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Microtrends: Mistaking Aesthetic for Identity

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By Kate Hedrick “ Let’s be clear: aesthetics do not equal identity.” Choose a word and add “core”: congrats! You’ve just started the newest Pinterest fashion trend. In today’s world, aesthetics are moving faster and becoming more specific than ever. We know that the internet has changed the way fashion circulates– Instagram feeds, Pinterest boards, … Read more

I AM ART : A Celebration of the Body

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By Kayla Norris “Just because my body is covered in scars does not make me any less of a person who is worthy of being on the catwalk and shining in the spotlight.”  Boun, a 20-year-old student at Appalachian State University, is a natural. She sits with confidence in a desk chair across from a … Read more

Showcase Spotlight: Kayela Daniel

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Anna Cox May 3, 2024

The Collective Magazine’s very own Kayela Daniel sat down with me twice to discuss the collection of evening gowns she created for the Appalachian State University Apparel Design and Merchandising Showcase. I spoke to her before the showcase to learn about what she had created and followed up after the event to hear her reflections and final thoughts about the experience.

Showcase Spotlight: Izzy Cox

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Autumn Burnes April 26, 2024

Every year, the apparel design and merchandising program hosts a fashion showcase, where students enrolled in the spring Apparel Design Studio IV class create clothing collections to be featured in the fashion showcase. Each collection is a unique reflection of the designer and a testament to everything they have learned in the ADM program.

Fabulous Archival Fashion is a Rarity

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Anna Cox April 7, 2024

A landmark of a fashion icon is their access to iconic pieces. Whether it’s fresh off the runway or custom, celebrities that have close relationships with designers have access to the trendiest pieces, but new pieces are not the only way to model runway fashion on the red carpet. In fact, it is almost more impressive when a celebrity wears a piece from the archives of a renowned designer.

Fashion in Film: Spring Breakers

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Gia Davis March 10, 2024

Harmony Korine’s 2012 film “Spring Breakers” is a visual exploration of youth culture, hedonism, and the pursuit of freedom. When discussing where the idea for “Spring Breakers” came from, Korine initially wanted to make a “sensory film” with less focus on narrative and plot and more focus on imagery and visuals. Amidst its chaotic narrative and striking imagery, the film presents a distinct aesthetic that serves as a powerful expression of the characters’ rebellion against societal norms. From neon bikinis to ski masks, “Spring Breakers” showcases a unique blend of streetwear, swimwear, and subversive styling.

The Life and Legacy of Donyale Luna

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Abby Henry February 23, 2024

In March of 1966, Peggy Ann Freeman, known professionally as Donyale Luna, was the first model of color to be featured on the cover of British Vogue. In the cover photo, Luna’s hand covers most of her face, leaving only a v-shaped space around her heavily-lined eye and brow, an attempt, according to writer Tansy E. Hoskins, to hide her ethnicity entirely.

The Camp of Gameday Fashion

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Anna Cox November 25, 2023

America has many pastimes. Although baseball and golf are uniquely American sports, nothing is as popular in the U.S. as football. A combination of soccer and rugby, the first ever college football game occurred on November 6, 1869, between Rutgers University and Princeton University. Ever since this day in American history, the sport has become a mainstay in American culture, with autumn television being flooded with football game after football game. And, just like any other form of entertainment, audiences would flock to games just to get to watch their favorite teams play their favorite game. However, the way that crowds interact with football has changed dramatically since its inception in the late 19th century. Where people used to view football like any other performance, now people treat it as an opportunity to dress to the nines. From Shein to Chanel, people from all walks of life dress in costume-like outfits to watch the game, or even just to tailgate. Football games are a spectacle, and fashion is one of the many ways that fans express their school spirit.

Harajuku: Street Fashion as an Act of Social Resistance

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Gia Davis November 18, 2023

The district of Harajuku in Tokyo, Japan, is internationally known as a hub for Japanese youth culture and fashion. In the 1970s, a wave of fashion-obsessed culture made its way to the streets of Harajuku as the popularity of shopping malls began to grow. This led to a rise in consumerism as well as an adoption of western fashion and ideals.

The Iconic Costumes of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and its On-Stage Recreation

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Anna Cox November 9, 2023

Over Halloween weekend, Alpha Psi Omega put on its annual production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. A cult classic horror/comedy/musical from the 1970s, The Rocky Horror Picture Show portrays the story of two conservative young adults in middle-America as they embark on a journey into the lives of Transylvanian misfits, where they learn about sexuality and unconventionality. The revolutionary film stars Hollywood icons such as Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Meat Loaf, who are just a small piece of the puzzle that makes Rocky Horror so beloved. A tradition amongst many fans is to attend showings of the movie, but they are not ordinary showings. At any rendition of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the movie is played on a screen behind a crew of actors who lip sync to the movie, while the audience shouts obscenities at the movie. And while they may be calling characters sluts and assholes, this is the fans’ way of expressing their passion for the film. One of the most important aspects of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the costuming, both in the film and on the stage. Alpha Psi Omega did not shy away from making costumes that made a lasting impression and were relevant to the film.

18 Halloween Costume Ideas for 2023

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Abby Henry October 19, 2023

Pumpkin spice is back in season, the air is getting cooler and Halloween is right around the corner! It’s time to start thinking about costumes, particularly ones that don’t break the bank and are made of rewearable pieces.

In this article, we have included some pretty low-effort ensembles that will stun this holiday. Remember to shop sustainably and always take a look at what you already have before purchasing anything new!

From Catholic-Mexican Girl to Latina Fairy: An Analysis of Cultural Aesthetics

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Denise Casalez October 14, 2023

Birth From resistance through fashion to self-reflection and expression, fashion trends are a staple for individuals, cultures and communities. When you walk down the street, what someone wears speaks out about their own individuality and power on how they see themselves. However, some overarching themes and influences have originated from all kinds of roots and cultures which makes them even more iconic. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s highlight some popular trends that can trace their roots to Hispanic culture.

6 Sustainable Online Shops for the Perfect Back-to-School Wardrobe

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Abby Henry August 4, 2023

Fast fashion, an industry sustained by the exploitation of both human beings and the environment, seems an omnipresent force in the minds and lives of many Americans today. From YouTube advertisements to influencer brand deals to journalistic puff pieces, brands like Shein, ASOS and Romwe are, unfortunately, everywhere you look.

Fashion in Film: Mean Girls

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Autumn Burnes May 1, 2023 Welcome to girl world: where hoop earrings are Regina’s thing, “fetch” isn’t going to happen, and most importantly, on Wednesdays, we wear pink. Mean Girls, the 2004 chick flick, is recognized for its dramatized portrayal of teenage social life, high-school clique hierarchy and iconic lines. However, Mean Girls is also … Read more