Good Old Raisins and Peanuts: Functional Fashion
Good Old Raisins and Peanuts: Functional Fashion Clothing provided by Ceebluesstore in RVA What is Gorp-core? The odd moniker comes from the phrase “good old raisins and peanuts”, referring to popular snacks brought along to activities associated with the aesthetic- such as hiking, rock climbing, and camping. Gorp-core incorporates workwear and functional outdoor attire into everyday outfits in a way that is explorative and free from gender constrictions. The concept for this photoshoot was pitched by our Junior Creative Director Kristina Wise, who has a background in construction and a love for the outdoors. “When I first learned about the Gorpcore aesthetic, I was super excited because, as an outdoors person, I already had a lot of pieces that fit the aesthetic and essentially had been participating in it without knowing the name for it,” said Wise. Gorp-core allows individuals to delve deeper into their gender expression, as the aesthetic is largely composed of what is typically considered “men’s wear”. With the current binary state of the fashion industry, this aesthetic has created a space that reinforces the idea that clothing is not gendered. “Any one can wear it, and depending on styling can lean into their own gender expression,” said Wise. If interested in trying out the aesthetic, take a peek in your closet or nearby second-hand shops for technical outerwear (like utility or hunting jackets), a hardy pair of denim or camo pants, and a good clunky boot. P.S. A good place to start the search is Ceeblues! Gorp-core is a highly accessible aesthetic. Interesting, high quality pieces can be found at thrift shops or vintage stores at a wide range of price points. Additionally, due to the functional nature of the aesthetic, any garment you buy to experiment with will be highly versatile. Outdoor exploration can be at times exclusionary, but Gorp-core is taking over the adventurous aesthetic and bringing it to new frontiers.
Androgynous In Athleisure: Ready to Play?
Androgynous In Athleisure: Ready to Play? We are purposefully styling these athletic elements to wear them all day, making our outfits more functional and making us ready to play. The fashion world has seen a steady, increased influence of athleisure since the 80s. What started with baggy tracksuits evolved into Princess Diana’s iconic crew necks and biker shorts, and has now turned into athletic wear that allows you to blur the lines of gender in your day to day looks. In the last year, I’m sure we have all looked down at some point and noticed the sea of Adidas Sambas or New Balance “dad” sneakers among us. These subtle additions of athleisure, easily add the perfect masculine edge to any outfit. Pair them with an ultra feminine dress or skirt, and you have an immediately more intriguing look. While seeing those notorious three stripes walk past you multiple times a day might seem like an over-saturated trend, they have risen to popularity for a reason. Jersey tops have also been caught up by mainstream fashion trends, as a unique piece of clothing that adds an effortlessly cool essence to an otherwise basic look. A boxy jersey paired with a chic pair of oversized glasses, baggy jeans and ballet flats has been an outfit formula frequently replicated by fashion influencers. Adding athletic elements to feminine, or more simple outfits adds a playful element. What sets athleisure in 2024 apart from that in the 80s/90s is that we aren’t just being seen in sportswear to and from workouts. We are purposefully styling these elements to wear all day, making our outfits more functional and making us ready to play. In addition to outright athletic wear and materials like mesh, nylon, and polyester, plaid and striped patterns have also been making appearances in recent trend cycles. With fall around the corner, there will undoubtedly be an influx in striped clothing elements, might as well beat the trend and pair them with the stripes on your Adidas’. Button downs, chunky stripes, and anything plaid are all collegiate elements that pair seamlessly with athleisure. Not only do these pops of leisurewear add a playful element to daily outfits, but they add edge and functionality. Next time you’re getting ready, don’t fear looking underdressed or too casual, there are ways to incorporate athleisure that look purposeful and add an unexpected chic flair to your look. Clothing Items borrowed from Ap0cene: –Human Wear Solutions, Oversized White Button down –Lorem Ipsum, Incision Tie –Briar Will, Denim tracksuit pants –Crippledmnd, Tartan Skirt –Feaath, Polo Mini Dress –Deniz, French Terry Duffle Bag
If Looks Could Kill: Why the Generation that Preaches Body Positivity is Bringing Back Heroin Chic
If Looks Could Kill: Why the Generation that Preaches Body Positivity is Bringing Back Heroin Chic Generation Z (those born between 1997-2012) have been a powerful voice in the realm of body positivity; urging individuals to love and accept their bodies and demanding the fashion industry to diversify model body types and expand size ranges in clothing. So why is the rail thin emaciated look of the 90’s being brought back to the spotlight? Amongst the craze for Ozempic, coke, and diet culture, our generation is once again romanticizing a deadly aesthetic. This isn’t the first time unhealthy body ideals have been re-sensationalized. Look back to the 2010’s Tumblr era and the plethora of eating disorder-promoting media that was circulating. Or look at the Kardashians, who will risk life-threatening procedures like BBLs and liposuction to dramatically alter their bodies as trends shift. The high fashion scene of the 1990’s birthed the aesthetic we call “Heroin Chic”- characterized by models with gaunt frames and sallow faces, adorned with dark smudged eyeshadow. The Heroin Chic model was typically associated with a lifestyle of partying and illicit drug use. Supermodels of the era seemed to all have this look, from the poster girl Kate Moss to Jaime King to Gia Carangi from whom the term originated. Young women idolized this image as they flipped through the pages of Vogue, leading to a massive spike in eating disorders from 1990 to 1998. The Heroin Chic obsession began to dwindle at the turn of the century, however excessive thinness continued to be prevalent on the runway and in print. Flash forward to the 2020’s, Generation Z have typically been outspoken about retiring old-fashioned and unhealthy body standards, and have often been credited with “inventing” the body positivity movement. Unfortunately, social media platforms (primarily TikTok) have become the champions of breeding extreme trends like the carnivore diet and toxic body shaming workout content. Additionally, the sensationalizing of weight loss drugs like Ozempic or other substances like cocaine have skyrocketed due to this generation’s adoration for influencers and musicians like Charlie XCX. The culmination of all of these obsessions have led young people to once again idolize the jutting collarbones and Tim Burton-esque faces that were worshiped in the 90’s. When it comes down to it, body types should not be “trending”- let’s leave that to the clothes. The drugs, disorders, and surgeries required to “keep up” with society’s ever-changing ideal body are not sustainable and are beyond dangerous. So why did we switch up? And where do we go from here? Prevalence of Eating Disorders by Age. Our World in Data. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/prevalence-of-eating-disorders-by-age?country=~USA https://images.app.goo.gl/Eojtgc2xCfPj54aK9
Saying Hello To Spring
Saying Hello To Spring As the cold gloomy cover of winter slowly dwindles away, Spring’s soft touch is drifting in. While we take time to either reminisce on our ultra-layered cold weather looks, or happily packaway our bulky coats, Spring is working overtime to bring vibrance back to our world. The least we could do is bring the same to our wardrobes. Springtime shows us that all can be reborn again, it reminds us how much life the world has to give. As the days turn warmer, and the sun washes the world in yellow once again, the opportunities to rediscover our style are endless. While mother nature is busy bringing reblooming nature, we can plant new seeds within our closets to help our personal style grow. This Spring show off your ultra feminine pieces, or that one dress that looks straight out of ‘Pride And Prejudice’. Lace, declotage, and vintage nightgowns are some key elements that we will be seeing this season. Sofia Coppola films like ‘The Virgin Suicides’, or ‘Marie Antoinette’, exude the essence of spring, and they are huge inspirations for this Springs’ fashion. This season, focus on taking life slowly, touching grass in the literal sense, and maybe switch out your Spring cleaning for some Spring thrifting. Nature is thriving with abundance, it’s only natural for our closets to follow suit!
Far Out in the 60s
Far Out In The Sixties Vibrant and bold colors, silhouettes that catch the eye seemingly without trying, and patterns that make you question what time period you’re really in – these are all aspects of the infamous 1960s Mod Fashion. A bright sunny day in Richmond was nothing short of ideal for the shoot – the blue sky posed as an accessory in the perfect blue hue for this era. It’s ironic though, considering the birth of Mod fashion was in London, a city commonly known for its rainy weather. The Start of “Mod” 60s Mod Fashion can be described as a revolution that originated in London, driven by the youth. Mod, an abbreviation from “Modernist”, was coined in the 1950s. Despite the fashion, it’s associated with having its moment the following decade. During the tumultuous decade, politics were changing, young people wanted to be seen and be able to express themselves in a new way, and they were attempting to free themselves of the traditional expectations from previous generations. What better way to express a change of attitude than with fashion? Instead of muted and pale tones that were seen in the 50s, bright colors and bold patterns were making their way onto the scene. Infamous Trailblazers A trailblazer of the time and of the whole Mod fashion insurgence is none other than Mary Quant. She opened up a boutique in Chelsea in 1955, shortly after this would be the birth of the “London Look”. Her simple designs of A-line style dresses, in shorter lengths than had been seen before and in brighter colors, were soon everywhere. She styled these dresses with colored tights as well, another fashion piece that was introduced in the 60s, saying goodbye to stockings and garters. Other designers that are contributors similar to Quant in the Mod Fashion scene are Barbara Hulanicki, Pierre Cardin, Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin, as well as André Courrèges, and Michael Fish. A Closer Look At Styling For this shoot, we had the privilege of styling the models with a local business – Bygones. A vintage clothing store located in the heart of Carytown. The internal setup of Bygones is something similar to a fashion lover’s dream – vintage pieces separated by the decade lining the walls. Each piece chosen takes us back in time to the far out 60s. Each one is paired with the necessities for a Mod look: tights, sunglasses or belts, and effortlessly cool hairstyles and makeup looks. As the warm spring weather makes a staggering entrance this season, there is no doubt the trends of the 60s will be sneaking into our closets. Embrace all the funky accessories, asymmetrical silhouettes, colored tights and the fun that comes with the styles of decade known for peace, love, and rock and roll. Contributors: Creative Director: Carolina GomezJunior Creative Director: Alyssa CarmanPhotoset Assistant/Outreach: Kristina Wise Photography: Summer Deciucis and Carolina Gomez Makeup & Hair: Amaris Bowers, Summer DeciucisModels: Jaylyn Johnson, Julia Sweeney, Ella Crowe, Grace Blair
Trend Tuesday: Leopard Print
Trend Tuesday: Leopard Print This week we’re highlighting the never-ending phenomenon of animal print, specifically, leopard. Critics and lovers of the iconic pattern have argued throughout the decades whether or not leopard deserves to come back into cycle season after season. We’re here to say it rightfully deserves its place in fashion, and it’s something we’re excited to see even more of as the years go on. While cheetah and leopard are commonly grouped together and sometimes confused, this week’s Trend Tuesday aims to highlight leopard print and how it’s been worn throughout fashion history. In more recent times, leopard print has been seen everywhere. From the runway to trending sneakers, wallpapers and room decor, makeup looks and haircuts, handbags and tights, it’s guaranteed to be everywhere. Is there such a thing as too much? Or could there never be enough? A Brief Overview of Leopard Throughout the Years “If you are fair and sweet, don’t wear it.” – Christian Dior Animal prints have been worn and imitated long before fashion designers and runways became a thing. One of the most noted examples of this is Seshat, the Egyptian goddess of wisdom who is frequently depicted wearing a leopard skin dress. Many kings and queens from ancient times would wear leopard print skins because of its powerful meaning. It signifies power and wealth, which stems from the fierce animals themselves, as well as who the print was available to. In regards to the runway, leopard print first debuted in Christian Dior’s “New Look” collection in 1947. Christian Dior’s “New Look” leopard-print dress Leopard print carried on its exclusive and powerful reputation throughout the mid 1900s. Only the elite were spotted wearing it. Some even went as far as to purchase actual leopards, cheetahs, and jaguars to walk on leashes. Throughout the 50s and 60s, leopard print became even bigger, specifically for rich wives who sported it through their fur coats. Jackie Kennedy’s extravagant ensembles pushed leopard print even more into the public eye, in turn also amping up the movement for animal rights. In 1968, designer Rudi Gernreich had launched a collection entirely made of faux animal print designs. It was a turning point that showed leopard print was here to stay and that the empowerment of the print still carried onto faux fabrics, leaving the animals themselves alone. Christian Dior 1969 By the time the 1970s rolled around, leopard print had made its rounds through the fashion world and it was more easily accessible. It was around this time that leopard print was seen as tacky and trashy, and this distinction it earned so long ago still follows it to this day. It became huge in the punk-rock and nightlife scene, earning a seductive reputation. Rod Stewart 1973 The 80s and 90s were a turning point in animal print in fashion, and fashion in general. It was more acceptable to wear things that were out there, specifically in the music scene and nightlife backgrounds. Some designers attempted to reclaim and re-elevate leopard print on the runway, Gianni Versace in the 90s is a prime example of this. While some were trying to make it exclusive again, a bigger group of people were taking leopard print to a different level and making it even more punk and rebellious than before; Kurt Cobain is another example of this. Gianni Versace 1990 The 2000s through the present has seen many different ways of wearing leopard print as well as mixed opinions on it. The print was huge in the early 2000s and it was shown on everything from items of clothing to any and all accessories. In neon and bright colors and in different silhouettes than had been seen before, the early 2000s were something completely unique in the fashion world. As the timeline nears closer to the 2020s, leopard print has been seen on the runway numerous times. It’s now something that is worn by everyone. Its reputation still lingers and there are still mixed reactions to bold animal print pieces, but if we’ve learned anything from fashion history and the cycles it goes through – it’s to wear what you like, when you like it. Trends come and go, and everything within the fashion realm is subjective. What is trashy and too bold to one person can be chic and classy to another. Leopards are fierce, powerful, and courageous. Next time you pick out a leopard print piece, remember that you are too!
Never Too Old to Play With Dolls
Never Too Old to Play With Dolls After a brief childhood of being taught to scorn the concept of girlishness, we as a generation are finally ready to embrace and love the color pink. This theme of the childlike innocence of the doll has been highly present in this spring’s couture shows- predominantly with Maison Margiela’s Parisian nod to porcelain dolls and Marc Jacob’s 1960’s paper doll inspiration. The concept of the “doll” not only celebrates all things in cotton candy shades and frilly silhouettes, but speaks to the idea of self autonomy, consciousness, and reclamation of innocence. “With the Barbie movie there’s been a narrative flip where women are coming together to embrace their femininity in their own ways and not caring what society has to say. That’s mainly what I was inspired by when I was concepting this photoshoot in the winter and seeing that [luxury] designers had the same inspiration is very telling of how impactful this almost “movement” was,” said our Creative Director Carolina Gomez. Posing the models at stiff angles with gleaming white smiles, we hoped to convey both the fakeness and the joy of the doll. This shoot illustrated the journey towards the healing of the inner child; learning again to have fun and to remember that, as said by Gomez, “fashion is art.” In lavender silk, knee socks, and Mary Janes, we incidentally pay homage to the couturiers who speak to a larger crowd- reverberating their imaginings of what a human doll may look like. Odd proportions? Chic stilettos? Perfect glass-like skin? Inhuman. Just like the expectation of the little girls who play with dolls and suddenly grow into women. While progress in this front is undeniable, America Ferrara echoes this notion in “Barbie” by saying, “it is literally impossible to be a woman.” But with small things like dressing up how our 8-year-old self would and experimenting with color and pattern, we can reteach ourselves that when it comes to fashion, it can be joyous.