Mercyhurst University Fashion Newsletter

Spring 2012

SPRING TRENDS

Worn This Way:Fashion show benefit for the It Gets Better Foundation

Moving Forward One Shoe At a TimeA peak into the life of an Elle editor

Fashion Insider

The perfect must have’s for your spring wardrobe

Fashion in the News

Versace Cruise Collection for H&M

FNO 2012How YSL dominates

Fashion’s Night Out

DIYHow fashionista’s

redesign their wardrobe without breaking the

bank

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Contributers

As fashionistas, Yves Saint Laurent is a luxury brand we have studied and admired for years. Stepping behind the shiny, black doors into the YSL world is far different than I imagined. Far from the glamour and entertainment the fashion industry has to offer the public, the inner workings of a fashion company like YSL are essentially 95% hard work and about 5% fun. Interning in the PR department was an experience I wouldn’t take back. I was able to see the advertising and public relations work first hand. It was evident through my internship how hard my supervisors work. They answer hundreds of emails a day, fulfilling editorial and VIP requests, as well as attend meetings, fittings, and events, not to mention flying to Paris four times a year. Their long days are spent busy at work, tending to celebrity stylists and magazine editors’ needs. One of the most interesting projects I witnessed my supervisors plan was the Fashion Night Out 2011 Event. The big in-store event that took weeks to plan, unfolded in a matter of two hours. Some of the Paris team flew in to attend to the visual layout of the store for the event. The store was bustling with excitement after Nicki Minaj and YSL tweeted two days before the event, “@NickiMinaj to host #YSL #FNO2011 in our NY boutique!” The lavish event offered customers

champagne and macaroons while they shopped. As the night approached, more and more people were coming to witness Nicki Minaj. The event soon turned to chaos as fans swarmed the front of the store just to get a glimpse of the rap superstar. Nicki’s appearance seemed to overshadow the promotional contest that was going on simultaneously. With the growing interest in street style fashion and blogging, my supervisors developed a contest to promote the latest YSL handbag, the Cabas Chyc. Tamu Mcpherson and Geri Hirsch were the featured bloggers that chose the best-dressed individuals to get their photograph taken with the bag. The top ten best-dressed photos were posted on Facebook, and the person with the most “likes” received a brand new Cabas Chyc. Although the event was chaos it was an experience that I was glad to be a part of. The hard work my supervisors and us interns put into the event was well worth it in the end.

Fashion’s Night Out 2011

By: Lindsey Groginski

Advisor: Jennifer Craven

Erin KnepperCo-EditorJuniorWhats Trendingpage 11-12

Lindsey GroginskiSenior, FITFashion’s Night Out page 2Moving Forward One Shoe at a Time page 7-8

Anna FollSophomoreReduce, Reuse, ReStylepage 6

Allyson GassFreshmanAll Aboard! Versace Cruise Collection for H&M, page 8

Jennifer DaleySeniorIt Gets Better, page 13

Jessica GawthropEditorJuniorWe Asked....page 9

Molly MurrySophomoreSpring Forwardpage 10

Brittany ScullySophomoreVersace for H&M, page 6

Jenna SmaldinoSophomoreAll About Boots, page 10

Sarah BarrJuniorMy Weekend at the Wat-son-Curtze Mansion page 5

Lauren SmithFreshmanOld Shirt, New Dresspage 5

Ava HladSophomoreReduce, Reuse, ReStylepage 4

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Fashion DIY

ReduceReuse ReStyleBy: Anna Foll

Show off your creativity without hurting the environment. How fashionistas go green

When I found out that we were going to do a recycling project for Apparel Production and Quality Evaluation, I was more than thrilled. There is a lot of effort in finding new ways to preserve the environment and make things last longer as a way to conserve energy. Often times we open up our closets to find gar-ments that we no longer wear because they are out of fashion or our opinion about the clothing has changed. Our generation is guilty of not wearing things to their maximum use. This could be because we live in a materialistic society where everywhere we turn there are new fashion and tech-nologies. We easily tire from what we already have and we hunger for the next trendy fabrics, styles, and accessories. Once we are bored with what we have in our wardrobe we may throw things out or donate them for those in need. Fortunately though, we can also take these garments we do not wear anymore and adapt them into a whole new article of clothing. For our class’ recycling project, we were to find old clothes, fabrics or accessories that we had, and turn them into something new. This project let us show our personal style and get our cre-ative juices flowing. I took an old satin slip that was my mother’s and turned it into a decorative pillow. It was nice to do something a little different in the classroom. The project wasn’t just about helping the environment, but also about getting us involved in creating something that reflected our own personal style. It was a fun assignment to do as well. Personally, this project also had sentimental value to it. I was able to take something of my mother’s and incorporate it into my own life. If someone ever asks about my pillow (should they see it in my future home), I can tell them its unique story. So, the next time you are looking for something new to wear, think of a way you could take those old pair of shorts, or a plain T-shirt and make them something all your own.

By: Ava Hlad As many know, a very popu-lar trend as of late has been recy-cling and going green. We’ve seen popularity in more recycling bins, eco-friendly paper goods, and using reusable water bottles. But another industry that has been recycling is the fashion industry. Many popular designers such as Stella McCart-ney, Marc Jacobs, and Versace have shown one-of-a-kind designs made from recyclable, sustainable, and earth-friendly materials during their fashion shows. To capitalize on this trend of recycling, my Apparel Produc-tion and Quality Evaluation class had an assignment of constructing a garment by using recycled goods. There was a vast array of items made by students out of so many different recycled items. Some took garments they already had that just didn’t fit right and did some hem-ming and letting seams out to make them fit better. By doing this, they turned something that was sitting in their closet that was eventually going to be thrown away into a gar-ment they could wear. Other items that were made were pillows out of meaningful fabric, making scarves out of shirts, and making a pair of yoga pants out of a regular crew neck t-shirt. To make an okay garment an extraordinary garment, it really doesn’t take much! Personally, I took a sweater I bought on a whim out of a clearance bin and turned it into an infinity scarf that I will get much more use out of. With the use of the Internet, imagination, and websites like Pintrest.com it has become easier to make recycled garments and be on trend with such a great movement like going green.

Fashion DIY

1. Take the shirt’s collar and wrap it above your bust, with the front of the shirt facing forward. 2. Fasten the shirt to the button that fits your chest and finish but-toning all the way down. 3. Take both sleeves and tie them in a bow, in the front or the back (you choose!). 4. And there you have your new spring dress!

Pair it with some strappy sandals, bangles and a jean jacket and you’ll be ready to take on anything!

Add a new piece to your dress collection -- by using a men’s dress shirt! Grab that shirt your ex left behind (or steal one from your boyfriend’s closet) to make a statement dress that will defi-nitely be the talk of the spring season.

Simply follow the steps below!

Old Shirt, New Dress By: Lauren Smith

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Versace for H&M The recent trend of retailers bringing high-end designers to the mass market has now spread into the fast-fashion world with H&M’s collaboration with Versace. Recently launched on November 19th, H&M is proud to introduce Versace into its stores and online marketplace. This collection has a wide range of prices consisting of cos-tume jewelry from $20 to a leather trench for $399. There are about 24 pieces for women and about 14 for men as well as housewares and upholstery items. Head designer Donatella Versace states, “The collection for H&M is the essence of Versace.” Donatella says for this collection she tried to rein-terpret classic and “iconic” Versace designs. The collection incorporates bright and vibrant prints as well as bold and sleek garments while still maintaining its high-end “chic” reputation and look. Hopefully this label will be successful in its attempt to bring its high-end name and chic designs to H&M’s trend savvy consumers.

All Aboard!

The winter blues have many people anticipating summer vacation. Along with finding the perfect place to get away, many people enjoy buying pieces to wear throughout the trip. With the official thumbnails released from Versace for H&M, shopping for a getaway is easy and affordable. These thumbnails that high-light the Cruise Collection featured many pastel colored separates, accessories and dresses. When Versace first debuted in November, the Versace line caused global demand. Compared to the first collection, which was dominated by bright and vintage prints, the new Cruise Collection brings 38 pieces with a more fruity vibe and also offers beachwear and lingerie. The collection features 24 women’s pieces and 14 menswear’s pieces. More images of the line can be seen at Vogue UK.

Versace Cruise Collection for H&M

By: Brittany Scully

By: Allyson Gass

Spring term 2011, adjunct instrutor Sally Lin-bach took her History of Dress class on a field trip to the Watson-Curtze Mansion, which is a museum about 15 minutes from campus.

Erie actually has a lot of cool history, so it was unique that we have such a gem so close to campus! We had an appointment with the costume curator and she showed us 19th and 20th century dresses, shoes, and accessories from their collection. Going to a museum on a Saturday afternoon definitely wasn’t something that I was especially

excited for, however after leaving the museum, I can honestly say I was really glad I went. One piece that really stuck out to me was the pair of 20th century alligator shoes, with heads on the shoes as decora-tions! Others were some 1920’s flapper dresses (that I would have LOVED to have taken home with me!). All in all, it just goes to show that you’re never too old for a field trip, especially when it’s fashion re-lated!

Back row: Kelly Konopka, Sarah Barr, Rachel Bock, Angelina Viveralli. Front row: Elissa Curry, Jessica Gawthrop, Nicole Lester, and Sally’s children Glory and Joel Linebach

My weekend at the

Watson-Curtze MansionBy: Sarah Barr

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Moving Forward, One Shoe ata Time

By Lindsey Groginski

NEW YORK CITY: Stefania Allen was taking a breathier from a busy day filled with appointments with fabulous fashion designers, press previews, and meetings to develop the latest storyboards for the upcoming magazine issues. As an Accessories Editor of Elle Magazine, Stefania rarely has time to stop for a coffee break. The bubbly, 27 year old, strutted into the coffee shop, sporting dark jeans, a black leather bomber jacket, oversized accessories, and the latest black Dior pumps. “So sorry I’m late”, she apologized, “it’s just crazy up there today”! The petite fashionista brushes back her shiny, dirty-blonde hair, exposing her perfectly small facial features and pale complex-ion. Typing incessantly on her Blackberry, she lets out a big sigh, “Oh phew! Victoria said I could keep the shoe until Friday! Thank God! Okay, now I can focus without that breathing down my neck.” Win-ning the battle to feature the most desired Yves Saint Laurent shoe for the Spring 2012 season is just one check off her list. Stefania ventured into the world of fashion the summer of her junior year of college. After applying to several fashion companies, she received an intern-ship with InStyle magazine. “I didn’t have an easy connection”, she explained, “I got my job by working so hard, leaving a lasting impression with an editor, and it was the trickle effect from there.” She advanced

from an intern at InStyle, to an assistant at Harper’s Bazaar, and then on to Town and Country. It was at Town and Country where Stefania found her calling to accessories. When the position as an accessories editor for Elle opened up, Stefania was determined and more than qualified to grasp the position. Stefania’s position as an Elle editor is any-thing but routine. She is immersed in the excite-ment, forced to juggle projects in the fast-paced and deadline oriented field. The editor’s days are mapped out by appointment, with prominent designers, PR professionals, and fellow Elle staffers. Simultaneously, Stefania remains up-to-date on projects, proposals, and social events, when she isn’t flying across the world to sit front row at the most spectacular runway shows of the fashion season. Stefania is one of the many professionals guiding the multi-billion dollar fashion industry. Her visions drive the fashion marketplace, bringing life to the creations seen on the runway. As a prominent de-cision maker, the fashion savvy Stefania has the power to have a direct influence on readers of all ages.

In the eyes of an Elle reader, Stefania fits the pro-totype of “The Elle Girl”. “Every magazine has it’s own voice and reader,” explained Stefania. ‘The Elle Girl’ is confident, intelligent, and well travelled, with a great sense of style, but not bound to any specific age group. Unlike competitors, Vogue and Town and Country, Elle is “confident and exclusive, but not intimidating.” This prototype is the basis of all production and involvement within the publication. Working up to seven months in advance on each is-sue, searching for the perfect content that appeals to the reader is crucial.

“Every magazine has its own voice and reader. ‘The Elle Girl’ is confident, intelligent,

and well traveled, with a great sense of style, but not bound to any specific age

group.”

Industry Insider Like any business, the development of each Elle issue depends entirely on teamwork. Each month designers, stylists, writers, and editors come together, bouncing visions and new ideas off each other, even-tually creating a publication worthy of “The Elle Girl” reader. Business, art, and fashion are intertwined in the pages of each issue. Stefania begins the process by attending runway shows in New York City, Milan, and Paris. She scans the collections for trends in ac-cessories that catch her eye. Back in the office, col-laboration with the features, fashion, and accessories departments begin. Their days are spent research-ing and developing story ideas and content to cre-ate storyboards. After passing the concepts through creative director, Joe Zee, the pages comes to life with the design team. The design aesthetics in the visual presentation of information, assign a personality to the publication. Every issue printed is a tool of com-munication, offering credible fashion information for loyal readers across the nation.

As a member of the Elle team, Stefania has a voice of judgment, trusted by thousands of readers, as well as her Editor-in-Chief. This area of expertise is very taste driven and subjective, leaving editors with praise or rejection in the presentation of a trend or style. The Elle team must work closely to develop content that readers will relate to. Stefania explains, “Often times people don’t agree on the same things here, so you have to work together as a team to solve. You have to make compromises in order to be suc-cessful.” As an editor, letting go of ego is a challenge faced each day. The life of a prominent fashion editor goes beyond a 10:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m day-job. Her career has become a lifestyle, one that is constantly spiral-ing upward. “Social skills are key in this industry,” claimed Stefania. Social events and keeping up with fellow industry professionals come with an editor’s career. Stefania offers me a glimpse into future issues of Elle before returning to the madness. The latest Spring 2012 shows were an endless parade of 60s feminism, pointed-toe shoes, and 90’s chain accesso-ries. However, the hot pink Yves Saint Laurent pump remains at the top of her list. Stefania exits gracefully to bask in the accomplishment of retrieving the fabu-lous pink shoe, but not for long. Appointments, photo shoots, and storyboards await.

“Often times people don’t agree on the same things here, so you have to work

together as a team to solve. You have to make

compromises in order to be successful.”

Industry Insider

Mercyhurst student describes a day in the life of a top accessories editor for Elle Magazine.

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By: Jenna Smaldino

Lets be honest, we all have more than one pair of boots for the winter season. We have our snow boots, rain boots, comfort boots, and of course two or more fashionable boots. This season we are seeing boots everywhere. Since late august stores have been carrying different styles of boots in every color, and texture. Boots are becoming more of a want than a necessity. We used to need boots just for the winter snow, but now what we really want is a different style for every occasion. This season you can find your basic UGG boots in trend, as well as evening boots, faux fur boots, lace up boots, and boots that are short booties or tall over the knee.

UGG boots have been in style since 2001, and can still be found today in many styles and

colors. Last winter season UGG and Jimmy Choo partnered together to begin selling boots with warmth, and a fashionable exterior. The boots can be found anywhere from $200.00 to $500.00+. The boots are sold online at UGG.com or in Nordstrom department stores.

Boots with heels are becoming very popular this season. We are seeing them with a lace up the front, or fur around the ankle. These boots are being made for the cold weather, or for going out. The heel size varies from a skinny stiletto to a thick wedge. The boots with lace up the front are most popular in a camel or black suede texture. They are being worn with knee socks in creative designs, and leg warmers. To get the ultimate look pair the lace up booties with leggings, and an oversize knit sweater.

Over the knee boots came into style last year, and are still a popular trend this season. The boots are most popular in brown or black leather. Buckles around the ankle with zippers down the back is a

very popular style that can be found by designer Steve Madden. The popular boot is the Madden Girl Zoiiee Boot, and it is also known for the red leather strap down the back.

Boots are very popular this season, and are predicted to be a trend for the next few years. Boots are becoming an item that can be crossed over into the fall and early spring seasons, and are constructed to last into the next winter season. To find more latest shoe trends visit millionlooks.com.

InstructorErin Magorien-“My watch!”

By: Jessica Gawthrop, Editor

All AboutBoots

Spring Forward By: Molly Murry

As the snow begins to melt, the season changes along with every-one’s wardrobes and more uplifting colors come into play. Its time to wel-come the new, bright colors of spring!

Tangerine Tango Solar Power Bellflower

Sodalite Blue Cabaret

Sweet Lilac Cockatoo Margarita Driftwood

Starfish

We asked...Mercyhurst Fashionistas and alumni what they couldn’t live without in their wardrobes…. Here’s what they said:

Betsy Brick My black structured coats

(peacoat for winter & trenchcoat for spring and fall) and scarves (especially

chunky infinity scarves for winter)Molly Murray

Scarves!Lauren Smith

Boots! I love my boots and I find a way to wear them year round :)

Renee Upperman Triana Black dress pants...

Tiffany Cook Plain. White. Tee

Sarah Barr The universally-flattering black, short-sleeved v-

neck Alli Bell

Cardigans; I don’t care what time of year it is, If I’m freezing, a cardigan of a seasonally appro-

priate weight is always the answer!Ava Hlad

Black tights!Donna Miraszek

LBD!! And a black suit, and classic denim, white button down, oh and the list

goes on…

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By: Erin Knepper, Co-Editor

I Won’t Black Out

Pretty In Pastel

Must Have

Hangbags

The Time Is Now

These Shoes Are Made For Walking

#WhatsTrending

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“The It Gets Better Project was cre-ated to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT com-munity that they are not alone — and it WILL get better.” –itgetsbetter.org

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Mercyhurst student models with show producer Jennifer Daley (center with flowers).

Many different things inspired me to produce this fashion show. After reading Kelly Cutrone’s “If You Have to Cry Go Outside,” I had a lot of ambition to create some-thing of my own, that I could say I produced my senior year of college. After deciding to go ahead with my idea of hav-ing a fashion show event I thought what better than to build the theme around a charity I supported. The idea of donating all of the proceeds to the It Gets Better Project came from seeing Lady Gaga speak for anti-bullying campaigns on TV. News of increasing sui-cides and bullying in school was devastating to me and I felt people needed to be aware of this problem. This foun-dation really gave me ambition throughout the entire 10 weeks I spent planning the show. If ever I was stressed out or asking myself why I decided to add a huge project like this onto my already busy class load (which was a lot!) I would just take a step back and remember for whom I was doing it. The purpose of this show was to encourage every-one who has ever been bullied, harassed or made fun of to get through it and know that it will get better.

It Gets Better

How one Mercyhurst senior used a fashion show to bring awareness to the University’s campus.

By: Jennifer Daley