FPA Fashion Show: REBIRTH

FPA Fashion Show: REBIRTH

by | Apr 30, 2023 | Comelia Soltanirad

On April 22nd, 2023, Ohio State’s Fashion Production Association put on their long-anticipated fashion show. This year’s theme was Rebirth, and featured 15 designers as well as their perception of new beginnings and the transformative power of fashion.

The show began with Michelle Kerr’s collection, the Roaring 20s. In her collection, she chose to highlight the 1920s style with a strong motif of pearls and fringed fabric. This piece embodied the theme of rebirth as she took something from a century ago and modified it to fit today’s day and age. 

Following up was Ouroboros, named after a dragon that eats its own tail, stuck in a constant cycle of rebirth. The designer, Jiana Trizzino, used shimmery garnet fabric and even designed a piece that mimics dragon scales. 

Lena Wu, Levana Wu, and Sophia Kortan showcased their collection, the Rose That Grew From The Concrete. Their collection intertwined reds and golds, with roses adorning the pieces. Their collection highlighted the beauty of growing through difficult times, hence the name. Their piece was influenced by a poem by Tupac.

Models next showcased Mushrooms, designed by Molly Gurik. Molly wanted to display her perception of rebirth through decomposition and decay, and did so with her enchanting and pixie-esque looks. Three models displayed her collection beautifully.

Tamia Duke’s collection, OvHERlooked, was next to come down the runway. Her collection was inspired by Black Culture in the 90s and hip-hop era. Tamia also worked to highlight the feminine silhouette which was often times not highlighted during this time period.

Butterfly is the next collection, designed by Liz Slywka. Butterflies are oftentimes a symbol of rebirth, and Liz wanted to display what the theme meant to her. Patchwork pieces of electric blues, fuchsias, and black took the audience by storm as the models walked the runway.

Following this piece was Noor Abukaram and Elyssa Jones’s collection, titled Harlem Renaissance. Their take on the rebirth theme was to take a time period from decades ago and combine the styles with modern-day street style. Lots of layered pieces could be seen in their collection.

Models modeling Theresa Le Pham’s and Matthew Turnquest’s collection, titled Lunares, came down the runway next. This three-part collection embodied the moon, highlighting the colors of the moon (white, black, and gray), and featured the motifs of curves that are also present in the moon.

Next, Brianna Roemmele’s piece entitled Resilience came down the runway. Her piece wanted to capture how it feels to grow up. She began with a piece that was more naïve, working her way up to a piece that was more of an embodiment of the teenage spirit. To Brianna, rebirth is the process of maturing and going through life’s ups and downs.

Following was Aviva, a collection designed by both Cing San Huai and Alejandra Zaldivar. Their piece had elements of spring, highlighting cherry blossoms blooming and a nature-y look. Their collection symbolizes rebirth through the idea that spring brings hope and new beginnings.

Keona Sakai took elements of her Japanese culture and the lotus flower, in her collection which she titled Lotus Flower. The audience could see the opening and closing of the flower through her pieces as they came down the runway.

Following Keona’s collection was Ajah Rowell’s collection, entitled Rebirth of the Day. Her 3-piece collection highlighted the different colors of the day, from the lovely oranges and yellows of the morning, to the beautiful navies and purples of the nights.

Following up was Alex Trimbley’s collection, called Anthozoa. Alex wanted to capture their childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist. They intertwined their pieces with crocheted pieces that symbolized coral. Their collection was versatile; model Paige Kadar demonstrated how her crocheted piece could be adjusted as she moved down the runway.

Carolyn Ready presented her collection: Cross Culture. Her collection took inspiration from Indian fashion, with stunning textiles from India. The models sparkled in the light as they walked the runway in the beautiful pieces.

The show ended with a grand finale of Venus, by Ella Kalis. Her piece was inspired by the Renaissance painting “The Birth of Venus” and the Little Mermaid. Her collection highlighted the female form with stunningly beautiful form-fitting pieces and ended with a beautiful cobalt ball gown, symbolizing the rebirth of Venus from sea foam.

The Fashion Production Association at Ohio State did a wonderful job hosting their first in-person fashion show since the pandemic, and the hard work of all the participants was so incredibly evident. I am so excited to see what the future holds for OSU’s Fashion Production Association!

 

 

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

The Rise of Kpop

The Rise of Kpop

by | Apr 17, 2023 | Hailey Roose

If you were attending Lollapalooza in 2022, there was no escaping the excitement for BTS’s Jhope and Tomorrow by Together’s performances; making them the first South Korean acts in the festival’s history. Korean pop artists continue to headline these major festivals as Blackpink “will be in your area” at Coachella for that infamous time in April. There is no denying the uprise of these artists as they continue to push boundaries and expand around the globe. Reminding us of BTS’s two time Grammy nomination and striking performances on the Grammy stage; making them one of the most memorable acts in Grammy history. To the moment when Blackpink debuted No.55 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” and the Billboard 200 at No.40 with their EP Square Up; making them the highest charting album by an all-female K-pop group. These are just a few of the achievements from the two high profile groups of K-pop globally. 

 

 

Many people have wondered where this success began, where others have stated it was inevitable. What pushes these groups to be global powerhouses is their marketability in different counties, along with their drive to be forward thinking when it comes to trends. When looking at groups such as Seventeen and Blackpink, Seventeen has two members from the United States and two members from China, while Blackpink has one member from Australia. Vernon Chwe and Joshua Hong, members of Seventeen, have released two songs as a subunit (one in English and one in Korean) and solo songs in English; while Wen Junhui and Xu Minghao have released solo songs and a duo song in Chinese. Blackpink’s Rose stunned fans by releasing a solo album solely in English. In creating songs in multiple different languages they allow themselves to be reached to a farther audience on a different, emotional level.

 Additionally, I can assure you that you have heard about “being in the stars tonight” or maybe how you are going to “light it up like dynamite.” BTS took over the Summer, landing themselves the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart globally and exclusively in the United States. The song is now booking them a deal with LEGO in creating a mock set of the music video. TWICE in this past year released “Moonlight Sunrise”, a full English track, performing on multiple shows such as The Kelly Clarkson Show. K-pop artists are pushing themselves in releasing songs in multiple different languages allowing for a complete global takeover. 

When it comes to fashion trends, monster rookies NewJeans are responsible for the uprise in Y2K aesthetic. These girls have managed to bring back this aesthetic most notably in their recent release titled “OMG” featuring the girls wearing bunny-ear caps, oversized jeans, and bunny themed backpacks.

 

 

 

K-pop artists continue to revamp previous aesthetics, such as Y2K, but are also making their debuts with brands. Seventeen’s Joshua Hong recently became an ambassador for NBA Style Korea, and Seventeen’s Yoon Jeonghan was an ambassador and representee at Paris Fashion Week for Saint Laurent. Blackpink’s Jisoo recently collabed with Dior, and NewJeans Hanni with Gucci. Where the takeover is not only in their craft, but in their presence in fashion as well. 

If you are not an avid listener of K-pop you may think that its presence is not there, but do not be fooled by its more silent fans around you. Taking a look at The Ohio State University’s campus, K-pop has made its mark already. With multiple dance groups on the campus, one of the most notable J2K has multiple workshops for those interested in learning the dances from their favorite groups to participate in.

 

Though, taking it steps farther in putting on full performances for local cultural shows, to even collaborating with the schools fraternities and sororities for a cash prize. These dance groups show their love for the music, fashion from each group’s established comeback or release, and talent each time they hit the stage. They also foster community in bringing fans together for something they all enjoy during their workshops. If you have not been convinced yet of the rise of K-pop globally, just simply take a look around you and you will begin to see its takeover like a melody in the silence…or maybe you could say its takeover is “smooth like butter, pulling you in like no other.”

 

 

 

The Return of the ‘Preppy Country Club’ Style

The Return of the ‘Preppy Country Club’ Style

by | Apr 9, 2023 | Anna Sears

The country club/preppy vibe has made a comeback over the last year or two, with its primary hallmark: the tennis skirt, at the forefront. The next to make its comeback was the sweater vest. Both have found new ways of integrating into outfits without keeping the same preppy vibes, making them more sustainable wardrobe pieces, but a classic look with both never misses. In most recent trends, the loafer has come back swinging with platforms and heel adaptations making an appearance. 

The country club/ preppy theme can overlap with a newer style known as coastal grandma. Linen pants in the summer, a button-down, and a classy silk scarf around the neck can apply to both categories. Brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, and Tory Birtch: Sport, are the easiest to style without overdoing the look to cheesiness. I’ve always found that outlet malls carry affordable options from these brands.

 

 

Glitz and Glamour: A Look at Designer Heidi Bivens’ New Book “Euphoria Fashion”

Glitz and Glamour: A Look at Designer Heidi Bivens’ New Book “Euphoria Fashion”

by | Apr 4, 2023 | Samantha Harden

A look at Costume designer Heidi Bivens’ new book “Euphoria Fashion.” (Photo from A24films.com)

 

Season two of “Euphoria” opened with a scene familiar to the show’s fans, a crowded house party with lots of drinks and lots of people. It’s New Year’s Eve, and Maddy (Alexa Demie) enters the room wearing her own take on the little black dress. 

She is wearing a custom black cutout dress from Los Angeles-based brand Akna. The dress, although simple, has a unique shape, elevating the look to a more sophisticated level. 

“As early as I can remember, I have understood the concept that clothing can be a conduit for communicating one’s personality and tastes,” said Heidi Bivens, Euphoria costume designer, on the A24 website. 

In an interview for Women’s Wear Daily, Bivens said her and Demie liked to work together to create Maddy’s looks. 

 

Maddy (Alexa Demie) wearing an Akna custom black cutout dress in season two of “Euphoria.”

Bivens said Demie would often send her inspiration for Maddy’s wardrobe, and then the two would go fabric shopping together to create the perfect look. 

Bivens said she was going for a “darker, more mature and more vamp” look for Maddy in season two. 

This was accomplished with the use of lots of dark colors, silver accessories, dramatic makeup, and often, straightened hairstyles. 

But not every character is as edgy as Maddy. Bivens works around each character’s personality to create a look as unique as they are. 

Many of Jules’ (Hunter Schafer) looks aren’t club ready, but rather land on the more fashion-savvy side. Her outfits are often vintage or thrifted to reflect her creative personality. 

Jules’ closet has a lot of one-of-a-kind pieces, some thrifted, some personalized, but all unique. 

 Rue (Zendaya) and Jules (Hunter Schafer) in season one of “Euphoria.”

On Tuesday at 12 p.m., Bivens’ highly anticipated book, “Euphoria Fashion” will be available to purchase on film company A24’s website. 

The book will feature conversations with cast members, behind-the-scenes moments, and exclusive Q&As with world-famous fashion houses. 

The book will give Euphoria fans an in-depth look at the sparkling makeup, early 2000s inspiration, and skater outfits worn by the Euphoria cast. 

Bivens will break down looks from each of the main characters while also talking about her own choices in the design process. 

Each character’s style is unique, but what carries throughout the show is a fashion lookbook that encapsulates a sense of familiarity for viewers. The early 2000s, highschool-inspired fashion is a staple of the show, and everything from the eyeshadow to the jewelry choice makes a difference. 

Bivens’ book will be available to purchase at A24films.com for $60. 

Pages from Heidi Bivens’ “Euphoria Fashion.” (Photo from A24films.com)

A Recap of the 2023 Unchained Fashion Show: How This Year’s Show Used Earth, Fire and Water to Spread Awareness About Human Trafficking

by | Mar 9, 2023 | Samantha Harden

 

Unchained Fashion Show 2023

 

This year’s Unchained Fashion Show used the elements of earth, fire and water to represent the stages of a person working through and overcoming human trafficking. 

Earth represents innocence; the time before a victim has been trafficked. Fire represents violence; This is when a victim is being actively trafficked. Water represents restoration; This is the period of recovery when a victim must overcome their struggles and start a new beginning. 

The event took place on Sunday evening at the Ohio Union, and featured a variety of looks from three different designers along with booths from local non-profit organizations and words from two women who have overcome their own struggles with human trafficking. 

The event was narrated by Michelle Upshaw using a script written by Kim Flynn, one of the event’s speakers and a survivor of human trafficking. The script led the audience through the three stages of human trafficking as the models walked the runway. 

 

 

 

 

Innocence

Model Marissa Mitchell wearing a pink floral dress designed by Destiny Howard. Photo Courtesy from Dave Toth

Innocence is the stage in a woman’s life before being trafficked. This is a stage of vulnerability and was represented on the runway by the element, Earth. 

The looks for this portion of the show were designed by Designer Destiny Howard, a local designer who focuses on educating others about important issues, such as mental health, equality and self value, through her designs. 

She said she decided to work with innocence because she found such beauty and inspiration in the Earth element and wanted to showcase that beauty in her work. 

“To best represent innocence, I went with floral textiles and fabrics with movement,” said Howard. “I also went with a light color palette to highlight femininity and purity. 

One of Howard’s designs was a baby blue, floor-length gown featuring a variety of floral details which Howard added by hand in order to create a look that represented purity and beauty. 

Howard said she took such pride in the looks she created and was happy.

“It was an absolute delight to use my love for the arts to bring about awareness to such an important cause,” said Howard. 

 

 

 

VIOLENCE

Model Joli Papillon walking down the runway in a red sequin dress designed by AK Couture. Photo Courtesy from Dave Toth.

Armita Chehil and Kalpana Bisla of AK Couture created the bold looks used to represent the fire and betrayal a woman feels while being actively human trafficked. 

“When I first found out our element would be fire I could almost instantly feel the emotions of the survivors of human trafficking,” said Chehil. “The energy, strength, courage, fearlessness, light and destruction they are all going through.” 

Chehil and Bisla chose to represent these emotions by using deep purples, yellow, red and black. 

One of the gowns was a floor-length black sequin dress with an element of orange fur around the bottom of the dress used to represent flames and ashes. 

Chehil said this was AK Couture’s first time participating in Unchained and that they are so glad they decided to do it. 

“Fashion is an amazing way to contribute to our society by allowing us to express ourselves, our creativity, our thoughts and our vision,” said Chehil. “It also reflects a version of yourself that you want the world to see.” 

 

RESTORATION

Model Avani Bhalla wearing a flowing blue gown designed by Anjali Phougat. Photo Courtesy from Dave Toth.

Designer Anjali Phougat created the looks representing the restoration stage which was represented by water as a way to show a survivor washing away their past and starting a new beginning. 

This was Phougat’s second year participating in the event and she said she would gladly do it all again to help with the cause. 

“I’m really proud of these students for taking initiative,” Phougat said. “I’m so glad I got to be a part of it.” 

Phougat said the event was important to her because of her 10-year-old daughter who became very curious about what human trafficking was after last year’s show. 

 “It is important to spread awareness of the cause, especially for those who have young children,” she said. “I am glad I was able to educate my daughter and others through my designs.” 

She told me that fashion can be used to communicate a certain narrative to its audience. 

“The emotions and story when it’s narrated and showcased helps the audience to connect visually and emotionally,” Phougat said. “We used many water elements such as seashells, pearls, blue lights, crystals, and liquid satin fabrics to translate the emotions into the clothing.” 

 

“WE ARE UNCHAINED”

 

Proceeds from the event were given to She Has a Name, a local non-profit organization committed to strengthening the anti-human trafficking community in central Ohio, for the Strategies for Success Scholarship. 

The scholarship is awarded to women who are survivors of human trafficking and are currently in a transitional period in their lives in order to provide these women with the stability and support they need. 

Lauren Myers, a third-year social work major and one of the models for the event, said Unchained is important to her because of the message it shares with the community and to those who have struggled with human trafficking. 

“Water can put out a fire,” Myers said. “I think that is an important message to share.”