowning jewel of the collection was a coral encrusted evening dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy and originally worn by Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco.

Fashion Fridays hosted by the DHCC will continue to run as a quarterly event throughout the rest of the year, and students will be able to purchase tickets at a discounted price. The next event is slated for around Valentine's Day and may feature the collection's selection of vintage lingerie!

-Words and photos by Courtney Denton

Teen Vogue Fashion University featuring Vogue's Executive Fashion Editor, Phyllis Posnick

My diploma for "graduating" from TVFU

           This past weekend I attended Teen Vogue Fashion University for the third time. Teen Vogue holds Fashion University annually in October since 2006. Amy Astley, the founding Editor in Chief of Teen Vogue started the program and has continued to oversee it as it has grown over the past seven years. Teen Vogue University (TVFU) is an opportunity for high school and college students alike to hear the stories and get advice from some of the fashion industry’s most inspirational and successful designers, bloggers, innovators and more.

            Each year, there is a different keynote speaker or panel and then the fashionistas in training emerge from the Hudson Theater in Manhattan to go to their respective destinations located on various floors of the Conde Nast Building at 4 Times Square. Over the past three years, I have seen Michael Kors, Grace Coddington, Nicole Richie and many more. Each year I am inspired by the stories told and I leave feeling more enthusiastic about the fashion industry than I ever thought I could be.

Me outside the Teen Vogue offices at the Conde Nast Building

            This year I was lucky enough to see Phyllis Posnick, Executive Fashion Editor of Vogue and get the insider scoop on what it is like to work there and constantly try to reinvent the wheel with photo spreads. Posnick primarily works with beauty and health images and rather than do photo shoots with the products, she has a more artful approach. Posnick has had a decade long collaboration with photographer, Irving Penn. In beauty, she said, "there are only so many subjects that can be remade over and over again." In regards to a Brazil spa trip with model Karli Kloss, she said, “Normally the picture would be a clay mask in a spa, but you’ve seen that a million times so this shoot is more of a fantasyland. I try to take exercise out of the gym and into the real world.” At this point, they showed another image of Kloss but in a pose of her standing on a tree stump, wearing only heels, with her arms up and it is supposed to suggest the action of lifting weights. Posnick’s photo ideas all have this fantasy element in them. Posnick was also involved with In Vogue: The Editor's Eye documentary and hearing her speak firsthand about her experiences was both insightful and informative.

Eve MacSweeney with Phyllis Posnick

            After a brief background of what her career at Vogue has entailed, Eve MacSweeney, Features Director at Vogue who was conducting the conversation with Phyllis, opened it up to the audience of TVFU students to ask questions. The following are a few that stood out to me.

Q: Your images are so provocative and inspiring does it take a certain person to work with you?

A: It's important that the model is smart and has a sense of humor. She should move well and be graceful. A small movement can make a huge difference between a good and bad picture. I like dancers or athletic girls who can do things. They can't take themselves to seriously...they need to take themselves with a wink.

Q: Do you think social media harms the way we look at the beauty and fashion industries?

A: When the Kardashians are the standard of beauty or fashion, I think we're in big trouble. I like images that show people a dream and I don't think the Internet has done that.

Q: What advice would you give anyone who wants to be a fashion editor?

A: Don't give up. It's very tough. All of us like Grace (Coddington), Camilla (Nickerson) and Tonne (Goodman), we all tell a story. If you're not successful the first time, just keep trying. A lot of it is luck.

Q: Is there a specific moment that you knew you wanted to be a fashion editor?

A: When I was in high school I was obsessed with magazines. I looked at pictures and knew I wanted to be there. It was the places and the fantasy.

Q: When you're coming up with an idea for a photograph what is your process?

A: First I obsess about it. My process, I think it's the same for all of us...you just have the subject, it's not an idea, it's a subject. I think about it, and then I talk to Steven Klein (photographer) about it. Usually I'm not the only one with an idea. It's collaboration. It's a process and we build on it. I'm a romantic and he tends to like things with blood…we come together and come up with it. You can only work it out ahead of time to a point. Sometimes it just turns into something else.

            My favorite part of Teen Vogue University is really getting to see people such as Phyllis Posnick who are so talented and successful, but yet also so humble and willing to share their experiences. I have picked up some great advice over the past three years and I keep it in mind always when it comes to making decisions for my future. I feel privileged to have had this opportunity the past three years and hope to take what I have learned and apply that to my own career in the fashion industry.

10 Must Try Items from Trader Joes

Trader Joe’s is a unique grocery store with tons of innovative and health-conscious products.  It can be a bit overwhelming for people who walk in without knowing exactly what they’re looking for.  Here is a list of products that are convenient, delicious, and all under $4.

1. Cookie Butter is one of TJ’s most addicting products.  It’s been known to sell out often but recently they’ve been in stock of this delicious treat. It’s perfect for people who have peanut allergies! Price - $3.69.

2. Eggplant Parmesan is one of the most delicious and fast ways to cook and consume a delicious meal in less than 15 minutes.  This is the best option if you know you’ll need to feel full for a significant period of time. Price - $3.49

3. Mochi is a soft, rice-based shell filled with ice cream.  It is hard to come by at any traditional grocery store. A brand called Mikawaya sells it in strawberry, vanilla, mango, chocolate and green tea. Price - $3.79 

4. Frozen Mango sold in the frozen section is already pre-cut and peeled, making it super convenient for morning smoothies. Price - $1.99

5. Quinoa & Black Bean Infused Tortilla Chips have an unbelievable texture, and taste just like their name.  Seasoned with onion, garlic, and sea salt, these crunchy chips are naturally gluten free and vegan. Price - $2.69

6. Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus is a must for hummus lovers! It pairs wonderfully with the Quinoa and Black Bean Infused or with any other vegetables if you want to stay healthy! It has a bit of pesto at the top of the hummus that tastes just as good as it looks. It’s spicy, but not too spicy, making it a great substitute for medium flavored salsa. Price - $2.99

7. Orange Peach Mango is a morning necessity.  Especially if you are the type of person that has to take a pill or vitamins in the morning, OPM is the perfect amount of sweet flavor that instantly wakes up taste buds. Price - $2.99

8. Gone Bananas are perfect for an after meal sweet tooth craving.  They are tiny slices of banana dipped inside of frozen milk chocolate.  Somehow these bananas taste perfectly ripe every time.  Price - $2.69

9. Apple Blossoms are another treat found in the frozen section.  Just pop these pastries in the oven and they’re ready to go! Pairing these with vanilla ice cream makes it even more delicious, even though it already is! Price - $1.99

10. Light Champagne Vinaigrette is a refreshing and flavorful dressing that can make any dull salad taste amazing.  It’s one of those items that you’ll feel obligated to put in your cart time and time again.  Price - $1.99

Painting the Town

Himo and all of his helpers pose with their masterpiece.

Up until last week, walking down 36th street has been typical to any sidewalk stroll through University City. While en route to class, I noticed the brick home to Power Yoga and Urban & Bye was painted white. There were some workers sitting on scaffolding, applying the white paint evenly over the brick. I didn’t think much of it, and hurried on my way. The next day, a patch of color was smiling at me from the wall.

36th & Lancaster gets a makeover.

I did a double take. With just a corner of a mural painted, the intersection was transformed into a place of wonder. It’s now a place where people can gather and where the community could meet beside a 15x20 foot technicolor fresco. The boost of energy, color, and happiness provides a vibrant surface for the sun to bounce off of and for people to reflect beside.

I watched the progress of the mural installation for a week, and on the final day of painting, I couldn’t stay away. I was pulled like a moth to a flame, like a design student to a bucket of paint. 

After a solid five minutes of standing on the sidewalk smiling at the mural like the village idiot, one of the artists asked their leader a question.

“Hey, are you gonna let this girl just stand there or are you gonna give her a brush?”

Before I knew it, I had a can of silver paint in my hands and I was adding lacey layers of iridescence to a beautiful web of color. Their Spanglish joking and banter drew me in, and the colors made me stay. I spent the next hour painting, laughing, and playing with their dog, Samantha. I learned about Himo’s first art lessons, which were held at the community down the street. I also learned about his artistic process, which draws inspiration from his native Veracruz. As a Spanish Minor who was currently preparing for a presentation on Central and South American artistic movements, I couldn't help but feel incredibly lucky to be working alongside Philly's own Diego Rivera.

I also met his assistant, Ana Uribe V., who hails from Colombia and has a broad portfolio of murals throughout the city. Her son, David, and two other painters stood a few feet back on the sidewalk with me and we all said what we saw in the mural. Chinese calligraphy, hurricanes, topographical patterns, bubbles, lightning…the list went on. This abstract fiesta breathes life into the community and energizes the entire surrounding area.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for flyers with details regarding the mural dedication ceremony, where a Colombian band, food, and dancing will help celebrate the achievements of Himo and his team of painters. The mural capital city of the nation has a new piece of history that has just been written, and it's only a few steps away from Ed's. 

Himo’s mural vibrates and sings the stories of the Latin community of Philadelphia. I hope you’ll take the time to see it and let the visual tango take your eyes for a spin down Lancaster.

How I Gave the Most Spontaneous TED Talk Ever

      TED talks are usually a pretty big deal. Drop the name and most people’s eyes will light up with an inspirational story they got from a talk they watched. They’re huge events with months of planning behind them, countless hours of volunteer work, and rather expensive audience tickets. For the past two years I've been privileged enough to be on the planning staff for the now twice annual TED talk held at Drexel. As a photographer, I've been in charge of helping plan the logistics leading up to the event, but more importantly making sure every angle gets captured during the nearly 12-hour talk – which happens to be a super-stressful 16- hour workday for the event staff.

                This year’s event was for the most part a great success (Perhaps excluding the Sam Hyde debacle; a comedy filmmaker who tried to crash the talk), but it wasn't without its hiccups. Around 12:45 during the lunch break, just 15 minutes away from the next session, we got some terrible news: Our next speaker who had yet to show up to the talk, called and canceled. Our team leader and event host Dhairya freaked out, and with good reason. We had an entire half hour of content to fill with just 15 minutes’ notice. While Dhairya and other staff paced around trying to brainstorm a distraction, I had a peculiar thought: What if I went up and talked? I couldn't tell you what got into me to volunteer myself (I’m hardly a public speaker), but my thought process went something like this…

“Hah, wouldn't it be funny if I went up and talked? Wow that would be silly. Wait, what if I actually went up and talked? No, that’s ridiculous, don’t go do that. DEFINITELY don’t go do that… This is a bad idea. What would I even talk about? I guess I could talk about photography…”

                

     Next thing I knew I was pumped with adrenaline pitching a half-cocked idea to Dhairya, and before I knew it I was getting mic’d up and pushed out on stage with only a few vague talking points.

                

     Our theme this year was “The next X,” going over the next big things or ideas in the TED fields; Technology, Entertainment and Design. With my field of photography, I thought what’s next for that? Blood flowing fast, I started with the history of photography: A classically chemical based process dating to the 1800's, reserved to the select few possessing the technical know-how to pull it off. To the fathers of the form back then, the idea of digital photography, a camera in every cellphone, the ability to take a meaningless "selfie" at a moment’s notice – that was unfathomable. So what’s the next step today? Where do we go from digital; what’s going to blow our minds when we think we know it all? I threw around a few ideas, but tried to end on a fun note. Dhairya pushed me to do some crowd participation, so we held a contest: In the spirit of technological advancement letting us take ridiculous "selfies" for no reason, we decided to have the audience make the craziest faces they could and I’d photograph them from the stage. The top three best we’d pick after the next talk would win T-Shirts. Somehow we pulled it all off.

                After it all happened I was pretty shocked, in fifteen minutes I threw something together and actually did a TED talk. And somehow, it wasn't a complete failure, apparently the crowd loved the spontaneity and subject – and at the very least, who doesn't like free T-shirts? At the end of the day I took one thing away from it all: Don’t be afraid to jump on the strangest opportunities that come your way, and don’t be afraid to fail!

WKDU's Tuesday Tune Outs

By: Maeve Walker

As Program Director for Drexel’s student-run radio station, WKDU, a lot of things fall into my lap (and they are not always good).  Fortunately, I was asked by PhilaMOCA (a local gallery and show space) if WKDU was interested in curating their Tuesday Tune Out series for October – and I gladly agreed!

The Tuesday Tune Out series goes like this – each Tuesday of the month, a curator chooses a local band to play a live set.  After the band plays, a secret movie is screened for those who attend the show.  Since WKDU was chosen to curate October’s lineup, the movies were encouraged to be scary for Halloween.

Somehow it came together beautifully (even though it was very stressful for me). The lineup has been announced and has gotten a lot of buzz from other organizations in the city, such as The Deli and WXPN.  Below are some pictures from the first two events, featuring By Surprise, Sam Cook-Parrott of Radiator Hospital and popular Drexel band, Modern Baseball.

If you are interested in attending a future Tuesday Tune Out this month to support WKDU, here is some more information about the rest of the bands participating in the series!  The following linked post was written by me, and placed on The Key’s blog (part of WXPN).

http://thekey.xpn.org/2013/10/01/guest-vj-maeve-walker-of-wkdu-previews-previews-this-months-tuesday-tune-out-kicks-off-tonight-at-philamoca/

By Surprise played to a seated audience, which is typically how the Tuesday Tune Outs are done.

Sam Cook-Parrott played solo to a packed house!

How to Survive a Retail Conference

The Cloudscape, fondly known as "the bean"

Last weekend I ventured to Chicago, Illinois to attend the shop.org summit, sponsored by the National Retail Federation. The excitement of meeting merchandising students from around the country, visiting a new city, and meeting industry leaders made for an exhilarating three days in "the second city." Industry conferences could seem overwhelming and hectic, but it's essential to capitalize on the experience and keep your calm. Here are my top five tips for surviving (and enjoying) a conference:

1) Have a unique business card. Exchanging contact information with the people you meet will make you memorable, but you don't want to be just another piece of paper in their stack of cards. If your business card is a different shape or is an interesting material, you'll be more memorable.

2) Enjoy your downtime. During one of our lunch breaks, I was able to catch a breath of fresh air down by the banks of Lake Michigan. Recharging and energizing is crucial when you're attending back-to-back keynotes and panels.

3) Hydrate and snack. Tea, coffee, and water will be readily available wherever the conference is being hosted. Take advantage of the free meals to give you an energy boost. Power bars will also become your best friend to get you through the day, because nobody wants to hear your stomach growling through a long lecture.

4) Be yourself. I know it sounds cliché, but it's so important that you remain true to yourself, whether you're conversing with a fellow undergrad or you're pitching yourself to a corporate recruiter. Be an active listener, know when to speak up, and ask questions.

5) Experience the local culture. When you find yourself networking, you'll want to have something interesting to contribute to the conversation aside from your laundry list of past internships. For example, I visited the Art Institute of Chicago and was able to recommend an exhibit to several peers and recruiters. Not only did I have fun ideas to suggest to my new contacts, but it proved that I had passions outside the retail industry.

Panelists from Sheplers Western Wear, UncommonGoods,
ANN INC., Walgreen Co., & HSNi

Splashing around in Millennium Park

Words by Danielle Brief. Photography by Danielle Brief and Kristen Ainscoe.

Duke & Winston

Upon entering the offices on the second floor of the Duke & Winston showroom, I was eagerly greeted by an English bulldog who I recognized as none other than the Duke himself. Founder Seun Olubodun was kind enough to sit down with me and talk about the story behind his Philadelphia-based casual wear line as well as his plans to grow his business this upcoming fall for an upcoming issue of The Triangle. 

Located on 2nd Street just north of Spring Garden, the showroom sits less than a block away from other independent boutiques including Art Star, R.E.Load, and Arcadia. According to Seun, their showroom location is just over a year old and houses four to five full-time employees as well as several interns. The Duke & Winston brand began with a single design in 2009 and quickly grew to encompass an entire t-shirt line. Eventually the merchandise categories expanded to include men's polos, sweatshirts, and even pet products. 

It turns out the Duke has a role greater than simply serving as the brand's mascot. Olubodun noted that from the start he intended to build a personal relationship between his brand and his target customer: A man and his dog. Duke & Winston looks to serve a preppy, outdoorsy and casual clientele who is not necessarily fashion-oriented but who wants to look put-together. Most distinctively, the Duke & Winston customer wants the same quality and style for his four-legged best friend.

So what will 2014 hold for Duke & Winston? Olubodun hopes to expand his brand nationally through networking at trade shows, incorporate women's wear and work towards producing all of his goods in the U.S. 

Words and photos by Courtney Denton