Category: Fashion
Street Style Profile WEDDING Edition: Anna Hall-Edwards
Anna Hall-Edwards is the epitome of graceful. She is sweeter than a summer night, and her style is just the same; laid back, easy going, and bohemian. She’s also an extremely talented jewelry designer and maker. You can always catch her working hard in the studio, and you can always count on her looking flawless, even with goggles on and a torch in her hand.
This week we had a chance to do something a little new and different for our style profile. That’s right, folks – it’s the Wedding Edition!
Once we found out that Anna was goin’ to the chapel, we knew we would have to find out how this lovely hippie-chic lady would style herself for the big day…and we can still hear the bells ringing! Read on to see Anna looking flawless for the wedding, and also to find out about her inspirations in life and in the studio.
1) How would you describe your personal style and/or your method of dress?
The way that I dress has been really funny looking back. I always dressed differently from other people, especially growing up – not necessarily in a good way! In retrospect, I realize how crazy I dressed as a kid, but hey, I felt like I looked good then! I think I have always just worn what I love…as a kid, that was bright colors, crazy patterns, and big plastic jewelry. Now, it is usually a dress with jeans and clogs or combat boots! My method of dress these days is definitely influenced by my work in the studio: dark colors so that you can’t tell that I’m dirty even when I am, closed toe shoes, and my golden rule: long and loose!
2) Can you talk about your approach to jewelry making – what is your process like, and what inspires you?
I find so much inspiration in nature. I am a sucker for a good floral pattern, and once I find one, I hang on to it for a long time, using it over and over again. I feel like the Lord has created nature to be one of the most beautiful parts of the world – awe-inspiring and breathtaking – so I never want to miss out on admiring it while I am working. It is my way of bringing the beautiful wonders of outside into a smelly studio…usually, I do a lot of experimenting, and when I find a form or composition that I love, I work it into a wearable piece of jewelry. Usually, I just make things that I personally love and then hope that other people love it, too!
3) What is one of your most treasured pieces or jewelry or clothing ?
My most special piece of jewelry that I have is definitely my wedding ring. My sweet and wonderful husband designed it for me – all a total surprise. He has always pegged me from day one when it comes to picking out things that he knows I will love. It has a series of bands, but they are all actually one big ring. It is really textured, because I don’t love shiny things, and it is even asymmetrical, which is a characteristic of things I love! Later, I found out that my diamond was his great-grandma’s diamond in her wedding ring. I knew his Mema growing up and visited her often, so I was so blessed and honored by that! When he proposed, I was stunned by how absolutely beautiful the ring was. But more than its beauty, the ring is a sweet constant reminder of the covenant that I have been so blessed by in getting to be married to the man of my dreams!
4) What was special to you about what you wore on your wedding day?
I didn’t have anything that I wore on my wedding day that was extremely sentimental, but I had so much fun coming up with what to wear and what my girls would wear! I found my dress online from Free People and loved it immediately. Prior to that, I had gone into a few wedding dress boutiques, and my mom, my sister, and I just laughed every time that I put on a dress. They all looked silly on me and were totally not my style. I was officially on the hunt for an inexpensive and “different” wedding dress. Little did I know that the combination of inexpensive and unique were few and far between. Finally, I got the idea that I could look for white dresses online at my favorite stores, and then I could change it to be what I wanted. When I was in high school, my mom let me design both of my prom dresses, because when else do you get to do that for fun? Prom was a great excuse! So I went back to the drawing board with my sweet relative who is a costume designer, who had helped me years before. When I saw the white gown on Free People, I freaked and ordered it immediately on a whim! It came in the mail in a bag the size of a gallon ziplock bag. My mom sent me a picture of the tiny bag with the dress balled up inside; we got a good laugh out of that! Needless to say, I think it is one size fits all. It fit like a nightgown and was the most comfortable thing I had ever put on. I knew I wanted flowers (my favorite thing in the world) on my dress, so I shopped for dainty and elegant stems to incorporate into the design, as well as some different laces and beading. Pam, my seamstress relative, and I had a blast, and she helped me create the dress of my dreams!
5) Why was it important that the two of you designed each others rings? Can you tell us about that design and process?
I actually had no idea that Christian was going to design my ring, although it didn’t surprise me a bit when he did. He has always been a romantic and a darn good one at that…I found out later that he actually had a drawing and a diagram (better than most of my ring designs!). He took it to our hometown jeweler and had them make it for him. Now it is just a constant reminder of how special he is. It was really important to Christian that I designed and made his ring. I guess just because its technically “what I do.” I was so nervous, because it’s kind of an important ring. I thought about lots of designs but knew to keep it really simple. Finally, I just went to work on a wax. I used some recycled gold that his parents gave me and embedded a piece of steel in it, to make it more manly. There is a teeny tiny diamond in the middle just for fun! I knew that he wanted it matte with no shine, so I filed the wax ring before casting it!
6) In what ways did you incorporate your personal style or the “feeling” of the day you wanted into your wedding?
Our hearts for our wedding day were that it wouldn’t be about the “wedding.” There are so many details that go into a wedding – all of which I absolutely LOVE – but those details can get crazy and overwhelming if you let them! We wanted our wedding to be centered on what a wedding actually is, which is an expression of the gospel that we believe. We kept it really simple and called on a lot of people to make it happen. My dad sells antiques and has a lot of doors, so he and his friend made all of the tables out of doors. My roommate, Jenna Gridley, who is a local potter here in Athens, made tons of pots, and we set them on the tables. And then I told our family friend to have her way with the flowers and do lots of greenery. Flowers are one of my favorite things in the world. Everyone chipped in, and my friends and I decorated a couple of days before. It was really fun, and I wouldn’t change a thing looking back.
My bridesmaids were also a huge part of incorporating the feeling of our wedding day. Their dresses were all different. I really wanted them to look like themselves, because they are all so cool and unique and beautiful.
7) What inspires you artistically, and what do you want your jewelry to say or do for the people who wear it?
As I said before, I am super inspired by nature and flowers and patterning. I love raw, uncanny aspects of nature and its spontaneity. It is always changing, always transforming, and always awe-inspiring. As for my jewelry, I really just want people to love it when they wear it. I want them to feel special and unique and love to put it on!
8) Do you have any exciting things happening or future plans that are exciting to you?
Yes! My husband and I are working to launch our jewelry business. It is called Dustmade, and we cannot wait to get started! We will be launching within the next month on both a private website as well as Etsy!
9) Lastly, do you have any tips for us? How do you stay creative and inspired?
I stay the most creative and inspired when I am around the people that I love. I have a precious group of friends who have so much input into what I make. My husband and my family also love me so well and give some of the best advice and encouragement. When I have a creative block, I chill. I spend time with the people that I love and enjoy rest. An idea is sure to come when you are filled up with joy and laughter.
Keep an eye out for Anna and Christian’s new project, Dustmade. For personal jewelry commissions or if you want to be on the Dustmade mailing list, shoot an email to annahall@uga.edu!
You can also follow her personal instagram @annamarieedwardz to look out for more information regarding Dustmade. There will be lots of giveaways and exciting things happening in the next month!
Also, be sure to give a listen to Anna’s wedding playlist below – and grab a listen to Jason Gridley, who played her reception!
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Street Style Profile: Julien Cahen
Julien Cahen is our latest and most James Dean-like subject thus far. Though slightly less American than Dean, Julien hails from the French countryside. His style is laid back yet polished, and always unique. He is currently living in and enjoying Athens culture and all it has to offer in the way of food, music, and entertainment. This week we find out about his influences, some things he just can’t live without, and the best advice he’s ever gotten. And scroll down to hear a playlist of his favorite songs!
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d say its a balance between rugged and refined. I look to classic movie stars like Sinatra, Clark Gable and Cary Grant. Not down to every detail of their dress, but their essence and how they carry themselves. I’m influenced by the spirit of the American gentleman. Growing up, my dad loved watching American Westerns. Stars like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood were strong, confident personalities. I’m a fan of the gentleman-farmer look. Marlboro Classic is a brand that exudes this feeling – it’s outdoor adventure clothing but with a stylish twist. Casual but durable American ranch-wear with Italian influences in the tailoring…don’t get me wrong though – I like a good pair of sweatpants and a hoodie.
What are ten things you can’t live without ?
1. A good chopping knife- I just got a new one I can’t wait to use.
2. My fiancé – she’s my muse.
3. The NPR podcast Radio Lab- I like to listen to it on long drives.
4. My garden – I’m trying to walk in the footsteps of my dad who is a farmer. We just got our first two tomatoes of the season – pretty exciting!
5. Action movies, preferably with zombies.
6. Garlic is an essential ingredient for me in the kitchen. It makes everything taste better.
7. Brunch.
8. A cup of tea or espresso everyday – it’s soothing and cozy. It’s my afternoon routine.
9. Soccer or running is important for me and helps me center myself.
10. My weekly phone calls to me family back in France.
What is your Spirit Animal ?
I was told it was a whale once, because I’m peaceful but powerful…so I don’t know, but the Chinese calendar says I’m the rat – go figure.
What are your future aspirations – or at least for the next five years?
To retire to the beach within the next five years. … just kidding. I’ve always wanted to open a
restaurant.
If you could pick a superpower, what would it be?
To stop or control time.
What is something you learned since moving to the U.S?
Being more open-minded. Moving to a new place can be challenging but rewarding. I think everyone should move somewhere totally different at least once in their life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received ?
I grew up in a very family-oriented culture, and I was always told to give time to my elders. This advice has served me well. I have so much respect for older generations and the wisdom they share. Also, my dad told me once, if you ever want to seduce a girl, be friends with her mom first…so far that’s worked.
Street Style Profile: Kristin Karch
This week, we talk with Athens-based student and photographer, Kristin Karch. Kristin’s style – as well as her personality – is an equal balance of sweet and sassy. She’s mastered the art of style, but always with a certain coolness that says she can go with the flow; somewhere in between the girl next door and the girl all the bad guys want.
Below, we have her featured in an American Apparel dress, Marc Jacobs shoes and her all-American Polo sunglasses – the perfect ensemble for this sunny summer day.
Apart from her excellent wardrobe, Kristin’s work as a photographer is always impressive, poignant and refined. She seems to be able to capture a certain story through her pictures – some of which we’ve included below.
Read on to see collections of her favorite things and to find out about her inspirations. Also, scroll down to check out her exclusive playlist made especially for Vinyl Mag – enjoy!
1) How do you approach dress, and what influences your personal style?
I wear a lot of dresses, because it is so easy to make a whole outfit with just one piece. I am currently obsessed with printed babydoll dresses from American Apparel. Other then that, I like to balance solid staple pieces like high wasted jeans or crop tops with other pieces that are a little more fun. Even though I have a ton of clothes, I catch myself wearing the same five things a lot of the time.
2) What is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is an old metal suitcase that my grandmother gave me. It is filled with old photographs from her childhood and also some 19th century photographs. This imagery has come to be a crucial part of my artwork and has also influenced the way I think about photography.
3) We know you’re an amazing photographer. Can you tell us a little about how you got into photography and about your creative process?
I got into photography around freshman year of high school when I bought my first 35mm camera. I continued to shoot film for a couple years until I got my first digital camera. I had a darkroom set up in my house and was pretty big on doing things completely analog. I shoot mostly digital now and do a lot of work with scanning. Vintage prints and film still have a large influence in my work.
4) What or who is influencing you and your work now?
Elverum from Mount Eerie has been a huge source of inspiration from the time I was 15. It is hard to explain, but his music is exactly the mood I feel when I make work. He produced a record called “Mount Eerie Pts. 6 & 7” that came with a large photo book, and when I look at it and listen at the same time, it creates this bizarre but incredible feeling.
5) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I am lucky that I have been able to travel a lot for my age. Excluding all of the places I have already been, I would love to go to Iceland if I could go anywhere. I don’t know much about it, but pictures I have seen from there are strange, foggy and mysterious. All things I love.
Kristin’s Playlist:
Street Style Profile: Tito Carlo Piero Mazzetta
Tito Carlo Piero Mazzetta is an aspiring Atlanta-based DJ whose personal style is truly unique. Coming from an artistic family with an international background, he has a laid back and confident air about him that shows through and makes him truly magnetic. Today we talk to him about what influences his style, the ways that music brings people together and the direction of Dance and Electro from his perspective. Make sure to scroll down for Tito’s special Vinyl Mag edition playlist, and be sure to check out the link to his Soundcloud for some originals by the man himself.
How would you describe your personal style? What or who influences and inspires you and the way you approach dress?
I would say my personal style is eclectic and somewhat eccentric. I know how to be formal but when I am dressing casually I like to a unique style that subtly sticks out. I love graphic tees with crazy graphics on it. For example, I have this one with a picture of the statue of Perseus holding up Medusa’s head. I try to mix urban and sophisticated styles when one talks about the whole range of my wardrobe.
Can you tell us a little bit about your music making background and process?
I had some piano lessons when I was younger and would always fiddle around on the various electric keyboards that my dad would give. I have been making electronic music since 2006. I was so obsessed with learning how to make music that I would just fidget on my computer for hours figuring the ins and outs of the rudimentary Garageband. I took an electronic music course in high school to further my knowledge and give me a good understanding of other more sophisticated software such as Logic. I currently use Ableton 9 live to create my music. The music creation process starts with playing around and making a melody or a bass line or a drumbeat from scratch and then I just build and add layers on top of that. It’s a very progressive and experimental process. I try to not use samples. If I do it would be for a vocal bit. I feel like music creation in its essence is very therapeutic.
Do you feel like your time living and traveling abroad has impacted or informed your taste in general and in music?
I would absolutely say that my time traveling and visiting friends/family abroad has impacted my music taste. It is the whole reason why I have such an obsession with all the different types of electronic music. I remember when I was around 14 and I was in Italy and I started actually getting interested in music and partying. I would hear this kind of music that I would never hear in the States. I would think to myself “What kind of music is that?” “Who is that artist?” . I love the way this makes me feel and how it makes large groups of other people feel. The vibes that encompassed the people around me when listening to this music was magical to me. At that point in time it started me on my never ending journey of music discovery. I started becoming hyper-obsessed with underground electronic music. I went on a journey through jungle, happy hardcore, liquid and 2-step drum & bass, techno, indie-dance, nu-disco, funky house, jackin house, acid house, hard house, breaks etc. I just kept hearing new stuff which would make me want to know and fathom everything about that genre and its corresponding sub genres. I started DJing as a way to show my deep obsession and appreciation with this kind of music. I got my first turntables in around 2007, and to this day I follow 200+ labels and dissect 50-200 tracks a day digging for new music for my next set whichever direction I decide to go in. Whatever vibe the crowd or setting I’m in is giving off- I have something to go with it. But I always stick to the underground. When I create my DJ set it is like telling a story from scratch. Every set I make I have 95% new or unused tracks I want my listeners experience to be special and unique with me. I want them to have to have a powerful experience and an amazing time dancing and grooving to tracks that they will only hear from me and nobody else that they go and see. Whether its soulful and melodic, or hard and techy, I always have a different story I can tell. To sum things up, It all started from the experiences I had spending my summers in Italy, and traveling around different parts of Europe.
How do you feel about the current state of Electro and Dance music as a genre in the United States- Do you think this genre is meant to stay an underground or niche movement, or do you believe it can be appreciated by a larger American audience?
I think that EDM as they call it these days is growing exponentially throughout the United States. New York, Miami, LA, Chicago, Detroit have always been associated with great places to hear amazing DJs in the electronic music world. Techno was actually created in Detroit and is the grandfather of a lot of the genres that you hear today. I think that what you hear in the commercial clubs of today is no longer underground and is already appreciated by larger audiences. Take a look at the main stage at Tommorowworld. It was packed to the max with all EDM DJs. Playing the same tracks over and over. EDM is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to electronic music. I don’t want to sound pretentious but the people that come to see real underground music usually have a more sophisticated taste in electronic music. They have a deeper understanding of the vibes. They have been on that journey and are now deep into underground. I have never met someone that goes backwards once they get the feel of an underground dance party. Whether it’s a hard techno warehouse party or a sophisticated invite only pool party atop a 5 star hotel. There is an underground vibe for everyone. It’s all a matter of whether people want to go on that journey of self-discovery or not to uncover partying at its quintessence. It is a place where DJ’s take the chance in the tracks they play, and do so as an art of self-expression rather than a soulless form of playing top 40 charts.
Well said, but lastly and most importantly- if you went the Daft Punk route and decided to perform with a mask or costume- we want to know, what would your altar ego/mask be?
Hmm I don’t know about this one. I think if I had to wear a piece of apparel it would be some 1940’s WW2 Airplane pilot Goggles.
*Check out the playlist that Tito made for us below!
Finals Fashion Feature
Thank you for stumbling onto Vinyl and reading this article. Seriously, I’m in the midst of finals hell and writing this has given me SUCH an excuse to procrastinate just a little bit longer. Aside from all the studying, though, I’ve got one other worry on my mind: managing to stay fashionable and comfortable at the same time. I mean, who wants to squeeze into skinny jeans and stress over cleavage when you’re sitting in the library for hours on end? But if, like me, you refuse to go all-out frump, there’s no need to fret – just find inspiration from these cool-yet-cozy options below.
The Cool Crop Combo
Let the world know how you really feel about studying with this comfy crop top. Add easy cutoffs and fresh white sneaks for walking from final to final. Slip on a bright beanie to cover that bedhead – it’s cool, none of us had time to shower.
(Topshop shorts, Forever 21 top and beanie, and Converse sneakers)
The Bad Gal Combo
I’m constantly building fashionable outfits I can still relax in around my leather leggings. SO comfortable, and they look flawless with oversize tees. Add a printed flat for flair – I like cheetah – and a gold necklace, and you’re set.
(Helmut Lang leggings, True Decadence top, Isaac Mizrahi shoes, and First People necklace)
The Nature Girl Combo
May sound crazy to wear a dress to finals, but hey, I can’t argue with no wedgies. White cotton is so loose and breathable, and with a few key accessories, can look totally chic. Mix a few bright colors – I love the blue and orange mix here – and cinch your waist with a belt if you feel so inclined.
(Acne dress, H&M belt, Steve Madden shoes, and ABS by Allen Schwartz bangles)
Fashion Inspired by Famous Paintings
In a cosmic clash of paint, ink and fabric, all of my dreams are coming true. Why might that be, you ask? Because at this very moment, my three favorite things – writing, fashion and art history – are colliding in one story. Inspired by the fun I had creating fashion collages based off of trend-setting literary characters, I decided to do the same with some of history’s most renowned paintings. Just one word of caution: don’t be afraid. You might look like a walking Picasso, but, hey, how cool is that?
The Starry Night
“It often seems to me that night is still more richly colored than the day, having hues of the most intense violets, blues and greens. If only you pay attention to it you will see that certain stars are lemon yellow, others pink or a green, blue and forget-me-not brilliance.” – Vincent van Gogh
(Body Central dress, Max and Chloe necklace, Milly clutch, and Barbara Bui shoes)
Guernica
“What do you think an artist is? …He is a political being, constantly aware of the heartbreaking, passionate or delightful things that happen in the world, shaping himself completely in their image. Painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war.” – Pablo Picasso
(McQ Alexander McQueen sweater, Debenhams skirt, Ssense clutch, and Miu Miu shoes)
The Kiss
“All art is erotic.” – Gustav Klimt
(Dolce & Gabbana dress, ASOS floral crown, Fossil clutch wallet, and Kori shoes)
Water Lilies
“It took me time to understand my water lilies. I had planted them for the pleasure of it; I grew them without ever thinking of painting them.” – Claude Monet
(Ted Baker dress, Stella McCartney blazer, Charlotte Olympia clutch, and Jonak shoes)
Wide-Awake Makeup Tutorial
Ahh, nothing like forthcoming finals to make you remember that your skin is not invincible. The stress, lack of sleep and crappy food can all add up to a big, ruddy mess on your face. But I’ve devised a face makeup routine that will totally cover those purple bags, dull skin, and any blemishes you may have acquired. All it takes is a little careful coverage.
1. Start with clean, moisturized skin.
2. Dot a liquid foundation, like Flower About Face Foundation with Primer, on the back of your hand.
3. Starting from the middle of your face, use a Beauty Blender sponge to apply the foundation. Use a dabbing motion, and utilize the sponge’s tiny tip to target areas that get ruddy easily: your nostrils, in between your eyebrows and right below your mouth.
4. Use that same tip to apply the foundation under the eyes, making sure to get as close to the lower lash line as possible.
5. Blend the foundation into the neck so that you have even color all over.
6. Use a concealer/brightener duo, like Benefit Boi-ing Eyebright Compact. Start with the concealer, applying it under the eyes in a triangular shape down your face. Make sure to blend well!
7. Dab the brightener part of the duo in the inner and outer corners of your eyes, blending upward into your brow bone. This makes the eyes look lifted and less tired.
8. Use a concealer to cover up any blemishes with your finger. I prefer a powder formula, like BareMinerals Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Concealer.
9. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks using any blush brush. A peachy shade, such as MAC Honey Jasmine Blush will make you look the most awake.
*Many tend to include highlighter in a wide-awake makeup look, but I think the shimmer draws attention to bags and sallow skin. Skip it!
Done! Now you look like you’ve gotten a full eight hours of sleep, even if it’s a downright lie.
The New Age of the Sneaker
In the wake of news that Sarah Jessica Parker has grown an extra bone in her foot from her many years of towering Manolos, sneakers have never looked better. And while, yes, I’m forever grateful for the fashion inspiration that Miss Carrie Bradshaw’s feet have provided, it’s time for me to move on. Thankfully, the fashion world seems to be in agreement. From sneaker wedges to snakeskin sneaks and even straight-up tennis shoes, the Spring and Fall 2014 runways were the stomping grounds of all kinds of comfy kicks. Best of all: you better believe this is one trend you can find at a reasonable price.
Classic High Tops
I spend a lot of time at my college’s art school, which is where I spy all kinds of below-the-radar trends about a month before they hit it big. Lately, it’s been white high top Converse. They’re so fresh and perfect for spring, and go with absolutely everything you own. If you’re feeling like going a little bolder, I’m loving rose gold and studded options. You can even DIY the latter.
(All shoes by Converse)
Vibrant Sneaker Wedges
It’s like the gods wanted us to go out in our favorite pair of gym tennies and still feel sexy, so they popped a comfy wedge heel on there for good measure. This style has been around for a season or two, but designers like Tommy Hilfiger revamped it with bright shades and color block patterns. I dare you to not steal the spotlight in these puppies.
(Shoes by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Puma, and Ash)
Tennies with a Twist
When Cara Delevigne walked the Fall 2014 Chanel catwalk – designed to look like a grocery store – in tweed athletic sneakers, I almost laughed. Ten years ago, designers would have thought it was the frumpiest thing ever. Today, we know that Karl just has our backs. Sport your Nikes, Adidas, or Reeboks with whatever. Just make sure they’re in crazy colors or in a thrilling new material.
(Shoes by Jeremy Scott for Adidas, Kenzo, and Nike)
Flatform Kicks
Alright, we’ve seen the flatform on everything now, especially sandals. But it’s so insanely punk rock on sneakers. You’ll give yourself some height and lengthen your legs, but won’t feel a smidge of aching. Here, take a break from the brights; this look is too cool to wear in anything but black or metallic.
(First two shoes by ASOS, third by Y.R.U.)
Street Style Profile: Maddie Zerkel
Maddie Zerkel is one member of the duo behind the fashion blog, Athens Street Style, and is also a budding artist studying textile design at The University of Georgia. She’s one of those girls who can channel her inner spirit outfit effortlessly – mixing and matching playfully and adding details that give her outfit special personality. We’ve found she also happens to be a great resource for inspiration, and we’re happy to share some of her favorite things with you! Also, don’t forget to scroll down to hear some of Maddie’s favorite tunes from her playlist, made especially for Vinyl Mag.
How do you approach dress (Is there a method to your madness)?
I look at getting dressed every morning as a way to make myself feel happy. I don’t really care for the current trends or how certain groups of people dress. I choose the clothes that make me feel the most excited and go from there. Generally, I try to throw together as many patterns as I can. I love me a good pattern.
Do you have an article of clothing or jewelry with a special story attached?
I treat all of my articles of clothing like they are my best friends, so naturally, each comes with special stories, memories, and food stains. The necklaces that I am wearing are some of my current favorites. My tiny heart pendant says “balls to the wall,” and I wear it every day as a self-help reminder to work as hard as I can and that I only live once. The other long, landscape-esque necklace is designed by one of my favorite jewelry grads at Lamar Dodd (His name is Cameron Lyden– dude makes some seriously beautiful enamel jewelry).
Who are some of your fashion icons?
Fashion is such a strange beast. I approach fashion as a very personal thing, and I rarely look at others and base my wardrobe off of them. Anybody that I do view as “iconic” is someone who has a very profound sense of self and that looks very comfortable and at one with what he or she wears. It sounds so corny, but I really just love weirdos and eccentrics.
How about other people who inspire you?
The amount of people that inspire me are innumerable. I look up to my friends and peers tremendously, and I learn and gain insight from every person that I interact with on a day to day basis. I have a wall in my apartment where I keep pictures of the people that inspire me the most (I call it my Inspirational People Wall– I highly recommend. Every day, my wall inspires me to be a better person). Kiki Smith, Ai Wei Wei, Sufjan Stevens, Tavi Gevinson, Tina Fey, Scott and Seth Avett, my Dad, Allison Shulnik, Cindy Sherman, Iris Apfel, my professor Junichi, Herb and Dorothy, Bri Emery, Steve Martin, Steve Harvey, Colbert, Peggy from Mad Men, Sonia “The Black Widow” Thomas (the competitive eater), Annie Clark, Jenna Lyons, my cat, etc. etc. I could list off hundreds of people, but these are all I can think of off the top of my head.
Street Style Profile Playlist: Maddie Zerkel
1. Do My Thang – Miley Cyrus
I cannot help it, you guys. I’m hopelessly attracted to the music of Miley Cyrus.
2. Rhythm of Devotion – Sisyphus
I fan girl hard over Sufjan Stevens. Sisyphus is his new very anxious and delightfully strange rap album.
3. Trust In Me – Etta James
Etta James is my go-to sad girl music. It will instantly make me feel better.
4. On and Ever Onward – Dirty Projectors and Bjork
My go-to “i’m feeling weird” music.
5. Anonanimal – Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird is my home music. Whenever I hear his voice, I immediately travel to a place of calm and comfort.
6. So Far Away – Carole King
Carole King’s tapestry is my favorite album of all time. My aunt gave it to me for my birthday when I was twelve, and I cannot find any flaws in Carole’s music
7. Sleeping Dogs – Madeline
I attended a Madeline Concert at the Caledonia Lounge in Athens last year. Her voice is magically pure, and her lyrics are beautifully sad. I am very excited because she is coming to the 40 Watt this spring!
Fashion as Art
I think it’ll be a long time, if ever, that I forget the day Alexander McQueen died. It was the winter of 2010, and I had only recently had a massive revelation: fashion is art. McQueen was the first designer to prove this to me, with his textural, chaotic, avant-garde creations, and I was excited to see the works he would create in the future. Though his suicide was tragic and cut that excitement short momentarily, it eventually forced me to look further, for other designers that were doing something a bit more creative than ready-to-wear.
Admittedly, my inspiration for this article occurred while I was scouring Pinterest. After typing “avant-garde fashion” into the search bar, I noticed two things. First, that seeing these wearable pieces of art all at once, in collage form, was almost too much for me. My fashion brain and art brain collided with enthusiasm, and my palms began to sweat while my breathing became shallower. Second, an atypical amount of users posting these pictures did so to make fun of the “outfits”, if you could call them that. “Who would ever wear something like this?” the posters would write. Well, I’m responding in defense of avant-garde designers.
Take one look at the fashion shows of some of my favorites, Alexander McQueen, Iris van Herpen, and Hussein Chalayan, and you’ll notice immediately that most of their pieces look quite… well, uncomfortable. All three have dressed Lady Gaga, an artist known for her fearless fashion at all costs, no matter the inconvenience. Watch as Gaga waddles around in sky-high McQueen heels, pokes herself constantly in a metallic van Herpen look, and attempts to remain somewhat clothed in a Chalayan bubble “dress”.
My point here? These looks aren’t intended to be worn by the everyday person. When you see a Commes des Garcons dress that’s quite reminiscent of bondage, refrain from laughing. Instead, eye it like you would a Pollock: it’s unconventional, revolutionary, and absolutely, undeniably, art.
Avant-garde fashion reminds me a lot of the art history courses I’ve taken. During my first class, many things I saw seemed ridiculous, even laughable, especially during modern sections. Today, several courses in, nothing fazes me. I’ve seen artists that paint with their menstrual blood, for God’s sake. The same is true here. The more of these daring fashion shows you watch, the less you’ll laugh. More and more, you’ll appreciate seeing what the human body can carry and the ways in which these designers can almost defy gravity. The aforementioned Iris van Herpen created looks in 2011 that appear as if the models are just a second from being soaked by water. Blink a few times, and you’ll see that van Herpen is truly a sculptor, molding plastic into water believably and flawlessly. At Commes des Garcons one season, several models walked out looking as if they were being groped. Instead, filled gloves were attached to their ensembles to create a stunning illusion.
Fashion isn’t just for Paris Hilton types. It’s for the dreamers, the believers, the artists. Avant-garde pieces make you think like a Jeff Koons or an Ai Weiwei work would, but they challenge the human form to walk, breathe, and live in them, if only for a few minutes on the runway. They’re not something you walk away from seeking to buy and wear; instead, you walk away inspired.